Accident

17 November 2025 to 22 December 2025 — 35 days that reshaped my life. On the silent night of 17 November, I left Pune at 1 AM to catch a train from Mumbai. Destiny had a different script. Before reaching the city, our car met with an accident. In an instant, life reminded me of its fragility. A deep cut on my forehead and four stitches became symbols of a deeper awakening. Those 35 days in Mumbai were not merely days of treatment, but days of healing, reflection, and inner transformation. I experienced the power of care, the strength of family, and the invisible grace that protects us even in our most vulnerable moments. I realized that life is not counted in years, but in awareness, gratitude, and grace. This was not just recovery—it was a second chance. A reminder to live consciously, humbly, and thankfully… every single day. With folded hands, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, caregivers, my family, and the divine force that guided me back to life.

Accident

Infuriate Your Boss???

Infuriate Your Boss???

Want to anger your boss, harm your chances for promotion or a raise, and generally lower your value in his or her eyes? Here are 10 things that are guaranteed to frustrate your manager.

1. Don’t take responsibility for your mistakes. Reasonable bosses know that no one is perfect and that mistakes will sometimes happen. What they care about is how you follow up on a mistake. If you make excuses, get defensive, or deny responsibility, your boss won’t trust that you understand why the mistake happened in the first place and what you need to do to prevent it in the future.

2. Be too sensitive to take feedback calmly. If you routinely get upset, offended, or angry when your boss gives you feedback on your work, you’re making it hard (and painful) for your boss to do her job. Worse yet, she might start avoiding giving you important feedback that you need to hear. You need to know what you could be doing better, and you’re more likely to hear it if you don’t make it difficult for your boss to tell you.

3. Don’t take notes during a discussion of work that you’ll be doing. When you’re having a nuanced discussion of a project, your boss wants to see that you’re capturing the details. If you’re not writing things down, she’s going to wonder how you’re really going to retain all of it. It comes across as cavalier and not taking the project seriously enough.

4. Guess instead of finding out an answer for sure. Guessing means that some of the time, you’ll be giving out wrong information. And your boss isn’t asking you questions just to pass the time; she’ll be making decisions or taking actions based on the information you provide, so it needs to be right. If you’re not sure about something, say so—and then say you’ll find out.

5. Don’t disclose your biases. It’s fine to have biases; we all do. But if you hide your agenda or biases from your boss and she eventually finds out, you’ll have destroyed your credibility with her. On the other hand, be vigilant about owning up to your biases, and you’ll earn real and lasting credibility.

6. Regularly vent about your frustrations without bringing them to your manager. Everyone vents about their job (or their boss) sometimes. But if you find yourself routinely complaining to other people, it’s time to either talk to your manager or start keeping it to yourself. Eventually, your complaints will get back to your boss, and she’ll be unimpressed that you weren’t professional enough to address your concerns head-on.

7. Treat a coworker badly. You may be 100 percent in the right when it comes to the substance of your stance, but if you’re rude, hostile, or disrespectful with colleagues, you’ll harm your manager’s ability to back you—and will shift the focus to your own behavior.

8. Use email for complicated, sensitive, or heated topics. Yes, it often feels easier to stay behind your computer to hash out difficult subjects. But sometimes you just need to pick up the phone or talk to people face-to-face, and your boss wants to know that you have the judgment to recognize those times.

9. Make your manager follow up with you to ensure things are getting done. If you don’t do what you say you’re going to do—whether it’s because you’re disorganized and don’t keep track of what you commit to, or because you never thought it was a good idea in the first place—your boss will conclude that she can’t count on you to keep your word.

10. Hide things. Hiding things—work that isn’t getting done, an angry client, a missed deadline, the fact that you don’t really know how to use that software—is the kiss of death. If your boss isn’t confident that you’ll give her bad news directly or be forthright about a problem, at a minimum you’ll destroy her trust in you and signal that she needs to dig around for what else you might be hiding. And it might even get you fired.

