The Lost Art of Movement: Why a Sedentary Life is a Silent Epidemic

For centuries, human life was defined by movement. Whether as farmers, carpenters, blacksmiths, or weavers, we shaped the world with our hands. Today, we swipe through it on a screen. In the name of progress, we have abandoned the very essence of our existence—physical activity—and the cost is far greater than we realize.

The Wisdom of Labor: Lessons from the Past

I grew up in a small village where every profession demanded movement. The ironman hammering metal into shape, the potter molding clay, the carpenter chiseling wood—all of them lived in rhythm with their work

I remember seeing school teachers walking miles to their schools, priests walking barefoot to temples, women carrying water from wells and rivers, and farmers leading their buffaloes to lakes. Movement was not an afterthought—it was life itself.

Having grown up in a small place where traditional family professions were part of everyday life, I have closely observed the ironman, the laundryman, the potter, the carpenter, the farmer, the goldsmith, the blacksmith, cycle mechanics, car mechanics, auto drivers, housemaids, cleaners. I recall people riding cycles across long distances, taking their buffaloes to the village lake, women washing clothes in the streams, and families fetching water from wells, walking barefoot with pots balanced on their heads. These were lives defined by intense physical labor, keeping the body naturally fit.

This lifestyle was common for generations until urbanization and, more recently, digitization disrupted it. Man, who once relied on physical activity for survival, is now confined to a chair, staring at a small screen, endlessly swiping. If this is what we call innovation, then I hesitate to celebrate it—such developments often blur the line between convenience and a disconnection from our natural human needs.

The Link Between Physical Activity, Mood, and Intelligence

The connection between physical activity and well-being became apparent to me through two insights. First, in my readings on depression, I learned that happy hormones—like serotonin and endorphins—are released during physical activity, improving mood. Second, I discovered that engaging the body is not just beneficial for physical health but also enhances intelligence and creativity. Human brain development is deeply tied to the evolution of the human hand, particularly our opposable thumb. The ability to grip and manipulate objects with precision led to tool-making, which, in turn, shaped our cognitive abilities. Our brains are not wired to thrive in passive, sedentary conditions but rather through movement and tactile engagement.

Scientific Evidence on Agrarian vs. Sedentary Lifestyles

Multiple studies highlight the health benefits of agrarian lifestyles compared to modern sedentary ones. Here are some key findings:

1. Physical Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular Health: A study in The Lancet (2017) found that even moderate physical labor significantly reduces heart disease risks.

• Obesity & Metabolism: Research suggests that agrarian populations have lower obesity rates, better insulin sensitivity, and a reduced risk of metabolic disorders compared to urban dwellers.

• Musculoskeletal Strength: Regular farm work, such as plowing, harvesting, and carrying loads, enhances muscle strength and endurance.

2. Mental Health Benefits

• Lower Stress & Anxiety: Studies show that working in nature lowers cortisol levels and reduces depression.

• Better Sleep Patterns: Exposure to natural light and physical exertion regulates circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality.

3. Longevity & Disease Prevention

• Blue Zones Studies: Research on regions with the highest life expectancy (e.g., Okinawa, Sardinia) suggests that daily physical activity, strong social connections, and natural diets contribute to longevity.

• Lower Lifestyle Diseases: Agrarian communities have lower rates of diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers compared to urban populations.

4. Microbiome & Immunity

• Stronger Gut Microbiome: Exposure to soil bacteria strengthens immunity and lowers the risk of autoimmune diseases.

The Evolutionary Connection Between Labor and Intelligence

The importance of manual labor in human evolution is well-documented:

• Early hominins developed tools 2.5 million years ago, leading to increased brain size and complex problem-solving skills.

• Anthropological studies show that hunter-gatherers, like the Hadza of Tanzania, remain highly active and have superior cardiovascular health and cognitive function.

• Research in Nature (Stout et al., 2008) found that making tools activates the same brain areas involved in abstract thinking and language.

Personal Observations: The Contrast Between Agrarian and Urban Lives

I recall two striking examples from my village. The first was Kallappa Badiger, the carpenter, whose life revolved around chiseling wood into farm equipment. His simple yet fulfilling routine included a hearty meal of jowar roti, legumes, fresh raw carrots, and onions—fueling his physical work. Despite lacking electricity in his home, he and his family thrived in a self-sufficient and healthy environment.

Then there was And Appasaheb, a man who, despite being my grandfather’s age, seemed unchanged in his strength and energy over 20 years. He rode bullock carts, plowed fields, and carried fodder for his cattle. His life was undisturbed by outside influences—his body and mind preserved by a routine of daily labor and a natural diet.

