When you retire, companionship comes in many forms.

When you retire, companionship comes in many forms. For some, it’s the television. For others, it’s books, music, or the ever-present mobile phone. So when one fine evening your trusted VU 55-inch TV suddenly displayed nothing but vertical lines, your heart naturally skipped a beat. In panic, you shot off a late-night email to VU. Morning brought hope—and promptly took it away. Customer care politely redirected you to WhatsApp, and the WhatsApp response read like a digital condolence message: “Dear Customer, your model is 5 years old, parts are out of stock. A chargeable technician visit can be arranged. It will only cover the visit.” Meanwhile, you turned to the parallel universe of local mechanics. One quoted ₹200 for a home visit and possible ₹5,000 for parts. By late evening, two young mechanics landed up—just when you had nearly resigned yourself to the idea of replacing the TV and draining your savings a bit more than planned. They assured you they would “try their best” to save you from an unplanned expense bordering a lakh rupees. You didn’t know them—just a number stored long ago from a shop in RK Puram—and you quietly laughed at their confidence. After all, “experts” had already declared the panel dead and said it would take two days to source a new one. But these two? They opened the TV with the calm of surgeons. In minutes, the electronic card was out, and they were soldering components with the focus of neurospecialists. Tea and biscuits kept them company as they worked. Gradually, you felt they had reached the bottom of the malady. And sure enough, after assiduously putting in their best, they flipped the switch— and the TV sprang back to life, brightly flashing the latest news you had missed for 24 hours. The conundrum remains: How did the OEM throw up its hands, citing “no parts,” while these two repaired the set in one hour for ₹4,500, all the while insisting that their visiting charge would be only ₹200 if they failed? It is this jugaad, this unassuming brilliance, that keeps retired people like us afloat in an age where gadgets fail quicker than our patience. And as the young men packed their tools and slipped on their dusty sandals, they left behind more than a functioning TV. They left behind a reminder that in a world ruled by automated replies and scripted customer care, there still exist people who show up with sincerity, skill, and heart. My TV was repaired. But more importantly, so was a small part of my faith in the goodness of ordinary people. May their tribe increase—and may the light they bring into living rooms and into hearts never fade.

When you retire, companionship comes in many forms.

When you retire, companionship comes in many forms. For some, it’s the television. For others, it’s books, music, or the ever-present mobile phone. So when one fine evening your trusted VU 55-inch TV suddenly displayed nothing but vertical lines, your heart naturally skipped a beat. In panic, you shot off a late-night email to VU. Morning brought hope—and promptly took it away. Customer care politely redirected you to WhatsApp, and the WhatsApp response read like a digital condolence message: “Dear Customer, your model is 5 years old, parts are out of stock. A chargeable technician visit can be arranged. It will only cover the visit.” Meanwhile, you turned to the parallel universe of local mechanics. One quoted ₹200 for a home visit and possible ₹5,000 for parts. By late evening, two young mechanics landed up—just when you had nearly resigned yourself to the idea of replacing the TV and draining your savings a bit more than planned. They assured you they would “try their best” to save you from an unplanned expense bordering a lakh rupees. You didn’t know them—just a number stored long ago from a shop in RK Puram—and you quietly laughed at their confidence. After all, “experts” had already declared the panel dead and said it would take two days to source a new one. But these two? They opened the TV with the calm of surgeons. In minutes, the electronic card was out, and they were soldering components with the focus of neurospecialists. Tea and biscuits kept them company as they worked. Gradually, you felt they had reached the bottom of the malady. And sure enough, after assiduously putting in their best, they flipped the switch— and the TV sprang back to life, brightly flashing the latest news you had missed for 24 hours. The conundrum remains: How did the OEM throw up its hands, citing “no parts,” while these two repaired the set in one hour for ₹4,500, all the while insisting that their visiting charge would be only ₹200 if they failed? It is this jugaad, this unassuming brilliance, that keeps retired people like us afloat in an age where gadgets fail quicker than our patience. And as the young men packed their tools and slipped on their dusty sandals, they left behind more than a functioning TV. They left behind a reminder that in a world ruled by automated replies and scripted customer care, there still exist people who show up with sincerity, skill, and heart. My TV was repaired. But more importantly, so was a small part of my faith in the goodness of ordinary people. May their tribe increase—and may the light they bring into living rooms and into hearts never fade.

