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A Day Without My Gadgets

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 09:56:11 GMT

Imagine this: No mobile phone, no laptop, no smartwatch, no tablet, no AirPods—nothing. Just me, out in the world as it is.

I started the day by writing a joke, and for the first time in a long time, I simply laughed at it without feeling the need to share it with anyone.

Getting ready, I noticed something strange—I didn’t take a single picture. No “Outfit of the Day” post, no emojis, no hashtags. Just me, dressed for the day, with no digital proof.

I decided to take my bicycle out for a ride. Normally, I’d track every mile and calorie burned on Strava.

But today? Nothing. Just the sound of the tires on the pavement, the wind in my face, and the freedom of the ride. I also took a moment to really soak in the world around me. The colors of the sky, the shapes of the clouds, the rustling of leaves—it all seemed so much more vivid without a screen between me and reality.

Later, I felt the urge to write, so I grabbed a pen and paper. I jotted down my thoughts, knowing they wouldn’t end up on X (formerly Twitter). The ink on the page felt like enough.

When lunchtime rolled around, I decided to cook. Usually, I’d pull up a recipe on my phone, but today I relied on memory and intuition. The result? A meal that tasted like creativity and spontaneity. With no distractions from scrolling or watching videos, I sat down for the meal and really savored every bite. I noticed flavors and textures I often overlook when I’m multitasking with a device in hand.

In the afternoon, I decided to drop by a friend's house. I did something I hadn’t done in ages—I rang the doorbell. No texts, no calls, just the simple sound of a bell echoing down the hallway.

When evening came, I went for a walk—no AirPods, no podcasts, no music. Just the sounds of the neighborhood, the rustling leaves, and my thoughts for company. My pockets felt strangely light, almost empty, without the usual bulk of gadgets. It was interesting to live a day without constantly checking the time on my smartwatch. I gauged time by the sun's position in the sky, how my body felt, and the natural rhythm of the day.

As I got ready for bed, I didn’t scroll through my phone or watch a show to unwind. Instead, I took a few minutes to reflect on the day—what I experienced, what I learned, and how I felt without my gadgets. The silence and solitude brought a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Now, the real question is: Can I survive like this? Was it tough? Absolutely. But it also made me wonder if I should start having gadget-free Sundays, like some people have weekly fasts. A day to disconnect, to reconnect with the world in a different way.

Would you try it?

FAQ's

1. What is the main idea behind a "gadget-free" day?

The main idea behind a gadget-free day is to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the physical world and oneself. It's about experiencing life without the constant distractions and dependence on technology.

2. What are some of the benefits of going gadget-free?

Going gadget-free allows you to:

Experience heightened senses: Without the screen as a barrier, you become more aware of your surroundings, noticing colours, sounds, and textures more vividly. Enjoy genuine human interaction: Face-to-face conversations become more meaningful without the urge to check your phone or share everything online. Find peace and solitude: The absence of notifications and digital demands creates space for reflection, introspection, and a deeper connection with your thoughts and emotions. Rediscover simple pleasures: Activities like reading, cooking, or taking a walk become more enjoyable when experienced without digital distractions.

3. What are some of the challenges of going gadget-free?

The biggest challenge is overcoming the urge to check your devices and stay connected. You might feel:

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): A sense of anxiety or unease about missing out on online updates or social events. Boredom: The absence of constant stimulation can initially feel uncomfortable. Inconvenience: You may find it difficult to navigate, communicate, or access information without your usual devices.

4. How can I prepare for a gadget-free day?

Choose a day with minimal commitments: Avoid days with important meetings or deadlines. Inform people you won't be reachable: Let family and friends know you'll be offline. Plan alternative activities: Have books, games, or hobbies ready to occupy your time. Prepare for potential inconveniences: Print out maps, directions, or any essential information you might need.

5. What are some alternative activities to do on a gadget-free day?

Connect with nature: Go for a walk, hike, bike ride, or simply sit in a park and enjoy the fresh air. Engage in creative pursuits: Draw, paint, write, play an instrument, or work on a craft project. Read a book: Immerse yourself in a good story without the distraction of notifications. Spend time with loved ones: Have a meaningful conversation, play a game, or cook a meal together.

6. Is it necessary to go completely gadget-free?

Not necessarily. You can start with shorter periods of disconnection, like a few hours each evening or a designated "tech-free" zone in your home.

7. How often should I try a gadget-free day?

Experiment with different frequencies to find what works best for you. Some people benefit from weekly digital detox days, while others prefer shorter, more frequent breaks.

8. What are some long-term benefits of regular digital detox?

Regular digital detox can help you:

Improve your focus and concentration: By reducing digital distractions, you train your mind to stay present and engaged. Reduce stress and anxiety: Disconnecting from the constant stream of information and demands can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Improve sleep quality: Avoiding screen time before bed promotes better sleep hygiene. Develop stronger relationships: Face-to-face interactions become more meaningful and fulfilling.

Completing 5 Years at Walmart

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:34:00 GMT

I joined Walmart five years ago, expecting good things to come my way, with little thought about the impact it would have on shaping who I am today. The beginning of my career journey rapidly transformed into a personal development experience full of trials and learning lessons I will never forget. The fact that Walmart has created an environment and context of real, intense, continuous learning over the past half-decade is what has allowed me to reach this five-year benchmark. During this time, I have had the opportunity to work with great teams on challenging problems and give back by contributing to projects that truly matter.

What started small has grown significantly, and as I reflect on this journey, today's post is a subset of the key learnings I've gained. Below, I share my list of 5. Which consist of my 5 DO's, 5 DON'Ts , 5 Learnings, 5 Suggestions, and 5 Rules that I have followed not only in my professional life but in my day-to-day life as well. Whether you are in IT or any other field, I hope this provides some direction and inspiration—perhaps even a new perspective on your journey.

1. 5 DO's

Embrace Change: Stay adaptable to emerging technologies and methodologies. The pace is fast, so your ability to pivot or shift on the fly will directly reflect in your ability to thrive at Walmart.
Develop Relationships: Forge strong relationships with your peers. These relationships will lead to new opportunities and collaborations throughout the entire organization.
Focus on Customer Impact: Ensure that everything is built for the end customer. Remember to always act in accordance with the value you deliver for your customers.
Show Initiative: Demonstrate that you have the ability to proactively drive projects and roles. You will be noticed and even promoted as an excellent, aspiring self-starter.
Continuous Learning: Curiosity is key, so keep investing time in learning. The tech world is vast, and changes are occurring at every moment.

2. 5 Don'ts

Do Not Be Defensive With Feedback: Use feedback as a tool for personal and professional development. Embrace constructive criticism.
Avoid Overpromising: Make wise choices about the workload you can manage. Underpromise and overdeliver.
Work-Life Balance: The risk of workaholism is real, and burnout can be prevented by ensuring a distinct separation between your professional and personal spheres. Balance is key to high productivity.
Do Not Operate in Silos: Work together. Share your knowledge with the team so that everyone can benefit, and leave behind selfish behaviors.
Fail Early & Often: Making mistakes is how you learn. Fear of failure should not stop you from taking well-calculated risks.

3. 5 Rules

Integrity First: Always be honest and truthful. Trust is the foundation of all good personal and professional relationships.
Respect Everyone: Treat everyone with respect, no matter their role or position. Productivity is directly proportional to a healthy work environment.
Continue Learning: Never stop learning, whether through formal education or self-study. In a rapidly changing field like IT, knowledge is power.
Own It: Be accountable and take ownership of your actions and decisions. Trust and credibility are the fruits of accountability.
Act Professionally: Always be professional in your responses. Your name is your brand.

4. 5 Learnings

Collaboration: Teamwork always beats working in silos. Collective effort promotes increased creativity and problem-solving.
How to Succeed in IT: Be adaptable. Technology is constantly changing, and so are teams.
Lead with Empathy: Leading with empathy creates a more inclusive and collective team. If your organization genuinely tries to empower, celebrate diversity, and develop talent, understanding digital transformation is essential. A leader is more effective if they know what their team members think of them.
Importance of Communication: Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and gets everyone on the same page.
Why Diversity is Important: Considering multiple viewpoints leads to more creative solutions and a better workplace.

5. 5 Suggestions

Mentorship Matters: Drive a mentor-led culture and give back by mentoring others. This interaction helps both parties share their experiences and knowledge.
Organization: Figure out a way to organize your tasks and responsibilities systematically. If things are scrambled, your productivity will drop, and stress will negatively impact both your health and performance.
Join Company Culture: Participate in gatherings and activities that the company organizes. Being an active part of the culture further grounds you in your organization.
Play the Long Game: While winning short-term victories is important, always keep your long-term career goals in mind so you can work towards them without getting distracted.
Give Back: Support the community by volunteering, sharing knowledge, or helping your colleagues. Gratitude and reciprocation demonstrate appreciation for the collective knowledge shared with you.

As I look back on these past five years at Walmart, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences, lessons, and growth that this journey has offered me. Each challenge has been an opportunity to learn, and every success has been a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance. Moving forward, I’m excited to continue this journey with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. The future is full of possibilities, and I’m eager to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Here’s to the next chapter, full of learning, growth, and continued success—both for myself and for everyone around me.

