Through her reflections, she explores how an unsettled mind can quietly shape emotions, reactions, relationships and even one’s sense of self.

I have been going through conflicts with someone very close to me and I found myself reflecting on one of our arguments. It had been deeply frustrating. My mind simply refused to let go, holding onto every word, every emotion, almost as if winning the argument mattered more than anything else.

I was so consumed by the need to prove a point that I didn’t even notice how emotionally drained I had become. By the end of it, I wasn’t at peace, I was only exhausted.

Later, after the argument had passed, I found myself struggling to quiet my thoughts, trying desperately to calm my mind, even if only for a few moments. It was during that difficult process that I realized something important: the mind, when left unchecked, can slowly turn us into someone we don’t even recognize or want to be.

For me, it often feels like, I am fighting a battle within myself every single day.

As though I step onto a battlefield inside my own mind, only to lose over and over again. I walk away feeling defeated, carrying the weight of emotions I cannot fully understand or control. And somewhere in that struggle, I end up hurting the people I care about the most, while also hurting myself.

Lately, I find myself asking the same question again and again: Am I losing myself?

Our minds carry countless expectations, emotions and unspoken hopes. And when those expectations are left unmet, or emotions remain unresolved, they begin to create an endless ocean of questions within us.

Slowly, those questions transform into confusion, confusion turns into frustration, frustration into anger, and eventually, all that remains is emotional exhaustion. Sometimes, it feels like much of our stress and sadness are born from this very cycle.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering, where feelings like stress, anxiety, and depression truly come from.

Why do so many people seek help to cope with the weights of their own thoughts? Is there a better way to understand and deal with what goes on inside our minds?

The more I reflect on it, the more I realize just how powerful the mind really is. It has the ability to transform the happiest person into someone burdened with sadness, or the calmest soul into someone consumed by anger.

Perhaps this happens when we unknowingly allow our thoughts to take control of us, instead of learning how to guide and understand them.

I have also come to feel that people rarely make poor decisions when they are in a healthy and peaceful state of mind. More often, mistakes happen when emotions become overwhelming, when thoughts grow too loud, and when the mind begins to lead us instead of us leading it.

Lately, I feel like I have been a prisoner of my own mind. Past thoughts and situations have affected me so deeply that I have even lost the minimum patience required to calm my own emotions in my own head. The shift from a chaotic kind of love to a quiet one hasn’t been easy. It is still a struggle. I am still learning how to cope with it.

The mind is so powerful that, it makes us do things we never thought we would do, and only later we realize it. We sometimes forget who we really are; like when a person is drunk, they are not fully aware in the moment, and only after becoming sober, they realize what has happened.

Also, I have noticed another side in myself. When I am simply in the right state of mind, not overthinking, or calm, I feel light and relaxed from within. But when I am angry, upset, emotional, or overthinking, everything feels so heavy and exhausting.

My mind feels like a dark shadow. It is me, but in greyscale. It slowly takes over the peaceful, colourful, happy me. It feels like there are two different people on the battlefield, facing each other every single day.

One of them wants to surrender in the right way, to stay calm, to let go. But the other one is louder. It pulls me back and says, “No, this is who you are.” And that version of me feels more angry, more restless… almost violent. And in the end, I come out as the loser.

I cry myself to sleep some nights, because this journey feels so lonely. Nights feel the heaviest, when there is no one around to distract me from my own thoughts. Sometimes, I push away the most beautiful things in my life, even the most beautiful person by my side. And later, I regret it.

Something happened today. I was sitting in a room, without electricity. No AC, no fan. Just a window, with wind blowing outside. At first, I was feeling very hot and uncomfortable. But then, I slowly sat quietly and continued doing my work. And after some time, I started to feel the wind. Nothing outside had changed.

The wind was always there. This time it hit me. What just happened! Maybe I had tried keeping my mind bit calm and the magic happened. I thought to myself, if I can control my mind a little in this one moment, what if I practice it every day?

Maybe I can become a little more peaceful. Maybe even a little happier. What if life is actually simple, slow, and calm, but it is our mind that makes it complicated?

What if, instead of reacting, we just sit quietly and give our disturbed mind some space? Maybe there is a way through everything. Maybe there is always a solution. We just don’t see it when our mind is restless.

And maybe the real victory in life is learning how to guide our own mind. It isn’t easy. It takes patience, discipline, and time. But it isn’t impossible.

Back then, she was staying in a girls’ PG, with a hall room separated by curtains. The bathroom was bad, the kitchen was bad, but she had no budget to afford a better place. Because of the salary issues at the company, she had already missed paying two months of rent. She had no savings, no backup money and barely enough for food and transportation.

That was all she had. With zero financial knowledge and poor money management, things only became harder. Eventually, the PG owner asked her to leave, basically kicking her out. Namita tried convincing her the previous night, but she did not listen.

She still remembers that day clearly. The next morning, she was standing outside the PG gate with all her luggage. It was not even 7:00 AM. She had no money, no support, and no idea what to do next. She could not tell her family about what had happened.

She remembers how strange that morning felt. Bhubaneswar was just beginning to wake up, people leaving for work, tea stalls opening, traffic slowly building, yet she stood outside the PG gate with nowhere to go.

More than fear, it was the silence that stayed with her. She kept thinking about what to say if someone asked where she was going with all her luggage. For the first time, the city that once felt full of opportunities suddenly felt unfamiliar and distant.

After that, Namita returned home. She told her family about the issues at the company, but never spoke about what had happened at the PG. Looking back, she feels one of the founders sent her one month’s salary only after hearing that she had been asked to leave, otherwise, she believes that money would have never come.

By then, she was already in debt. She had taken personal loans from loan apps just to manage things. She never paid the PG owner back, but with the money she received, she managed to clear all her loan debts from that period.

After months of struggle and uncertainty, things slowly started changing. After waiting for six long months, Namita finally received an offer letter from a Media house. It was a phase of life she knows she will never forget.

In the months that followed, something inside her changed. She became more careful with money, more aware of how quickly stability can disappear, especially in a city where survival often depends on what is in your bank account.

Even today, when life feels stable again, she sometimes remembers that morning outside the PG gate and reminds herself how close she once came to having nothing at all.

Note:
The story above is based on real-life experiences. Certain details and identities have been changed to protect privacy.

With a nervous sign, he went ahead.

“Bhai, my vehicle’s battery has drained out. I was wondering if you could lend a hand to give it a push and help me get it started.”

At first, I assumed he was referring to a two-wheeler—perhaps a bike or scooty—that had lost contact with the ignition. I politely directed him towards a nearby garage, just a hundred meters from where we stood, thinking that would be the most suitable solution.

He indicated toward a car parked at some distance from where we stood. By then, I had finished my chaat and disposed of the plate, while Vinod was still having the last few bites.

Assessing the situation, Vinod suggested the young man to find an additional person to assist me in this process. Pushing a car would likely require more strength than one person could manage alone.

The young man appeared conflicted—caught between urgency and uncertainty—as he turned to look for someone else. We too reiterated the need for another person before stepping in to assist.

He walked away, hesitantly, in search of another helping hand. We assumed he would eventually find someone and manage on his own. A few moments passed as we resumed our conversation.

It was then we noticed a young woman—likely in her late twenties—seated inside the very car he had pointed to, gently holding a small dog in her lap.

While the man wandered outside seeking assistance, she remained in the car, unmoved and disengaged. As she stayed inside, stroking the dog without a glance outside, it felt less like helplessness and more like chosen absence—decorated in calm.

The scene left us with an unsettling sense of silence. While he was urged to find another person to assist, not once did he ask her to step out, nor did she make any effort to offer help or even signal someone. This was no rented cab either. It left us wondering about the unspoken dynamics between them.

The situation began to carry a discomforting undertone, compelling us to quietly withdraw our attention from it. Based on what we observed, we assumed they might be a couple who had unexpectedly run into trouble.

To our surprise, the young man returned about five minutes later, informing us that he had found a nearby security guard who agreed to assist in getting the car started. This time, I decided not to let him return empty-handed.

I walked toward the car alongside the security guard. Just then, the woman stepped out, gently placed the small dog on the ground and let it walk beside her as she closed the car door and moved to a safer spot nearby.

It took us two to three minutes of coordinated effort—while the man remained at the wheel, managing the steering—to get the vehicle moving.

At last, by what felt like a stroke of grace, the engine roared back to life. The man offered a wave of gratitude from the driver’s seat, while the woman stood quietly, still and composed, at a distance.

We left the spot, and she quietly got back into the car. I returned to my place beside Vinod, just as the vehicle rolled past us.

From behind the closed window glass of the car, the girl gave a brief wave—though it seemed more a response to his silent prompting than her own desire!

All the while, a thought appeared in my mind: She sat there throughout—untouched by the urgency around her, holding the dog as if it were a shield from responsibility. Not once did her eyes scan for help, nor did her hands offer to ease the weight of the situation.

