The last year - 2022

Became father on 1 January. This is a milestone of this life. The year review blog didn't come to priority list. I started writing in mid- Jan and I am publishing this today on 19 Feb.

The highlight of last year is equally divided between professional and personal life. I must say 2022 was a super-duper year from most perspectives. 

1) Joining EdCast on 4 January was a big event. However, the excitement soon died down and I struggled for the initial 3-4 months. The primary reason being the switch from public to private industry and the resignation of Arjun, followed by the forced attempt to make me the director of FutureSkills Prime(FSP) project. I remember the desperate calls I made to explore different options, more in Assam and outside India, but not again to NSDC (remember how painful was re-applying to NeGD). I am not sure whether that emotion would have continued for long; but there comes the big personal news and a huge decision. The subsequent acquisition by Cornerstone on Demand (CSoD) exposed me to a completely new domain of professional experience. There were both good and bad, with more weightage towards good. While adamant people like Anupma/Snigdha, appraisal discussion with Sonal, irritating talk with Harsh, Pramod's irrational asks, Shuja's behavioural issues, Mukesh's ask to visit Nasscom office regularly were not so good, the discussion on M3 and DVF, recruiting Mayank, Rahul, Aarohi and Payal, get together at NASSCOM office, work on Marketplace revenue model, EdCast's approval on my WFH, knowledge on compliances were good memories. To be honest, the relocation approval from Delhi to Assam is one thing for which I am ready to forgive all 'bad' things of EdCast/CSoD.

2) The confirmation of a 'life' inside Nina's womb was an amazing moment. The failed efforts since 26 Jan, PregaNews showing double tick on 10 May, then the Kerala trip with 50% confirmation (blood

report says YES, ultrasound says NO), then the final sonography on 31 May, and breaking the news to everyone on 1 June-wow! The health issues with Nina and the apprehensions before our big decision to relocate to Assam were two critical points. I am so thankful to God for a conducive atmosphere at office which enabled me to relocate. Life is so humble (even career aspirations are- which is a worry at times) and simple in this part of the country. The last 10 days of the year were spent in the preparation and decisions of Nina's delivery. Lot of knowledge alongside as well. All the decisions have been positive; 2022 was great.

3) On creativity front, 2022 was great. I made substantial progress on A2O writing. This started after the 3 May call with Niluptal and the 'josh' I got. I started enjoying the writing-first on paper and then on laptop. I completed the first part and in the middle of second part. I even had a chat with Dr. Rubul Mout. The last year's diary contains multiple pages on my writing approaches of A2O- my problems, decisions, conversations with multiple people who have written
autobiography etc would be valuable later.  The year was great from other creative perspectives as well. The গৰিয়সী initiative was a time-consuming but valuable task. The article for Platinum Jubilee is another important task accomplished in last year. The article for Agia College Silver Jubilee, the presentation at AFGB, my name in Newspaper for Google Translator thing, the moderator's task at the ILO RPL MOOC session, the presentation at BSG's 10-year celebration on Skill Impact Bond, presentation at the Lakhipur College- all were nice events to remember. I did manage to read quite a few books as well. In fact, I started the 'Excel for reading books' and Facebook album last year. I am so glad that I could manage time for all these activities last year. I must mention I have started 'Original Zing' to capture all the original creation of my human life on earth in this year. This is an ambitious initiative and I must continue this.

4) On financial/investment front, 2022 was good. After CSoD, my remuneration got a huge leap. My craziness for buying land and finally settling down with the Dudhnoi NH side land was a big accomplishment. Opening the Nischit Samridhi was a big decision as well; the fruit of this step maybe realized 8 years later. The discovery of the land records (bought by Deuta) on Basundhara2.0 was another important event. And yes, the 2nd floor construction and the home loan arrangement was a favorable event for my personal finance management. 

5) People: Starting with the EdCast people, I got a new circle from my professional life- Arjun, Mukesh, Jayanta, Anupma, Deepali, Sonal, Atul, Nishchae and all other;  significant people I lost- Ajit mama, Arjun Samaguri and Preeti Singh. Rejuvenated the relationship with Venkat, Shyamsundar, Nilu, Subhojit(Kaku), Dhiramoni's husband, Mukibul Da. New people-- Dharmendra rent, Xalita, Doli, Anjan Sarmah, Kuwali, Monikuntala Baideu and Borbhuyan Sir, Asha Ranjit, Mukund Kalita (transformer guy), Bikram solmari land, Rubul Mout etc.

