Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Laika And Me

 

From Woofs to Purrs: Laika Welcomes Her Baby Sisters

Life with Laika has always been an adventure. At two years old, she’s a bundle of energy—jumpy, overexcited, always hungry (both for food and love), and forever ready to play. But after two years of chewing through furniture and pushing boundaries, our girl has grown into a more obedient and disciplined pup—though she's only gotten cuter with time!

Just after her second birthday, life took a beautiful turn when we decided to expand our furry family. Two tiny Persian kittens entered our lives—Salt, a snow-white beauty with black and gold flame points, and Pepper, a soft black sweetheart. Their names were lovingly given by Surya, the son of our close friends (more like family to us), who knew our passion for food and thought the names perfectly  suited our masaledaar family!

These kittens came from a loving home with three gorgeous Persian cats and a naughty badmaash golden retriever- Zoravar aka Zorro. Our daughter had her heart set on bringing home one kitten from the litter—but destiny had other plans. When we were holidaying in Bali with these very friends, a distressing call shook us: little Pepper had fallen from the fifth floor onto the concrete below. She was just a month old.

The caretaker rushed her to the vet, and we were told her condition was critical. Shock, fear, and helplessness washed over us. But deep down, I had a strange sense of belief—she will survive. I wasn't even a cat lover back then (yes, a typical superstitious Indian at heart), but something about those tiny lives called to me. I knew I had to bring both Salt and Pepper home.

So, when we returned, we welcomed the babies into their new forever home. Tiny, scared, and confused, especially Pepper with her fractured little paw, they tiptoed into our lives. Special care was given to Pepper, and slowly, their cautious eyes began to soften.

The biggest test? Introducing them to Laika.

With a whole mix of apprehensions—“Dogs and cats don’t get along!”—we took it slow. One by one, we brought the kittens close to Laika. Salt was in my arms, Pepper in my husband’s. Laika sniffed, inspected, and paused... and then something beautiful happened.

She welcomed them. No growls. No barking. Just love. In fact, she was especially gentle with Pepper—maybe she sensed her pain, maybe her instinct as an elder sister kicked in. Whatever it was, Laika melted our hearts that day.

And just like that, our home blossomed from a one-dog chaos to a multi-species paradise of love, fur, and endless cuddles.

Salt, Pepper, Laika—and our daughter Gayatri—complete our little universe. 💫

Monday, April 7, 2025

Laika And Me

 


Laika and Me – How One Paw-some Soul Changed Our Lives Forever

In my last blog, I shared how our bundle of  joy, Laika, came into our lives and instantly became an inseparable part of our family. Today, I want to take you through the beautiful transformation that followed—how this one furry bundle of joy reshaped our routines, our emotions, and our very way of living.

From the moment she stepped into our home, Laika brought a wave of change with her wagging tail and curious eyes. Our lifestyle adapted quickly to her needs—morning walks, feeding schedules, playtime—and yet, it never felt like a burden. Instead, it felt like discovering a new rhythm, one that added music to our daily life.

My daughter, Gayatri, has always been an introvert. Being our only child, she found joy in solitude and was neither comfortable nor very fond of sharing her space with anyone. When we first told her that Laika could be like a sister to her, she was quick to resist—"She’s our pet mom and dad, and not my sister! She is not a human afterall!" she'd say. But slowly and gradually, Laika crept into her heart. From hesitant pats to belly rubs, from giggles to cuddles, and her pure love melted my daughter’s heart and their bond blossomed beautifully. Today, Gayatri proudly tells everyone, “Laika is my sister!” And I smile, knowing how deep that connection has grown.

Even my husband, the man with serious OCD tendencies, who once found fur on furniture or muddy paw prints unsettling, has undergone a soft transformation. He now shares his space, his time, and even his bed with Laika. The same man who once insisted on perfect cleanliness now says, “I can't imagine sleeping without her next to me.” Laika has healed us in ways we didn’t even know we needed healing.

For me, every morning starts with  a playful bark—her way of saying, "Wake up my lazy Mama!" And every night ends with her snuggling by my side. She is not just a pet; she is a heartbeat of all of us.

I still remember the day we met her. It was raining. At the shelter, she was in a cramped cage with her sibling, covered in her own pee and poop—scared, silent, unaware of what the world had in store for her. That image still makes my heart ache. We picked her up, stopped on our way home to buy essentials—food, a bed, utensils—and brought her into our lives.

For the first two months, it felt like we had a celebrity in the house. Friends and family kept dropping by just to see her. She brought joy, laughter, and love in abundance. She gave us more than we ever imagined—unconditional affection, loyalty, and completeness.