Her silence was entitlement, sculpted in stillness. While the man moved door to door seeking strangers, she remained perfectly still, as though discomfort was beneath her dignity.

What kind of world are we living in, where strangers on the street are the ones stepping forward to help, while those closest remain entangled in the calculus of comfort and social image!

P.S

This account reflects a personal incident and the observations it led to. It is not intended to generalize or pass judgment based on gender.

The author believes in equality and shared responsibility and acknowledges that every situation carries nuances we may not fully understand. Our assumptions, however natural in the moment, may not always reflect the complete truth.

To execute one project, it brings many hands together, both inside and outside the organization. There’s rarely anything to take pride or credit about.

We’re often lucky to land at some opportunities, which we can’t justify with best of the best logics, why or how we got that. In fact, the first thing we need to drop in the journey of a founder is “Ego”.

There is no Place for it.

Whatever you call as achievement, is just the accumulation of a little wealth from a set of people (also known as clients or customers) in exchange of certain services rendered.

That too, we need to realize, how timing plays its role. At some days, you hit head to wall, nothing happpens and on other days, lil efforts in right direction churns out magic! Power or Money are just the dots (not even a milestone) in the long journey of someone’s professional career.

We’ve never hesitated to admit the struggle or scars of running a business. People often have the tendency to project themselves as perfect pieces or indulge in self praise or pep talks, to protect their “esteems”. That often comes upto me as shallow and lacking the basis or foundational cores.

In such a junction of life, often I’ve found myself questioning, what is a company even at the first place?

As Per the Indian NCERT book:

A company is a type of business organization created by law, giving it a distinct identity separate from its owners. This means it can own assets, incur debts and enter into contracts on its own.

The owners' responsibility for the company's debts is limited to the amount they've invested. A company continues to exist even if its owners change or pass away, ensuring ongoing operations.

So, does the word “company” refer to the office building where it operates?

Because, people say, My company is located at this X Location! But How’ll you even justify that in a remote work or hybrid world of corporate? Offices are optional!

Work From Home notion for me is like “Serving the nation, From the Comfort of My Cushion!”😃

Can we really say it’s the team members who make the company? At first glance, yes—but when you look closely, it's noted that, both the tech and non tech teams are like ships of thesus. Often 4-5 years later every member of the team has changed.

The Ship of Theseus is a classic philosophical thought experiment where it's questioned, whether an object is the same object after having all of its original components replaced over time, typically one after the other!

It's common for every original member to have moved on, with new individuals taking their places.

So, is it really the Mission, the Vision or simply the Direction that holds the company together?

New faces come in, old ones move on, yet the company name and its goals often remain unchanged. Though the goal might change to adjust in the changing windflows of the market.

It makes you wonder—what truly defines a team’s identity? Is it the individuals within or the culture, the systems and the objectives that continue regardless of who’s present?

Or could we say, companies are just brutal profit making machines, a soulless system with very little actual relevance of a human being?

In an AI first world, that doubt becomes even more prominent, when the companies suddenly move on from their “We are Family” dialogue to “You are lacking the efficiency” momentum!

Honestly, the question “What exactly an organization is?” is a personal curiosity for me, without pin pointing anything as a final conclusion.

Is it about upholding a set of values and serving people, even long after the original founders have left the stage, like we see with many global giants?

Or is it simply a mechanism to maximize profits for those at the top—where it doesn’t matter whether it’s humans or machines doing the work, as long as the outcomes remain in a favorable interest?

In reality, what we call a “career” today is often just a component in someone else’s business model. And the moment the cash flow dries up, that so-called career suddenly loses its glamour. It’s a tough realization—but maybe one that’s necessary to see things clearly.

At times, I’ve felt insecure, jealous—even uncomfortable—watching the professional or financial success of peers walking the same path. I know these are toxic emotions, but I also recognize them as signals of a flawed mindset.

I’ve caught myself indulging in gossip, passing comments, trying to justify my own shortcomings by judging brighter moments in someone else’s journey. Those are the moments when the mind truly slips into darkness.

I haven’t yet fully understood the root of it all. Where does this feeling stem from? Why is it so hard to simply be at ease with myself—to stay grounded, focused on my own work and growth?

Is this constant comparison wired into the framework of how the world operates? Or is it possible to exist beyond it—to find peace in a space that’s not dictated by what others are doing?

When the mind dips into low or negative emotions, it tends to shoot down all the goodness around—finding faults in everything and everyone around. It’s like an attempt to dim the light around me, just because I’m struggling to find my own.

Often, it’s self-pity disguised as ego’s defense mechanism, trying to protect whatever little sense of worth I’m holding onto in that moment. Complex mechanism of human mind!

The 15th century Indian Saint Kabir had put it well:

बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय

जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।

The above Hindi couplet translates to: “As I set out to find the wicked, I found none. When I examined my own heart, I found no one worse than myself."

Often, when we search for flaws in others, we come up empty-handed—only to find, through introspection, that the real work lies within. It’s a reminder to shift the lens inward, to grow, rather than judge.

There have been days when I’ve lost sight, run out of energy and rested in the backseat of this vehicle we call a startup.

On those days, Manas has taken the steering wheel—doing everything he could to keep it moving forward. And on some other days, it’s been the other way around. That’s the rhythm of shared journeys—taking turns when the road gets heavy.

Internally, we lightheartedly refer to a state of mind as “Kubera Mode.”

In Hindu mythology, Kubera—also known as Dhanpati, the Lord of Wealth—is the treasurer of the gods, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Founders, at times, slip into this Kubera Mode, where spending flows like there’s no tomorrow—lavish, unchecked and disconnected from the ground realities.

From what we’ve seen, that’s a dangerous drift—a clear deviation from the fundamentals. Businesses are built on profit, driven by hardcore sales, execution and a repeat of all the processes around.

That truth doesn’t change, no matter wherever in the world you choose to operate. It’s crucial to respect the currency of the market—to treat it with clarity and discipline, else history has shown the stars falling from the sky!

Over the past three years, our journey has been filled with diverse experiences, but one constant has been the unwavering support of our incubation manager.

This letter is a tribute to Sri Santosh Rath, Project Assistant at CIPET: SARP-LARPM, for his invaluable guidance throughout our incubation. As he moves on to the next phase of his career, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate his contributions to our startup journey.

Dear Santosh Sir,

We view your departure from the incubation center as a personal setback for us at Movsta. We still vividly remember that it’s our very first office space since January 1, 2022 and you’ve been a constant presence from then until now with us.

Amidst the tough and unpredictable landscape of the business world, getting along with you has been a source of comfort for us.

You’ve truly supported and assisted us in every way imaginable, allowing us to focus on building the business. We’ve gone through all levels of conflicts in our journey, at the level of executives, business dealing, financial challenges and a long period of No Sales.

In fact, we’ve suffered countless times the burden of delayed payments of the office rents.

But how could we ever forget your role during those times? You consistently stepped in, shielding us from the pressure of deadlines and easing our burdens when we needed it the most. Thank You, Sir!

We clearly remember how you supported us by suggesting to opt for the subsidized incubation, helping to ease our financial burden in a great way possible. We truly appreciate that, Sir!

You introduced us to key people and took us to various meetings to position our products. Thanks to your direct support, we had the opportunity to organize multiple events at Innovex in our early years.

And that’s why, when we recently completed two of our Space Camp projects, you were the first person we visited to share our gratitude and joy, along with the tokens handpicked from Moscow.

You’ve always fought for startups and that’s why, startups are gonna remember you in good terms, even if your tenure reached a halt here. We look forward to hearing about your next endeavor and finding new ways to collaborate.

You’ve surprisingly gone above and beyond in your understanding of the startup ecosystem and those knowledge and contacts will help you shine in the years ahead, no matter whichever professional route you prefer now onwards.

Above all, thank you for bringing Satya Sir to the incubation center, whose insights have given us new perspectives on both our lives and careers.

You have been a pillar of our journey and we truly appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Wishing you great success in the years ahead.

With best wishes,

Sourav & Manas

It had been quite a while since I left the place, though I occasionally returned to catch up with some good old friends.

Initially, we had only planned to visit a junior colleague at the hostel and return, but on our way back, we chose to stay longer. My co-founder Manas and I decided to meet some senior staff members on the campus.

We asked the driver to wait in the parking area while we proceeded toward the premises.

We respectfully greeted both staff members present over there by touching their feet, following our cultural tradition. They warmly inquired about our well-being and expressed their joy seeing us back on the campus after so many years.

One of them soon had to leave to attend to some work, while we stayed back with the other.

With his signature cunning smile, he looked at me and asked, “So, Sourav! What’s the value of your company’s share?” I was momentarily taken aback, initially assuming it was just a light humor, given that he was aware of our business venture.

