A Question I Am Still Learning to Answer
The author reflects on the complexity of the question "How are you?" and their tendency to hide deep emotional struggles behind a mask of "being okay" to please others. They are le…
Back to all articles
Category
Personal
14 articles · Page 1 of 2
IIT vs Ivy League University – which is harder to get into?
This article compares the admission processes of Indian IITs, which rely on highly competitive entrance exams like the JEE, with US Ivy League universities, which utilize a holisti…
The Thing I Say I Will Do Tomorrow
The author describes a decade-long struggle to go to bed on time, often staying up late to reclaim personal quiet time once daily responsibilities are finished. Recognizing the phy…
What topic can I “not” write on?
An experienced technical blogger discusses her limitations in choosing writing topics, noting that she cannot write about subjects that do not personally interest her. She explains…
7 Reasons to follow/unfollow me
The author outlines seven core themes that define her content: authenticity, creativity, aesthetics, sustainability, joy in the mundane, upcycled fashion, and budget travel. She in…
Placements in India vs Placements in US
The article contrasts the structured campus recruitment system in India, where companies visit premier colleges to conduct organized placement drives, with the more individualistic…
Being NBN
The author recently released *Being NBN*, a book compiling reminiscences and photographs that honor the multifaceted legacy of their late father, N Balakrishnan Nair. A dedicated C…
Back to busy days
After a period of retirement, the author has returned to work at a small newspaper to re-engage with the news cycle. He is now balancing this new professional routine with a book p…
IIT to Ivy – Columbia Commencement 2026!
This article provides a personal account of attending the Columbia University Commencement ceremony in May 2026 to celebrate the author's son's graduation. Alongside reflections on…
IIT to Ivy – Columbia Graduate and Commencement Ceremonies 2026!
This article chronicles a mother’s proud account of her son’s academic journey from IIT Roorkee to earning a Master’s in Data Science from Columbia University with high honors. It …
What is your favorite Yoga pose?
After years of only reading about yoga, Jayanthi shares her recent experience of practicing it for six months and the resulting improvements in her flexibility and mental well-bein…
Vellore
The author reflects on the charm of Vellore, a Tier 3 city in North Tamil Nadu, highlighting its simple lifestyle, low cost of living, and hot climate. She discusses the city's his…