Last week, I visited Ooty, which is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is surrounded by lush green valleys, misty hills, and tea plantations. The town has a pleasant climate throughout the year, which makes it a popular destination for tourists looking for a break from the heat of the plains.

Next to the place I stayed, there were carrot, strawberry, and beans. The air was fresh and surrounded by lush green hills—a breathtaking view. This place is usually crowded in the summer, but it was extra crowded on the weekends. Maybe people in the plains couldn’t tolerate the heat. There was too much traffic and crowds in most tourist spots. The heavy traffic on the hilly road released an unpleasant odor that mixed with the mist, making it suffocating to breathe.

There are so many animals in the area that have adapted to the environment since they can’t modify it, but we, as humans, have the ability to change it. The reason we can modify our environment to a greater extent than other animals is because of our higher level of intelligence and skill set.

Due to their limited abilities, some animals are not as capable as humans when it comes to modifying their environment. Consequently, these animals must adapt to their surroundings to survive. They depend on nature for their livelihood and therefore have a natural inclination not to damage it, unlike some humans. Some animals, however, do cause minor modifications to their surroundings, such as overgrazing or relocating rocks.

Early civilizations cleared forests for cultivation, and during the industrial revolution, the usage of machines increased, which led to the use of fossil fuels. The impact on nature has been particularly significant in the last century due to the increased population and expansion of industries.

It’s known fact that humans are just guests here on Earth, and our existence here is temporary. We are a small part of the planet’s vast ecosystem, and our actions have a significant impact on the environment. Although we have the ability to modify our surroundings to meet our needs, we must remember that we are not the only species on this planet.

People are becoming more aware of the importance of taking care of the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations. Governments, organizations, and individuals all over the world are working to develop sustainable practices and reduce the harm caused by human activities to nature.

Cheers

PS: Perhaps modifying the environment is ingrained in our genes for survival, rather than preserving it. (Lol)

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Letters are one form of communication tool used to convey messages, emotions, and ideas between people. Although the world has moved towards more modern methods of communication like emails and texting, letters still hold a special place in our hearts as a personal and meaningful way to connect with others.

I remember writing letters when I was in boarding school. Though the landline was available and we were allowed to speak once a week to our family, Sister Angella (the warden) recommended we write letters. Inland letters will be given to us at the beginning of the weekend, and the written letters will be collected at the end of the weekend for postal service. I used to write to my parents, but in the beginning, I didn’t know what to write. I would just fill pages with what happened and nothing more. I wasn’t having fun until I received a reply letter from my father. Though there was nothing special in that letter, it did make me happy. I was on cloud nine receiving replies from them. Then I started writing to a few of my old friends and cousins.

I maintained the habit of writing letters in high school, but at a different boarding school. The habit still continued. All my creativity went into those letters, from designing the paper to writing attractive salutations to ending the letter with a warm closing. It was helpful to bring out tough, hidden conversations at a different boarding school. It was helpful to bring out tough, hidden conversations and reflect on oneself. Maybe I am just a millennial. It also had a ripple effect on a few of my friends (lol). I do write letters these days, but to myself through emails.

One of the most important benefits of writing a letter is the ability to express yourself freely and without interruption. Unlike a conversation or text, a letter allows one to gather their thoughts, choose their words carefully, and convey their message clearly. It also provides a way to express emotions that may be difficult to communicate in person, such as gratitude, apology, etc.

Cheers!

PS: Letters are always SPECIAL!

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Though the question looks simple, finding an appropriate answer is the hardest. If the same question is asked in terms of food, it is simple and easy to respond since it’s a quantitative variable. For example, how many dosas, idly, pizzas, or burgers are needed to satisfy the hunger, or how much money is needed for F.I.R.E.? These are quantifiable and can be derived from a particular number. When it’s of qualitative variables like

• How much rest is enough to bounce back?
• How much work is enough without getting exhausted?
• How much progress is enough?
• How much success is enough?
• How much introspection is enough to build self awareness?
• How much sleep is enough to feel fresh?
• How much love is enough to stay content?
• How much materialistic goods are enough?
• How much time spent on social media is enough to stay connected?
• How much focus on physical appearance is enough without getting obsessives about external validation?
• How much travel is enough to feel alive?
• How much exercise is enough without burning out?
• How much time spent with friends and family is enough for a healthy relationship?
• How much exposure to different ideas is enough to broadens oneself without losing one’s identity?
• How much time spent on mediation is enough to foster inner peace?

