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Showing posts from October, 2025

The Allure of Early Retirement

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  Many are redefining what retirement means, and some are achieving it earlier than expected. Imagine retiring in your 40s, like some did during the voluntary retirement schemes in nationalized banks and government institutions. Today, this trend extends beyond those sectors. Individuals seeking a slower pace of life, meaningful experiences, and quality time with loved ones are opting for early retirement. With great salaries in their early careers, some have made savvy investments, enabling them to pursue alternate passions and laid-back lifestyles in tier 2 or 3 cities. The shift in thinking is clear: life is too short for long commutes and extended work hours. Instead, many prioritize time with family and partners, valuing experiences over professional achievements. This path isn't for everyone, though. It requires smart financial planning and saving wisely. Those who've taken this route often cite the importance of living life on their own terms. As we navigate changing wor...

From filling pages to filling minds

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  “Teacher, I need one more supplement!” — said someone in class. Instantly, all heads turned toward the bright student who had already filled up the main answer booklet and still had more to write. We all knew the rule: a 10-mark answer must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should be at least two and a half to three pages long. If you managed four pages, you were considered above average — likely to score well. This belief — that the more you write, the more marks you get — isn’t something of the past. It still exists. From time immemorial, our education system has valued learning and recall. It tests memory. But does it test intelligence? That brings us to a deeper question: Should education be about testing intelligence at all? Isn’t the real purpose of schooling to help children learn new concepts, develop skills — both academic and life-related — and grow from where they are? Recently, I came across an interesting development — some education boards now provide a...