First of all, my heartfelt gratitude to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji, whose affection and love for children made him so closely associated with Children’s Day in India. His birthday, 14 November, is celebrated as Children’s Day.

But today, I want to look at this festival from a slightly different perspective.

Have we ever asked ourselves: Are we really good children? Are we good students?

During our school days, we were children for our teachers. Today, in our offices, we are still learners for our managers, seniors and team leaders. At home, we will always remain children for our parents.

And above all, we are students throughout our lives because life never stops teaching us.

But are we good students of life?

Think about our school days. We made mistakes, received guidance from our teachers and learned new things every day. Sometimes, we made mistakes again, but our teachers reminded us to improve.

Now, look at our professional and personal lives. We still make mistakes. Sometimes, we repeat the same mistakes multiple times. We forget what we learned from our previous experiences and find ourselves facing the same situations again.

So, what does being a good student really mean?

I believe being a good student is not just about getting good marks, completing assignments or following instructions. It is about understanding what life teaches us and applying those lessons in our everyday behaviour.

What qualities should a good student have?

1. Be a good listener.

Listen before responding. Sometimes, we are so busy preparing our answers that we forget to understand what the other person is trying to tell us.

2. Be a good observer.

Observe people, situations and experiences. We can learn so many things simply by watching how others behave, handle difficulties and make decisions.

3. Be empathetic.

Try to understand other people’s feelings. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and a little kindness can make someone’s day better.

4. Learn from your mistakes.

Making mistakes is natural, but repeating the same mistakes without learning from them is something we should work on. Remember your experiences and make notes if necessary.

5. Be humble and patient.

Never think that you know everything. There is always something new to learn, whether from a child, a colleague, a teacher, your parents or even a stranger.

A small promise to ourselves this Children’s Day

This Children’s Day, let’s make a small promise to ourselves:

• We will become better listeners.
• We will observe more and judge less.
• We will respect our teachers, parents and seniors.
• We will learn from our mistakes instead of repeating them.
• We will remain curious and never stop learning.
• We will try to become better human beings every day.

Because growing up does not mean that our learning journey is over.

We may stop going to school, but we should never stop being students.

And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful things about life: every day brings a new lesson, every person has something to teach us, and every experience gives us an opportunity to improve.

So, on this Children’s Day, let’s celebrate not only the children around us but also the curious, innocent and learning child that still lives within us.

Happy Children’s Day to all the children, students and lifelong learners! ❤️

Stay curious, stay humble, keep learning and never stop growing.

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Are We Still Good Students of Life? A Thought on Children’s Day was originally published in Purely Hearts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

There was a time when we used to talk to each other regularly. We shared our thoughts, discussed little things, laughed together and enjoyed each other’s company. We never needed a special reason to call or start a conversation.

But after some time, things started changing.

The interest in talking became less. Sometimes, disagreements created distance between us. Sometimes, we became busy with our own lives. And sometimes, we simply found someone else to share our thoughts with.

Slowly, the conversations disappeared. We stopped sharing our little happiness, problems and everyday experiences. The person who was once an important part of our daily routine became someone we hardly talked to.

But what happens when only one person is trying to keep that connection alive?

One person keeps calling, sending messages, trying to start conversations and waiting for the other person’s call. They keep hoping that things will become the same again.

But somewhere, they also need to understand that relationships and connections cannot survive on one person’s efforts alone.

We should respect the other person’s choices. Maybe they are busy, maybe they have different priorities, or maybe they are no longer interested in talking. Whatever the reason, we cannot force someone to give us the same attention and time that they once gave.

And there is one more important thing we need to understand: Expectations.

Sometimes, our expectations from another person hurt us more than their actual behaviour. We expect them to call, remember us, share things with us and give us the same importance we give them.

But life doesn’t always work according to our expectations.

So, instead of waiting for someone else’s call, attention or approval, we should learn to enjoy our own company. Make ourselves happy, explore new things, spend time with people who genuinely value us and keep moving forward.

This doesn’t mean we should stop caring about people. It simply means we should not forget ourselves while trying to maintain a connection with someone else.

Remember, a connection needs two people, but your happiness should never depend entirely on one person.

Give importance to people, make efforts, express your feelings and stay connected. But when you realise that your efforts are becoming one-sided, learn to step back without anger or complaints.

Sometimes, accepting the change is much more peaceful than continuously expecting things to become the way they were before.

Value people, but never lose your own happiness while expecting them to value you.