When I turned 65 , I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself,

When I turned 65 , I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself, “So… this is the beginning of the final stretch.” And slowly, the truths I had avoided all my life began to surface. Kids? They’re busy writing their own story. Health? Slips away faster than sand through open fingers. The government? Just headlines, promises, and numbers that never change your daily reality. Aging doesn’t hurt your body first — it hurts your illusions. So I sat down with myself and carved out a handful of bitter but necessary truths. ⸻ Kids don’t save you from loneliness Children grow, life pulls them in every direction, and you become a memory they visit when time allows. You smile… and yet something inside you remains strangely hollow. Kids bring joy — but they are not a shield against loneliness. ⸻ Health is not forever One day, the outings you once jumped into with enthusiasm feel like a marathon. You realize health was never a background character — it was the main pillar holding your life steady. ⸻ Retirement and money Retirement is not a reward — it’s a reality check. Depending on the system is like standing on thin ice. Bills grow, needs grow, prices grow… but support doesn't. ⸻ So I rebuilt my life on new rules — honest, sharp, practical rules for living with dignity. ⸻ Rule 1: Money is more reliable than anything else. Love your kids, cherish them — but don’t make them your retirement plan. Save for yourself. Even small savings create big freedom. Financial independence is dignity. ⸻ Rule 2: Your health is your real job Nothing else matters if your body refuses to cooperate. Move. Walk. Stretch. Guard your sleep like treasure. Eat cleaner. Reduce the poison disguised as sugar and salt. Illness doesn’t discriminate, but it respects those who take responsibility for themselves. ⸻ Rule 3: Create your own joy Waiting for others to make you happy is the fastest way to heartbreak. So you learn to enjoy the small things — a peaceful breakfast, a good book, music that warms the soul. When you know how to make yourself happy, loneliness loses its power. ⸻ Rule 4: Aging is not an excuse to become helpless Some people turn aging into a performance of complaints. And slowly, even those who love them start stepping away. Strength is attractive. Resilience is magnetic. People respect the ones who stay capable, not the ones who surrender. ⸻ Rule 5: Let go of the past The good old days were beautiful — yes. But they’re gone, and there is no return ticket. Clinging to the past steals the present. Life today may look different, but it still holds moments worth living. ⸻ Rule 6: Protect your peace like it’s your property Not every argument needs your voice. Not every insult needs your response. Not every relative deserves access to your emotions. Peace is expensive. Protect it from drama, negativity, and draining people — even if they're your close ones. ⸻ Rule 7: Keep learning something — anything The day you stop learning is the day you start aging. A new recipe, a new word, a new app, a new hobby — your brain needs movement just like your body does. Learning keeps you young. Stagnation makes you old. ⸻ Strength and freedom still belong to you Aging is an exam no one can take for you. You can adapt, rebuild, and rise stronger… or sit back, complain, and wait for someone to rescue you. And if .... No one comes to rescue you .... Stand up for yourself ... Because you still can.. And that single truth is enough to transform the rest of your life.

