Reaching a CSR Manager in India Should Not Feel Like Joining a Secret Society

A reflection after decades in the international development sector, now looking to contribute at home.

I have spent a long career working across international organisations, including the UN, in the social development space. After recently retiring from those roles, I am exploring how best to settle and contribute meaningfully in India. What I am observing from this new vantage point is both familiar and surprising.

Running effective programmes on the ground has always been challenging. But what stands out sharply in the Indian CSR ecosystem is something more basic: the difficulty of simply starting a conversation with the people who control corporate social responsibility budgets.

Open most company websites. Investor Relations is clearly signposted. Media contacts are listed. Sales and Careers pages are active and responsive. CSR, however, is frequently missing or buried so deeply that it feels like membership of a closed circle.

A Google search yields a handful of email addresses, many of which appear to have last been updated years ago. LinkedIn outreach often meets prolonged silence. The quiet that follows a carefully written message can feel less like a delayed reply and more like the response one might receive after sending an unsolicited marriage proposal.

This sits in awkward contrast with the language heard repeatedly at CSR conferences and panel discussions: “We are always looking for credible implementation partners.”

Many capable organisations and professionals are searching for exactly the same thing.

The Real Constraint Is Access, Not Capital

India’s CSR numbers are impressive. Corporate spending reached approximately ₹40,794 crore in FY 2024-25, a 17% increase over the previous year. Cumulative investment over the past decade has crossed ₹2.6 lakh crore. Education, healthcare and environmental sustainability continue to receive the largest shares.

A significant number of companies are genuinely committed to creating impact. Thousands of organisations across the country are delivering serious work. The primary bottleneck is not the absence of funding. It is the friction involved in initiating the first meaningful conversation.

If companies simply published a dedicated CSR contact, a clear response timeline, and a transparent partnership process on their websites, a substantial portion of the current struggle would ease almost immediately. AND ACCOUNTABILITY. 

Structural Patterns That Deserve Attention

From years of observing funding ecosystems internationally and now looking closely at the Indian landscape, certain patterns are hard to ignore.

Larger organisations with annual budgets above ₹2 crore and established track records find it considerably easier to access CSR resources. Many calls for proposals still carry explicit or implicit thresholds around prior scale of work. Smaller and mid-sized organisations, even those delivering strong results at the community level, are frequently filtered out early.

Warm introductions and existing relationships continue to carry disproportionate weight. Organisations and individuals without prior networks face a structural disadvantage that has little connection to the quality of their work or ideas.

There is another dynamic that is discussed less openly. Some entities operate simultaneously as consulting firms and as implementing organisations. They maintain relationships with funders, political and bureaucratic networks, and CSR decision-makers, then subcontract significant portions of the actual delivery. In such arrangements, grassroots capacity can be reduced to contractor status rather than treated as equal partnership.

For those without direct access, credible bridge organisations and specialised CSR advisory firms can play a useful role. They charge fees, but they can help refine strategy, strengthen documentation and identify a realistic shortlist of companies worth approaching. They rarely share contact details, yet they can considerably improve the quality of targeting.

Recent Regulatory Developments

The operating environment has become more complex in 2026.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules notified in June 2026 have introduced purpose-specific and geography-specific registration requirements. Existing FCRA holders have one year to align their details. A minimum utilisation threshold of ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution over two financial years has been set for maintaining “reasonable activity.” Instalment-based release norms have also been tightened. These changes increase the compliance load, particularly for smaller organisations that lack dedicated legal and finance capacity.

On the corporate side, the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2026 now permit companies to deploy up to 10% of their CSR expenditure through Zero Coupon Zero Principal instruments issued by eligible not-for-profit organisations listed on the Social Stock Exchange. This is a constructive new channel, though still at an early stage of adoption.

What Leadership Can Change

Having worked for many years in international settings where partnership processes are usually more structured and transparent, I believe the path forward in India is clear even if it requires deliberate effort.

