The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation – Girish Kuber
The Tatas is the story of one of India’s leading business families.
It starts in the nineteenth century with Nusserwanji Tata – a middle-class Parsi priest from the village of Navsari in Gujarat, and widely regarded as the Father of Indian Industry – and ends with Ratan Tata – chairman of the Tata Group until 2012.
But it is more than just a history of the industrial house; it is an inspiring account of India in the making. It chronicles how each generation of the family invested not only in the expansion of its own business interests but also in nation building.
For instance, few know that the first hydel project in the world was conceived and built by the Tatas in India. Nor that some radical labour concepts such as eight-hour work shifts were born in India, at the Tata mill in Nagpur.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Tata Cancer Research Centre, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – the list about the Tatas’ contribution to India is a long one. A bestseller in Marathi when it was first published in 2015, this is the only book that tells the complete Tata story over two hundred years.
Air travel has shrunk the world, making it possible to cross continents in a single day. Today’s aviation marvels, like direct flights from Singapore to New York or London to Sydney, make journeys once considered arduous more accessible. But behind the allure of clocking 14, 17, or even 19 hours in the sky lies a set of physical, psychological, and logistical challenges.
So what happens to your body on (ultra) long-haul flights?
Dehydration and Humidity: Aircraft cabins typically have humidity levels significantly lower than those of most deserts, often below 20%. This causes rapid dehydration, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, parched lips, sore eyes, and an overall sense of tiredness. Prolonged dehydration may also aggravate headaches and impair your body’s ability to ward off illnesses.
Circadian Rhythms and Fatigue: Long-haul flights often cross multiple time zones. This disrupts your circadian rhythm, or your body’s internal clock, resulting in jet lag. Symptoms include insomnia, daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, digestive issues, and decreased physical performance.
Reduced Oxygen and Cabin Pressure: Aircraft cabins are pressurised to simulate an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Oxygen saturation drops, which can lead to a sensation of breathlessness, mild hypoxia, which is especially concerning for people with pre-existing heart/lung conditions, and increased fatigue.
Immobility and Blood Clot Risks: Extended periods of limited movement can slow blood circulation in the legs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots that can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs. Swollen feet, muscle stiffness, and general discomfort are common byproducts of sitting for hours without movement.
Bloating, Gas, and Digestive Upset: Lower cabin pressure can cause gases in your intestines to expand, resulting in bloating, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort. It’s common to feel gassy or experience changes in bowel habits after long flights.
Stress, Germs, and Energetic Drain: Travelling exposes you to more germs and stress; think airport crowds, queues, and irregular routines. All these factors contribute to fatigue and lower immunity upon arrival.
Weighing Your Options: Nonstop vs. Transit (Connecting) Flights When deciding between nonstop flights and those with transits or connections, travellers need to weigh several considerations. Nonstop flights are undoubtedly the fastest and most straightforward way to reach your destination, sparing you the hassle and potential stress of layovers, missed connections, or lost luggage. This simplicity and predictability can contribute to a smoother travel experience, allowing you to maintain a more regular sleep and meal schedule. However, nonstop ultra-long-haul flights can be more expensive and exert a greater physical toll, as being confined to an aircraft seat for extended periods increases discomfort, fatigue, and risks related to prolonged immobility. Not all city pairs offer nonstop service, which can also limit options.
On the other hand, connecting flights typically present a more budget-friendly alternative, often costing less than their nonstop counterparts. They also break up the journey, providing you with opportunities to stretch, refresh, or even explore a new city during a layover. These routes offer greater flexibility in terms of airlines, schedules, and potential stopover destinations. The downsides, however, include a longer total travel time and more opportunities for travel disruptions due to delays, missed connections, or baggage mishandling. Ultimately, choosing nonstop or connecting flights comes down to balancing priorities: whether you place more value on speed and convenience or on cost savings and the ability to break up the trip.
When Should You Choose Each? If you prize speed, simplicity, and convenience, and your budget allows, nonstop flights are preferable. If you value saving money, increased flexibility, or want a physical break on ultra-long trips, connecting flights may suit you better.
Making Long- and Ultra-Long-Haul Flights Bearable: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks Surviving (and even enjoying) hours in the sky requires planning, adaptability, and a toolkit of comfort strategies. Here’s what seasoned travellers and medical experts recommend:
Rest Well in Advance: Try to get a solid night’s sleep before your journey.
Exercise and Shower: A brisk workout and relaxing hot shower right before traveling aid relaxation and circulation.
Dress for Comfort: Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing; consider compression socks to reduce DVT risk.
