The Power of Walking: 10 Benefits for Body & Mind

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## Walk Your Way to a Healthier, Happier You: 10 Amazing Benefits of Daily Walking

Feeling overwhelmed by complex fitness routines or expensive gym memberships? What if we told you one of the best ways to boost your health is also one of the simplest, most accessible activities around? That's right – we're talking about walking!

Walking is a fantastic low-impact exercise that offers a surprising number of benefits for your body and mind. You don't need special equipment or training; just a comfortable pair of shoes and a desire to feel better. Here are 10 incredible reasons to lace up and start walking daily:

**1. Give Your Heart Some Love:** Just 30 minutes of brisk walking each day can work wonders for your cardiovascular system. It helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, making your heart stronger and your arteries more flexible.

**2. Torch Calories Steadily:** While it might not feel like an intense workout, consistent walking steadily burns fat, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Pair it with smart eating habits, and you'll be well on your way to a leaner you.

**3. Boost Your Brainpower:** Need a mental pick-me-up? Walking gets more blood flowing to your brain, sharpening your focus, sparking creativity, and improving your memory. It can even help ward off that annoying "brain fog" and age-related cognitive decline.

**4. Lift Your Mood Naturally:** Bad day? Step outside! Walking, especially outdoors, is a natural mood booster. It reduces stress hormones, releases feel-good endorphins, and helps clear your head. It's a fantastic antidote for anxiety, low energy, and even mild depression.

**5. Balance Your Blood Sugar:** A short stroll after a meal isn't just for digestion. It's a secret weapon for balancing your blood sugar levels and improving how your body uses insulin. This is particularly helpful if you're pre-diabetic or working on weight management.

**6. Strengthen Your Bones:** Keep your bones strong! Regular walks improve bone density, significantly reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially for women over 40. It keeps your joints and muscles active and healthy.

**7. Ease Digestion:** Feeling sluggish after eating? A post-meal walk can be your best friend. It helps move food through your system, preventing uncomfortable acidity, bloating, constipation, and that heavy, stuffed feeling.

**8. Support Your Joints:** Unlike high-impact activities, walking is incredibly kind to your joints. It lubricates your knees, hips, and ankles, which can reduce pain and stiffness from conditions like arthritis, improving your overall mobility over time.

**9. Boost Your Immunity:** Give your immune system a leg up! Moderate, regular walks improve your circulation and strengthen your body's ability to fight off seasonal bugs. You'll recover faster from minor illnesses and feel more resilient.

**10. Improve Your Sleep:** Struggling to drift off? An evening walk can be a game-changer. It helps regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, allowing you to wind down naturally and fall asleep more easily, without all that tossing and turning.

So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and discover the simple, powerful benefits of a daily walk. Your body and mind will thank you!

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Gurgaon's Flood Tragedy: Two Lives Lost to Negligence

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## A Night of Heartbreak in Gurgaon: Two Lives Lost to Floods and Negligence

Heavy rains can turn a bustling city into a challenging landscape, but for Gurgaon on the night of July 9th, they brought unimaginable tragedy. Two young men, both in the prime of their lives, lost their lives in separate, yet equally heartbreaking, incidents that highlight critical safety concerns during urban flooding.

**Shailendra's Last Call**

Shailendra, a 27-year-old autorickshaw driver, was the backbone of his family. That evening, as knee-deep water flooded Gurgaon's streets, his pregnant wife, Sumanlata, waited anxiously for him at home. Their last conversation was at 8:19 PM; he was dropping off a passenger and would be home soon.

But soon never came. Around 9 PM, Sumanlata called again, but there was no answer. "I made 200 calls after that," the 21-year-old, expecting their second child, recounted later. Her anxiety turned to fear as hours passed. By 3 AM, she reported him missing to the police.

It was only the next morning, around 7 AM, that a devastating discovery was made. Delivery executives found Shailendra's body inside an open sewer in Sector 47. His autorickshaw, trying to navigate the waterlogged street, had plunged into the uncovered manhole, overturning and trapping him inside. Bystanders rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late.

Shailendra had moved to Gurgaon five years ago from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, building a stable life for his family. Now, Sumanlata faces an uncertain future. "I have lost everything in this city. I will have to move back to my hometown. What will I do here alone?" she lamented.

**Akshat Jain: A Shocking End**

Just a few kilometers away, another life was tragically cut short the same night. Akshat Jain, a 25-year-old graphic designer, was on his way home from the gym. As he waded through a flooded road in Ghasola village, trying to balance his bike, he accidentally touched a live wire dangling into the water. He died on the spot.

A fellow biker, who witnessed the horrific incident, described feeling a "strange tingling" in his feet just moments before Akshat collapsed and began shaking violently. The witness, frozen in fear, watched as people gathered, but no one dared to touch him.

**A Call for Accountability**

In both incidents, the grieving families have registered complaints for death by negligence. Police have stated that show-cause notices have been issued to the concerned departments, and further investigation is underway.

These tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate urban infrastructure, especially during heavy rains. Open sewers and exposed live wires in flooded areas are preventable hazards. No family should have to endure such a preventable loss. It's a call for accountability, better city planning, and immediate action to ensure the safety of every resident.

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Revolutionizing Rail Travel: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor to Introduce Japanese E-10 Bullet Trains

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Exciting news for all the train enthusiasts out there! The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is set to get a major upgrade with the introduction of Japanese E-10 bullet trains. These high-speed trains are expected to revolutionize the way we travel, offering a faster, safer, and more reliable mode of transportation.

According to officials, India will first conduct trials using the E5 variant of the Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains before fully adopting the newer E10 variant for commercial operations around 2030. This means that both India and Japan will debut the E10 trains simultaneously, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, spanning 508 km and built with Japanese Shinkansen technology, is on track for a commercial launch in 2027, with the first prototype expected to run in 2026. This corridor is expected to set new benchmarks for speed and efficiency, offering passengers a seamless and comfortable travel experience.

While the Railway Board initially relied solely on Japanese technology for the bullet trains, India is now considering a mix of domestic and international partners for the project. A recent contract was awarded for a complete signalling and telecommunication system, incorporating European technology with Indian partners.

In addition to Japanese firms, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been tasked with developing a bullet train capable of reaching speeds of up to 280 kmph. This collaboration with the defense public sector enterprise - BEML, aims to produce cutting-edge trains that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Overall, the introduction of Japanese E-10 bullet trains on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor signifies a major leap forward in India's transportation infrastructure. With a focus on speed, safety, and reliability, these high-speed trains are set to transform the way we travel, offering a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of rail travel!

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Bengaluru Vendors Revert to Cash Amid GST Confusion

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In a surprising turn of events, small vendors in Bengaluru are ditching digital payments through UPI and reverting back to accepting cash only. This shift comes after many of these vendors received notices demanding goods and services tax (GST), leading to confusion and fear of tax scrutiny.

Many neighborhood stores in Bengaluru that once displayed QR code stickers for digital payments now have signs that read, "No UPI, only cash." This change reflects the growing trend among small vendors who are now requesting cash payments from customers instead of using UPI apps.

One such vendor, Shankar, shared his experience of being unable to accept UPI payments anymore due to the fear of tax implications. Thousands of unregistered businessmen in Bengaluru, from neighborhood shops to street food vendors, have received notices demanding GST payments, some of which amount to lakhs of rupees.

The confusion arises from the treatment of digital payment data as income, leading to concerns about tax evasion and possible eviction by civic authorities. The commercial taxes department has issued notices based on UPI transaction data showing a turnover that requires GST registration and payment of taxes.

However, experts like Advocate Vinay K Sreenivasa and former additional commissioner of commercial taxes HD Arun Kumar have raised concerns about the arbitrary tax demands and the burden of proof on the GST authorities. The crackdown on unregistered vendors in Bengaluru could set a precedent for other states to increase tax revenue.

As Karnataka's tax officials strive to meet revenue targets set by the Chief Minister, small vendors in Bengaluru are caught in a dilemma between compliance with tax laws and the pressure to sustain their businesses. The shift back to cash payments highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the complexities of GST regulations.

In conclusion, the preference for cash over digital payments among small vendors in Bengaluru underscores the need for clarity and support in tax compliance. As states seek to boost tax revenue, it is essential to strike a balance between regulatory enforcement and the sustainability of small businesses in the evolving digital economy.

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Navigating Layoffs and AI: The New Normal in the Tech Industry

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In today's fast-paced tech industry, the fear of layoffs has become a constant worry for many workers, even in financially stable companies. A recent Reddit post by a Software Engineer I (SWE 1) at a small fintech firm has gone viral for capturing the mood of many in the industry: “I’m just waiting to be laid off.”

Despite the company's success, a wave of layoffs hit in June. Since then, new C-suite executives have joined, including a Chief Technology Officer with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. With a team mostly consisting of senior and mid-level engineers and few junior roles left, many employees feel like their days are numbered.

Instead of just waiting around, some tech workers have started upskilling themselves with AI-based projects to stay competitive in the industry. The uncertainty of what it takes to survive in today's tech world has led many to take matters into their own hands and prepare for the worst.

The trend of layoffs becoming normalized, regardless of performance, has left many frustrated. Merit no longer seems to matter, as decisions are made to keep top executives happy, even if it means letting go of hard-working employees.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the industry and corporate restructuring becomes more common, many engineers are not just focusing on coding anymore. They are quietly preparing for what feels like an inevitable exit, bracing themselves for the impact of the ever-changing tech landscape.

The anxiety of being laid off has pushed many tech workers to take control of their own futures by learning new skills and staying ahead of the curve. The days of job security in the tech industry seem to be a thing of the past, and workers are realizing that they need to adapt and evolve to survive in this competitive environment.

