I'm not an author, I am just an explorer of the human experience on this crazy journey called life. I also happen to be a bit of a thinker, always chewing on the why and how of things. This blog is my platform to share these explorations, offering findings and insightful perspectives. So, whether you're a fellow adventurer or simply a one seeking fresh perspective, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's explore the depths of everyday life, and ponder its complexities, one post at a time!
A few days ago, I came across a tweet and some replies to it that really made me think. They spoke about privilege, adversity, and how our circumstances shape the path we take, especially when it comes to higher education and innovation in science.
Author's tweet
Support for the author's tweet
Counterpoint to the author's tweet
It made me pause and reflect.
Why didn’t I pursue higher studies?
Was it a lack of ambition, or something else?
What role did my background, my parents, and my responsibilities play?
Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury to dream big. My father worked tirelessly, barely making ends meet. My mother gave tuitions and taught in a primary school, not out of passion but necessity. There are many like me who belong to the lower middle class in India, where engineering isn’t seen as an ambition, but as a gateway to a stable job and a way to start supporting the family. I am the eldest in my family, so when I graduated with a degree in Information Technology, there was no question of further studies. The family needed support, and I had to step in. That job meant survival, more than success. If I had chosen higher studies, it would’ve meant more sacrifices, and perhaps, an increase to the family’s burden, both financially and emotionally. So I shelved my ambitions: not out of regret, but out of responsibility.
But dreams are strange things: they don’t die, they just change form. I don’t want my children to carry that weight. I want to be the cushion I never had, give my children what I never had: the luxury to choose learning over earning. Job and income shouldn't be their finish line.
They should have the freedom to take risks, to explore astrophysics, quantum computing, study the stars, or fail at a startup.
Like a runway for a plane, long enough to gain momentum before flight. Not too short for the plane crash, and not too long, for the plane to never take off.
Like training wheels on a bicycle, offering balance until they can ride on their own.
Or a safety net under a trapeze artist, not to prevent falls, but to allow daring leaps.
The wealth that I provide for them cannot just be money; it should also include freedom. And if my hard work and sacrifices mean they get to chase knowledge and focus on learning instead of just earning, then I’ve done my part for humanity.
This Eid was a little different. For the first time, I didn’t travel to Kolkata, the place where Eid always feels the most real. My parents, younger siblings, in-laws, and so many friends are all there. Every year, it’s the same: hugs, laughter, home-cooked food, and the warmth of being home.
I’ve lived in Hyderabad for nine years, but only twice have I celebrated Eid here; once during the pandemic, and now, this year. At first, I was worried - would Eid feel empty without the chaos of our big family in Kolkata? But Hyderabad surprised me.
The city I’ve called home for nearly a decade finally felt like home on Eid. This year, Hyderabad wasn’t just where we lived—it became our home away from home. I celebrated Eid with my wife and our three kids. The youngest is just 10 months old, the other two full of energy at 7.5 and 3.5 years. It was our first Eid as a family of five. And somehow, that made it special.
Friends from our apartment came together with their families. We hugged, smiled, exchanged Eidis, and shared delicious food. The kids ran around happily, dressed in their new and bright Eid clothes, excited with every sweet and every smile.
Decorated my home
The youngest one is missing. And I realize it now that in the midst of enjoyment and meet-ups we forgot to click a full family pic on Eid.
Did I miss Kolkata? Of course. My parents’ voices on video calls made my throat ache. Kolkata is my roots, always will be. But this Eid, Hyderabad gave me wings.
Because happiness was right here. In my kids’ giggles. In friends who feel like family. In those quiet, grateful moments between spoonful of sheer khurma. Here’s to more Eids like this — full of warmth, love, and memories made at home, wherever that may be.
Creators often plead, “Like, subscribe, and share!”—but should you hit “like” if you don’t genuinely enjoy a video? As someone who’s watched thousands of videos but only liked a handful, I believe a “like” should be reserved for content that truly moves you. Below is my personal top 10 list of YouTube videos - those I’ve both watched repeatedly and liked unreservedly. I keep coming to these and hope you will too.
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. Many faith-based and spiritual videos that I cherish aren’t included, as they may not resonate with everyone. Also, TED Talks alone could form an entirely separate list. But for now, here’s a mix of science, self-improvement, and mind-expanding content that I believe is worth watching. Let’s dive in!
1. To Scale: THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Most of us grew up staring at textbook diagrams of the solar system - neat little circles crammed onto a single page. But this video? It flips that idea on its head. A team actually built a real-world model in a desert, and seeing it all laid out at a true scale is downright mind-blowing.
Suddenly, those "close-together" planets we memorized as kids reveal their jaw-dropping distances. It’s one thing to know space is vast, but another to feel it - and this humble desert model nails that awe perfectly. A must-watch for space enthusiasts and anyone craving perspective.