6) Travel: The loss of money, time and heart for not being able to go for the BSG reunion thing will stay with me forever. I started late (middle class Manjit), but not that late if usual cycle of UK visa approval continued. In spite of being an organizing committee member and submitting the registration fee, I could not manage to travel. I feel bad even thinking about this. Lesson- start early. The definition of travel also changes from this year. Travel from NCR-- Sariska tiger reserve, 2 home trips (first 15-day and then Bihu trip), Haridwar-Rishikesh trip, Kerala trip for Ruble's marriage with 'newton' inside and finally the relocation transit. In the second part of the year travel meant-- Guwhati trips 3-4 times, Delhi trips (Sept, Dec) and Gauripur trip for Nina's project work. I need to change the travel expense column now with new meaning.

7) Other important personal, family and public events: Launch of Xomidhan book 1 January'22, Bou getting government job finally, heavily engaged Under the Sal tree festival with multiple meetings with people, Experiment with Terrot card with Nina's friend, the daily massage for Nina for her backpain (new thing for me), knowledge & research on stem cell, land registration and autobiography writing etc. 

On family level, Dada's illness (spondylitis) and his family issues are worrisome signs. Maa, not considering her irrational behavior, is doing fantastic on public front by becoming president of Lekhika Xomaroh Agia branch. Moina becoming pregnant and her transfer to Itanagar are noteworthy events. Nina has an awesome year with multiple workshops, 26 January, invited dance events and NEZCC project etc.

In Public field, Worldcup football, launch of Agnipath scheme, AAP winning Punjab election, release of movies such as KGF and RRR, HBS's aggressive policies dominated the last year. 

8) Important Dates: 20feb(platinum meeting, Madhusmita wedding), 28feb(deuta-in-law getting 58K via Mediclaim), 11 March(finalizing Dudhnoi land), 12 March(Swati's place get together), 16 march (CSoD acquired Edcast), 5apr(land e-panjeeyan), 10Apr(LOY, workshop), 22 Apr(GMR presentation), 3 May(Google translate), 25 May(CSoD launch day), 2 June(all approvals taken for relocation), 26june(last day at Delhi), 7 Aug(panchamrit), 27 Aug(nezcc prog), 8 Sept( loan got sanctioned), 5oct(xaat diya on dosomi day), 23 Oct(net worth calculated), 24 Nov( pregnancy photo shoot), 2 Dec(book launch of nilutpal at Guwahati).

9) Expectation for next year- I hope to work from home until I get bored. Maybe the renewal discussion of FSP will initiate some changes at my level as well. I want the baby to start solid food. Maybe some real estate investment, if possible. On family front, Dada will buy a flat and get transferred; Moina will become a mother. Maa's health should continue as it is. Biggest joy will come if Nina can start her PhD.

----

1 January delivery date

 We are more or less fixing on 1 January as the delivery date for Nina. In the recent Ultrasound report, the umbilical cord is over the neck and this is risky. Also, Moni baideu will go out of Assam on 3 January. 

Quite a few decisions are taken, small and big:

1) Storage of stem cell: After lot of research and consultation, we decided not to go ahead with this. Samrat, Akash, Akash's didi, Debaroon, Lifecell guy, Chordlife guy (Ayon), numerous articles and videos. However, the conversation with Rubul Mout was the most informative one which led to the decision of not pursuing further. The cost was manageable - around 60K for 20 yrs- 75 years. But the lack of any successful case studies and Rubul da's revelation that stem cell using umbilical cord is not the research interest now played major role in this decision making. 

2) Hospital, Date etc: Critical care which is the newest hospital has been chosen by us. As per the doctor, the infrastructure is good for operation. However, Solace is good for normal delivery. For date, we wanted a unique date such as 1 Jan, 18 Jan etc.  However, the recent situation conspires for 1 Jan only. Mridul also suggested time between 12 and 3 PM. Of course, today is 27 Dec and I hope things go well in the coming 4 days. 