FAQ's

1. What are the most important things to do for success at Walmart?

Embrace change, build strong relationships, focus on customer impact, show initiative, and prioritize continuous learning. Walmart is a fast-paced environment that requires adaptability and a customer-centric approach. Proactive learning and strong relationships will help you thrive.

2. What behaviours should be avoided at Walmart?

Being defensive with feedback, overpromising, neglecting work-life balance, operating in silos, and fearing failure. Constructive feedback is crucial for growth, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for sustained productivity. Collaboration and a willingness to learn from mistakes are highly valued.

3. What are the core rules to live by at Walmart?

Integrity, respect for everyone, continuous learning, ownership, and professionalism. These values underpin a positive and productive work environment where trust, accountability, and continuous development are paramount.

4. What are some key learnings from five years at Walmart?

The power of collaboration, the importance of adaptability in IT, the effectiveness of empathetic leadership, the value of clear communication, and the positive impact of diversity.

5. What suggestions would you give to someone starting at Walmart?

Seek mentorship opportunities, stay organized, embrace the company culture, focus on long-term goals, and give back to the community. These actions will contribute to personal and professional growth, a sense of belonging, and sustained career success.

6. What is the significance of embracing change at Walmart?

Walmart operates in a dynamic retail landscape driven by evolving technology and customer expectations. Adapting to these changes is crucial for staying relevant and thriving in this environment.

7. Why is continuous learning so important in IT at Walmart?

The IT field is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies emerging rapidly. Continuous learning ensures that you stay up-to-date and equipped to handle the challenges of this dynamic field.

8. How does diversity contribute to a better workplace at Walmart?

Diversity in thought and perspective leads to richer discussions, more innovative solutions, and a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

The Essence of Mentorship - Nurturing Growth, Inspiring Success

Fri, 26 May 2023 09:50:11 GMT

Ready to Launch Your Career?

Do you have the best mentor who can give you better direction on how to advance your career? Look no further! I’ve decided that today would be a great day to touch on the lifeline of mentorship and how it can truly transform your professional journey.

Importance of Mentorship

Shortened Learning Curve: A mentor will share insights, knowledge, and experience they hold, which can cut down your learning time. They’ve walked the road you’re about to take and can help steer you away from mistakes, saving you both time and energy.
Personal and Professional Growth: Mentors help you identify and use your strengths while improving or eliminating weaknesses. Their advice can be life-changing and inspiring.
Larger Professional Network: Mentorship connects you with a wide array of professionals. Your mentor’s connections and network can open up new opportunities for collaboration and introductions.
Sounding Board and Accountability Partner: A mentor pushes you to make your life a priority. They hold you accountable for your actions, backing up your goals or promises, and they motivate you to stay focused and driven on your path to success.

Seeking Superior Mentors

Find Honesty: Seek mentors who are genuinely concerned about your learning. Work with someone who cares about you, thinks like you, and is invested in your progress.
Subject Matter Experts: Look for mentors who are knowledgeable and have plenty of experience in your field of interest. Their feedback and direction will be increasingly relevant.
Network Connections: Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in industry meetings to find potential mentors. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with active mentors within the community.
Formal Mentorship Programs: Many organizations have formal mentorship programs. Joining such projects can provide access to veterans who are willing to give advice for free.

Paid Mentorship: A Tale of Two Paradigms — Genuine vs. Fad ✨

Recently, there has been an increase in paid mentorships. While acknowledging the value of expertise and time is important, it’s crucial to discern between authentic mentorship and opportunistic trends.

Check the Credentials: Verify the mentor’s background, achievements, and reputation. Make sure they have the expertise and that their intent aligns with actively helping you grow.
Ask for Advice: Connect with someone who has experienced paid mentorship and ask for their thoughts. Actual reviews can provide more insight than what a coach may formally offer.
Free Resources: Take advantage of the numerous FREE resources available online, including webinars, podcasts, and blogs. There are many opportunities to gain knowledge from respectable professionals without spending a dime.

The Magic of Real Mentorship!

May we all carry the spirit of mentorship as a guiding force through the long tides of our professional lives. Find mentors who mentor out of the goodness of their hearts, not for money. Let’s create a space where mentorship thrives, unlocking the full potential of each and every one of us!

Locking Down the Essence of Incredible Mentorship

If we want to maintain the integrity of mentorship, it’s imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in this area.

Teach Others: Spread the true essence of mentorship and how it can foster personal and professional growth. We need to de-program the idea that mentorship is a transaction; it’s REAL WORK done in partnership with someone you believe in.
Highlight Success Stories: By celebrating the real-world impacts of great mentorship, we inspire others to take action. Stories of how mentorship has changed lives and given people hope during tough times can have a powerful ripple effect.
Build Mentorship Communities: Advocate for the development of mentoring communities or networks. Accomplished adults are often willing to share their wisdom and support with others. Interactions in these communities can be more genuine and straightforward, without commercial interests involved.
Champion Mentorship Ethics: Advocate for mentorship platforms dedicated to genuine value—requiring mentors to be vetted and promoting transparency. We need to hold the industry accountable to ensure we’re serving our true purpose. Ethical mentorship platforms will bring us full circle.

Mentor with Authenticity, Be the Change-Maker

Return the favor because you never know what being a true mentor can do for you. Share knowledge, experiences, and insights with emerging professionals. Help them through times of crisis, guide them in understanding their strengths, and unlock their potential.

Mentorship is not about exploiting the inexperience of freshmen and newbies. The goal is to create an environment that supports growth and empowerment, enabling people to flourish. By joining forces, we can redefine mentorship and make it great again.

GET IN ON THE AUTHENTIC MENTORSHIP MOVEMENT!

If mentorship is as game-changing, revolutionary, and transformative as it should be, why should we fear the temperament of our mentors? Call me old-fashioned, but I believe there’s supposed to be inherent goodness in them. Want answers? Use your voice and let it be heard boldly—just like when you post on Instagram. #ToMentorIsDivine, not profitable. Let’s cast out those evils and create a culture that encourages mentorship fueled by authentic communities of practice, culminating in the collective spirit of elevation.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to pass this along if you believe it would benefit someone. See you in the next one. Stay safe.

My First Radio Interview Experience

Thu, 11 May 2023 14:50:09 GMT

**On May 10, 2023**, I got a chance to be a guest on an All India Radio Show. AIR is the largest radio network in India, broadcasting in multiple languages and reaching millions of listeners across the country. I am grateful to AIR for selecting my podcasts and giving me this platform.

As someone who is passionate about technology and software engineering, I got an opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise on a radio interview/podcast. During the interview, I discussed a range of topics related to technology and internet safety, including the pros and cons of depending too much on technology, how to use tech gadgets safely, and how to prevent online frauds.

In particular, I was keen to share my views on the opportunities that exist in India for those interested in pursuing a career in this field, and why we should not always be quick to move abroad in search of better prospects.

How did I get this Opportunity?

I have an online platform/space where young students and professionals who are interested in discussing new opportunities and learning about different technologies can set up some time (1:1) with me and by doing that we come together, share ideas, and learn from one another.

In case you're wondering how can you set up time with me, just click here

So recently one of the students introduced me to the people at All India Radio, which ultimately led to the opportunity to record two programs back to back, one on Technology and the other on Motivation. This highlights the importance of networking and building relationships with others in any field, as it can open up unexpected opportunities and lead to new collaborations.

AIR HQ Experience

Going to the AIR headquarters to record the programs was an exciting experience. Recording for radio can be quite different from other forms of communication, and it requires a unique set of skills to communicate effectively with listeners. And on top of that, I can't prepare much as the program owner (Mr Mandeep Rajora) wanted this as a spontaneous conversation.

See, I am comfortable with mic, stage, and audience however Radio is different. I have conducted several shows as host, tech sessions, took and given several tech interviews. In all above cases, you somehow get the idea about the audience. However, this is not the case with Radio. We can't imagine its reaching and getting an idea about audience. There might be a housewife, banking professional, farmer, or student listening to your content. So my content should be so easy to understand that anyone from any professional background can understand and get some value out of this program. This whole thing was running through my mind while I was entering the studio.

Interview

We discussed a range of topics including the pros and cons of technology dependence, how to use tech gadgets safely, and the importance of preventing online fraud.

Pros and Cons of Technology

One of the most important points I made was regarding the potential negative impacts of technology dependence. As technology has become an increasingly integral part of our lives, it's important to be aware of its potential drawbacks, such as social isolation and addiction, highlighted the need to use technology in a balanced and responsible manner, emphasizing that technology should enhance our lives, not detract from them.

Safety on Internet

Another key area We addressed was the issue of using tech gadgets safely. With cyber-attacks and online fraud becoming more common, it's essential to understand how to protect oneself online. I provided practical tips for listeners on how to stay safe while using technology, such as avoiding clicking on suspicious links and regularly updating passwords, checking SSL certificates before entering any important data in any application.

Also shared some important internet safety tips to prevent online frauds. One of the key tips I emphasized is the importance of not sharing OTPs (One-Time Passwords) with anyone. Fraudsters often try to trick people into sharing their OTPs in order to gain access to their accounts, so it is important to be extra cautious when receiving such requests.

