Sanjay Shukla

All posts by sanjayshukla360

I am a good ol' Indian with a penchant for culture - food, language, music, spirituality and literature. I am also a human being with some serious issues regarding the state of our world. I dream of a positive world free from discrimination, hunger, pain, sufferings and bigotry. Passionate about writing, I believe that words have the power to convey, influence and transform this world. So, here, I share my feelings, concerns, experiences, opinions and insights through my writing. Enjoy!

Saluting Sangeet Theatre: A Legacy of English Cinema in Hyderabad & Secunderabad (1969–2007)

Once upon a time, in the heart of Secunderabad, there stood a cinematic marvel that would change the lives of movie lovers forever. The year was 1969 when the iconic Sangeet 70mm theatre graced the cityscape. Sangeet 70mm theatre, Secunderabad, was the landmark cinema hall and a popular destination for over five decades for Hollywood […]

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the Gift of Presence: Lessons from Babies, the Masters of Mindfulness

In the hustle and bustle of our adult lives, we forget the simple yet profound wisdom that babies hold. These tiny tots, with their wide-eyed wonder and boundless curiosity, have a lot to teach us about living in the present moment and the art of “letting go.” They are, in many ways, the true mindfulness […]

The Wisdom of Letting Go: A Lesson from Zen Master Zhaozhou

In the bustling Tang dynasty of 9th century China, a wise Zen master named Zhaozhou held court in his serene monastery. On one fateful day, a wandering monk named Yanyang arrived seeking answers to life’s profound questions. With a sense of emptiness, Yanyang approached the master and asked, “I have come with nothing. What do […]

Unveiling the True Essence of ‘Murti’ and ‘Vigraha’ in Hindu Worship

Beyond Labels and Misconceptions As the joyous festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi sweep through the land, one word echoes in the air: “idol.” For centuries, the Western world has cast India as the realm of idols and idolaters, often using these terms to belittle Indian traditions while elevating Abrahamic faiths as more progressive. But is there […]

Chasing Chips: The Irresistible World of Potato Chips and Other Junk Foods

Ah, the tantalizing allure of potato chips! Those crispy, salty, and oh-so-thin slices of golden deliciousness have been a snack-time staple for generations. But do you remember the iconic marketing slogan that forever etched these chips into our collective snacking consciousness? Let’s rewind to 1963 when young boys and girls at Frito-Lay were brainstorming marketing […]

Beauty Beyond Perfectionism

Why Care About Perfection? We live in a world that constantly bombards us with images and messages of what is considered perfect. Perfect bodies, perfect faces, perfect careers, perfect relationships, perfect lifestyles. We are told that we need to strive for perfection in everything we do and that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. But […]

Unveiling Destiny: A Zen Tale of Confidence and Belief

In the midst of a fierce and pivotal battle, a Japanese general stood undeterred, his conviction unwavering even though his army stood vastly outnumbered. His soldiers, however, were plagued by uncertainty, questioning their chances of triumph. With the battlefield looming ahead, a moment of divine serendipity led them to a religious shrine, a sanctuary for […]

Divine or Diabolic? Questioning Heaven and Hell

Imagine creating a realm crafted with intricacy, a world of breathtaking beauty where each detail is a masterpiece curated just for your enjoyment. Picture this grandeur, and now envision God creating an infernal pit with serpent-like flames awaiting you in hell. Does this God intend to cast you into its fiery abyss? Consider the complexity […]

Unveiling Corporate Chronicles: Harsh Bhat’s Book Reveals “Office Secrets” for Thriving in the Corporate Jungle

I vividly remember the first day I walked into an office more than 28 years ago, feeling both excited and naive. Fresh out of college, I was eager to conquer the challenges of the corporate world. Little did I know that the corporate jungle was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. Unprepared for the […]