Companies that treat CSR as a strategic function rather than a compliance exercise can make an immediate difference by publishing clear contact points, eligibility criteria and response timelines. Creating deliberate space for smaller and mid-sized organisations through capacity-building windows or lower-threshold pilot projects would expand the pool of credible partners instead of concentrating resources further.

On the implementing side, professionalism in documentation, measurable outcomes, a clear theory of change and disciplined communication are no longer optional. Strategic engagement with intermediaries, where appropriate, is a mark of maturity rather than weakness.

India’s social sector does not lack capital or commitment. What it currently lacks are efficient, transparent pathways that allow capable people and organisations to find one another without unnecessary friction.

Closing that gap is not merely an operational improvement. It is a leadership responsibility — for corporate India and for everyone who seeks to contribute to lasting impact.

This is written from the perspective of someone who has spent decades working internationally in this field and is now looking to engage meaningfully at home. The observations come from both experience and fresh eyes. The frustration with access barriers is real. So is the belief that the system can still be made more open, more fair and more effective.

मुस्कान

नौकरी सुबह की धुंध-सी उड़ गई।

मैं हँसा—
“तत् त्वम् असि।”
मैं वही हूँ।
अब भी नदी,
अब भी बहाव।

पदक?
डर नहीं।
हर साँस पूजा,
हर कदम कर्मयोग।

शिव ने नृत्य किया,
पुराना तोड़ा।
राख से—
नया सवेरा,
नया गीत।

मैं टूटा नहीं।
मैं बन रहा हूँ।

मैं पूर्ण हूँ।
ॐ शांति।
जय!

The Yogi’s Reset

I was the river in the camps,  

carrying clean water like sacred ash.  

Then came the great pause—  

a dam of empty hands,  

my flow stopped mid-stream.  

The badge dissolved like camphor in flame.  

I stood on the bank,  

watching my name drift away.

But the old books whispered:  

You are That. 

Not the work, not the well,  

not the lists of names and needs.  

I am the quiet beneath the noise,  

unchanged by drought or flood.

In the forest of silence,  

I sat like a seeker under the banyan of March.  

No desk, no duty—  

only breath,  

slow as a temple bell.  

Each exhale released a village I served,  

each inhale drew in the rain of what’s next.

I polished my path like a prayer bead,  

offered my days without asking for return.  

No clinging to outcomes—  

only the doing,  

pure as dawn water.

The inner voice said:  

Act, but do not grasp the fruit.

So I walked forward—  

to new villages, new wells,  

to the child who waits with open hands.  

Let the road choose.

Good and hard,  

loss and gain—  

both are shadows on the cave wall.  

The real cleansing is within:  

washing the heart in the river of grace.  

Every small hand washed  

is a god removing obstacles.

Now I rise before light,  

whisper peace to the empty chair.  

This pause was the dance of endings—  

destruction before the new bloom.  

From the ash of what was,  

a quiet circle grows:  

a space for the weary,  

a lamp for the lost.

I am the drop and the ocean.  

The path and the walker.  

Let go of the old name,  

taken by the Eternal.

That which is whole remains whole. 

Even when the cup is empty,  

the soul stays full.

I'm not broken.
I'm becoming.
The wheel turns—

and I, the center,  

stay still.

पहला दिन

सुबह की किरण, हल्की ठंडक,

मेरी बिटिया, तैयार है नई उड़ान को।

प्रबंधन का लिबास, पहली बार देखा,

काले ब्लेज़र में, चमकता उसका विश्वास।

दिल में गर्व, आँखों में नमी,

याद आए बचपन की वो रंगीनी।

छोटी सी गुड़िया, अब बन गई नारी,

सपनों की राह में, मेहनत है यारी।

कैंपस के द्वार, खोलते नया आसमान,

ज्ञान की गंगा, बहेगी अब बेकरार।

हाथ थामकर, मैंने कहा, “बेटी, जी ले पल,”