काशी वाराणसी बनारस

वाराणसी, जिसे काशी और बनारस के नाम से जाना जाता है, भारत की आध्यात्मिक राजधानी मानी जाती है। यहाँ की भोर में गंगा आरती, संध्या की दीपमालाएँ और घाटों पर गूँजते मंत्र जीवन को नई दिशा देते हैं। प्राचीन गलियों में इतिहास साँस लेता है, तो मंदिरों की घंटियाँ आत्मा को स्पर्श करती हैं। काशी विश्वनाथ मंदिर श्रद्धा का केंद्र है, जहाँ हर आगंतुक को अलौकिक शांति मिलती है।

बनारस केवल एक नगर नहीं, यह संस्कृति, संगीत, ज्ञान और मोक्ष की परंपरा का जीवंत संगम है। यहाँ समय भी ठहरकर ध्यान लगाता है—और गंगा की धारा जैसे कहती है, “आओ, स्वयं को 

Bhang ( भांग)

Bhang (Hindi: भांग)

Bhang (Hindi: भांग) is a preparation from the leaves and flowers (buds) of the female cannabis plant, smoked or consumed as a beverage in the Indian subcontinent.

Bhang has been used as an intoxicant for centuries in the sub-continent. Bhang in India is distributed as a religious offering during Shiva festivals like "Mahashivratri". It has now become synonymous with the Holi festival, to the point where consuming bhang at that time is a standard practice. It is also available as Bhang golis (balls) which is just freshly ground cannabis with water. Apart from this, sweetened bhang golis are also widely available. These are not considered a drug, but a traditional sleeping aid and appetizer. Bhang is also part of many ayurvedic medicinal preparations, e.g. bhang powder is available at ayurvedic dispensaries.

Bhang Ki Thandai also known as Sardai is a drink popular in many parts of sub-continent which is made by mixing bhang with thandai, a cold beverage prepared with almonds, spices (mainly black pepper), milk and sugar.

History

Bhang was first used as part of the Hindu rite in India around 1000 BC^{[citation needed]} and soon became an integral part of Hindu culture. The herb was devoted to Lord Shiva on Shivratri, a Hindu festival.

Sadhus and Sufis use Bhang to boost meditation and to achieve transcendental states. Bhang or cannabis is also used amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy.

The Nihang sect of the Sikh community consume bhang for pain relief from battle wounds. In Sikhism, it is strictly prohibited to consume for pleasure, a rule which is followed very loyally. It started as an ayurvedic medicine whose main use for the Nihangs was to aid in reducing pain from battle wounds, and also as a digestive aid, called Sukhnidhan ^[1]

The historian Richard Davenport-Hines lists Thomas Bowrey as the first Westener to document the use of bhang.^[2]

Preparation

Anywhere on the ghats, one can find large number of men engaged in the process of preparing bhang. Using mortar and pestle, the buds and leaves of cannabis are ground into a green paste. To this mixture milk, ghee and spices are added. The bhang base is now ready to be made into a heavy drink, thandai, an alternative to alcohol; this is often referred to casually, if inaccurately, as a "bhang Thandai" also "Bhang LASSI" (made of Curd ). Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a green halva, and into peppery, chewy little balls called 'golee' (which in this context means candy or pill in Hindi).

In Kashmir, a common preparation for bhang consists of first boiling the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant for a short time. Once the plant matter has become soft, it is mixed with khas khas or white opium poppy seed. The two ingredients are pulverized with a mortar and pestle for 30-60 minutes (adding a few drops of water now and again to keep the paste moist). The paste is then mixed with water by hand and the mixture is poured through a straining cloth to remove all excess plant matter. The remaining green water is known locally as "bhang" and consumed as is. The usage of oil-rich seeds allows THC, the fat-soluble psychoactive chemical from the cannabis, to be extracted into the poppy oil so that potency can be retained in a water-based mixture.