Contrast this with a friend from my office, a successful department head who developed diabetes at 40. His sedentary job had taken its toll, and in a bid to reclaim his health, he turned to yoga and environmental volunteering. This speaks to an essential truth: urban professional success should not come at the cost of health. The real challenge is not merely earning but wisely using our wealth to sustain a holistic life.

The Downside of Wealth and Processed Foods

Ironically, wealth often correlates with poorer health. The economically privileged, who have access to diet foods and multivitamins, frequently struggle with obesity, while the poor, despite having limited healthcare access, tend to be fitter. This is largely due to their diet—simple home-cooked meals, fresh produce, and minimal exposure to processed foods, which the wealthy often consume without a second thought. Processed foods, though convenient, introduce chemicals and unhealthy fats that disrupt metabolic health over time.

Rethinking Urban Life: Finding Balance

I am not suggesting outright rejection of urban life—cities provide financial opportunities and innovation. However, awareness is key. The modern attention economy, aggressive food industry marketing, and social media addiction have pushed many toward inactivity. It is time to reclaim control over our well-being.

Urban dwellers must learn from their village roots, just as rural communities must adapt to modern advancements. Incorporating physically engaging activities into our daily lives—whether through DIY projects, playing musical instruments, writing, cleaning, or even home-cooking—can help restore balance.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Life

1. Identify time-wasting technologies that offer little real value and limit their use.

2. Prioritize essential technology—tools that genuinely enhance productivity and life quality.

3. Engage in hands-on leisure activities, whether gardening, cooking, or physical hobbies.

4. Cook more during weekends and involve family members to make it a bonding experience.

5. Choose home-cooked meals over processed foods, even when wealth affords the latter.

By making these mindful changes, we can ensure that modern life does not come at the cost of our health and happiness. Let us put down our screens, move our bodies, and return to a lifestyle that aligns with our true nature as human beings.

 

 

Why Do People Leave Villages? Why Do Some Stay?

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the question: Why do some people leave their villages while others, like you and me, remain?

My childhood was woven with memories of village life—festivals, close-knit communities, and a peaceful rhythm that felt timeless. Yet, even as I cherished these experiences, I noticed something intriguing: some people never set foot in a village and carried stereotypes about rural life being crude and lacking modern comforts. Others, who were born and raised in villages, eventually left—never to return.

At first, I thought I could classify these people into neat categories. But the more I examined this phenomenon, the more complex it became. The choice to stay or leave is not binary; it is shaped by deeply personal, social, economic, and even existential forces.

The Many Layers of Migration

To analyze this further, let’s explore some of the key forces that shape migration decisions:

• Structural Constraints: Economic hardship, caste discrimination, lack of job opportunities, healthcare, and education.
• Aspirational Agency: The lure of urban success, education, upward mobility, and modernity.
• Cultural Anchors: Land ownership, ancestral traditions, family ties, and community belonging.
• Existential Identity: The search for meaning, self-actualization, and alignment of one’s identity with place.

Migration is not just about economics—it is about belonging, purpose, and identity.

The Psychological Battle: Rural vs. Urban Identity

Take, for example, a young student from a poor rural background. He cherishes his village memories, but education exposes him to urban aspirations. He begins to see a world of possibilities beyond his village, where success is measured by wealth and mobility. Slowly, the village feels smaller, less exciting. The chances of this person leaving are significantly higher than someone who finds deep meaning in rural traditions.

Conversely, consider a farmer whose ancestors have tilled the same land for generations. Despite economic struggles, his identity is intertwined with the land. He finds spiritual fulfillment in the simplicity of rural life. Even with opportunities elsewhere, he stays—not because he lacks ambition, but because his roots provide a stronger sense of self than any city ever could.

A Predictive Framework for Migration

Based on my research, I developed a framework to predict whether a person will leave their village or stay. It can be summarized mathematically as:

$M = \alpha (P + A) + \gamma E_{pull} - \beta C - \theta E_{anchor}$

Where:

• M = Migration likelihood (M > 0: leaves, M ≤ 0: stays)
• P = Push factors (poverty, discrimination, lack of services)
• A = Pull factors (urban education, jobs, status)
• C = Cultural anchors (family, traditions, religious ties)
• E_pull = Urban existential pull (self-actualization, breaking societal constraints)
• E_anchor = Rural existential anchor (ancestral identity, spiritual fulfillment)
• α, β, γ, θ = Weights reflecting personal priorities

Individuals migrate when their aspirational/structural motivations and urban-aligned existential identity outweigh cultural anchors and rural-aligned existential identity.