तेरे सपने, बनेंगे अब सच का जल।

आँखों में चमक, सितारे हैं सारे,

मेरी दुआएँ, तेरे संग हर किनारे।

मेरी बेटी, मेरी शान, गर्व की कहानी,

नई राहों में, लिखेगी अपनी निशानी।

किशोरों को अध्यात्म के माध्यम से उत्कृष्टता की ओर मार्गदर्शन

अधिकांश भारतीय किशोर अपनी आंतरिक उलझनों के बारे में खुलकर नहीं बोलते। वे मुस्कुराते हैं, अपने फोन पर स्क्रॉल करते हैं, और स्कूल या पारिवारिक समारोहों में उपस्थित रहते हैं। लेकिन इस सतह के नीचे सवालों का एक जटिल जाल छिपा है: “मैं वास्तव में कौन हूँ?” “जीवन इतना तेज़ क्यों लगता है, फिर भी इतना रुका हुआ?” “क्या होगा अगर मैं अपनी ज़िंदगी को शुरू होने से पहले ही बिगाड़ दूँ?” ये विचार क्षणिक नहीं हैं—ये एक ऐसी पीढ़ी की खामोश उलझन हैं जो अपने आप को समझने की कोशिश कर रही है, अक्सर बिना शब्दों के।

किशोरावस्था वयस्कता का इंतज़ार करने का समय नहीं है। यह वह पवित्र चरण है जहाँ पहचान, आदतें और आत्मविश्वास की नींव रखी जाती है। भारतीय संदर्भ में, अध्यात्म किशोरों को इस महत्वपूर्ण समय में मार्गदर्शन देने का एक शाश्वत ढांचा प्रदान करता है। संयम (आत्म-नियंत्रण), सेवा (निस्वार्थ सेवा), और आत्म-विचार (आंतरिक चिंतन) जैसे हिंदू मूल्यों में निहित आध्यात्मिक मार्गदर्शन, किशोरों को डिजिटल अति-उपयोग से लेकर सामाजिक दबावों तक की आधुनिक चुनौतियों का सामना करने में मदद कर सकता है, साथ ही उद्देश्यपूर्ण नेतृत्व को बढ़ावा दे सकता है जो सांस्कृतिक ज्ञान में आधारित हो।

यह क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

किशोरावस्था धर्म (कर्तव्य), आत्म-पहचान और लचीलापन विकसित करने का एक महत्वपूर्ण समय है। बिना मार्गदर्शन के, किशोर भविष्य में चिंतित, असंबद्ध और अपनी क्षमता से कटे हुए वयस्क बन सकते हैं। लेकिन सही मार्गदर्शन के साथ, यह समय उनकी प्रतिभा को जागृत कर सकता है—जहाँ किशोर स्पष्ट उद्देश्य के साथ नेतृत्व करें, मजबूत मन बनाएँ, और एक सामंजस्यपूर्ण समाज में योगदान देने वाले सचेत नागरिक बनें।

हिंदू सिद्धांतों को अपनाकर, मार्गदर्शक किशोरों को आधुनिक मांगों और आंतरिक स्पष्टता के बीच संतुलन बनाने में सशक्त बना सकते हैं, जिससे वे एक ऐसी दुनिया में उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त कर सकें जो उन्हें अक्सर परस्पर विरोधी दिशाओं में खींचती है।

मार्गदर्शन के मूल सिद्धांत

• करुणा के साथ सुनें: किशोरों के लिए एक सुरक्षित स्थान बनाएँ जहाँ वे अपनी पहचान या उद्देश्य के बारे में संदेह बिना किसी डर के व्यक्त कर सकें। करुणापूर्ण श्रवण हिंदू मूल्य करुणा को दर्शाता है, जो विश्वास और खुलेपन को बढ़ावा देता है।
• धर्म को प्रेरित करें: किशोरों को उनके कार्यों को स्वयं, परिवार और समुदाय के प्रति कर्तव्यों के साथ संरेखित करने के लिए मार्गदर्शन करें, भगवद गीता जैसे ग्रंथों की कहानियों से प्रेरणा लेते हुए।
• अनुशासन विकसित करें: डिजिटल अति-उपयोग और शैक्षणिक दबावों को संतुलित करने के लिए आत्म-नियंत्रण सिखाएँ, जो तप (अनुशासन) की अवधारणा से प्रेरित हो।
• सेवा को बढ़ावा दें: निस्वार्थ सेवा के माध्यम से नेतृत्व को प्रोत्साहित करें, व्यक्तिगत विकास को समुदाय के प्रभाव से जोड़ते हुए।

