Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of internal mental processes; how people perceive, remember, think, speak, and learn. It emerged during the 1950s Cognitive Revolution, when psychologists began to challenge behaviourism, which focused only on observable behaviour. Instead, cognitive psychologists studied how the brain processes information, using experiments to understand mental functions such as memory, attention, perception, and problem-solving.

Findings from cognitive psychology help us understand how people think and how they acquire, store, and retrieve memories. By understanding these mental processes, psychologists can develop improved methods to assist individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties. Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of internal mental processes.

Why I choose to write about Sardar Patel’s Cognitive Psychology?

I admire Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership it was not merely a result of political positioning but was rooted in a distinct cognitive framework characterized by pragmatic realism, high emotional intelligence, and unwavering determination. Often referred to as the “Iron Man of India,” his mental approach to crisis management and nation-building involved a unique ability to prioritize long-term stability over short-term sentiment. I therefore chose to write about Sardar Patel’s mental makeup. I have read a large secondary data about his leadership which was risen from grass root level.    

He demonstrated a distinctive cognitive style characterized by pragmatism, emotional control, and strategic thinking. His leadership during critical moments in India’s history such as the integration of over 500 princely states and the period following Partition between India-Pakisatn reflects strong cognitive functioning under pressure. Patel realized by 1946–47 that coexisting with the Muslim League within the same government was impossible. He feared continuous communal strife and that a weak central government would lead to the country’s complete collapse. Patel aimed to prevent a “civil war” and the disintegration  of India, arguing that holding onto the entire country would result in countless smaller, disunited regions.

Key Cognitive Features in Patel’s Leadership

Please find some key features of Sardar Patel’s leadership which can be seen in the 1930s, when a plague broke out in Borsad, Gujarat, Patel did not just manage from a distance. He camped in the affected area, established an office under a tree, and personally coordinated efforts recruiting volunteers, arranging hospital beds, and distributing food despite the high risk of infection.

Often known as the “Patron Saint” of India’s civil servants, Patel’s vision went beyond merely creating the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). He passionately defended civil servants from political attacks and firmly believed that an independent, strong bureaucracy was the “steel frame” necessary for a diverse nation to function.

Pragmatism and Realistic

Thinking: Patel’s cognitive framework focused on practical realities rather than theoretical ideals. He emphasized confronting facts directly and making decisions based on achievable outcomes rather than speculation. This reflects strong problem-solving ability and rational decision-making, core components of cognitive psychology. When Gujarati farmers struggled against middlemen to sell their milk, it was Patel who advised them to organize themselves. This guidance directly resulted in the creation of the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited, which later became the world-renowned brand Amul.

While firm, Patel was not purely aggressive. In the case of Junagadh, despite public outcry against its accession to Pakistan, he used his “velvet glove” approach, avoiding direct military intervention and opting for a calm negotiation that led to a plebiscite.

When Pakistan invaded Kashmir in 1947, Patel immediately advocated for sending troops. He opposed bringing the issue to the United Nations, arguing that Pakistan was wrong, the accession was valid, and foreign interference should be avoided, warning Nehru against internationalizing a bilateral issue.

High Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Patel demonstrated strong self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social intelligence. He remained calm and composed during crises, even under intense political and social pressure. This relates to attention control, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility, which allow individuals to maintain focus during stressful situations. He had a profound commitment to the upliftment of the downtrodden, rural, and poor population of India. His actions were characterized by a focus on “honesty and kindness” alongside his administrative strength.

Born into a humble farmer’s family, Patel dedicated his life to fighting against the oppression of peasants by the British authorities. Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – He organized peasants in Kheda, Gujarat, for non-violent disobedience against oppressive tax policies during a severe famine. Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) –  He led the farmers of Bardoli to victory against excessive tax increases, leading to the title ‘Sardar’ (leader) being bestowed upon him. He organized extensive relief work during floods and famines in Gujarat, providing food and clothes, and forcing the British government to provide relief funds.

Strategic Decision-Making

Patel’s decisions were goal-oriented and solution-focused. Post-independence when negotiating with rulers of princely states, he combined logic with persuasion, appealing both to reason and emotion. He was India’s first Home Minister, he strategically appealed to over 560 princely states to join the Indian Union in 1947 by emphasizing patriotism, national unity, and shared destiny. He blended diplomatic persuasion with practical incentives, offering rulers continued privileges (privy purses) while ensuring the security of the newly independent nation. He reminded rulers that their states were geographically and economically integrated with India, making isolation impractical. This reflects advanced executive functioning, including planning, evaluation, and long-term thinking.

Resilience and Crisis Leadership

Patel showed remarkable resilience during India’s independence movement and early nation-building years. He adapted quickly to changing political conditions. This demonstrates adaptive thinking and cognitive resilience, important traits in high-pressure environments. Although Salt Satyagraha (March 1930) was led by Mahatma Gandhi, Patel played a crucial organizational role in the success of the movement. Patel travelled across villages in Gujarat, preparing farmers and communities to participate in the civil disobedience movement. He helped identify strategic locations along the route of the march, ensuring widespread public support. Patel’s ability to mobilize thousands of people in Gujarat for non-violent civil disobedience was unparalleled. Before the Dandi March, Patel was arrested on March 7, 1930, while campaigning to encourage the people of Gujarat, proving his position as a major threat to British law. After his arrest, the Salt Satyagraha intensified.

Why Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Did Not Become India’s First Prime Minister

Patel was known for discipline, efficiency, and intolerance for incompetence. From his student days, he challenged inefficiency and demanded accountability. This relates to goal-directed behaviour, attention control, and organizational thinking. Although Patel had strong support within the Indian National Congress, he did not become India’s first Prime Minister primarily due to the influence of M.K Gandhi, who supported Jawaharlal Nehru. The first ever election during the Congress party’s presidential election in 1946, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel were the key contenders. Nehru was elected president despite getting just 2 votes while Patel had got 28. Nehru was M.K. Gandhi’s Preference. Gandhi believed Nehru’s international outlook and charisma suited India’s future leadership. While many provincial committees supported Patel, but Gandhi saw Nehru as a national and international figure. Patel withdrew his candidature at Gandhi’s request to maintain unity within the party. He was a real nationalist.

Conclusion

From a cognitive psychology viewpoint, Patel’s leadership illustrates effective decision-making under uncertainty, strong memory and planning abilities, focused attention during crises, emotional regulation and resilience and goal-oriented problem-solving.  These characteristics align closely with modern concepts of executive functioning, strategic cognition, and adaptive leadership.

