Evolving Within

Evolving Within

 

What defines us—our circumstances or the transformations we choose to make? Life is a mosaic of experiences shaped by family, society, technology, emotions, and nature. From our deepest thoughts to our grandest achievements, every moment ripples with change, molding, and reshaping who we are. As the ancient adage reminds us, as within, so without. The harmony within determines the world we create around us, making the journey inward both essential and transformative.

Staying calm amidst adversity is a skill worth mastering. The Stoics called this ataraxia—serene calmness in chaos. Imagine responding with kindness, even in challenging moments. Mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness become tools to guide us, helping us act with purpose rather than react impulsively. Instead of critiquing others, we can focus on personal growth. True achievement doesn’t need loud declarations—actions speak for themselves. Recognition follows naturally, reflecting the principles of karma yoga, which emphasizes action without attachment to outcomes.

Transitions—whether of age, career, or purpose—are opportunities for reinvention. During these times, positivity becomes our strength. A kind word, a respectful gesture, or a genuine smile can create lasting connections. Empathy builds bridges, enriching others’ lives and, in turn, our own. As positive psychology reminds us, kindness heals not only those who receive it but also those who give it. Life teaches us forgiveness; understanding must replace criticism. Love shared generously multiplies, echoing the timeless Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.

Every day is an opportunity to create meaning—a thoughtful act, a kind word, or a blessing for someone in need. Many around us carry silent burdens, and a small gesture—a call to someone forgotten or a simple smile—can brighten their day. Purpose blooms in these moments when we uplift and connect, turning ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities for growth and service.

Growth is about learning, adapting, and inspiring others. It’s not just about achievements but about being a source of encouragement and support. Aristotle’s eudaimonia teaches us that living a life of virtue and purpose leads to the highest form of happiness. Each act of self-refinement aligns us with this universal truth, transforming life into a journey of continuous self-betterment.

Life is an ever-evolving process, a chance to grow and connect meaningfully. Let us cultivate our inner selves, spread love, and leave the world brighter for having been part of it. In each moment, we hold the power to transform, inspire, and contribute something lasting and beautiful.

 

Pawan Kumar,

15th January 2025, Wednesday, Time 11:02 P.M.

24th January 2009, Sunday, Time 11.15 P.M.

 

Resolving Challenges with Care

Resolving Challenges with Care

This reflective piece explores the journey of facing many work site challenges with calmness, dedication, and care. It emphasizes personal and collective responsibility of all concerned while inspiring action and inner peace.

O almighty, bless us with calmness, peace to steady our soul,
Amid life's turmoil, the challenges & demands take their toll.

No pains, no gains—this truth asks for complete dedication,
Surface cures falter; only sincere efforts bring transformation.
Without addressing the roots, how can true solutions rise?
This journey may test us tight, but does open our eyes.

In striving to bring change, struggles often pierce the heart,
Even then every trial reveals a chance for a fresh start.
Do our actions inspire, or do we let moments pass by?
Together, we must lift purpose high, under the shared sky.

Improvements emerge slowly, but gaps still call for resolve,
Duties demand a focus, as challenges around us evolve.
Let us embrace our roles with care, not just for survival,
But to nurture a spirit of growth and meaningful revival.

This responsibility feels heavy, yet it's ours to guide,
How can we let purpose stray or let diligence subside?
So much remains undone, yet time idles in its pace,
We must seek strength within and honor each space.

True dedication brings fulfilment, not just a fleeting gain,
For work done with faith builds many joys amid the strain.
Duties define us, and gives a chance to make a mark,
Inefficiency surely fades when we ignite the inner spark.

Serenity & focus must guide us through each trying day,
A steady mind shapes our actions and lights the way.
Life is no easy path; we must fight with courage true,
Yet calm resolve & unity will bring forth something new.

 

Pawan Kumar, 
Brahmpur (Odisha), 5^th January 2025, Sunday, Time 9.00 P.M.
(From my Mahendergarh (Hr.) Dairy dated 7^th April 2015, Tuesday, 9:39 A.M.)