Culture

Bhang has become an integral part of tradition and custom in the Indian subcontinent. It has become symbolic for many things as it is associated with Lord Shiva.

In some sections of rural India, people believe in the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant. If taken in proper quantity, bhang is believed to cure fever, dysentery and sunstroke, to clear phlegm, aide digestion, appetite, cure speech imperfections and lisping, and give alertness to the body.^[3] Bhang lassi is a preparation of powdered green inflorescence with curd and whey put in a village blender (a hand blending operation is carried out till the butter rises). It is regarded as tasty and greatly refreshing, with one or two large glasses having little effect. Bhang goli, on the other hand, hits after approximately two hours, sending one into a dreamlike state.

The tradition of consuming bhang during Holi is particularly common in North India where Holi itself is celebrated with a fervor unseen elsewhere. Bhang is heavily consumed in Mathura, an ancient town of religious importance to the Hindus. Here the practice is believed to have been introduced by the followers of Lord Krishna and has stayed ever since. They begin the preparation by Sanskrit chants and recitation of prayers to Lord Shiva. Some people from Mathura take Bhang to work up their appetite while others do it to relieve themselves of stress. But the hub of bhang use is Varanasi or Banaras, the Land of Shiva, where the bhang is prepared on its famous ghats.

Legality

As Bhang has served such an important role in India's culture and spiritual practices it would be impossible to criminalize cannabis completely in the country. Cultivation of cannabis is government regulated, and illegal without a government permit. Sale of bhang is also government regulated and illegal without a permit.

Bhang is illegal in any country where cannabis is prohibited as it is an integral part of the recipe.

Tradition of Bhang

Associated with Lord Shiva, bhang has now become synonymous with holi. To the extent that bhang drinks have now become an official Holi drink.

Culled from the leaves and buds of cannabis - the very intoxicating bhang helps to escalate the spirit of holi - a festival which does not recognise any restrictions. Lip smacking thandai, pakoras and vadas, all having bhang as a very essential ingredient, are savoured by all on the day. 

Bhang Preparations in Banaras
The tradition of consuming bhang on holi is particularly rampant in North India where holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.
But, the hub of bhang is Varanasi or Banaras, the land of Shiva worship, where bhang is prepared on its famous ghats.

Anywhere on the ghats one can find large number of men engaged in the process of preparing bhang. Using mortar and a pestle, the buds and leaves of Cannabis are squashed and ground into a green paste. To this mixture milk, ghee, and spices are added. The bhang base is now ready to be made into a nutritious, refreshing drink - Thandai, a healthy alternative to alcohol. Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a tasty green halva, and into peppery, chewy little balls called 'golees'.

A Brief History of Bhang
Bhang was first used as an intoxicant in India around 1000 BC and soon became an integral part of Hindu culture. In the ancient text Artharvaveda, Bhang is described as a beneficial herb that "releases anxiety". Bhang preparations were sacred to Gods, particularly Shiva. One of Shiva's epithets was "Lord of Bhang" as he is said to have discovered the transcendental properties of the mixture.

In imitation of Shiva, many sadhus use Bhang to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. Besides, Bhang or cannabis is also believed to be popular amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy since a long time.

Bond with the Bhang
Ancient as it is, bhang has become a inseparable part of Indian tradition. So much so that it has become symbolic for a lot of things. They might be, or rather they are, pure superstitious believes. But if one understands the inherent sentimental and emotional nature of Indians, one can very easily feel the emotional bond people have with bhang.

Associated with Lord Shiva, hemp plant is regarded holy by the Hindus. There is even a belief that to meet someone carrying bhang is an omen of success. And, if longing for hemp plant foretells happiness, to see it in dreams ensures prosperity for a person in future. Also, walking underfoot a holy bhang leaf spells doom for a person.

People also strongly believe in the medicinal properties of the hemp plant. If taken in proper quantity bhang cures fever, dysentery and sunstroke. It helps to clear phlegm, quicken digestion, sharpen appetite, cure speak imperfection and lispering. Besides, it freshens the intellect and gives alertness to the body and gaiety to the mind.

