The fleeting nature of Wealth and the Importance of Integrity

In today’s world, money and fame often overshadow everything else. They offer a sense of ownership. This allows people to buy what they want. It also lets them go where they please and pursue their dreams.

For many parents, money signifies the key to securing their children’s futures. Yet, as we grow up, we sometimes witness people driven by greed, resorting to unethical means to accumulate wealth. They take undue credit or manipulate situations for personal gain, often disregarding fairness and integrity.

When we meet such behavior firsthand, it’s disheartening. It’s troubling to see how some fail to realize that their actions impact their own lives. They also set an example for future generations. What they might not understand is that a guiding force watches over us all. This moral compass reminds us of the values that truly matter. This force encourages us to live honestly and treat others with respect.

It’s easy to blame upbringing when we see unethical behavior. But in truth, most parents do not teach their children to act dishonestly. It’s usually personal ego and unnecessary greed that lead individuals down this path. This behavior raises questions about the direction in which our world is heading. It highlights the importance of reflecting on our own actions and choices.

While money is undeniably important, it’s also fleeting and signifies only a small part of what life has to offer. Real happiness and fulfillment often come from simple, genuine experiences. These include taking your child to an ice cream parlor. They also include sharing a laugh with colleagues on a site visit. Another example is the sense of achievement from a hard-earned career milestone.

Career fulfillment is a journey that spans years of dedication and effort. In a career that lasts 30 years, you have a mix of experiences. There be a few years that are just okay. Some years be very good. Others be exceptionally challenging. One becomes a respected individual by managing both perceptions and performance well. This leads to fulfillment both at work and at home.

It’s important to remember that success is rarely a solo effort; it’s not always “I, I, and I.” It’s “us.” It’s the family that supports us. It’s the teachers who guide us. It’s the colleagues who collaborate with us. It’s also the challenging bosses who push us to grow. When we think about all of this, it becomes clear. Money and wealth are only a small fraction of life’s larger picture. There’s a profound difference between living solely on inheritance. Building a life through your own efforts, supported by the community around you, is entirely different. This is why our elders often remind us of the ancient saying “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.

Ultimately, it’s the integrity with which we live our lives and the connections we make that truly matter. Wealth gained unethically can slip away just as easily as it came. Happiness from meaningful experiences lasts longer. Career fulfillment through hard work endures. The legacy of our character outlasts material wealth.

Dedicating this to my brother (Lohith NC) whom I have looked up to since I was a little girl. He has transformed from an obedient student to a wonderful husband, a son, and much more. Today he is sitting at the Leadership team of an eminent MNC. This comes after years of hard work, patience, continuous learning and dedication.

Echoes of Royalty: A Journey Through Mysore Palace and the Heart of the City

The world here is illuminated with golden sunlight, filled with the hues of architectural marvel and nostalgic memories. Light and shadows spill and scatter across the intricately carved floors. They rise up the vaulted ceilings and slide down the towering pillars of the Mysore Palace.

In every corner, there is a mystical interplay between what is revealed and what remains in silhouette. It is as though the palace itself is guarding secrets from an age gone by. We, the visitors, walk through these spaces with child-like curiosity. We are witnesses to the grandeur of an era that feels both distant and strangely familiar.

When I was pursuing PGDM from SDMIMD Mysore, the city gave me more than I have imagined. I fell in love with Mysore, not just for its beautiful monuments and rich history but for its people. One of the most beautiful memories I carry is meeting my best friend, Darshan Manjunath. He opened up the city to me in ways I never thought possible. Through him, I found an entire network of friends – kind, authentic, and genuinely welcoming. The people of Mysore are as serene and gentle as the city itself. They embody a warmth and sincerity that makes you feel at home. There’s something deeply genuine about them, a reflection of the rich cultural heritage that they proudly carry on. Their simplicity, combined with an openness that is rare, is what makes Mysore not just a place, but an experience.

