Life: The Incurable, Fatal Disease We Catch at Birth

There are diseases that science can’t cure. A tragic truth, yet accepted with the sober acknowledgment of the limits of human knowledge. But then, if you think about it, there's no cure for the rest of us either.

Think about it if you will. Life itself is an incurable, sexually transmitted, fatal disease. A condition we catch without consent, endure with a mix of bewilderment and bravado, and eventually succumb to. And while the prognosis is universally grim (100% mortality rate, mind you), it's astonishing how seriously we take the treatment.

From the moment of diagnosis—typically marked by a slap on the rear end and the startled cry of "Congratulations, it’s a human!"—we embark on a lifetime of increasingly bizarre therapies. Take, for instance, the way we treat the early symptoms: "Infancy" is often managed with frequent doses of lullabies and absurdly expensive strollers that claim to cure sleepless nights. Side effects include chronic exhaustion for the parents, and, for the patient, an unshakable addiction to being carried everywhere.

As the disease progresses into childhood, the symptoms morph. Patients develop an insatiable curiosity and an alarming tendency to ask questions like "Why is the sky blue?" and "Why can't I eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?" The prescribed treatment? Endless school days, structured playtime, and the firm belief that answering "Just because mama/dada says so" is a valid medical response. This phase often includes an experimental diet of vegetables disguised as edible objects and frequent doses of homework.

The teenage years bring with them an acute outbreak of "Identity Crisis," a particularly aggressive strain of the disease. The afflicted frequently experience confusion, bouts of rebellion, and an inexplicable attraction to loud music and questionable fashion choices. The standard treatment is liberal applications of advice from adults who have long forgotten what it feels like to be 16, paired with a strong dose of peer pressure. Caution: Side effects may include eye-rolling, sulking, and the sudden conviction that no one understands you, especially those who have been through the same disease decades earlier.

But it's adulthood where the condition really ramps up. This is where things get particularly ludicrous. The patient enters the workforce—a carefully designed social experiment where we pretend that trading hours of our lives for paper rectangles called "money" will somehow alleviate the symptoms. To cope with the stress of this delusion, many turn to self-medication. Some prefer caffeine, others alcohol, and a select few swear by yoga and deep-breathing exercises. Yet, the disease stubbornly persists, manifesting in new ways: mortgage payments, car loans, and a mysterious ailment known as "responsibility."

And then, of course, there's the ultimate irony—the "Wellness Industry." Billions are spent annually on gym memberships, green smoothies, and mindfulness apps, all in the vain hope of delaying the inevitable. We guzzle down superfoods like kale and quinoa, convinced they’ll buy us a few extra years, while cheerfully ignoring that this disease has a strict "no survivors" policy. (Note: A particularly amusing subset of patients subscribes to the belief that cryogenics will eventually provide a cure. These individuals are often spotted debating whether to freeze just their heads or their entire bodies—because, you know, why not hedge your bets?)

But the real comedy of life’s disease lies in its treatment plans. Every so often, the patient encounters someone who claims to have found "the cure." Maybe it’s a book, a seminar, or a cult, but the pitch is always the same: "Follow my ten-step program, and you’ll finally beat this thing!" And so, with desperate hope and a credit card, they sign up, only to discover that the "cure" involves little more than rearranging their furniture, chanting affirmations, and pretending that their inevitable demise is somehow optional.

In the final stage, often referred to as "Old Age," the symptoms become too pronounced to ignore. The body, once resilient, starts to falter, and the patient is frequently found uttering phrases like "Back in my day…" and "Kids these days don’t know how good they have it." Medical professionals prescribe relaxation, reflection, and perhaps a hobby, while the patient reflects on a lifetime of treatments that, in the end, didn’t change the outcome.

As the disease reaches its final, unavoidable conclusion, the patient passes on—leaving behind a legacy of treatments, half-used gym memberships, and an impressively large collection of essential oils. The funeral is held, tears are shed, and life goes on for the rest of us who, despite knowing the terminal nature of our condition, continue to search for that elusive cure.

Because in the end, isn’t that the punchline? Despite knowing that life is fatal, we all keep treating it as if we might just find the remedy.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

The Power of Simple Habits for Staying Organized

Memory can be fickle, but organized habits are your strongest ally. Rather than depending solely on memory, build consistent habits and establish clear protocols around your tasks. When you follow these systems, you create a reliable path to success. Let your routines guide you, and you'll find yourself making fewer mistakes. In the end, it's not what you remember but how you consistently act that makes the difference.

One example from my personal life: I've made it a habit to quietly say to myself, "W-M-S-K-U" just before leaving home for office and before leaving office for home. This simple habit ensures I don't leave without my Wallet, Mobile, Spectacles, Kerchief and Umbrella.

