Dust, Dynasty, and the Borderline: Day 3 Road Trip

​Day 3 was, in every sense, the ultimate road trip. We experienced the full spectrum of Ladakhi terrain—from "buttery" smooth asphalt to sandy trails, winding curves, and those nerve-wracking 'Weak Bridges' where we had to wait for one vehicle to pass at a time. For the riders on the RE Himalayans, it was a pure masterclass in off-roading, while the Innova Crysta handled the changing textures with ease.

​Shyok War Memorial

​Our first stop was the Shyok War Memorial, a poignant reminder of the region's strategic importance. While the adults took a moment of silence at the memorial wall—reading the names of the martyrs etched in stone—the kids enjoyed the various military attractions within the premises. It’s a beautifully maintained site that balances a sense of pride with a playground-like fascination for the little ones. The backdrop, with the rugged mountains towering over the names of the brave, made for some of the most meaningful photographs of our journey so far.

​Turtuk Village: A Riverside Lunch

​By the time we rolled into Turtuk, it was lunchtime. We found a perfect spot near a rushing river, framed by a picturesque bridge and smooth river stones. After we refueled with a quick lunch, the kids stayed busy playing with the pebbles and exploring the riverbank. Turtuk feels like a different world; it was only opened to tourists in 2010, and its unique Balti culture is evident everywhere. The mix of the flowing water, the rustic bridge, and the sheer isolation of the village made for a very peaceful midday break.

​Yagbo Palace Museum

​Deep inside the village, where crystal-clear canal water literally flows through every household, we visited the Yagbo Palace Museum. This wasn't just a museum tour; we were actually briefed by the last King of the Yagbo dynasty himself! He shared the fascinating history of the Baltistan era and the lineage of his family. Standing in an ancient palace, surrounded by historic artifacts and artistic architecture while the "King" told us stories, was a surreal experience. We made sure to capture a few photos with him to remember this brush with living history.

​The Last Village: Thang

​The ride continued toward Thang, often called "The Last Village" of India. The journey there was heartwarming; we shared high-fives with local school children who were walking home as we rumbled past on our bikes. Once at the viewpoint, a guide provided binoculars to show us the Line of Control (LoC). We could clearly see the bunkers, Indian Army camps perched on high ridges, the "No Man's Land," and even Pakistani Army posts. Standing there with the Indian Flag flying high was a moment of immense national pride for both the kids and the adults.

​Empowered Souvenirs and the Journey Back

​Before leaving Thang, we spent some time with the local shopkeepers. It was inspiring to see a community driven by women empowerment; the local sellers were incredibly polite, charming, and untouched by modern commercialism. We picked up a few local items as keepsakes of the border. The two-hour drive back to the Summer Retreat was a race against the sun, and we pulled in just in time for dinner. The dining hall was filled with laughter as we recounted the day's stories from the road and the trip, eventually heading to bed to prep for another early start tomorrow.

Scaling Heights and Shifting Sands: Day 2 to Nubra Valley

Day 2 kicked off early, fueled by the crisp mountain air and the thrill of heading into the heart of the high-altitude desert. With our gear packed into the Innova Crysta and the RE Himalayan 410s warmed up, we left Leh behind, aiming for the legendary Nubra Valley.

​A Winter Wonderland Pitstop

​Before reaching the major landmarks, we were greeted by a stunning snow-clad hillside that we simply couldn't pass by. We pulled over for an impromptu pitstop, and it turned out to be one of the highlights for the little ones. The kids were absolutely thrilled, diving into the fresh powder and engaged in a full-blown snowball fight. There’s something magical about playing in natural snow at this altitude—the air is pure, and the landscape looks like a postcard. It was a great way to break up the drive and keep the energy high before the serious climbing began.

​Conquering Khardungla Pass

​The ride then took us toward the mighty Khardungla Pass. Reaching the top felt like a massive achievement for our group. Navigating the steep switchbacks on the RE Himalayans was an adrenaline-pumping experience, while the Innova provided a steady climb for the rest of the crew. Standing at over 17,000 feet, surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the biting wind, it was hell of a moment. The oxygen is thin, but the sense of "top of the world" accomplishment is thick—it’s a milestone every traveler to Ladakh treasures.