A Tribute to Er. Jose Kurian

A Tribute to Er. Jose Kurian

This tribute reflects the original sentiments & phrasing while refining for clarity and rhythm. It honors the Living Legend Er. Jose Kurian’s invaluable contributions to DTTDC and CPWD, blending the author’s original flow with polished structure.

How to write about personalities seen from the outside?
Still, I wish to mention Er. Jose Kurian, my guide.

For five years, he was my boss in DTTDC, inspiring and wise,
Today, as he departs, his towering legacy touches the skies.
Though I am in CPWD Mahendragarh, away from his side,
I honor his journey with words, my feelings as guide.

In 2000, he joined, after B. Majumdar repatriated to CPWD.
Retiring in 2007, he continued with unmatched vividness.
Fifteen long years, nearly one-third of his working life,
Keenly shaped each corner, managing challenges and strife.

Mastering every nut, bolt, and the intricate whole,
He lifted the organization with his unwavering resolve.
Infrastructure flourished as he led with visionary insight,
Revenues and employees' welfare rose to unparalleled heights.

He came with high regard, CPWD’s jewel in acclaim,
A structural engineer of brilliance, true to his name.
Designed buildings, the Parliament Library stands as a crowning feat,
Central Design Organization was where his expertise would meet.

Forty-five years of brilliance, his legacy stands tall,
Mastering earthquake-resistant designs, he answered every call.
As President of the Concrete Institute, his wisdom spread,
Guiding standards with brilliance, his impact widespread.

Delhi bears his signature through flyovers and buildings wide,
Signature Bridge, Raja Garden, Pira Garhi, Moolchand by his side.
Lajpat Nagar and Prembari Pul, Nandnagri among his art,
Each testament to engineering, crafted with heart.

Dilli Haats in Pitampura, Janakpuri, and INA stand grand,
The Garden of Five Senses, finely shaped by his hand.
Sanjay Lake, GTB Memorial, Coffee Homes, IHM Pusa revived,
Block in RML Hospital, all carry the spark of his great vision alive.

An email I sent to him, minutes before, to remember,
His several milestones and his works, vivid as embers.
He nurtured welfare, promotions, making lives secure,
A leader of kindness and wisdom, whose influence is pure.

I worked under his constant gaze, five fruitful years,
From 2009–14 in DTTDC on deputation, shaping careers.
Learning adept designs, managing projects with flair,
He transformed me into a professional, able with care.

Many committees and BIS codes bore his renowned name,
Standards and lectures only enhanced his great fame.
With solutions at hand always, his wisdom shone bright,
A mentor unmatched, helping many, leading with insight.

The capital Delhi thrives on dreams he laid in stone,
Foundations of progress, etched with care and vision shown.
His absence will surely echo in the halls he shaped,
A guiding force for many, forever lovingly draped.

Respected by peers across and leaders with acclaim,
At times, the CM Sheila Dixit herself honored his name.
DTTDC’s able face, a stalwart through and through,
A towering figure, whose brilliance always renews.

With dignity intact, he now closes this DTTDC’s part,
Today, we honor his tireless, sage and noble heart.

May he live long, find new heights with journey reborn,
For his work remains, where his efforts were sworn.
DTTDC’s essence will long hold his eternal mark,
A beacon of several competencies and a guiding spark.

Pawan Kumar,
Brahmpur (Odisha), 3rd January 2025, Friday, Time 9:14 A.M.

(From my Mahendragarh (Hr.) diary dated 30th April 2015, Thursday, 08:28 A.M.)

 

A Tapestry of Being

A Tapestry of Being

This poem reflects the central theme of life as an intricate tapestry, woven with threads of introspection, growth, and human connection. Each strand—self-discovery, societal observation, or universal truth—contributes to the larger picture of existence. The poem invites readers to explore the depth and complexity of their being while recognizing the interconnectedness of all lives.

Yes, I observe the changing hues in men when failures arise,
A hidden humility stirs within like dawn breaking through cloudy skies.

In each man, countless selves reside, hidden treasures lying deep,
We see glimpses of their light, while much stays locked in sleep.
We’re houses of riches, where latent gems await their time to shine,
Like the grass that springs to life, revived by the first rains’ divine.