As I explore the Mysore Palace, I cannot help but marvel at its grandeur. It encapsulates the essence of the city as observed through its people. The palace exudes a sense of vitality, resonating with the spirit of days gone by. The opulent chambers are adorned with statues and chandeliers. They almost seem sentient. The chambers gently pulsate as though steeped in whispered dialogues of yore. These splendid spaces compel us to truly listen. They contain the narratives of the Wadiyar’s. The Maharajas of Mysore embody the very essence of time itself.

The Maharajas of Mysore, particularly from the Wadiyar’s dynasty, played a monumental role. They shaped not just the architectural landscape of the state. They shaped its entire cultural and educational ethos. Their contributions extended far beyond the palace walls. They supported institutions like the University of Mysore. The University of Mysore was one of the first universities in India. It was established in 1916 under the reign of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. This act of foresight laid the foundation for Karnataka to emerge as an educational hub in the decades to come. The Maharajas’ dedication to the promotion of knowledge and culture led to the creation of numerous libraries. They established the Oriental Research Institute, which houses rare manuscripts and scholarly works.

Additionally, the Wadiyar’s were instrumental in building iconic landmarks that have come to define Mysore and Karnataka. The Maharaja’s College is known for its stunning architecture. The Lalitha Mahal Palace now serves as a luxurious heritage hotel. These are just a few examples of their architectural legacy.

Their reign also saw the establishment of the K.R. Hospital and several other healthcare facilities, which continue to serve the people of the region today. The Maharajas’ contribution to public infrastructure was significant. This included the development of railways and public transportation. Their role as visionaries who cared deeply for the welfare of their people was cemented.

The Mysore Palace, in its magnificence, is not just a building; it is a living repository of stories. Each column and archway tells the tale of the Wadiyar dynasty. These rulers transformed Mysore into a thriving cultural and political hub. The Maharajas, with their royal patronage, breathed life into the city. They supported the arts, culture, and architecture. This support came to define Mysore as the cultural capital of Karnataka.

The palace became a beacon of artistic expression under their reign. It was a fusion of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This fusion stood as a monument to their vision and ambition. The shimmering domes show their love for grandeur and refinement. The stained-glass windows refract the light into a thousand colors.

Photo by Keith Lobo on Pexels.com

The chandeliers hanging from high ceilings sparkle like crystallized stardust. They catch the faintest hint of light. Then, they scatter it across the room. These shimmering moments are not mere reflections. They are the distillation of centuries of history.

Each flicker is a storytelling imp, ruminating on the lives that once filled these halls. They tell stories of grand darbars, opulent banquets, and the Maharajas’ deep connection with their people. There is an elegance to these memories, as though they are woven into the very fabric of the palace itself. Each breath taken here feels laden with a sense of nostalgia. It is like inhaling the scent of a distant past that lingers on the breeze.

Photo by Keith Lobo on Pexels.com

Recollecting memories of these halls, my mind drifts back to moments spent with dear friends. We explored the wonders of this enchanting city. The quiet majesty of the palace intertwines with the essence of Mysore’s soul. This is a place where kindness flows like a river. Pride in heritage blooms in every heart. Its people, humble and steadfast, stand as guardians of a legacy woven from grace and tradition. In the stillness, I find traces of their gentle spirit. These traces paint each memory with the hues of warmth and timeless beauty. ❤

Dedicating this little write up to my dear friend Darshan from Mysore! 🙂

To a new phase of life . Sapthaswara shuru aagide.. ✨

Where do I begin? It all started in the 2nd or 3rd week of June 2019 at NR Colony, Basavanagudi, when I first met Kushal at a mutual friend’s house. It was around 7:00 PM, and seeing him there was a bit of a surprise. I wasn’t exactly comfortable, so I greeted him with a reluctant smile and quickly moved on to grab a quick evening snack from the vibrant stalls of Basavanagudi.

Days went by, and Kushal seemed eager to talk to me more, wanting to get closer. I gently turned him down at first, but eventually, I became more direct, telling him I didn’t want to talk. I couldn’t understand how someone could like another person at first sight and express it so quickly. Looking back now, I realize that sometimes, magic happens when you least expect it. I was 22 years old, but I was behaving like a teenager!