3) Normal vs C-section: Nina desperately wanted normal delivery as she wants to go back to her dancing shoes soon after Newton comes. I don't have any opinion, although people like Kamal had some. However, the recent position of the cord over neck jeopardizes the wish and the decision has been taken for c section as on today.

4) Preparing the logistics: We bought funnel cloths, Nina is swing sweater-cloth socks and cap for the new-born. My study room cum Newton's room has been shaped up. I bought jeans and shoe after 5-6 years. Adult diaper has been purchased, two bags are made ready for spending nights in nursing home. The battery of WagonR is changed. 

5) Nomenclature: Although Nina wants to give some unique name  such as হেঙুলী আভা, I know convincing the family members will be problematic. The name must start with some letters based on the date of birth- this logic will continue. I think about surname. If this is a boy, should we put surname as Yogi- I have asked Nina.

6) Future interest: We want to put some effort to expose the child to a few stuff since early age. For example, a musical instrument such as KHOL should be kept at home. Photograph of an entrepreneur/trader/politician should be there etc. 

7) Workplace: I want to continue at home at least for next one year. I am actually happy for the rise in the Covid cases. For paternal leave, I will be entitled for 10 days from next year as per CSoD policy. This is another reason for planning to push the delivery date to next year. I plan to take 5 days with delivery and remaining in the next week. For Nina, the work/documentary on hudum Puja is stopped and will be resumed only in March. To be honest, the urge to go outside Assam is getting diminished. However, I need to earn until I turn 50 or Nina gets something lucrative. 

8) Expenses: I have started tracking the expenses of Nina, which has crossed apprx 24K until now. Although I found Solace Hospital is in network hospital list, we decided to go ahead with Critical Care for now. I will submit the pre and post expenses later. I will also try to get some medical bills from pharmacy. 

Lot of future plans will depend on gender. Anyway, may God bless the baby and the mother. 

Life thoughts and my stand

1) Focus on BASIC

The crux of happiness is getting the basics checked. Focusing on the basic also helps taking major decision as it helps in avoiding the chaos. The definition of basic can vary from individual to individual. For example, getting married and becoming parents is a basic proposition of human life. In a relationship between husband and wife, the basics maybe health, money to sustain and meet some of the aspirations, both engaged in their love of work, trust on each other and similar kind of mindset (directly related to upbringing). For buying a plot, it can be location, price and Govt clearance. Technology can be considered basic if it is used to gather information which is unavailable otherwise. A person might love to show his social or financial capital, but these are not basics. Understanding and accepting the BASIC will help to come out of chaos, FOMO, direction lessness etc. 

2) Aspiring to be 'bad'

Life is full of challenges and a person needs to wear different hats while making her way through life's obstacles. A person who is calm and composed throughout her life, might have face moments when the necessity to be rude/selfish/unkind is felt strongly. The person might have felt she is not fit into some profession/initiative just because of her 'goodness'. Now, is it wrong if she makes a point to groom her child to be 'bad'? The danger here is the basic assumption that the child will organically inherit all the goodness from parents, supplemented by the 'bad' taught by the parents. What if the assumption goes wrong and the 'bad' becomes prominent? 

3) Life's main purposes

The cat is out of the bag. There are only two main purposes of human life - happiness and legacy. Happiness is well accepted theory now and the discussion is mainly on the factors contributing to happiness. Some say basics, some say relationships, some wants money and health. The underrated theory of creating a legacy is still debatable. For middle class and upwards, legacy creation is synonymous with 'doing extra', 'impactful job', 'changing lives of people' etc. This can be beautifully summarized by one single line- how do you want the next generation to remember you? Considering human life is only one time, don't you think it is important to leave something significant behind when you die?

4) Compromise v/s Knowledge

A teenager dreams to be the CEO of a company. By thirties, he starts exiting that dream. Can that be called a compromise? or was that an immature decision taken with lack of information? Does the family responsibilities force one to let go childhood dreams or does acquired updated knowledge pushes the person to define new purposes and change the dreams? This often brings one practical question- is spending years after years preparing for a competitive exam makes sense or changing the 'aim in life' makes more sense? What does the word compromise mean anyway? Is compromise a 'bad' word?

