Birthdays always seem to be a natural point for reflection, and this one has been no different. Over the past year, my journey—both personally and intellectually—has taken me to some interesting places. Life has been a ride lately, experiencing new things, growing through drastic changes and continuous learning. Over the past year, I have made some bold decisions which have dramatically changed my life- for the better or worse, I am still figuring it out. Nevertheless, this post is all about my reflections over the year and what new things are shaping my future. Recently, I’ve found myself gravitating towards classic literature. I have always been inclined towards the classics for some reason. I believe reading classics gives us a chance to explore the world that isn't really there anymore, moreover, it allows you to deep dive into the lives, worldviews, and mindsets of people we've never met, visit the places we've never been, allowing us to understand the times we'll never directly experience. There’s something about the timeless nature of these stories that keeps pulling me in.
One book that really struck a chord with me recently is Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino. It's not a typical work of fiction. Rather, it is a blend of science, philosophy, and imagination, all wrapped in a series of short stories. It is fascinating how Calvino takes these vast topics and layers them with the most basic human emotions, like love, longing, care, curiosity and more. It’s an unusual but beautiful reminder of how, even in the grandness of the universe, we’re all connected by shared experiences. I am surprised how it managed to shift my perspective- both the cosmic and the mundane. Even though this book was extremely difficult to read in a sitting, I cannot stop myself from saying that it was 'mind-blowing'. Each chapter brings in a new detail, be it a scientific event, theory, or object. The author doesn't maintain any continuity. I remember reading about the moon being so close to us that the author and his friends would often go to the sea, set their ladder and try to climb to reach the moon. He also writes about the Big Bang, every cell, star and everything has been personified into a character. Another chapter also centred on the origins of the universe, holds a narrative about two undefined entities, Qfwfq and another, who place wagers on rolling marbles—these marbles symbolizing the atoms of elements that first emerged in the universe. I have never read anything like it, I would highly recommend this book.
This year has also been about meaningful conversations. On my birthday, I spent time with a close friend, and we naturally found ourselves deep in conversation about India’s foreign policy and its complex relationships with neighbours like China. Being enthusiastic about policy affairs and formulation, I often wonder about the groundwork that goes behind the implementation. Even with foreign policies, nothing concrete can be said unless and until proper research has been done. India is a nation of high importance, and each step it takes internationally is crucial for its relations with other countries. It’s always interesting to unpack how policies influence the world stage. I have been focusing more on India-China relations lately, but I am looking forward to reading and exploring more in the upcoming year.
And then there’s the journey itself—leaving Delhi, settling into new rhythms, and navigating the challenges of starting anew. I moved to Chennai this year, hoping to pursue my master's in Public Policy. It has been a crazy adventure. I cannot say it has been easy, I know leaving home never is, but at times, it gets overwhelming. Chennai is very different from Delhi. I wouldn't say I am someone who enjoys living in Delhi, I know being the capital it is very crowded. Despite that, Delhi offers a vivid lifestyle. The city somehow is always in a rush, if you live here, you can feel the race everyone is living in. On the other hand, Chennai is a peaceful city. It isn't home, but you can move at your own pace. People are not rushing, there is a sense of extreme calmness. To connect with like-minded individuals in this new city, I decided to enrol in the British Council. It’s been a great opportunity not only to meet new people but also to enhance my language skills. While moving to Chennai has certainly been challenging, each obstacle has contributed to my growth, teaching me to embrace uncertainty. I’m optimistic that these experiences will lead to something meaningful in the long run, and it's this hope that keeps me moving forward.
As I step into another year, I’m filled with gratitude—gratitude for the books that expand my thinking, for the conversations that inspire me, and for the challenges that push me to grow. I am hopeful that the decision to move to Chennai will reap great results. I am not sure how long will I be able to sustain myself in the city, but I will take things each day as they come. Life is full of transitions and discoveries, and while I may not know exactly what’s next, I’m excited for the journey ahead.
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