The individuals in question are Omar Abdullah, a former CM of Jammu and Kashmir, and a distinguished journalist who dedicated over two decades to her craft. Both now find themselves unfairly targeted. One can only fathom the pain endured when Ms Razdan left the zenith of her career, envisioning a new chapter teaching at Harvard – only to realise that her personal information was laid bare to alleged scamsters.

Despite their public roles, these individuals are entitled to personal lives. Razdan, having experienced the highs and lows of matrimony, and Abdullah, currently navigating a divorce, are human beings first. Yet, the public discourse surrounding their interactions veers into a territory of unwarranted intrusion and character assassination.

Why do two people hanging out together become fodder for scandal? The need for society to ‘live and let live’ seems drowned in the cacophony of social media. The relentless negativity pervasive in these online spaces perpetuates a toxic atmosphere, influencing young minds and breeding a culture of unfounded judgements.

It’s not just a matter of privacy invasion; it’s a symptom of a broader issue. Social media algorithms, encouraging mindless scrolling, and their relentless bombardment of sensationalised stories contribute to the polarisation and division of society.

However, this digital chaos isn’t confined to blurred images and prominent figures. In the digital realm, where pixels blur reality, it is high time for introspection, empathy, and a return to the simple yet profound mantra: live and let live.

The post The breakdown of private lives in the age of social media appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

September in India marks the transition from the departing monsoon to the welcoming embrace of autumn. Throughout the country, the weather becomes a pleasant intermediary between the extremes, celebrating the lingering freshness left by the rains.

Having been born in this enchanting month, I find myself peculiarly drawn to its aura. In my younger days, the jubilation of birthdays was often clouded by school exams. Yet, despite the exams, the anticipation felt as exhilarating as any vacation. Birthdays themselves are curious affairs; they bestow upon you a day of unequivocal attention from friends and family, only to return to normalcy the next morning—jokes and jests included, of course.

About a week prior, a rush of excitement courses through you. Personal promises are whispered, commitments to becoming a superior human and a more diligent student, all in pursuit of lofty dreams. On the special day itself, your desire is simple: bask in the company of loved ones. Throughout, you find yourself immersed in a cascade of birthday wishes, each message igniting inexplicable joy.

However, let’s ponder—why can’t we approach every day with the fervor of our birthdays, excluding the revelry and well-wishing? With each dawn, we age by a day, our life’s tapestry shortening by another strand. Yet, we quantify life in years, neglecting the treasure trove of days that shape our existence. What if we recalibrated our perspective, acknowledging the significance of each day? Imagine the profundity of cherishing the present, relishing each day with the same ardor and exhilaration that a birthday brings.

In essence, my fascination with September’s charm has sparked a deeper contemplation. Life’s intrinsic worth isn’t solely measured in grand milestones but in the accumulation of days woven together. As we bid adieu to one September and embrace the next, let’s not just celebrate birthdays, but celebrate the very act of living—finding beauty, joy, and gratitude in the passing of each precious day.

The post September reflections: Embracing everyday joys, birthdays, and the passage of time appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

Amidst the pervasive 60-second video boom and the rise of social media influencers, a disconcerting transformation is taking place. The world seems to be spiraling into a realm of indifference, ignorance, and soullessness. The writer is alarmed to learn about influencers renting private jets to perpetrate a façade of luxury, fooling their followers into believing a lifestyle that doesn’t truly exist. It’s a surreal phenomenon that speaks volumes about the superficiality of our times.

Turning his gaze towards his homeland, India, the writer’s heart aches for its recent turmoil. With violence escalating in Manipur and an apparent neglect from the government, the writer grapples with a sense of desolation. The phrase “sab changa si” echoes through his mind, mocking those who continue to support leaders who seem detached from the very reality their country faces – be it floods, violence, inflation, or poverty.

How can anyone defend such leadership? This question resonates with the writer, stirring a mix of disbelief and shock. What’s even more troubling is that the support seems to come not just from the uneducated or ill-informed but also from the elite educated, who blindly worship their chosen leader without any accountability.

The writer pens his frustrations, contemplating how democracy, a cherished legacy of India’s great leaders like Buddha and Gandhi, seems to be slowly slipping away. The very essence of a leader, once meant to be a representative of the people, now appears compromised, serving the interests of powerful industrialists rather than the welfare of the nation.

