Inked Thoughts

About the Series: Stories of Service India’s civil services have long been shaped by individuals whose integrity, courage, and commitment have stood firm against the tides of pressure and politics. Behind every administrative decision lies a story — of conviction, of ethical dilemmas , and of leadership that often goes unnoticed. This series, “ Stories of Service ,” brings to light real accounts and lesser-known moments from the lives of Indian Administrative Service officers . Each story offers lessons in governance, resilience, and purpose — not just for those in public service, but for anyone who believes that integrity is the cornerstone of meaningful work. Through these narratives, the series seeks to inspire reflection on what it truly means to serve — with honesty, with humility, and with heart . In the corridors of administration, integrity often walks a tightrope between political expectations and professional duty. One such story from Gujarat in 2002 stands out — that...

  Things change. Time changes. And so must you.  We often expect that if we’ve been good to people, life will return that goodness back to us. If you have been into this situation, this feeling makes you miserable. But reality works differently. Being kind doesn’t guarantee that everyone will behave kindly in return — and that’s okay. Growth lies in how we respond, not in how the world reacts to us. Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. But if you choose to grow through change, you become unshakable. 💫 1. Accept That Everything Changes Nothing in life stays the same — not people, not circumstances, not even our emotions. Expecting consistency in a constantly evolving world only brings disappointment. Instead, learn to flow with time , not resist it. See change as an observer — it brings lessons wrapped in uncertainty. ⚡ 2. Redefine What It Means to Be Powerful Power doesn’t come from control or dominance. Most of the Power comes from what you do not do, what you...

Years ago, I attended a training seminar on Life Insurance that left a lasting impression on me. The speaker told a story so simple, yet so powerful, that it changed the way I viewed insurance — not as a product, but as a promise. During the session, someone from the audience raised a question : “Sir, how do I know the insurance company will really pay my claim ? ” It’s a fair question — one that many people silently carry in their minds. After all, if a claim isn’t paid when it’s needed most, what’s the point of having insurance? Until that moment arrives, paying premiums can easily feel like a waste of money. The trainer smiled and said, “I understand your concern. Let me explain it in a way that might make sense to you. Do you drive a car? Or have you ever sat in one? Every car comes with an airbag .” He paused, letting everyone lean in. “When was the last time you tested your airbag?” Of course, no one had. The only way to test an airbag is to crash your car — and no...

In the heart of Gandhinagar ’s Sector 17 , a young man once wiped tables with quiet determination, unaware that those humble beginnings would one day lead him to build one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. It was 1992 when Rafiq Bhai began his first job at a local hotel restaurant. His duties were simple — mopping tables, serving guests, and washing dishes — and his pay was a modest ₹300 a month. Yet, he carried out every task with a rare honesty and humility that made him stand out. Over the years, his unwavering work ethic paid off. By 2001, he was earning ₹12,000 a month — a remarkable journey of persistence and growth. But life, as it often does, threw a curveball. The hotel owner, now elderly, could no longer run the business, and the establishment shut down. Many would have stopped there. Rafiq Bhai didn’t. Determined to build a better life, he found his way to the United Kingdom , where he continued working in the restaurant business. There, he joined a Pakistani re...

  I have never set foot in Japan, yet through extensive reading, conversations with travelers, and stories from those who have lived there, I have come to deeply admire this remarkable nation. What emerges from these accounts is a portrait of a society where trust, discipline, and integrity are not just ideals—they are part of the national DNA. A Culture of Cleanliness and Respect Visitors often return amazed at Japan’s pristine streets, spotless public toilets, and the complete absence of litter—despite the near-total lack of public trash bins. People carry their waste home or to work, a habit ingrained from childhood. Cleanliness is not enforced by law but sustained by personal responsibility and collective pride. Even in crowded spaces like Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing or bullet train stations, there is no chaos, honking, or pushing. Queues are formed naturally, and punctuality is sacred—if a train is scheduled for 10:03 a.m., it departs at 10:03 a.m., without fail. Trust as a S...

In a world obsessed with speed and spectacle,  Kaalidhar Laapata  offers something far more rare— stillness . Featuring a beautifully subdued Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role, it quietly nudges us toward some of life’s biggest questions—about aging, abandonment, hope, and the strange miracle of companionship. However, after watching the movie, I came to know that this heartfelt film, directed by Madhumita is a hindi remake of the original Tamil film  K.D. The story follows Kaalidhar (who during his life's journey is renamed “KD”), a weary middle-aged man grappling with memory loss and abandonment. After discovering that his own family is planning to leave him behind during a pilgrimage, he escapes and meets Ballu—a feisty and lovable 8-year-old orphan,   and the two embark on a spontaneous road journey to fulfill KD’s long-forgotten bucket list. What begins as an escape becomes a path to rediscovery—for both of them.   What follows is a heartfelt road jou...