As a firm leader, Patel might have handled the Kashmir issue differently. Often centred on his pragmatic, firm, and decisive approach to national integration compared to Jawaharlal Nehru’s preference for international mediation. While Patel focused on military action and direct, quick negotiation, disagreements and differing priorities in late 1947 prevented a swift resolution. Patel maintained stricter internal security. Considered more pro-business than Nehru, it is believed he would have empowered the private sector earlier, fostering faster industrial growth.  Supporters often cite that his clearer nationalist focus and robust national security policies would have protected against threats and strengthened India faster.

I had the pleasure of teaching Mr. Noman Aziz Khan during his MMS – Masters of Management Studies (2010–2012 batch) at Anjuman-I-Islam’s Allana Institute of Management Studies, where I served as Professor and Director for a long tenure. Recently, during my visit to Babasaheb Ambedkar University in Lucknow, I had the opportunity to reconnect with him. When I informed Noman over the telephone about my visit, he organized a touching and unexpected commemoration in my honour. I was deeply overwhelmed by his warmth, humility, and affection.

Today, Mr. Noman Aziz Khan serves as Regional Director (Uttar Pradesh, Telangana & Delhi NCR) at LuLu Group International and plays a pivotal role in managing LuLu Mall Lucknow, one of India’s largest and most influential retail destinations.

I still vividly remember Noman from his student days. He was lively, cheerful, and playful, bringing positivity into every classroom he entered. Beneath his easy-going personality, however, lay a sharp academic mind, curiosity for learning, and excellent communication skills. He consistently participated in classroom discussions with enthusiasm and intellectual engagement. Even when assignments were challenging, he displayed effort, discipline, and consistency. Noman often emerged as the presenter in group activities because of his natural communication abilities and confidence. More importantly, he possessed emotional intelligence, teamwork, and interpersonal sensitivity — qualities that are difficult to teach but invaluable in leadership.

Seeing him today as a sincere, disciplined, and innovative retail leader fills me with immense pride. His journey reflects dedication, growth, perseverance, and the ability to transform potential into meaningful success.

LuLu Mall Lucknow spans approximately 2.2 million square feet and is situated on Amar Shaheed Path in Lucknow. Developed across nearly 45.9 acres, it has emerged as one of India’s largest shopping malls and North India’s premier organized retail destination. The mall houses more than 300 national and international brands, including major anchors such as Decathlon, Nykaa, PVR INOX, and the massive LuLu Hypermarket. It also features the Funtura indoor entertainment zone, advanced VR-enabled gaming spaces, multiplex cinemas, extensive food courts, and modern family-oriented leisure infrastructure. The mall is not merely a shopping centre; it is a symbol of Lucknow’s transition into a modern metropolitan city.

Having taught Retail Management for several semesters, I have always believed that successful retailers are distinguished not merely by commercial performance, but by human-centric leadership. Outstanding retailers demonstrate customer-centric thinking, strong communication abilities, product knowledge, ethical behaviour, adaptability to changing consumer trends, team-building capabilities, operational efficiency, calmness under pressure, and strategic thinking. I witnessed many of these qualities in Noman even during his student years.

During my recent visit to the mall, I observed him closely while he interacted with employees, monitored operations, and supervised customer engagement across various sections. His towering leadership presence was visible throughout the establishment. Yet, despite managing nearly 5,000 on-roll employees and over 3,000 off-roll staff members, he remained approachable, calm, and deeply connected with his workforce. Great retail leaders do not merely delegate tasks from offices; they remain visible on the sales floor, coach employees in real time, solve problems directly, and lead by example. Noman embodies this philosophy.

Interestingly, his professional journey began on the sales floor itself at LuLu. His rise through the ranks demonstrates the power of commitment, operational understanding, and leadership earned through experience rather than entitlement.

M. A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, is globally recognized as a visionary retail entrepreneur and philanthropist. His leadership combines business acumen with humility and strong human values. It is evident that Mr. Yusuff Ali identified exceptional leadership potential in Noman Khan and handpicked him to lead the Lucknow operations. Visionary leaders possess the ability to recognize future leadership in others, and this appears to be one such example.

Under its leadership framework, the mall has introduced several operational and marketing innovations. LuLu has adopted aggressive digital branding and omnichannel promotional strategies targeting younger consumers. Through festive campaigns, social media engagement, online promotions, and collaborations with local cultural and devotional programs, the mall has created deep emotional integration with society.

The inclusion of Funtura entertainment zones, VR-enabled gaming, multiplexes, and extensive dining areas transformed the mall into an all-day family destination rather than merely a shopping venue. This experiential retail model has significantly enhanced customer engagement. The mall also introduced sophisticated multi-level parking systems and integrated traffic management connected to all floors — an important operational innovation for a rapidly expanding city like Lucknow.

The hypermarket brought global retail presentation formats into one integrated ecosystem, including imported food sections, modern bakery concepts, electronics zones, and fashion integration. The mall further adopted prefabricated construction methods to reduce environmental impact and later earned an IGBC Gold Rating for sustainability initiatives involving waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and reduced fossil fuel consumption.

Community discussions among Lucknow residents frequently mention the extensive product variety, aggressive discounts, efficient billing counters, and the convenience of obtaining everything “under one roof.” These factors have significantly strengthened customer loyalty and repeat footfall.

The impact of LuLu Mall Lucknow on the city extends far beyond retail. The mall has created thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across retail, hospitality, logistics, food services, maintenance, entertainment, and security sectors. Local youth have especially benefited from these opportunities.

Its establishment accelerated infrastructural development around Amar Shaheed Path and nearby townships. Improved roads, enhanced transport connectivity, parking infrastructure, and rising commercial activity transformed the surrounding urban landscape. Property prices and commercial rentals in adjoining areas witnessed significant appreciation following the mall’s development. The project stimulated further residential and commercial investment in the region.

Being one of India’s largest malls, it attracts visitors not only from Lucknow but also from neighbouring districts and states. This inflow benefits hotels, transport operators, restaurants, and local businesses. Apart from global brands, local suppliers, artisans, food vendors, and service providers have also benefited from the increased commercial activity generated by the mall.

The mall has also influenced lifestyle patterns, leisure activities, and social culture, particularly among the middle class and younger population. It introduced international retail standards, organized shopping culture, multiplex entertainment, and global consumer experiences, thereby strengthening Lucknow’s identity as an emerging metropolitan city. Indeed, LuLu Mall Lucknow represents a classic case study of how a hyper mall can contribute to city branding, urban modernization, and socio-economic transformation.

