Anupama Vaidya

By Anupama Vaidya.    Saturdays at the temple hold a special place in my heart. The sight of fellow devotees lining up with oil bottles and tamra malas, offering prasad and seeking blessings with folded hands while reciting hymns, fills me with a deep sense of tranquillity and devotion. In that sacred space, where every gesture resonates a prayer, every face exudes serenity, every expression echoes adoration & every step an unwavering faith, I find my profound connection to Bajrangbali! This connection is reinforced every morning, as I step into my car, and play Tulsidas’s Hanuman Chalisa. It is like centering myself with each verse and harmonising my thoughts & emotions. A protective energy   seems to envelope me as I listen to the soothing melodies and the powerful verses sung by Shankar Mahadevan in his deep voice. Serving as a spiritual anchor, reinforcing my inner peace, strength, courage and purpose, it prepares me to embark on my daily journey with a dete...

By Anupama Vaidya with Alina Dongre & Sunita Fernandes.  Growing up in a neighbourhood brimming with religious diversity has been an invaluable gift that I cherish lifetime. It has profoundly shaped my worldview, enriching my understanding of humanity and celebrating the very essence of coexistence. Today, I deeply appreciate the diversity within my internal team including Sunita Fernandes and Alina Dongre as well as the collaborative teams within the companies we work with. It’s truly enriching to embrace and celebrate our unique background, experiences and perspectives; fostering a deep appreciation for different cultures and instilling in me a sense of empathy and respect for people from all walks of life.   As we commemorate Eid al-Fitr, also known as Ramazan Id, fond memories flood back of the delightful desserts – sheer korma, and aromatic biryani dishes that were generously sent across by one of our neighbours. As a kid, initially I viewed Eid as a time solely for...

By Anupama Vaidya along with Sunita Fernandes.    From my balcony, as I tie the Gudi on this auspicious day, I’m greeted by the golden-hued cassia blooms adorning the lush green trees. The vibrant splashes of gulmohar flowers interspersed among them infuse the scene with a lively energy, a stark contrast to the rising intensity of the summer heat. In the markets, the mangoes are occupying the fruit space while special carts are being pushed to sell the seasons offerings, a tantalising array of jackfruits, ice-apples, jamuns, rose-apples, and other nostalgic treats that evoke cherished childhood memories. This day holds profound significance as it marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar, heralding the advent of the first day of the month of Chaitra. Revered as a time of immense auspiciousness, it coincides with the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, growth, and prosperity. (It's worth noting the tangible impacts of climate change, subtly altering the seasonal r...

By Anupama Vaidya.    On the somber day of March 28th,   the news of Daniel Kahneman’s passing on March 27th  enveloped me in a solemn silence. In reverence to his unparalleled contributions, I found solace in revisiting his legendary work, “Thinking, Fast and Slow”. In gratitude to Alistair Schofield & Gill McKay, my mentors in the space of neuroscience, who introduced me to these concepts and the book; significantly enriching my understanding of behavioral economics.     In the years to come, the memory of Daniel Kahneman's presence in our physical world will endure, even as he has embarks on his journey to the netherworld. This Sunday, I devote myself to honoring the profound learnings and living legacy of Daniel Kahneman, through his book – “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, a cornerstone of my professional development and the work I do. The “ Two System Thinking theory” of how we process information and make decisions has become an integral part of ...