POEMarium is pleased to display Manmohan Rajbanshi's review of Umasree Raghunath's winning entry in Quote Poem-73.
POEMarium by DrNK Sharma | Facebook
Neither prejudiced by the past, nor in the fear of the future, the moment, and just live the moment!!!
POEMarium is pleased to display Manmohan Rajbanshi's review of Umasree Raghunath's winning entry in Quote Poem-73.
POEMarium by DrNK Sharma | Facebook
As I sit to eat, she used to give that shrill cry...making me jerk and just be with her. She never wanted me to leave her sight, walking behind me like a puppy to the bathroom as I shower. She used to hold tight to my legs as I got ready to work and cry out of her lungs, when I pack my travel bags to onsite. From being a young mom in early twenties, to now being a sick woman in mid-forties, my journey of life revolved around her. My thoughts, dreams and aspirations were built around her progress and existence. Slowly, the world changed. Her life too. She no longer wants my presence. My words echoed like a noise. My advices chocked her to core. My very being becoming a burden to her free fly. The mother bird has to let her young one go. That is only nature. She has to now look after her purpose, her aspirations around her own life...no longer intertwined with mine. The vacuum of empty nest syndrome is real. It can be redefining the way you lived. It has to repurpose your life. Is this not the time to actually be Selfish, like she now tells you are one! Selfish being focusing on your health, wealth and happiness. No strings attached. But the threads of life are finely interlinked that you have to be careful...not to burn bridges or bend to break beyond .... this is not a mother's cry. This is the nature's way of life. As weave into the tapestry of life. After all, life is a vicious circle! In fact, a nice roller-coaster circle of ride. Tighten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!
Wings of Time (A Haibun)
She followed me everywhere—her tiny feet pattering behind
mine, her arms wrapped around my legs, her cries piercing through my heart
whenever I left. Her world revolved around me, and mine around her. From the
morning rush to bedtime stories, from school lunches to teenage dreams—I was
always there, always needed. But time is a river, never pausing, always
flowing.
Then, one day, she no longer turned back to look for me. My
words, once her comfort, became a burden. My presence, once her anchor, became
a chain. I watched as she broke free, soaring into a sky I once painted for
her. My hands, which held her steady, now trembled with emptiness. The nest is
silent, yet my heart still echoes with her laughter.
Letting go is love, too. So, I turn inward, embracing the
solitude, the new beginning. The wind whispers—this is not an end, just another
flight.
There’s a unique kind of pain in a goodbye that’s never spoken. It’s not the parting itself that lingers but the silence that follows—the questions left unanswered, the moments unresolved. These farewells, steeped in ambiguity, leave us suspended in a haze of emotions, caught between what was and what could have been. The absence of explanation becomes its own ache, an invisible weight that follows us. Yet within this discomfort lies an invitation—not just to grieve but to grow.
With a prayer of positivity
WHAT IS FINANCIAL FREEDOM?
Financial freedom in India means having enough income (from investments, rent, pensions, or business) to meet living expenses without relying on a salaried job, allowing you to live on your own terms.
HOW DOES ONE ACHIEVE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
You can achieve financial independence by building assets such as real estate, mutual fund SIPs, stocks, or fixed deposits that generate regular income and cover your monthly needs.
WHAT IS A FINANCIAL GOAL?
A financial goal in India could include saving for a child’s education (via Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana), buying a house, planning for a wedding, or building a retirement corpus through NPS or EPF.
WHAT IS FINANCIAL SECURITY?
Financial security means having enough savings and insurance (like term insurance or health insurance) to handle emergencies, retire peacefully, and fulfill key life goals.
HOW DOES DEBT IMPACT FINANCIAL FREEDOM?
Loans with high EMIs (like personal loans or credit card debt) can reduce your ability to save and invest, slowing down your path to financial freedom.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SAVINGS IN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
Savings (in PPF, recurring deposits, or mutual funds) create a financial cushion that supports investment growth and handles uncertainties.
WHAT IS NET WORTH?
Your net worth is the total of your assets (property, gold, mutual funds) minus liabilities (home loans, personal loans, credit card dues).
WHAT IS THE 50/30/20 BUDGETING RULE?