​ATV Thrills at Desert Himalaya Adventure Park

​Descending into the valley, the landscape shifted from white snow to golden dust. We stopped at the Desert Himalaya Adventure Park for a dose of high-octane fun. We took to the ATV, tearing across the rugged terrain, which was a fantastic change of pace from the steady highway cruising. Meanwhile, the kids found their own slice of heaven on the trampolines, burning off their endless energy with the Himalayan peaks as their backdrop. It was the perfect blend of adventure and family fun in a truly unique setting.

​Diskit Monastery

​Next, we visited the serene Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. The sight of the 106-foot tall Maitreya Buddha statue facing down the Shyok River is absolutely iconic. The peaceful vibes and the intricate Tibetan architecture provided the perfect backdrop for some "content creation" sessions. We spent time capturing candid shots of the group and filming a few reels to capture the spiritual essence of the place. The gold on the statue glimmering against the blue sky made every frame look professional.

​Ending the Day

​By the time we wrapped up at Diskit, it was already past 7:00 PM. With the light fading, we decided to skip the Hunder Sand Dunes for the evening and headed straight to our stay at Summer Retreat in Nubra Valley. We were greeted with a warm welcome and a spread of delicious, steaming hot dinner that hit the spot after a long day of riding and exploring. What'snext is even more interesting!!

High Altitudes and Higher Spirits: Our Day 1 in Leh (9th May)

Exploring the rugged beauty of Ladakh is a dream, but doing it with a pack of three couples and three kids makes it an unforgettable adventure. We set out in a sturdy Innova Crysta, flanked by the rhythmic thumping of two RE Himalayan 410s, ready to conquer the winding roads.

​Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib

​Our first stop was the serene Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, located about 25 miles from Leh. Built in 1517 to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev’s visit to the region, the site holds a deep spiritual calm. We marveled at the legendary boulder, which bears the imprint of the Guru’s back, untouched by the demon who allegedly threw it. The kids were fascinated by the story, and as a group, we took a moment to appreciate the "Langar" served by the Indian Army. The hot tea and prasad were the perfect fuel for the chilly morning, providing a sense of peace before the more rugged parts of our journey began.

​Magnetic Hill

​Just a short drive away, we hit the famous Magnetic Hill. This "gravity-defying" stretch of road is a must-see. We parked the Innova in the marked box, shifted to neutral, and watched in disbelief as the car appeared to roll uphill on its own! The riders on the RE Himalayans had a blast testing the phenomenon too. While it’s technically an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape, the experience felt like pure magic. I also ventured for a little off roading nearby this spot! (Got stuck as well for sometime as the trye sank in the sand 😉)

​Sangam Viewpoint

​Next, we reached the Sangam Viewpoint, the breathtaking confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. From our vantage point, the distinction was striking: the emerald green of the Indus meeting the muddy, powerful grey of the Zanskar. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s scale. We spent quite a bit of time here taking photos with the bikes and the group. The contrast of the two rivers snaking through the brown, desolate mountains is a sight that no camera can truly capture, but we certainly tried!

​Hall of Fame

​The Hall of Fame was undoubtedly the emotional anchor of our day. While it serves as a museum dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, our visit was elevated to another level. We had the incredible honor of hearing about the Kargil War directly from an officer who had fought on those very frontlines. Hearing him describe the sheer grit required to battle at those altitudes gave us literal goosebumps. It wasn't just a history lesson; it was a profound encounter with courage that left the entire group, even the children, in silent awe of the sacrifices made for the nation. We got a little sounevir as well alogn with the entry tickets😁

​Shanti Stupa

​As the sun began to dip, we headed up to the Shanti Stupa. This white-domed monument overlooks the entire Leh valley, and the panoramic views are simply stellar. The steep climb up the stairs was a bit of a workout at this altitude, but reaching the top as the lights of Leh started to glimmer below made it worth every step. The atmosphere was incredibly meditative. We sat by the prayer wheels, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the journey so far.