Packing Essentials
Hydration Helpers: Bring a refillable water bottle to fill after passing security. Drink often, and minimise caffeine and alcohol, which amplify dehydration.
Entertainment Arsenal: Pre-load your device with movies, books, music, podcasts, games, and chargers; avoid relying solely on in-seat entertainment.
Snack Savvy: Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars. Airline food schedules may not suit your hunger or dietary preferences.
Travel Comfort Gear: Don’t forget a supportive neck pillow, sleep mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and a lightweight blanket or scarf.
Personal Care Kit: Moisturiser, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, and facial wipes will keep you feeling fresh.
In-Flight Hacks
Move Regularly: Walk the aisles as allowed; at minimum, do foot pumps, ankle circles, mini stretches, and stand up every 60–90 minutes.
Stay Hydrated: Sip water throughout the flight, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Minimise Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns; caffeine heightens dehydration and can delay recovery from jet lag.
Sleep Smart: Adjust your watch to the destination time and try to sleep in blocks matched to your new schedule. Use a sleep mask and neck pillow for better rest. Consider (with medical advice) light sleep aids or melatonin.
Dress Warmly: Cabins can feel chilly; layer up as needed.
Plan for Arrival: Use spare time to review destination details, meet work deadlines, or journal about your trip, it makes the time feel productive and meaningful.
East vs. West: Does Direction Matter? Flight times are often shorter when flying eastward, particularly on transcontinental and transpacific routes. This is mostly due to prevailing jet streams, powerful, high-altitude winds that generally move west to east in both hemispheres. Planes heading east can ride these “sky rivers” and cut total flight time by 30–90 minutes or more, depending on the route.
Jet Lag: East or West, Which Is Worse? Jet lag is typically worse when flying east than west. The reason: your body clock finds it harder to adjust to a shorter day (phase advance, flying east) than a longer one (phase delay, flying west). Essentially while flying west, you “gain” hours, and your circadian rhythm is better able to stretch the day, a process more natural to most people. On the other hand, if you fly east, you “lose” hours, compressing the day and forcing your body to adapt to an earlier bedtime, which most find harder. So if If minimising jet lag is a top priority and routes/fares allow, opt for a westward journey to make your arrival a bit smoother, especially on multi-time-zone or ultra-long-haul flights.
Is flying ultra long-haul safe? Yes, for healthy individuals, though special care is needed if you have heart, lung, or blood conditions, or if you’re pregnant or have recently gone scuba diving. Always consult your doctor before booking.
Should I pay for that non-stop ticket? If time, routine, and convenience are huge for you (especially for business, families, or mobility concerns), the extra cost may be well worth it. If you’re price-sensitive, want a leisurely journey, or don’t mind breaking it up, connecting flights shine.
How can I make the economy class feel like business? While there’s no substitute for lie-flat beds, you can maximize comfort in economy by choosing an aisle or bulkhead seat for extra legroom, boarding early to settle in, and upgrading with miles or bidding for premium economy.
Embrace the adventure, be prepared Long- and ultra-long-haul flights can be challenging, but with some preparation, smart choices, and a bit of flexibility, you can emerge healthier, more rested, and even excited to explore your destination. Whether your journey keeps you aloft for a single epic haul or you opt for the scenic route with strategic stopovers, understanding the physical, logistical, and psychological factors at play will ensure you arrive, body and mind, ready for your next adventure.
So, during a long- or ultra-long-haul flight, hydrate, move often, and pack for self-care; make a choice between nonstop and connecting flights based on your own priorities, not just the price; if you can, fly west to minimise jet lag; and treat ultra-long-haul flights as part of the journey’s adventure, not just an ordeal.
And it’s a wrap! This is the last weekend of the year. 2025 is on its way out, and 2026 is waiting for us in the wings, all new and shiny, with potential and hope and a sense of expectation. This weekend is a time for a quiet pause before the calendar turns, before resolutions rush in and expectations follow. It’s time to look back, acknowledge how far we’ve come, and let the rest be. Close the year softly; some endings don’t need fireworks, just a deep breath and a little gratitude.
Today’s quote is by South African Anglican archbishop, theologian, and human rights activist Desmond Tutu. A leading voice against apartheid, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his nonviolent struggle for justice and reconciliation. Tutu was widely respected for his moral clarity, warmth, and unwavering belief in shared humanity.