Also highlighted the fact that older people may be particularly vulnerable to online frauds because they may not be as familiar with technology and may not be aware of the various scams that exist. As a result, I suggested that it might be a good idea to segregate social media and streaming apps from payment apps and to only set up those apps on older people's phones that are required for their use. This will help to minimize the risk of them accidentally falling victim to a fraud or scam.

It is important to educate older people about internet safety and to help them understand the risks associated with online transactions. By taking the time to explain how these scams work and how to stay safe online, we can help to protect older people from becoming victims of online fraud.

I believe that internet safety is an important issue that we all need to take seriously, and glad to have the opportunity to share some of my knowledge and experience on this topic during my radio interview/podcast. By taking some simple precautions, such as not sharing OTPs and being cautious when setting up payment apps on older people's phones, we can all do our part to help prevent online frauds and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe online.

Software Engineering (What, Why, and How)

Also explained what software engineering is and why it's a rewarding career choice. Highlighted the skills required for success in this field, such as problem-solving and creativity, and emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and development. Explaining what software engineering is and the benefits of pursuing it as a career is an excellent way to introduce listeners to a field that may be unfamiliar to them. Discussing the scope of software engineering in India can also help listeners understand the potential opportunities available to them in this field.

India v/s Abroad Opportunities

Finally, I addressed the scope of software engineering in India. We discussed the growing demand for skilled software engineers in the country and highlighted the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation in this field. Also noted that the rapid pace of technological change presents many exciting opportunities for those working in software engineering, and emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with new technologies and trends.

Moreover, working in India also offers the advantage of being closer to home and family, which can be a major consideration for many people. With the rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements, many software engineers in India can also work for international companies while staying in India.

I emphasized that while there may be opportunities available abroad, it's important not to overlook the exciting opportunities available in India. With a rapidly growing tech industry, a large pool of talented software engineers, and the advantages of working close to home and family, India has plenty to offer those working in software engineering. By staying informed about the latest trends and technologies, and developing their skills and experience, software engineers in India can build rewarding and successful careers in this exciting field.

In Nutshell

Overall, My first-time radio interview/podcast experience was a success. I was able to share my expertise clearly and engagingly. I believe that my past experiences as a host, tech session speaker, and interviewee have prepared me well for recording for radio and my experience of being approached by AIR and recording two programs on technology is a great example of the power of networking.

The fact that AIR has decided to air two of my programs is a testament to the value of my work and the quality of the content that I was able to produce. It's a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and share my insights on technology and software engineering with a broader group of people.

In the end, demonstrated a deep understanding of technology and software engineering and was able to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. By highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks of technology, providing practical tips for staying safe online, and discussing the potential for a rewarding career in software engineering, and was able to provide valuable insights and advice for our listeners.

FAQ's

1. How did Ashmeet Sehgal get the opportunity to be interviewed on All India Radio?

Ashmeet Sehgal was given the opportunity to be interviewed on All India Radio after being introduced to the producers by a student who participates in his online mentoring programme. This highlights the importance of networking and fostering relationships within a field to unlock new opportunities.

2. What was Ashmeet's experience like at the All India Radio headquarters?

Ashmeet found his visit to the All India Radio headquarters exciting, yet daunting. He was accustomed to public speaking and interviews, but the radio format presented unique challenges. Without visual cues from the audience, he had to consider a wider range of listeners and adapt his communication style accordingly.

3. What were some of the main topics discussed in the interview?

The interview covered a range of topics, including:

The Pros and Cons of Technology Dependence: Examining both the benefits and potential negative impacts, such as social isolation and addiction, emphasizing the importance of balanced and responsible technology use.

Internet Safety: Providing practical tips on protecting oneself online, such as avoiding suspicious links, regularly updating passwords, and checking SSL certificates. Preventing Online Fraud: Highlighting the importance of not sharing OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and educating older people, who may be more vulnerable, about online scams and safety measures.

Software Engineering as a Career: Explaining what software engineering entails, the skills required, and the rewarding career opportunities available in India.

Opportunities in India vs. Abroad: Emphasizing the growing demand for skilled software engineers in India, the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation, and the benefits of working closer to home.

4. What advice did Ashmeet give regarding internet safety and preventing online fraud?

Ashmeet emphasized the importance of being cautious online, especially regarding sharing personal information. He advised listeners to avoid clicking on suspicious links, regularly update passwords, and check SSL certificates before entering sensitive data. He stressed the importance of never sharing OTPs and educated listeners about common online scams.

5. What did Ashmeet say about the scope of software engineering in India?

Ashmeet highlighted the burgeoning tech industry in India, which is creating a high demand for skilled software engineers. He encouraged listeners to consider the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation within the field and emphasized the exciting opportunities available without having to move abroad.

Ashmeet presented software engineering as a rewarding career choice due to its problem-solving nature and the creative opportunities it offers. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development to stay ahead of technological advancements, making it a constantly evolving and stimulating field.

7. What were Ashmeet's takeaways from his first radio interview?

Ashmeet found the experience to be both successful and rewarding. He was able to effectively share his knowledge and engage listeners through the radio format. He also recognized the power of networking and was grateful for the opportunity to reach a broader audience with his insights on technology and software engineering.

8. What message did Ashmeet aim to convey to listeners?

Ashmeet aimed to educate listeners about the opportunities and challenges presented by technology. He encouraged them to use technology responsibly, prioritize internet safety, and consider the rewarding career paths available in fields like software engineering, especially within India's growing tech industry.

Embracing the Power of Work-Life Balance; Nurturing Our Souls Beyond the Screens

Thu, 05 May 2022 09:50:11 GMT

In the fast-paced and digitally connected world we inhabit, the boundaries between our personal and professional lives have become increasingly blurred. We find ourselves engrossed in screens for hours on end, unaware of the toll it takes on our well-being. It is crucial to recognize the significance of work-life balance and the imperative to set aside time for ourselves and our families. By embracing this balance, we can restore our mental and emotional health, foster stronger relationships, and pursue our passions outside the confines of our workspaces. In this article, we will explore the impact of excessive screen time, the importance of setting boundaries, and the rejuvenating benefits of engaging in activities that nurture our souls.

The Screen Trap:

In today's digital era, our lives revolve around screens. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and smartwatches, we are constantly connected and bombarded with information. We spend countless hours in virtual meetings, responding to emails, and navigating through a sea of notifications. However, what we often fail to realize is the detrimental impact this constant engagement has on our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Excessive screen time can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as eye strain, insomnia, anxiety, and burnout. The Need for Boundaries With multiple teams spanning different time zones and a never-ending stream of meetings, it is easy to succumb to the demands of work and neglect our personal lives. Establishing boundaries is crucial to prevent work from seeping into every aspect of our existence. By intentionally setting aside 3 to 4 hours as "personal time" each day, we regain control over our schedules and create space for self-care, family, and pursuing our passions. This deliberate act of carving out time allows us to recharge, refocus, and strike a harmonious balance between our personal and professional obligations.

Nurturing the Soul

To truly thrive in life, we must seek fulfillment beyond the confines of our work. Engaging in activities that nurture our souls is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. It is crucial to rediscover the joys of physical exercise, outdoor adventures, and personal hobbies. Activities like cycling, running, swimming, or participating in marathons and cyclathons not only provide physical health benefits but also serve as powerful outlets for stress relief and personal growth. By immersing ourselves in these pursuits, we find a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and resilience that transcends into our professional lives.

Conclusion:

Achieving work-life balance is not a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity for our overall happiness and success. By consciously marking personal time on our calendars and engaging in activities that rejuvenate our spirits, we can break free from the screen trap and nurture the relationships that matter most to us. Let us embrace the power of work-life balance, prioritize our mental and emotional well-being, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a culture that values holistic fulfillment and supports our journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Thanks for reading. Do share if you think this can be helpful to someone. See you in next one. Stay safe.

India is Running out of Oxygen, Here's how we can help

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 05:51:11 GMT

India is running out of oxygen and shortage of oxygen supply has caused deaths in many places. I’ll not get into WHY’s, why there’s a shortage, as we are already late to think about that. The question of the hour is WHAT, what can we do? What is the need of the hour, what role can we play to help? You and I, with our smartphones in our hands and along with scrolling social media: Facebook, Instagram, or news and can also do our bit in this situation.

The whole purpose of this writing is to motivate you and share some really easy/handy ways to be helpful in this crisis situation.

I’ll try to cover the following topics in this:

"How can we easily make donations?"
"Why do we need to make these donations?"

How can we easily make donations?

Along with social media, we use apps like Zomato, Paytm, Cred as well.

These apps have started different initiatives to get donations by very easy methods and they have partnered with various healthcare fundraising platforms like Milaap to procure and distribute oxygen concentrators in the country.

Here’s Deepinder Goyal (Founder of Zomato) announcing the Zomato initiative.

Zomato Feeding India, our not-for-profit has kickstarted the “Help Save My India” endeavour today in association with @delhivery to source oxygen concentrators and related supplies to help hospitals and families in need. pic.twitter.com/60kBYZMrrd
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) April 25, 2021

Here’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma(Founder of Paytm) announcing the Paytm initiative.