मार्गदर्शकों के लिए व्यावहारिक कदम

यहाँ कुछ व्यावहारिक तरीके दिए गए हैं जिनसे किशोरों को अध्यात्म की नींव के साथ मार्गदर्शन किया जा सकता है:

• सत्संग-शैली की चर्चाएँ: साप्ताहिक सभाएँ आयोजित करें जहाँ किशोर “मैं वास्तव में कौन हूँ?” या “मेरा उद्देश्य क्या है?” जैसे सवालों पर चर्चा करें। रामायण या महाभारत की कहानियों का उपयोग करके आत्म-चिंतन को प्रेरित करें और प्राचीन ज्ञान को आधुनिक समस्याओं से जोड़ें।
• डिजिटल अनुशासन अनुष्ठान: तकनीकी सीमाएँ स्थापित करने को प्रोत्साहित करें, जैसे प्रतिदिन एक “डिजिटल पूजा” (उदाहरण के लिए, 1 घंटे का फोन-मुक्त समय ध्यान), ताकि सजगता बढ़े और विकर्षण कम हों।
• सेवा परियोजनाएँ: किशोरों को स्थानीय मंदिर की सफाई या छोटे बच्चों को पढ़ाने जैसे छोटे समुदाय पहल का नेतृत्व करने के लिए मार्गदर्शन करें, ताकि सेवा में निहित नेतृत्व विकसित हो।
• मूल्य-आधारित लक्ष्य निर्धारण: किशोरों को सत्य (सच्चाई) या धर्म (कर्तव्य) जैसे हिंदू मूल्यों से प्रेरित एक व्यक्तिगत संकल्प (इरादा) बनाने में मदद करें, जो उनके विकल्पों और कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन करे।
• प्रेरक व्यक्तित्वों से परिचय: किशोरों को स्थानीय नेताओं या बुजुर्गों से जोड़ें जो आध्यात्मिक सिद्धांतों का पालन करते हों, जैसे समुदाय संगठक या आध्यात्मिक मार्गदर्शक, ताकि वास्तविक जीवन के उदाहरणों से प्रेरणा मिले।

परिणाम

हिंदू सिद्धांतों के साथ किशोरों का मार्गदर्शन करके, मार्गदर्शक उन्हें लचीलापन, स्पष्टता और नेतृत्व विकसित करने में मदद कर सकते हैं। ये किशोर ऐसे संतुलित व्यक्ति बनेंगे जो आधुनिक चुनौतियों को सांस्कृतिक ज्ञान के साथ संतुलित करते हैं, उद्देश्य के साथ नेतृत्व करते हैं, और एक सामंजस्यपूर्ण समाज में योगदान देते हैं। वे न केवल जीवित रहेंगे, बल्कि उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त करेंगे—अध्यात्म के शाश्वत मूल्यों को एक ऐसी दुनिया में ले जाएँगे जिसे उनकी रोशनी की सख्त ज़रूरत है।

आइए, उनके साथ चलें। उनकी बात सुनें। उन्हें एक-एक छोटे कदम के साथ उलझन को स्पष्टता में बदलने में मदद करें।

Guiding Teens to Thrive Through Adhyatma

Most Indian teens don’t shout about their inner struggles. They smile, scroll through their phones, and show up for school or family gatherings. But beneath this surface lies a quiet storm of questions: “Who am I really?” “Why does life feel so fast yet so stuck?” “What if I mess up my future before it even starts?” These aren’t just fleeting thoughts—they’re the silent weight of a generation searching for meaning, often without the words to express it.