The answers are subjective and vary from person to person based on their values, beliefs, resources, and priorities. I am not quite sure whether to try to find the answers to these questions or to drop into the deep ocean. There is a famous saying in economics that human wants are unlimited and insatiable. The constant urge to strive for more never stops, even when a goal or target is achieved. May be it’s just rooted in the genes. May it be or may it not!

There may not be a definite or consolidated answer to how much of something is enough. Yet, the act of exploring these questions and aligning one’s own values and goals with them can lead to greater self-awareness and a more fulfilling life. Though human wants are insatiable, searching for a meaning or a purpose in life is within our reach.

Cheers

The most commonly used word in the modern eras. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help when necessary. Thanks to COVID. Therapy helps us to improve the mental health and well-being and to overcome problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.

Though it is popular, mental health concerns are often not encouraged in Asian households and viewed as a personal failing or a result of moral weakness. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the social status, which makes it very hard to admit the struggles with mental health or to seek out help. There are significant differences in the perception and treatment of mental health issues between Asian and Western cultures, despite the use of similar terms like ‘therapy’ and ‘healing’. Some of them are

1. Stigma: There is still stigma that is attached to the mental illness and therapy in many Asian countries. As discussed above, it make it hard for open up with their parents and peers.
2. Focus/Values: Collectivism, harmony with family, social responsibility, and interdependence are more valued than individualism, self-expression, self-actualization, personal growth, and independence as in Western countries.
3. Methods: Mediation, mindfulness, Ayurveda, herbal medicines, yoga in Asian countries and cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, hypnosis, etc.
4. Accessibility: Due to issues like a lack of mental health resources and cultural stigma, and access to therapy may be more restricted in Asian nations. In contrast, therapy is typically easier to access in Western nations, though some people may still have financial hardships.
5. Approach: In Western nations, mental illness is frequently seen as a condition that can be handled through therapy and medication. In contrast, mental health issues may be viewed more holistically in many Asian nations, with a focus on the mind-body connection and conventional healing methods.

There are more differences in communication style, emphasis on dealing with emotions, and the role of the therapist. I won’t deny the fact that yoga and meditation are great tools, but their importance is lacking.

One more thing that I realized when I watched movies from different countries I understand that movies can’t relate to all the differences, yet they portray reality. I was fascinated by the roles of Dr. Stan Lipschitz, Dr. Paula Agard (Suits), and Dr. Jehangir (Dear Zindagi), though it is scripted. Very few movies and television series in Asian languages have scenes of therapy, healing, or mental health and some of them are Tamasha, Dear Zindagi, The Great Hypnotist, Kill me, Heal me, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, It’s Okay, That’s Love.

Leaving movies behind, there are ted talks and podcasts of renowned psychiatrists that help us understand the importance of having a healthy and emotional relationship with oneself and others. For sure, that isn’t equivalent to therapy sessions but its good start. I have been following and listening to talks by Gabor Mate, Nicole LePera, Jordan, and a few other regional psychologists on various platforms lately.

Despite the difference, there has been a rise in awareness of the significance of mental health in recent years, and numerous Asian nations are making efforts to lessen stigma and increase access to mental health services. Social media are playing crucial in this. There are ongoing efforts to improve public education about mental health and lessen stigma following COVID, and more mental health professionals are promoting open and supportive attitudes toward mental health.

Cheers!

I came across a famous story about John Boyd while reading Ego is the Enemy written by Ryan Holiday. Boyd was a highly accomplished fighter pilot, and military strategist in the United States Air Force, widely considered one of the most influential military theorists of the 20th century. He is particularly well-known for his innovative development of the OODA loop concept, which stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. This model has been widely adopted across different fields, including the military, business, and sports.

According to the story, Boyd was approached by a young officer who was frustrated with his lack of promotion and asked for advice. Boyd said there will be a fork in the path of life you’re traveling and you’ll have to make a decision on which path to take. Boyd then went on to explain that those who focus on being somebody, such as seeking power, prestige, and promotions, often end up compromising their values and sacrificing their principles to achieve those goals.