In conclusion, the tech industry is evolving rapidly, and the fear of layoffs is becoming a new normal for many workers. By upskilling with AI and staying competitive, tech workers are taking proactive steps to secure their futures in an uncertain job market. It's a reminder that in today's tech world, continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying relevant and thriving in the industry.

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Tragedy Strikes: Airstrike on Buddhist Monastery in Myanmar Claims 23 Lives

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In a tragic incident, at least 23 people lost their lives in an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar. The attack took place in the central Sagaing region, where many civilians were seeking shelter from the ongoing conflict in the area.

Reports indicate that the monastery in Lin Ta Lu village was targeted, resulting in the deaths of 23 individuals, including four children. Around 30 others were injured, with 10 in critical condition. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, when a jet fighter dropped a bomb on the monastery where over 150 people were seeking refuge.

The military has not provided any immediate comments on the incident, but it is known that Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power in 2021. The country has been embroiled in a civil war, with opposition forces taking up arms against the military regime.

The resistance groups, including the armed People's Defense Forces in Sagaing region, have been targeted by airstrikes as the military attempts to regain control of the area. The recent monastery attack comes after a military offensive in the region, displacing thousands of people from nearby villages.

The opposition's National Unity Government has condemned the military's actions, stating that the regime is trying to retake areas controlled by the resistance ahead of a planned general election. The election is seen as a way for the military to legitimize their power grab and ensure continued control over the country.

The use of airstrikes in civilian areas has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of innocent people caught in the crossfire of the conflict. The international community has called for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is important to remember the human cost of war and to advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic incident, and we hope for a swift resolution to the crisis in Myanmar.

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From Security Guard to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Abhishek Kumar

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Abhishek Kumar, an IIT-IIM graduate, made a bold decision to leave his high-paying job at Goldman Sachs to work as a security guard. This may seem like a surprising move, but Abhishek had a bigger goal in mind. He wanted to understand the challenges faced by security guards firsthand before launching a tech solution to address them.

After working long hours as a security guard, Abhishek co-founded MyGate, a security and community management app that is now used by over 4 million residents in 25,000+ housing societies across India. His hands-on approach, where he shadowed guards and took over their duties, helped him develop a deep understanding of the issues they faced.

The idea for MyGate came in 2016 when Abhishek, along with Vijay Arisetty and Shreyans Daga, realized the need for smarter and more efficient residential security solutions. By putting themselves in the shoes of the users, they were able to create an app that not only improved security but also reduced manual work for guards.

Today, MyGate is a success story rooted in empathy. The app offers features like digital check-ins, visitor tracking, and delivery management, making life easier for both residents and guards. Abhishek's unique approach of learning by doing, even after the app had grown, showcases his commitment to understanding and solving real-world problems.

Abhishek's journey from a corporate job to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of grit and determination. His story serves as an inspiration for those who dare to take unconventional paths in pursuit of their goals. It goes to show that sometimes, the road less traveled can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

In a world where success is often equated with high-paying jobs and prestigious titles, Abhishek Kumar's story reminds us that true success lies in making a difference and solving real-world problems. It takes courage, empathy, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone to create meaningful change. Abhishek's journey from a security guard to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the fact that with determination and grit, anything is possible.

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Setup Steps to Translation App

 1. 

Clone "https://github.com/ashishjain1547/vaakya_sentence_translation"

2.

Check NPM is installed or not.

$ sudo apt install npm

3.

Once installed:

$ npm --version

9.2.0

4.

~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ npm install

5. 

~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ nano .gitignore

# Dependencies

node_modules/

# Logs

*.log

# React Native specific

ios/build/

android/.gradle/

android/app/build/

android/app/BUCK

android/app/debug.keystore

# IDE-specific files

.idea/

.vscode/

# OS generated files

.DS_Store

6.

Download Android Studio:

https://developer.android.com/studio

OR 

From App Center:

7.

Check for JAVA

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ java

Command 'java' not found, but can be installed with:

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless  # version 17.0.14+7-1~24.04, or

sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless  # version 21.0.6+7-1~24.04.1

sudo apt install default-jre              # version 2:1.17-75

sudo apt install openjdk-11-jre-headless  # version 11.0.26+4-1ubuntu1~24.04

sudo apt install openjdk-8-jre-headless   # version 8u442-b06~us1-0ubuntu1~24.04

sudo apt install openjdk-19-jre-headless  # version 19.0.2+7-4

sudo apt install openjdk-20-jre-headless  # version 20.0.2+9-1

sudo apt install openjdk-22-jre-headless  # version 22~22ea-1

"$ sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless"

8.

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ java --version

openjdk 17.0.15 2025-04-15

OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 17.0.15+6-Ubuntu-0ubuntu124.04)

OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 17.0.15+6-Ubuntu-0ubuntu124.04, mixed mode, sharing)

9.