I humbly replied, “Sir, we haven’t gone for an IPO yet, so there isn’t much to discuss on that front.” He didn’t seem too convinced. Instead, he pressed further, asking, “Then tell me about your net worth!”

For a moment, I wondered—are we some Tata or Birla to have a net worth, even worth discussing? We were just two founders who had started seeing some light after relentless struggles in our startup journey. Manas and I exchanged a brief smile but chose not to respond.

He didn’t stop there. Taking it a step further, he asked, “So, what’s your turnover for the FY 2024-25?”

At that moment, we realized—this entire conversation was just his way of figuring out how much we were earning. Fair enough!

That’s probably the first thing you’d ask a pair of your old students! No hard feelings—it’s the Shark Tank inspired generation, after all!

Manas quoted a number to give a sense of our financial standing. Without missing a beat, he immediately responded, “Oh! That’s really Low, boys!”

He then went on to mention a few names from our circle who were doing significantly better in terms of numbers—the names we were already well aware of.

After all, we were there for a casual conversation, not for a discussion on investment strategies. We explained about our recent projects to give him an impression of our growth story, but that seemed to fall short in front of his ambitious talks!

What surprised us even more was that he had personally visited the offices of those founders he mentioned and still maintained close ties with them to serve his own interests. Clearly, we weren’t part of that club.

As he continued talking about their ongoing projects, I couldn’t help but wonder—was he flaunting his corporate connections or subtly trying to undermine us?

Just then, a junior student approached him. He took the opportunity to introduce us, and out of nowhere, he insisted that we arrange an internship for the student. A few minutes ago, we weren’t even in his league, and now we were suddenly his go-to recruiters? The irony was almost amusing!

Manas suggested a few companies where the student could apply, but before he could finish, the staff member cut him off and demanded that we secure the internship within the next 2-3 days. He was trying to check on our capabilities.

It was clear he had preconceived notions about us—assuming we made big promises but never followed through. This whole interaction felt shockingly unprofessional, making me realize why so many alumni never bothered looking back at the campus!

In front of the junior, he casually brought up some uncomfortable matters about one of our business colleagues who wasn’t even present that day. Surprised, I asked how he knew about those happenings. With an evil smile again, he went on saying, he keeps an eye on everything—almost as if it were his official duties!

He then started probing into our personal backgrounds, trying to piece together connections he could potentially hook upto. He even asked about our office rent and the other advantages we had—none of which seemed remotely relevant to him.

Soon, he began sharing some of his own startup ideas for building a brand, though they weren’t even worth mentioning here. As I had said before, it’s a Shark Tank-inspired generation—where many are mere commentators in the startup world.

They’ve never played a single over on the ground, yet they act like they know it all—thanks to the endless theoretical knowledge they absorb from the internet!

As founders, we always welcome constructive criticism and new ideas—but they need to be delivered with dignity. Otherwise, what’s the point of being part of a civilized society? Criticizing is the easiest thing to do, but if he was genuinely concerned, he could have gone a step further—offering solutions or sharing useful contacts.

Instead, it felt like he was either expecting some kind of loyalty from us or simply trying to exert a bit of dominance. Nevertheless the tough waters of corporate have made us strong enough to stand through these anyday.

We had no idea that the joyful steps we had taken forward in the campus would lead us straight into trouble, where we’d be put through intense grilling. Honestly, we weren’t prepared for it—especially as two business professionals who had set aside the load of their corporate roles to reconnect as normal old students.

That was quite disturbing. It took me nearly three hours to wipe off the negativity of that toxic conversation.

We’ve always believed to Win in the Market & nowhere else. Answering people outside of marketplace is a waste of time.

This episode is just another passing chapter in our journey, soon to fade away like countless others before it!

A handful of people are taking the risk of entrepreneurship and that needs to be backed with care, instead of getting bullied by the powerhouses. Nobody is expecting grand applauses, but a basic societal acceptance would go a long way!

It was a Sunday—typically reserved for rest—but this one was different. I don’t often visit the office on weekends unless duty demands so. This time, it did.

We were deep into a high-stakes project, one that demanded more responsibility and focus than any assignment we had undertaken before.

With little appetite and a packed schedule, lunch was just a quick glass of lemon juice. We got back to work immediately, fully focused as the tasks kept piling up.

By evening, around 7:30 PM, we concluded the day’s objectives. With a bit of time in hand, we headed to a nearby electronics store. The goal was simple: to purchase a smartphone and a tablet for the team’s growing work requirements.

The store had two distinct sections—an open lobby displaying a wide range of devices and a narrower passage leading to an extended area with more products arranged near a reception counter.

We spent around 15–20 minutes selecting a suitable tablet for official use. While the paperwork was being processed, we also browsed through a few mobile phone options to pick a reliable device for our sales team’s calling requirements.

Shortly after entering the store, I began to feel a mild headache creeping in. I dismissed it at first, thinking it might be due to fatigue, the weather, or simply because I hadn’t eaten properly all day.

However, the discomfort gradually intensified. The closed, confined space inside the store added to my unease. As Manas handled the discussions and negotiated offers, I began pacing slowly around the store, trying to stay composed and manage the growing discomfort.

I started feeling a need for some fresh air, so made some hard steps to come to the lobby. The heavy bag on my shoulders however, acting as an added load to my already burdened mind & body.

Gathering some strength, I stepped back inside briefly to complete the payment. But I could sense something was off. I couldn’t stay any longer and quickly made my way out. Manas had just finished packing the devices and began following me.

As I stepped outside the store, my energy levels dropped drastically. The shop was on the first floor, and I had about 20–30 stairs ahead. Barely 10 steps in, I felt my body giving up—almost on the verge of fainting.

My vision blurred into darkness, and with no strength left to continue, I sat down on the stairs, holding my head. The headache had now become overwhelming—deep, piercing, and almost paralyzing. I was completely drained, unable to stand, and visibly struggling.

Manas quickly sensed something was wrong. Alarmed by the sudden shift, he rushed over and sat beside me, visibly concerned. With immediate worry, he asked, “Should I call an ambulance?”

That question struck me— I could hardly process it. Just half an hour earlier, we were browsing new gadgets, and now we were considering emergency help. It was already 10 PM at night & we were on the streets of Bhubaneswar.

Out of instinctive hesitation— and perhaps fear— I declined. The thought of an ambulance and hospital brought along a wave of overthinking and discomfort. He then asked me to guide him through the route back home, as he wasn’t familiar with the streets. I insisted I’d be fine and even tried to pull myself together—walking down and attempting to unlock the scooty.

But the moment I reached it, I felt completely disoriented again. I couldn’t even figure out the lock and key. The headache had grown unbearable. I walked back to the stairs and sat down once more.

Realizing I couldn't push further, I asked Manas to take over. He immediately helped. Placing the bag on the front shelf, he held the scooty steady while I got on, doing my best to stay composed.

Sitting on the back seat, the ride felt intense—one of those moments I won’t forget. Even now, thinking about it gives me goosebumps. After riding for about a kilometer, the fresh air hit my face, and I felt a slight sense of relief, though the pain was still strong.

Before heading home, we made a brief stop at a local food point for a quick dinner. While food was ordered for both of us, I could barely manage more than a few bites & a glass of Coke. I applied some balm on my forehead, hoping for even a hint of relief.

Soon after, I rushed to the basin and vomited. It hit me then—my negligence toward proper meals, combined with the mounting stress, had taken a real toll. A few bites of food helped ease the discomfort slightly, bringing some stability to my system.

Thankfully, we made it home safely. Out of fear and not wanting to cause unnecessary worry, we chose not to inform the family at that time. I'm deeply grateful for Manas’ presence and the timely support that helped me bounce back. By the next day, I had regained enough strength to return to work and resume my responsibilities.

That night was a quiet reminder of how fragile the human body can be when stretched beyond its limits—and how easily we ignore its signals in the name of duty, deadlines, and discipline. It wasn’t just about physical exhaustion; it was a culmination of long days, skipped meals, and mental fatigue that finally demanded to be heard.

Looking back, it wasn’t just a health scare. It was a wake-up call—a moment that urged me to pause, to listen, and to recalibrate.

Sometimes, strength isn’t just about pushing through. It’s also about knowing when to step back, breathe, and take care of yourself!

We had even used their services during the SUIIT college festivals in 2019. So choosing them now for our business needs felt like a natural progression.

The floor manager, responsible for operations, welcomed me to the workspace.

I was amazed by the array of machinery and the artisanship on display with hundreds of women diligently working at their stitching🧵 machines.

I paused to take it all in; the bright lights made the experience even better. I saw vibrant activity across the massive facility, with machines, cutting tables and quality check areas.

