Parag's World

  STEM education in India faces significant challenges with only 30% of students choosing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics tracks. This low participation highlights a skills gap that threatens to stall India’s ambitions in technology and innovation. The need for systemic improvement is more urgent than ever as global competitiveness hinges on advanced scientific literacy. The Impending Workforce Boom India is on the cusp of a transformative era. By 2030, projections indicate that the nation will hold the world’s largest working-age population. This demographic advantage could fuel unprecedented growth—but only if students gain access to the right education now. The mismatch between today’s STEM engagement and tomorrow’s workforce needs presents both a risk and an opportunity. Challenges Hindering STEM Access For many Indian students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, quality STEM learning remains out of reach. Inadequate school infrastructure, minimal...

Everyone faces hardship at some point. It may be loss, heartbreak, job stress, or illness. The feeling is real. The pain is deep. You are not alone in this. The world has many stories of struggle and survival. Finding Strength in Stories Think of Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings." He carries a burden much bigger than himself. Each step feels impossible, yet he moves forward. In the book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, Louis Zamperini survives horrific challenges in World War II. These stories inspire us. They prove that humans can endure more than they imagine. What Psychology Tells Us Resilience is the ability to adapt during hardship. It is not something you have or do not have. It's like a muscle. You build it. Psychologist Ann Masten calls resilience “ordinary magic.” It can be found in anyone, anywhere. Focus on the Next Step When life feels overwhelming, do not aim for the final answer. Break it down. Focus on the next right step, not the whole journey. ...

Abhay Bhutada embarked on his professional journey in 2010, beginning at Bank of India. His work there centered on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), offering him valuable exposure to the obstacles that hinder growth for many business owners. This early experience not only fostered his financial expertise but also laid the groundwork for his deep interest in supporting those who often remain outside the reach of mainstream finance. Also Read: Maharashtrian of the Year Award Winners by Lokmat Times, Including Abhay Bhutada Pioneering Digital Lending Initiatives TL;DR: By 2016, Abhay Bhutada was ready to introduce innovation into the financial sector. He established TAB Capital, a Non-Banking Financial Company with a digital approach to lending. The company primarily assisted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and provided consumer lending options. At a time when digital finance was just starting to gain ground in India, TAB Capital emerged as a crucial player, transforming h...

  When it comes to gut health, fiber is often hailed as one of the most important dietary components. Unlike other nutrients that are absorbed into the bloodstream, fiber passes relatively intact through the digestive system, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance and supporting the trillions of microbes that live within our intestines. Understanding Fiber Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. It comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in oats, beans, apples, and citrus fruits, dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. Insoluble fiber, found in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables, adds bulk to stool and helps food pass more quickly through the digestive tract. The Microbiome Connection Our gut microbiome—the vast ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms—thrives on fiber, particularly certain types called prebiotics. While human enzymes can’t break down most fiber, beneficial gut bacteria use i...

  TL;DR Leaders like Anand Mahindra and Rishad Premji have reimagined governance through ethics, accountability, and innovation. Their approaches demonstrate how transformative governance fosters both resilience and progress. Corporate governance lies at the heart of every high-performing organization, acting as the bedrock for sustainable growth and resilience. Visionary business leaders have demonstrated that robust governance is not merely about checks and balances, but about instilling purpose, accountability, and innovation. Five exceptional figures—Anand Mahindra, Abhay Bhutada, Sandeep Bakhshi, Vikram Limaye, and Rishad Premji—exemplify how transformational leadership and strong governance practices can elevate organizations to new heights. Anand Mahindra: Setting the Gold Standard for Ethical Leadership Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, stands out as a leader who has tirelessly promoted ethical values at the highest level of business. He strongly believes that...