What is bhang?
Cannabis Rank: Genus
Genus of three closely related species, often hybridized.
Cannabis is dioecious, i.e. individual plants are either male or female. The female plant is the more potent, especially when unpollinated (hence sinsemilla = without seed).

The plant has an ancient relationship with humankind, and has long been cultivated as a source of medicine (the buds), fiber (the stalks), and food (the seeds). It has been found in neolithic Chinese archaeological sites, and is mentioned in the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias. In India it is associated with Shiva and has played an important role in religious life as a sacred inebriant.

Bhang adds a kick, but an overdose can take the fun out of your Holi. Here’s all you need to know about the desi cannabis, before trying it.

Holi, for any spirited Delhiwalla means rang aur bhang ki masti. The natural intoxicant made from the leaves and flowers of the female

The law that makes it illegal to possess the psychoactive becomes low-priority during festivals such as Holi and Shivratri. For many, bhang is believed to be fun booster. While there are a few government authorised shops in Delhi that sell bhang, sweet shops and paan shops too sell bhang during Holi. To add a dash of fun into their festive preparations, a lot of people whip up bhang-based dishes at home, which range from jalebis to gol gappa to thandai, pakora, laddoos, kulfis, sherbat and even papads.

The traditional connect

Bhang features as an anxiety releaser in the ancient holy text and one of the four Vedas — the Atharvaveda. Bhang is associated with Lord Shiva, as it is believed that he discovered the transcendental properties of the cannabis. While bhang is popularly consumed in Mathura, making and drinking bhang is a part of the mystic charm of the holy town of Varanasi, that’s consigned to Lord Shiva’s worship. Bhang is prepared on the ghats of the city.

Tackle side effects

Herbal cure: Have a cup of herbal tea such as rose tea or jasmine tea; it will reduce the headache and help counter the effects of bhang.

Lemon water: Lemon water is a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C; it helps prevent the formation of free radicals.

Hydrate your system: Have lots of water, as it will flush out intoxicants from your body. Dehydration makes the hangover worse.

कर्म और भाग्य

बहुत पुराने समय की बात है। एक जंगल में एक महात्मा निवास करते थे। जंगल के दोनों ओर दो अलग-अलग राज्य थे। दोनों के ही राजा महात्मा के पास आया करते थे। जंगल के बीच में से एक नदी बहती थी। जिसे लेकर दोनों राज्यों में तनातनी रहती थी। आखिर बात बिगड़ते-बिगड़ते युद्ध तक पहुंच गयी। दोनों तरफ तैयारियां जोर-शोर से चल पड़ीं। दोनों ही राजाओं ने महात्मा से आशीर्वाद लेने के लिये सोचा।

पहला राजा महात्मा के पास पहुंचा और सारी बात बताकर आशीर्वाद मांगा। महात्मा ने थोड़ा सोच कर कहा, ‘भाग्य में तो जीत नहीं दिखती, आगे हरि इच्छा।’ यह सुनकर राजा थोड़ा विचलित तो हुआ लेकिन फिर सोचा कि यदि ऐसा है तो खून की आखिरी बूंद भी बहा देंगे लेकिन जीते-जी तो हार नहीं मानेंगे। अब उसने वापस लौटकर ​सिर पर कफन बांधकर युद्ध की तैयारी करनी शुरू कर दी। उधर दूसरा राजा भी महात्मा के पास आशीर्वाद लेने के लिये पहुंचा। महात्मा ने हंसते हुये कहा, ‘भाग्य तो तुम्हारे पक्ष में ही लगता है।’ यह सुनकर वह खुशी से भर उठा। वापस लौटकर सभी से कहने लगा, ‘चिन्ता मत करो, जीत हमारे भाग्य में लिखी है।’

