Ink & Insight

Update: A Follow-Up Thought After I shared my earlier post about the Aadi month, someone asked an interesting question: why do some groups seem to follow different rules, and was religion really necessary to explain simple seasonal patterns? That got me thinking. My limited understanding of Hinduism is that it is not just a religion, but a sophisticated system of knowledge shaped by our ancient Rishis and Sages. Much of what we today call “”science”; astronomy, ecology, health, social planning;  was already embedded in their thinking. But they faced a major challenge: how to pass on that wisdom to the masses, especially thousands of years ago when most people were not formally educated. Their solution was clever. Instead of trying to explain the science behind every practice, they used stories, rituals, and symbolic figures. These were not just myths for belief, but tools for mass communication. For example, rather than giving a lecture on the ecological benefits of protecting ...

This post explores a traditional Indian perspective on the Aadi month, sparked by a personal question from my son. While it draws from spiritual and cultural practices, the intention is not to promote any religious belief. Instead, it reflects on how ancient customs often aligned with seasonal, environmental, and social realities — offering insights that remain relevant today This morning my son asked me why the Aadi month is considered inauspicious. Some elders had told him it was a bad time. I knew this was a misconception. There was a logical explanation for avoiding festivals and celebrations during this month, but I couldn't recall the details. After some quick search, I found the reasons behind this "negative" perception of Aadi month and thought it would be helpful to share, in case you also get similar questions from the younger generation.  This is what I found: The Aadi month, which typically falls in July-August, holds fascinating scientific and practical wisdo...

Africa is quietly laying the foundations for its next phase of growth, not just with ideas, but with roads, rail, ports, and power.  The Abidjan to Lagos Highway links five countries and handles most of West Africa’s trade. The Lobito Corridor connects copper mines in Zambia and the DRC to the Atlantic coast by rail. These projects are reshaping how economies connect and driving regional growth.  Ports are expanding fast. Nigeria’s new Lekki Port handles more than 2.7 million containers a year using world-class automation. Durban’s port is being upgraded to handle almost four times its current capacity.  The energy story is just as strong. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is already producing electricity. Solar plants are being rolled out at record speed, powering industries and cities. What makes this different is how everything is being connected – rail lines link to ports, roads lead to trade hubs, and energy projects sit near factories and zones.  With 69 prio...

There were times when I stared at my manuscript for Black Swan, White Swan and felt like throwing in the towel. The writing wasn't flowing, the formatting was a mess, and I wondered if anyone would even care about my story. I stared at my manuscript and wanted to delete the whole thing. The words just weren't flowing, the formatting was a nightmare, and I wasn't sure if anyone would actually care about what I had to say. What kept me going wasn't ego, momentum or motivation. It was purpose. I had committed to setting up an education trust for children who've been left behind. That quiet promise became my anchor. Every time I felt like quitting, I thought of a child in a classroom, made possible, even in a small way, because I finished what I started. This experience taught me something I've witnessed countless times in leadership: when you feel stuck, don't search harder for motivation. Reconnect with your purpose. That's what gets you through the ...

After exploring the continent's rich history, strategic geography, vibrant culture, dynamic youth, and education revolution, it's time to look at how these foundations are translating into economic reality. The numbers tell a compelling story of transformation. Africa's economy has grown remarkably over the past two decades. The continent now boasts a combined GDP of over $2.8 trillion, with several countries consistently ranking among the world's fastest-growing economies. Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana have posted growth rates that would make developed nations envious. But it's not just about size; it's about sophistication. The Lagos Stock Exchange now rivals many emerging markets, while Johannesburg remains Africa's financial hub. The continent has produced genuine multinational corporations: South African banks operate across dozens of countries, Nigerian companies are expanding globally, and Kenyan innovations are being adopted worldwide. The busine...

I received this message today that stopped me in my tracks: "A child who grows up without stories doesn't just miss out on reading—they miss out on learning how to feel for someone else. Books are windows that let us see the world through another's eyes and carry emotions that aren't ours. That's how empathy begins." This captures exactly why I wrote "Black Swan, White Swan." I see a generation losing touch with reading, missing the chance to truly walk in someone else's shoes. They're surrounded by screens and instant content, but they're losing something profound—the ability to sit quietly with complex emotions and develop deep empathy. "Black Swan, White Swan" tells stories through animals' eyes because they offer a universal language of emotion. Animals don't judge—they simply feel, love, fear, and hope. Through their stories, readers can safely explore different perspectives and build understanding. If we want ...