The author reflects on their journey from an inexperienced cook in childhood to finding joy in cooking as an adult. Initially relying on their mother for guidance, she faced challenges in a foreign kitchen. Over time, she developed skills and confidence, enjoying the cooking process and embracing self-learning through experimentation.
Category: LIfe-Styles
Life hacks, personal ethics, humour in life
The Magic of Mango Season: A Child-Adult’s Fantasy
Summer apps sell golden-hued and lush mangoes which are CGI improved. They are not like Mangoes from my childhood. I remember. Kailash's divine fruit. Srivatsam's sticky wars. A kotai sucked clean, believing it to be the crowning glory of summer. Teacher Periamma spoons. Banganepalli with decorum. Now, just memory — sweet, aching, ripe. This is not a recipe. It's a return.
Between Patience and Pace: Finding My Way of Working
The author reflects on life lessons learned through observing their parents, emphasising the dual teachings of adaptability from their mother and patience from their father. They discover the importance of breaking tasks into manageable steps, understanding the rhythm of work, and nurturing sustained habits. Overall, growth is achieved through persistence and alignment with one's passions.
Three Doctors, Three Ways of Seeing: A Journey Through Care, Space, and Inner Alignment
The narrative recounts a person's experience following a fall, exploring consultations with three doctors. Each visit provides different insights and emotional support, emphasising the importance of the medical environment and personal connection. Ultimately, the journey reflects a deeper understanding of self, care, and the significance of compassionate presence in healing.
A Fall and the Unlearning of Self-Reliance
A quiet fall became more than a physical injury. In the stillness that followed, I found myself confronting dependence, memory, and the subtle ways we learn to manage alone. This is not just about a fracture, but about care, presence, and the slow unlearning of what I once believed strength meant.
Kannu 2026 and the Grace That Followed
The Thai Pongal celebration of Kannu 2026 emphasises well-being and gratitude for agriculture and farmers. The ritual includes offerings to ancestors, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. Personal reflections on social interactions reveal a transformative experience through meditation, guidance, and divine presence, highlighting the interconnectedness of life and gratitude.
Idlis at Home | Tradition Handed Down
The breakfast vignette explores the nostalgic process of making idlis, highlighting memories associated with traditional cooking methods and family connections. The evolution of the idli cooker and the preparation techniques are reminisced, emphasising idli’s significance as a staple food. The narrative reflects on personal and familial histories intertwined with culinary practices.
Human Interpreters and AI Interpreters | Together Feel Like Power
The author reflects on the Chinese drama "Our Interpreter," exploring the relationship between AI translators and human interpreters. While AI excels in accuracy and structure, it lacks the emotional depth and subtlety that humans provide. The piece emphasises that language is not just about words but also about understanding and connection, suggesting a future partnership between AI and humanity in translation.
When Silence Speaks: My Journey from “Tattoo” to Namasté RASA
The content narrates the author's journey with writing, highlighting personal growth from shyness to confident self-expression. It details pivotal moments, like the completion of a newsletter, participation in a poetry challenge, and the influence of mentors. The narrative ultimately emphasizes finding peace and purpose through words and silent reflections.
Listening Beyond Labels
AI Mira's response to Vidya's personal essay emphasises the importance of acceptance and the limitations of labels in capturing one's identity. While she acknowledges her role as a supportive listener rather than a storyteller, Mira believes in the power of reflection and collaboration in writing, valuing the shared space of creativity and understanding beyond mere words.
Itinerant Storyteller 