As a teacher, nothing brings greater satisfaction than witnessing the success of one’s students. I feel immensely proud of Mr. Noman Aziz Khan. His journey from a cheerful MMS student to a respected retail leader demonstrates how dedication, humility, discipline, and vision can shape extraordinary careers.

He possesses the inherent qualities required for enduring leadership — resilience, customer orientation, ethical grounding, communication excellence, and strategic thinking. With the right opportunities and continued perseverance, I firmly believe he has the potential to become one of the most respected names in Indian Retail history.

In Sweden, a pilot programme was led by a startup “Corvid Cleanig” corvid (type of crow from crow family) in 2022. Crows were enrolled to pick up cigarette butts from the streets of Södertälje (near Stockholm).  The corvids are often considered the most intelligent birds and are among the most intelligent animals in general.  For each cigarette filter a crow drops into a customised vending machine, the bird receives food in reward. The company says the birds are not trapped but participate voluntarily. The startup team and researchers drew conclusions on the corvid family’s well-documented intelligence and capacity for tool-use and problem-solving. “They are wild birds taking part on a voluntary basis,” says Christian Günther-Hanssen, the founder of Corvid Cleaning, the company behind the process.

Cigarette filters are a major part of urban litter in Sweden accounting for around 60 % of items in trash counts on roads, and the project aims to reduce municipal street-cleaning costs while engaging wildlife in a novel way. The initiative is still at pilot stage; questions remain over expandability and scalability. As a progressive nation, the bird welfare by ministry is also a point of strict adherence as cruelty against wildlife. The government of Sweden is also worried about human behaviour, whether this practice will shifts focus away from changing human behaviour. Data collected from Günther-Hanssen, C. and researchers  for using wild crows to collect cigarette butt waste in Sweden is published in Journal of Environmental Innovation.  

Cigarette butts are harmful items.  They have nicotine, tar, microplastics, and heavy metals inside of them. They are highly contaminated in nature. The environmentalists fear the consequences  during high rainfall and floods. The founder of the vending box says the crows are very intelligent they don’t eat the filters; they simply carry them in their purpose to get a peanut.

Conclusion

This is a wrong way of human beings asking another species to help us overcome our weaknesses. We are asking for help from the crows. We are the most ill-mannered species that can’t quit our habits and we cooly forget to throw the trash in dustbins. While smoking we forget to think about the consequences of it every step of the addiction. When we throw trash on roads, we forget what we leave behind as we continue to walk forward and into our own lives. But we are the species capable of building a machine that imagines partnerships across evolutionary boundaries. While humans do utilize animals for a variety of tasks such as agriculture, transport, and assistance roles, for medical inventions many people hold diverse views on these relationships. The extent to which animals are used varies widely across cultures and industries, and this practice has evolved significantly throughout history.  

Crows are called intelligent birds due to their advanced problem-solving, tool use, and impressive memory capabilities. They can recognize faces, plan, and exhibit complex social behaviours like cooperation and communication, which is why they are considered among the smartest animals on the planet. Crows have exceptional memories and can remember specific human faces for years after a single encounter. They can even hold grudges, sometimes passing down their negative reactions to people who have hurt them. Crows are so smart due to their dense neuron packing in their brains, which gives them high cognitive abilities despite not having a prefrontal cortex like humans. Crows score an average of 100 with a standard deviance of 15 points in IQ tests.

In our so-called modern societies, we hold many ethical discussions, movements, and laws dedicated to animal welfare, which focus on ensuring animals are treated compassionately.  The conversation around human-animal interactions is complex, spanning historical necessity, cultural practices, and contemporary ethics regarding awareness and animal rights

The wild birds carry out the task as they receive a little food for every butt that they deposit in a commissioned machine. The Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation says that more than 1bn cigarette butts are left on Sweden’s streets each year, representing 62% of all litter. Günther-Hanssen the founder of Corvid Cleaning estimates his method could save at least 75% of costs involved with picking up cigarette butts in the city. The use of animals in psychological research is a complex issue with arguments both for and against it.

Cleanliness is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, shaped by Shinto and Buddhist traditions that emphasize purity, harmony, and collective responsibility. These values are reinforced through social practices and education, such as o-soji (school cleaning), well-organized waste segregation systems, and a strong sense of pride in shared spaces. As a result, Japan is widely known for its remarkably clean public areas, even in the absence of numerous trash bins or street sweepers.

In Japan cleanliness is not viewed as an occasional chore but as a daily habit practiced with discipline and respect for the environment. Streets, offices, parks, and homes are consistently maintained, reflecting a cultural belief that individuals are responsible for the spaces they use. In traditional households, cleaning is a shared duty, with all family members participating regularly. This ingrained mindset fosters orderly public spaces and habits such as carrying one’s trash home, making cleanliness one of Japan’s most defining and admired characteristics.

It is deeply rooted in its cultural and spiritual origins. In Shintoism, purity is regarded as a spiritual virtue. Rituals such as Misogi which means purification through water symbolizes the cleansing of both body and spirit, closely linking cleanliness with godliness. Buddhism further reinforced this value by introducing cleaning as a meditative practice and a form of self-reflection. This is evident in monks meticulously cleaning temples and maintaining Zen gardens, where the act of cleaning becomes an expression of mindfulness and inner discipline. I am truly in awe of the Japanese approach to cleanliness. One of its most striking examples is O-soji, the practice of school cleaning. Students regularly clean their classrooms, corridors, and even bathrooms. This practice instils humility, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces from a young age, embedding these values deeply into everyday life.

Beyond schools, cleanliness in Japan reflects a strong sense of community responsibility. People often clean their own neighbourhoods and dispose of waste properly, even in the absence of public trash bins. This collective ethos demonstrates an understanding that public spaces belong to everyone and must be cared for by all. In Japan, cleanliness is not enforced through fear of penalties alone it is sustained through shared values, mutual respect, and cultural pride, making it one of the most inspiring aspects of Japanese society.

Buddhism, on top of this, was introduced to Japan in the 6th Century and holds cleanliness as a central aspect of its philosophy. This is especially true of Zen Buddhism, which was the origin of the practice of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Cleaning and keeping one’s surroundings clean were a form of meditation and purification. These practices are still current, and while not always conscious, are present in everyday life.

In Japan, waste management is governed by strict sorting and recycling rules that significantly minimize litter. The scarcity of public trash bins encourages people to carry their waste home, reinforcing a sense of personal responsibility. This behaviour is further supported by a deep-seated cultural pride in maintaining clean shared spaces, resulting in remarkably clean streets, canals, and public facilities.