We have sourced supplies for Oxygen concentrators of different sizes while we place the order using our own money. We want you to join hands in solving #OxygenShortage .
Donate here https://t.co/YlBF6S4c2p and we will match your contribution and use it to source OCs.
Also, do RT
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) April 25, 2021

Here’s Kunal Shah(Founder of Cred) announcing the Cred initiative.

Update: CRED members can now donate CRED coins towards buying oxygen concentrators for hospitals, healthcare orgs across India. With a goal of 1 billion litres, we’ve partnered with Milaap to ensure contributions reach hospitals in need.
— Kunal Shah (@kunalb11) April 26, 2021

Why do we need to make these donations?

Yesterday night I saw Kunal Shah’s tweet and thought it may be a good idea to donate my cred coins. However, I was curious to know how much money I’ve donated for this cause, I’ve done some maths. Let’s see.

So I’ll take my example, In Cred, I’ve burnt 2,00,000 Coins, So I have contributed 20,000 Liters of Oxygen towards the cause, i.e. purchase of concentrators and to be deployed across various facilities, and hospitals.

The underlying value of every coin is in rupee denomination (every point has a rupee value), which Cred and Milaap will use to purchase/organize concentrators that will service the target requirement of 1 Billion Liters of oxygen for patients across the country.

An oxygen supported hospitalized person needs 60 litres of Oxygen per minute, makes it 3600 litres per hour.

Oxygen would be given in the form of O² Concentrators.

Assuming O² concentrator cost = Rs. 60000

Production from 1 Concentrator = 5Litre per minute

Lifetime = 5 years (approx)

Total Lifetime production = 13,140,000Litre (Best Case Scenario)

Cost of 1 litre oxygen = Rs. 0.004566

So if I Donated 20,000 litre oxygen from my 2,00,000 Cred Points, In rupees= Rs. 91.32 ( i.e.~ Rs. 100)

This has purely been done to motivate people to improve their contribution through other mediums like Zomato, Paytm, and many more.

Since I realized that I've donated only Rs. 100 which is negligible, So I decided to do my bit and this time decided to do it properly.

So then I've used Paytm and Zomato for donation. Pretty easy to use and there're no gimmicks like Cred

Once you’ll donate on Paytm you’ll get this sweet receipt.

Once you’ll donate on Zomato you’ll get this sweet receipt.

How I think about these donations and helping people as if it's just a way of thanking God for keeping my family safe.❤️

And I'm willing to donate my time as well. If you're going though Emotional/Mental stress/problems and you think I can help you in that. Feel free to contact me.

P.S. Contributions made for the Oxygen for India are not exempted from income tax. (80G)

I am thankful for what Cred has delivered through this excellent initiative. It has definitely motivated people to come together and contribute to the cause.

Given we still don’t know the magnitude, with no exact numbers of the afflicted patients and families, what we grapple with is enormous. The numbers across slums, tier 3,4 cities, in villages is massively under-reported. The most effort by Govt functionaries is to salvage the perception of a “Good Governance” by the current leadership. A large part of leadership is in denial to address the gravity of the issues.

One can imagine the magnitude of the problem with the fact that we have over 6 lakh villages, most of these villages do not have basic amenities, and healthcare is just out of question. With some of the recent events, this epidemic has reached the smallest of hamlets.

The medical infrastructure across cities has collapsed, and the situation is grim. Just by contributing through one platform, and some coins is not enough. It is important we step up and contribute towards some of the other initiatives that are trying to make things easy for the ones suffering.

Sprinklr Covid Resources Dashboard

https://covidresources.netlify.app

https://www.dhoondh.com

https://plasmadonor.in

https://needplasma.in

https://plasmaline.in

https://covid19helpindia.in

http://instagram.com/covidaidresources

https://covidfacts.in

https://covidtools.in

https://coveri.ga

https://covidwin.in

https://covid.quackerychronicle.com

City/State wise resources:

Free physiotherapy for COVID patients

Chandigarh

Home Food for COVID patients

Remdesivir Distributor List

Tocilizumab Distributor List

Thanks for reading. Do share if you think this can be helpful to someone or can motivate someone to help in this situation. See you in next one. Stay safe.

Papa: Not A Father’s Day Post

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 09:00:36 GMT

Papa — Dad, Pita, Baap, Paa, Daddy

Kuch Baatein Humare Real Superhero Ki

Mere speed dial no. 1 pe bhi rehke inse sabse kam baat ho pati hai.

Bohot kam baat hote huye bhi sabse zyada arguments bhi inhi se hote hain.

Bachpan main jitna maine badminton, hockey, cricket bat se khela nai hai usse zyada inse maar padi hai. Toh ab pyar dikhane wala bond thoda toh mushkil banega hi.

Inko samajhna shayad mumkin hai hi nahi. Par aaj koshish karte hai…

Koshish karte hai inhe samjhne ki

Koshish karte hai ye samajhne ki ye humare liye kitne zaroori hai

Koshish karte hai ye samajhne ki, kyun hum inhe kabhi kabhi samajh nahi paate

Samajhne Ki Koshish

- Inhe vohi cheezain pasand aati hai jo inke bachon ko achi lagti hai.

- Ye shaqsh aise hai jo apne bachon ko sabse zyada samajhte hai par bilkul pta chalne nahi dete hai. Aur ye tab se samajhte aa rahe hai jab se inke bachon ko bolna tak nahi aata tha.

- Inhe jazbaat dikhana acha nahi lagta par jazbaati sabse zyada hote hai. Maa pyaar dikha jati hai par jab inki baari aati hai ye 1 kadam piche le lete hai.

- Camera ke aage nahi aate kabhi, bas behind the lens rehke saari moments capture karte hai. Tasveeron mein na aakar bhi hamara har pal tasveeron mein kaid kar lete hai.

- Apne sapno ko maar kar ye paise FD main daalte rhe taki inke bache apne saare sapne pure kar payein.

- Vaise toh saari duniya se strong hai ye par apne bachon ki zid ke aage jhuk jaate hai.

- Inko bhi toh duniya pareshaan karti hogi, Inko bhi toh dard hota hoga, rone ka mann karta hoga, apni khwahishein puri karne ka mann karta hoga. Par mzaal hai hume pata bhi lagne de kisi bhi cheez ka.

Par Phir Kyun?

Phir pata nahi kyun hum inki Kurbanion ko inka farz samajh lete hai. Phir pata nahi kyun inke pyaar ki kadar karna bhool jate hain. Mujhe yakeen hai inke bina hum me se koi bhi apni zindagi imagine bhi nahi kar sakta par fir bhi inki kadar kar kyu nahi paate jitna ye deserve karte hain.

Ab inke bache bade ho gaye hain, door shehron mein chale gaye hai. Ab inke bacho ko inki baatein ajeeb lagne lagi hain. Bachon ko inki baatain old fashioned lagne lagi hai, naya zamana hai aap nahi samjhenge, Inko ye sunne ko milne lga hai.

“Ye toh apni aulad ke liye sab karte hain, aapne kuch alag nahi kiya hai”, ye sunkar dard toh inhe bhi bahut hota hoga, Mann toh inka bhi rota hoga.

Bachpan Ka Kissa

Mujhe yaad hai bachpan main mai shayad 10 saal ka rha hounga, aur mere sab doston ke paas video game thi. Vo video game jisme cassette dalta tha aur Mario aur Contra jaisi games hoti thi. Mujhe yaad hai ki uss game ki zid main maine khana chod diya tha. Bahut samjhaya gya par shayad bohot zyada hi dedicated tha main game ke liye. Aur jis game ki zid kar rha tha vo shayad mere city main available bhi nahi thi.

Aur kuch zyada yaad nahi hai par agle 2 ya 3 din main Delhi (320 kms from my hometown) se vo game le aaye the. Ab 10 saal ke bache ko shayad apni majbooriyan toh nahi bata sakte the, hum isse afford nahi kar sakte ye toh nahi bata sakte the.

Par abhi jab mai iss baat ko recall kr rha hu toh Papa ka vision samajh aata hai. Vo game jo mujhe mili usme 10 feet lambi connector cable thi, taaki meri aankhain pe bura asar na ho. Us game main keyboard tha, taaki mai typing practice kar saku. Shayad unko pta tha ki aage chalke mai computers main hi kuch karne wala hun. I think vo keyboard ek blessing thi ki aaj duniya ki sabse badi company main kaam kar raha hoon.

Soch raha tha ki kal ko agar mera bacha PS5 ki zidd krega aur abhi jaise pure India main PS5 available nahi hai, kya mai itna effort daalne ki soch bhi skta hu jitna Papa ne mere liye har baar lagaya hai. Mujhe nahi lagta main inka 10% bhi kabhi ban sakta hu.

Kuch Shikayatein Bhi Hain Inse

Sensitive hona bhi cool hai aajkal, vo fatherhood ka syllabus change hogya hai. Aap chill kar sakte ho humare sath, chaar log kuch nahi kahenge. Koi judge nahi karega.