Bhai Dooj is a festival that celebrates this special bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day when sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their happiness, good health and long life.

But honestly, this relationship is much more than a festival or a ritual.

It is a relationship where you can find love, care, fights, anger, protection, cuteness and countless emotions. Sometimes siblings fight with each other over the smallest things, and sometimes they stand together to fight the biggest battles of life.

One moment they are arguing, and the next moment they are sharing food, secrets and laughter. They may irritate each other every day, but when someone else hurts one of them, the other is always ready to stand by their side.

That’s the beauty of this relationship. You don’t always need to express your love in words because sometimes a small fight, a little care or a simple smile says everything.

On this beautiful occasion, let’s celebrate not just the festival but also the unconditional love, protection and happiness that make this bond so special.

From my side, a very Happy Bhai Dooj to all brothers and sisters! ❤️

Keep fighting, keep caring, keep irritating each other, but never stop standing beside one another. Because this bond is truly special! 🫶

Radhe Radhe! Jai Shri Krishna! ❤️

Wishing everyone a very Happy Govardhan Puja!

Festivals are not just about celebrations, rituals, sweets and traditions. Sometimes, they carry beautiful stories and life lessons that we should remember and follow in our everyday lives.

Today, I want to share one such beautiful story associated with Govardhan Puja, a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Have you ever wondered why we worship a mountain during this festival?

Let’s go back to the time of Lord Krishna and discover the story behind it.

The Story of Govardhan Parvat

According to Hindu tradition, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain. They believed that rainfall was essential for their crops, animals and survival.

One day, young Krishna asked the people of Vrindavan why they worshipped Lord Indra.

He explained that they should also express gratitude towards Govardhan Parvat, because it provided them with so many things. The mountains, trees, forests, rivers, grass and natural resources were equally important for their lives.

Krishna encouraged the people to worship Govardhan Parvat and appreciate nature.

The people followed his advice and prepared offerings to worship Govardhan Hill.

However, Lord Indra became angry. He sent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to Vrindavan to show his power.

The people became frightened. Their homes, animals and lives were in danger.

Seeing their difficulties, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Parvat on his little finger and provided shelter to the people and their cattle.

For seven days, Lord Krishna protected everyone beneath the mountain.

Eventually, Lord Indra realised his mistake and understood that pride and arrogance were not the right path.

He accepted Krishna’s greatness and the rain finally stopped.

And this is how Govardhan Puja became an important celebration of devotion, gratitude and the protection of nature.

Why Do We Celebrate Govardhan Puja?

There are several beautiful reasons behind this celebration.

1. Gratitude towards nature

We often ask nature for so many things, but how often do we thank it?

We need water, food, fresh air, trees, mountains and fertile land to survive. Govardhan Puja reminds us that nature is not just something we use; it is something we should respect and protect.

2. Respect for animals

Cows and other cattle have an important place in this festival. They have traditionally supported agriculture and rural life by providing milk, helping with farming and contributing to people’s livelihoods.

The festival reminds us to treat animals with kindness and compassion.

3. Humility over arrogance

The story of Lord Indra teaches us that power should never make us arrogant.

No matter how powerful or successful we become, we should always remain humble and respect others.

4. Faith and protection

Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Parvat reminds devotees of divine protection and the strength that comes through faith.

How Do People Celebrate Govardhan Puja?

The celebration is beautiful in its own way.

People prepare different varieties of food and offer them to Lord Krishna. This tradition is known as Annakut, meaning a mountain of food.

In many places, devotees create a symbolic Govardhan Hill using cow dung, decorate it with flowers and perform rituals.

Cows are decorated and worshipped with love and respect. Many devotees also perform Govardhan Parikrama, walking around the sacred hill.

It is a festival filled with devotion, food, traditions and togetherness.

What Can We Learn From Govardhan Puja?

For me, the most beautiful lesson from this festival is gratitude.

Think about our everyday lives.

We wake up, drink water, eat food, breathe fresh air and enjoy so many things without thinking about where they come from.

We thank people when they help us, but sometimes we forget to appreciate the natural resources that make our lives possible.

We should remember that every small thing has its own importance.

A tree gives us shade, a river provides water, a farmer grows our food, and animals contribute to our lives in different ways.

Everything is connected.

Another beautiful lesson is that we should not wait for a special occasion to express gratitude. We can practise it every single day.

And one more thing: just as Lord Krishna protected the people of Vrindavan, we should also try to protect those who depend on us and help those who need our support.