On the other hand, those who focus on doing something, such as making a positive impact on the world or pursuing a noble cause, often end up achieving their goals. There is no need for compromises; one can be true to oneself and to others. It is more like developing a personal identity, purpose, or meaning in life.

Boyd reportedly responded by saying, “To be somebody or to do something. In life, there is often a roll call. That’s when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?”

Ryan beautifully emphasized the role of ego in the to-do part. The ego can cause us to prioritize goals and activities that do not align with our core values and well-being, simply because they may boost our self-esteem or social status. The ego crosses out what really matters to us and replaces it with what doesn’t.

Maybe it was easy to make a decision before, not knowing what everyone was up to. We want to accomplish things and achieve our goals, on one end whereas, on the other, we want to live a meaningful life and be true to ourselves. This is the classic dilemma of “to do or not to do.”

Finding a balance between ‘to do’ and ‘to be’ is a difficult process that requires conscious effort and self-reflection. It starts with identifying our core values, such as honesty, personal growth or compassion and then prioritizing activities and goals that align with those values. However, the truth is that these two aspects of life are not mutually exclusive, and it might take some time to find out which one you belong in.

Cheers!

PS: I don’t know either, figuring out!

Socrates declared that he knew nothing in Plato’s work, “The Apology.” In this work, Socrates is on trial for corrupting the youth of Athens and for impiety, or not believing in the gods of Athens. During his trial, Socrates was given the opportunity to defend himself and explain his beliefs to the jury..

When asked about his wisdom and knowledge, Socrates responded with the famous declaration, “I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing.” He believed that recognizing one’s own ignorance was the first step to true wisdom and that his method of questioning was meant to encourage others to seek knowledge for themselves. Socrates’ philosophy emphasized humility and a willingness to learn, inspiring generations.

As human beings, we often strive to be knowledgeable and well-informed. We want to have answers to everything and often find it hard to admit when we don’t know something. Yet, saying “I don’t know” can be one of the most important and difficult things we can say, both for ourselves and for others.

Saying “I don’t know” can be a powerful catalyst for curiosity, prompting us to seek out new information and expand our knowledge. However, I understand that saying it out loud makes us feel little, ashamed and our hurts the ego, but at the same time, it can be a great motivator for learning. This can lead to personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge” – Stephen Hawking

Growing up with Asian parents, I had difficulty admitting things that I am not sure were considered inappropriate behavior. They would ask you random questions on a random topic and expect you to give the lengthy answer with the most recent data. Otherwise, you will be accused of your knowledge, degree, and schooling, including your brain. Just kidding, yet true in certain scenarios. In the tech era, all the platforms have been loaded with information and it is quite impossible to know and remember everything at all times.

There was some point in my life when I realized like I didn’t have to pretend about the things that I didn’t know. I was hesitant in the beginning, but I am saying it often these days. This helped me know, learn more, grow personally, and break down barriers between people.

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” – Albert Einstein.

Admitting that we don’t know can be a liberating experience, freeing us from the pressure to have all the answers and allowing us to be more comfortable with uncertainty. After all, nothing is certain.

Cheers!

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a strong desire and anxiety to not miss out on opportunities or experiences others may be having, particularly prevalent in today’s social media-driven society. The feeling of being lost in the tribe hurts more when we are missed out on trips, movies, fancy dinners, recent shows, music etc.

This can lead to the feeling of not living life to the fullest or of not fulfilling the standards set by the people on social media platforms. Anxiety, stress, and self-pressure are pushing the people’s limits, and they might go in search of happiness or success like their peers without knowing what they needed or wanted in the first place. Everyone falls into the trap of FOMO.

Social media content can include a variety of experiences, such as traveling, career success, and social events, such as trips to different countries, adventures, starting a business, becoming influencers, excelling in their careers, promotions, going to parties, reunions with colleagues, branded cars, clothes, watches, gadgets, and so on. This might tempt us to fall into the trap. 