Real-World Scenarios

Case 1: Dalit Artist Seeking Freedom

• Push: Caste discrimination (7/10)
• Pull: Urban art market (4/10)
• Existential Pull: Desire to redefine identity (8/10)
• Cultural Anchor: Family craft tradition (5/10)
• Existential Anchor: Pride in folk art (6/10)

If personal weights favor existential identity, migration is likely.

Case 2: Upper-Caste Landowner Preserving Legacy

• Push: Low (2/10)
• Pull: Urban investments (3/10)
• Existential Pull: Prestige in city (4/10)
• Cultural Anchor: Landownership (9/10)
• Existential Anchor: Role as village patriarch (8/10)

Here, strong cultural and existential anchors outweigh urban pulls—he is more likely to stay.

Future Discussions on Migration

This discussion only scratches the surface of migration and its impact. There are deeper economic, cultural, and psychological consequences that must be explored further. In a future blog post, I will delve into these aspects more thoroughly, analyzing how migration affects cultural preservation, social structures, and personal identities in the long run.

Looking Back to Move Forward: A Reflection on Simpler Times

As I sit down to write this in 2025, I find myself looking back—not out of nostalgia alone, but in search of lessons that the past might offer us. The past is often a treasure trove of wisdom, a guide that, if heeded, can illuminate a path toward a better future. And in a world where our lives have become increasingly chaotic, hyper-connected, and cluttered with digital distractions, I feel an urge to revisit moments from my life when simplicity was not just a choice but a way of being.

This is not about glorifying the past but about making it relevant—reintroducing its richness into our present so that it fuels a more meaningful future. My writings today are based on my perspective on digital minimalism, which may evolve over time. As Mahatma Gandhi once said in his autobiography, later reflections should be seen as improved versions of earlier thoughts rather than contradictions. Perhaps, in doing so, I can offer the younger generation a glimpse of what we once had, not as an artifact of nostalgia but as a compass for recalibrating our present lives.

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Window 1: A Day in Savadi (Late 1980s – Early 1990s)

A summer morning in Savadi began with silence—no automobiles for miles, no buzzing notifications, no alarms except for the natural symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves. We woke up to the warmth of the morning sun, our first gaze upon the vast open sky, the lush greenery of our garden. There was no phone, no television, no tape recorder—just an old radio crackling with life.

The day was slow, but it was full. We swam in the river, bought fresh fruits and berries at the village bazaar—no UPI, just cash, and sometimes barter. Sugarcane was a delicacy, its sweet juices trickling down our hands as we bit into the fibrous stalks. Life was lived in the moment—no instant messages, no digital calendars, just the natural rhythm of sunrise and sunset.

Lunch was an occasion, where stories flowed as freely as the food. There was no news bombardment, no distractions—just human voices, laughter, and the scent of home-cooked meals filling the air. We listened intently to stories about our father’s whereabouts and updates about distant relatives, passed down through word of mouth. We watched our mother and grandmother doing household chores, played rural games near the house amid the sounds of birds and buffaloes, and sometimes played cards or board games with family members.

In the evenings, we took long walks to the farm, played in the open fields, and returned home as the sun dipped behind the horizon, accompanied by the sounds of crickets and birds retreating to their nests. There were no automobiles; our world was wrapped in the stillness of nature. There was no electricity; our nights were lit by moonlight and the gentle glow of oil lamps. We ended the day with storytelling, antakshari, and songs from the radio, sleeping under the open sky, the rustling coconut trees whispering lullabies to us.

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Window 2: A Day in Billur (Mid-1990s)

Mornings in Billur began with devotion. The songs from Gurubasaveshwar Mutt filled the air, sometimes accompanied by the soulful voice of a local singer standing outside, offering hymns to the morning. We brushed our teeth outside in the open courtyard, surrounded by dozens of cousins, chattering away even before the day had properly begun.

Tea was a grand event—a sea of people gathered in the kitchen, sharing warmth and laughter. My grandfather would light the firewood to heat water for our baths. A faint hum of Lata Mangeshkar’s songs from Sangli AM station played in the background as life unraveled in its own leisurely pace. Cricket was our religion, and the day was structured around it—hours of play before breakfast, again before lunch, and often until dusk.