In life, we often find ourselves waiting—for opportunities, for recognition, for that one moment when everything will fall into place. But what we don’t always realize is that opportunity rarely knocks twice , and when it does, it doesn’t wait around forever. Let me share a moment from my own journey that taught me this the hard way. The High of Recognition It was 2014. I was 30 years old and had the rare chance to work directly with one of the most senior bureaucrats in the state government. We were organizing a premier, high-profile event. It demanded precision, coordination, long hours—and a whole lot of ownership. I was fully immersed—managing teams, anticipating challenges, and supporting my boss every step of the way. The event was a success. And once it wrapped up, I felt a strong sense of pride, not just for myself but for the team. What happened next felt like validation. Two mid-level officers who had seen me in action came up to me. They said: “We need young profess...

 Here’s a quick comparison of popular sales qualification frameworks — MANI , BANT , and SPIN — to help you understand how they differ and when to use each. 🔍 1. MANI – Focus: Buyer Intent & Engagement Element Description M – Motivation                 Why is the buyer interested now? What's driving urgency? A – Authority                   Is the person the decision-maker or influencer? N – Need                 Does the buyer actually need the product/service? I – Interest                 Is there active engagement and curiosity? ✅ Best for: Modern digital sales, quick qualification in inbound leads, D2C. 💰 2. BANT – Focus: Budget & Feasibility Element Description B – Budget                       Can the buye...

The day started a little late—around 8:30 AM—as we’d returned home at 1:30 in the morning from Krishna Madhav’s birthday celebration at Upvan Resort. It was a fun evening, full of warmth and familiar faces. At the party, I met Neha’s family, and just as the clock struck midnight to mark the beginning of 18 May, they wished me warmly. It was a small but memorable moment. After that, we drove back to Gandhinagar, reaching home around 1:30 AM, and I went straight to bed. This birthday felt different. For the first time in years, there were no midnight calls, and very few midnight messages. Kaushal sent a message, but no call—something that hasn’t happened in a long time. Ashraf didn’t call. Puja didn’t either. It was unusually quiet. But I understand—everyone is juggling their own storms, be it personal problems, work stress, or life just pulling them in different directions. Still, the day unfolded in its own gentle rhythm. The Siblings WhatsApp group lit up with wishes. Rupjyoti and ...

The First Cinematic Masterpiece of 2025 Has Quietly Arrived — And It Deserves Your Attention The year may still be young, but Coasta’s Story has already staked its claim as one of 2025’s most powerful cinematic offerings. Released quietly on ZEE5, this deeply moving film chronicles the life of Customs Officer Costao Fernandes — a man whose unwavering commitment to duty came at a tremendous personal cost. Brought to life with quiet brilliance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this isn't just a film; it's a salute to all those who fight silent battles in the shadows of bureaucracy and corruption. “Not all heroes wear uniforms in battle — some wear them in silence, carrying the weight of integrity.” In a country where the system is often criticized for being slow, flawed, or unjust, Coasta’s Story reminds us of the unsung heroes who continue to keep that very system standing. The film doesn’t resort to melodrama or hyperbole; instead, it leans into emotional honesty. It offers a raw ...

Modern jet aircraft can travel at speeds of up to 1,000 km/h. However, in commercial operations, planes usually fly at speeds between 500 km/h to 800 km/h, as speed is balanced against fuel consumption. On the other hand, high-speed trains typically reach a maximum of 360 km/h, which is roughly one-third the speed of aircraft. Despite this, trains are still highly competitive. Why is that? What Makes Aircraft “Slow”? Although aircraft travel faster in the air, several factors make their overall journey time longer: 1. Airport Location Airports are usually located outside city centers due to their large space requirements—often spanning several square kilometers. Reaching the airport typically takes around 60 minutes or more. Train stations, in contrast, are usually located in the heart of cities. Even in space-constrained urban areas, train stations can be built underground, making them far more accessible. As a result, the travel time to and from train stations is significantly shorte...

Address of Shri Nitin Gadkari at  7th International Conference on Soaps Detergents and Cosmetics - ISDC 2025 The Indian economy is experiencing significant growth, which presents a great opportunity in the international market, particularly in exports. However, one of the most pressing challenges we face is the high logistics cost. In India, logistics costs range from 14% to 16%, compared to 8% in China and 12% in European countries and the USA. Since the formation of our government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have prioritized infrastructure development. The most critical components for infrastructure development are water, power, transport, and communication. As part of the Ministry of Road Transport, I am confident that with a robust road network and the adoption of alternative fuels and biofuels, we can significantly reduce logistics costs. For instance, the Dwarka Expressway tunnel, which previously took 1 to 1.5 hours to traverse, is now undergoing improvements to r...