युद्ध का समय आ पहुंचा। दूसरा राजा जीत का सपना लिये अभी निकला ही था कि उसके घोड़े के एक पैर की नाल निकल गयी। घोड़ा थोड़ा लंगड़ाया तो मंत्री ने कहा, ‘महाराज! अभी तो समय है, नाल लगवा लेते हैं या फिर घोड़ा बदल लेते हैं।’ लेकिन राजा बेपरवाही के साथ बोला, ‘अरे! जब जीत अपने भाग्य में लिखी है तो फिर ऐसी छोटी सी बात की चिन्ता क्यों करते हो।’

युद्ध शुरू हुआ। दोनों ओर की सेनाएं मरने-मारने के लिये एक दूसरे से भिड़ गईं। जल्दी ही दोनों राजा भी आमने-सामने आ गये। घनघोर युद्ध छिड़ गया। अचानक पैंतरा बदलते हुये वह एक नाल निकला हुआ घोड़ा लड़खड़ा कर गिर पड़ा। राजा दुश्मन के हाथ पड़ गया। पासा ही पलट गया। भाग्य ने धोखा दे दिया।

पहला राजा जीत का जश्न मनाता हुआ फिर से महात्मा के पास पहुंचा और सारा हाल बताया। दोनों ही राजाओं के मन में जिज्ञासा थी कि भाग्य का लिखा कैसे बदल गया। महात्मा ने दोनों को शान्त करते हुए कहा, ‘अरे भई! भाग्य बदला थोड़े ही है। भाग्य तो अपनी जगह बिल्कुल सही है लेकिन तुम लोग जरूर बदल गये हो।’ जीतने वाले राजा की ओर देखते हुए महात्मा आगे कहने लगे, ‘अब देखो न, अपनी संभावित हार के बारे में सुनकर तुमने दिन-रात एक करके, सारी सुख-सुविधाएं छोड़कर, खाना-पीना-सोना तक भूलकर जबर्दस्त तैयारी की और खुद प्रत्येक बात का पूरा-पूरा ध्‍यान रखा। जबकि पहले वही तुम थे कि सेनापति के बल पर ही युद्ध जीतना चाह रहे थे।’

‘और तुम’ महात्मा बन्दी राजा से बोले ‘अभी युद्ध शुरू भी नहीं हुआ कि जीत का जश्न मनाने लगे। एक घोड़े का तो समय पर यान नहीं रख पाये तो भला युद्ध में इतनी बड़ी सेना को कैसे सही से संभाल पाते और वही हुआ जो होना था। भाग्य नहीं बदला लेकिन जिन व्यक्तियों के लिये वह भाग्य लिखा हुआ था उन्होंने अपना व्यक्तित्व ही बदल डाला तो बेचारा भाग्य भी क्या करता।’

यह कहानी भले ही सुनने में काल्पनिक लगे लेकिन आज यह प्राय: घर-घर में दुहारायी जा रही है। समस्या केवल इतनी ही है कि नकल सभी दूसरे राजा की करते हैं और अन्तत: हारते हैं। अरे, जरा सोच कर तो देखो कि भाग्य आखिर कहते किसे हैंॽ

पूर्व जन्मों में या पूर्व समय में हमने जो भी कर्म किये, उन्हीं सब का फल मिलकर तो भाग्य रूप में हमारे सामने आता है। भाग्य हमारे पूर्व कर्म संस्कारों का ही तो नाम है और इनके बारे में एकमात्र सच्चाई यही है कि वह बीत चुके हैं। अब उन्हें बदला नहीं जा सकता। लेकिन अपने वर्तमान कर्म तो हम चुन ही सकते हैं। यह समझना कोई मुश्किल नहीं कि भूत पर वर्तमान हमेशा ही भारी रहेगा क्योंकि भूत तो जैसे का तैसा रहेगा लेकिन वर्तमान को हम अपनी इच्छा और अपनी हिम्मत से अपने अनुसार ढाल सकते हैं।