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ sudo nano ~/.bashrc

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ tail -1 ~/.bashrc

export JAVA_HOME="/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64"

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ echo $JAVA_HOME

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ source ~/.bashrc

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ echo $JAVA_HOME

/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64

10. TESTING

~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ npx react-native doctor

Common

 ✓ Node.js - Required to execute JavaScript code

 ✓ npm - Required to install NPM dependencies

 ✓ Metro - Required for bundling the JavaScript code (via "npx react-native start")

Android

 ✖ Adb - No devices and/or emulators connected. Please create emulator with Android Studio or connect Android device.

 ✖ JDK - Required to compile Java code

   - Version found: N/A

   - Version supported: >= 17 <= 20

 ✖ Android Studio - Required for building and installing your app on Android

 ✖ ANDROID_HOME - Environment variable that points to your Android SDK installation

 ✓ Gradlew - Build tool required for Android builds

 ✖ Android SDK - Required for building and installing your app on Android

   - Versions found: N/A

   - Version supported: 34.0.0

Errors:   5

Warnings: 1

Attempting to fix 6 issues...

11.

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ tail -2  ~/.bashrc

export JAVA_HOME="/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64"

export PATH="$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH"

12. Ref: https://reactnative.dev/docs/set-up-your-environment

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Android/Sdk$ tail -5 ~/.bashrc

export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Android/Sdk

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

13. RECONFIGURE JAVA

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ tail -6 ~/.bashrc

export JAVA_HOME="/home/jain/Desktop/cupboard/program_files/OpenJDK17U-jdk_x64_linux_hotspot_17.0.15_6/jdk-17.0.15+6"

export PATH="$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH"

export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Android/Sdk

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

14. TESTING

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/vaakya_sentence_translation$ npx react-native doctor

warn Package react-native-sqlite-storage contains invalid configuration: "dependency.platforms.ios.project" is not allowed. Please verify it's properly linked using "npx react-native config" command and contact the package maintainers about this.

⠸ Running diagnostics...warn Package react-native-sqlite-storage contains invalid configuration: "dependency.platforms.ios.project" is not allowed. Please verify it's properly linked using "npx react-native config" command and contact the package maintainers about this.

Common

 ✓ Node.js - Required to execute JavaScript code

 ✓ npm - Required to install NPM dependencies

 ● Metro - Metro Bundler is not running

Android

 ✖ Adb - No devices and/or emulators connected. Please create emulator with Android Studio or connect Android device.

 ✓ JDK - Required to compile Java code

 ✖ Android Studio - Required for building and installing your app on Android

 ✓ ANDROID_HOME - Environment variable that points to your Android SDK installation

 ✓ Gradlew - Build tool required for Android builds

 ✖ Android SDK - Required for building and installing your app on Android

   - Versions found: N/A

   - Version supported: 34.0.0

Errors:   3

Warnings: 1

Usage

 › Press f to try to fix issues.

 › Press e to try to fix errors.

 › Press w to try to fix warnings.

 › Press Enter to exit.

15.

(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/cupboard/program_files/android-studio-2025.1.1.14-linux/android-studio/bin$ tail -5 ~/.bashrc

export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Android/Sdk

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator

export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

export PATH=$PATH:/home/jain/Desktop/cupboard/program_files/android-studio-2025.1.1.14-linux/android-studio/bin

XX.

Web App Exploration:

What is this app teaching?