This quote captures the quiet power of everyday choices. Ubuntu is an African philosophy often summed up as I am because we are. It reminds us that our humanity is deeply interconnected, shaped not in isolation but through our relationships with others. Tutu’s message is practical, not idealistic. He isn’t talking about grand gestures or world-changing heroics. He’s pointing to the small, ordinary moments where goodness can be practised: how we speak to people, how we listen, and how we show patience, fairness, and compassion. Peace, in this view, doesn’t begin in institutions or treaties. It begins in daily interactions, in choosing dignity over ego and kindness over indifference.
Ubuntu reframes responsibility. Instead of asking, What can the world do for me?, it asks, How am I showing up for the world right now? Each moment becomes an opportunity to either strengthen or weaken the social fabric. Even in difficult circumstances, conflict, disagreement, exhaustion, and striving for goodness, create ripples that extend far beyond the individual. The quote also carries hope without naivety. It accepts that the world is imperfect but insists that peace is still possible through conscious effort. You don’t need ideal conditions to live in Ubuntu. You practice it wherever you are, exactly as you are.
We’ve been a sick family this week, with just S escaping a bout of cold and cough, but we’re getting better now, and I want to enter the new year in good health. I will also be taking time this weekend to think about my journey in 2025 and what I hope to achieve in 2026. What about you? Will you spend time in reflection before the clock turns to another year?
Today’s motivation is about acknowledging our journeys. It’s time to acknowledge our incredible journey. We’ve achieved so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Too often, we become so preoccupied with what we don’t yet have that we forget to appreciate how far we’ve already come. We’ve stayed true to ourselves, no matter what. We stood firm in our convictions, refusing to be swayed by others’ opinions. Today, remind yourself that you’ve overcome situations that once felt impossible. Celebrate the moments of growth you’ve experienced.
As the clock ticks down to the new year, celebrate yourselves and look forward to the new year!
An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence – Zeinab Badawi
Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.
For too long, Africa’s history has been neglected. Dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, its past has been fragmented, overlooked and denied its rightful place in our global story.
Now, Zeinab Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history, from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with powerful queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence.
Seeking out occluded histories from across the continent, meeting with countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, and travelling through more than thirty countries, Badawi weaves together a fascinating new account of an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.
Rising from the fertile plains of the Pune district, the Mahaganapati Temple at Ranjangaon stands as the culminating jewel of Maharashtra’s Ashtavinayak pilgrimage. Revered as the seat of Mahaganapati, the “Great Ganesha”, this temple is steeped in legend, history, and architectural grandeur. Here, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in his most potent form, invoked even by Lord Shiva himself in the cosmic battle against the demon Tripurasura. For centuries, devotees and warriors alike have sought Mahaganapati’s blessings, making Ranjangaon not just a spiritual destination but a living testament to the enduring power of faith and myth.
Ranjangaon is a tranquil village located about 50 km from Pune, along the Pune-Ahmednagar highway. The temple’s strategic location made it a favoured stop for Maratha chieftains and pilgrims journeying through the Deccan. Today, it is the eighth and final stop for those completing the revered Ashtavinayak Yatra, a circuit of eight self-manifested Ganesha temples across Maharashtra.
Historical records and the temple’s stone pillars suggest that the Mahaganapati Temple was originally constructed in the 9th or 10th century, with significant enhancements during the Peshwa era. Shrimant Madhavrao I, the Peshwa ruler, was a devout worshipper who regularly visited the temple before heading to battle. He built a stone sanctum around the idol and created a special cellar to safeguard the deity during times of turmoil. The temple’s hall and surrounding apartments, or owaris, were commissioned by Sardar Kibe, Sardar Pawar, and Sardar Shinde, prominent nobles of the time. In modern times, the temple’s Nagarkhana, or drum house, above the entrance, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Joshi in 1997, reflecting ongoing reverence and restoration.
The temple boasts a massive and ornate entrance gate, flanked by two imposing dwarapalas, or gatekeepers, visible from the main road. The temple is ingeniously constructed so that during Dakshinayana, the sun’s southern movement, the rays of the rising sun fall directly on the main idol in the sanctum, a marvel of ancient engineering. The drum house above the entrance is used during festivals and processions, adding to the temple’s festive aura. The sanctum houses the swayambhu, or self-manifested idol, of Mahaganapati, seated on a lotus and accompanied by his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. Local tradition holds that the original idol, known as “Mahotkat,” is hidden in a basement and is said to have ten trunks and twenty arms, though the visible idol is more conventional in form.