Life reveals itself in vivid bundles, urging us toward its array,
Through people’s words and actions, we learn and change each day.
Learning, behavior, and styles shape how their reflections intertwine,
And in every rhythm of exchange, our own selves realign.

Genes within us shift their roles, a symphony of life’s grand design,
Silent stewards of past whispers, connecting present to a distant line.
A vast library lies hidden within, etched in the subconscious deep,
Qualities and vices, summoned by need, emerge from shadowed keep.

When urgency calls, we press ourselves into tasks immediate and near,
Yet freedom grants us space to roam, and pursuits start to appear.
Life demands we balance constraints with the vastness we perceive,
Choosing paths wisely, as renewal follows the moments we reprieve.

A quiet place for reflection nurtures the core of our serene being,
Reading connects the mind to ideas that are both felt and seen.
We measure opinions against truths, exposing ignorance or false belief,
Adjusting knowledge as clarity brings us solace, hope, and relief.

Koraput’s isolation beckons me to journey inward, toward my core,
To chart the depths of the hidden self, explore the unknown and more.
Thoughts rise within like tides, vast yet faint, from deep within the mind,
Few reach the true surface, though their roots in my soul entwine.

At times, rashness or folly appears, born from haste or bitter strife,
Actions untampered by wisdom leave a mark on the fabric of life.
Brutality, folly, and impudence emerge, like storms we cannot evade,
Yet their weight lingers, teaching lessons as the chaos starts to fade.

Life’s journey asks we check ourselves, reflecting on each step taken,
Every exchange—high or low—brings insights we might awaken.
When equality falters, dialogue breaks, leaving some silenced or alone,
But if minds meet freely, empathy flourishes, and connections are sown.

A life well-lived is the greatest boon in this world of pain,
A triumph over hardships, where fleeting joys still remain.
Yet many youths are trapped in toil, their potential tied and bound,
The past denied their paths, where support was never found.

Family and environment shape our fates, guiding the steps we take,
However, if lacking skills or opportunities, life becomes a bitter stake.
When kids are denied care, their promise fades before it blooms,
Lost in the neglect of early years, their spirits fill with gloom.

I’ve seen the faces of children in war’s cruel, ravaging plight,
In Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, where survival defines their fight.
Greed and power steal peace from those too weak to resist,
Snatching rights from the helpless, as selfish ambitions persist.

Man’s progress often comes at nature’s unrelenting, costly toll,
Leaving scars on earth, skies, and seas, yet failing to fill the soul.
Though man ascends, greed eclipses the harmony life once gave,
Taking much, while other beings bear the burdens he should stave.

Life’s threads weave patterns both brilliant and dim, bright and dire,
Moods shape each moment, thought, and situation that transpires.
I long to roam the libraries of knowledge that the world contains,
Books, journals, and ideas that expand life’s infinite domains.

The self is like a spectrum, with hues blending in harmony divine,
From primary colors emerge the shades shaping your life and mine.
Balance is the key here, where every hue finds its rightful tone,
Creating a vibrant palette, where every shade stands uniquely alone.

While brooding, I draw from life’s essence, refining its design,
A continuum stretches ahead, holding truths yet to be defined.
I do not wander aimlessly, though the path sometimes feels unclear,
Instead, I seek meaning, charting the horizons I hold dear.

This morning at Sunabeda invites reflection, calm and serene,
An ocean of thoughts unfolds, limitless and unseen.
Without limits, I drift, seeking hope’s islands in this vast expanse,
Where life’s waves converge, offering renewal with every chance.

How pitiful to be ignorant, a stone unpolished, rough and plain,
Blind to the self’s true worth, bound by sheer pettiness and pain.
Rising above despair reveals remedies that inspire and renew,
Even small growths in life bring rewards that are beautifully true.

Good weather nourishes seeds of growth, latent options take root,
I am porous, absorbing elements that shape life’s expanding pursuit.
Within lies an ocean, at times calm and others tempest-tossed,
A compendium of life’s phenomena, gaining wisdom at every cost.

I aspire to be benign, carrying sympathy and generosity’s light,
Inspiring others to rise above, toward goodness shining bright.
Through reflection, I embrace perspectives broad and grand,
And life’s continuum flows onward, enriched by every strand.