​Wrapping Up

​We ended our day with a stroll through the Leh Main Market. The vibrant energy of the stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts, silver jewelry, and warm woolens was the perfect end to a long day. After grabbing some local snacks and souvenirs, we headed back to the hotel, exhausted but buzzing with excitement for Day 2.

Indore Bites: Feast of Flavors and Street Food Magic!

Indore—a city where food isn’t just a necessity but a celebration! My three-day food journey here was an unforgettable dive into flavors, textures, and culinary surprises. From bustling street stalls to cozy cafés, every bite told a story of tradition, innovation, and sheer indulgence.

Be it the iconic poha-jalebi breakfast, smoky tikkas, or rich, syrupy desserts, Indore’s food scene is a rollercoaster of tastes that keeps you wanting more. Below are some of the must-try dishes that made my trip truly special—each with its own distinct charm and flavor explosion!

1. The Ground Baking Co – Pizza & Garlic Bread

A bite into their pizza reveals a perfect balance—thin, crisp crust with a chewy center, fresh toppings, and just the right amount of cheese. The garlic bread? A buttery, herby delight with a crispy exterior and a melt-in-the-mouth softness inside. A must-visit for artisanal flavors in Indore!

2. Sheetal ki Kulfi

Creamy, dense, and packed with rich flavors, Sheetal’s kulfi is the epitome of a classic Indian frozen treat. Whether you pick the traditional malai or adventurous fruit flavors, every bite feels like a nostalgic trip to summer indulgence.

3. Saini ke Usal Pohe

A street-food marvel! The poha is light yet flavorful, with a perfect balance of spice and tanginess, while the usal (spicy sprouted curry) adds a bold kick. Garnished with crispy sev and fresh coriander, it’s the ideal breakfast to start your Indore food trail.

4. OM’s Jalebi Fafda Kadhi

This plate is a riot of textures and flavors. The jalebis—crisp, golden, and syrupy—pair beautifully with the spiced, tangy kadhi. The fafda? Light, crunchy, and the perfect foil to the richness of the dish. A true-blue Gujarati snack experience with an Indori twist!

5. Tik Tik Tikka – Paneer Achari Tikka & Soya Chaap Fish Tikka

The Paneer Achari Tikka bursts with bold, tangy flavors, its smoky edges complementing the rich, spiced marinade. Meanwhile, the Soya Chaap Fish Tikka is a delightful surprise—perfectly grilled, packed with umami, and almost convincing enough to make you forget it's not actual fish!

6. Ice Balls – Jamun Shots & Brownie Shots

The Jamun Shots are a vibrant mix of tangy and sweet, with a refreshing zing that wakes up your palate instantly. As for the Brownie Shots—think bite-sized indulgence, fudgy and rich, offering the ultimate chocolate fix in just one sip.

7. JMB – Chole Tikki

This plate is a symphony of textures—crispy golden tikki meets spicy, hearty chole, all brought together by a medley of chutneys and fresh toppings. Every bite is a mix of crunch, warmth, and zesty flavors that define true street food magic.

8. Mr. Beans – Nutella Delight Cold Coffee & Chocolate Kill Milkshake

The Nutella Delight Cold Coffee is smooth, nutty, and indulgent, with just the right amount of espresso kick to balance the chocolatey richness. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Kill Milkshake is a full-fledged dessert in a glass—thick, creamy, and unapologetically loaded with chocolate, perfect for serious cocoa lovers!

कल किसने देखा है

 

कल किसने देखा है, मत सोचो बेकार,

आज में जी लो तुम, यही है उपहार।

सपने बुनो, पर मत रुको,

हर पल को जी लो, मत थको।

जो बीता है, वो सपना था,

जो आने वाला, है अनजाना सा।

धूप छाँव का खेल है जीवन,

कभी हँसी, तो कभी है अंसुवन।

पर हर लम्हा कुछ सिखाएगा,

जो आज को जी ले, वह जीता कहलाएगा।

कल की फ़िक्र में मत उलझो,

आज के फूलों को महकने दो।

जो पास है, उसे अपनाओ,

छोटी या बड़ी, खुशियों को दिल से सजाओ।

क्योंकि सत्य तो यही है,

कि "कल किसने देखा है?"

