Author Archives: Shashwat Mishra

What is one word that describes you?

I am an ordinary human being, who is a typical person without any special status, extraordinary abilities, or extreme wealth. Someone who experiencing everyday life common person, often characterized by common routines, emotions, and mistakes.

I don’t have any special abilities that I can comfortably describe. I’ve set some goals in life and am determined to fulfill them. Life moves on in those same roots and pursuits. Besides work, I read books to satisfy whatever curiosity remains.

Curiosity keeps me feel young and driving urge to learn, explore, and understand the world that fuels growth inside me. It involves a deep desire for knowledge, questioning the “why” and “what if” behind experiences, and often stepping outside comfort zones.

You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

Such an atmosphere of hatred and war has been created in the world that governments are issuing advisories for not to travel in foreign countries, travel only if it is absolutely necessary. How can one even think of travelling in such a disturbed environment.

The world is moving from globalization to selfishness, non-violence to violence, peace to war, democracy to dictatorship, brotherhood to enmity. Even the world’s most modern and safest cities are now in the grip of war.

Even if the war is being fought in one part of the world, its impact is being felt throughout the world. The world’s energy supply is being disrupted.

In an age of increasing globalisation of selfishness, there is an urgent need to practise the Gandhian social and political philosophy in order re-evaluate the concept of peace. He considered non-violence as an instrument of conflict resolution and universal harmony.

Peace is the result of a long process of compassionate dialogue, priority to humanity and tireless caring across cultural, religious, and political boundaries.

Are you superstitious?

I strongly believe in ‘Charvak philosophy’. It is the most generic sense, “Indian Materialism” refers to the school of thought within Indian philosophy that rejects supernaturalism.  It is regarded as the most radical of the Indian philosophical systems. 

It rejects the existence of other worldly entities such an immaterial soul or god and the after-life.  Its primary philosophical import comes by way of a scientific and naturalistic approach to metaphysics. It is an example of the atheistic schools in the Ancient Indian philosophies.

“Yavat jivet sukham jivet,
Rinam kritva ghritam pibet.”

As long as you live, live happily. Take debt and drink ghee (clarified butter). Conserve and nurture this body because if you lose it, you cannot get it back.

“Bhasmi bhutasya dehasya,
Punaragaman kutah.”

This body will be burnt on the pyre. Nothing will remain. You will not find any evidence of soul. This body will not come back. There is no evidence that you will be born again.

Where would you go on a shopping spree?

I live in a city where the world’s largest religious fair is held for a month every year. Here, you can find all kinds of goods to meet your needs, and merchants from all over the country set up their shops so you have lots of options.

Shopping at the Kumbh Mela or Magh Mela offers a unique, vibrant, and, immense marketplace featuring traditional, spiritual, and handicraft items from all over India.

Major highlights include, religious souvenirs (idols, holy books), regional handicrafts, traditional textiles, and, artisanal, personal care products. Popular shopping spots are located throughout the tent city in Prayagraj.

Specially exhibition of ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) and ‘Khadi Bhandar’ which give opportunity for merchants to shell their district’s best product. Items such as carpets, zari-zardosi, glass toys from Firozabad, wooden toys from Varanasi, and other handicraft products are becoming major attractions for every one.

What is the last thing you learned?

Ahimsa (non-violence) is widely considered a potent, active solution to modern global crises, offering a path to peace, social harmony, and environmental sustainability. Far from passive, it is a “soul force” that fosters dialogue over conflict, addressing issues like war, terrorism, and inequality.

Iran one of the world’s largest oil producers is being attacked by the US and Israel, while the country itself has retaliated with attacks across the Middle East. Global Witness stands with the UN and other voices calling for an immediate ceasefire from both sides.

The conflict comes after months of US military build-up in the region and repeated failed negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Today, in the age of the atomic and hydrogen bombs, a battle for supremacy is raging. Any development, research or invention should be for the benefit of humanity, not for the destruction of the world. The concept of nonviolence teaches us that the path to peace lies through dialogue, the restoration of democracy and active & strict adherence to UN laws.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

Failure is very personal affair, it depends on the standards we have set for ourselves according to a society. For example you may have not gotten the job, but at least you didn’t get a DWI(driving while intoxicated).

Failure is the such thing that makes us regard philosophy not as a core subject of the humanities, but as something weaker and more fragile, always on the verge of being shattered by some crisis.

I’ve seen many failures in life, and many times I felt like if I had compromised a little and changed my decision, the outcome might have been different. That’s why I hold myself responsible for every such situation.

Often, failure teaches you a lot and motivates you to move forward, even if it’s only for a short time. But if it lasts longer, then your decisions are wrong and need to be changed.

We may fail to accomplish something and bear the sting of a wounded ego, no matter how bitter failure is, but we know how to fight with the situation as a warrior and know the taste of victory.

Do you believe in fate/destiny?

Some believe life’s major events are already written or controlled by a higher power. In which geography, climate or country we will be born, who our parents and what’s their economic background will be, all this is predetermined.

But in the Gita a religious text, says karma’s about doing your duty (dharma) without attachment to outcomes. It’s more about the intent and action than the result. Karma stresses personal accountability, suggesting that one’s current life situation is a direct result of past actions.

Karma means that the totality of a person’s actions determine whether good or bad things will happen in this life and in the next life as well. I strongly believe in this philosophy how you dream about your life then how you plan to execute it, your action and dedication will decide your current and future.

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

Challenges are just part of the ride! Break it down into smaller pedals, stay curious, and adjust as you go. Want to dive into what’s blocking you, or need a boost to push that limit.

Life’s dynamic, so challenges are part of it and you have to regularly face it. find that sweet spot where your core principles guide you. It builds trust, respect, reputation and integrity. How do you keep that out in upcoming months, it’s a challenge.

Staying true to your core values and beliefs is what gives you direction and purpose. It’s all about being authentic and consistent with who you are. That’s keeping you motivated to stay true to yourself. And look forward with concentration towards your goal.

What bores you?

Boring persons talk too much about themselves and show little interest in others. The self-centered bore holds the floor too long, is long-winded, and when telling a story takes forever to make a point.

In the beginning, such people try to appear that everything about them is “in black and white,” until later their true colors come out. They are only heroes in words. They’ll get their work done from you without any hesitation, but they won’t be of any use to you when you need it.

Share your weaknesses. Share your hard moments. Share your real side. It’ll either scare away every fake person in your life or it will inspire them to finally let go of that mirage called “perfection,” which will open the doors to the most important relationships.

Who are your favorite people to be around?

Favourite people to be around are generally those who bring out the best in you, who really care for you, offering genuine connection, emotional safety, give unconditional support and shared joy.

I actually like living alone. Even when I’m in home, I spend max time alone in my room with books, laptop or mobile. Otherwise I spend moments with my parents, with them my home is heaven. I get that level of comfort with my parents.

No matter how many failures I faced, they never let me get discouraged. I don’t remember my parents ever behave rudely, making unnecessary pressure, speaking hard or scolding me for any mistake.

I was given complete freedom to make whatever decisions I made in life. My parents stood by me with all their might to support me. They wholeheartedly wished for your success and genuinely happy about your win.