As more days passed, we started exchanging formal and cordial messages. He’d ask me if I had eaten lunch or dinner, and one day, I couldn’t help but ask him, “Why are you asking me all this? It’s none of your business!” I was trying to act tough, but deep down, I was just a little confused.

Eventually, he convinced me to meet him again, and so we did, at Caramelts in Jayanagar around 4:30 PM. When I arrived, he was sitting there, reading a book, looking quite serious. At that moment, I thought, “He seems like a kind-hearted, smart man.” We spent hours talking that day, from school memories to college stories and more. During those few hours, I realized how different we were from each other. I didn’t admit it then, but I’ll admit it now—I really enjoyed his company. I smiled all the way home, and now, with our wedding just 117 days away, I’m super excited!

That same day, he told me he felt a deep connection with me and that I reminded him of his mom—confident, dignified, and strong. I couldn’t understand how someone could gauge a person’s character so quickly, but it left me thinking.

Then, for about 60 days, there was complete silence between us. I decided not to speak with him at all, keeping a good distance. Despite that, he continued sending me messages, checking in on how I was doing. One day, I couldn’t hold back my emotions and told him that this wasn’t going to work. We were young, and I didn’t want to make any hasty decisions, especially given our traditional backgrounds and the expectations our parents might have.

Another month passed, and during that time, I found myself thinking about him more and more. I felt bad for the way I had treated him and was filled with guilt. I realized that there’s nothing wrong with someone expressing their true feelings, and I owed him an apology.

So, we started talking again, and the happiness I felt was unreal. But even then, a part of me kept thinking, “No, this isn’t right. This could lead to unnecessary complications.” But despite my doubts, I couldn’t deny the joy I felt when we talked.

On August 9th, 2019, during the Varamahalakshmi Habba, I had a gathering at home. That evening, after thinking about it day and night and listening to what well-wishers had to say, I decided to confess that I was okay with giving us a chance. All I ever wanted in a life partner was someone kind-hearted, open-minded, and wonderful. And in my heart, I knew Kushal was the one. That’s where our journey truly began. ♥

Our very first picture together!

The next 6-7 months were like a honeymoon phase—extra concern, extra care, and just so much love. When I reflect on these years, knowing that we’re getting married with our parents’ consent feels truly wonderful.

Walking down the memory lane through the below pictures! 💕

Right before covid

I want to acknowledge how amazing it is to have someone by your side as a best friend for life. I can’t thank Kushal enough for bringing so much positivity and stability into my life. He’s like an ocean—calm, even in the hardest times. I look up to him not just because he’s going to be my husband, but because he’s a kind, gentle-hearted man who respects all women. I think his mother deserves all the credit and I need to acknowledge and thank her for raising such a gentleman, especially in a world where women’s security and dignity are often at risk. And let’s not forget his silly jokes and that Bugs Bunny smile that makes me smile from ear to ear! Sometimes, I even get a little annoyed on purpose just to hear his playful scolding.

Amid all this butterfly-like happiness, there’s a rush of feelings in my heart—just like every woman who knows she’s about to get married and leave her home soon.

When we move into our new home with my in-laws and husband, there might be little moments of discomfort. It could be something as small as asking, “Can I use this piece of cloth?” It’s so strange how a newlywed woman conducts herself with such discipline in her new home—carefully using coasters, folding blankets with precision, arranging cutlery just so.

Where does that carefree freedom we had at home go, and why does it hide? Does letting go of that freedom bring happiness? Does distancing yourself from being carefree bring you the joy of living the life you wanted?

I carry these questions with me as I eagerly await our big day and look forward to a future filled with brightness, happiness, and little fights that only strengthen our bond.

The guiding principle that has brought us this far? It’s simple: no ego in any relationship. Always cherish the person, above all else. While everything else in life may be fleeting, having the right person by your side is what truly matters.

Thank you, Kushal Bhat, for making these five years so memorable and wonderful. I can’t wait for all the happiness that lies ahead with you and our family ♥️