---

(Dedicated to Humanity on My Son Satwik’s 22nd Birthday)

Pawan Kumar,
24th December 2024, Tuesday Time 8:41 A.M.
28th July 2024, Sunday, 7:30 AM, Sunabeda, Koraput (Odisha)

 

Horizons Unfolded – A Memoir

Horizons Unfolded – A Memoir

I sit quietly on a Jet Airways (Connect) flight at Rajkot Airport, waiting for takeoff. With me are my son, Satwik, Executive Engineer Nilabh Gupta, Architect Nabin Patra, and Mr. Satish Rawat, Architectural Engineer from M/s Western Outdoors Structures Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Their firm is the lowest bidder for the tensile fabric canopy project at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri.

Yesterday, our journey began with a 6:00 AM flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Indian Airlines. We landed at 7:20 AM and continued to Rajkot by taxi, driven by Pradeep Bhai, a lively local who made the long drive feel lighter. Along the way, we stopped at a roadside restaurant named Honest. The place was simple but welcoming. The Mysore Masala Dosa was flavorful, and the others chose dishes to their liking.

The 200 kilometers to Rajkot unfolded like a slow-moving canvas, dotted with fields basking in the morning glow. By 1:00 PM, we arrived at the Saurashtra Cricket Association site. The tensile roofing work funded by the BCCI stood tall—a blend of ambition and precision. It was impressive to see, though some areas required further clarity. We requested the company to provide detailed documentation of the ongoing and completed work.

After several hours at the site, we returned to The Imperial Palace hotel in Rajkot. My room, No. 206, was comfortable, with two beds. My colleagues—Nilabh, Nabin, and Satish—occupied rooms 106–108 on the first floor. A quick shower and a light lunch refreshed us for the next leg of our journey: the drive to Somnath temple in Junagadh district.

We departed at 3:45 PM. Though the distance was again 200 kilometers, the narrow, single-lane roads made the journey slower. Yet, the scenery was mesmerizing. Lush greenery stretched endlessly, while the setting sun painted the horizon in fiery hues. The clouds seemed like soft islands floating above a sea of amber light.

We reached Somnath at 7:45 PM. The temple stood majestic, glowing against the evening sky. Its aura was spellbinding—a monument to resilience through centuries of challenges. As I stood before it, I felt as if the temple itself spoke to me: “Resilience shapes not just structures but souls. The storms you endure carve the strength within you.” This thought lingered as I took in the sight, humbled by its history, significance, and the unwavering faith of its visitors.

On our way back to Rajkot, the journey was quieter. The starlit sky framed our thoughts, and the car moved steadily through the silent roads. Somnath had left an imprint on me—a profound reminder of endurance and renewal. By the time we returned to the hotel, it was late. We packed for our early morning flight to Mumbai and rested.

Now I come to the present moment, sitting by the window on this plane as it soars into the sky. Seat 17A feels familiar—coincidentally, the same as yesterday’s. Satwik, Nilabh, and Nabin sit across the aisle, their quiet chatter blending with the hum of the aircraft. Yesterday’s first flight was thrilling—a completely new experience for both Satwik and me. Flying above the clouds felt surreal, as though we had stepped into a realm untouched by the ordinary.

This morning’s flight feels like an extension of that wonder—a continuation of two days woven seamlessly together. The professional rigor of Rajkot, the spiritual calm of Somnath, and the thrill of air travel have converged into a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

At home, Usha remains the only one yet to experience air travel. I hope she gets her chance soon. My daughter Saumya, however, flew years ago to Mumbai with her grandmother, along with relatives, when they visited Daman by road.

From my window, the world below looks dreamlike. Rivers snake through valleys like silver threads, while bridges stretch gracefully across vast expanses. Clouds drift like soft waves, and the sea gleams in the golden morning light. Satwik holds his ears, struggling with the cabin pressure, while I marvel at the panorama below—a world vast yet connected.

The crew announces our descent into Mumbai. The city emerges—a sprawling mosaic of roads, bridges, and buildings. The Arabian Sea sparkles, dotted with life along its shores. A triangular water body catches my eye, its geometry standing out amidst the natural landscape. The plane descends lower, and familiar sights—railways, highways, and bustling roads—come into view.