2. The Mind-Blowing Scale of The Milky Way
Ever feel insignificant? This video takes you on a journey through the Milky Way, making you appreciate the sheer vastness of our galaxy and how tiny we truly are. Epic Spaceman breaks down our galaxy’s vastness using relatable analogies (think grains of sand and swimming pools). Perfect for wrapping your head around cosmic scales without feeling overwhelmed. What I love is that it doesn't just bombard you with numbers and scientific jargon. Instead, it gives you these "aha!" moments where you suddenly understand cosmic scales in terms you use every day. A must-watch for space and cosmos enthusiasts—honestly, anything by Epic Spaceman is worth your time!
3. Powers of Ten™ (1977)
A classic visualization of scale, taking us from the microscopic to the cosmic level in a matter of minutes. A timeless journey zooming from a picnic blanket to the edge of the universe - and back into a human cell. It’s old but still incredibly relevant. This vintage gem marries art and science, proving simplicity is key to understanding complexity.
4. Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator | Tim Urban | TED
We've all been there - that moment when you're supposed to be working, but suddenly reorganizing your sock drawer feels urgent. Tim Urban gets us. In this talk, he perfectly captures why we procrastinate with his brilliant "Instant Gratification Monkey" analogy (and yes, it's as funny as it sounds). What makes it special is how he turns that cringe-worthy recognition of our own bad habits into something both hilarious and genuinely helpful. Watch this if you've ever fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole, doom-scrolled Instagram reels, or binge-watched Netflix instead of tackling a deadline!
5. Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
Seventeen years later, this speech is still relevant. Jobs weaves his personal story into universal truths about trusting your gut, following your passion, loving what you do, and seeing meaning in life's unexpected turns. Whether you're graduating, changing careers, or just feeling stuck, it's that rare talk that actually stays with you.
6. How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek | TED
One of the best TED Talks ever. Sinek breaks down why some leaders and companies inspire, while others fail to connect. A must-watch for anyone in leadership. Sinek’s “Golden Circle” theory - starting with why - revolutionizes how we view leadership. If you’ve ever wondered why some brands or people inspire cult-like followings, this talk is for you.
7. The Power of Introverts | Susan Cain | TED
A powerful talk that highlights the strengths of introverts and why they deserve just as much recognition as extroverted leaders. Just like Rahul Dravid, a soft-spoken yet strong leader, stands alongside aggressive captains like Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting, Cain’s insights validate the immense value quiet thinkers bring in a world that often favors extroversion.
8. Isolation - Mind Field (Ep 1)
Michael from Vsauce takes a deep dive into the effects of complete isolation on the human mind by locking himself in an empty room for 3 days. This fascinating yet unsettling experiment explores the psychology of loneliness, making you appreciate and grateful for the simple comforts of connection, light, and even a passing conversation.
9. BOOKSTORES: How to Read More Books in the Golden Age of Content
In an age of endless scrolling and distractions, Max Joseph (Catfish fame) explores the magic of bookstores and the fading art of deep reading. I loved this video - the way it was crafted, the storytelling, the production quality. As a book lover (both reader and collector), I was completely drawn in. If you’ve ever struggled to finish a book, this might just rekindle your love for reading.
10. The Throne of Allah - Mindblowing
This video offers a breathtaking glimpse into the vastness of Allah’s creation, reminding us of our small yet significant place in the universe. While spiritual in nature, its awe-striking visuals and philosophical musings resonate beyond faith boundaries - an awe-inspiring watch for anyone who ponders the mysteries of existence.
11-Bonus. The best stats you've ever seen | Hans Rosling
I've read books by Hans Rosling, perhaps one of the most influential people on the internet at the start of my career, generating my love and appeal for data visualization. His ability to make numbers come alive is unmatched.
This is the most electrifying statistics lecture you’ll ever experience—Hans Rosling turns dry global health data into a jaw-dropping, bubble-by-bubble storytelling spectacle. I love how he smashes misconceptions about the "developed vs. developing world" with infectious energy and wit. Watch it to reset your worldview, and rewatch it whenever you need a reminder that progress is real (and wildly underrated).
Honorable Mentions
Some incredible channels deserve a shoutout for consistently putting out top-tier content:
Vsauce, Veritasium, Kurzgesagt: Science made fascinating. For brainy deep-dives, philosophy, and deep questions
Vox, Cleo Abram: Master researchers and explainers of culture and tech.
3Blue1Brown: Math made mesmerizing through stunning visual storytelling.
MrBeast: Entertainment with a purpose. Because sometimes you just need chaos.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, hitting that "like" button should come from the heart—not because someone asked nicely. It’s a little way to say, "Hey, this meant something to me." The videos I’ve shared here stuck with me for all kinds of reasons—some made me think deeper, others left me in awe, and a few just made me feel less alone in my weird little quirks. Now I’d love to hear from you! Did any of these make your personal favorites list? Or do you have hidden gems you think I should watch? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations. And if this blogpost felt like a friendly chat rather than just another list? Well, you know where that like, and share button is. 😊 (No pressure, though - I get it, we’re all selective with our likes!)
About Me
I am not an author. An author can go deep into the ocean of thoughts and can come out with a priceless pearl of wisdom. I am just a normal human being, sharing here my feelings and reflections on the things that involve me.