5) Definition and measurement of life's portfolio?

Life's portfolio is huge and can be on ever expanding mode. Food, job, sex, relationship, aspirations, contribution, legacy, trying difficult things, creating memories, saving the memories in an appropriate ways, finding little little happiness, doing construction, writing, reading, being good samaritan, showing part of your life, learning new techniques, finding equivalence with your peers, buying materialistic pleasures, trying spiritual means- the list is simply endless. Is there any way to categorize this in line with the financial portfolios - equity, debt, immovable asset, liquid money etc. How to measure the need and luxury of the portfolio items? 

Approaching 40

As I am approaching 40, I keep thinking how I can change my lifestyle to keep myself fit. I am a typical lower middle class; spending time and money on preventive healthcare is still a luxury concept for me. I keep throwing tantrum to myself for this stupidity, Nina keeps trying her best to motivate, still I have not spotted much change. 

At Agia, cycling in the morning has been the only health related activity I do. For last one month, this was on hold as the cycle (belongs to Dada) got puncture. Curse me for this- I was not able to go to Agia to repair the leak. Only today, I went with BD to get the leak fixed and to buy a pump. Internally, I was so ashamed of myself. Also worried, how I am going to motivate myself for spending time and money on my health. 

Rainy Diwali inside Library today

Looking at Nina's health issues in this duration of her pregnancy, I thank God for not making me a woman. Nina's health is the top priority for me. Not as her husband, but also for the selfish reason of her putting in efforts to keep me healthy. 

The last health checkup happened just after marriage around 1.5 years ago. I have heard CSoD will bring a similar policy next year. At present, I have one Health Plus policy from LIC. Nina does not have any and we are totally dependent on the office healthcare benefit. Health is one big reason for continuing in a corporate job.

My mental health is in good condition after the move to Agia and office staffs becoming smoother. Dada and the family members, with their current chaos, create some worry. I hope they get stabilized soon. 

My condition post becoming a father is a black box for me at present. The possibility lack of sleep is really worrying me. How I'd be managing my professional and personal life is something I keep thinking! 

There is no significant issue at present, both mentally and physically. God has never been so kind to me, so I get suspicious- bure din kab chalu hone wale hain?

                                                 Happy Diwali Everyone !

Dear Newton/Curie

Dear Newton/Curie,

We are all waiting very eagerly for your arrival on this planet. Not only your Maa- Deuta, but also the immediate and extended family members, the neighbours, relatives all are waiting for your arrival. Doctor are saying the placenta through which you are connected to your mother's nutrition system is at lower level, which is making us bit worried. Also, in the 5-month sonography you are lying putting your head in the same direction as that of your mother. Apart from that, there is no trouble from your side. You are making some movement at times, making both me and your mother happy. 

We are equally excited for both Newton or Curie. The most ideal scenario would have been to have both together. Although that is not the wish of the lord, we have separate plans lined up for either of your avatars. You don't know this yet, but in some parts of the world, this gender itself is a big issue.

Logistically, your Maa is already planning your cloths, trying to find someone who can help her and your Abu at home, dress for herself to feed you milk, watching videos on childcare and poses etc. I found she was bit upset in the initial days as she wanted some more time as bachelorette and then as single married woman. But now I find her awesomely excited. 

I am trying to design your room with some values that I want to inculcate in you. I want you to be like your parents with more self-confidence, more early-starter nature, with deep love for money and politics, more entrepreneurial attitude, bit 'bad' man sometimes and super creative. If you choose to try an unconventional career (sports, hacking, early venture, trading, dance etc) , I am ready to take that challenge. But being a risk averse person, how much effort I will put to push you into an unconventional career, that is a matter to think later. I don't think enrolling you in the best schools will make you a great human being; rather I want to make sure your grad and post-grad education happens at best places, that too funded by yourselves. I want to enable you for achieving that. 