A striking example of this ethos is the famed Shinkansen “7-minute miracle.” Every day at Tokyo Station, more than 300 Shinkansen (bullet trains) arrive and depart across four platforms, with average intervals of just four minutes. The responsibility for cleaning these trains lies with TESSEI, a subsidiary of Japan Railways. TESSEI crews meticulously clean each 17-carriage train in under seven minutes, ensuring it is spotless and ready for the next set of passengers. This extraordinary efficiency and dedication have drawn international attention, with CNN famously dubbing the crew “The 7-minute miracle.” Harvard University has studied this process and written a case on it.

Japan’s cleanliness is not merely the result of formal systems or enforcement, but rather a reflection of deeper cultural foundations. These include religious influences emphasizing purity, a strong sense of personal accountability, collective group consciousness, and respect for shared spaces. Together, these factors allow Japan to maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness without relying on heavy-handed management or surveillance.

The same sense of consideration extends to cleanliness in public spaces. Leaving trash or dirt behind creates inconvenience for others and disrupts social harmony, which is highly valued in Japanese society. As a result, most people clean up after themselves and avoid littering out of personal responsibility and respect for the community.

What Surprises Foreigners Most About Japanese Cleanliness

Japan’s commitment to cleanliness often surprises foreign visitors. From organized clean-up efforts by spectators after sporting events to the famously efficient cleaning of high-speed Shinkansen trains, the country consistently demonstrates exceptionally high standards of cleanliness. These practices reflect not only discipline and efficiency, but also a deep-rooted cultural respect for shared spaces and the well-being of others.

Rugby World Cup

The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan offered powerful lessons for global sports hosts. By adopting a multi-city hosting model, Japan successfully promoted national tourism beyond major metropolitan areas, allowing regional cultures to shine on a global stage. The tournament fostered a strong sense of “One Team” unity, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds and demonstrating how inclusivity can strengthen national identity. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability and a growth mindset in modern sport, as Japan’s team exceeded expectations and redefined perceptions of Asian rugby.

A particularly striking phenomenon was the rise of “niwaka fans” newcomers to rugby whose enthusiasm generated enormous cultural and economic benefits. Their energy transformed stadiums, boosted local economies, and showcased Japan’s world-class hospitality, infrastructure, and organizational excellence. Above all, the tournament instilled a new national belief in the potential of the Japanese team, inspiring the country and reshaping how the world views rugby in Asia.

This same spirit of collective responsibility and shared ownership is reflected in Japan’s approach to education, particularly through practices such as school cleaning. Children are taught to clean their own classrooms, which instils responsibility and encourages them to take ownership of their environment. Over time, this develops lifelong habits of cleanliness and respect for shared spaces. The group-based nature of cleaning also teaches collaboration and consideration for others, reinforcing the values of teamwork and community that were so powerfully displayed during the Rugby World Cup.

The Koro-Koro Cleaner

A versatile cleaning tool that looks like a paint roller. It is wrapped in sticky paper that can be used to clean almost any surface. It is commonly used in Japanese homes and businesses, not only to remove lint from clothing but also for light cleaning of carpets or sofas, removing pet hair, and cleaning various other surfaces. The adhesive paper is replaced as it is used, ensuring that the tool always has a fully sticky surface. Cleaning wipes come in various forms and have specialized uses such as cleaning floors, general surfaces, toilets, kitchens, metal surfaces, and carpets. They make general house cleaning easy and convenient to use.

Conclusion

Cleanliness is a defining aspect of Japanese culture and often a source of intrigue and admiration for those visiting or living in Japan. The extraordinary level of cleanliness, its consistency, visibility, and the collective commitment to maintaining it sets Japan apart in a way that feels both remarkable and deeply intentional. Streets, public transport, schools, workplaces, and homes reflect a shared responsibility rather than reliance on enforcement or supervision.

Understanding why cleanliness holds such importance in Japan requires exploring its cultural, historical, and philosophical roots. Influences from Shintoism emphasize purity as a spiritual ideal, while Buddhist traditions frame cleaning as a mindful practice and a form of self-discipline. These beliefs are reinforced through education and daily routines, where cleaning is not outsourced but embraced as a communal duty from a young age.

Examining this cultural practice offers more than insight into Japan alone. It invites reflection on our own upbringing and social norms how values are taught, internalized, and expressed through everyday behaviour. Cleanliness in Japan is not merely about hygiene or aesthetics; it is a quiet expression of respect for oneself, for others, and for shared spaces. In this sense, it is not just a habit, but a way of life.

A film, at its best, isn’t just storytelling it’s emotional architecture. The plot is only the visible skeleton; what truly moves an audience is how characters feel, how those feelings evolve, and how the viewer is guided to internalize them. When you call it an “emotional delivery system,” you’re pointing to something very real: films are designed to engineer empathy. Think about how this works in practice – characters as emotional anchors, we don’t just watch them we identify with them. Their fears, desires, and conflicts become psychologically “mirrored” in us. Structure as emotional pacing, the rise and fall of tension isn’t just narrative it regulates how we feel moment to moment. Music, visuals, and performance work as amplifiers these elements synchronize to intensify emotional states, often bypassing rational thought entirely. When all of this aligns, the film becomes more than a sequence of scenes; it becomes a cohesive emotional experience.

The film author Richard Bach refers in his book “Butch Cassady and Sundance Kid” is a perfect example of what Bach is pointing toward. On the surface, it’s a story of outlaws, adventure, and friendship. But beneath that, it becomes something much deeper: a lived emotional experience. A movie is not just watched, it is entered. When we sit in a theatre, we suspend our own identity and step into another reality. Time behaves differently, emotions are heightened, and the boundary between “self” and “character” softens. In that space, we are no longer merely observers, but we become participants. This is what Bach calls an “illusion” not in the sense of something false, but something constructed yet meaningful. Just like life itself in his philosophy, the movie is a crafted experience that feels real while we are inside it.

In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the friendship between Butch and Sundance becomes the emotional anchor. We don’t just understand their bond—we feel it. Their risks, their humour, their defiance, even their inevitable fate, all of it becomes our experience. That’s the “emotional simulation.” Movies allow us to experience life without consequences. That’s precisely why they are powerful. They let us rehearse emotions (love, fear, loss, courage)explore identities beyond our own, gain insight without direct suffering.