Meals were incomplete without mangoes—sometimes eaten before lunch, sometimes with lunch, sometimes even replacing lunch! Television had made its way into our lives, but it was communal. We watched movies together, cheered for our favorite cricket teams, and laughed over the same sitcoms. After evening tea, we would either go for a walk in the countryside, telling stories, or gather at the high school ground for more games.

Evenings meant sitting outside under the peepal tree, sharing stories, and playing antakshari with elders and cousins alike. Dinners were accompanied by pravachan from the mutt, and as night fell, we lay outside under the stars, listening to the elders' conversations before sleep took over.

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Window 3: A Day in Athani (Late 1990s, School Days)

School days in Athani had a rhythm of their own. Mornings were about discipline—cleaning the bed, filling water, finishing homework. On some days, I would head to the bus stand to collect milk cans from the village, a task that had to be completed with precision before 11 AM.

Getting ready for school was simple—no checking messages, no last-minute emails, just a routine as steady as the rising sun. We cycled to school, free of tracking apps or concerned texts from parents. At school, there were no mobile phones, no WhatsApp groups, no earphones dangling from our ears—just friendships formed through conversations, pranks, and shared moments.

Lunch breaks meant playing games, buying Pepsi for 50 paise, and relishing tamarind mixed with salt. There was no internet for instant homework solutions, no YouTube tutorials—learning happened through teachers and textbooks, and sometimes, through sheer trial and error. We drank water from roadside hand pumps, played till dusk, and cycled home telling stories. Evenings were for WWE, video games at a friend’s house, or simply watching a daily soap with family. As bedtime approached, we listened to songs on a tape recorder—no algorithm deciding our next song, just a cassette rewound to our favorite track.

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Lessons from the Past: A Call to Recalibrate

These glimpses from my childhood are just fragments of a larger, richer life we once lived—one that was slower, yet deeper. A life where our minds, though engaged and productive, were calm and unburdened. A life where relationships were built face-to-face, where resilience was forged in real-world experiences, and where happiness wasn’t measured in notifications and screen time.

Today, we are busier than ever, yet something essential has been stripped away. We no longer sit with family the way we used to. We don’t play creatively, nor do we take responsibility for our lives without seeking digital validation. Where, then, will our resilience come from? If we do not pause and reclaim what we have lost, we will remain mere consumers of a manufactured reality, victims of circumstances rather than the architects of our own lives.

A Personal Plea for Change

My honest appeal to you is this—look back at your simpler, richer self and recalibrate your present. Limit your dependence on technology, using it only when it truly adds value to your life, rather than for fleeting dopamine hits. The moment we approach the modern world with intention, we will start to see the hidden treasures we have overlooked—the richness of genuine presence, of unfiltered joy, of life lived fully rather than observed from behind a screen.

I write this after more than a month of digital detox, inspired by a book by Cal Newport. His appeal for digital minimalism is compelling, yet I feel nostalgia plays an equally crucial role. Nostalgia does not merely remind us of what we once had; it helps us reclaim who we truly are. It is not about resisting progress but about choosing what is worth carrying forward. My past has always helped accelerate my future, and I hope, in some way, it will guide yours too.

The time to reclaim our true, richer selves is now.

The Quiet Power of Inner Compassion

Today, after several re-writes over the last couple of days, I attempt once more to bring attention to a concept that has the potential to transform lives—self-supporting thoughts and inner compassion. With due credit to the brilliant scientists and psychologists who’ve illuminated how our brains work and how our mood can be influenced by specific thoughts, I want to highlight a critical, yet often overlooked, character trait that can offer solace to those grappling with stress and despair.

When I first came across this idea in Paul Gilbert’s work, I was struck by a single question: Why hadn’t anyone told me this before? Through years of education, countless social interactions, and reading many books, not once had this profoundly beautiful concept been brought to my attention. Why hasn’t this idea, with its potential to uplift and heal, become a cornerstone of our cultural narrative?

Understanding Depression and the Role of the Mind

As I delved deeper, a cascade of thoughts followed, reshaping how I viewed depression. While external circumstances—genes, traumatic events, toxic relationships, or early life adversities—create fertile ground for depressive states, our minds themselves are not the culprits. In fact, they are innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of life’s challenges.

Our minds, equipped with ancient evolutionary defense mechanisms, do their best to shield us from pain and danger. Yet, they are often left to fight this battle alone. Nobody—not even we ourselves—offers our minds compassion, love, or understanding when they falter. Instead, we become harsh critics, berating ourselves with thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ve failed again.”