Allocate 50% of your income to needs (EMIs, groceries), 30% to wants (dining out, shopping), and 20% to savings and investments (SIPs, RD, PPF).
WHAT IS PASSIVE INCOME?
Passive income in India can include rental income, dividends from shares, interest from FDs, or affiliate marketing online.
HOW CAN INVESTING HELP ACHIEVE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
Systematic investing in equity mutual funds, PPF, and stocks can build long-term wealth and generate income that replaces your salary.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACTIVE AND PASSIVE INCOME?
Active income comes from your job or business, while passive income flows from investments like REITs, mutual funds, or rental properties.
WHAT IS THE 4% RULE IN RETIREMENT PLANNING?
The 4% rule suggests that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement corpus (like NPS or MF portfolio) is sustainable for lifelong income.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY FUND AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
An emergency fund (3-6 months’ expenses in a liquid FD, savings account, or liquid fund) helps you handle job loss, medical bills, or unexpected expenses.
WHAT IS MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME?
Having income from a job, freelance work, real estate, dividends, or digital content creation adds financial stability and growth.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FINANCIALLY SECURED?
Being financially secure means having stable income, insurance coverage, and enough savings to handle life goals and emergencies without stress.
WHAT IS A DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO?
This ratio compares your monthly debt (EMIs) to your monthly income. Ideally, it should be under 40% to ensure good financial health.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PAY OFF DEBT QUICKLY?
Use the snowball method (clearing smallest debts first) or avalanche method (paying highest-interest debt first) to reduce debt faster.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CREDIT IN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
Good credit (CIBIL score of 750+) helps you get better loan rates and easier approvals for home or vehicle loans.
HOW DOES THE STOCK MARKET HELP ACHIEVE FINANCIAL FREEDOM?
By investing in Indian equities through direct stocks or mutual funds, you can grow your wealth over time with compounding returns.
WHAT IS GOOD DEBT VS. BAD DEBT?
Good debt (like a home loan with tax benefits) can create appreciating assets; bad debt (like credit card loans) leads to high interest outflows.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS?
Spend less than you earn. This habit ensures surplus for saving, investing, and planning for the future.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A FINANCIAL PLAN?
A financial plan gives you clarity on your income, expenses, and goals (like children’s education, home purchase, or retirement), and helps you stay disciplined.
HOW CAN YOU BUILD A STRONG CREDIT HISTORY?
Always repay EMIs and credit card bills on time, maintain a healthy credit mix, and keep credit utilization under 30%.
WHAT IS A 529 PLAN AND ITS INDIAN ALTERNATIVE?
India doesn’t have 529 plans, but you can invest in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PPF, or ELSS for tax-saving education planning.
WHAT IS A FINANCIAL EMERGENCY?
A sudden expense like job loss, medical emergency, or car breakdown that can disrupt your financial stability.
WHAT IS A STOCK DIVIDEND?
It is a share of profits distributed by Indian companies to shareholders, often reinvested for compounding returns.
WHAT IS A BUDGETING SYSTEM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Budgeting helps you track income and expenses, prioritize savings, and avoid overspending—crucial for middle-class families.
HOW CAN I START INVESTING IF I’M A BEGINNER?
Start a SIP in mutual funds through platforms like Groww, Zerodha Coin, or Paytm Money. Begin small, be consistent.
WHAT IS A TAX-ADVANTAGED ACCOUNT IN INDIA?
Instruments like PPF, NPS, EPF, and ELSS offer tax deductions under Section 80C or 80CCD, reducing your taxable income.
WHAT IS A ROTH IRA AND ITS INDIAN EQUIVALENT?
A Roth IRA is similar to ELSS mutual funds, where gains after a certain period (1+ years) are taxed minimally or are tax-free up to ₹1 lakh per annum.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY TAX LIABILITY IN INDIA?
Invest under Section 80C, buy health insurance (Section 80D), invest in NPS (Section 80CCD), and avail HRA and standard deductions.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY FUND AND HOW MUCH SHOULD I HAVE?
Maintain 3–6 months of living expenses in a savings account or liquid fund to handle emergencies.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIQUID AND ILLIQUID ASSETS?
Liquid assets: cash, savings, mutual funds; Illiquid: land, property, gold jewellery.
