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I’ve been a fountain pen enthusiast for many years now, and my collection has grown to include a variety of models from Indian artisans like Ranga and Kanwrite to international brands. Among them, the Waterman Carène has held a special place since I acquired it. It is an old pen that I got from a friend. Now, after using this old pen for roughly six months, it’s time for a detailed review. This…

January 1, 2026 I’ve always found solace in the quiet dance between words and worlds, where stories unfold not just on the page but also within the soul. Today, as I sipped my evening chai, two quotes from literary giants—Douglas Adams and Ray Bradbury—resurfaced in my mind, pulling me into a gentle contemplation of the storytellers’ craft. Their stands are quite opposing on the matter, and I…

After 22 long years, I stepped back into the familiar gates of Atomic Energy Central School (AECS) in Indore’s RRCAT Colony—a place I hadn’t visited since our Class XII farewell in 2003. This wasn’t just any visit; it was our batch reunion, a heartfelt gathering that brought together old classmates and, wonderfully, many of our beloved subject teachers. The event was pure joy from the start.…

On Navaratri’s final day, Siddhidatri is honored. The goddess is seated on a lotus and holds a conch, discus, mace, and lotus. She grants siddhis and spiritual powers, and awakens consciousness beyond limits.From Day 1 to Day 8, each form of goddess has helped us get rid of our sins, negativities, conquer our inner darkness and fears, and helped us align our actions and intentions. This form of…

On the eighth day, Mahagauri shines—radiant in white, riding a bull with a trident and drum. Her purity reflects liberation, cleansed of past burdens like a stream after rain.She fosters forgiveness and new beginnings, guiding us toward clarity and grace. To invoke Mahagauri is to embrace renewal after trials, restoring inner peace. Her presence supports progress toward liberation, renewing…

On Navaratri’s seventh day, Kalaratri appears—dark-skinned with unbound hair, riding a donkey, wielding a sword and noose. She represents the night that dispels ignorance, offering rest through the destruction of fear.Kalaratri fosters courage to face inner shadows, cutting away negative patterns for renewal. To invoke her is to confront darkness with resolve, paving the way for healing. Her…

On the sixth day, Katyayani emerges—a warrior born from sage Katyayan’s penance, wielding a sword and lotus atop a lion, her red hue vibrant with life. The sword cuts through injustice, the lotus preserving grace in battle.She empowers decisive action and inspires us with the strength to confront adversity and transform growth into change. To invoke Katyayani is to face challenges with a…

On Navaratri’s fifth day, Skandamata is worshipped—mother of Kartikeya, holding her son with lotuses in hand, seated on a lotus with a radiant glow. She embodies maternal love, her purity rising above chaos like a lotus in still waters.Skandamata promotes family harmony and emotional healing, teaching care balanced with boundaries. To invoke her is to nurture creative energies, guiding them…

On the fourth day, Kushmanda shines—creator of the universe, her eight arms holding weapons with a radiant smile, seated on a lion. Her name, linked to the pumpkin, reflects the life force that sparks creation from formless to formed.She awakens inner vitality, encouraging us to overcome doubt and nurture new ideas. To invoke Kushmanda is to tap into creative potential, building on discipline to…

On Navaratri’s third morning, Chandraghanta is revered, named for the crescent moon on her forehead, her golden form wielding ten weapons atop a tiger. The moon signifies intuition, paired with the tiger’s strength, blending calm with protective power.She fosters courage and alertness, teaching harmony between serenity and readiness to uphold justice. To invoke Chandraghanta is to balance inner…

On Navaratri’s second day, Brahmacharini appears—Parvati’s ascetic form, holding a rosary and water pot, symbols of her devotion to penance and wisdom. Her name, tied to “Brahma,” reflects boundless pursuit of knowledge through disciplined focus.She embodies the strength of restraint, guiding scattered energies toward clarity, much like a river finding its course. Brahmacharini teaches that true…

On Navaratri’s first morning, Shailaputri appears. She is the “Daughter of the Mountain” and Parvati’s primal form, born from the Himalayas’ ancient embrace. She rides a bull, with steady calm, and holds a trident for strength and a lotus for grace, symbols of her mountain origins. Mountains embody resilience, standing firm against storms with roots deep in the earth’s core. Shailaputri carries…

One of the most fascinating things that you can do with the analogue world is open yourself to new creativity and new possibilities. Getting myself a zoom nib did just that for me. Through this post, I share what I found. Context for newbiesA zoom nib is a specialty fountain pen nib that offers versatility in terms of changes in the line width based on the angle at which you hold the…

On May 24, 2025, the Ahmedabad Readers Club gathered in Ahmedabad for its second meet. As a grammar-loving book enthusiast, I found it an utterly engaging affair! Our group of devoted readers dove into The 40 Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. This sparked some healthy, inspiring discussion; the conversation was nothing short of transformative. The brilliant insights and diverse perspectives of our…