This govt-backed center enables the team to focus on creativity without the burden of seeking other external assistance. 💼

They receive training for their workers, assistance with design development and opportunities to showcase their creations at various fashion exhibitions. 👗

I entered a room to select the material we needed. 🧶 They displayed sample materials of their past or current ongoing customers which offered me a proper look and feel.

I settled on a white cotton fabric and shared my design file with the manager for his feedback.

After discussing for about 10-15 minutes, we agreed on the material, A3 printing, quantity and the DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing 🖨️method.

This technique delivers high-resolution prints with vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for intricate designs that require color grading or multiple hues.

These centers also have an impact on local communities, as each entrepreneur trains and employs workers from the nearby areas.

By creating jobs and sharing skills, these centers contribute to building stronger communities and laying the groundwork for the next generation of leaders in the textile industry.

After making the advance payment, I left the facility, taking some time to reflect on the experience.

✨ Visiting places like this is inspiring, so I made sure to capture📸 the moment with my phone.

I shared them with some colleagues to discuss my observations.

It would have been a mistake to miss out on this experience, if I had simply placed an order online, even though the facility is at a nearby distance!

The world🌍 exists offline, through what we see with the eyes! The bigger, the better. 🌟

P.S

This is NOT a sponsored post—I just genuinely enjoyed the experience and wanted to share it .

I had left my job with some savings, but as the company's finances dwindled, so did our confidence.

How we survived those nights is something tough to explain. The pain of feeling lost and delusional is just something else.😔

It didn’t take long for me to see the real faces of people and realize that their association with us often hinged on their own interests. Once those interests weren’t met, isolation was inevitable.

We were left with many unsettled dues. After that we hadn't hired anyone, other than we both co-founders (Me & Manas) and occasional ad hoc based association with consultants. The major financial repercussions had affected our lives & mental health in many ways.

That’s why struggling days are Special, in their own ways! You’re not bothered by anybody. Parties don’t lure you, social gatherings are the things you choose not to be a part of and on a shoe-string budget, travel becomes a matter of low priority.

Every morning is a call of duty to rise up to the occasion and try defeating anxiety one more time!🌅

In those days, a minimal life gets prioritized, whereas complaints & tantrums take a backseat. People mostly ignore & a few close friends and family back us as a defense.💪

Weeks & months pass in handling humiliations and a great dose of patience is expected in waiting for a breakthrough. On days of struggle, we’re forced to forget all our past achievements and let go of the ego.

I once reached out to a highly influential figure in the Bangalore startup circuit with the following message:

Hi Dear [Name-retracted]!

I’d like to share a brief experience with you. For the past two years, I’ve been working on building a business in the education space, based in Bhubaneswar.

It has been a challenging journey and now we are in the process of pivoting and restructuring. I realize it may feel unusual hearing this from someone you don't know personally.

The only connection I have with you comes from following your podcasts and blogs online.

Despite facing setbacks, I find myself driven by an even greater desire to create and build, yet this drive has also left me feeling uncertain and somewhat lost.

I’ve made the decision to focus on learning how to build products from the ground up, relearn the fundamentals of business, and find a clear direction for both myself and the company. 🚀

With that in mind, I wanted to ask if it might be possible to seek your mentorship. I understand this is a significant request, and while I may not be in a position to compensate you for your time, I am more than willing to offer something in exchange for your guidance.

Please let me know if this is something you would consider. Thank you for your time.🙏

Regards,

Sourav

Response I received:

This is perfectly normal, Sourav. Most businesses and projects face failure—99% of them don’t make it. The successful ones we see are often just the rare few that managed to survive.💡

As long as you're passionate and have the energy, you can continue experimenting and pushing forward. Unfortunately, my schedule is completely full, seven days a week.

While I can exchange emails 📩with you occasionally, I'm unable to commit any additional time at the moment.

My Response Back:

Absolutely fine, Dear [Name-retracted]!

I'd work on my core business strengths. Thanks for putting out good contents online at times, that helps.

In fact, I’ve gone to the extent of seeking apology from my earlier bosses at work, when I realized how difficult their jobs were! I assumed that was easy, till I actually appeared at their place!

The journey appears lonely at times, because everyone around me is either a commercial person or a professional colleague in a certain capacity in a different organization.

I don’t miss the past, but the challenges of identity crisis are behind me. I've come to terms with the realities of the path I’ve chosen.🛤️

I used to feel a sense of frustration about not having any in-person employees at the office, even though we operate with a small virtual team of mostly interns. It bothered me a lot in the past.

I’d look around and see other startups enjoying team lunches, celebrating festivals together, taking group photos, cutting cakes, and more. Meanwhile, I’d be sitting alone in my cabin, coordinating everything remotely. 📸

My perception shifted recently when I started paying closer attention. To my surprise, I realized my cabin is rarely empty! What I once saw as a weakness has actually turned out to be my strength.

Despite often being alone, I regularly get visits from other founders in the building who come by to share their emotions, thoughts, struggles and vulnerabilities.

Some have eventually become my mentors, while others simply share their business journey & challenges. I’ve gained valuable insights into deals, clients, meetings, rejections, employee management and more.

Early-phase founders need each other's support, much like struggling actors on the streets of Mumbai who are waiting for their big break.

During this pivotal time, a place like an incubation center or coworking space becomes a hub for networking, encouragement, and growth, helping them advance to the next phase of their journey.

At times, I see this phase as the Universe's way of training me, guiding me through these different scenarios.🤝

I feel fortunate that people trust me with their stories, reinforcing my belief in the power of silence.

It gets so easy to walk upto anyone or invite for a conversation, irrespective of their domain and get sneak into their world.

I also get visits from employees and colleagues of other companies, who share their own challenges.🗣️

These conversations keep me updated on how company decisions affect employees' lives and how empathy plays a crucial role in managing workload, holidays, remote work and pressure situations. Sometimes, it feels like they’re my extended work colleagues, just on a different company's payroll!

From the outside, it might seem strange—being a founder with no in-person team to lead. But I view this as a unique business scenario that I embrace with humility. Of course, there are moments when I feel lonely and I’ve written before about the darker side of a fully remote work culture.

Sometimes I encounter harsh criticisms and find myself unable to respond effectively in the moment. During these times, I deeply miss having someone to talk to right in front of me.😔

The earnings have been minimal, but the lessons have been profound. We've faced delusions, wrong directions and even financial challenges along the way. 📉

Sometimes, I find myself staring out of my glass door, wondering when something similar—like those team gatherings I often see—will happen in my life.

But it’s all a matter of time—you never know! 😊

With Nikhil's quirky music choices and his skilled, fast-paced driving, we managed to cover the distance in much less time than expected.

In the evening, I requested Sandeep to take me through our old school, childhood homes, and the familiar places in the city where we had spent about seven years during my early years.

As part of a personal ritual, I always make it a point to revisit places where we once lived, studied or spent meaningful time.

It keeps me grounded, reminding me that we found happiness even with limited resources. It’s a way of reflecting on how far we’ve come—a reason to celebrate and be grateful!

The cherry on top was reconnecting with Sandeep’s parents, whom I've personally known for over past two decades. Meeting them felt like a true homecoming experience!

Meanwhile Vidya, another school friend of mine, has her house about 3-4 kilometers away from where I was staying. She was away in Bangalore pursuing an IT job with a top MNC at the time.

Since I was in town, I decided to visit her family. Additionally, her elder brother had recently welcomed a baby girl, about three months ago, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to drop by and congratulate them!

I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to visit, especially since Vidya was away and I had only met her family once or twice before. However, after exchanging some texts with Vidya, she encouraged me to go ahead with my plan.

Given that it was Nuakhai, a major Sambalpuri festival in Western Odisha celebrating the new harvest, she suggested I wait until morning to confirm if everyone was at home.

The festival, meaning 'new eating,' involves worshipping new crops and sharing the first rice with family.

Somehow, next day in the morning, Vidya gave me the green signal to visit her home around 11 AM and also shared her mom’s mobile number.

The next challenge was figuring out the logistics, as there were no easy communication options or local cab services from where I was staying to her place.

This is when Nikhil stepped in! He had called earlier to invite us for Ganesh Puja Pandal hopping in his area and offered to pick us up from home. I took this opportunity to suggest that he drop me off at Vidya’s place for a while.

I then called Vidya's mom, introduced myself and she extended a warm invitation, as Vidya had already informed her about my visit. I was still wondering what I would talk about when I met them.

Nikhil arrived promptly with his car to pick up me and Sandeep as promised. Even though my mom had suggested bringing a dress set for the 3-month-old baby girl, but due to time constraints, I could only manage to get a few boxes of sweets from a popular snack shop.

When we reached Vidya’s neighborhood, I invited Nikhil and Sandeep to join me, but they hesitated.

Nevertheless, that wasn’t going to stop me from proceeding with my visit! They headed out for pandal hopping nearby and asked me to call them when I was finished with my visit.