Aap apni problems discuss kar sakte ho humse, kya soch rahe hote ho, bata sakte ho. Aap relax kar sakte ho, aapke bache bade ho gaye hai, iss sach ko maan sakte ho. Thoda kam strict ho sakte ho. Hamari fikr krna kam kr skte ho. Jitni jaldi gussa ho jate ho utni jaldi pyar bhi jataa sakte ho.

Kuch Suggestions Hai Inke Bachon Ke Liye

Kuch cheezein hume khud ko samajhni padengi ke, Aaj ki life bahut tez ho gayi hai, par inhe iski aadat nahi hai.

I know bohot pressure hai kaam ka, time nahi de paate hain. Par isme kisi ki galti nahi hai. Unhe humari situation ka pta nahi hai aur hume unki.

Abhi mobile ki choti se cheez samajhne main itna time thode hi lgta hai, ye bhi soch lete hai. Kabhi kabhi thoughts bhi clash kar jate hai. Dekho inko samajhna mushkil toh bahut hai, aap quantum physics fir bhi puri tarah se samajh sakte ho ek baar, par inhe nahi.

Maine ye blog apne Papa ke birthday pe likha hai (Real Post Link). Aur isliye khayal aaya ki, zaroori nahi haina ki hum ye birthdays ya father’s day ke cards dekar ya Instagram pe pictures ya story post karke hi ya quotes share karke hi apni feelings share karain.

Toh kuch practical tips hai jo hum day to day follow kar sakte hai.

Har din 10-20 min inke sath news dekh sakte hai.
Jo inka interest hai uspe baatein kar sakte hai.
Weekly ek baar oil chumpy kar sakte hai. Kisi weekend inki favorite dish cook kar sakte hai.
Inko apne khud par kharch karna nahi aata, Inko sirf apne bachon pe kharch karna aata hai. Toh hum time to time inke liye shopping kar sakte hai.
Kuch movies dekh sakte ho, kuch games khel sakte ho. Aur agar koi game idea nahi aa raha toh Tambola try kar sakte ho.
Iss post ko share kar sakte ho unke sath, agar theek lage toh.

I know ladko ke liye kaafi mushkil hai ye sab. Ek baar soch ke dekho kab hug kiya tha last time aapne inko. Jis bhi din ye padh rahe ho, ussi din try zarur kar sakte ho, itna awkward bhi nahi hai jitna soch rahe ho.

I know COVID19 ki vajah se kuch log apne mata pita se door honge. Video call kijiye aur btaiyiye ki kya value hai inki aapki zindagi main.

Hum sab ko pata hai ki ye mushkil samay hai, par agar aap apne parents ke sath ho iss samay toh ye ek blessing hai. Count your Blessings, not your troubles.

Ab hindi main utna padhna ho nahi pata aur shudh hindi 11 saal pehle likhi thi. Ab ye likh toh diya hai, agar acha laga toh bohot bohot shukriya aur agar nahi lage toh bhi abhi zyda kuch ho nahi sakta. Isme se jo bhi acha lage usse apply kar lijiyega, apne saath le jayaiyega aur jo acha na lage usse yahin chod dijiyega.

Free Resources for Web Development Projects

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 05:17:00 GMT

Free resources you can use for your next project.

Learn from these free platforms

https://freecodecamp.org

https://sololearn.com

https://codecademy.com

https://javascript30.com

https://frontendmentor.io

https://coursera.org

https://khanacademy.org

In case you're stuck, open these

Docs

https://developer.mozilla.org

https://w3schools.com

https://w3docs.com

https://devdocs.io

https://javascript.info

Assets you need to build your project

Let everyone see what you've got

Host on these Free Hosting sites

https://netlify.com

https://firebase.google.com

https://aws.amazon.com

https://heroku.com

https://pages.github.com

https://vercel.com

Check where do you stand

Coding Challenge Platforms

https://codewars.com

https://topcoder.com

https://codingame.com

https://hackerrank.com

https://coderbyte.com

https://codechef.com

https://exercism.io

https://leetcode.com

In case you wanna earn for your skills

Freelancing platforms

https://toptal.com

https://upwork.com

https://freelancer.com

https://peopleperhour.com

https://simplyhired.com

Emotional Health v/s Physical Health

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:12:39 GMT

Things we need to understand about depression/suicidal thoughts (Feat. #SushantSinghRajput)

Yesterday, I received the heartbreaking news of the suicide of the talented actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The reason behind his decision was revealed to be a prolonged difficult phase he had been experiencing in recent years. Throughout the day, I tried to maintain composure, but I found it impossible. I'm unsure if it's the shock of the incident itself or the underlying cause that has unsettled me. However, I feel deeply disturbed by the rationale behind his tragic decision. Therefore, I have made the decision to express my thoughts on this matter through writing, as I believe it will provide some solace and enable me to find peace in order to sleep.

So here I am, it’s 3:02 AM (June, 15) in my room, lights off, laptop’s night mode on, thinking why do I get so affected by this news. The major reason behind this is the opinions on depression and mental health from the people around me.

Why am I writing this now? Unfortunately, it is perhaps the only time people will take suicide, depression and mental health seriously. Hence, I think this is the perfect time to share this with you all.

Before you start reading this, I want to share one quote with you:

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I’ve said it unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense” — Buddha

So whatever you’re going to read below is my perception, feel free to disagree and there are a lot of things I’ve written are debatable. Take only the things which you like.

Let’s Start

In order to delve deeper into the true mental state of a person experiencing extreme stress and contemplating suicide, it is important to understand the distinction between emotional wounds and physical wounds. This article will primarily focus on comparing these two types of wounds, aiming to shed light on the underlying dynamics.

Emotional wounds > Physical wounds
— Ashmeet Sehgal (@ashmeetsehgal) June 8, 2020

i.e. EMOTIONAL HEALTH v/s PHYSICAL HEALTH

AND,

1. "Is there a difference between mental health and emotional health, if yes, then what?"

2. "Why do we need to emphasise more on emotional health than physical health?"

3. "The mindset behind ending your own life."

4. "Is there a solution?"

tl;dr

Before coming to the main one, let’s see Emotional Health vs Mental Health,

Q: Is there a difference between mental health and emotional health, if yes, then what?

In simple words, Mental Health as the name suggests it is connected to the brain/mind. If you’ve seen the movie “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”, then you can easily connect with this scene where the lead character starts to see the spirit of “Mahatma Gandhi” everywhere due to chemical imbalance in his brain. This can be natural or due to some external factors. (like family conditions, intense mental focus on something for a very long time without any break).

Lage Raho Munna Bhai Movie Scene

However, on the contrary, Emotional Health deals with matters of the heart. The issues that develop more often when people have to deal with traumatic or negative life events. People often have different symptoms when they struggle with emotional or mental health issues.

And people can suffer from both at the same time. So where we need to focus. Which one is more important to take care of? Both are crucial but which should be on more priority? Mind dominates Heart or it’s the other way around. Let’s take an example of this to get the answer.

To understand this better, let's take an example. Imagine a girl who is in love with a guy who is not right for her. Her mind knows this, but her heart is still drawn to him. Despite the rational calculations and objections from both families, she may find it hard to let go of her emotions. This shows the power of the heart, which cannot always be controlled by the mind.

Therefore, it is essential to train both the mind and heart to maintain good mental and emotional health. By developing emotional intelligence, we can learn to recognize and regulate our emotions, while also using our rational thinking to make informed decisions. Ultimately, a balance between the mind and heart is the key to a healthy and fulfilling life.

Q: Why do we need to emphasise more on emotional health than physical health?

It's important to understand that we can't always know what someone else is going through, and it's not fair to compare or judge them based on their mental or emotional health. Unlike physical health, there are no visible signs to indicate how strong someone is mentally and emotionally. We don't have a device to measure emotional or mental pressure.

Comparing or judging someone's mental and emotional abilities is like comparing a strong wrestler with a thin person based on their ability to lift weights. However, in this case, the weights of the dumbbells are different, and life doesn't always give us weights based on our capabilities or strengths. While physical health is visible, we can't see what's going on inside the mind of a physically healthy person. Therefore, it's essential to be understanding and empathetic towards others, as we can't always know the struggles they may be facing internally.

top-left: Dwayne Johnson, bottom-left: The Great Khali

How can someone even think of suicide?

Here we need to understand how Emotional Wounds are more dangerous than Physical Wounds? It's important to understand the potential danger of emotional wounds and how they can lead to significant decisions.

Let's consider an example: if you have a wounded arm that is bleeding, your mind recognizes the injury and understands that it needs attention. Similarly, your heart recognizes the danger and signals your mind to take action to heal the wound.

Your mind may take measures such as seeking medical attention, applying first aid, or taking medication to promote healing. Throughout the recovery process, your mind continues to monitor progress, assessing whether the treatment is effective, and making adjustments as needed to ensure the arm fully recovers.

However, emotional wounds are different. Unlike physical wounds, emotional wounds are often not visible, making it more difficult to recognize when they occur. These wounds can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being, leading to critical decisions in our lives.

For example, a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one or a breakup can leave deep emotional wounds that are difficult to heal. These wounds can lead to significant decisions such as seeking therapy, changing careers, or even moving to a different location.