A Small Thought to Take Away

We celebrate festivals to remember our traditions, but we should also try to bring their teachings into our lives.

Let us not limit Govardhan Puja to offering food and performing rituals. Let us also promise ourselves to respect nature, care for animals, avoid wasting food and water, remain humble and appreciate what we already have.

Because devotion is not just about asking God for blessings; it is also about respecting the beautiful creation we are blessed with.

This Govardhan Puja, may Lord Krishna bless everyone with happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and a grateful heart.

May we always have the wisdom to appreciate what we have, the courage to face difficulties and the kindness to make someone else’s life better.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Govardhan Puja!

Radhe Radhe! 🌸🙏

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Diwali! 🪔

Diwali is a festival of happiness, lights, celebrations, sweets, gifts and spending time with our loved ones.

But this Diwali, I noticed something that made me think differently about the festival.

While many of us were busy celebrating with our families, there were so many people working during the festive days.

Some were delivering our orders, some were cleaning our surroundings, some were working in shops, offices, restaurants, security services and many other places.

And do you know what?

They were also missing someone.

They might be missing their children, waiting to celebrate with their families, or wishing they could spend just a little more time with their parents.

But they were working.

Why?

Because they also have responsibilities. They have a son or daughter whose happiness matters to them. They have parents who depend on them. They have families for whom they want to earn money and make this Diwali a little more special.

Sometimes, we see people working, but we forget to see the emotions behind their work.

We see a delivery person bringing our order, but perhaps we don’t think about the family waiting for that person at home.

We see a security guard standing outside our building, but we might forget that someone is waiting for him to return home.

We see a shopkeeper helping us buy something for Diwali, but perhaps we don’t realise that they also want to celebrate their own festival.

A small request to everyone

If someone is working for you during the festive season, please treat them kindly.

Speak politely. Give them respect. Say thank you. Don’t make their work more difficult than it already is.

And if you get an opportunity, try to make them feel included.

You don’t always need to give expensive gifts or money. Sometimes, a smile, a kind conversation, a small sweet or simply asking, “How was your Diwali?” can make someone feel special.

I am not saying that we should stop celebrating our festivals or enjoying our happiness. Of course, we should celebrate!

But while celebrating our happiness, let’s not forget the people who are helping us make those celebrations possible.

One thing I learned this Diwali

Everyone has a story. Everyone has responsibilities, dreams and emotions.

Some people celebrate Diwali at home, while some people work so that their families can celebrate Diwali happily.

And perhaps, the best way to celebrate a festival is not just by lighting diyas in our homes but also by spreading a little light in someone else’s life.

Be kind to the people who work for you. They are someone’s son, someone’s daughter, someone’s mother, someone’s father and someone’s entire world.

They deserve the same love, respect and happiness that we wish for our own families.

This Diwali, let’s not just celebrate the festival of lights. Let’s become a little light in someone else’s life. ❤️

Happy Diwali! 🪔

First of all, Happy Diwali! 🪔✨

This Diwali, I am far away from my home. Of course, I miss my family, our celebrations, the happiness, the little moments, and everything that makes Diwali special at home.

But surprisingly, I am happy too.

You might wonder how someone can be happy while being away from their family during a festival.

Well, I think happiness is not always about being surrounded by the people you have known since childhood. Sometimes, it is also about accepting new people and making new connections.

This Diwali, I found a little piece of home away from home.

I have made some good friends in my neighbourhood and at my office. People with whom I can laugh, share my thoughts, express my feelings, and be myself.

And you know what? I told them something:

“Yes, I am missing my family, but you are my new family here.”

Because sometimes, people who are not related to us by blood become an important part of our lives. They listen to us, understand us, support us, and make ordinary days special.

What did this Diwali teach me?

I realised that we always need people in our lives.

Sometimes, we need our family. Sometimes, our friends. Sometimes, even strangers become a reason for our happiness.

Life is not about having everyone around us all the time. It is also about appreciating the people who are present with us in different phases of life.

And one more thing I strongly believe in is faith in God.

When we are away from our comfort zone, when things are not going as planned, or when we miss someone, our faith gives us the strength to keep going. It reminds us that we are never alone and that we have the courage to face different situations in life.

I also realised that happiness comes from within. If you are happy from your heart, no matter where you are, you will find your own way to glow.

And remember, your family might be far away, but they are also happy to see you growing, learning, making friends, and living your life.

They might miss you, just as you miss them, but somewhere in their hearts, they are proud to see you becoming independent and finding happiness in a new place.