The Seeds of Dedication: How Childhood Pursuits Shape a Brighter Future

The other day, as I was taking a walk, I came across a group of young kids practicing their skills with unwavering focus—some were skating, some were perfecting their dance moves, and others were singing their hearts out. What struck me was not just their talent but their sheer dedication at such a young age. It made me wonder—how do these early passions shape their future?

Children under ten years old may not realize it, but every hour they put into their craft is not just about excelling in a particular skill. It is about developing qualities that will serve them for a lifetime. When a child practices dancing daily, they are not just learning steps; they are cultivating discipline, perseverance, and the ability to embrace failure and improvement. When another child spends hours fine-tuning their singing, they are not just training their voice but also enhancing their patience, confidence, and emotional expression.

Such dedication in childhood translates beautifully into adulthood. The discipline required to master a skill at a young age becomes the foundation for professional success later. Whether they choose to continue in their field or pursue something entirely different, the work ethic, focus, and resilience they build now will stay with them forever.

Think about some of the most successful professionals—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, or corporate leaders. Many of them started young, not necessarily in the field they eventually pursued, but with a deep-rooted understanding of effort and consistency. It is never about talent alone; it is about showing up every day, refining skills, and embracing the journey of self-improvement. This trait is useful not just in professional or educational aspect but also in personal, private and societal aspects.

As parents, mentors, and society, we should encourage such dedication. It is not just about pushing children toward unrealistic goals but about supporting their enthusiasm, teaching them the value of persistence, and allowing them to experience both success and failure.

Seeing those kids that day reminded me that dedication, no matter at what age it begins, is the key ingredient for a fulfilling future. Whether they become artists, leaders, or innovators, the lessons they learn today will be the silent force guiding them toward greatness.

🚨 The Menace of Upward-Facing Exhausts: A Silent but Loud Problem! 🚨

I am sure many of us would have experienced this at some point—being stuck in traffic behind a bike with an upward-facing silencer, only to get a direct blast of hot exhaust fumes on our face. It's not just annoying; it's a serious health and safety hazard.

🔴 What’s the Problem?

Many modern bikes come with silencers that are angled upwards, right at the face level of the rider or passenger behind them. 

In slow-moving traffic, this means:

✔️ Hot exhaust gases hitting your face, making it uncomfortable and dangerous.

✔️ Carbon emissions & pollutants being directly inhaled, causing respiratory issues.

✔️ Skin irritation & discomfort, especially in summer heat.

✔️ Visibility issues due to smoke in extreme cases.

🚦 Why Is No One Talking About It?

Bike enthusiasts love the aesthetics of these designs, and manufacturers focus on style and performance. But at what cost? Traffic conditions in cities mean riders are often in close proximity, making this issue even worse.

✅ What Can Be Done?

✔️ Manufacturers should rethink silencer angles to be more commuter-friendly. Even if the silencer is angled upwards, let the end tip have a downward facing mouth so that the direction of the fume/exhaust is towards the ground and not towards the air

✔️ Regulatory authorities should take note and introduce design guidelines.

✔️ Bikers should be mindful when modifying exhausts—choosing designs that don’t cause discomfort to others.

Let’s make urban commuting safer and healthier for everyone. If you’ve faced this issue, drop a comment below! Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

#BikeExhaust #TrafficIssues #RoadSafety #AirPollution #BikerCommunity

Leaders build (your) Career

You must have come across and read a lot of articles and insights on how to develop Leadership skills for your career, or how to develop the leader within you to skyrocket your career trajectory. But today what you are going to read is something different, a different perspective and take on how influential the leader (that you have in your professional world) is to help you build your own career. After finishing the read, you will come to realize what the following statements really mean - "Employees don't leave the organization, they leave bosses" , "In effect, you don't switch companies, you switch bosses" , "Your mentor/leader will help you grow professionally- whether in this company or the other".