Finally, the plane lands at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The wheels touch down with a slight jolt, grounding us once more. I see planes parked in neat rows, airport vehicles moving briskly, and the towering ATC building through the window. The pilot announces the temperature outside—28°C.

As passengers begin to rise, I pause to reflect. This journey—my second flight in two days—is much more than a sequence of events. It is a celebration of firsts, shared experiences, and the beauty of discovery. Journeys like this remind us that every horizon is both an ending and a beginning—a call to explore, grow, and cherish the wonder that life unfolds before us.

 

Pawan Kumar,

20^th December 2024, Time 00:47 AM (Midnight)

(from my dairy 12th May 2012, Saturday, 6:32 AM)

The Leader's Path: Resilience, Strategy & Growth

The Leader's Path: Resilience, Strategy & Growth

This text is a reflective guide on leadership, emphasizing resilience, patience & strategic thinking. It explores the challenges faced by those in leadership roles, acknowledging the daily struggles, failures & setbacks that come with the journey. The key message is that success comes not only from hard work, but from the ability to navigate obstacles, adapt to situations, and lead with purpose. By fostering self-awareness, team collaboration & personal growth, one can build a strong foundation for meaningful success. The ultimate aim is to succeed in good deeds, grow through adversity & contribute positively to the collective journey.

 

The path to the distant goal is long, the way is difficult to find,
Failures greet each step, but my spirit stays firm & intertwined.

Daily struggles, frustrations & setbacks try to break a man’s zeal,
But he must see beyond such trials & move with staunch appeal.
People are crafty, driven by interests, & move steadily with care,
They often forgo the greater good & stand as obstacles in the air.

Who are the motivators, inspiring others to act on their own?
They often sacrifice selves, wearing down all they’ve known.
What tolls do the winners bear, and how tight do they apply?
Time is short, progress is swift with no room to question why.

What tactics can tip the scorecard in favor of one’s big cause?
Some use manipulation to assert themselves, gaining applause.
They test others’ strength & patience, at times force overaction,
But not all formulas work—know where to apply right action.

Learning management from books varies from real-world play,
People act in their own styles, depending on their power’s sway.
They always seek their benefit, & operate in ways that mislead,
Aware of their influence, they often overstep with selfish greed.

But managing these hurdles defines the role of leader's heart,
Navigating stumbles swiftly, and knowing when to take part.
He can't afford frustration, for the outcome rests on his will,
A true leader sorts things out, never shying from what’s still.

Patience, tolerance, strategy, & quick thinking must all align,
He must assess the situation, always seeking the best design.
Commanding the moment is vital; don’t blindfold it by haste,
His goal is a success, despite the failures that we always face.

Daily work & handling stumbles test the strength of one’s soul,
Belief in one’s own power, & the drive to reach the sweet goal.
People move when guided, but their needs must be first known,
Understand their hearts-minds, & right methods will be shown.

In a world of fierce competition, there’s not much time to slow,
Keep the iron hot, shape it well, and let your big progress flow.
A leader must master both his actions and the spirit to succeed,
Learn from the failures, & move ahead without regret or need.

Life is vast, made of moments fleeting & challenges that test,
Success demands its toll but is earned through effort & unrest.
You must pass through all the processes to befit the right tool,
Refine the raw and carve your path, as you follow your goals.

Team-building and fostering intellect bring efficiency to play,
People must know their roles & work passionately each day.
Stay connected to the one’s core, & inspire creativity to rise,
Create an atmosphere of zeal, where each person can realize.

It’s not your wishes, but respecting everything in your care,
Take them along on the journey, and give credit everywhere.
They are the true resources, & transforming ideas into gold,
Assign tasks with precision, keeping focus strong and bold.

A heavy load of responsibility rests upon the leader’s back,
He thinks about what can be done as patience is the track.
Give men good space to react, and be ready for their reply,
Learn the game’s nuances, and rise when doubts pass by.

So, don’t be subdued by obstacles, but face with resolve,
The supreme life aims to succeed despite falls & evolve.

 

Pawan Kumar,

10^th December 2024, Tuesday Time 19.55 Hrs.