For the next half an hour, I found myself in a new territory. It was a unique experience meeting a friend’s family in their home while the friend was away for work in a different city.

The icebreaker, however, was their 3-month-old baby girl, who became the center of our conversation. I managed to connect easily, drawing parallels with the little one in our nearby families and leveraging the familiarity I had from past connections.

We added Vidya to the video call, and she became a key part of the conversation, helping with my introduction. Later, her family kindly offered me snacks, though I was already full from breakfast and could barely eat.

The family's humor, situational awareness, and warm hospitality truly made my day. This spontaneous visit, which wasn't even part of my original plan, turned out to be the highlight of my trip.

As I left with a smile and an invitation to return, I couldn’t help but thank the universe for giving me the confidence to show up unexpectedly, share some joy, and leave with a heart full of gratitude.

After bidding a respectful farewell, I called Sandeep to come pick me up. We visited a few pandals and also stopped by Nikhil’s family.

From there, we headed back to Sandeep’s home for lunch, picking up his younger brother along the way. He was a third-year medical student returning home to join in the festive celebrations.

As the evening arrived, it was time for me to pack up. My bus back home was met with a delightful send-off from 7-8 batchmates and Sandeep’s family at the bus stand. This unexpected and heartwarming gesture filled me with gratitude.

Life is so random yet beautifully surprising! What could have been a mundane week turned into an incredibly memorable six days, even if a bit sleep-deprived, full of meaningful experiences.

This trip was a surreal experience, leaving me with only gratitude to express. Though it was a plan I had in mind for a long time, it took its own course to come to fruition.

Thanks to the generous hosting of so many people, I managed to experience it all on a tight budget, which is especially important to me at this stage of life.

Throughout my journey across four districts, I encountered multiple families and friends, from childhood acquaintances to those who recently shared the same classroom.

In between I've received calls from many well wishes from the same floor our office is, to enquire if I'm doing well healthwise, for my continued absence throughout the week. I’m thankful to them & my family for their continued trust and support!

There are moments in life when you pause and wonder, "How did this even happen?" That’s possibly the Magic of the Universe! #Gratitude

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.

Oh wait! What did I just see? The train tickets were sold out! I really didn’t want to take multiple buses to reach my destination.

I called Sandeep to share my frustration and told him I was considering heading back to Bhubaneswar, my hometown, instead of continuing the trip. But wait—thanks to his intervention, I decided to book a general berth ticket through the UTS app and started packing my bag!

After some final chit-chat and a light breakfast, Nishant drove me to the station in his car. Despite my repeated suggestions, he insisted on staying with me until the train arrived.

When it finally did, I had just two minutes to find my berth and, in the rush, I accidentally boarded in the reserved chair car coach, instead of the general unreserved one. Luckily, with the train being less crowded and some help from a kind young man, I decided to stay in that coach.

After a nearly two-hour journey, I finally arrived at the Balangir Junction. A part of the station was under construction, creating a narrow, slow-moving queue to get anywhere. It took me quite some time to find the exit route.

Balangir is a well-planned township and a cultural hub of Western Odisha, renowned for its Kosali tribe’s folk art and dance.

It’s famous for its pleasant climate, historic temples, parks, picnic spots, old buildings and the iconic Sambalpuri cotton fabric.

Sandeep was waiting outside the railway station in a car. Navigating through the crowd, he quickly made his way towards the home of our mutual friend Mahima, who is also a veterinary doctor, where we had our lunch plans scheduled.

Mahima is well-known for her sharp intellect in treating pet dogs. She often offers free consultations to her veterinary colleagues, who depend on her expertise when heading out for field practice. I jokingly refer to her as the Veterinary Wikipedia!

She treated us to a sumptuous prawn meal, which was so hearty that it kept me full well across the evening.

We then explored the city before arriving at Sandeep's place, where he lives with Nikhil, another schoolmate I hadn’t seen in years.

The three of us planned an outing in his car, joined by Mahima and enjoyed a delicious mutton meal at a local food spot. The day wrapped up with plenty of conversation, catching up on each other's professional and personal interests.

The following day, Sandeep received a call from a Labrador dog owner seeking treatment and I decided to accompany him to the patient's home.

We picked up the necessary medicines and injections for the dog, who had developed abnormal tissue on his leg and was having trouble walking. A face mask was put on the dog to ensure everyone's safety.

While observing the dog's owners, I noticed their hopeful expressions. All of them were older than Sandeep and listened attentively as he explained the treatment process.

I felt a sense of pride seeing how far Sandeep has come, earning trust and respect for his expertise. It was truly something to be proud of! We left with a treatment plan and prescription for the pet owner to follow.

On our way back home, we stopped to visit a friend who was recovering from a recent car accident.

We brought along some Chaul Bara, the crispy fritters made from par-boiled rice, served in a green leafy bowl with tangy tomato chutney, as a treat for him.

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.

Janvi, a former engineering batchmate, has achieved remarkable success and is now returning to our alma mater in this esteemed position!

She had joined just a month ago, and coincidentally, the week I was in town was also having the Teachers' Day ahead!

During her time with us in at college, she had no idea that one day she would be sitting alongside the very teachers she once reported to, sharing the same level of responsibility!

Just two years ago, I visited the campus for a speaking engagement and she was pursuing her Master's at the time.

Time has a funny way of bringing things full circle. Here I am again, and this time, she’s back too—only now, with a whole new vibe.

Her attitude is transformed, she’s more responsible, deeply committed to her work, and her sense of humor has sharpened.

Around 1 PM, after her classes had ended, she called me to get ready for the lunch. We decided on a nearby vegetarian restaurant by Hirakud Railway Station.

She opened up about the challenges she had to navigate, especially facing all the uncertainties while everyone else around her was caught up in the mad rush to become a software engineer.

She shared how her best friend Sneha, from engineering, almost disappeared from her life after getting placed, leaving her behind as she continued her higher studies.

With a heavy heart, she shared a past scenario, when the city was experiencing a severe power shortage. So she called a support number to report the issue.

To her surprise, the voice on the other end was familiar—it was her! “Sneha! Is that you?” she asked sharply.

Without hesitation, Sneha ended the call, because she had joined that company and thought of keeping that information hidden from her best friend!

Determined, Janvi called again, but this time the call was answered by someone else. She tried to inquire about Sneha, but the person on the other end seemed uneasy and appeared to be hiding behind the system.

Time has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities. You need to wait for that!

Anyway, our conversation over lunch went on for nearly an hour. She addressed both of our curious questions about her career choice, explaining how she manages her college duties, balances her family priorities along with her ongoing PhD in a nearby University.

Our lunch hangout eventually extended to another chai session back at the university campus! It was the place where we all had countless memories.

Due to lack of time in hand, I couldn’t visit the academic building to meet the professors. However, as I was passing by on my scooty, I happened to encounter a few professors and some even stopped for a chat.

Later on the evening was spent in deep, meaningful conversations with Nishant’s parents and his grandmother.

I never imagined I’d connect with them so thoroughly, discussing everything from important life matters to their personal journeys.

This experience gave me a real boost of confidence in engaging with people of all ages. Everyone has a story to share. We just need to be attentive listeners.

This trip allowed me to do just that—leaving behind the weight of my corporate life, shedding self-importance and simply listening. It’s the highest form of respect we can offer to anyone.

Before heading to bed that night, I made sure to send my Teachers' Day wishes to all my teachers, from school to university, as the special day was just around the corner in the next morning.

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.

As a software developer immersed in the digital world, this contrasting passion makes him truly unique.

He suggested visiting Hotapal, a small earthen dam nestled among hills, known for its stunning landscape and serene atmosphere, ideal for picnics and camping. We planned to go early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the mountains.

We woke up as early as 4:00 AM to travel nearly 50 km for the sunrise—proof of how passionate we were! Along the way, we were joined by Ranjan, a 26-year-old photographer who was a mutual friend and had accompanied us on previous treks.

Beyond his profession, he's a true adventurer, often wandering through jungles alone, finding his way to hilltops by following waterfalls.

He doesn’t need Google Maps to navigate the wilderness, relying instead on his sharp instincts to read the terrain.

The two bikes, carrying three of us, sped through the rugged jungle paths, our eyes fixed on the sun's movement. After a long ride, we finally arrived at the destination.

The moments before sunrise are quite dramatic, with nature moving at its own slow pace. A few beams of sunlight break through first, like rays from a projector streaming between the hills.

Then the birds begin to stir and more sunrays follow, until finally, the it rises higher, making its presence unmistakably clear—announcing that the Sun has arrived!

You might wonder, what's so special about a sunrise? Ask those who are deeply in love with every movement of nature. They’d go to any length, crossing distances and overcoming hurdles, just to witness that one moment.

While I found myself feeling a bit out of place, unable to match the passion the other two brought to the experience, I still had great respect for them.