The problem when your heart is wounded

Now let's consider a scenario where you have experienced a tragedy, and your emotional wounds have impacted your central nervous system. In this case, even if you are mentally stable, your wounded heart may prevent your brain from initiating the healing process. Your heart may not signal your mind to take action, such as seeking medical attention or taking medication, to promote healing.

Emotional wounds can have a profound impact on our overall well-being, affecting both our physical and mental health. If left unaddressed, emotional wounds can prevent us from taking the necessary steps towards healing and achieving a healthier state of mind. It's crucial to recognize the signs of emotional wounds and seek appropriate help and support to overcome them.

Like I said before, your heart always dominates your brain and your brain surrenders. You don’t feel like doing anything. You want this world to be stopped at that moment. You don’t feel like sharing anything with anyone, sometimes because of trust issues or sometimes it’s just that you think nobody can understand you. Nobody can feel your pain.

Which is true, nobody (not even your family, true friends), literally nobody can feel your pain or can share your pain.

Do you remember this scene from the movie Kabir Singh?

A scene from the movie Kabir Singh

And it is very true, suffering is very personal. But that doesn’t mean nobody can help you. Nobody can feel or share your pain however people can help you to get out of that zone.

The flow of changing mindset

So now when your heart is not signalling at all, you become a pessimist, experience worthlessness. 👇

With that worthless feeling, you start to overthink about things. Which starts affecting your eating and sleeping patterns. You’ll isolate yourself.👇

Impacted eating habits will disturb your physical health, you’ll feel a lack of energy and disturbed sleeping patterns will affect your mind. 👇

Now your mind is losing power to think, making decisions and facing difficulties in concentrating, remembering things. 👇

Now your body and mind are at their weakest zones. You have already lost interest in your regular activities at this time. And you’re about to lose hope. 👇

This is the last step, you lost your hope. You’re fed up of crying and those panic attacks. Thoughts of suicide have started. You may have been thinking about it for a long period. 👇

And this step is very quick to call and it just takes 5 to 10 minutes, literally no thinking involved. Suicide Plan to Attempt. And everything is over! 🥀

What we need to understand is especially in India, we don’t give much attention to terms like stress, anxiety, depression. These are still a taboo in our country.

We take physical health so seriously but mental health not enough.

So coming back to this incident of Sushant Singh Rajput, 34 years old, successful, intelligent, rich, healthy, happy? Now many people may wonder that he had such life which million people wish for, if you got this question in your mind, please do read this article again, you probably missed the point.

as Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

This incident taught us not to leave each other alone, not to be hard on ourselves. No matter how popular, intelligent, healthy, rich you are, situations or circumstance may go wrong, people you get along with can also be wrong, life can be too harsh sometimes. We learnt that self-worth is not about the size of the car, the bank balance or brand of your clothing.

Q: Is there a solution?

Having someone willing to listen and ask concerned questions can make all the difference. This is it.

Sometimes sharing the problem with the right people is more important than finding the solution.#SushantSinghRajput
— Ashmeet Sehgal (@ashmeetsehgal) June 14, 2020

The solution I can think of

We are living in an era of social media, Everyone is flaunting their lives, luxuries, and how happy they are. Sometimes it’s obvious one get jealous and start hating his own life. And in this busy life, there is no one to talk to regarding mental health. Everyone in this world has to fight their own battles.

If I have to give a quick (1 line) solution to this, that would be, “The moment you feel that something is wrong, go to your family. In the end, the family is the only option which can save you from this”

And if you’re getting suicidal thoughts, pick up your phone and call your family. Remember this scene from 3 idiots, this works! Just imagine what would happen to your family’s smile when they’ll see your dead body.

A scene from 3 idiots

Depression is real. The world needs to accept it, not stigmatize it.

Depression, anxiety, mental stress these are real disease and 100% curable if you think it’s troubling you, getting medical help makes sense.
Attaching one Hindi video, on symptoms, causes & treatment

Dr Praveen Tripathi on depression’s symptoms, causes & treatment

On a lighter note, if you want to go deep into Emotional Health and Physical Health, Do watch this 👇 ENJOY 😀

AIB : If People Treated Other Illnesses Like They Treat Depression

AIB on treating depression like other illness

Please treat depression like we treat physical illness, Don’t say things you wouldn’t tell someone with a physical illness like cheer up or smile or why are you like this always. You can make that case worse by saying this.

I hope this will help someone somewhere in their life. A lot of people don’t face this in their life so this is not for everyone, don’t overthink that it may happen to you someday somewhere.

The core idea of writing this bit so that we can reprogram our mind to accept the idea of emotional wellbeing. Because our mind tells us that the pain we cannot see is the pain that does not exist or is not important.

And be kind to people because we cannot see this pain but it exists and people generally hide it behind laughs and smiles.

FAQ's

1. What's the difference between mental and emotional health?

Mental health refers to our cognitive well-being, how our brain processes thoughts and manages information. Emotional health relates to our feelings and how we cope with life's challenges. While interconnected, they are distinct.

2. Why is emotional health more important than physical health?

It's not about one being more important; it's about understanding the unseen. Physical health is readily observable, but emotional wounds remain hidden. We cannot measure emotional pressure like we can blood pressure. Judging someone's emotional resilience is like comparing weightlifters with different weights—life throws unequal challenges. Prioritising emotional well-being means acknowledging these invisible struggles.

3. How can emotional wounds be more dangerous than physical ones?

Physical wounds trigger immediate responses, our body signals pain, and our mind seeks treatment. Emotional wounds are insidious. They often go unnoticed, leading to delayed or absent healing efforts. Like a neglected injury, they fester and impact our entire system. This can prevent our minds from taking necessary action, even if we are mentally capable.

4. What leads someone to consider suicide?

When emotional wounds fester, a cascade effect can occur

Pessimism and worthlessness arise from unaddressed pain. Overthinking and isolation become coping mechanisms. Physical health deteriorates due to disrupted sleep and eating patterns. Cognitive function weakens, impairing decision-making and concentration. Hopelessness sets in, leading to suicidal thoughts as a perceived escape. This process can be slow and subtle, culminating in a sudden, impulsive decision.

5. What role does societal stigma play in emotional health?

Terms like stress, anxiety, and depression remain taboo in many cultures. We prioritise physical health while neglecting mental well-being. This leads to a lack of understanding and support for those struggling internally. Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide, despite outward success, highlights how internal struggles can affect anyone.

6. What’s the solution to this emotional health crisis?

Open communication and a supportive network are crucial. Sharing our burdens can alleviate the pressure. Reach out to family and friends, or seek professional help. Remember the scene from "3 Idiots" – sometimes a simple phone call can make a difference. Early intervention is key to preventing emotional wounds from becoming life-threatening.

7. How can we change our perspective on emotional well-being?

We need to reprogram our minds to acknowledge the validity of emotional pain. Just because it's invisible doesn't mean it's not real or significant. Treat emotional distress with the same seriousness as physical illness. Instead of dismissing feelings, offer empathy and support.

8. What's the takeaway message?

Be kind, be observant, and be proactive. Check in on loved ones, even those who seem happy. Encourage open conversations about mental and emotional health. Remember, we can't see the pain, but it exists. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, we can help each other navigate the complexities of emotional well-being and prevent tragedies.

How to Create a Viral Instagram Filter

Fri, 22 May 2020 14:50:09 GMT

Introduction

In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, when the world seemed confined to our homes, and was seeking new ways to connect and engage, I stumbled upon the fascinating realm of Augmented Reality (AR). As I delved deeper into articles exploring its applications, I became increasingly intrigued by how big companies like Snapchat and Instagram were utilizing this technology to engage users. This newfound curiosity sparked a desire within me to try my hand at creating an Instagram filter that would captivate audiences during these challenging times. After pondering various themes, I decided to settle on Bollywood, as it held a special place in the hearts of many Indians.

Choosing the Perfect Theme

With Cricket and Bollywood being two of the most popular interests among Indians, I embarked on a quest to determine which theme would resonate most with the Instagram audience. After thorough research, it became evident that Bollywood had a broader appeal. Its vibrant colors, iconic movie scenes, and memorable dialogues would create an immersive experience for users and allow them to test their knowledge of Hindi cinema.

The concept of a Bollywood gibberish Instagram filter, where users had 10 seconds to guess a famous movie or dialogue, emerged as the focal point of my project.

Development and Challenges

Equipped with a vision, I began developing the filter using Facebook's Spark Studio, a powerful tool that allowed me to bring my ideas to life. I mapped out the game logic, devising 40 random question cards with corresponding answers. To enhance user engagement, I designed the filter to display a brief game introduction for the first 2 seconds, followed by 10 seconds to answer the question, and finally, the revelation of the correct answer. Incorporating AR technology, I created a card that would overlay on the user's head, making the experience even more immersive and interactive.

However, the path to success was not without obstacles. Instagram's stringent guidelines and policies presented a significant challenge. The platform prohibited the use of certain logos and copyrighted images, making it essential for me to curate content that adhered to their guidelines. As my filter prominently featured Bollywood pictures and dialogues, the Instagram algorithm consistently rejected my submissions, deeming them in violation of their policies. Determined to see my creation come to life, I iterated and refined the content, ensuring compliance while preserving the essence of Bollywood charm.