So, this Diwali, don’t just miss the people who are far away. Also, appreciate the people who are standing beside you today.

Celebrate with them, share happiness, make memories, and spread smiles.

Because Diwali is not just about celebrating at home. It is also about creating a feeling of home wherever life takes you.

Ghar se door hoon, lekin apno se door nahi. ❤️

Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali!

May we always find people who make us feel at home, the courage to face every situation, and the faith to keep glowing, no matter where life takes us.

🪔✨

Whenever we talk about Diwali, we usually think about Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, Goddess Lakshmi, beautiful decorations, sweets and lighting diyas.

But have you ever wondered why we celebrate Chhoti Diwali one day before the main Diwali?

Chhoti Diwali is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. It is celebrated on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. There are several stories and traditions associated with this day.

Let's understand the story behind it.

1. The Story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura

One of the most popular stories behind Naraka Chaturdashi is associated with Lord Krishna and the demon king Narakasura.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful king who gradually became cruel and arrogant. He started troubling people, disturbing the gods and creating fear everywhere.

He had also imprisoned thousands of women and taken away the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the gods.

People were suffering under his rule, and finally, Lord Krishna decided to end his cruelty.

Lord Krishna, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama, went to fight Narakasura.

A fierce battle took place, and Narakasura was eventually defeated. In popular versions of the story, Satyabhama played an important role in the battle, while Lord Krishna ultimately brought an end to his life.

The imprisoned women were liberated, and peace was restored.

This victory is remembered as Naraka Chaturdashi.

It teaches us that no matter how powerful evil becomes, it cannot remain victorious forever.

2. Why Is It Called Naraka Chaturdashi?

The word Naraka is associated with hell, suffering and darkness, while Chaturdashi means the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight.

The day reminds us of the destruction of Narakasura and the end of his cruelty.

It is also associated with the idea of removing negativity from our lives and welcoming positivity.

3. Why Do We Take an Early Morning Oil Bath?

One of the important traditions of Naraka Chaturdashi is Abhyanga Snan.

People traditionally wake up early in the morning, apply oil to their bodies and take a bath before sunrise.

In many traditions, this bath symbolises purification and the removal of negativity.

In Maharashtra and some other regions, people also use a special herbal paste called Ubtan.

This is why the day is also known as Roop Chaudas in some communities.

4. Why Do People Burn Narakasura Effigies?

In Goa, people prepare large effigies of Narakasura and burn them before sunrise.

This tradition represents the destruction of evil and the victory of Lord Krishna.

In parts of Maharashtra, people also crush a bitter fruit called Karit under their feet as a symbolic representation of Narakasura's defeat.

Different regions have different ways of remembering the same victory.

5. Different Names and Traditions Across India

Chhoti Diwali is celebrated in different ways across India.

- Naraka Chaturdashi: The popular name associated with Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
- Kali Chaudas: Celebrated in Gujarat and some other regions, with traditions associated with Goddess Kali and protection from negative forces.
- Roop Chaudas: Associated with beauty, cleanliness and the traditional morning oil bath.
- Bhoot Chaturdashi: Observed in Bengal, where people traditionally light fourteen lamps in remembrance of their ancestors and to ward off negative spirits.

These traditions show how one festival can have different meanings and celebrations across India.

6. What Is the Real Meaning of Chhoti Diwali?

I think the most beautiful part of this festival is its message.

Sometimes, we carry so much negativity within ourselves. We hold anger, jealousy, unnecessary expectations and painful memories.

We may have everything around us, but still struggle to find peace within ourselves.

The story of Narakasura reminds us that we should never allow power, anger or ego to control our lives.

Just as darkness is removed by lighting a diya, we should also try to remove the darkness within our hearts.

We don't need to wait for a festival to forgive someone, change ourselves or start again.

Every day can become a new beginning.

This Chhoti Diwali, let's not only clean and decorate our homes. Let's also make some space for peace, forgiveness, kindness and positivity in our hearts.

Because the real celebration begins when we learn to remove the darkness within ourselves.

Happy Chhoti Diwali! 🪔

Hare Krishna! ❤️

But today, I want to share a little secret with you: This Diwali, try to become someone’s reason to smile.

First, be a good person by heart. On this beautiful occasion, try to make someone’s Diwali a little happier. Help someone, share happiness, and if you can, give gifts, money, clothes, or whatever you are capable of sharing.

I am not saying that you should forget yourself. Take care of your own needs, fulfil your responsibilities, and then try to think about others too.