(From my Dairy dated 28th April 2015, Tuesday, 09:03 AM)

Reflections on Time: Humanity's Path & Purpose

                               

                                   Reflections on Time: Humanity's Path & Purpose

Today is December 25, 1998—the Great Day, the birthday of Jesus Christ. Nearly 2,000 years ago, this marked the beginning of Christianity & the Christian Era. Time flows, relentlessly & swiftly. Since the Big Bang, it has marched forward, transforming millennia into fleeting moments. What we know of evolution spans billions of years, yet humanity's emergence on this grand scale is a relatively recent occurrence. Modern Homo sapiens appeared after the long evolutionary journey from Dryopithecus some 10-12 million years ago to Neanderthals, who vanished around 50,000 years ago.

Civilizations began with the Neolithic Revolution, only about 10,000 years ago. Remarkably, writing—the foundation of recorded history—is a mere 5,000 years old. The oldest inscriptions, discovered in Egypt, date back 5,300 years. Religions, philosophies, and native traditions, regardless of their claims to antiquity, are relatively young in comparison. Humanity, despite its 60-70 average years of life, occasionally produces individuals who transcend their age, becoming harbingers of progress & change. These select few—whether saints, philosophers, prophets, scientists, or reformers—have shaped the world through dedication & tireless effort. Their legacies are the cornerstones of progress.

Without their contributions, the wheel of development might have halted. These were individuals driven not by selfish motives but by a deep sense of responsibility for humanity's advancement. Their efforts raise a profound question: Are our duties confined solely to humans? Human expansion has often come at the expense of other species. Entire ecosystems, once teeming with life, were gradually subdued by human greed & growing demands.

The extinction of countless species serves as a sombre reminder of this imbalance. From the age of dinosaurs, wiped out 65 million years ago, to the ongoing depletion of tigers, elephants, and whales, humanity's actions often prioritize short-term gain over long-term harmony. Conservation efforts, though commendable, struggle to counteract the damage. The roots of this imbalance lie not only in external greed but also in the inequalities within humanity itself—religious divides, economic disparities, caste systems, and oppressive structures.

Man, by nature, is a complex blend of selfishness & altruism. Power dynamics often dictate societal structures, where the strong exploit the weak. Yet history reveals that revolutions—whether led by kings like Ashoka or visionaries like Buddha—arise when the oppressed awaken to their reality. Ashoka's transformation after the Kalinga War, where he renounced violence & embraced public welfare, exemplifies the power of realization & change. Similarly, Siddhartha Gautama's encounter with human suffering led him to enlightenment, offering timeless wisdom that remains relevant today.

As the world becomes a global village, pluralism has emerged as a defining feature. Anthropological studies highlight the diversity of human communities, some of which remain untouched by modernity. Even in these simple societies, however, inequalities persist. Resources often accumulate in the hands of a few, leaving others to struggle. Such disparities are not merely economic but also rooted in differences in effort, intelligence, and opportunities.

Success, while celebrated, often breeds arrogance. The fortunate may exploit their privilege, while the less fortunate either accept their plight as fate or harbour resentment. This dynamic underscores the need for balance: successful individuals must uplift others, while those striving must recognize competition as a catalyst for growth. Governments play a crucial role in ensuring equity and creating opportunities for the disadvantaged to rise.

True success lies not in overpowering others but in overcoming personal limitations. It requires moral elevation and a strong will to bring meaningful change. Swami Vivekananda's call to "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached" embodies this spirit. The journey toward self-improvement and societal contribution demands resilience, clarity, and unwavering commitment.

As a personal reflection, this is a call to recognize one's potential & responsibilities. Progress, whether personal or collective, hinges on understanding the value of effort, compassion, and purpose. Let us strive to leave a legacy that uplifts ourselves and the world around us. Let us embrace these principles, striving to leave the world better than we found it. By recognizing our shared humanity, honoring the natural world, and fostering compassion, we can weave a legacy that transcends time.

 

 

Pawan Kumar,

29^th November 2024, Friday, Time 12:29 A.M. (Midnight)

(From my Dairy dated 25^th December 1998 Friday)