हमारे पूर्व कर्म संस्कार जिन्हें हम भाग्य भी कह लेते हैं, मात्र परि​स्थितियों का निर्माण करते हैं। जैसे हमारे जन्म का देश-काल, घर-व्यापार, शरीर-स्वास्थ्य आदि हमारी इच्छा से नहीं मिलता लेकिन उन परिस्थितियों का हम कैसे मुकाबला करते हैं, वही हमारी नियति को निर्धारित करता है। कालिदास, बोपदेव, नेपोलियन आदि कितने ही नाम गिनाये जा सकते हैं जिन्होंने अपना भाग्य, भाग्य के सहारे छोड़कर धोखा नहीं खाया, वरन् कर्म के प्रबल वेग से सुनहरे अक्षरों में लिखवाया।

वस्तुत: भाग्य तो हम सभी का एक ही है, जिसे कोई बदल नहीं सकता और वह भाग्य है कि हम सभी ने परम पद की, पूर्णता की प्राप्ति करनी है। जो कर्मयोगी हैं, पूरी दृढ़ता, हिम्मत और उत्साह से हंसते-खेलते सहज ही वहां पहुंचने का यत्न करेंगे। दूसरी ओर जो आलसी और तमोगुणी हैं, वह बचने या टालने की कोशिश करेंगे। लेकिन कब तकॽ आखिर चलना तो उन्हें भी पड़ेगा क्योंकि सचमुच भाग्य को कोई नहीं बदल सकता। हम सभी ने संघर्ष के द्वारा अपनी चेतना का विकास करना ही है, चाहे या अनचाहे। परमात्मा ने मनुष्य को इसीलिये तो सोचने-समझने की शक्ति दी है ताकि वह अपने पूर्व अनुभवों के आधार पर सही रास्ते का चुनाव कर सके और माया के चक्कर से निकल कर पूरी समझ के साथ पूर्णता के पथ पर आगे बढ़े। सुख तो स्वयं प्राप्ति में ही है, उधार या दान के द्वारा भोजन-धन आदि तो मिल सकता है लेकिन सुख और संतोष नहीं।। 

Surha-Tal-Bird-Sanctuary, Ballia (U.P.)

Surha-Tal-Bird-Sanctuary, Ballia

Ballia (Bhojpuri: बलिया, Hindi: बलिया) is a city with a municipal board in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The eastern boundary of the city lies at the junction of the Ganges and the Ghaghara. The city is situated from 141 km from Varanasi. Bhojpuri, a dialect of Hindi, is the primary local language.

Ballia is also known as Baghi Ballia (Rebel Ballia) for its significant contribution in India's freedom struggle. During the first Independence War of India in 1857, Ballia came in picture in front of the world and Shree Mangal Pandey was that first freedom fighter of that war who was born in village Nagwa Ballia district of India. During the Quit India Movement of 1942 Ballia gained independence from British rule for a short period of time when the district overthrew the government and installed an independent administration under Chittu Pandey.

Location	About 17 km from Ballia bus stand, on the road leading to Maniar & 1 km from Maniar, total distance 18 km from Ballia city, 159 km from Varanasi, in district Ballia, U.P., India
Ideal time to visit	Oct.- March
Timings best time	morning & evening
Attractions	Nature & Wildlife
How to reach	By Road-Ballia is well connected by road from Varanasi & other major cities By Rail- Ballia is located on the Railway line of NERBy Air-Babatpur Airport, Varanasi, 179 km

This lake was declared as Bird Sanctuary in 1991, covering an area of about 34.32 km2 and comes under Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division. Ramnagar Nepali King Surat got the digging work done for the lake. Fishing is the main occupation of the local natives (Mallah-the boatman & Bind).
On one end of this lake a big fountain has been built in the memory of freedom fighters with the efforts of Late Prime Minister Mr. Chandrashekhar. Migratory birds from Siberia, and other colder regions, migrate to this lake to spend their winters here. The Bird Sanctuary is worth watching during that period.