Human progress is frequently described through the language of achievement. Successful individuals are celebrated for their accomplishments, institutions are admired for their results, and nations are judged by the milestones they reach. Yet behind many achievements lies a moment that receives far less attention: the decision to begin when the outcome remains uncertain. Before the first step is t…
Part 38 of The Poetry Pulse’s 100-part journey through Indian poetry. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s Hindi poetry is known for its forceful public voice, historical imagination and engagement with courage, justice and national identity. His work often draws on epic and historical material to ask what people should do when power and morality come into conflict. Courage is not only force Public poetry can…
Part 4 of The Poetry Pulse’s 100-part journey through India’s poetic heritage. Subramania Bharati, the Tamil poet, journalist and freedom-era writer, is celebrated for poetry that joins personal courage with social reform and national awakening. “Achamillai,” commonly understood as “I have no fear,” is remembered for its emphatic declaration of fearlessness. Versions and translations vary, so thi…
Success is often associated with talent, intelligence, hard work and favourable circumstances. People admire those who achieve excellence in their professions, overcome adversity or make meaningful contributions to society. Yet behind many lasting achievements lies a less visible quality: the ability to accept reality honestly and the determination to improve it. Human beings naturally find it di…
There are moments when a person's professional responsibility becomes something much larger than a job. For Captain Smit Machchhar, that moment came thousands of feet above the ground when a routine Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a life-threatening cockpit emergency. Seriously injured during the confrontation, Machchhar nevertheless remained focused on protecting the aircraft …