In a world where authenticity struggles to break through the cacophony of deception, the writer’s voice emerges as a beacon of truth. His musings serve as a powerful reminder of the need to embrace genuine art, unbiased information, and leaders who prioritise the welfare of their citizens. Only through collective awareness and a commitment to change can this strange world find its way back to a place of empathy, enlightenment, and compassion.

The post Echoes of a strange world: Navigating the depths of ignorance and fakery appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

Upon arrival, my companions and I were given a room in the basement that had absolutely no ventilation and lacked windows. It was essentially a cramped store space with two beds that were in deplorable condition. This room was nothing like what we had booked, and we were rightfully disappointed.

When we approached the manager of Hotel Earls Court about this issue, instead of offering a solution or an apology, he callously warned us that this was the only alternative available. His attitude was confrontational, and we immediately felt unsafe and uncomfortable. This was an unnerving experience that no guest should have to endure.

In an attempt to rectify the situation, we were given another room. However, this room too was nothing like what we had originally booked. It was incredibly small, with three beds crammed into the limited space. To make matters worse, there was a washbasin positioned unnervingly close to one of the beds, making it clear that minimal care and attention to guest comfort had been given.

What truly shocked and alarmed us was the behavior and demeanor of the manager and staff members. They displayed a blatant disregard for our concerns and safety. The manager’s threat and the presence of a staff member brandishing a drill machine during our interaction was beyond unacceptable. We felt intimidated, and it was clear that the well-being of guests was not a priority for them.

To compound our disappointment, our attempts to seek assistance from Booking.com, through which we had made our reservation for Hotel Earls Court, proved fruitless. Their lack of support during this distressing ordeal further compounded our dissatisfaction.

Also Read: How Our England Days Are Going?

Considering the overall experience, I cannot stress enough how important it is for potential guests, particularly my Indian friends, to avoid booking Hotel Earls Court. The conditions were appalling, and the behavior of the staff members was nothing short of alarming. Safety should always be paramount, and it is evident that this establishment fails to meet even the most basic expectations in that regard.

I implore you to consider your well-being and peace of mind when selecting accommodations. Hotel Earls Court in London should be avoided at all costs. Save yourself the trouble and seek out more reputable and guest-oriented establishments that prioritize the comfort and safety of their visitors.

Booking.com and Hotel Earls Court are liars and fraud

Furthermore, after enduring the distressing experience at Hotel Earls Court and struggling to obtain the room we had originally booked, we decided to prioritize our safety and seek alternative accommodations. We were assured by Booking.com that a full refund would be provided due to the unacceptable circumstances we had encountered. Unfortunately, both the hotel and Booking.com failed to honor their promises and blatantly lied to us. Despite our rightful expectations, they refused to provide any form of refund for the booking, leaving us feeling deceived and taken advantage of. This unscrupulous behavior further highlights the lack of professionalism and integrity exhibited by both the hotel and the booking platform.

The post Beware: Hotel Earls Court in Central London is terribly bad appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

We started our journey from Delhi to Mussoorie early in the morning, and our first destination was Rishikesh, which is about 240 km from Delhi. The road to Rishikesh is smooth and well-maintained, and we made good time. The journey was scenic and we were treated to breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range.

As we approached Rishikesh, the road became narrower and winding, and we were surrounded by dense forests on both sides. The air became cooler and fresher, and we could feel the change in the atmosphere. Finally, we reached Rishikesh and were greeted by the sight of the Ganges flowing majestically through the town.

Also Read: Manali – Ultimate getaway for Delhiites to escape city heat

Delhi to Mussoorie: First stop at Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a spiritual town and is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. It is a place where people come to seek peace and solace. We visited many cafes and Lakshman Jhula which Rishikesh is famous for, and were struck by the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the place.

After spending a night in Rishikesh, we headed towards Mussoorie, which is about 77 km from Rishikesh. The road to Mussoorie was even more scenic than the one to Rishikesh. The winding roads took us through dense forests, and we were treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Delhi to Mussoorie: Reached the quaint hill station

Finally, we reached Mussoorie, which is a quaint hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The town is known for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. We stayed at a hotel that was situated on a hilltop, and we were treated to spectacular views of the valley below.

We spent our days in Mussoorie exploring the town and the surrounding areas. We couldn’t visit Kempty Falls, which is a popular tourist spot. However, we went to a lesser-known George Everest Peak Trek and were treated to stunning views of the Himalayas.