See, frankly I don't know many things on parenting. I am sure I and your Maa will learn many things with you along the way. Many things that we are planning or decisions we took in last couple of months make us think at times. I left the national capital to have safe delivery of yours in a surrounding having a proper support system. There are lot of decisions that I and your mother are taking, that we ourselves not hundred percent sure where they will lead us. But this is about life's learning, about becoming parents, about being a good son, and also about being a good and smart citizen.

I want you should have 2-3 siblings to grow up with. But unfortunately, I have to depend on your mother for this cause. I have no right to coerce her to go through mental and physical pain for bearing a child multiple times. Whenever she/I would realize the happiness is greater than the pain, you will get someone to play around. You also have responsibility here- don't cause any trouble to your Maa both before and after your arrival. 

You shouldn't feel bad, but I must tell you that your mother would still be my number 1 priority even after your arrival. You will realize this when you will grow old. The other way of looking at this - your mother and I are not two entities. We together is one entity for you. We love you.

You are lucky to come to this planet in a peaceful family environment with normal social and democratic country setup. We are a middle class family, maybe mid-middle class in terms of wealth, but completely lower middle class in terms of mindset. Your birthplace Agia, though not a developed country or metro city, is full of warmth and loaded with all basic facilities. The country you will born is one of most economically aspiring country in the world. People here has aspirations- to grow big, to outsmart everyone, to make a mark, and to be happy.

You are going to be the biggest experiment/liability/potential asset of my life until now. The bar is too high for you, be ready for this! You have to be successful; but your definition of success should include taking all citizenry with you. Nobody bothers if you write a thoughtful book, unless that book is inspiring millions. Nobody bothers if you become CEO of a billion dollar company; if you could setup a plant of the company in your native/state/country providing employment to a million people, that is success for you. For a powerful person, success is when you are using that power to empower millions.

Come soon, we miss you. 

Deuta

Mandatory Birthday Post

Trying to adjust my schedule for writing this post amidst the thinking that I don't have much to write, but this blog post is a mandate. 

The biggest news/expectation/event is that by next birthday I will become a father. Personally, I am not much excited about it (compared to becoming a married man); but looking at the surrounding, I am sure this is a big event of human life. Praying to God so that everything goes smoothly.

A date with wife on day before birthday

Life is kind of set now, except the one irritation point of finalization of the UK trip. The job is going very nice. The work from home has been the biggest gift I have received off late. This event has changed the course of the calendar year. Somehow, I believe God has been kind. The গৰিয়সী article is a nice thing to have happened recently. Even the office proceedings are going fine. After many years, I have realized this way. Good part is that the nearby future too looks optimistic with CSoD coming into the picture. I know good days don't last long; however, two things can get settled now- starting fatherhood and Nina's career.

Things are ok at home. The construction work at the second floor is taking away the normal peace. I have also decided to invest some money with the condition to take the rent of one of the house parts. Once the rest (50% done) work is done, I hope there will be full stability. The domestic help issue, Maa's health would continue anyway. 

Normal day today. Maa offered some prasad at the temple and  I recited the অষ্টোত্তৰ শতনাম with Nina. She prepared a cake as well. After dropping Nina for her rehearsal for 13 Aug, I and Maa went to Radhe khura's house to provide best wishes to Rajpratim before his journey with JNV starting tomorrow. Then we went to Samaguri and then to Bhini's place. Afternoon, I will be again visiting Bapupara xatra. I love normal non-celebratory birthdays only; not because of age, but to be honest মোৰ লাজ লাগে|

Maybe birthday is a good day to reflect the past and think for the future. For the past, I am committed to make the book ready. Bit slowness has come, but I will drive that away. The more I think about the necessity of penning down my thoughts, the more I am getting convinced of completing this book. The hardest part is finding a common thread throughout, which slowly emerging as 'Education as a tool to survive', 'decision making by lower middle class'. Let's see, I am not sure yet. 

For future, as people said, age 40-50 would have to be kept aside for family. In addition to that, let me write down some thoughts I keep having:

1) Finishing the A2O before turning 40. Write about the common misconceptions of our society through that piece. 

2) No hospitalization in foreseeable future. More time investment in health

3) Diversifying income, reduce dependency on salary, more real estate investment. Bring out a structure in the Puranibhita land.

4) Highlight the library, making it bigger and attractive for people of all age groups.