Research has revealed how such self-attacks exacerbate stress and depression. Depression often arises when stress hormones dominate, suppressing the chemicals responsible for good moods. To feel better, we need to restore this balance by nurturing the production of “good mood chemicals”—those that flourish when we feel loved, respected, supported, and valued.

The Case for Inner Compassion

And yet, in our darkest moments, how often do we extend these feelings to ourselves? Do we offer love, respect, or support to the one person who needs it most—ourselves? Instead of nurturing our minds, we act as bullies, amplifying the stress. But what if we made a different choice?

Imagine replacing self-criticism with self-compassion. What if, when life went awry, we became our own greatest ally? It’s not an easy shift, but by consciously sending our brains more positive, forgiving signals, we create space for good chemicals to thrive. Over time, this small act of kindness towards ourselves has the power to minimize the negative and maximize the positive.

Inner compassion doesn’t promise to solve every problem, but it equips us with a psychological toolkit to navigate life’s challenges with grace. It helps us recognize that treating ourselves kindly isn’t just emotionally beneficial—it’s biologically essential.

The Lone Warrior Within: A Journey to Self-Compassion

When I first read about this concept, I was struck by a deep sense of respect—and a profound pity—for the lone warrior, my own mind, which had been battling life’s toughest challenges in silence. I imagined it as scarred with stress and anxiety, worn from countless battles, and yet still fighting on. Overwhelmed by emotion, I placed a hand over my heart and whispered a heartfelt apology to myself for all the moments I had ignored my own needs.

In that instant, countless memories rushed back like scenes from a movie. I saw the innocent child within me who had been ridiculed by bullies at school, whose joyful laughter was met with mockery. I recalled the unfair comparisons teachers made, setting meaningless bars for all children, irrespective of their unique circumstances. I remembered the toxic pride in those who excelled in competitive exams in a country where most children lack access to quality education. I saw the relentless expectations for productivity in workplaces where just securing a job is an ordeal.

I saw, too, the shivering hands clutching cigarettes and alcohol—people misguidedly harming their bodies in a desperate bid to soothe their minds. 

"This definition of success is so self-defeating and soul-shrinking, isn’t it?" I thought. But alongside the pity, there arose a deep sense of pride. At my core, I recognized a powerful force—my mind—that had taken on the world single-handedly. The realization filled me with renewed confidence and a determination to treat myself with the compassion I deserved.

A Culture of Overdrive and the Need for Change

Unfortunately, our modern culture doesn’t value this. Today’s idea of “success” revolves around relentless pressure, constant productivity, and an unyielding quest for perfection. The result? Countless souls pushed to their breaking point, left to grapple with feelings of inadequacy in a system that rarely pauses to value individuality.

Why must every tree be a mango tree, destined for a luxurious five-star recipe? In the harsh desert, the cactus thrives, bearing fruit and offering nourishment to a weary traveler. Is the cactus tree any less remarkable because it isn’t a mango? Context matters, and our society must learn to appreciate every individual for the unique gifts they bring to the table.

The same applies to our own self-evaluations. Instead of judging ourselves harshly, why not celebrate the strength it took to survive the storms we’ve weathered? Why not value ourselves for enduring difficult times and persisting despite the odds?

Why, then, is this idea not a cornerstone of our culture? Why do we glorify relentless striving at the cost of mental health, leaving countless broken souls on the path to a single, narrow definition of success?

 

A Vision for the Future

The world needs a paradigm shift. Success should not be measured by uniform standards. Every individual brings unique strengths shaped by their circumstances. We must honor this diversity, valuing ourselves and others not for conformity but for perseverance and authenticity.

Let us promise ourselves this: we will not bully ourselves. We will not treat ourselves as subordinates. We will not resort to self-destructive habits like cigarettes or alcohol in desperate attempts to survive life’s battles. Instead, we will find our answer in inner compassion.

Imagine a world where this mindset becomes the norm—a world where compassion starts from within. By cultivating inner compassion, we create a foundation of resilience that allows us to face life’s hardest moments with gratitude and grace.

Let’s spread this message. Let’s normalize the idea that self-kindness isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. Let’s teach ourselves and others to honor the situations we’ve survived and to respect the storms we’ve weathered.

The insights from modern research have given us a gift—a roadmap to psychological well-being and richer, fuller lives. It’s time we embrace it. It’s time we ask ourselves: Will I treat myself with the compassion I deserve? Will I help others discover this transformative truth?

The choice is ours. Let’s begin with ourselves. Let’s change the world, one act of inner compassion at a time.