WHAT IS COMPOUNDING AND HOW DOES IT HELP?
In compounding, your returns earn more returns. SIPs in equity funds over 10–15 years can significantly multiply your investment.
WHAT IS A GOOD INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN INDIA?
Diversify across mutual funds, gold, stocks, FDs, and real estate. Invest based on goals and risk appetite.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY FINANCIAL LITERACY?
Follow Indian finance blogs (like JagoInvestor, Cleartax), watch YouTube finance channels, read RBI and SEBI publications.
WHAT IS A LIQUIDITY EMERGENCY FUND?
Keep funds in a liquid mutual fund or high-interest savings account for immediate access in emergencies.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE A FRUGAL LIFE?
Spending mindfully, avoiding wasteful expenses, and prioritizing savings and investments for long-term peace.
WHAT IS A WEALTH-BUILDING STRATEGY?
Save early, invest regularly, minimize debt, and increase income sources (freelance, rent, side hustle).
WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) IN INDIA?
India doesn’t have HSAs, but health insurance with critical illness cover and health riders serve similar purposes.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF RETIREMENT PLANNING IN INDIA?
With limited social security, you need your own corpus via EPF, NPS, mutual funds, and pensions to retire comfortably.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A FINANCIAL MINDSET?
Being disciplined, future-focused, avoiding impulsive spending, and being consistent with savings and investments.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIXED AND VARIABLE EXPENSES?
Fixed: rent, EMI, tuition; Variable: groceries, fuel, entertainment.
WHAT IS A PENSION PLAN IN INDIA?
LIC Jeevan Akshay or NPS Tier I are popular pension schemes providing post-retirement income.
WHAT IS A 401(K) LOAN AND INDIAN EQUIVALENT?
Similar to taking a loan against your EPF in India for specific purposes like housing or education.
WHAT IS A HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN INDIA?
Banks like IDFC First, AU Small Finance, and Kotak offer savings accounts with higher interest rates (up to 7%).
HOW CAN I AVOID COMMON FINANCIAL MISTAKES?
Don’t rely only on FDs. Avoid unnecessary loans, track expenses, invest early, and insure adequately.
HOW DOES SPENDING LESS HELP ACHIEVE FREEDOM?
Lower expenses = higher savings = more investment = faster path to financial freedom.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FINANCIALLY FREE?
Having assets that generate enough income so you don’t need to depend on a monthly salary.
WHAT IS A GOOD SAVINGS RATE IN INDIA?
Aim to save at least 30% of your income—split across emergency funds, SIPs, insurance, and retirement.
#SreeStories #1
Essential skills to learn for 2025, based on emerging trends, technological advancements, and evolving workplace demands:
1. Digital Literacy
As technology continues to dominate every aspect of life, understanding how to navigate and leverage digital platforms, tools, and software will be crucial. This includes skills like cloud computing, data management, and using various tech solutions.
2. Data Analysis and Interpretation
With data being generated at an unprecedented rate, the ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions is highly valuable. Skills in tools like Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and even basic programming for data analysis (Python, R) are in demand.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are shaping the future of many industries, from healthcare to finance. Understanding how these technologies work and their applications will be a game-changer for those looking to stay relevant.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
As automation increases, soft skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, and conflict resolution will differentiate humans from machines. Being able to manage emotions and navigate social complexities is key in leadership and teamwork.
5. Cybersecurity
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, knowing how to protect digital assets and data is critical. Cybersecurity skills will be highly sought after, whether in IT or business roles.
6. Coding and Programming
Learning how to code, even at a basic level, can open doors across industries. Whether it’s Python, Java, JavaScript, or another language, understanding programming will give you an edge in today’s tech-driven world.
7. Remote Work Management
With remote and hybrid work becoming more prevalent, skills in managing remote teams, virtual communication, and productivity tools (like Zoom, Slack, Asana) are essential to ensure effective collaboration.
8. Design Thinking and Creativity
In a world driven by innovation, the ability to think outside the box and approach problems with creativity will be a highly prized skill. Design thinking encourages innovative problem-solving through empathy, ideation, and experimentation.