5) Establishing myself as a Public Policy expert in Assam; this has to do something through HBS. Elevating myself from a student counselor to a policy exert is still a pending task. 

6) Helping Nina taking her career to new height, and explore her parts of the world. Maybe another experiment like OLQ.

7) Working/accompanying Nina in a foreign land for 2-3 years.

8) Having a healthy family- fully moving Maa, me with 2/3 healthy and কথা শুনা children, Dada and Bou settling and then start flying, Moina and Tapan getting settled and becoming parents etc

9) Making strategies how staying at Agia does not make me a laggard, out-of-place person.

10) Can't decide still items-- trying politics one more time, until when to continue full time professional career, where to stay post retirement, domain change from current professional domain, how should I push my children (education/culture/sports/finance/others), what to do with Xomidhan to name a few.

Big Decision: Working from Home in truest sense, finally !

 There are lot of breaking news on my side. The big ones are below:

a) I and Nina purchased NH road side land of 1 Bigha near Dudhnoi.

b) I and Nina are expecting our first child.

c) I and Nina are relocating to Agia, Assam.

d) I have started writing the most expected 'thing' of this blog - an autobiography.

These are some of the biggest decisions of any human life. I am glad I have been able to take all the decisions. The first two are easy (& obvious), last one is logical, though hard; but the third decision was bit complicated.

Regarding NH roadside land purchase , I have mentioned the desire multiple times in past posts. This opportunity came after I engaged Deuta (in law). He then sprang into action by engaging with multiple people, including Sanjib Da who came out to be crucial in closing the deal. There is almost NIL brokerage and bribe paid in the whole process of purchase until naam-jari, which completed just a fortnight ago. As on today, there is no payment pending to be paid. The financials , photos, my investigations are kept in separate folders. Deuta has been on the forefront on this endeavor.

Regarding the second decision, the effort started from 26 January after Nina returned home post the Republic Day participation. I never put pressure on her; it was her decision only to undertake this activity. I am sure she must have done her calculation. I was ready since I resigned from NSDC. We had a disturbed first 3 months as our efforts were not yielding any output. During April home visit, even families came to know about our failed efforts and we were sent to Jaikant Rabha for consultation (14 April). When her period of May got delayed we first took this very casually. Then the pregnancy test (10 May), rush to doctor's clinic etc. While the blood report and endometrial thickness confirmed presence of baby, the ultrasound did not. Ruble's marriage was to be attended in between, where we made sure the whole of Kerala know about it. The day we returned from Kerala (31 May), we went to doctor with second ultrasound. Everything is clear and visible now. We broke the news to families on the very next day. There is joy, only joy !

In this post, I am focusing on the third decision. The fourth decision is too aspirational and a separate post is needed.

On the very first day i.e. 10 May when we had to search presence of gynecologists and refer to Practo, when I had to take her to Rampal Chawk via scooty, when I entered the tiny clinic of Dr. Kalpana Agarwal, when the clinic provided a Alto to take Nina for Ultrasound, when I was coming back alone in the scooty in the scorching heat of Delhi, when I was not able to decide what to cook and what to make her eat, I started thinking seriously against staying in Delhi. 

But I had two big obstacles to overcome - agreement from Nina and permission from Office.

Nina's health deteriorated with time. Vomiting, nausea, no mood to eat, travel issues started coming strongly. We even appointed a cook (first time in my life), but, that was of no help. The Delhi heat became the most killer factor. With temperature touching 44 degree on everyday basis, AC became her only option. Me managing the office work side by side the increasing attention of Nina became super difficult. She herself realized staying in Delhi is not going to be sustainable. 

I started pushing the idea of complete relocation vocally from Ruble's marriage onwards. It was a big decision for me also. It has both sides for me, obviously the positives sides outweigh the negatives, I think.

1) I was sure I won't be able to handle Nina alone without a support system. I don't have a four wheeler, not a doctor friend in Delhi, no relative to come whenever there is a need etc even if I leave aside the weather and my office work. Even if I bring Maa or Maa-in-law, this won't help much because of reasons such as their age, the steps to the DDA third floor etc. There was in fact no support system I can rely being in Delhi.