Honestly, the happiness you get by helping someone is special. It gives you a different kind of satisfaction and gratitude.

If you are capable of helping others, please do so. And if you are not in a position to help right now, simply pray to God to bless you with enough wealth and opportunities so that one day you can become someone’s helping hand.

And remember, happiness doesn’t always come with money. When you see someone on the street, give them a smile, a little hope, and kind words. You never know what someone is going through or what struggles they are facing.

Try to understand others’ pain. Notice the people we often overlook — the street vendors, flower sellers, diya sellers, vegetable vendors, and everyone who works hard every day. Wish them a Happy Diwali. Sometimes, a small gesture of kindness can make someone’s day special.

This Diwali, don’t just light diyas in your home. Try to light a little happiness in someone’s life too.

Be someone’s Diwali. Be someone’s reason to smile.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Dhanteras and a beautiful, joyful and blessed Diwali! 🪔❤️

Sometimes, we carry unnecessary burdens on our shoulders and unnecessary pain, anger and expectations in our hearts.

We have so many things in life, yet we still feel something is missing. Sometimes, we are not ready to forgive people who have hurt us. We keep carrying those feelings without realising how much energy they take from us.

But honestly, we should learn to forgive everyone.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that what someone did was right. It simply means we are choosing not to carry that pain anymore.

Real peace is not something you can find outside. You have to look within yourself. Sometimes, all you need is to release the unnecessary thoughts, forgive, accept and move forward.

So, from now on, take a deep breath, let go of unnecessary burdens and smile.

Peace begins within you.

Hare Krishna! ❤️🙏

What makes a person work?

I think there are two major reasons.

The first one is passion.

Some people work because they genuinely love what they do. They want to explore new things, learn new skills, experience different opportunities, and discover what they are capable of.

When someone asks them, “Why are you doing this?”

They proudly say, “Because this is my passion. I love doing this, and I want to explore more.”

And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is beautiful to have the freedom to follow your passion.

But sometimes, we forget one important thing. Some people have choices. They have options. They have a strong support system and comparatively fewer responsibilities. They can leave a job, try something different, take risks, or start again if things don’t work out.

They are hardworking, talented, honest, and dedicated. But along with all these qualities, they also have the freedom to choose.

The second one is Majboori.

In Hindi, we call it Majboori.

These people are also talented. They also have dreams. They also want to explore the world, learn new things, and do something meaningful with their lives.

But what stops them?

Responsibilities.

They have families to take care of, financial responsibilities, and people who depend on them. They cannot simply leave everything and follow their dreams.

Sometimes, they want to do something completely different, but life keeps them busy with responsibilities and struggles.

They are not less talented. They are not less hardworking. They are not less ambitious.

They simply have fewer choices.

And perhaps the most difficult part is that people don’t always understand this.

When someone says, “Why don’t you just leave your job and follow your passion?”

They forget that not everyone has the privilege of starting again without worrying about tomorrow.

Some people are not giving up on their dreams. They are just postponing them because someone else’s happiness and security also depend on them.

And sometimes, these people keep smiling, working, and fulfilling their responsibilities, but somewhere inside, they feel exhausted. They feel as if they are living their lives for everyone else while slowly losing touch with themselves.

Both are good. Both are trying. Both deserve respect.

There is no problem with choosing passion, and there is no problem with working because of Majboori.

The problem begins when we start judging people without understanding their circumstances.

We should never compare someone’s freedom with another person’s responsibilities.

We don’t know what someone is carrying inside. We don’t know how many dreams they have quietly kept aside just to fulfil their responsibilities.

So, if you are someone who is struggling between your dreams and your responsibilities, I want to say something.

Don’t take the entire burden of life on your shoulders.

Have faith in God. Leave some things in His hands.

Sometimes, we think we are the only ones responsible for making everything happen. We worry about tomorrow, about our families, about our careers, about our future, and about things that are not even in our control.

But remember, you are not responsible for controlling everything.

Do your part. Work honestly. Give your best. Fulfil your responsibilities with sincerity, but don’t forget to live your life.

Leave the things you cannot control in God’s hands.

It doesn’t mean you should stop working or stop making efforts. It simply means understanding that you are human, not someone who has to solve everything alone.

Do your work with honesty, keep your intentions good, and leave the results to God.

Because sometimes, peace doesn’t come from having everything figured out. It comes from accepting that not everything is in our hands.

And perhaps, that is also a beautiful way of living.