Publishing and the Waiting Game

After numerous iterations and adjustments, I confidently submitted my filter to Instagram, eagerly anticipating its release. However, the platform's manual verification process meant that I had to wait patiently for 48 to 72 hours to receive any feedback. Despite the anxious wait, I decided to redirect my focus to work and other responsibilities, hoping for the best while mentally preparing for the possibility of rejection.

Triumph and Unexpected Virality

Two days later, as I was engrossed in my daily routine, I received an unexpected call from a friend, asking if I had created an Instagram filter. Surprised and intrigued, I quickly accessed the Spark Studio analytics and was left in awe when I discovered that my filter had garnered a staggering two million impressions in just three days. It had gone viral!

The filter's success was not a stroke of luck; it was the result of influential Instagram accounts and popular stand-up comedians stumbling upon my creation and sharing it in their stories. The filter's unique concept and engaging gameplay had struck a chord with the masses, driving its rapid spread across the platform. The influx of user-generated content featuring the filter further fueled its popularity, as Bollywood enthusiasts and casual Instagram users alike embraced the challenge of deciphering the gibberish.

As the filter gained traction, it caught the attention of various publications and media outlets. Numerous articles featured my Bollywood gibberish Instagram filter, highlighting its innovative concept and the joy it brought to users during a time of uncertainty and isolation. The filter became a topic of conversation, with social media users sharing their experiences and challenging their friends to guess the Bollywood movies and dialogues.

The filter's unexpected virality opened up doors for exciting collaborations with influencers and content creators. They recognized the filter's potential to engage their followers and eagerly incorporated it into their posts and stories, further amplifying its reach. The filter became a sensation in the online entertainment community, drawing the attention of Bollywood celebrities, film critics, and even production houses.

The impact of the filter extended beyond the virtual realm. It became a conversation starter among friends and family, sparking nostalgia for classic Bollywood moments and prompting discussions about favorite movies and dialogues. The filter not only entertained but also fostered a sense of connection and shared experiences, bridging gaps and bringing people together, even if only virtually.

The success of the filter taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptation. Overcoming the challenges posed by Instagram's guidelines required constant iteration and a keen eye for content curation. It was a testament to the power of creativity and the ability to find innovative solutions within constraints.

Conclusion

My journey of creating a viral Bollywood gibberish Instagram filter during the COVID-19 lockdown was a thrilling rollercoaster ride. From the initial inspiration to the challenges faced during development and the eventual triumph, the filter's success was a testament to the popularity of Bollywood and the power of interactive and engaging content. Through AR technology and a simple guessing game, I was able to capture the attention and enthusiasm of millions of users worldwide. The filter's unexpected virality brought joy, entertainment, and a sense of connection during challenging times, solidifying its place in the annals of Instagram's most memorable filters.

How does the Bollywood gibberish filter work?

The filter is designed as a guessing game. Users have 10 seconds to decipher a famous Bollywood movie title or dialogue presented in gibberish form. The filter uses AR to overlay a card on the user's head, creating an immersive experience.

What were the main challenges faced during development?

The primary challenge was adhering to Instagram's strict content guidelines. The platform prohibits certain logos and copyrighted images, which posed a problem for a filter heavily reliant on Bollywood visuals and dialogues. The creator had to constantly adjust and refine content to comply with the guidelines while retaining the filter's Bollywood essence.

How long did it take for the filter to be published on Instagram?

Once the filter was submitted, it took 48 to 72 hours for Instagram's manual verification process to be completed.

What contributed to the filter's unexpected virality?

Several factors contributed to the filter's rapid spread. Influential Instagram accounts and popular stand-up comedians shared the filter in their stories, exposing it to a large audience. The filter's unique concept and engaging gameplay resonated with users, prompting them to create and share their own content using the filter.

What impact did the filter's virality have?

The filter gained widespread media attention, being featured in articles and becoming a topic of conversation online. It sparked nostalgia for classic Bollywood moments and facilitated connections among users. The filter's success led to collaborations with influencers and content creators, further amplifying its reach.

What lessons were learned from creating the viral filter?

The experience highlighted the importance of perseverance and adaptability, especially when navigating platform guidelines. It also demonstrated the power of creativity and finding innovative solutions within limitations. The success emphasized the potential of AR technology and interactive content to engage and connect with a wide audience.

What does the success of this filter say about the role of entertainment during challenging times?

The filter's popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown underlined the importance of entertainment in providing joy, connection, and a sense of escape during difficult periods. The filter's ability to bring people together virtually through a shared experience demonstrated the value of lighthearted entertainment in fostering a sense of community and shared cultural experiences.

The Power of Personal Branding - Ignite Your Success!

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 09:50:11 GMT

Have you ever wondered why some professionals effortlessly climb the ladder of success while others struggle to make their mark? It's all about personal branding!

However, it is baffling how often we ignore an essential part of our professional development. So today, Twitter, let me remind you of the tremendous relevance of personal branding and why, in 2021, it should become an investment.

Join Meetups

Attending meetups and networking events in your industry is a great way to demonstrate your expertise. Remember, it's the active professionals who meet others and harness the power of collaboration that ultimately lead to success.

Expand Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is the real deal—your credentials on display. It serves as an ace résumé that professionals use to attract clients. A well-constructed portfolio showcases who you are as a designer, developer, or marketer. It’s a strong first impression that shows employers what you can produce on paper.

Thanks to technology and our interconnected world, we can easily share and compare ideas. By sharing original points of view and perspectives, you position yourself as a thought leader in your space. Whether it’s through a blog, article, or simply informing your industry, don’t be voiceless! Your ideas may be just what someone else needs to be motivated and inspired.

Develop a Well-Knit Internet Presence

We live in the era of digital revolution; your online presence shapes your personal identity, so avoid being hasty. Proactively cultivate your personal brand—spruce up LinkedIn, Twitter, and whatever else you’ve got. Share content related to your expertise and passions. When you do, people come to see YOU as an expert in your space.

Contribute to Open Source Projects and Communities

A real professional understands the value of giving back. Contributing to open-source communities and projects not only hones your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to growth and collaboration. Plus, the networking and learning opportunities are priceless!

Work with NGOs

Making an impact on the world isn’t always about personal branding; it’s about life-changing experiences. When you volunteer with a non-profit, you demonstrate your passion for the cause and increase your brand value by showing what else matters to you.

Therefore, future professionals, let’s stop underestimating the power of personal branding and learn to use the resources available to us! Invest time and money in networking within the fields that excite you, and speak out about what energizes you… go workshop this! Together, let’s illuminate our lighthouses of personal brands!

Thanks for reading. Do share if you think this can be helpful to someone. See you in next one. Stay safe.

A Journey from QA to Software Developer

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 15:08:47 GMT

You must have heard this at least once if you’re from the IT industry that making the transition from QA or some other non technical role to a software developer can be extremely difficult. And actually a lot of people want to do that, discipline/domain change from QA/Support to Software Developer. If you are one of them, this article is for you.

I made this transition myself, So I thought of sharing some points which helped me in this journey and might be helpful for you as well. In this post, I‘ll share with you what I have experienced and the lessons I learned, that might help you in your journey. I hope something in this post resonates with you and adds value to your life.

Beginning

I started programming at my college. I did some freelancing work / developed websites for different companies. Worked for a startup as a PHP developer. After that, I got placed from my college in an MNC.

In that company, I started my journey with learning technologies/frameworks like selenium, appium, cucumber, and various automation frameworks. Then there was a turning point when I got an opportunity to work on a framework called Galen Framework, which is used for creative automation. When I started working on it in 2016, it was pretty new at that time, there was no detailed documentation, most people were not aware of it. After 3 months of R&D, I made a Javascript automation framework on top of it. In those 3 months, I developed an interest in Javascript and this is how I made my bridge to a development role. This was my first step towards learning Javascript.

Learning

It is hard to learn anything at first because often you get confused in the middle. Don’t feel bad it happens to everyone so choose one of the programming languages and stick with it until you feel comfortable and never give up.

I started with some of the online courses from Lynda, Udemy, FrontendMasters, Pluralsight, and youtube and did assignments that came along with courses. Practised on freeCodeCamp, codewars, w3Schools. Read books like “JavaScript: The Definitive Guide” by David Flanagan and “JavaScript: The Good Parts” by Douglas Crockford & Participated in Hackathons. I spent a lot of time learning Javascript and started exploring some libraries like handlebar and react. However, I had PHP programming experience earlier, which somehow helped me because I could relate things. Its always good to have a secondary programming language experience so you can relate things and understand it better.

Things which helped me during this phase and still helping me:

Start from the basics. Start reading books, at least ONE.
Avoid (STOP) looking for answers in StackOverflow, or Don’t directly jump to answers, instead try to read things around the problem.
Start looking for the BEST solution instead of an easy solution, try to read all possible solutions.

The Struggle

Despite working on JavaScript within an automation framework, I found it challenging to secure opportunities as a developer for projects. It is a common phenomenon in the IT industry that once you have a specific role within a company, people tend to perceive you solely based on that role, disregarding your expanding skill set or professional growth.