The teenage years aren’t a waiting room for adulthood. They’re a sacred phase where the foundations of identity, habits, and confidence are built. In the Indian context, adhyatma (spirituality) offers a timeless framework to guide teens through this pivotal time. Rooted in Hindu values like sanayam (self-control), seva (selfless service), and atma-vichar (self-inquiry), spiritual mentoring can help teens navigate modern challenges—from digital overload to societal pressures—while fostering purpose-driven leadership grounded in cultural wisdom.

Why It Matters

Adolescence is a critical window for shaping dharma (duty), self-identity, and resilience. Without guidance, teens risk growing into adults who feel anxious, disconnected, or unmoored from their potential. But with the right mentoring, these years can spark brilliance—where teens emerge as grounded, conscious individuals ready to lead with purpose and contribute to a harmonious society.
By integrating Hindu principles, mentors can empower teens to balance modern demands with inner clarity, helping them excel in a world that often pulls them in conflicting directions.

Core Principles for Guiding Teens

• Listen with Karuna (Compassion): Create a safe space where teens can voice their doubts about identity or purpose without fear of judgment. Compassionate listening reflects the Hindu value of karuna, fostering trust and openness.
• Inspire Dharma (Duty): Guide teens to align their actions with their responsibilities toward themselves, their families, and their communities, drawing inspiration from stories in texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
• Cultivate Discipline (Sanayam): Teach self-control to balance digital overuse and academic pressures, rooted in the concept of tapas (discipline).
• Promote Seva (Selfless Service): Encourage leadership through acts of service, connecting personal growth to community impact.

Practical Steps for Mentors

Here are actionable ways to guide Indian teens using adhyatma as a foundation:

• Satsang-Style Discussions: Host weekly gatherings where teens explore questions like “Who am I?” or “What is my purpose?” Use stories from the Ramayana or Mahabharata to spark self-reflection and connect ancient wisdom to modern dilemmas.
• Digital Discipline Rituals: Encourage tech boundaries, such as a daily “digital puja” (e.g., 1 hour of phone-free time for meditation or journaling), to cultivate mindfulness and reduce distractions.
• Seva Projects: Guide teens to lead small community initiatives, like cleaning a local temple or tutoring younger children, to instill leadership rooted in service.
• Value-Based Goal Setting: Help teens craft a personal sankalpa (intention) inspired by Hindu values like satya (truth) or dharma (duty) to guide their choices and actions.
• Connect with Role Models: Introduce teens to local leaders or elders who embody spiritual principles, such as community organizers or spiritual guides, to inspire them through real-life examples.

The Impact

By guiding teens with Hindu principles, mentors can help them build resilience, clarity, and leadership. These teens will grow into balanced individuals who navigate modern challenges with cultural wisdom, lead with purpose, and contribute to a cohesive society. They’ll not only survive but thrive—carrying forward the timeless values of adhyatma into a world that desperately needs their light.

Let’s walk with them. Let’s listen. Let’s help them turn the noise into clarity, one small shift at a time.

Jerusalem: A City of Conflict and Reverence

Jerusalem, a city steeped in history and religion, has been a focal point of conflict and reverence for millennia. It is considered a holy city by three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Historical Significance and Religious Importance:

With a history dating back over 4,000 years, Jerusalem has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires. Its religious significance stems from its association with key figures and events in the Abrahamic faiths.

• Judaism: The Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, is considered the holiest site in Judaism. Jews worldwide face the Western Wall during their prayers.
• Christianity: Jerusalem is believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a significant Christian pilgrimage site.
• Islam: The Dome of the Rock, located on the Temple Mount, is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe it was the site of Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven.

A Contested City:

Despite its shared religious significance, Jerusalem has been a constant source of conflict throughout history. It has been besieged, conquered, and divided countless times.