The Incredible Comeback of Choturao

 

A few days ago, we had a special visitor at home—my cousin Choturao, a relative of mine. Choturao wasn’t just any cousin; he was a central figure in our childhood, the life of our summer vacations. Back then, Choturao was the epitome of energy and charm, the leader of our gang. Whether it was cricket matches where he hit sixes and fours to save the day or planning the most adventurous ways to make the best of our holidays, Choturao was always the one we looked up to. While my sister and I had a small fan following among the younger kids, Choturao was the undisputed hero of our little universe.

 

 But life had other plans. Tragedy struck early when Choturao’s father, my maternal uncle, passed away due to a medical condition at the young age of 56. At just 18 years old, Choturao found himself shouldering the weight of his family. Not only did he have to take care of his household, but also of our aging grandparents. His once-bright future dimmed as he had to drop out of school to take care of the family farms in his village.

 

Over the years, the burden of responsibilities and a series of setbacks took their toll. The Choturao we knew began to fade. He gained weight, fell into bad company, and eventually slipped into alcoholism. Financial struggles pushed him to sell his father’s house and even his television at one point. While the rest of us graduated, found jobs, and got married, Choturao’s life seemed to stagnate. I remember receiving calls from him during his drunken bouts, rambling nonsensically. At times, it upset me, and I even felt angry, but deep down, it was heartbreaking.

 

News of his condition grew worse. From alcohol, he turned to substance abuse, taking tablets that would leave him sleeping for hours in the middle of the day. It was during this lowest phase of his life that some of his good friends and well-wishers stepped in. They took him to therapy—not for general counseling, but specifically to address his alcoholism. Slowly, through therapy and support, Choturao began to heal.

 

The man who visited us last week was unrecognizable—not because he was different, but because he had found himself again. Now a married man, Choturao has a loving wife who brought into his life not just companionship but also resilience and the ability to face tough times head-on. Together, they have two adorable kids who are a source of joy and pride. His wife, from outside the community, brought a fresh perspective and an inspiring work ethic that complemented Choturao’s own strength.

 

During his visit, Choturao’s transformation shone brightly. My mother, who had been feeling unwell, was instantly comforted by his calm demeanor. “I’ve taken care of Grandpa, Grandma, and even my parents. Your knee will be fine in 45 days, and this dizziness will disappear in three. Just stay calm!” he assured her with confidence. Surprisingly, his words seemed to work like magic. My mother felt relaxed, and her symptoms actually started to improve just as he predicted.

 

Before he left, I casually asked him to show me his home over a video call once he reached. True to his word, the next evening, he called and took me on a virtual tour of his house. Room by room, he showed me his beautiful home, sharing small anecdotes about what each family member does in different corners. The joy in his voice and the laughter of his children in the background were infectious.

 

As the tour ended and we circled back to the main door, he shared how his house was near the road we used to take to the village fair as kids. Memories came rushing back—of drinking sugarcane juice, enjoying countless rides, and getting dragged home by our parents as the fair lights dimmed. I even asked about the “Eleven Star” cricket club, and Choturao’s face lit up as he recalled the names of our childhood teammates. He told me how he still meets some of them and how they’ve all settled down.

 

Choturao’s story is one of resilience and redemption. He rebuilt his life from the ground up, finding strength in unexpected places—his friends, his therapy for alcoholism, and his wife. His journey is a reminder that even when life seems impossible, it’s never too late to turn things around.

 

While Choturao's story inspired me to write this piece, the urgency to convey its message was sparked by a tragic incident I heard about a neighbor. He had recently lost his job and, following an argument with his wife, took the extreme step of ending his life. The news was heartbreaking, but an elderly neighbor’s comment struck a chord: “Ending one’s life is not the answer. I wish I’d had the chance to meet him, to help him open up and talk about his challenges.” That perspective, combined with Choturao’s incredible turnaround, made me reflect deeply on the importance of mental health and support systems.

 

As I sat down to dinner that night, my mother shared a picture Choturao’s wife had sent of their son winning first prize in a fancy dress competition at school. The photo was a perfect reminder of how precious and beautiful life is. Choturao’s journey isn’t just a story of survival; it’s a celebration of life’s resilience and the joy that comes from embracing every moment.

 

Life, with all its ups and downs, truly is a grand celebration. And people like Choturao, who face their darkest times and emerge stronger, make it all the more meaningful.

The Symphony of Health: A Journey to Wholeness

Health is not just a state of being—it is an active celebration of life. It is the harmony of body, mind, and spirit, a balance that cannot be achieved solely through thought or analysis. True realization comes from doing, from fully engaging with the tools and faculties nature has bestowed upon us. This is a truth I’ve come to understand deeply over the past few months, a period marked by discovery, challenges, and ultimately, transformation.