Their ability to notice the subtle details that most would overlook was truly admirable. We returned with some memorable clicks and a hope to reunite again for a different adventure!

The Evening🌙in Sambalpur

In the evening, we headed to our next stop—chai at Manoj’s house & made our way to a popular momo shop, before proceeding to explore the Magnum Opus Samaleswari Parikrama Project.

This 16th-century Samaleswari Temple, located on the banks of the Mahanadi and the chief deity of western Odisha, has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The project spans 39 acres and includes a 1km heritage corridor, heritage gates, improved access to the temple, and modern amenities for pilgrims. The development of the Mahanadi riverfront is also part of the project.

The initiative aims to provide devotees and visitors with an experience of peace and divine bliss, while also boosting regional tourism and the economy.

The upgraded ghat enables thousands of devotees to gather and witness the Mahanadi Alati.

This landmark has held a special place in our hearts since childhood, and seeing its grand transformation has been deeply moving.

I could hardly believe how the power of lighting and architecture could completely change a place—it felt like pure magic!

By around 9 PM, and with our base being 20 kilometers from there, we didn’t have much time to spend there. After enjoying a brief visit, we headed back home.

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.

I booked a bus ticket from Bhubaneswar to Burla, with just a backpack and the idea of returning in a few days.

There was no specific agenda—no meetings or mission to complete. I even left my laptop behind, simply planning to spend some time with the people around me. That’s it.

The journey from home began with a bike taxi picking me up for the bus stand. The 30-minute ride was filled with his stories and my engaged listening.

He was in his mid-30s, using these bike rides to support his family, which included his wife, parents and a brother with whom he has a strained relationship, despite having helped him set up a shop.

He was also burdened by loans accumulated over time to cover various family expenses, such as his sister’s marriage. Along the way, he offered me a taste of homemade cookies his wife bakes and sells at local outlets for some extra income.

This made me pause and reflect on the wealth inequalities in our society. While I was setting off on a trip to meet friends and enjoy myself, there are others who are struggling even just to make the ends meet!😔

Somehow, I boarded the bus, had my ticket checked and waited for the departure from the newly inaugurated Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal.

I couldn’t help but be awestruck by the impressive design of the this high-tech bus stand in Bhubaneswar.

The journey followed its usual route of over 280 KM. This time, however, I experienced a heightened fear of speed. Since my past scooty accident, I had grown accustomed to traveling at a much slower pace.

Throughout the night, I was grappled with anxious thoughts about various scenarios. While this may sound pessimistic, it was beyond my control. Thankfully, nothing of the sort occurred!🙏

The bus reached Burla early in the morning around 6:30 AM. I chose to offboard at the Jyoti Vihar bus stop, as I used to do back when I lived in the hostel 4 years ago!

This time, however, I was picked up by Nishant, my engineering batchmate who had been remotely serving for a US based organization. I was scheduled to stay at his home for the next few days.

The 1.5 km ride through the lush green campus was filled with nostalgic memories from the past. However, my anxiety resurfaced when Nishant accelerated his bike.

Despite my worries, it was a short distance and we arrived before I had a chance to dwell on any second thought!

Nishant’s home always reminds me of my own place, having visited frequently during my engineering days & later as well. The day began with a Gujarati breakfast at their house.

As I settled in, I noticed a copy of Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda on his bookshelf. Just 2-3 days earlier, this book had been at the top of my reading wishlist and now it was right in front of me! I made sure to borrow it from him for a few weeks.

The day before, we had received an invitation from Lokesh, a mutual friend from engineering, to attend a commemoration ritual of one of his closest relatives.

The event was scheduled in Jharsuguda, Located about 80 KM from our place, a city known for its industrial base, driven by coal mining and large-scale industries, which fuel its economic growth and make it one of the most urbanized regions in Odisha.

I set off around 10 AM with Nishant on the driving seat of the car, accompanied with soothing music and plenty of conversations.

I texted my chai canteen colleagues from the engineering times, mentioning that I wished they could have been here too. However, being a Monday, they were busy in the metro cities, attending their morning standup calls & project updates!

Nevertheless, you'll know you've reached Jharsuguda the moment you see a long convoy of loaded trucks passing by and a plume of smoke rising from the industrial plants!

You can’t afford to travel without a mask, if you opted for a 2-wheeler, though we were safely enclosed inside Nishant's car.

Guided by Google Map's accurate verdicts, the vehicle stopped near a high school, where we had to take a narrow lane to reach Lokesh's home.

He comes from a joint family, bound by shared love and emotion and over time, they've become our extended family too. We proceeded to seek the blessings of the elders by touching their feet.

Lokesh took us on a tour of his village, particularly to the large pond side, where we had many conversations in the past. Along the way, we encountered several familiar faces from his circle.

We received a warm welcome and offered our prayers in honor of the departed soul. Afterwards, we were escorted to a community center where lunch had been arranged for the guests.

With our schedule being a bit tight, we headed for home, with a final conversation with all.

The evening was packed with a ride with Manoj, another localite batchmate, to the Hirakud Right Dyke, a critical component of the Hirakud Dam, extending along the right bank of the Mahanadi River.

It helps in flood control and irrigation by retaining water and preventing river overflow.

This would be incomplete without mentioning our final stop for dinner at Bedi Dhaba, a nostalgic must-visit for anyone who has been to Burla or studied at its campuses. The mutton and chicken dishes, cooked to perfection, are simply irresistible!

P.S

Though this is inspired by a real-life story, due care is exercised by modifying the names, details & incidents to protect privacy.

There are days, when we fight like hell and there are days when time flies by unnoticed being involved at 🔥work. Even though we might have never ending ideological differences, we align well on professional interests.

Throughout this journey, I've witnessed his transformation from a self-centered individual into someone humble and deeply attuned to the importance of mental health, family life and faith🌱 in God.

Two people, separated by over 250 kilometers, hitting rejections on regular basis, still staying in the game with a hope to bounce back!💪

The following song gives me strength whenever I get through challenges and couldn’t arrive at any decision. Time (समय) actually plays it all, we’re just spectators!

I see these as ambitions, not just any random efforts. Time⏰ has taught the value of maintaining human relationships when the chips are down, valuing people as people regardless of their positions and having a quintillion of patience to live through those uncertainties.

Whenever I get a call with updates, that fuels me to keep going & working without running out of energy!⚡

I want to emphasize again: these are 🌟ambitions, not just random acts. They've recharged the hope that we both lost at different points along this journey and for that, we can only be thankful.

This journey has introduced us to a supportive group of staffs who placed their trust upon us and wholeheartedly contributed to our works. Also, We can’t forget the kind lenders, CIPET authorities and our CA and CS, who recognized our struggles and graciously❤️ gave us more time.

While we've encountered some toxic experiences along the way, we’re gradually moving past them. Like everything in life, this too shall pass!

There were times when I sat alone in that office, filled with self-doubt and shame, questioning why we were going through so much—why we were facing so many challenges. I would ask myself, "What did we do wrong?"🤔

Was it possible to handle crisis differently in the past? Probably yes! But our egos might not have allowed it back then. However, over time, we've grown stronger, learning to stand firm through it all, and that’s enough.

Someone outside can only imagine the stress and challenges founders face daily just to keep the customers' trust intact—no easy🏗️ task. We have the patience to listen to anything that aligns with our shared goals.

We've often lost self-confidence when things take a long time and commitments are missed. The ego one develops in a job gets severely challenged and ultimately eradicated when walking this path.

This journey has taught me to appreciate people from all walks of life. Despite the uncertainties, the beauty of it lies in meeting some truly amazing individuals, each influential in their own ways. I could never have imagined this in my previous role.

Check this following podcast, which I found a relatable masterclass on the dark side of being a founder.

By the way, who isn't in trouble? Who isn't in pain? The degree and nature of these challenges vary for everyone, but they exist for all. So, we need to choose our pain wisely!

Now, I easily ignore many situations that might have previously occupied significant mental space. Who cares! Life is short—move on!

On top of that, we have our pending bucket list for an India tour, which we need to prioritize to connect with the real India, the real customers and their emotions.

Life is full of opportunities and moving one moment at time, with full of gratitde to the Universe!🌍🙏

Many people who joined companies during the pandemic later switched jobs and ended up never meeting the people they were working with & working for!

Professional relationships have become transactional exchanges of value, as remote work allows individuals to avoid the traffic and expenses associated with IT hubs by staying at home.

While this arrangement offers the benefit of spending more time with family, it also eliminates the learning and networking opportunities which comes just by being at the spot in-person.

4 Years of Engineering, Remotely! Would You?

Remote work is like enrolling in an engineering course and completing all four years from home by only attending online lectures. After all, you joined to learn "engineering," didn’t you?

By doing so, you'd miss out on all the experiences of campus & hostel life, such as managing with limited or shared resources, collaborating with new people, skipping classes for adventurous pursuits, organizing events and hackathons and engaging in chai canteen discussions, appearing exams & clearing backlogs.

