membacanya!

I came across this article in The Hindu newspaper through a friend’s status, and it introduced me to the word “Enshittification.”  The article explains in a very clear way how many apps and online platforms start off very useful and friendly, but slowly become worse because of poor decisions, too many ads, and ignoring what users actually want. I really liked how the article discussed this problem in simple language and would definitely recommend reading this article. It is easy to understand, very relevant, and helps us see the bigger picture behind the changing behaviour of tech companies today. Link: https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu-international-9BN2/20251103/282029038476823

Yesterday was my last working day at Tesco, and I cannot stop thinking about the wonderful 22 months I spent here. When I first came to this new country, far away from home, Tesco gave me the first opportunity at a time when I truly needed one. It played a very important role in my survival, helping me, when I stepped out of my comfort zone to do my MBA and start again from zero. For that, I will always remain grateful. During these months, I was blessed to work with great managers - Steve, Dave and Jamal, who always guided and supported me. I also had the chance to learn from amazing shift leaders like John, Ethan, Dylan, Jamie and Nicola, who were always patient and encouraging. And what a fantastic team of colleagues I had around me! Craig, Erin, Stuart, Lewis, Eve, Lynsey, Jess, Gaz, Connor, Darcey, Maggie, Zain, Fin and Kyrsten, each of you made my days brighter with your kindness, friendship and fun spirit. And of course, how can I forget our guardian of Tesco, Festes, who was ...

Recently, Kerala Tourism had shared a creative post on social media using an image of a Royal Navy F-35 jet that had ended up stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala,India due to a technical glitch. It was also widely reshared on social media platforms by all, including the writer. For many, this was a light-hearted and clever way to promote tourism, turning an unexpected event into an opportunity for positive attention. But not everyone saw it that way. The British media  described it as India mocking the Royal Navy, showing how the same image and message can be perceived in completely different ways. This situation reminds us how people can view the same thing from different angles, depending on their background, emotions, and beliefs. For some, the ad was simply witty and harmless. For others, especially those connected to the British military, it may have felt disrespectful or inappropriate. The difference in reactions was not about right or wrong, it ...

As I grow older, I am beginning to look at friendship differently. There have been many times when I came to know about someone’s happy moments or hard times, not through a message or a call, but from a WhatsApp status, an Instagram post, or even through someone else. And it has happened more than once. Each time, it left a small ache. Because I had thought we were close. I have realized that real friendship is more than reacting to stories or liking posts. It is about being part of each other’s real lives, not just the digital one. It is about reaching out, checking in, and sharing, directly and personally. It is okay if we don’t talk every day. But if you think of me when something important happens whether it is joy or sadness and you choose to tell me, then that’s friendship. If we are only watching each other’s lives from a distance, like silent spectators, maybe we are not friends. And that is okay too. I am learning to accept, to let go gently, and to value the ones who still ch...

I recently had a funny but also frustrating experience with the WhatsApp channel of a premium Indian clothing brand - Louis Philippe (LP) under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. It’s a name that sounds classy, but the way they handle customer data and privacy? Not so much. One day, I received a WhatsApp message from Louis Philippe (LP) on my personal number. I was surprised because I had never shared my number with them or signed up for any messages. But there it was, an ad from a brand I didn’t care about. In India, it’s common for brands and their partner agencies to collect personal details like names, phone numbers, emails, and even home addresses. Most of the time, they use this information to send marketing messages  without asking us. Consent is often ignored. As anyone would, I replied with “STOP” hoping the messages would end. To my surprise, LP actually replied. They politely said they would stop sending messages and thanked me for the feedback. I thought that was th...

Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve always looked up to one person in my life - my father. I’ve often wondered how he manages to do so many incredible things with such limited resources, both at work and at home. From starting as an apprentice to completing 40 years of service at Cochin Refineries Ltd, which later became Kochi Refineries Ltd and now BPCL Kochi Refinery, he retired on April 30th with pride and honour. Wishing you all the best in your retired life, Acha. Thank you for being such an inspiration and role model to me. You are the best manager, entrepreneur, and family man I’ve ever known. Keep chasing new adventures!

Today, I want to take a moment to remember Madhu, a young Adivasi man from Kerala, whose tragic death in 2018 still breaks my heart. Madhu lived a hard life, he was poor, hungry, and struggling with mental health issues. One day, he was caught for stealing food, something as simple as rice and spices, likely because he was starving. But instead of helping him, a group of people tied him up, beat him, and humiliated him. Someone even took a selfie with him while he was suffering. Not long after, Madhu died. This story is painful to think about. It’s not just about what happened to Madhu, it’s about what it says about us as a society. How did we become so cruel? How did we lose our ability to care for someone who was clearly in need? Madhu didn’t deserve this. No one does. His death makes me ask tough questions: Why do we treat the poor and marginalized like they don’t matter? Why do we turn away when people need help? And why do we let anger or indifference take over when kindness is wh...