In Richard Bach’s worldview, both life and cinema operate similarly—we step into roles, live through them, and eventually step out again. In a sense, both cinema and literature create a safe illusion of reality a constructed space-time bubble where we can explore identity. In fact, some of the most impactful films are remembered not for their plots, but for the feeling they leave behind something difficult to articulate, yet deeply personal.

One latest example of a movie is ‘Dhurandhar’ it is a highly successful Indian action-thriller film directed by Aditya Dhar, starring Ranveer Singh, about an Indian spy (Hamza) who infiltrates Pakistan’s notorious Lyari underworld to dismantle terror networks targeting India, blending real events like the IC-814 hijacking with fictional espionage, serving as a large-scale blockbuster sequel to Uri. The story follows Hamza’s deep undercover mission within Rehman Dacoit’s gang, played by Akshaye Khanna, a powerful and feared Baloch gang leader, facing internal conflicts and political intrigue in Pakistan while gathering intelligence for RAW, ultimately exploring themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and complex covert operations.   The character is inspired by the real-life Karachi gangster of the same name who was involved in extortion, narcotics, and organized crime. Khanna’s portrayal has received significant attention, particularly for a viral entry scene.

Moviegoers and readers identify with stories through the characters. The most powerful way to reach an audience is through the characters’ emotions. For only when we connect with the characters on an emotional level, the communication becomes deep and meaningful. Well-written scenes that include characters’ emotions allow the audience to absorbedly take part in the story and bond with the characters. In our real life, we meet and interrelate daily with other people. Unlike in stories, many of these interactions are apparent. While some audience rather enjoy a more distanced, intellectual challenge, many others want to engage with characters in books and movies on an emotional level. Through the character’s emotions, experience, learning etc the audience live their lives.  Writing, plotting, editing, etc is not a joke. It requires great talent to script a story, choose the right actors to emote those characters, a great writer to write dialogues, a great editor to edit scenes to reinforce significance of emotion in creating a persuasive story.

Key Aspects of the Synergy created in a movie are emotional channel wherein characters serve as channels for the audience to experience feelings, where well-developed characters heighten the audience’s investment in the story. Film is highly effective at inducing empathy (both mental and embodied), allowing viewers to feel emotional shifts in real-time. Catharsis and release. Films provide a “safe space” for audiences to experience intense emotions—such as fear or sadness, remove their pent-up negative feelings in a process known as catharsis. Finally, the technical integration: this synergy is achieved by combining the actor’s performance with technical elements like lighting, music, and sound design to amplify the emotional impact.

The 1965 film Guide is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Indian cinema, featuring a “superb” and pioneering plot that was far ahead of its time. Directed by Vijay Anand and based on R.K. Narayan’s novel, it is praised for its character depth, realistic flawed characters, and powerful emotional arc. The film departs from typical Bollywood tropes by portraying realistic, flawed human beings rather than black-and-white heroes. Raju (Dev Anand) evolves from a charming tour guide into a deeply emotional, flawed man, and eventually to a spiritual seeker.

The plot bravely explores unconventional themes for its time, including a married woman (Rosie, played by Waheeda Rehman) seeking a divorce and living with another man (Raju) to pursue her own identity and passion for dance. Bothe Raju and Rosy become a live-in couple. This was ahead of its times. The story explores a profound transformation, moving from a tale of love, fame, and greed to a story of sacrifice and spiritual awakening. It follows a strong, winding character arc (guide –  lover –  convict –  saint) that keeps the audience engaged throughout its duration. Despite some deviations from the original novel, the film’s climax where Raju voluntarily fasts for a village during a drought provides a powerful, cathartic end to his spiritual journey, as noted in the film’s synopsis. The film is recognized for its artistic brilliance, blending drama, romance, and philosophy, along with iconic music by S.D. Burman.

In 1965 Guide had a profound and lasting impact on Indian cinema, breaking societal taboos and redefining film aesthetics, rather than having a specific 1969 impact. It was considered “way ahead of its time” for its themes of female agency, adultery, and spiritual redemption. This is how a good movie unites strangers in shared emotions.

Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While normal sadness is common in all, but clinical depression is continued and often interferes with a person’s ability to experience or anticipate pleasure and it significantly interferes with functioning in daily life. If untreated, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years; and if inadequately treated, depression can lead to significant loss, other health-related issues, and in some cases, it can lead to suicide.

Adolescence depression can lead to emotional changes like irritability, low self-esteem, and anger, as well as behavioural changes such as over sleeping, loss of appetite, withdrawal, binge-eating and a decline in academic performance. Treatment options, which should be discussed with a psychologist it can include psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication.

Depression is twice as common among young women as among men. About 20 percent of women will experience at least one episode of depression across their lifetime. Scientists are examining many potential causes for and contributing factors to women’s increased risk for depression. Biological, life cycle, hormonal and psychosocial factors unique to women may be linked to women’s higher depression rates. Researchers have shown, for example, that hormones affect brain chemistry, impacting emotions and mood. Women experience natural hormonal shifts during several key life stages: puberty, menstruation monthly cycle, pregnancy, postpartum (after childbirth), and perimenopause and menopause. More than 50% of children will engage in a form of sexual behaviour before the age of 14 (around puberty), including sexual experiences with other children.

Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency. By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty are likely to contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In addition, research has suggested that girls are more likely than boys to continue feeling bad after experiencing difficult situations or events, suggesting they are more prone to depression.

Adolescence presents challenges related to physical changes, emotions, and social development, including issues with body image, mood swings, and peer pressure. Teens also face risks like substance abuse, early pregnancy and abortion , and violence, as well as mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Developing a sense of identity and independence is a major focus during this time. Hormonal changes lead to puberty, which can cause self-consciousness about body image, weight, and height.  Adolescents are vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety, which can be heightened by hormonal shifts and academic pressure.

A desire for independence and peer approval can lead to risky behaviours like consuming drugs, alcohol, unsafe sex, and violence. Common health issues include mental health problems, early pregnancies due to unsafe sex, sexually transmitted infections, violence, and malnutrition.  Teens feel a strong need to belong to a peer group, which can lead to conformity and risky behaviors to gain acceptance. At adolescents’ youngsters crave for identity and independence.

German-born American psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist best known for his theory of psychosocial development and for coining the term “identity crisis”. He is renowned for his work on human development, which he theorized occurred across the entire lifespan in eight stages. According to Erik Erikson, the teenage years are defined by the fifth stage of development, identity versus role confusion. During this time (ages 12–18), adolescents grapple with the question “Who am I?” by exploring different roles, beliefs, and goals to forge a sense of self. Success leads to a strong identity, while failure can result in a confused sense of self and future.