This app is teaching you fry-sight words, which are covered in Chapters.

~~~

Difficulty:

For difficulty level "medium": you will have English sentences of word count 5.

Chandigarh - As remembered in Jun 2025

Other Journaling Days

I don't know I miss Chandigarh sometimes. 
“Then what is it that I don't know?” 
The experiences, the life became sour once the surveillance team from Manu Apartments picked up again.

“Why Manu Apartments? How is it Manu Apartments?”
No proof. But purely on hyper-excitement and ominous gut feeling I got whenever I was there. Particularly when I got to see Suresh anywhere in society. 

“But what's the point of it all?” 
“Why write about it today?”
No point, no reason except that it (writing) helps calm down my nerves. 

Digressed a bit too much :D
What I wanted to write about was my “super good” days in Chandigarh. Just a note - “super good” is relative from people to people and experience too.

Just before those good days, I had suffered too much harassment in the Dr Batra's house.
Shouting vegetable street peddlers, disturbance from Narendra (if I am recalling his name right) and his roommates, anxiety from high tea/caffeine doses…. Just that I wasn't keeping well (which is a rather polite way to put it)... I remember going to office even on weekends in March of that year 2021 but personal work, it was still work - I was setting up things on GitHub and moving files out of my laptop - brilliant strategy, something that has lasted with me even till date.

I was tired, I was in bad shape, I needed rest. I have had enough.
I changed my room to a kothi in Sector 6, Panchkula right behind Infosys campus (which was basically Chandigarh). I was basically on the Chandigarh and Panchkula border, but still a posh area. 

Here is sector 6, Panchkula, there was construction of houses going on in some houses near to my place and if I am not wrong, I was bothered by this as well.
That was because one of the houses under construction was right in the zone about 2-3 houses away and I was bothered by the construction sounds. 

Amid this turmoil, I found a way to soothe myself. I found a way to peace. I found a way to change. I found a way to relax. 

I had found my way to a spa. Tenzin Tibetan Spa.
I was a life changing experience, one that lasted till this date.
I felt that the time ahead of my now was amazing and of high exploration. It was great time there till things went out of control with Sakshi Dahiya (friend at Infy) by the year end and I came to Delhi.

The lesson I learnt was this: There is no harm in stealing a bit of moments here and there in peace, luxury and relaxation. 
I found the experience life altering and I think the cost (will come to that later) was worth it.

The Power of a Crystal-Clear Vision: Lessons from India's Leaders

All Book Summaries

Three Key Takeaways from "Clarity of Vision":

1. A Clear and Simple Vision is Paramount: The chapter consistently emphasizes that a truly effective vision is unambiguous, simple, and easily communicated. It's not about flowery language but a clear blueprint for action. This clarity breeds understanding, productivity, and confidence, enabling collective effort towards a shared goal.

2. Long-Term Vision Drives Sustainable Growth: Both Narendra Modi and Dhirubhai Ambani are highlighted for their long-term, future-oriented visions rather than short-term gains or populist measures. This forward-looking perspective, coupled with strategic investments and adaptability, allowed them to drive significant, sustainable development and overcome challenges from established norms.

3. Vision Must Be Communicated and Imbibed by the Masses: A leader's vision only becomes powerful when it resonates with and is adopted by the people. The chapter shows how Modi's "Mission 272" or "Clean India" campaigns, and Dhirubhai's drive for global competitiveness, were effectively communicated and broken down into achievable goals, allowing citizens and stakeholders to connect with and actively participate in realizing that vision.

---

The Power of a Crystal-Clear Vision: Lessons from India's Leaders

Ever wondered what truly sets great leaders apart? It's not just charisma or intellect, but an unwavering "Clarity of Vision." This powerful concept, explored in a fascinating chapter, sheds light on how visionary leadership can transform nations and industries.

The core idea is simple: a vision isn't just a lofty dream; it's a clear, unambiguous roadmap for the future. Like Ronald Reagan said, "To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership." Whether it's Alexander's quest for global conquest or Gandhi's singular agenda for a free India, a well-defined vision provides direction, meaning, and a shared sense of purpose.

The chapter draws compelling parallels between two of India's most influential figures: industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both exemplify the power of a long-term, adaptable vision. They weren't interested in quick wins or fleeting popularity. Dhirubhai, anticipating India's market liberalization, built Reliance with a foresight for global competitiveness. Similarly, Modi's "Gujarat Model" and his current national agenda for a "Developed India" are rooted in a comprehensive, future-oriented approach that embraces everything from infrastructure to skill development.

But here's the crucial part: a vision, no matter how brilliant, is useless if it stays locked in a leader's mind. The true magic happens when it's communicated simply, clearly, and repeatedly, allowing it to be imbibed by the masses. Modi's "Mission 272" and "Clean India" are prime examples of breaking down grand goals into understandable, actionable objectives, making citizens feel like active participants in a larger, inspiring narrative.

Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that great leaders aren't born with special powers or privileged backgrounds. Instead, they choose to make their lives extraordinary. They dare to dream big, meticulously define their vision, and then tirelessly work to make it a tangible reality, inspiring millions along the way. It's a powerful lesson for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact, whether in business, politics, or personal life.

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Tags: Motivation,Book Summary,Indian Politics,

Clarity of Vision (Ch 1 from the book 21 Leadership Lessons from Narendra Modi)

All Book Summaries

Clarity of Vision
"To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership." ~ Ronald Reagan

History proves that one of the intrinsic traits of any great leader is him being a visionary. While we all have a vision of something or the other, a great leader not only has a vision but also has the trait of transferring his vision to people around him so that it becomes an organisational or a social vision. As is said, people don't follow people but people follow an idea of achievement. When Alexander set his foot on the lands of Asia and defeated the mighty king Darius III of Persia with an army of handful soldiers, the achievement was not just hailed as his own but was projected as a Greek supremacy over the world, though this could only have been achieved for Alexander had a clarity of vision to become a global conqueror.