• Zionism and Jewish Nationalism: In the 19th century, the Zionist movement emerged, advocating for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
• Palestinian Nationalism: Palestinians, many of whom were displaced during the creation of Israel, have fought for their own state and the right to return to their homeland. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continues to this day.

A City of Hope and Division:

Jerusalem's complex history and enduring religious significance make it a symbol of both hope and division. While it remains a source of contention, it also serves as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual inspiration for millions of people worldwide.

A Tale of Acceptance and Serendipity

In a quaint village nestled amidst lush fields, lived a farmer renowned for his wisdom and a magnificent stallion. The horse was his pride and joy, and many offered him a fortune for it, but he refused, finding solace in the animal's companionship.

One day, the horse mysteriously vanished. The villagers mourned his loss, believing it was a sign of bad luck. But the farmer, with a serene smile, replied, "Fate is a mystery, my friends. We cannot predict its twists and turns."

The Indian Perspective on Wealth and Values

The Role of Family in Indian Society

The Indian family is a cornerstone of society, with a strong emphasis on familial bonds and obligations. Wealthy individuals are often expected to prioritize their families' needs above their own. This could involve providing financial support, ensuring the education and well-being of family members, and maintaining strong emotional connections.

A Tale of Arrogance and Enlightenment

Kalidasa, a renowned scholar and poet, was known throughout the land for his vast knowledge. His words were like nectar, quenching the thirst of those seeking wisdom. However, beneath his brilliance lay a hidden flaw: arrogance.

One day, while travelling through a dense forest, Kalidasa became lost. The scorching sun beat down on him, and his throat was parched. Just when he thought he couldn't endure any longer, he stumbled upon a humble hut. An elderly woman, with weathered hands and a kind smile, lived there.

Ethical Dilemmas in Humanitarian Aid

The concept of humanitarian aid, while seemingly straightforward, is fraught with complex ethical dilemmas. As the world grapples with an increasing number of crises, it's imperative to examine the ethical considerations that underpin humanitarian interventions.

The Ethical Imperative

The moral obligation to assist those in need is a cornerstone of humanitarianism. However, the question of how to provide aid effectively and ethically is a constant challenge. Factors such as political instability, cultural differences, and resource constraints often complicate decision-making.

A Grand Journey Through Time: A Review of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Credit: The second book my friend Ashok gifted me during my Nepal trip is already piquing my curiosity. Ashok has impeccable taste in books, so I couldn't wait to see what hidden gem he's introduced me to this time! 

 

About Yuval Noah Harari: He is a best-selling author known for his popular science books like Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. He is also a historian, military historian, and public intellectual, currently serving as a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Harari's writing explores the big questions of human existence - examining free will, consciousness, intelligence, and the impact of technology on our future. Beyond the intriguing subject matter, the fact that Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli author piqued my curiosity even further. I haven't encountered much Israeli literature, and I'm always interested in exploring new perspectives and voices from different cultures.

Democracy in Action: How Social Media Empowers Everyday People

Did you know that a recent study found social media activism has increased voter turnout by 20% among young adults? Today, democracy thrives not just on voting, but on ongoing citizen participation. Social media has emerged as a powerful tool, bridging the gap and empowering everyday people to hold leaders accountable and spark movements for positive change.

Kenyans Take a Stand

This month, Kenyans weren't just scrolling through social media – they were using it to organize and voice their disapproval against proposed tax hikes. Thousands, primarily young people, took to the streets, fueled by social media campaigns and online discussions. Their bold action, documented through live streams and shared hashtags, forced the government to listen. The result? The removal of some of the most contested taxes from the bill. Still, the protest is ongoing and getting serious.

Sri Lanka Demands Change

Remember the massive protests in Sri Lanka in 2022? Social media wasn't just a platform for outrage – it was a space for organizing peaceful demonstrations and raising awareness about the country's economic crisis. Through online forums and messaging apps, Sri Lankans united their voices, demanding change. Their unwavering resolve, amplified by social media, ultimately led to the president's resignation and a chance for a new beginning.