The Beginning of the Journey:
Two months ago, I experienced my first bout of severe anxiety. It came unexpectedly, triggered by a small article I read in Gemini. The words struck a nerve, sending waves of fear through my body. My blood pressure spiked alarmingly, and unfamiliar sensations overwhelmed me. This marked the onset of what I would later recognize as health anxiety—a whirlwind of physical symptoms amplified by a hyper-awareness of my body.

Consulting a doctor became inevitable. He recommended tests for my heart and lungs, which were areas of previous concern. Yet, even before the tests, the anxiety of waiting consumed me. Life complicated matters further—my mother’s surgery delayed my ability to focus on my health.

Eventually, I found a compassionate doctor who reassured me. The tests came back normal, save for slightly elevated triglycerides. An echocardiogram confirmed that my heart was healthy. When the doctor shared this news, I felt tears well up—tears of immense relief and gratitude. In that moment, I realized how much I had underestimated the importance of holistic health, not just as a concept but as a lived experience.

The Catalyst for Change:
The doctor’s advice was simple: no medication, just regular exercise. He believed my challenges were rooted in lifestyle choices rather than disease. Though it sounded straightforward, this suggestion became a turning point. I began cycling and using the treadmill daily. Within a week, I noticed profound changes: my body felt lighter, my mood improved, and my anxiety diminished.

For years, I had neglected the physical side of my existence, caught up in the sedentary routines of urban life. This sudden shift to active living felt like waking up from a long slumber. It wasn’t just my body that benefitted; my mind, too, found clarity and peace.

A Journey Through Time: From Hunter-Gatherers to Corporate Lifestyles:
As I embraced this transformation, I reflected on how humanity's relationship with physical activity has evolved over millennia. For the majority of our existence, humans were hunter-gatherers. Survival demanded constant movement—walking, running, climbing, and foraging were integral to daily life. Our bodies were sculpted by nature for this active lifestyle, and our minds thrived in harmony with it.

Even in more recent times, especially in countries like India, physical activity remained central to life. Until a few decades ago, much of the population engaged in agrarian activities, where farming, manual labor, and household chores ensured a natural rhythm of movement. These activities, though labor-intensive, aligned with our evolutionary design.

However, the late 20th century brought profound changes. Globalization and urbanization reshaped societies, introducing corporate jobs and a race for the corner office. Sedentary professions replaced physical labor, and modern conveniences like elevators, cars, and screens reduced our need to move. The result? A stark disconnection from our natural state, leading to an epidemic of lifestyle-related ailments—obesity, anxiety, and chronic diseases.

Lessons from the Journey:
This journey taught me that health is multifaceted. While positive thoughts and mental discipline are crucial, they are incomplete without the active engagement of the body. As humans, we are designed to move, to explore, and to utilize our physicality fully. Neglecting this aspect of ourselves is akin to leaving a symphony half-played.

I drew inspiration from stories like that of Milind Soman, the celebrated fitness enthusiast who once ran from Delhi to Mumbai in two months. His discipline and vitality are awe-inspiring, as is the example set by his mother, who remains active and healthy even in her 80s. These figures reminded me that age, too, is no barrier to physical well-being—it is our mindset and habits that determine the quality of our lives.

The Path Forward:
Good health is not a matter of chance; it is a deliberate choice. It requires awareness, discipline, and a commitment to use the body and mind in harmony. Physical activity is not merely about fitness; it is a form of self-expression, a way of honoring the intricate design of our being.

The completeness of human experience lies in the full engagement of our faculties. When we move, breathe deeply, and push our limits, we establish an equilibrium that nourishes both body and soul. This balance becomes a cornerstone of well-being, infusing our days with energy and our nights with peace.

A Call to Action:
To those reading this, I offer my journey as a reflection and an invitation. Think about the life you are leading. Are you using the gifts of your body to their fullest potential? Are you living in alignment with your nature? The answers to these questions hold the key to a richer, more fulfilling existence.

Good health is not just about longevity—it is about quality, balance, and self-realization. It is about creating a legacy of well-being for future generations, demonstrating through action that life’s greatest joys are found in the harmonious use of all that we are.

Let us honor the gift of life by embracing it fully, living not just as thinkers but as doers. In doing so, we breathe new vitality into our days and leave behind a world inspired by the beauty of a life well-lived.

