Today’s quote is attributed to Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian Hindu monk and spiritual leader of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Born Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Calcutta, India, he passed away on July 4, 1902. Swami Vivekananda played a significant role in introducing Indian philosophy and spirituality to the Western world and was a key figure in the spread of Hinduism and Vedanta in the United States and Europe.

Swami Vivekananda emphasises the idea that genuine success and happiness come to those who do not seek personal gain or rewards for their actions. What he is suggesting is that when a person acts selflessly and with a pure heart, without expecting anything in return, they are more likely to attain success and happiness. This is because their motivations and actions are driven by a desire to help others or to contribute to a greater good, rather than by selfish or egoistic goals. This quote encourages individuals to cultivate qualities of selflessness and altruism in their lives, believing that such qualities are not only morally virtuous but also lead to a more fulfilling and prosperous existence. It suggests that the most successful people are those who give without expecting anything in return, and in doing so, they find true success and happiness.

I finally did it! This week, I finally reached my destination, south of Bengaluru. After walking from Singapore, I made my way across Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar, before reaching India at the border with Manipur. Then I walked across the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and finally my home state of Maharashtra. Then I walked almost 1000 km across Maharashtra and Karnataka to reach my destination. I have now started the almost 7,000 km trek back home. That’s all for today, take care and stay positive!

We’re in the last four months of the year, and for many, the countdown to 2024 has started. September is also my birthday month, so it is usually a very special month for me.

And in that vein, today’s quote is by American novelist, poet, short-story writer, and art and literary critic, John Updike, who was one of only four writers to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once. Updike published more than twenty novels and more than a dozen short-story collections, as well as poetry, art, literary criticism, and children’s books, during his career. In this quote, Updike reflects on the idea that the very existence of dreams and aspirations is rooted in the potential for them to become reality. Updike suggests that dreams have the potential to be realized, and this potential is what motivates us to dream in the first place. Our capacity to dream and envision a better future is an inherent part of our nature as human beings. The quote implies that the idea of dreams becoming reality serves as an incentive for us to work hard, persevere, and take action toward achieving our goals. Without the belief that dreams can come true, we might lack the motivation to pursue them.

In my walking quest, I am almost at my destination. I am in the heart of Bengaluru, specifically in Koramangala. From here, it’s another 30-odd km, so by next week, I will not only reach my destination but also start my way back home. I am enjoying this journey and have started thinking about what my next one will be.

This month I read four books, a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. I would love to read more, but because of my new role and the work I am already doing at home, it has become slightly difficult. Speaking of which, I am almost done with my first month in this new position, and so far I am enjoying it. I feel I am making a difference in the community, and this lets me sleep peacefully.

Singapore voted for its ninth President on Friday, and I too did my civic duty and voted for whom I thought would be best for the country. My vote is secret, but the best man for the position and the choice of the majority of Singaporeans will become the next President.

That’s all for this week. We enjoyed a long weekend because of the Presidential election, and now we are all ready for the next week. Have a positive week, people!

Today’s quote comes to us from Denmark. The proverb carries a valuable piece of advice about caution, responsibility, and foresight. The proverb means that one should not venture into situations or commitments that are beyond their ability to handle or control. Just as when one is on a boat, one should avoid going too far from the shore if they’re unsure whether they’ll be able to row back to safety. This proverb advises against taking on more than one can handle, the importance of risk assessment and management, prudent decision-making, self-awareness, and being prepared. It encourages a balanced approach to taking risks, one that considers both the potential rewards and the potential challenges. By not sailing too far from shore, i.e., venturing into the unknown, without the ability to row back or address challenges, or retreat if necessary, one increases their chances of navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties more effectively.

Also, this week, Chandrayaan 3 successfully soft-landed on the Moon’s south pole. This made India the fourth country to have landed a rover on the moon, after the United States of America, Russia, and China and the first to have landed on the south pole of the Moon. The Moon’s south pole is an area of great scientific interest due to its unique characteristics, including permanently shadowed regions that could potentially contain water ice and other resources. Chandrayaan 3 aims to explore and study these regions to unravel more about the Moon’s geological and environmental history. Like millions of Indians, I too was glued to my phone watching the live stream from ISRO and cheered when the Vikram lander soft-landed on the Moon’s surface. A soft landing on the Moon is an intricate and challenging feat, involving precise engineering, navigation, and communication.

Singapore will go to the polls to elect a new President next week and while I do have a candidate I am leaning toward, I am still evaluating all three candidates before I make a final decision. That’s all for this week, see you next month!

Today’s quote is attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States and a prominent human rights advocate. The quote suggests that having a strong belief in one’s dreams and aspirations is essential. It emphasises that those who genuinely believe in the potential and value of their dreams are more likely to work hard, persevere, and take the necessary actions to achieve them. It encourages an optimistic outlook on life and highlights the potential for creating a better future through the pursuit of these beautiful dreams. By believing in their dreams and working towards them, people can influence the course of their lives and contribute to the future they envision. Lastly, the quote implies that belief in the beauty of one’s dreams provides the motivation and resilience needed to persevere in the face of obstacles. The quote serves as a motivational reminder to actively believe in and work towards one’s dreams. It encourages people to take ownership of their goals and take steps to bring their aspirations to life.

GG started school this week and she is enjoying some subjects and not so much for the others. It’s a long journey, of which she has just taken the first step. I am also enjoying my new workplace and because I am doing meaningful work in a space I love, it is fun!

I am getting behind in both my writing and reading, but that’s the tradeoff I am willing to make to do the work I am doing. I just need to figure out how to best utilise my weekends.

And with that, have a wonderful week ahead. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive!

Today’s quote is attributed to the ancient Roman philosopher and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. It expresses the idea that books, literature, and learning are essential components of a fulfilling and meaningful life. In the same way that a body without a soul is considered lifeless and devoid of consciousness, a home without books is likened to a place that lacks intellectual and spiritual nourishment. Cicero’s quote underscores the value of education, knowledge, and intellectual exploration. It suggests that books not only provide information and entertainment but also contribute to personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world. The presence of books in a home is thought to enrich the inhabitants’ lives and contribute to the development of their character and intellect.

GG starts school tomorrow, and I pray that she has a wonderful four years in university, learning what she needs to know to become a productive member of society. I also hope that the contacts she makes in school and the networks and knowledge she gains will stand her in good stead and help her achieve her life goals.

I also have some news: I started a new position this week, and I am loving it. It is meaningful work in a field that I am super interested in—empowering women and girls—and so I too hope that I can contribute and not only help women become a better version of themselves but also become a better me!

Singapore also announced the next Presidential election, which, if there is more than one qualified candidate, will take place on September 1 and will be a public holiday. So that’s a nice long weekend to look forward to. May the candidate who has Singapore’s best interests at heart win.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay positive!