Parag's World

Every year, the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards recognise individuals who have made a measurable difference through their work. The 2026 edition brought together achievers from cinema, philanthropy, and healthcare, each known for consistent effort and meaningful contribution. These recognitions are not driven by short-term visibility but by sustained work that has created real value over time. TL;DR: This year’s winners reflect a wide range of contributions. From impactful performances in cinema to structured social initiatives and on-ground healthcare work, each individual represents a different form of progress. Their journeys show that recognition of this scale is built over years of focused effort rather than a single achievement. 1. Vicky Kaushal Earns Recognition for a Powerful Role Vicky Kaushal was honoured for his performance in Chhaava , a role that required a strong balance of emotional depth and screen presence. His portrayal stood out for its clarity and control, a...

Psychology is a broad and fascinating field that studies the human mind and behavior. Over time, various subfields have emerged, offering different perspectives on how we think, feel, and act. One such subfield is positive psychology, which focuses on the positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, gratitude, and resilience. This article explores the impact of positive psychology on mental wellbeing and how it can help individuals lead more fulfilling lives. What is Positive Psychology? Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing and what makes life worth living. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, positive psychology looks at what contributes to a person’s happiness and overall well-being. It was popularized by psychologist Martin Seligman, who argued that we should also focus on building strengths, developing resilience, and cultivating positive emotions. In essence, positive psychology enco...

Decision-making is an essential part of our daily lives. From choosing what to eat for breakfast to making life-altering career choices, the process of making decisions influences every aspect of our lives. However, while it may seem like a simple process, decision-making is influenced by a complex array of factors, both psychological and environmental. In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind decision-making and how we can make better, more informed choices. The Cognitive Process of Decision-Making At its core, decision-making is a cognitive process that involves selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives. This process is guided by several cognitive factors, including perception, memory, attention, and reasoning. Perception : How we perceive a situation heavily impacts the decisions we make. If we interpret a situation as high-risk, we might avoid making a decision altogether, or choose a safer alternative. Our biases and past experiences shape these perceptio...

India's Union Budget 2026 has sparked considerable discussion among financial leaders, offering valuable perspectives on how the proposed measures could shape the country’s economic future. The focus on empowering MSMEs, fostering AI innovation, maintaining fiscal discipline, and strengthening the financial sector has been viewed as pivotal for India's global economic standing. Below, key financial experts provide their insights on how these measures may unfold. 1. Supporting MSMEs for Economic Growth TL;DR: CA Abhay Bhutada commended the Union Budget 2026 for prioritising the growth and empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. MSMEs play a vital role in India’s economy, and Bhutada emphasized that the government's efforts to improve access to financial resources, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote financial inclusion will allow these businesses to thrive. Bhutada stressed that MSMEs, particularly in underserved areas, need such suppor...

Human behaviour is deeply influenced by internal narratives. People constantly interpret events through personal stories. These stories shape identity and guide decisions. A person who believes they are resilient approaches challenges differently from someone who sees themselves as unlucky. Psychologists often refer to this as self narrative or self concept. Literature reflects this idea clearly. In The Catcher in the Rye , Holden Caulfield interprets the world through distrust, which affects his relationships and choices. Real life functions similarly. Perspective changes experience more than circumstances alone. Automatic Thinking and Cognitive Bias The brain seeks efficiency. It relies on shortcuts known as cognitive biases. These shortcuts help quick decision making but sometimes create errors. Confirmation bias encourages people to notice information that supports existing beliefs. Availability bias causes individuals to overestimate risks that are frequently discussed. Daniel Kah...