*HISTORY OF INDIAN WOMEN’S CRICKET*

*HISTORY OF INDIAN WOMEN’S CRICKET* *Did you know India’s First Girls’ Cricket Match was held in Kerala in 1914?* _It was played in *Kottayam*, thanks to an *Australian Missionary* named *Gwen Kellaway*_ Last updated: November 05, 2025 | 19:33 Jai Rai, Assistant Editor Dubai: Last week was a moment of pure Euphoria for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team as they lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy in Mumbai. Yet, few are aware that the Roots of Women’s Cricket in India trace back More than a Century — to a small town in Central Kerala. Historical records reveal that India’s first-ever girls’ cricket match was played in Kottayam, thanks to an Australian missionary named Gwen Kellaway. Arriving in Kerala in 1912 as part of the Church Mission Society, Kellaway served as the headmistress of Baker School in Kottayam. Determined to introduce girls to the sport, she organised the first match in 1914 at the Baker School Ground. The two teams consisted of 11 players each — students from Baker School and boarders from CMS College. According to Dr. Ashok Alex Philip, former principal of Peet Memorial Training College in Mavelikara and associate editor of Jnananikshepam, Kellaway even imported fabric for the players’ white uniforms from Manchester. The funds raised from these matches were used to support patients seeking treatment at a hospital in Cherthala. She also delivered popular talks titled “Pitch Talk”, addressing socially significant topics. Born in Melbourne in 1887, Kellaway was just 25 when she came to Kerala. She continued to promote women’s cricket in Kottayam until 1925, before moving to Thiruvalla to become the first principal of Vanitha Mandiram, an institution established by the Mar Thoma Church. She remained there until 1946, after which she returned to Australia. Fittingly, she named her home in the Melbourne suburb of Upwey “Mandiram.” Gwen Kellaway passed away in 1972 — leaving behind a legacy that quietly shaped the beginnings of women’s cricket in India. ♥️--------------♥️

When I turned 65 , I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself,

When I turned 65 , I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself, “So… this is the beginning of the final stretch.” And slowly, the truths I had avoided all my life began to surface. Kids? They’re busy writing their own story. Health? Slips away faster than sand through open fingers. The government? Just headlines, promises, and numbers that never change your daily reality. Aging doesn’t hurt your body first — it hurts your illusions. So I sat down with myself and carved out a handful of bitter but necessary truths. ⸻ Kids don’t save you from loneliness Children grow, life pulls them in every direction, and you become a memory they visit when time allows. You smile… and yet something inside you remains strangely hollow. Kids bring joy — but they are not a shield against loneliness. ⸻ Health is not forever One day, the outings you once jumped into with enthusiasm feel like a marathon. You realize health was never a background character — it was the main pillar holding your life steady. ⸻ Retirement and money Retirement is not a reward — it’s a reality check. Depending on the system is like standing on thin ice. Bills grow, needs grow, prices grow… but support doesn't. ⸻ So I rebuilt my life on new rules — honest, sharp, practical rules for living with dignity. ⸻ Rule 1: Money is more reliable than anything else. Love your kids, cherish them — but don’t make them your retirement plan. Save for yourself. Even small savings create big freedom. Financial independence is dignity. ⸻ Rule 2: Your health is your real job Nothing else matters if your body refuses to cooperate. Move. Walk. Stretch. Guard your sleep like treasure. Eat cleaner. Reduce the poison disguised as sugar and salt. Illness doesn’t discriminate, but it respects those who take responsibility for themselves. ⸻ Rule 3: Create your own joy Waiting for others to make you happy is the fastest way to heartbreak. So you learn to enjoy the small things — a peaceful breakfast, a good book, music that warms the soul. When you know how to make yourself happy, loneliness loses its power. ⸻ Rule 4: Aging is not an excuse to become helpless Some people turn aging into a performance of complaints. And slowly, even those who love them start stepping away. Strength is attractive. Resilience is magnetic. People respect the ones who stay capable, not the ones who surrender. ⸻ Rule 5: Let go of the past The good old days were beautiful — yes. But they’re gone, and there is no return ticket. Clinging to the past steals the present. Life today may look different, but it still holds moments worth living. ⸻ Rule 6: Protect your peace like it’s your property Not every argument needs your voice. Not every insult needs your response. Not every relative deserves access to your emotions. Peace is expensive. Protect it from drama, negativity, and draining people — even if they're your close ones. ⸻ Rule 7: Keep learning something — anything The day you stop learning is the day you start aging. A new recipe, a new word, a new app, a new hobby — your brain needs movement just like your body does. Learning keeps you young. Stagnation makes you old. ⸻ Strength and freedom still belong to you Aging is an exam no one can take for you. You can adapt, rebuild, and rise stronger… or sit back, complain, and wait for someone to rescue you. And if .... No one comes to rescue you .... Stand up for yourself ... Because you still can.. And that single truth is enough to transform the rest of your life.

What happened to Luv and Kush after Ram and Sita?