Similarly when Gandhi picked up a dollop of salt from Dandi or called for Quit India, his vision of free India was resonated with all, for it reflected his single minded agenda of a free India. His acts were not just seen as singular acts but part of the larger plan of freeing India from the clutches of Britishers.

An important aspect of defining one’s vision is that it is unambiguous and simple. Often, leaders of all kinds fall prey to ambiguity and complexity. What needs to be understood is that vision is not a compilation of flowery words which appear good on paper and words, rather it’s the base upon which one lays the foundation of implementation. A simple vision, thus, is not just clear and focused but also conveys a distinct message as to what needs to be achieved by following that vision.

A vision is not just a dream of the leader’s objective. Rather, it also serves as a guiding post to the people who look up to that leader and defines the path that needs to be adopted to achieve that vision.

Having a clear vision of how one wants the future orientation to be, is perhaps the most important leadership quality. A leader in whom the masses have placed their trust naturally has the power to influence and it thus becomes his great responsibility to project a clear vision of what he is working for. This helps provide direction, meaning, enthusiasm and a grand sense of success for all those who are part of that milieu. Clarity breeds understanding; understanding breeds productivity and productivity breeds confidence which in turn breeds desired returns.

Coming out as the most popular leader of the masses of Independent India, Narendra Modi succeeds in projecting himself as a man with a clear sense of purpose. It is not just the highly appealing propaganda he shares, but also confidence in his dream of a developed India focusing on inclusive growth and better governance. His apparent long-term, ‘complete’ vision is what sets him apart as a leader with power to bring and manage the much-needed change that India needs. Millions of Indians have trusted him with this immense responsibility, and that is because Modi was confidently able to display a future image of India, along with sound ideas and schemes to bring that vision to reality.

While campaigning in the Indian General Election 2014, Modi’s party, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) seemed to be the only one with a defined vision. Even the election campaign goal was clear: attaining at least 272 seats to have majority votes. This vision, in order to be effective, was communicated well in advance to the party as well as the public, by launching it under the name ‘Mission 272’. Effective leaders have this appealing capability to attract followers by giving them something to strive for. In the present times, the people of India desperately wanted change for the better, having been left bamboozled by the Government so far. Selecting Modi to represent them at the highest level had a lot to do with his clarity as to the right way forward for India.

Most would agree that in the decades preceding Modi, India lacked a clear vision for growth and development. Development was often confused with either populist schemes or subsidies based models. The economic model and the governance structure were either oriented towards established populism or managing the Collation Dharma, thus, people in general lacked a clear vision of growth. Modi provided a clear dream in the form of change which is not generic in nature but touched upon specific agendas.

In an even broader perspective, his dreams for India can be taken into account to serve as broad examples of what lies behind his motivation. He seems to have thought of every major aspect that he believes needs attention, in order to make India truly shining. Encompassing an extensive range, his vision includes everything from fostering agricultural research to developing quality infrastructure to financial investments. The focus is on urbanization, education, bringing down corruption and inflation, creating jobs, skill development, use of technology for effectiveness, and doing everything with an inclusive approach. His ‘Brand India’ idea, that professes development in the five T’s: tradition, talent, tourism, technology and trade, also helped generate an image of an India that proudly stands at par with developed economies of the world. Modi gives the example of China, looking at how development of new cities led to their economic prosperity. This idea greatly appeals to the public, especially industrialists, who are quite appreciative of a politician talking about development of infrastructure. The Ambani brothers, among the leading industrialists in India, called Modi “a king among the kings”, appreciating his grand vision and purpose.

Modi’s vision is not just well articulated but also well systematised with all actions taken or projected by him leading back into a single objective of “Making India Great”. This connection helps his target (the citizens of India) to remain connected with his vision. So when he speaks of better roads, better technology, better governance, every citizen of India sees that it’s imperative for making India great. An important aspect of his vision is also to give a benchmark for vision. He speaks about great global nations like Japan and China and how they have emerged as leaders, thus defining the final goal of India to be in the same league. He has a good grasp of entire governance system of India, as ruling a state for 15 years has given him a good understanding of grassroots challenges and thus his vision imbibes grassroots issues in same the breath as national or international issues. His vision is not just a by-product of a dream which may sound frivolous to achieve, but has a solid base of understanding, limitation and clear path of implementation.

As Theodore Hesburgh, President of University of Notre Dame, USA, stated, “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion.” Similarly, Narendra Modi reflects upon his vision at all occasions. This reiteration over time has got deeply embedded not just in mind of Narendra Modi himself but also of the people who have reposed faith in him.

From day one Modi has projected an agenda of development which makes him a representative on which people can pose in their faith for development. He has constantly and evidently hammered the concept of development so much so that the very mention of Narendra Modi now equates with growth and development. This is an important trait for any leader and his leadership message.