Do you use any similar reliable hacks? Please do share.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

The Roundabout to Mukti

Life, dear chums, is not unlike our good friend, Shri Hariprasad Bhandari – a man known far and wide for his unyielding determination to reach the grand City of Mukti. Hariprasad was no ordinary soul; he had an insatiable appetite for advice and sought it from only the most eccentric minds in the village, each of whom, naturally, had their own wildly inventive perspectives.

One fine morning, Shri Hariprasad, with his trusty dog, Bhola, set off, determined to follow the first bit of wisdom he’d received: “Head east,” advised Pandit Tripathi, a gentleman known for wearing particularly elaborate dhotis and claiming to have achieved peace through the perfect cup of chai.

So off Hariprasad went, with a spring in his step, only to be stopped in his tracks by Mrs. Manorama Iyer, the society matriarch who declared with utmost certainty that south was the true direction. “I once traveled south, you see, and found the most delightful silk sarees!” she exclaimed. Naturally, Hariprasad, ever the gentleman, switched his course southward, while Bhola wagged his tail with a mix of bewilderment and boredom.

But alas, not long after, along came the venerable Professor Gurunathan, a retired schoolteacher who, in between telling tales of his youthful exploits, insisted that the west held the real treasure. “It’s where the sunsets are most magnificent!” he declared, before promptly losing his train of thought mid-sentence.

Feeling obliged to respect the wisdom of age, Hariprasad adjusted his stride towards the west, Bhola loyally padding along. Of course, just as expected, young Vikram Sharma, a fresh engineering graduate with more ideas than experience, appeared and insisted that north was where all secrets lay. Hariprasad, not one to turn down the advice of the educated, veered northward without so much as a second thought.

Days turned into weeks, and there was poor Shri Hariprasad, right back where he’d started – in the middle of a roundabout. Yes, dear chums, quite literally going in circles. Bhola, by now, had taken to sighing loudly, his patience stretched as thin as Hariprasad’s footwear.

It was at this precise moment that our hero had an epiphany: the more directions he followed, the more he found himself... nowhere. Sitting down on a bench with a resigned huff, Hariprasad resolved to follow just one piece of advice, from just one voice. It was the humble old chaiwala, Dharmu Bhai, who, while pouring tea from a height, wisely suggested, “Pick a direction, bhaisaab, any direction, and stick to it. The journey may be long, but the destination won’t move.”

Hariprasad nodded gravely, and for the first time in ages, decided not to ask for further guidance. He chose east – for Pandit Tripathi’s chai *was* exceptionally good – and pressed forward with determination. And wouldn’t you know it, chums? Some weeks later, Hariprasad and Bhola reached the City of Mukti, where Bhola enjoyed his fill of rest and Hariprasad found inner peace... along with a well-brewed cup of tea.

The lesson is clear: while advice may pour forth as freely as chai at a roadside stall, one must pick a direction and a single mentor to reach any destination worth arriving at. Otherwise, you may end up endlessly wandering – which, while beneficial to cobblers, is rather less useful for one’s spiritual journey.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

The Ring of Fire: Through the Flames of Growth

Life as a fresher can be exhilarating yet daunting. Stepping into the professional world often feels like entering a vast, fiery arena, surrounded by the flames of uncertainty, doubt, and the unknown.

I call this experience "The Ring of Fire." It’s a journey that tests your mettle, but for those who brave its flames, the transformation is profound.

You're fresh out of college, brimming with theoretical knowledge but facing the daunting task of applying it in real-world scenarios. The workplace is new, the expectations are high, and every task feels like a trial by fire. But you're not alone.

If you're one of my mentees, you already know I’m with you not as a taskmaster but as a guide who has walked through these flames many times. My mission is to help you navigate this path, transforming you from a tentative novice into a confident professional.

In our daily interactions, you'll face tasks that push your boundaries. You’ll make mistakes—sometimes small, sometimes significant. And that's perfectly okay. Every error is a learning opportunity, a chance to refine your skills and broaden your understanding. The greatest growth often comes from the greatest challenges.

Remember, every seasoned professional once stood where you are now, feeling the same uncertainty and making similar mistakes.

Yes, navigating office life can sometimes feel like starring in a reality TV show. There’s the drama of deadlines, the comedy of office politics, and the suspense of client interactions. But amidst this circus, there's a method to the madness. Every chaotic moment is a lesson in disguise, a chance to build resilience, patience, and creativity.

To all the freshers out there, whether you're in my team or otherwise, here’s my message: Embrace the flames. Don’t shy away from the heat. Within this Ring of Fire lies your opportunity to forge a career that’s not just successful, but deeply fulfilling.

Know that in this journey, you’re not alone. You have mentors, peers, and a community ready to support you. Yes, it’s tough. Yes, you’ll feel the burn. But that’s where the magic happens. That’s where you evolve from a raw recruit into a polished professional.

So, step into the Ring of Fire with courage and curiosity. Let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and learn from every experience.

Finally, to my mentees: You are the future. It’s an honor to be part of your journey. Let's make this adventure one for the books.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)