What happened to Luv and Kush after Ram and Sita? Kusha was the eldest son and he was appointed as King of Kushavati. Kusha was the one who rehabilitated Ayodhya and made it regain its former glory. His successor was named Atithi and from Kusha the Raghukula continued its reigning line of kings. Kusha was married to Naga Princess Kumudvati, sister of Naga King Kumud. He raised her to the rank of Chief Queen. Kusha got a son from her Atithi who was very skilled and intelligent young man and was jewel of both dynasties (Raghu and Naga). He was crowned as Prince Regent when Kusha left to fight a giant. Kusha killed the giant but got fatally injured. After his death, Kumudvati followed him and they reached heaven where Kusha shared throne of Indra and Kumudvati shared with Indrani (Sachi). Another name Champika is mentioned as wife of Kusha in Ananda Ramayana. Luv was appointed King of Shravasti. He also built Lavapuri (Lahore). His wife is called Sumati in Ananda Ramayana. Sources- Ananda Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana and Raghuvansh by Kalidas

Kunti Calling Upon Other Deities

If Kunti can call upon any god for getting a child, why did she call Indra, Vaayu, Yama, She could call from Tridevas, Brahma or Shiva or Jagadish or Ganesha or other supreme gods? It wasn’t Kunti who called on the deities by her choice. Yes, the first time she was given the mantra, she in curiosity looked at the sun and tried the mantra. The result was she conceived Karna and had to abandon him. Kunti Calling Upon Other Deities Kunti was never of the idea of using the mantra. However, it was after Pandu suggested niyog, when Kunti disclosed the secret. It was Pandu who suggested to call upon the respective deities, whose specific qualities he wanted to be bestowed in his child. He first asked Kunti to summon Dharmaraj, as he wanted a son who would be the perfect heir to take care of the throne. He wanted a son who is righteous and had all the qualities of upholding the throne of Hastinapur. Pandu replied, “O beautiful one! O one with the beautiful hips! You must act today itself, in the proper way. Summon Dharma, because he is the one who partakes of what is sacred. That which is not dharma is never united with that which is dharma. O one with the beautiful hips! The worlds will now think that what we have done is dharma. There is no doubt that one who is devoted to dharma will be born into the Kuru lineage. Since he will be given by Dharma, there will never be anything that is not dharma in his mind. O sweet-smiling one! Therefore, always set dharma before you and summon him. Chapter 113, Sambhava Parva, Section 07, Mahabharat Second, he asked Kunti to summon Vayu. He wanted a son who would be the perfect support in strength and security for the King. Having obtained this virtuous son, Pandu again said, “It is said that the best thing for Kshatriyas is strength. Therefore, ask for a son who has great strength.” Having been thus addressed by her husband, she invoked Vayu for a son. Through him, she obtained the mighty-armed Bhima, whose strength was terrifying. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! As soon as this immensely strong one was born, an invisible voice was heard. “This son will be the strongest among all those who are strong.” Chapter 113, Sambhava Parva, Section 07, Mahabharat Third, he asked her to summon Indra. Before begetting Arjun, he and Kunti are mentioned to have performed austerities and penance. After this, he asked her to summon Indra, as he wanted a son with qualities of Indra, who is not only righteous and strong but a warrior who will be famous in all the three worlds. When Vrikodara was born, Pandu again began to think. “How can I obtain a supreme son who will be the best in all the worlds? This world depends on destiny and on human action. But as decreed, destiny is only obtained over a period of time. We have heard that Indra is the king and the best of the gods. He has immeasurable strength and endeavour and he is valorous and unlimited in radiance. By pleasing him with austerities, I can obtain a son who is immensely strong. The son that he will give me will be the best. I shall therefore perform the greatest of austerities in mind, deeds and speech.” Chapter 114, Sambhava Parva, Section 07, Mahabharat All three times, Kunti had no say. It was all according to Pandu's choice. He chose deities whose specific qualities he wished to see in his sons. On the other hand, in the case of Madri, she summoned Ashwini Kumars. Pandu had no say here. She knew that Kunti may not aid her use the mantra again. Hence, she summoned Ashwini Kumar to beget two kids.