This single minded agenda and clarity has indeed been beneficial for him for through this he has warded off and shifted the political discourse towards his own agenda of growth. While his critics challenged his regional credentials or ideological affiliations they could never question his administrative abilities or his vision, which thus played an important role in diffusing his critics and paving a greater connect with his desired takeholders.

His vision doesn’t go by as sham, for he has effectively managed to communicate his ideas about achieving these goals. Through his well-articulated speeches, he has displayed his ideas behind India’s economic development, corruption-free government and what he means by his idea of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. Part of what makes him identifiable to the people is his stark detection of problems plaguing the country and its economy. So when a leader professes meaningful solutions to help resolve issues people can associate with, he is the one where the trust of the masses is placed, as is the case of Narendra Modi.

Tracing back to Modi’s early life, parallels can be drawn to his present and his persistence on defining a vision before moving forward. As a child when Modi started attending the daily Shakha organized by RSS, he was perhaps looking for a refuge from the physical bondage of his home life. He is known to have been in search of a distinct identity right from the beginning, drawn in by the discipline and different life of RSS, also being greatly inspired by the authority exhibited by the RSS leader.

Narendra Modi is an exemplary example of a leader with a vision. However, it is important to note that this trait isn’t nurtured overnight. One might not have that sense at all, especially when one is young and yet to explore the world. In the midst of his later years as a teenager and a young adult, Modi too was gripped with non-clarity and confusion about life. Since he was a dedicated worker, he was able to explore his strengths and understand the ways of the world, which helped him develop his own vision for himself. He was never ashamed of performing even the least important tasks, because he had simply to reflect on his long-term vision and know that those were just stepping stones to a better and more powerful future.

Considering the example of Gujarat, where Narendra Modi served as Chief Minister from 2001–2014, it is apparent what a well-defined vision can do. His plans, created well in advance for the future, are so detailed and well-formulated that they are good enough to serve Gujarat till 2030. The changes brought into the state with his policies have brought in investments in Gujarat, which has led to its impressive development.
In order to promote investments in Gujarat, Modi also initiated ‘Vibrant Gujarat’, held by the Government of Gujarat as a biennial investors’ summit. Modi has visualized Gujarat to emerge as a nodal centre in Asia, to serve as a common platform for countries like China, Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

This is part of the grander vision that Modi created for the state of Gujarat, what came to be called as the ‘Gujarat Model’. This model for development has been effective in certain aspects and helped bring about impressive changes in Gujarat, making it one of the top economically growing states in India. Be it agricultural improvements or industrial expansion, Modi had it all laid out in clear terms, what they aim to achieve and how they plan to implement their ideas. This is probably the greatest reason that the vision came to reality. The agri-GDP growth registered during the 2000s saw agriculture in Gujarat growing by 9.8% per annum, compared to the meagre 2% during the 1990s.

As Narendra Modi takes charge of the country as Prime Minister, laying out his vision for India, there’s hope and a certain level of confidence that India will be on the right path to achieve its ideal state. He has vowed to end corruption, make India a manufacturing hub and enable financial and digital inclusion. Modi’s clarity of vision is further indicated by the segmentation of overall goals into smaller, precise goals, which makes it easier to understand where we’re heading. Example, when Modi states that he aims for a ‘Clean India’, he makes it look achievable by providing a timeline (by 2019) and by organizing campaigns (like hosting the World Toilet Summit in Delhi) and providing government support (allocating increased amount of money for toilet construction). Similarly, to achieve his aim of a technologically savvy and inclusive country, Modi has come up with ideas such as the Digital India mission, aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered knowledge economy. Just like a super-magnet, Modi’s clarity of vision draws him relentlessly forward.

An important trait that has been displayed by the vision of Narendra Modi is that it not just epitomises the vision of modern India but is deep rooted within Indian culture and what our forefathers envisioned. His vision has a unique characteristic of transcending into every aspect of Indian mind-set from basic cleanliness to technical expertise to becoming a global power and as it is simple to comprehend by the common masses. Hence, they imbibe the vision as their own.

Footsteps – Dhirubhai Ambani

Great leaders who have scaled global heights have proved to be stimulated by a larger vision of who they want to become. Their goals are distinct, which helps them stay on track and focus on the right things. One such example of a leader with the persistence on having a clear vision and ideas is business tycoon and founder of Reliance Industries, Dhirubhai Ambani. A man ahead of his times, he dared to dream on a boundless scale, which is something Narendra Modi also symbolizes. Dhirubhai converted Reliance from a small trading house to a large private sector group, listed among Fortune’s ‘World’s Top 500 Companies’. This tremendous growth was possible because of his belief in having a larger than life vision.

Modi's distinct ideas about India's growth and development are parallel with how Dhirubhai imagined the country to be. Convinced that India could become an economic superpower, he wanted Reliance to contribute towards this ideal. Both these leaders understood the importance of investment as a driving tool for development. While Dhirubhai was among the first to discover and believe in the untapped potential of capital markets, Modi has also been emphasizing on generating investments and improving basic infrastructure.

Dhirubhai believed in going forward with your vision in mind, but also emphasized on the importance of 'keeping with the times'. Updating those grand plans with new inputs and taking developments into account, is equally important. This is reflected in Modi as he charts out plans and goals, adopting new practices and revising them to accept what is the most relevant. Just as Dhirubhai, starting off with a humble beginning, created a life backed by exceptional achievements, Modi symbolizes what it means to follow one's vision with confidence, courage and conviction.