You might also miss opportunities to find a co-founder or even a life partner!

These experiences create a holistic learning journey and provide lasting joy to reflect on throughout life. No Zoom call can come close to replicating this richness.

In the context of work, I’d quote Kailash Nadh, who serves as CTO at Zerodha (India's biggest stock broker) who has recently published a detailed piece on it titled The remoteness of remote work, an excerpt of it goes as below:

In the course of our remote work experience, I have observed that discussions and decisions in reams of group text chats and pixelated video calls, over a period of time, become indistinguishable from each other in personal memory. Many in our org concur.

On the other hand, lively group discussions and decisions tend to be remembered and recalled far better thanks to the numerous additional cues—people, faces, emotions, surroundings and environment, spontaneous moments.

Needless to say, quality conversations to aid better recall of personal memory is crucial for inference from the collective institutional memory in decision-making and acts of creativity.

Can we share the Burden, Online?

Many companies have turned remote first, remote only or hybrid to better suit the conditon for employees to pull off their best when it's the demand of the situation. That's the beauty of digitalisation for taking care of the survival.

But here's the twist: When collaborating with new people in remote work or tackling complex tasks we've never faced before, mistakes are inevitable.

Each time something goes wrong and someone gets blamed or criticized harshly, it can deeply affect that person, leaving her feeling isolated.

That sense of insecurity can be draining and it's not something easily shared with family—they're far removed from the corporate world.

Nor can it be easily discussed with colleagues, especially when interactions are only virtual, that too around work & deadlines.

This kind of suffering often leads to self-doubt about one's abilities, yet there's still the need to show up at work the next day, ready to give their best.

Safeguard The Mind, That's all We've!

This dilemma gradually takes a toll on the mental health, acting as a slow poison that erodes one's outlook on work—a topic that is often ignored in the corporate environments.

People report to the hierarchy above them, every single day in a month. Under this context, if their mental health is consistently overlooked or treated as a taboo subject, how can they possibly maintain peak professional performance and drive profits for the organization?

Basic internet search would make someone realise the importance of it & advserse effect in million of people’s lives. An article in BusinessLine, explains it well:

Mental health remains the elephant in the room in the formidable corridors of corporate India.

Of the country’s 1.1 million active registered companies, only 1,000 are estimated to have a structured employee assistance programme for mental health.

This is an open-ended challenge and companies of all sizes need to develop solutions that align with their specific industry and scope of work.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach here. However, many companies are already addressing it in ways that suit their unique needs.

Clarity Over Babysitting!

We firmly believe that the true magic lies within people and everyone is eager to give their best in this knowledge-driven economy.

The days of the industrial revolution, when humans were merely numbers, are far behind us.

People need clarity and consistency at workplace rather than handholding them through everything. For rest matters, could be taken on case to case basis.

Throughout our entrepreneurial journey with Movsta, especially over the past two years, we've encountered numerous ups and downs on the professional front.

These experiences led us to simplify and establish policies aimed at enhancing both our work experience and that of the employees and professionals who will be associated with us.

Our focuses are on keeping the meetings short, less frequent, allowing more time to actually do the work, rather than “talking about the work” to a group of people!

Professionals should be treated with dignity. Afterall machines and CRM systems don’t pay our bills. It's the humanbeings, who do so. Everyone has unique needs and imposing our vision on them might not yield much, unless they themselves wanna be part of it.

Therefore focusing on meeting clients' realistic goals and prioritizing consistency through process-driven work make more sense.

Let's return to the main focus, that is on mental health. We understand that top talent can be found anywhere in the world, so no company can limit themselves to either remote or on-premise work; a hybrid approach might be the way forward.

In this context, we recently experimented with a concept called Async, as mentioned in the above article written by Kailash.

Async (asynchronous) is a key tenet of remote work, especially in software development and engineering. In an async setup, participants do not all have to be online simultaneously and are free to largely work according to their own schedules.

Communication also becomes async, where participants are not expected to respond in realtime to messages. This model works well for collaboration on open-source projects and work that is fundamentally asynchronous.

Above all, People need to be real with their pains & vulnerabilities. The Book ReWork by David Heinemeier Hansson & Jason Fried explains it well:

Nobody Likes Plastic Flowers.

The business world is full of “Professionals” who wear the uniform and try to seem perfect. In truth, they just come off as stiff and Boring. No one can relate to people like that.

Don’t be afraid to show your flaws. Imperfections are real and people respond to real. It’s why we like real flowers that wilt, not perfect plastic ones that never change.

Don’t worry about how you’re supposed to sound & how you’re suposed to act. Show the world what you’re really like, warts and all.

The voice on the other end was of Ravi, my instructor for the 15-days car driving course I had signed up for, after I was nearly pushed by the family to catch up on this new skill.

Following the previous year's scooty accident, my reckless driving habits had got replaced with a more cautious and slower approach on the road. So, I was a bit skeptical to step into this unknown territory of a 4 wheelers!

Soon, an old model of Maruti Suzuki WagonR arrived with a signboard on top, which confirmed this was the training school car I had to get into.

A fellow learner was in the driver's seat, while the instructor Ravi occupied the passenger seat next to him, with the control panel positioned near his feet to manage any potential hazards during the training sessions.

Why is it Overwhelming!

After completing all the registration formalities while seated in the back, as the fellow driver soon stepped down from the car near his home and I was asked to occupy the driver's seat.

Ravi, without any further ado, started explaining me the basics: the ABC of Car Driving (Accelerator, Brake & Clutch), seat belt, handbrake, gearbox, mirrors, Steering, horn, indicators and other essential mechanics before turning the key on.

I quickly felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and realized that I should have also tried my hands on riding a bike before, not just a scooty, to better understand the importance of the clutch!

It’s Real-time, No Second Take!

The key was turned on and before I realized it, soon the car was on the main road. It was then a real-time situation with no room for error.

Although the control panel with my instructor were there to help, still a wrong foot on the accelator or a miscalculation on the brake might craft an entirely different story!

With constant anxiety & with all the blind trust on Ravi, I started following his words for the next 30 Minutes. In fact, he took me through complex U-turns, that too on a busy street on the very first day of the training itself.

I was trembling with fear, praying to the almighty to protect me from any unforeseen events. 🙏

Thankfully, we arrived at our destination, where the next trainee, a young woman in her mid-30s, joined us after dropping her kids at school.

While I was struggling to figure out the clutch and gear combination, she reminded me of my friend Sanya who tackles everything from bungee jumping to trekking, karate, river rafting and even singing, all these while excelling at building and maintaining great software.

Her ability to handle so many challenges inspires me to push myself beyond my comfort zone.

Do it Again!

After a session of intense focus, I returned home to rest, only to realize I’d have to wake up the next day to face more unknown turns, rainy weather, traffic signals, speed bumps, passing vehicles at a crazy speed and the never ending confusion of the accelerator-gear-brake-clutch combination!

I wished I could escape it, but alas, the strict attendance register leaves no room for skipping!

This new routine had nearly replaced my daily morning walk. I found myself on the same street I had crossed countless times on foot or by scooter, but this time, with a much slower pace and under the strict supervision of my instructor, who insisted on keeping the speed below 40 km/h and rarely shifting beyond the 3rd gear.

After a long gap from the engineering days, I had found instructor Ravi, with the liberty to shout at my wrong moves and rectify me on the spot. I chose this as an opportunity to be a listener and follow the master.

In fact, in any domain you step onto, you’ll always find people who’re there earlier than you, smarter than you & without any doubt, more accomplished than you as well.

It's important to process this reality and remain humble as you navigate through it. After all we’re all equal, when we are there for learning!

The ‘‘Turning’’ Nightmare!

The first week went like a recurring daily experiment. I’d wake up at 6:30 to his call for the session. My goal quickly became to get through the 30 minutes someway or the other and return home quickly—after all, who wants to start the day making errors in their craft?

Whenever a U-turn appeared, I would be confused about whether to turn the steering wheel twice or just once and wait for the flow of oncoming traffic.

On top of that, I needed to check the rear-view mirror, use the horn and indicators effectively and avoid pedestrians & other vehicles.

I faced similar confusion while using the reverse gear on the narrow lanes of Bhubaneswar.

I sometimes wonder why there weren't simulation and theory classes before real-time learning. They could provide valuable confidence and insights into the dynamics of driving. Isn’t so!

A Silver Lining…

I was amazed by Ravi's punctuality. He would arrive precisely at 7:00 or even earlier and finish my session right at 7:30, covering about 8-10 km each day.

His professionalism impressed me so much that I once complimented him, saying that even though I was in the driver’s seat, I couldn't seem to grasp how he manages to keep everything on schedule, especially with a long line of trainees waiting for their slots.