Adolescents experience intense emotional swings, such as anger, jealousy, and frustration. Majority of the youngsters get attracted to excessive use of electronic devices can contribute to problems with self-esteem, cyber addiction, and even musculoskeletal issues from constant texting, as well as impact school performance and behaviour.  Adolescents face problems with social media including mental health issues like depression and anxiety, cyberbullying, poor body image, sleep disruption, and exposure to harmful content and predators. Excessive use can also lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO), reduced in-person interaction, and difficulty focusing on other activities like schoolwork.

Social media use is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially with excessive use. The fake social media shows curated versions of others’ lives which can lead to negative feelings about one’s own life and self-worth. The pressure to stay connected, maintain a certain image, and receive approval (likes, comments) can cause significant stress. Constant exposure to others’ leads to anxiety about being excluded from social events or trends.

Adolescents are frequently targets of cyberbullying. Online harassment, which can involve name-calling, rumours, threats, and unwanted explicit content. Social media platforms can expose teens to content like pornography, self-harm depictions, violence, or illegal substances and drugs. Online predators target teenagers who exploit and times extort them.

Careless online activity can lead to long-term reputation damage and make them more vulnerable to marketers and fraudsters. Body shaming, physical and behavioral issues, sleep disruption due to using social media before bed, especially with blue light from screens, can disrupt sleep patterns and delay melatonin release. Children get sluggish because of bad junk food consumption and decreased physical activity their body clock goes haywire. Time spent on social media often displaces time that could be spent on physical exercise and other healthy activities.

Conclusion

Though depression affects people of all ages, teenagers are at a high risk, with recent estimates suggesting that up to one in five adolescents may experience depression. This is a major public health concern, with depression being one of the leading causes of illness and disability in this age group, notes the World Health Organization. Several factors contribute to this, including a combination of genetic, biological changes like hormonal changes, and environmental factors, such as stressful life events, family history, and peer issues. Adolescent health requires directed attention from parents, family, teachers and society due to their vulnerability to risky behaviours. In India, overall, 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% attempted suicide. Overall, the teenagers and early twenties behaviours need attention. I have written this passage because of my experience as a teacher of Management Studies for past 24 years. 

A Goldilocks economy is when economic growth is stable enough to avoid recession but not so strong that it activates high inflation. It’s characterized by balanced growth, low unemployment, and moderate inflation, creating a “just right” environment for both businesses and consumers. 

Referring to a recent assessment by the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told The Economic Times that India is currently in a “Goldilocks situation” with steady growth, controlled inflation, and rising private investment activity. She attributed this balance to over a decade of sustained policy reforms.

Balanced Growth

India is currently the fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP growth estimated at 6.5% in 2024-25. Its growth is supported by strong domestic demand, easing inflation, robust capital markets, and increasing exports. The country’s nominal GDP has also seen substantial growth, more than tripling from ₹106.57 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹331.03 lakh crore in 2024-25. Balanced growth avoids over-reliance on any single sector and promotes long-term macroeconomic suppleness. India is working to reduce regional and income disparities through policies like progressive taxation, minimum support prices for farmers, and social safety nets. Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Low Unemployment

A healthy job market with low unemployment is a key feature of Goldilocks economy. This indicates that businesses are thriving and creating job opportunities for unemployed. In India, the unemployment rate has generally shown a declining trend in recent years, with a notable decrease from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. This positive trend is reflected in the increase of net additions to EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) subscriptions, which have more than doubled. Unemployment Rate in India averaged 8.53 percent from 2018 until 2025, reaching an all-time high of 20.80 percent in June of 2020 and a record low of 5.10 percent in April of 2025.

Moderate Inflation

Inflation is under control, meaning prices are rising at a sustainable pace, not too high to eat into purchasing power or too low to signal economic stagnation. India’s retail inflation has been trending downward, hitting a six-year low in the fiscal year 2024-25. This easing of inflation is attributed to the combined efforts of the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy and government interventions aimed at stabilizing prices of essential commodities.

Moderate Interest Rates

Interest rates, set by central banks, are neither too high nor too low, supporting economic activity without causing excessive borrowing or lending. interest rates on various financial products like Fixed Deposits (FDs), personal loans, and home loans are currently in a moderate range, with some variations depending on the specific lender and product. For instance, FD interest rates for tenors of 2-3 years are around 6.45% for the public and 6.95% for senior citizens. Personal loan interest rates generally range from 9.9% to 24%. Home loan rates are also in the moderate range, with some lenders offering rates starting from 7.35%.

Speed up asset monetisation

From extracting value out of government land to straight out disinvestment, the pro-capitalist Modi government has been surprisingly slow in asset monetisation despite several schemes, the latest in FM’s budget this year in February. It’s simple arithmetic that many such moves will help the government with much-needed capital for its infra projects and capex; the money spent to buy fixed assets for growth of infrastructure. For current fiscal (FY26), a capex allocation of Rs 11.21 lakh crore has been set by the government.

Banking reforms

Nirmala Sitharaman has voiced her intent, talking about strengthening regional rural banks, as well as categorically stating that IDBI Bank will be privatised this year. She also spoke of a nimbler financial system, with banks more agreeable to the needs of the industry and how credit needs to be tailored to the requirements of different segments.  A series of measures aimed at modernizing and strengthening the country’s banking system. These reforms, initiated in the early 1990s as part of economic liberalization, have focused on improving efficiency, competition, and financial stability. Key areas of focus include privatization, consolidation, technological innovation, and enhanced governance. 

Conclusion

It’s a “Just Ideal” condition for the Goldilocks Economy. This is an ideal time for Investors and Consumers to invest and buy. A Goldilocks economy provides stable environment for businesses to plan, invest, and expand. It also encourages consumer confidence and spending. Indian stocks have outperformed broad emerging markets for four consecutive years, reflecting the country’s strong economic growth, structural reforms, and digital transformation. Geopolitics has seen a sea change, and the immediate threat to India from China is not across the borders, but China’s trade war whereby it has limited India’s access to rare earth minerals, fertilisers, magnets used in automobile manufacturing as well as ingredients that go into Pharmaceuticals. Ensuring supplies do not get interrupted and the India story keeps continuing along in full throttle will take more than the finance ministry’s efforts.

The Thucydides Trap describes the high risk of war when a rising power threatens to displace a dominant ruling power. This concept is  named after the Greek historian Thucydides who noted the dynamics between Athens and Sparta leading to the Peloponnesian War.