In the software development field, there is often a distinct separation between software developers and testers (or QA professionals). Consequently, transitioning from a tester or another position to a software development role can be quite difficult. This situation can be immensely frustrating, particularly when you have outgrown your previous role.

However, it's important to remain patient and acknowledge that although it may take time for perceptions to change, they will eventually evolve. One effective approach is to actively engage in software development tasks and gradually take on more programming responsibilities. By doing so, you can demonstrate your abilities in the new role, and others will gradually recognize your capabilities.

In some cases, you may find it necessary to explore opportunities with a different company in order to break free from the constraints of the role you have been confined to.

Opportunity

You might have to make your own opportunities. My first piece of advice to you would be to go ahead and make your goal known as widely as possible. Let your coworkers know that you are aspiring to move into development.

Ask for a meeting with your manager, and frankly tell them that you’d like to move into a software development role and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. When you talk about this goal with your manager, make sure you discuss how your testing background will benefit the company when you eventually move into a programmer role.

Talk about the benefits your company will gain from you making the transition.

The more it is known that you want to move into a software development role, the more you’ll start to chip away at the bias people might have about keeping you in your current role, so don’t be afraid to openly talk about it.

When you do have this conversation with your manager, see if you can get a list of requirements or a course you can take that will move you from your current role to one working as a software developer.

If you can nail down a list of things you need to learn or milestones you need to achieve, you can create a much more solid case for making the transition, when you are ready.

I’ve used this exact technique, so my manager knew that he has a potential resource, So next time when my project needed a developer with handlebar experience (there was no handlebar experienced resource available in the project), instead of taking resource from outside, he gave me that opportunity. That's how I got my first project as a Software developer.

During that project tenure, I got a chance to showcase my potential. I implemented the modules with proper design patterns and best practices. After that project, I got selected into a react.js project as a software developer. And meanwhile, they changed my discipline/domain officially.

Since then I am working as a Software Developer.

Conclusion

If you are contemplating a role change, it is crucial to plan and prepare in advance. Identify specific areas and tasks that you can focus on before officially transitioning to the new role. This preparation will help ease the initial months of your transition and enable a smoother adjustment.

By reaching the end of this article, you have likely gained valuable insights. Remember to continue learning and improving your skills. Keep actively seeking opportunities and creating your own path, and you will eventually achieve your desired goals.

Automation Testing with Node.js and Nightwatch

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 14:50:09 GMT

About a year ago I wrote a blog on Galen Framework [Creative Automation Testing] and how to write our own javascript framework and create an application on top of it. But that was all creative, checking layouts paddings, margins, positions and functional testing with Galen was quite time-consuming. So which tool or framework can be helpful for functional testing of web applications? Too often I see developers and QA people manually doing repetitive, annoying tasks. Testing is one such thing. When you deploy, do you verify it’s actually running? To check that, you have to open the browser, log in to the site, click around and see whether you got the expected results. Boring! I wish there would be some “robot” who does this all for us! A few days back I then saw a feed on my LinkedIn mentioning Selenium, Node and a project called Nightwatch. That caught my attention and I quickly jumped in to give it a try.

And believe me, this is pretty AWESOME. I was totally impressed. So Let’s start with basics.

So what is Nightwatch?

Nightwatch is an automated testing framework for web applications and websites, written in Node.js and using the W3C WebDriver API (formerly Selenium WebDriver.)

It is a complete browser (End-to-End) testing solution which aims to simplify the process of setting up Continuous Integration and writing automated tests. Nightwatch can also be used for writing Node.js unit tests.

The Setup

Follow the installation instructions on the official Nightwatch page about installing

Node and NPM
Nightwatch
Selenium server

Once you have everything, you can start creating your test specs. Here’s how it looks like.

You basically define your tests within a Node module:

module.exports = {
"My test case": function(browser) {
  // control the browser
 }
}

Under the hood, the Nightwatch test runner communicates with the Selenium server over the Selenium WebDriver Wire protocol.

What Can/Should You Test?

There are two types of testing which you can do with this setup:

Functional testing
Regression testing

Functional testing is the type of testing which tries to see if your website conforms with all of its requirements. Usually, this means implementing tests that make sure it has all of the features required.

For example, if the client wants a login form, you could write a test to check that when you’re logged in, your name is visible on the web page.

The other type of testing is Regression Testing. This is done to make sure the website you developed and tested before still works the same way after it has changed. This is especially useful when clients can edit parts of their website that could potentially cause functionality errors.

For example, you might write a test to make sure that a page has the correct meta tags and information.

So here are some points I found, Why you should consider Nightwatch?

- Clean syntax
The simple but powerful syntax which enables you to write tests very quickly, using only Javascript (Node.js) and CSS or XPath selectors.\

Built-in test runner
Built-in command-line test runner which can run the tests either sequentially or in parallel, together, by the group, tags or single. Grunt support is built-in.\
Selenium server
Controls the Selenium standalone server automatically in a separate child process; can be disabled if Selenium runs on another host.\
Cloud services support
Works with cloud testing providers, such as SauceLabs and BrowserStack.\
CSS & XPath support
Either CSS or XPath selectors can be used to locate and verify elements on the page or execute commands.\
Continuous Integration support
JUnit XML reporting is built-in so you can integrate your tests in your build process with systems such as TeamCity, Jenkins, Hudson, etc.\
Easy to extend
Flexible command and assertion framework which makes it easy to extend to implement your application-specific commands and assertions.

Conclusion:

I tried some single tests, parallel tests with BrowserStack and it works beautifully. I liked it, It is open source. Pretty easy to set up. All in all worth a try.

Feel free to check the code here.

Sample Google Search Test

Test Results in terminal

Thanks for reading…

Ashmeet Sehgal blog RSS Feed

A Day Without My Gadgets

FAQ's

1. What is the main idea behind a "gadget-free" day?

2. What are some of the benefits of going gadget-free?

3. What are some of the challenges of going gadget-free?

4. How can I prepare for a gadget-free day?

5. What are some alternative activities to do on a gadget-free day?

6. Is it necessary to go completely gadget-free?

7. How often should I try a gadget-free day?

8. What are some long-term benefits of regular digital detox?

Completing 5 Years at Walmart

1. 5 DO's

2. 5 Don'ts

3. 5 Rules

4. 5 Learnings

5. 5 Suggestions

FAQ's

1. What are the most important things to do for success at Walmart?

2. What behaviours should be avoided at Walmart?

3. What are the core rules to live by at Walmart?

4. What are some key learnings from five years at Walmart?

5. What suggestions would you give to someone starting at Walmart?

6. What is the significance of embracing change at Walmart?

7. Why is continuous learning so important in IT at Walmart?

8. How does diversity contribute to a better workplace at Walmart?

The Essence of Mentorship - Nurturing Growth, Inspiring Success

Ready to Launch Your Career?

Importance of Mentorship

Seeking Superior Mentors

Paid Mentorship: A Tale of Two Paradigms — Genuine vs. Fad ✨

The Magic of Real Mentorship!

Locking Down the Essence of Incredible Mentorship

Mentor with Authenticity, Be the Change-Maker

GET IN ON THE AUTHENTIC MENTORSHIP MOVEMENT!

My First Radio Interview Experience

How did I get this Opportunity?

AIR HQ Experience

Interview

Pros and Cons of Technology

Safety on Internet

Software Engineering (What, Why, and How)

India v/s Abroad Opportunities

In Nutshell

FAQ's

1. How did Ashmeet Sehgal get the opportunity to be interviewed on All India Radio?

2. What was Ashmeet's experience like at the All India Radio headquarters?

3. What were some of the main topics discussed in the interview?

4. What advice did Ashmeet give regarding internet safety and preventing online fraud?

5. What did Ashmeet say about the scope of software engineering in India?

6. Why did Ashmeet recommend considering a career in software engineering?

7. What were Ashmeet's takeaways from his first radio interview?

8. What message did Ashmeet aim to convey to listeners?

Embracing the Power of Work-Life Balance; Nurturing Our Souls Beyond the Screens

The Screen Trap:

Nurturing the Soul

Conclusion:

India is Running out of Oxygen, Here's how we can help

How can we easily make donations?

Here’s Deepinder Goyal (Founder of Zomato) announcing the Zomato initiative.

Here’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma(Founder of Paytm) announcing the Paytm initiative.

Here’s Kunal Shah(Founder of Cred) announcing the Cred initiative.

Why do we need to make these donations?

So then I've used Paytm and Zomato for donation. Pretty easy to use and there're no gimmicks like Cred

How I think about these donations and helping people as if it's just a way of thanking God for keeping my family safe.❤️

In order to help those in need, some good samaritans have launched portals and apps comprising details of all resources, including available beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, remdesivir medication, and other related information.

Papa: Not A Father’s Day Post

Papa — Dad, Pita, Baap, Paa, Daddy

Kuch Baatein Humare Real Superhero Ki

Samajhne Ki Koshish

Par Phir Kyun?

Bachpan Ka Kissa

Kuch Shikayatein Bhi Hain Inse

Kuch Suggestions Hai Inke Bachon Ke Liye

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