I got introduced to the concept of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) through Ankur Warikoo‘s newsletter. It is the opposite of FOMO. It is feeling of pleasure or contentment that comes from disconnecting from social media, taking a break from activities, or saying no to invitations or events that you don’t want to attend.

Feel the joy of being in this moment, Feel the joy of missing out – Ankur

JOMO prioritizes well-being and happiness over social pressure to constantly connected with others. Instead of feeling guilty or anxious about missing out, people who embrace JOMO recognize that it’s okay to take a step back and focus on their own needs. I still remember making stupid decisions due to FOMO and facing the consequences and it is really good to miss out.

It is quite common and normal to feel left out or missed out when we come across all these things on social media. It is also important to enjoy the present moment of having the people and things that we have around. This may involve setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t align with your values or interests. JOMO is really great once you realize FOMO doesn’t bring any happiness.

Cheers!

PS: Enjoy JOMO just like kid above!

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The fascination with the world around them and the quest to comprehend its complexities have long existed in human beings. Our capacity to consciously seek out and acquire knowledge about the outside world is what differentiates us from other animals. However, there are still many phenomena that science has yet to explain fully, and one of these is the mystery of dreams. Dreams can be vivid and realistic, and they can often feel like a glimpse into another world or reality.

Dreams happen during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, which typically starts about 90 minutes after falling asleep and repeats several times throughout the night, according to Matthew Walker in Why we sleep. The brain is very active during REM sleep, and the body is effectively paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. One of the main functions of dreaming is to help us process and consolidate memories from our waking life.

Our brain actively replays and incorporates new experiences into our preexisting knowledge structures while we are sleeping during REM, which can help us comprehend and remember what we have learned. In our dreams, we might have more imaginative and creative thoughts because the logical and rational parts of our brain are less active during REM sleep. Dreams can also help us process and work through difficult emotions, such as fear or anxiety, by providing a safe space to confront and process these feelings.

The movie “A Mid-Day Slumber” reminds us how dreams can often leave us perplexed and searching for clarity as to why such dreams occur. The main character, James, behaves like a missing villager named Sundaram after a good afternoon nap. The situation becomes chaotic when James behaves like Sundaram after waking up from his nap and is unable to distinguish his own identity from that of Sundaram’s. This movie left the audience wondering if James had a dream of being Sundaram or if Sundaram left as James to live in a different entity.

It made me think of the Butterfly Dream Theory, where the author daydreamed about being a contented butterfly but was unsure whether he was a butterfly in the dream or otherwise. There are many interpretations of this movie, some of which explore spiritual themes.

I’ll wrap this up with a Thirukkal that stayed after watching this movie.

உறங்கு வதுபோலுஞ் சாக்காடு உறங்கி
விழிப்பது போலும் பிறப்பு. (339)

Death is sinking into slumbers deep;
Birth again is waking out of sleep.

Cheers!

PS: Available on Netflix.

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Millets are small-grained cereal crops that are widely grown around the world, particularly in marginal or low-fertile semi-arid soils. There are many different types of millet, including sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, porso millet, barnyard millet, and little and Kodo millet. Millets are highly nutritious, gluten-free, and have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for people with dietary concerns. Apart from that, they are high in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Millets are called Nutri cereals as they provide nutrients for the normal functioning of the human body. 

The origin of millets is traced back to ancient times, as they were among the first crops to be cultivated by early humans. The millets originated in Asia and Africa, and evidence traces them back to 8000 BCE when foxtail millets were cultivated in China. They were also cultivated in other parts of Asia, including India and the Middle East, and were important sources for many ancient civilizations. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, the global production of millet in 2020 was 30.48 million metric tons, with India being the largest producer followed by Niger and countries like China, Nigeria, Mali, etc.

Though India is the largest producer of millets, the share of millets in total food grain production has dropped from 40 to 10 percent, and the area has decreased. The production and consumption of rice and wheat over the years and becomes the staple food. Rice has replaced millet to be eaten directly, while wheat flour has replaced flours made from millet.

In India, millets are primarily cultivated in 21 states over an area of 12.53 million hectares, producing 15.53 million tons at a yield of 1237 kg per ha. The major reasons for the decline in millets over the years in India were found to be high remuneration given to other competing crops, subsidized supply of other cereals through PDS, a lack of subsidies for inputs, and changes in consumer preferences. The green revolution did have mixed effects on the millets.