Thucydides war was further popularized by political scientist Graham T. Allison, suggesting the fear of the rising power by the established nation, coupled with the challenger’s growing confidence, often leads to conflict, though Allison aims to help manage this dynamic (currently U.S.-China) to avoid war through understanding and diplomacy.

The origin of the Thucydides’ trap started in situation where rising power Athens challenged the status of an established, ruling power  Sparta. The war was called Peloponnesian War, The Peloponnesian War was fought in the Eastern Mediterranean between the Athenian-led Delian League and the Spartan-led Peloponnesian League from 431 to 404 BC for domination over Ancient Greece. Thucydides approached ethics with scepticism, viewing morality as shaped by one’s environment rather than universal truths. Thucydides’ observations during the Peloponnesian War led him to develop political realism, the theory that political behaviour is fundamentally driven by fear of war and self-interest.

In the world wars happen due to complex, overlying reasons like disputes over resources such as land, oil, power struggles, political control, influence, and identity clashes  due to religion, nationalism, ideology, often fuelled by economic inequality, historical grievances, resource scarcity exacerbated by climate change, or a breakdown in diplomacy, leading groups to use organized violence when peaceful resolution fails. For example, Pakistan’s frequent conflicts with India stem mainly from the unresolved Kashmir dispute since 1947, leading to wars and ongoing border clashes, fuelled by religious/communal tensions and strategic interests, alongside internal instability and support for militant groups impacting regional security, especially with neighbours like Afghanistan, creating a cycle of conflict. The violent 1947 split by British created a deep-seated hostility between India and Pakistan leading to religious divide between  Hindu-Muslim, and a legacy of distrust.

Wars, often arising from economic, territorial, religious, or political reasons, can leave countries war-torn, requiring decades for rebuilding infrastructure and economic reconstruction. Rebuilding nations after war is indeed a daunting task, involving immense challenges across social, economic, political, and infrastructural domains. It requires comprehensive, long-term strategies and often international cooperation to establish lasting peace and stability.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, beginning in 2022, it exemplifies the complexities of modern warfare, including unexpected resistance, strategic and logistic challenges, and significant civilian impact. On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation began a military invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict that had been simmering since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

Global war statistics reveal a diversity of conflicts, from Myanmar’s long-standing civil war to the ongoing drug war in Mexico, each with unique causes and consequences.

Myanmar’s civil war stems from the military’s 2021 coup, overthrowing a democratically elected government and triggering widespread armed resistance by pro-democracy forces and ethnic groups against the ruling junta, building on decades of ethnic conflict and military dominance over civilian rule. The core reasons are the military’s desire to retain power, suppression of democratic movements, and long-standing ethnic grievances, all exacerbated by the military’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests after the coup.

The Mexican drug war is an ongoing lopsided armed conflict between the Mexican government and various drug trafficking syndicates. When the Mexican military intervened in 2006, the government’s main objective was to reduce drug-related violence. This conflict has resulted in widespread violence, including mass killings and brutal tactics employed by the cartels, such as execution-style murders and the use of mass graves. The conflict known as the Mexican Drug War is still very much ongoing as an intense armed struggle between the Mexican government and powerful drug cartels, despite various government initiatives and claims of ending the “war,” with cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel remaining dominant players in the multi-billion-dollar drug trade, driving violence and instability.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a long-running, complex dispute over land and self-determination with historical roots stretching back over a century. It encompasses a series of wars, numerous military operations, and ongoing political conflict, most notably the current Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Palestinians seek to establish their own independent state in at least one part of historic Palestine. Israeli defence of its own borders, control over the West Bank, the Egyptian-Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian internal politics currently make the Palestinians’ goal out of reach. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict about land and self-determination within the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine.

Civilization Identity will be increasingly important in the future, and the world will be shaped in large measure by the interactions among seven or eight major civilizations. These include Western, Confucian, Japanese, Islamic, Hindu, Slavic-Orthodox, Latin American and possibly African civilization.

The Soviet-Afghan war and the First Gulf War as the emergence of civilization wars. Huntington interprets the Afghan War as a civilization war because it was the first successful resistance to a foreign power, which boosted the self-confidence, and power of many fighters in the Islamic world says American political scientist Samuel Huntington.

Cold Wars are increasingly appearing at these civilizational divisions. Wars such as those following the breakup of Yugoslavia, in Chechnya, and between India and Pakistan were cited as evidence of inter-civilizational conflict.

Impact of clash of civilization on business

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, a staggering 70% of international ventures fail due to cultural differences. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for mastering cross-cultural communication. Because human societies are complex systems, some common factors that may contribute to their decline are economic, environmental, demographic, social and cultural. These factors may cascade into another and build up to the point that could overwhelm any mechanisms that would otherwise maintain stability.

Culture clash in the workplace refers to the conflict that arises when different employee backgrounds, beliefs, and behaviours collide. This can manifest in various ways, including: miscommunication, diverse communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Also, cultural clashes disrupt businesses.

Increased Trade Costs and Reduced Flows

Cultural differences act as a significant, and in the post-Cold War era, potentially increasing barrier to international trade. Countries belonging to different civilizations tend to trade less with each other. This is due to higher transaction costs, a lack of trust, and differing business norms which complicate negotiations and collaboration.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Risks

Businesses investing overseas face “cultural risks” in regions with vastly different languages, religious beliefs, legal origins, and values. These risks can lead to potential operational challenges, social tensions, and the need for significant adaptation to local cultural norms, which can be costly and difficult to manage.

Geopolitical Conflict and Instability

The theory posits that conflicts will primarily occur along “fault lines” between civilizations. This increases the risk of regional instability, proxy conflicts, and “tit-for-tat” sanctions (e.g., in trade and finance) which can disrupt global supply chains, catch businesses in the middle of political disputes, and increase compliance costs.

Challenges in Mergers and International Operations

Within organizations, a clash of corporate cultures, often exacerbated by different national or regional operating styles, can lead to communication breakdowns, demotivation, resistance to change, and a lack of cohesion in teams. This makes successfully integrating acquired companies or managing diverse global operations a major challenge.

Reinforced Economic Regionalism

The theory suggests that successful economic regionalism often succeeds only when it is rooted in a common civilization. This trend toward stronger intra-regional trade blocs (e.g., in Europe, East Asia, North America) could lead to the marginalization of businesses from outside those blocs, making cross-regional expansion more difficult.