The Magic of Warmth in Modern Healthcare

What a beautiful day it has been—a perfect time to reflect on the profound role mental well-being plays in patient care and the overall healthcare experience. I’m not a doctor or medical practitioner, yet I’ve always believed that true healing goes beyond prescriptions and procedures. It lies in the bond a doctor creates with a patient—not just as a subject to treat but as a fellow human being with fears, hopes, and stories.

This belief crystallized for me during a recent struggle with health anxiety. If you’ve ever experienced it, you’ll understand the turmoil—a relentless fixation on every tiny sensation in your body, as though each one harbors some impending disaster. It’s a battle fought in the mind as much as in the body. During my worst bouts, I found solace in reading extensively about health anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Books on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) became my lifeline, helping me understand the cyclical nature of my fears. But the real turning point came not just from words on a page but from the people in my life.

I can still feel the overwhelming relief that washed over me when I sat with my wife and children, surrounded by their love and warmth. My mother’s gentle reassurances carried me through the worst nights, while a long and heartfelt conversation with my father and sister felt like stepping into the sunlight after days of rain. In those moments, I rediscovered the richness of life beyond the confines of anxiety—the warmth of human connection, the healing power of love, and the joy of simply being present with those who matter most.

These experiences stirred up memories of my earlier interactions with doctors. Having lived in rustic villages, mid-sized towns, district headquarters, and now in Bangalore—a bustling metropolis—I’ve seen healthcare in all its hues. Growing up in close-knit communities, where everyone knew everyone, taught me the value of personal connection in caregiving. It’s a perspective I feel is increasingly rare in today’s industrialized medical landscape.

One of my earliest memories of healthcare comes from stories my grandmother would tell. She once recounted how she gave birth to my aunt while fetching water from a well. Imagine this—labor pains gripping her as she balanced heavy pots on her hip, making her way home as if nothing was amiss. The resilience of that era was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a story she told with neither pride nor complaint, just as a matter of fact.

Another vivid memory takes me back to when I was born. My grandmother, ever practical and unflinching, brought a gas stove to the hospital and cooked rice right there in the room where my mother had delivered me. The room smelled of home, of care, of life carrying on despite everything. Fast forward decades later, when my mother underwent knee surgery in a state-of-the-art suite at a modern chain hospital. Nurses took meticulous care of her, and we—her family—were mere spectators. The contrast couldn’t be starker.

While the advancements in healthcare today are undeniable, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the richness of human connection that once defined the experience. Back then, doctors weren’t just healers; they were confidants, mentors, even family. My father often recalls how the local doctor in his hometown would treat injured children after their evening play, free of charge. Imagine a group of boys, dusty and scraped up from their games, crowding into the clinic. The doctor, knowing each child by name and family history, would patch them up with care and send them on their way. For those children, he wasn’t just a doctor; he was a cornerstone of their community.

One of my favorite stories, though, is about my great-grandfather. At 90, after a debilitating stroke left him partially paralyzed, he was being treated by English doctors in Miraj. Yet, it was a group of hometown doctors who visited him and offered the most profound advice. Observing him with quiet attention, they told my father to discharge him and let him eat whatever he desired. “Let him live out his days in peace,” they said. And live he did—for five more years, filled with the simple joys of life, before asking to be taken to the house where he was born. A week after arriving there, he passed away, surrounded by the familiar walls of his childhood—a peaceful farewell that still echoes in our family’s collective memory.

Recently, I found a glimmer of this old-world warmth in a senior doctor in Bangalore. On my first visit, he asked where I was from and lit up when I mentioned Belgaum, reminiscing about his connections to the city. By the second visit, he had won over my entire family. His clinic was a haven—soft strains of Mukesh and Kishore Kumar played in the background, while he took his time explaining every aspect of our treatment. Even his dietary advice felt like a personal note of care.

Such doctors are rare gems, their approach a balm in a world where efficiency often overshadows empathy. The contrast is stark—super-specialty hospitals with hurried consultations, where patients are treated like cases to be closed, versus the deeply personal care I’ve been fortunate to experience.

As I reflect on my journey, I dream of a future where we can combine the best of both worlds—the technological brilliance of modern medicine and the heartfelt warmth of yesteryears. Imagine a healthcare system where patients feel truly seen, valued, and cared for, not just in body but in mind and spirit.

We have the tools, the knowledge, and the legacy. All it takes is the will to weave them together into a tapestry of care that heals not just the physical, but the emotional and spiritual as well. Will you join me in spreading this message? Together, let’s create a world where healthcare becomes not just a service but a celebration of life, love, and connection.