2) I can't remain calm if there is pendency at office work. With the current stage of FutureSkills Prime and CSoD take-over, I foresee much engagement from my side. My health would have to take the burden.

3) I need to incur huge expenses on immediate basis if I decide to do the delivery in Delhi. Buying a car, appointing cook, connecting with a good private hospital with multiple tests, shifting (maybe) to a different society, buying new AC, paying for multiple air travels by various family members etc. I can avoid all of these if I simply shift my base. Hence, financially it makes much more sense to relocate.

4) Negative1: But working from Agia does not give me the confidence. I fear I will lose out. I keep telling Maa and Nina- my self confidence touched bottom in terms of office works whenever I am at Agia. I feel my career progression is halted. It might be psychological; staying in Agia and earning 3 Lakh salary per month is something unheard of. Maybe my inner self just can't accept that.

5) Negative2: People issues. Maa is not an easy person to handle. Bou too, but she is not in Agia and that's a relief. The overall Agian people - there is nothing much to learn and get inspired. But I am committed to change this attitude towards people. I will engage with positive people and find means to get inspired. Handling Maa will be my priority because she is my mother and I have responsibilities towards her.

6) Negative3: Household responsibilities. This is one item for which Delhi is the best. At Agia, no day will be passed without any household responsibilities. Now that third floor construction has started, there will be construction related responsibilities as well. Ailing and frustrated relatives, friends and neighbors- another big responsibility. 

7) Along with Nina's condition, the other factor that pushed me for relocation is my new endeavour of writing a memoir. I am 80% completed in the first section of the memoir. At different instances, I need input from Maa and other relatives. I believe this would be expedited. Also, I need to find a solution for typing the handwritten stuff my myself. In fact, I have made the shifting base is a target for me to deliver this item before Nina delivers Newton.

After convincing Nina and myself, the other obstacle remained - getting a buy-in from EdCast.

I was waiting for the CSoD HR policy to come out after the acquisition of EdCast. As expected (by me at least) CSoD announced a flexible working policy by which employees are allowed to work from anywhere they feel comfortable. The next challenge was to convince Mukesh since he already made me visit 3 times to Noida NASSCOM office for the increasing ask by Upmith/Pramod for an on-campus resource from EdCast side. I wrote to Vaishali (HR) first to get ger buy-in. Then in the most expected call with Mukesh on 2 June, I explained how I had been waiting to decide on a place to work since I joined EdCast. The lack of clarity for acquisition forced me to continue from Delhi, which is not my choice. Now that CSoD policy is out and I am entering 'father' stage, this is the right time to take the big decision. Mukesh could not say NO. Then I communicated the same in conversation with Atul. In the same evening, I wrote an email to HR keeping the relevant stakeholders in CC. My backup plan was to reach out to Nishchae and CSoD HR if this attempt would not have got materialized. Maybe, God was with me this time.

We celebrated the official approval by inviting Mamu, Rinku, CR and Lovely to Nina's birthday on 4 June and breaking the news, making a Instagram reel etc.

Reg notice to Dwarka house landlord, we were thinking of vacating by end of July as Maa (in law) was planning a trip to Delhi. However, NEZCC invited Nina for an interview of the documentation project she submitted at Dimpaur. This interview invite jeopardized our whole plan. Nina's ticket was booked for 17 June. Information to lanlord was given on the same day of official approval. To our surprise, she happily accepted. I took both the above events as positive signals of our relocation decision. 

Other decisions followed- should I keep some stuffs on rent basis at Delhi? Finally I made two lists- one for household items for sale, and other for shifting to Agia. I enjoyed the activities of listing down things for sale, attendingf arewell dinners, breaking the news to people etc. Finalizing a good mover and packer took time. Finally decided to get one with base location in Guwahati, finalized the deal at 17,000/- for door to door delivery and sent out all items on 15 June. 

Today I am writing this post sitting alone in the 'almost empty' house at Dwarka. Will you believe- one of the reasons for me going late ( upcoming train ticket on 26 June) is to write this particular blogpost. 

Bless me God ! I am at the cross road many crucial decisions and phases of human life. I don't want to make a mistake. Amen!