15 Jun 2011, ominous day in India’s education system—cut off percentage for admission into a prestigious college in Delhi has hit the ceiling 100 percent! Sadly, our oft-repeated apprehension at Doon Youth Center (DYC) for more than a decade has come true. I recall an incident many years ago...

‘Success is a journey not destination’ is an oft-repeated adage. On what criteria do I select that route is not clear to most. In route selection Stephen Covey’s thoughts—‘everyone is busy climbing the success ladder. No one pauses to think whether the ladder is leaning against the...

To most of us this question may not make sense.  It did not make sense to me either until my memorable climb of life in the Army interspersed with inconvenient experiences reached a plateau on retirement 16 years back. At 70 plus reappraisal of my life’s contours allows for critical analysis...

From childhood I witnessed, with mixed feelings, Dad’s relentless struggle managing the expenses in a middle class family of eight. But I grew up in a very safe and happy environment emulating the ethical life style of my parents. My schooling started in an affordable primary school, where...

When I walked into Doon Youth Center (DYC) 10 years back, I was intensely conditioned to think that I had the experience, wisdom, awareness and ability to answer questions of school students. After all, a person nearing 60 has enough experience to answer questions from kids as well guiding them...