9. Financial Literacy
Understanding personal finance, investment, cryptocurrency, and financial markets is becoming essential for long-term stability. Skills like budgeting, investing, and understanding market trends will help both personally and professionally.
10. Sustainability Practices
With the world moving towards more sustainable practices, knowledge of sustainability, green technologies, and how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint will be a key asset in many fields.
11. Adaptability and Learning Agility
The ability to quickly adapt to new tools, technologies, and work environments is increasingly important. Being a lifelong learner, willing to upskill and reskill as needed, will be crucial for long-term career success.
12. Cultural Competency and Diversity Awareness
As workplaces become more global and diverse, the ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds, respecting diversity, and fostering inclusion will be vital for collaboration and leadership in the future.
Mastering these skills will help you stay competitive, flexible, and relevant in an ever-changing world by 2025.
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A toxic work environment can have profound effects on your mental health, often leading to a range of negative emotions and psychological issues. Here's how it can impact you:
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constantly dealing with unreasonable demands, unclear expectations, or hostile interactions can heighten stress levels, leading to chronic anxiety.
Burnout: Continuous exposure to a negative environment can drain your energy, enthusiasm, and passion for work, eventually leading to burnout. This condition can make you feel exhausted, detached, and unproductive.
Depression: The persistent negativity in a toxic workplace, such as bullying, harassment, or feeling undervalued, can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and depression.
Low Self-Esteem: Criticism without constructive feedback, micromanagement, and lack of recognition can erode your self-confidence and self-worth, making you doubt your abilities.
Emotional Exhaustion: The emotional toll of dealing with a toxic environment can leave you feeling drained and emotionally numb, affecting both your work and personal life.
Sleep Disturbances: The stress and anxiety caused by a toxic workplace can lead to sleep problems, such as insomnia, which in turn exacerbate mental health issues.
Decreased Job Satisfaction: Over time, the negative aspects of the work environment can overshadow any positive experiences, leading to dissatisfaction and a lack of motivation to perform well.
Relationship Strain: The stress from a toxic workplace can spill over into your personal life, straining relationships with family and friends, as you may become irritable, withdrawn, or overly preoccupied with work.
Health Issues: Prolonged exposure to a toxic work environment can also manifest in physical health problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, which can further impact mental well-being.
Difficulty Concentrating: The ongoing stress and negative atmosphere can make it challenging to focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity and a sense of frustration.
Recognizing these effects and seeking support, whether through counseling, speaking with a trusted colleague, or considering a change in your work situation, is essential to protecting your mental health.
HEALTH is WEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!
Japanese surprising research says:
1. Acidity not only caused by diet errors, but more dominated because of stress.
2. Hypertension not only caused by too much consumption of salty foods, but mainly because of errors in managing emotions.
3. Cholesterol is not only caused by fatty foods, but the excessive laziness or sedentary lifestyle is more responsible.
4. Asthma not only because of the disruption of oxygen supply to lungs, but often sad feelings make lungs unstable.
5. Diabetes not only because of too much consumption of glucose, but selfish & stubborn attitude disrupts the function of the pancreas.
6. Kidney stones : .Not only Calcium Oxalate deposits, but pent up emotions and hatred
7. Spondylitis : not only L4L5 or cervical disorder; but over burdened or too much worries about future
If we want to be healthy then first
1) Fix your Mind
2) Do regular Exercises,
2) Move around,
3) Do Prayers
4) Laugh and make others laugh too.
5) Make Friends
These activities will help you to strengthen your soul, mind and body...
Be Healthy And Enjoy Your Life.👍💐
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Few others that we can also see are
In the garden's quiet breath, a wilted flower lay,
Petals soft as whispers, turned to dust and grey.
Once it bloomed in splendour, kissed by morning dew,
Now it bows in silence, its vibrant days through.
Memories of sunlight, dance in faded hues,
A silent testament, to beauty's fleeting muse.
Roots still cling to earth, where dreams took flight,
Yet seasons change, and shadows steal the light.
In its tender sorrow, echoes of the past,
The wilted flower speaks, a tale that will last.
In the heart's deep garden, where time's river flows,
Even wilted flowers, can touch the soul that knows.
- Umasree Raghunath
In the rhythm of life, a melody sweet,