So let's begin.

Leaders/Managers who value you give you credit

In case you are a professional with a considerable career history, then you would know exactly what it means. Unless your manager sees you as an important asset in his/her team, it's very difficult to get yourself recognized in the larger scheme of things meaning in the Sub-unit/Department/Vertical/Organization, no matter how much effort and/or outcome you deliver. Very few people in the work industry could manage themselves to be in the limelight of the organization without the due support and intervention of their managers.

What you do matters when it comes from the Top

Being involved in projects/activities that matter the most in the organization/department has a lot to do with how your manager would delegate work areas/responsibilities within his/her team. If you are the chosen one, you would get to work on the things that catch the attention of the "eyes" that matter the most in your growth and recognition. Some might argue that one can create value on their own provided they exhibit a fruitful outcome. But my friend, it's easier said than done. And only few can achieve it in real sense that way, with some equation of luck too playing a role. Else, for most, the building of the career path is definitely in the hands of the managers. I prefer to call them leaders who would have a vision for someone (or for all) within their team.

Leaders take you all along

It may not be a written rule but in practice when Seniors in an organization switch organizations, they (poach) take along their mentees, sooner or later. Of course, there is a trust factor and a comfort level that plays the pivotal role in such outcomes. The result- you switch too, and more often than not, for a better role, profile and of course salary/package. That's how leaders eventually help you advance in your careers, not just within the organization, but beyond too!

Careers are co-developed with a leader

Career development is a joint effort. While the leaders want their employees to drive it, they still need to provide the environment that doesn’t just encourage and support it, but also creates agreements around it. What’s more, they may need to help their mentees learn how to drive their development. It takes time and effort to collaborate on their trajectory and provide this guidance, but the investment in their skills makes them more valuable and more loyal—factors that ultimately benefit the both.

You benefit under the shelter of a visionary leader/manager

When your manager is truly your mentee and if he/she is a visionary, then trust me it's the mentee who definitely benefits, but of course after the necessary inputs i.e hard work. But probably, that's what every employee is expected to be putting in, right? It's like a chemical equation- For many the hard work in the equation may not result in desired outcome, but when the same is coupled with the positive catalyst of a visionary leader, the outcomes let you shine and rise and nothing less. 

So, isn't it obvious that one of the ingredients for a successful career is a visionary leader/mentor?

Pls put your thoughts in the comments below! Would love to know your side of the story.

Getting ready for Campus Placement Interviews

Although not expert comments or opinions, but after having taken more than a dozen mock interviews for the candidates of Batch of 2017 from FMS, Delhi, I have compiled the below points that one can keep in mind for preparing themselves for the campus placement interviews. Hope that these can help you better prepare and boost your candidature during the interview.

1.       CV will just get you shortlisted, the rest is upto you

Once you are called in for an interview, do not worry about how good or bad your CV was. It won’t really matter. Because the job of your CV is over and true test begins. During an interview, probably the first few questions would be “Tell me something about yourself” or “Run me through your CV”. After that, more often than not, the Interviewer would stop looking at your CV and focus on what you say and share. That’s when you would want to escort the conversation into your strong zone and ensure that your introduction has enough meat for the interviewer to generate next few questions.

2.       Clichéd questions, Un-clichéd answers

Very often you might be asked such clichéd questions like “Tell me something about your strengths and weaknesses” or “Why did you choose the particular stream- Finance/Marketing/Consulting?” etc. Interestingly, these questions may be worded very differently but would essentially mean the same. For example, instead of asking about your strength, the question may be “Tell me something about yourself that you are very proud of” or “Tell me something that you can say people should learn from you” and so on.  As much clichéd these questions are, your response needs to be as much un-clichéd and original. Imagine the situation of the interviewer where he/she has interviewed 20 candidates. Only those

3.       Consider asking for a few moment before attempting to answer

When you face an unexpected question which seems rather complex, you can always borrow some time from the interviewer by asking. Some consider that by asking sometime during the interview, you might ruin your chances of getting selected. But that’s all myth. In fact, for deserving questions, you should pause and give it a moment’s thought. It actually portrays that you think before you speak, a quality that is cherished in a professional life.