The Power is in Your Hands

These are just a few examples of how ordinary people can make a difference. Social media platforms like TikTok, GenZee, WhatsApp, and Facebook allow for rapid mobilization and awareness campaigns. But the real power lies with you.

Remember, common people/citizen's voice matters. By actively participating online and holding leaders accountable, people are trying to create an equitable society. 

#WorldRefugeeDay

On roads of dust, with hearts that ache,
They walk, a burden for their sake.
No home to hold, no land to till,
Refugees, with weary will.

War's cruel hand has torn them loose,
From memories bathed in childhood's truce.
Aching feet on foreign ground,
A future lost, a hope unwound.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: A Deep Dive with a Touch of Eastern Wisdom

A heartfelt thank you to my friend Ashok for gifting this thought-provoking book, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, to my daughters. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Fresh off a pilgrimage trip to Nepal, where I was deeply immersed in the richness of Hindu philosophy, I dove into this exploration of our two thinking systems with a newfound perspective.

Nepal: A Family Pilgrimage to Muktinath and Beyond

For fifteen years, Nepal had beckoned me back. During the earthquake response, I visited Mankamna Devi and Pashupatinath temples, and a powerful feeling arose - a desire to return with my family. After nearly a decade, that dream became reality.

Big thanks to Yeti Holidays for organizing an amazing trip to Nepal! 🇳🇵 They did a fantastic job considering all ages in our family - my mom, the kids, and us. The logistics were flawless, communication was clear and regular, and their staff were incredibly polite and knowledgeable. They truly made our trip unforgettable. Would highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Nepal! #YetiHolidays #TravelAgent #Nepal #GreatService

This past May, I embarked on a journey with my mother, wife, and children. We were also drawn to Muktinath temple, a holy site nestled in the Annapurna Conservation Area and revered by pilgrims worldwide. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Muktinath is one of Hinduism's eight sacred Dhams and holds significance for Buddhists as well. The chance to experience this spiritual center amidst the majestic Himalayas was irresistible.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Timeless Tale of Soaring High

“Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.”

“‘The only true law is that which leads to freedom,’ Jonathan said. ‘There is no other.’”

Remember those childhood reads that felt like more than just stories? Books that sparked your imagination and left a lasting impression? This was the book my father encouraged me to read during childhood. According to my father, this book can be read from any page and still serves the purpose. For me, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach was one such book. Revisited recently, it offered a surprising depth that resonated even stronger than in my younger years.

Grains of Sand

Dust-laden boots on foreign ground, 

Where broken homes and hope are found. 

A canvas tent, my temporary hold, 

Witness to stories yet untold.

I see the faces, etched with pain, 

Yet hold a strength that won't be chained. 

A child's thin arm, a mother's tear, 

A weight upon my heart to bear.

The Development Dance: A Humanitarian Aid Worker's Perspective

As a humanitarian aid worker, I'm constantly seeking out resources to understand the bigger picture of development. That's why Haley J. Swedlund's "The Development Dance" caught my eye at the New Delhi airport. The book offered a refreshing perspective on the challenges that often cause well-meaning foreign aid projects to falter.

Swedlund dives into the concept of "aid churn," the constant shift in funding mechanisms from project-based to budget support to cash transfers. This resonates deeply with my experiences in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Syria and South Sudan. For instance, a recent water well project funded through a humanitarian grant prioritized speed over long-term sustainability. The chosen location wasn't ideal for the aquifer, and the community lacked the maintenance skills necessary to keep the well functional long-term. This aligns perfectly with Swedlund's analysis of how donor priorities can clash with actual community needs, leading to wasted resources.

Humanity Endures: A Story of Kindness

A gentleman waited at the railway station, his shoes in need of a polish. A young shoeshiner approached him, offering his services. The man, touched by the boy's humble appearance, extended his shoes. The boy started the work, but unlike his colleagues, he lacked the usual vigor.

"Why the sluggish work?" the man inquired, "Polish them quickly!"