The temple’s enduring myth centres on the cosmic battle between good and evil, with Mahaganapati as the divine catalyst. According to legend, the esteemed sage Grutsamad once sneezed, and from this act, a boy named Tripurasura was born. Tripurasura, raised with spiritual wisdom, learned the Ganesh mantra from his father and performed severe penance to Lord Ganesha. Pleased, Ganesha granted him a boon: Tripurasura would become the most powerful being in the universe and could only be defeated by Lord Shiva, after which he would attain liberation.
Empowered by this boon, Tripurasura’s pride grew unchecked. He conquered the underworld, the heavens, and even threatened the gods themselves. Lord Brahma hid in a lotus, and Lord Vishnu retreated to the cosmic ocean, unable to withstand Tripurasura’s might. Desperate, the gods turned to sage Narada, who advised them to worship Lord Ganesha. Ganesha, taking the form of a Brahmin, approached Tripurasura and offered to create three flying chariots that could only be destroyed by Shiva. In exchange, he asked for the Chintamani jewel from Kailash. When Tripurasura demanded the jewel, Lord Shiva refused, leading to a fierce battle.
Despite his power, Shiva could not defeat Tripurasura. Realising his mistake in not honouring Ganesha first, Shiva paused and recited the Shadaakshar Mantra to invoke Ganesha. Blessed with a special beejmantra, or seed mantra, Shiva was finally able to destroy Tripurasura with a single arrow]. This victory was possible only after seeking Ganesha’s grace, emphasising the deity’s role as the remover of all obstacles, even for the gods!
The site where Shiva invoked Ganesha and achieved victory became Ranjangaon, and the form of Ganesha worshipped here is known as Mahaganapati or Tripurarivade Mahaganapati, the destroyer of Tripurasura.
The idol at Ranjangaon is revered as one of the most powerful forms of Ganesha. Mahaganapati is depicted seated on a lotus, flanked by his consorts Riddhi, or prosperity, and Siddhi, or spiritual power. The idol is Swayambhu, believed to have emerged naturally from the earth. In some traditions, the idol is described as “Mahotkat,” possessing ten trunks and twenty arms, though it is more commonly seen with eight, ten, or twelve arms.. The idol’s serene yet commanding presence embodies both the gentle and formidable aspects of the deity.
Each day, the idol is ritually bathed with water, milk, and fragrant substances, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras. Morning and evening aartis are performed with lamps, bells, and devotional songs, filling the temple with a vibrant spiritual energy. Offerings of modaks, coconut, and flowers are made to the deity, and prasad is distributed to devotees as a blessing.
Sahastravartan is an elaborate ritual that involves the recitation of Ganesha’s names or mantras a thousand times, seeking his blessings for the removal of obstacles and the fulfilment of wishes. The Satyavinayak Pooja is a special worship performed for significant life events or to fulfil vows. During the Bhadrapada festival, devotees perform “Lotangan”, which means rolling their bodies in prostration along the path to the temple as an act of surrender and devotion.
Unlike many other villages, the people of Ranjangaon do not bring Ganesha idols into their homes during Ganesh Chaturthi. Instead, the entire community gathers at the Mahaganapati Temple for collective worship, reinforcing the temple’s role as the spiritual heart of the region.
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense fervour at Ranjangaon. The temple is adorned with flowers and lights, and special rituals, abhisheks, and aartis are performed. On the fifth day of the festival, a grand feast called a mahabhog is offered to the deity, and the idol is taken in a flower-bedecked palkhi, or palanquin procession, around the temple grounds. Wrestling matches and cultural events are also organised, drawing large crowds from nearby villages.
A unique sixth-day celebration during Bhadrapada sees devotees flocking to the temple, performing special rituals, and participating in communal festivities. The atmosphere is one of joy, devotion, and unity.
The Mahaganapati Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a symbol of the triumph of wisdom and humility over pride and chaos. The legend of Tripurasura underscores the importance of invoking Ganesha before any new undertaking, a tradition now embedded in Hindu practice. The temple’s sun-aligned architecture, powerful idol, and living rituals all reinforce the message that with faith, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.
Ranjangaon is the eighth and final stop in the Ashtavinayak circuit, making it the spiritual culmination of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims often report a sense of completion and fulfilment upon receiving Mahaganapati’s blessings, believing that their prayers and efforts throughout the yatra have been acknowledged and rewarded.
After Ranjangaon, pilgrims go back to the Moreshwar Temple to complete the Ashtavinayak circuit. And with that visit, they complete the pilgrimage. This circuit is something I have wanted to do for a while, given that the circuit is in my home state, and it is a pilgrimage for my ishtadev! I will do this sooner rather than later; that’s my promise to myself.
Memories and Such 