4.       Structure your answers

During an interview, you might face various opinion –questions or even not-so-straight-forward questions. To answer such questions, you should keep a structure in your mind. A logical structure will enable you to answer holistically and in a smooth manner. For example, on questions such as “What are your views on the recent Demonetization steps taken by the government?” you need to discuss pros and cons, short-term and long-term impact, fact vs experience etc. It is better not to start with a one-sided opinion. However, sharing your personal opinion is indispensable.

5.       Bring Emotional connect, not just stats and facts

Facts, figures and analysis are an integral part while answering interview questions. Nonetheless, you should not confine the answers just to numbers. While numbers quantify, you should not forget to discuss the qualitative aspects. For example, in the above question of Demonetization impact, you can and should definitely bring in the RBI statistics and the GDP figures. But at the same time, you should also discuss the impact in the lives of normal people. The emotional factor hidden behind the big numbers .For example, the support that the public at large have extended despite huge pain and sufferings, all in the hope that something good is awaited at the end of it.

6.       Be Original, Be Yourself

You are most comfortable when you are yourself. Do not try to copy or imitate others. Be you. Be natural and that’s when you will sound more confident and convincing during the interview.

7.       Incidents, personal experiences and stories make the conversation livelier

Simply making a point on a topic or question is not enough to ensure that the interviewer has heeded to your answer. Consider the interview duration as a conversation. In order to make the conversation livelier and memorable, share personal experiences and stories that are pertinent to the questions asked. For example, while sharing your strengths, you can narrate an incident from your work/college/professional life that exemplifies it, thus bolstering your answer.

8.       Body language does matter

Except for telephonic interviews, your body language and posture also can also make you gain or lose some points during the interview. Do not be casual is what everybody would recommend. In addition to it, do not be timid, shy or nervous. Exhibit confidence, not just in your speech but also through your body language.

9.       Maintain eye-contact

Never look down or up or stare at your fingers etc while in an interview. Maintaining eye contact will bring positive vibes during the conversation. It is a way of exhibiting conviction for what you say and helps the interviewer believe in your words.

10.   Be ready with appropriate question(s) for the interviewer as well

An interviewer is as much the interviewer wanting to know you personally, as much it is that you wanting to know about the company/role etc. So do not waste any such opportunity. Make sure the interview is an interaction, not a one sided question-answer round.

Good Luck for your Placements!

कोई दीवाना कहता है...

Inspired by the famous "Koi Deewana Kehta Hai" of Dr. Kumar Viswas, I have added a few verses of my own:

कोई दीवाना कहता है, कोई पागल समझता है

मगर धरती की बेचैनी को बस बादल समझता है

मैं तुझसे दूर कैसा हूँ , तू मुझसे दूर कैसी है 

ये तेरा दिल समझता है या मेरा दिल समझता है

................................................................................ 

तेरे इस प्यार में मुझको अब बस डूब जाना है

मोहब्बत किसको केह्तें है, ये दुनियां को बताना है

के जीवन की हर एक मोड पे तेरा साथ निभाना है

यही तेरी ही चाहत है और मेरी भी तमन्ना है

मै तुझको भूल करभी भुल जाऊं, ये हो नही सकता

मैं तेरे बिन भी जिन्दा हूँ, ये मुमकिन हो नही सकता

जो मुझसे तु कभी रूठे, ऐसा हो नही सकता

मेरी चाहत अधूरी हो, ये कोई कह नही सकता

इन्द्रेणी की एक मुस्कान करदे, मौसम को मस्ताना

खिले बाग की खुसबू से भवरा होता है मस्ताना

जो खाबों को हकीकत ने मिटा डाला, अगर क्यूंकि

तु कितनी खूबसूरत है, जो बन बैठा मै मस्ताना