However, millet’s popularity is slowly rising again due to its nutritive values, and efforts have been made to increase production through programs such as ODOP, Millet Mission, Millet Village Scheme, Mid-Day Meal, and Nutrihug-TBI. 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millet by the UN to raise awareness and pay attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millet and the indigenous crops.

Millets are versatile, grown with minimum inputs and can be used in a variety of dishes, including bread, porridge, and even beer. In recent times, the value-added products out of millets are increasing tremendously. They are superfood that has the potential to play a significant in addressing the global health and food security issues.

Here are some of the yummy traditional millet recipes: cumbu kool, ragi kali, samai pongal, ragi dosa, foxtail bisibelebath, and many more.

Cheers!

Check out the similar posts: #Decodeagri05: Hidden costs of the rice revolution! & other Agri posts

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turtles all the way down!

Sunandhini R

nleash the

Bioluminescence is derived from both Greek and Latin words, bio meaning “live” and lumen meaning “light.” Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light from living organisms. It is a form of chemiluminescence. It was initially referred to as “animal light” in ancient Chinese poetry, but Aristotle recorded bioluminescence in detail during his study as organisms were capable of self-luminosity.

It is seen in a wide range of living things, including bacteria, fungi, insects, sea invertebrates, fish, octopuses, and other aquatic creatures. Some articles state that certain mammals like platypuses glow under UV light.

Most organisms emit light because of the chemical reaction, and a few organisms have light organs called photophores. The reaction requires the substrate (luciferin) and the enzyme (luciferase or photoprotein). The substrate is oxidized into the products in an excited state (oxyluciferin) and emits extra energy in the form of light.

Some organisms synthesize luciferin on their own. While others absorb it from others in the form of food or through symbiotic relationships. Most of the reactions involve luciferin and luciferase; if not, they are catalyzed by photoprotein.

The major reasons for the evolution of bioluminescence are

• Defensive Adaptions: Protection and Survival
• Offensive Adaptions: Food and Prey
• Attraction: Potential mates
• To spread its spores (Fungi)
• Oxygen-Neutralizing defensive mechanism

It was interesting to read that an article stated that some lower organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, may be an evolutionary holdover from periods when the Earth’s atmosphere contained little oxygen and was toxic to primitive organisms. Even after adapting to an oxygen-rich environment, bioluminescence may represent a defense mechanism that neutralizes oxygen. However, it is still unclear where most bioluminescent systems came from in terms of evolution.

Cheers!

PS: Detailed instructions for photographing sea sparkle.

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Yes, it’s about writer’s block. I didn’t know even an amateur struggles with writing about a topic and I wasn’t aware of the term. I believe it wasn’t due to the search for new, original ideas but rather to having too many topics to write on and perfectionism. There are many factors to be considered while writing, such as finding an interesting topic,  building a story, keeping the audience engaged, sharing the information, etc.

My biggest mistake was scheduling the writing and wanting it to be perfect. Ideas usually come to me when I’m about to fall asleep or taking my dog for a walk, but when I sit down to write, they vanish. One more reason is that I had too many topics on my mind (the Elephant Whisperers, Dogs, and the Summary of The Obstacle is the Way, Ayali). The Internet and social media fed us with a wide range of information and focus becomes scarce.

Here are a few tips or exact words from my favorite writers that I came across while searching for a solution.

1. Novelist William Maughan said there are three rules to good writing. “Unfortunately no one knows what they are.”
2. Writer’s block is a myth. Until you have done fifty thousand words of bad writing, you have no idea if you’re a writer or not.
3. Write it instead of wanting it to be perfect.
4. While experimenting with ideas, stay in the middle between the writing style of your favorite writer and your unique style in the beginning and can scale it up.
5. Good ideas can’t be scheduled. There is no specific time to receive mail from Godin.
6. Write simply
7. Sleep on everything before hitting the publish button.
8. Get feedback from people who a) believe in you b) root for you c) be completely aware that what they’re reading isn’t your max potential but you experimenting, gaining confidence, and trying to figure out your voice.

Cheers!

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