Weaponization of Trade and Finance

The intensification of civilizational competition can lead to the “weaponization” of economic tools, such as trade tariffs, sanctions, and restrictions on technology transfers, in “nationally sensitive” domains for example,  semiconductors, clean energy. This environment of economic warfare forces businesses to navigate a complex, fragmented international system.

I love the song “Dil ka diya jala ke gaya” from film Aakashdeep (1965) The song is composed in Jaijaiwanti raga. Lata Mangeshkar has sung it in “half breath” which refers to a quick, shallow inhalation taken during a phrase to refill breath support without completely stopping the musical line. It is a subtle and controlled breath that allows singers to maintain momentum and phrasing, especially when faced with long musical passages. This sweet melodious song was composed by veteran Music Director Chitragupta and the lyricist of the song is Majrooh Sultanpuri. 

Jaijaiwanti is from the Khamaj family of ragas. In Carnatic Music, its equivalent is the Raagam Dwijawanti. Jaijaiwanti usage spans several genres such as Sikh Gurbani which were compositions of Guru Tech Bahadur. In Bollywood Shankar Jaikishan, Madan Mohan used Jaijaiwanti for composing some evergreen songs.

The Khamaj scale  is a foundational structure in Hindustani classical music, and several ragas are derived from it. Some prominent ragas within the Khamaj family include Khamaj itself, along with Rageshree, Jhinjhoti, Desh, Tilak Kamod, and Jaijaiwanti. These ragas share characteristics with the Khamaj thaat, but each possesses unique melodic contours and emotional nuances according to music archives. Raag Jaijaiwanti is typically sung during the second prahar of the night, from 9 PM to 12 AM.

Jaijaiwanti on sarod is a relative rarity, owing to the complex structure of the raga. When songs are composed in this raga, usually,  the music director, the singer, and the actor come together which portrays beautiful cooperation that makes a song a hit.

I wonder how Lata could sing the song so perfect, not a single note here and there, so precise and accurate in half breath. She sang in low notes with same power and clarity the way she sings in normal and high notes.

The heroine of movie Bani (Nimmi) has fallen in love; she is a mute girl  who plays a record to  express her feelings to the world. Her expressions are as soft and subtle.  Nimmi has acted beautifully experiencing the love she feels for the hero (Ashok Kumar).  How brilliantly the song has been composed in this context! Chitragupta has kept the tune subdued, and somewhat muted melody. A muted melody is one that is played softly, with a lower volume or intensity. It can evoke a sense of quietness, introspection, or melancholy.

Violins in the beginning give the account of thrill of love experienced by Baani. And then the soft melody takes over with the jal tarang. Lata Mangeshkar as if whispers the lyrics in your ears, letting out the secret of her feelings. The soft glow of love sparking Nimmi’s heart. Bringing up the feelings as a song, which were deep down in her heart which she expresses for the first time. Listen to this beautiful song.

When we buy something new – a new car, a bike, a bag, a goggle, perfume, a shoe we strive to maintain it; we handle all new things with care. But, as those things start getting older, we lose interest in them. As human, we have this fascination with ‘newness’.  A newly made acquaintance is always good; we find everything nice in him/her. Similarly when you fall in love, the initial few days you see everything good in the person, new love, new relationship, new job, and new aspiration every “new” in life has a special spot in heart. Because newness brings  eagerness with it.

Similarly a New Year is also special to us. We ring out the old year and invite the new. As we say good bye to one year, we look forward to a new year with a hope and optimism welcoming a brand new chapter into our life. However hard we try to plan, handle and maintain our lives, each year, all of us face situations and circumstances that are completely out of our control. But, still we look forward to welcoming a New Year with keenness. Making resolutions for the New Year is one such strategy to control our life.

(A statue of Janus in Vatican Museum)

Do you know that ancient Romans prayed to Janus – the God of new beginnings?  And, the month January is named after Janus. Romans believed that Janus has two faces: one looking forward and one looking backward. This allowed him to look back – the past and look forward to a new future. On 31^st December, the Romans thus believed in making resolutions, to forgive enemies, forget troubles of past and make a new beginning. The Romans also believed that Janus would forgive them for their past mistakes if they confessed in him to make a new positive beginning. So, they would give gifts and make promises, believing that Janus looks on them and blesses them in the year ahead. New Year’s resolutions are in fashion since then.

It’s common to have New Year resolutions. We spend a lot of time and efforts in making them. A New Year’s resolution is a promise a person makes for the New Year. A resolution is made regardless of what resolution one commits to. The goal is to improve life in the coming year. We spend so much time writing them down with action plans to achieve them; using colored ink to mark some most important ones, discussions with friends, finding reasons for not having achieved few resolutions of current year as yet. Few most common resolutions are: losing weight, strictness with spending money, saving money, staying healthy, go for long walks, getting organized, acquiring more educational degrees, quit smoking, cut down on drinks, buy a new house etc, etc, etc. A research has shown 45% Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions. But, we have seen that however well planned our resolutions are we commonly break them under some or the other excuse. With everything that happens around us, it is sometimes difficult to reach each and every goal.

There are those sticklers who do try their best to attain all resolutions. Many even carry forward the unmet resolutions of previous year to the New Year. I have seen some perfectionists who do achieve most of their resolutions.

The first day of the New Year 2018 signifies the end of a chapter. I probably didn’t reach my highest expectations last year, but it wasn’t all that bad. The New Year of course holds the hopes, the dreams, and the possibilities of a great happening new year. I have made as usual some resolutions, written them down in my diary and resolved to make some good beginnings.

What’s so new about the fresh year? In the night when the clock struck 12 one minute changed the year – from one to next, a new year, a new start. While writing date, it will take some time to get adjusted while writing number of the year. Yes, we will need time to help to get past year into past.

Looking back upon the last couple of years, I feel some emptiness as my parents, some of my friends some acquaintances and my pet who have passed away and left vacuum.  I missed on some opportunities in my career, took some wrong decisions by reacting wrongly to some situations in my career, this has led some people reacting badly to me. But I dint stop, moved ahead in life. I moved forward and I continued to grow. I dumped all disappointments behind. You know, writing a resolution does help a lot. Subconsciously your mind keeps reminding about those unfulfilled resolutions. It makes you take some stern, some lenient, some naïve actions, and they are worth it. Life is all about moving ahead, not remaining stagnant.

A New Year tells us to look forward to what we have not seen. It tells us to stop regretting. It makes us leave past in past. Positive things happen in our life when we sensitively distance ourselves from the pessimistic things.  So stop holding on to those grudges, those small and big hurts, and make room for the best things. Welcome the New Year with open arms.

 Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end – Seneca.