Overall, the road trip from Delhi to Mussoorie via Rishikesh was an unforgettable experience. The journey took us through some of the most scenic landscapes of India, and we were treated to breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Rishikesh and Mussoorie are both beautiful destinations that are well worth visiting, and I would highly recommend this road trip to anyone who loves nature and adventure.

The post From Delhi to Mussoorie: A road trip to the mountains appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

We were apprehensive about a lot of things. This would be the first time either of us would stay away from family, from our country, from all things that were familiar. Going so far away from home to a strange country is not quite as easy as it sounds.

Should you do it?

I think, yes. I am starting to realise that an experience like this can be life-changing not just for us as individuals, but also us as a couple. When you have pretty much no one to count on but yourself and your partner, you learn a lot of things about not just each other but also yourself. The others we have met who are here alone always tell us how lucky we are to have each other.

On days we feel homesick, we spend longer than usual on video calls back home. Sometimes, food makes up for the gap and we spend the day making biryani.

On other days, we feel greatly energised and motivated to go out and get things done! But as the English winter takes over us, I am spending this Saturday morning wrapped up in my blanket, unwilling to step out in the rain and wind.

The first few weeks of our England Days

So, what all actually happened in the last few weeks? Time is definitely flying by! The days go by very fast, and we remain busy with school, work, or errands. And suddenly, the next week is upon us.

We are still trying to find the time to travel and explore more. But we definitely love the city of Leeds, where we are currently based out of. On our days off, we walk around the city, try new food and be awed by the its beauty.

The leaves are turning and soon winter will be upon us. For now, we are greatly looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year’s here. We are certain that Leeds is going to blow away our minds!

The post How Our England Days Are Going? appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

Those were the days when we truly celebrated all the festivals with zeal and immense pleasure. The autumn season, when the duration of daylight becomes noticeably shorter and the temperature cools considerably, comes in the month of September and October in my lovely country India.

During festivals such as Dussehra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, etc. we get to enjoy the true essence of life. We meet family and friends, hang out with them, exchange gifts, and just enjoy each other’s company and celebrate.

This time I wasn’t around as I am here in the United Kingdom. But the autumn here is as beautiful as it was in Delhi. The leaves have turned orange, and the days have become shorter and colder. The city has a festive vibe with Halloween and Christmas around the corner.

This may sound poetic, but the people and their emotions are the same everywhere. Their struggles are the same everywhere, their desires are the same everywhere, and their ambitions are the same everywhere. I have always believed the world is one big family and we all have ample similarities yet are distinctive as different colours in a rainbow.

Cheers to life and all the festivities around!

The post O my dear October, you’re a vibe to reckon with appeared first on Delhi Messenger.

We had checked on Facebook that a Durga Puja celebration is happening there. It took us half an hour to walk to the temple. From the outside, we could see that it is quite a big temple. We entered the main shrine area and found ourselves a couple of seats. A few children were performing (dances and music) and we sat and enjoyed ourselves while we waited for the Aarti to begin. When it was almost time for the Aarti, Prakriti realised that we were not at the Durga Puja! That was happening in a different hall in the same building, which we verified through the Facebook page. How stupid we felt! For almost half an hour we kept thinking why it doesn’t feel like a pandal and there were very few Bengalis too 😀

We finally understood that we were at a Navratri function and rushed to the Durga Puja hall. It was bursting with beaming people eating jhalmuri and chit-chatting with each other.

Durga maa’s murti was really beautiful and we kept thinking about how they must have arranged these murtis here, so far away from ‘home’. To our surprise, one of the organisers announced that dhunuchi dance will be performed today. We chanted mantras with panditji and offered pushpanjali to Maa Durga and the Aarti was performed in sync with the beats of the dhak.

Prakriti volunteered to play the kasha (a bell kind of instrument played with dhak). At one point, I forgot if I was in England or India. As the programme proceeded towards the dhunuchi dance, the atmosphere was filled with divinity as people began chanting Durga maa ki Jai. I have never felt this kind of energy ever before in any Durga puja pandal. It was majestic.

After the dance, people started queuing up for bhog. We also joined them and went to the temple’s dining hall where we were served pulao, daal, labda, paayesh, pakoda, and chutney. It was so delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

We took a  bus ride back to our apartment with a group of lovely people whom we met there. Some of them stay in our building. We’ll go today as well. Happy Durga Ashtami to all, Jai Ma Durga!

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