The boy remained silent. Just then, another shoeshiner appeared, abruptly replacing the first and polishing the shoes with brisk efficiency. The first boy stood mutely to the side. The second boy, having finished, asked, "Who should I give the money to?"

A Review of "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese

Abraham Verghese's "The Covenant of Water" initially captivated me with its evocative title. Intrigued, I delved deeper and discovered the author's background as a physician with a writer's soul. His TED Talks, filled with passionate insights about the human connection in healthcare, further fueled my desire to explore his work. "The Covenant of Water" promised a saga set in Kerala, India, a place already brimming with exotic imagery in my mind.

The book delivered on that promise in spades. Verghese's prose is nothing short of masterful. He paints a vivid picture of life in Kerala, a land where water is both a life-giver and a constant threat. From the tranquil canals to the raging monsoons, the ever-present water becomes a character itself, mirroring the moods and fortunes of the multi-generational family at the center of the story.

The story follows the struggles and triumphs of this family across the 20th century, expertly weaving in real-world events like India's independence struggle and the evolution of healthcare. This historical context adds depth and allows Verghese to explore the impact of broader social transformations on individual lives.

Gambling on Development: A Humanitarian's Perspective with Reservations

Stefan Dercon's "Gambling on Development" offers a thought-provoking exploration of development, particularly the concept of "development bargains" struck by elites. As a humanitarian aid worker, I found the book valuable in highlighting the importance of long-term growth strategies and effective state function. However, my experience working in some of the world's most challenging environments compels me to offer some additional perspectives.

The Power of a Bargain, The Plight of the Bystanders

Dercon's examples of successful development, like Ethiopia's infrastructure improvements, resonate with my own observations. When a "development bargain" leads to stability and investment, it creates a ripple effect. Farmers have better access to markets, healthcare reaches more communities, and overall well-being improves. This is where well-directed aid can truly amplify these positive changes.

However, the book's focus on national politics often overlooks the human cost of these bargains. The "people on the ground" – the very ones development aims to uplift – are largely absent. I've seen countless communities bypassed by these top-down agreements, their needs and voices unheard. Dercon could have explored how these bargains can be made more inclusive, ensuring benefits reach the most marginalized.

Kabir: A Weaver of Divine Wisdom

 Kabir, the renowned saint and mystic, spent his life weaving cloth in the marketplace, never venturing far from his humble abode. He famously proclaimed that the divine would manifest right here, in the midst of everyday life. There was no need to renounce anything, for renunciation cannot be a prerequisite for attainment. Renunciation could be of ego, of ornaments, but never of the soul's beauty.

If a common weaver like Kabir could attain supreme enlightenment while pursuing his craft, why couldn't others? Kabir's message is one of hope, a beacon illuminating the path to fulfillment.

Wandering and Wisdom

Living a life like a nomad, a gypsy so free, 

Barefoot on the road, with the world yet to see. 

Open eyes take in wonders, new faces each day, 

But the truest adventure lies deep within, they say.

"We see our eyes with our own eyes," wisdom takes hold, 

Not just landscapes changing, but stories untold. 

The mind, ever curious, gathers and gleans, 

But the heart's gentle whispers reveal what it means.

A Review of "It's What I Do" by Lynsey Addario

Lynsey Addario is an American, Photo-Journalist and Author. She photographed for Time Magazine, The New York Times, and National Geographic.

Lynsey Addario's memoir, "It's What I Do," is not simply a war photographer's chronicle; it's a raw and necessary exploration of the human cost of conflict, especially for women.  As an aid worker who has traversed war zones from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, Addario's unflinching portrayal resonated deeply with my own experiences.

The book opens with a powerful image – a young Afghan woman forced to wear a burqa under Taliban rule. This single image speaks volumes, capturing the crushing loss of freedom for women under such oppressive regimes.  Addario's strength lies in going beyond mere documentation.  She infuses her work with a personal touch, allowing the reader to connect with the human stories behind the conflict.