It’s not just about traffic rules and driving techniques; it's also about respecting others' time by planning the routes and managing the speed. Coming on time for a day is one thing, maintaining that almost daily is a whole different skill.

As the days went by, especially around the 9th or 10th day, I began to notice my progress and the growing ease with driving.

My mindset began to shift positively and I found myself relating to the challenges faced by other new trainees, having experienced similar struggles myself.

I started enjoying conversations with Ravi about his life and the challenges of being a driving instructor.

He shared his experiences with various trainees, some of whom would get easily offended, others who opted for extra classes and a few who even dropped out or stopped answering calls.

This made me admire his dedication even more, especially considering his packed schedule on weekends as well.

The Takeaway…

It feels like a magic✨, how they transform people from scratch to a level, where they could have a fearless decent approach at driving on the road.

Keeping in mind the statistics below, no doubt, many people learn this craft on their own or with a basic observation from their family, friends or people at workplace.

But, a structured lesson helps in going a long way. While by paying or just attending a 15-days course won’t fully prepare someone for every possible driving scenarios, including various traffic, road and weather conditions, but it lays a solid foundation.

Ultimately, it comes down to revisiting those basics, reinforcing them through regular practice and maintaining a calm mindset.

With a stint of 15 days, covering more than 120+ KM, I bid adieu to my instructor Ravi with a 5 Star⭐ Review on his company site and a chocolate 🍫 with a printed message as a token of gratitude.

Although he modestly wondered why I had spent on him, I was touched by his response and by the stories of the many individuals I met in the backseat, all on similar journeys but at different stages in their lives. I exited with a final handshake on the 15th day of my course.

So far, I’ve touched the speeds of 50-60 km/h on the road at a 4th Gear, thanks to the diligent guidance of my elder brother, who now helps me turn those lessons into practical experience.

Long way to go!

P.S

This is a personal account of my experience with driving classes, meant to be read lightheartedly. It’s not intended as advice or guidance on road safety or driving.

Unfortunately, he had fallen victim to a massive chit fund scam, losing💔 his entire life savings. The allure of quick wealth often draws people into these schemes and the promise of high returns fuels their investment in such funds.

With no other options, he returned to Odisha with his family and his children enrolled in schools in Bhubaneswar.

When he dropped me off, he gave me his number📱 and asked if I could help him find a clerical job, as he was seeking a stable source of income.

His words stayed with me, and occasionally, while scrolling through my WhatsApp contacts, I would come across his status updates. Eventually, though, I moved on.

Fast forward to this week, nearly two years later, when a colleague from a different organization mentioned they were looking for someone to assist with office admin work.

At that moment, his name popped 💡into my mind! I shared his contact details, and after a conversation, he was invited to visit the office the very next day.

Since both of our offices are on the same floor, I stepped outside to chat with him. He greeted me with a gesture of Namaste🙏, but I stopped him and offered a🤝 handshake, mindful of his age.

We spoke for about 5-10 minutes, and I felt humbled when he expressed his gratitude to the Lord Jagannath. 🙌

I, too, was amazed at how things had unfolded😮! He still remembered dropping me off on the opposite side of the road from our office. These days, he’s doing some retail supply work alongside occasional Ola bike rides.

Unfortunately, due to the demanding nature of the role he interviewed for, he wasn’t shortlisted.

Still, I managed to reconnect with him and hope for opportunities for us to collaborate in the 🤞future.

Did I have any role or reason to take credit? Absolutely not! 🚫

I played no part in orchestrating this. It was the universe 🌌that put the right thought in my mind.

After all, how else would I remember someone I met for just 15 minutes, long ago, while scrolling through a large list of contacts!

I sincerely hope he finds better opportunities in the future!🌟

It's about earning more and spending even more!

This "spend even more" lifestyle is often fueled by credit card EMIs, provided by yet another business aiming to make a profit.

My perspective is simple: if something can be bought online or any store in exchange for money, it's not worth worrying about. Anyday that transaction can happen.

Businesses exist to market their products as the ultimate aspiration! That’s their job!

The Diderot Effect is the idea that,

Acquiring a new item can lead to dissatisfaction with our existing possessions and inspire a desire for even more new things.

Employees make money inside a company and in the evening when they step out of that building, there are other businesses to soak that money.

The employee goes back to work tomorrow again and the capitalism persists!

Founders with profits would often pick a modest lifestyle, while at times employees with a restricted monthly income would go till last penny! The pressure of a seemingly 'perfect' life, shaped by social media, often has a significant impact.

Often the founders do the similar mistakes after receiving the funding. But, that’s too early for a celebration, because it’s someone else’s money given for a purpose.

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath, puts it better:

I think raising funds through venture capital is like taking a loan. Do you celebrate just because someone around you took a loan? You don't, right?

If you, as a founder, take 10 crores from me, you have to return this 10 crores first before you see any money.

So that means the more money you raise, the more loan you're raising from the market. I think venture capital is, as I see it, a glorified loan, if you were to ask me.

In this context, philosophically speaking, when someone loses power, they realize who their real friends are and they're no longer surrounded by crowds like before.

Something changes when one steps down from a position of privilege—perhaps an acute sense of identity loss and the pain of time passing slowly in moments of failure.

Time proves again and again who’s truly in charge. This observation has completely transformed my philosophical outlook towards life, teaching me to stay grounded always.

This too shall pass—no matter what!

One major issue arose when, one of our colleagues overpromised to a client on our behalf and the deal ultimately fell through 💔.

This led to a strained relationship, endless sleepless nights filled with fear 😟, threats and uncertainty over handling refunds.

That mistake created a web of misunderstandings, making us fully realize how tough the corporate world can be—where balancing everyone's interests is a constant challenge ⚖️.

When you're busy, in public, or juggling various activities, you feel safe, as it distracts you from the emptiness. But the moment you're alone with nothing to do, that inner emptiness surfaces, and self-worth feels like it hits zero.

It disturbs me to see that while I'm suffering, those responsible seem to be comfortably unaffected. At times, I feel cheated and manipulated 🤬.

Waiting and waiting even more to get one piece of news of advancement 🕰️. It feels like the world is crashing down on me! Yet, what else can I do but wait a little longer? Slowly, I'm learning to observe life by letting go of my self-importance.

When I fail to control my mind, it scatters in a hundred different directions, chasing countless desires 🌪️. In such a state of mental chaos, even writing a single page, let alone running a company, feels impossible.

This has shown me the importance of power, both mental and physical 🧘‍♂️💪, and the alignment needed to achieve anything. Without channeling energy and focus through yoga and meditation to strengthen myself, nothing meaningful can be accomplished.

I prioritize learning new things 📚, but my mind gets so overwhelmed with thoughts that I can hardly focus 😣. This often leads to self-doubt—why am I stuck?

What I lack right now is the inner strength to confront the turmoil life throws my way 🌊. With the business struggling, personal finances strained and my social image affected, my confidence has taken a hit 😞.

Just last week, I was filled with joy as we came so close to closing a deal ✨, only to watch it slip away in an instant. I can’t describe the pain of going through each minute and hour of this setback ⏳.

Despite our best efforts and intentions, it feels like nothing is moving forward. I don’t want to close up the shop, especially when I still have faith in the craft and in the higher power 🙏.

I could see the nature of the human mind in this journey of ambitions 🎢—one day it’s at its majestic peak, the next day it’s at rock bottom.

The ups and downs have turned into a toxic cycle, hitting the head on the wall and wondering for a ray of sunshine ☀️.

In this context, I’d like to mention the year 1979, when three musical maestros—Kishore Kumar (Singer) 🎤, R.D. Burman (Music Director) 🎶and Gulzar (Lyricist) 🖋️—came together to create the timeless song “Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai” for the comedy film Gol Maal 🎬.

The lyrics of the song always remind me of the importance of living in the present 🌸, because we never truly know what tomorrow will bring 🌅:

थोडा सा हँसा के, थोडा सा रुला के,

पल येभी जानेवाला है!

आनेवाला पल जानेवाला है!!

https://youtu.be/4xcZvqCh-ic

हो सके तो इसमें जिंदगी बिता दो,

पल जो ये जानेवाला है!

आनेवाला पल जानेवाला है!!

While Manas shoulders the major pressure from the market with his sales expertise 💼, I've shifted my focus to a new area for me—Business Operations Management 🏗️.

I'm learning what truly drives a business to function smoothly and deliver quality, without being weighed down by the constant flux of human emotions.

This journey has made me truly appreciate the value of family 👨‍👩‍👦. On days when nothing seems to go right and I come home with a heavy heart 💔, it's my family that remains constant, treating me with the same love and support ❤️.

I'm grateful they’ve given me the freedom to pursue my professional ambitions without judgment.

Above all, the world is full of actors 🎭—some good, some bad—but everyone’s playing their part. Be cautious, my friend! 👀