An Important similarity between these two leaders is also that both charted a path on their own and overcoming a challenge from established circles. Their vision had a jest of creativity as they discovered newer methods to achieve their objectives. While operating in an overtly protected regime, Dhirubhai could have chosen the path of his contemporaries who were too concentrated in protectionism and secured markets offered to them. Rather, he chose to tap the opportunities of today with a vision for tomorrow. The big business houses of then invested little in R&D or skills or even becoming globally competitive. Many of them thus fell out when the Indian market opened in 1991. Dhirubhai's vision was not just short term, aimed at profit of today, but also long term - becoming globally competitive. Similarly Narendra Modi's vision is not short term, oriented towards achieving smaller improvements in the governance framework, but is long term - making India globally competitive. Both of them formed a unique mix of top-down and bottom-up approach of vision implementation.

In the eighties, Reliance established the Patalganga refinery in record time, which was not just a remarkable business feat but a world class facility to refine petro products at the cheapest price. This was a feat with a vision for future, for Dhirubhai knew that someday or the other when India will be forced to open its markets, then Reliance should be numero uno. He thus undertook investment for the future decades ahead of a change. Similarly, Narendra Modi with his target of reaching at the top post started engaging at national level since 2002- 2003. Sensing the weaker points of BJP in South India, he started visiting those states from 2002-2003 with his speeches being translated in local languages and media interviews being carried in local newspapers. Similarly in most important states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (which cumulatively send the largest number of MPs in Indian Parliament) he started engaging with grassroots cadres. Though it was only a decade later that his name was propped for the top post, yet his long term vision and investment garnered great returns for him with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar returning close to a third of all BJP MPs in the parliament of 2014.

Another point of similarity between the vision of both Dhirubhai and Narendra Modi is its strong economical connect. While one can attribute this to their famous Gujarati genes, yet the vision of Dhirubhai to create value proposition for his shareholders and that of Narendra Modi to put development and economic benefit to citizens at large as the base are indeed closely connected and reflective of each other. Coming from rather humble backgrounds, both understood the fact that true prosperity and larger social or organisational benefits could only be achieved if economic benefits percolate to the lowest strata of their stakeholders. This approach made them obvious leaders upon whom people and shareholders at large could place their faith.

These leaders are accomplished not because they harbour special characteristics, special surname or familial ties, but because they choose to make their lives special. They dare to dream big, have a vision in mind and sincerely work towards realizing that vision."

Tags: Motivation,Book Summary,Indian Politics,

Forget Wi-Fi: Jack Dorsey's Off-Grid Chat App

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## Forget Wi-Fi: Jack Dorsey's New App Lets You Chat Off-Grid!

Jack Dorsey, the visionary co-founder and former CEO of Twitter (now X), is known for pushing boundaries in the tech world. After stepping away from Twitter, he's been a vocal advocate for "decentralization" – basically, spreading power around instead of having one big company control everything. And now, he's back with something truly unique: a messaging app called **Bitchat** that doesn't even need the internet!

Yes, you read that right. Imagine sending messages without Wi-Fi, without mobile data, and without even needing a phone number. That's the promise of Bitchat, which is currently in its testing phase.

**So, How Does It Work Without the Internet?**

This is where it gets clever. Bitchat uses something called "Bluetooth mesh networks." Think of it like this: instead of your message going to a big company's server and then to your friend, your phone talks directly to your friend's phone using Bluetooth. If your friend isn't close enough, your message can "hop" from your phone to another nearby Bitchat user's phone, and then to your friend's, creating a chain. As people move around, these connections form a living, breathing network, all without a central authority or internet connection. Some phones can even act as "bridges" to help messages travel further.

**Why Is This a Big Deal? Privacy and Freedom!**

Dorsey designed Bitchat with privacy as its top priority. Here's what makes it stand out:

*   **No Internet Needed:** Perfect for situations where internet access is unreliable, expensive, or even blocked (like during protests, as similar apps have been used).
*   **Super Private:** Messages are encrypted, meaning only the sender and receiver can read them. Plus, they're "ephemeral," which means they disappear after a short time, leaving no trace.
*   **No Data Collection:** There are no user accounts, no personal identifiers, and absolutely no data is collected about you or your conversations. This is a stark contrast to many popular messaging apps that gather vast amounts of user information.
*   **Off-Grid Communication:** It's built for "off-grid" use, giving people a way to communicate when traditional networks fail or are unavailable.

You can also create password-protected group chats, and the app even has a "store and forward" feature, meaning if your friend is offline, the message will be saved and delivered once they come back online and within range of the network. Future updates plan to use Wi-Fi Direct for even better range and speed.

**An Experiment in Decentralization**

While Bitchat might not replace WhatsApp or Messenger overnight, it's a fascinating experiment that aligns perfectly with Jack Dorsey's vision for a more decentralized internet. He's been a strong advocate for giving power back to users and away from large corporations.

Will Bitchat become the next big thing? Only time will tell. But it certainly offers a fascinating glimpse into a future where communication isn't always tied to the internet, and privacy is truly paramount. It's a bold step towards a different kind of digital freedom.

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