People often say how lucky dogs are to find loving homes. But I always say—we are the lucky ones. Lucky to have been chosen by her. Lucky to witness her growth. Lucky to have her love.

Laika didn’t just become a part of our family—she created the family we didn’t know we were missing.

Laika And Me

 



When Laika Walked Into Our Lives

Four years ago, something beautiful happened—something that forever changed the rhythm of our lives and the dynamics of our little family. At just 45 days old, she came bounding into our hearts with her floppy ears, soft brown eyes, and a wagging tail that had the power to erase every ounce of stress in an instant. That day, our family of three—me, my husband, and our daughter—became four. And just like that, we were complete.

We named her Laika, after the first dog to travel to space. I felt that a name that marked courage, exploration, and history was perfect for this tiny furball who was about to create her own little universe in our home.

To say she brought change would be an understatement.

At that time, my husband was struggling with hypertension. Ironically, he had always had an aversion to pets. “Too messy,” he’d say. “Too much responsibility.” But I saw something missing in our lives—something only a loyal, four-legged companion could bring. So despite his reluctance, We brought Laika home.

What followed was nothing short of magic.

Not only did Laika sneak her way into his heart, but she also lowered his blood pressure, both literally and metaphorically. Her calming presence, her playful nudges, the quiet company she offered—it was as if she instinctively knew what he needed.

Then there was our daughter, who had always been terrified of dogs. I’ll never forget the initial hesitation in her eyes when she first met Laika. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the two of them inseparable. They play together every day—chasing, cuddling, laughing. I see in my daughter a carefree joy I hadn’t seen before. Laika transformed her fear into friendship, and that’s a bond I cherish deeply.

For me, Laika is like the baby I never knew I needed. Our days revolve around feeding her, walking her, talking to her (yes, we have full conversations!), and just soaking in her presence. She listens like no one else. She’s the therapist who charges nothing, the baby who doesn’t grow up, and the best friend who never judges.

Through her, we found new routines, deeper love, and lighter hearts. She didn’t just complete our family—she healed it, revived it, and filled it with fur-covered happiness.

This is just the beginning of our journey. There are countless stories to tell—some funny, some heartwarming, some plain chaotic. But they all revolve around one little Labrador who came, saw, and conquered our hearts.

Stay with me as I unfold the tales of life with Laika—our furry bundle of love.

Grief vs Grades: The Rise of Robotic Pressure on Students

 



When Did Exams Become More Important Than Grief?

Recently, heartbreaking incidents have raised a crucial question—have we, as a society, lost our way? In Kolkata, a Class X student gave her board exam right after losing her mother in a road accident. In Tamil Nadu, a Class 12 student wrote his exam just hours after his mother passed away. While their resilience is commendable, does this reflect our Indian traditions and values?


India has always emphasized family, emotions, and togetherness. Yet, the pressure to prioritize exams over personal loss shows a concerning shift in our mindset. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal aptly questioned, "Have we lost the plot as a society when a child is made to feel that an exam is more important than their mother’s death?"

Education is vital, but not at the cost of emotional well-being. It’s time we rethink our approach, ensuring that students are given the space to grieve and heal, rather than forcing them to choose between personal tragedy and academic expectations.


What's your opinion on this?

Sanskar Vs Screen Time

 

Sanskar Vs Screen Time


Introduction

Today’s time is dominated by digital technology; children nowadays are immersed in screen. From online entertainment and social media to online education. While technological advancements offer numerous educational and developmental benefits, excessive screen exposure often results in a disconnect from real world. Excessive use of mobile phones can negatively impact children's development. The challenge of keeping children away from mobile phone is same everywhere.  Parents nowadays also feel convenient by giving phones and tablets to pacify their children when they are cranky, feel bored, or when parents themselves need rest. This creates a dependency on digital distractions as an emotional coping mechanism, reducing a child’s ability to self-soothe by imaginative plays, reading books, engage in independent play, or develop patience and resilience.




The Consequences of Excessive Screen Exposure

  • Deterioration of social skills and Interpersonal Relationships: Prolonged screen engagement diminishes face-to-face communication, weakening social as well as familial bonds and emotional intelligence.

  • Cognitive development and Attention Deficit: excessive screen time can lead to affect cognitive development by reducing creativity, imaginative play, problem solving skills, reduces concentration and memory. Also it restricts exploring and deep thinking qualities. 

  • Physcial and Mental Health: Excessive screen time may lead to a sedentary lifestyle resulting physical health. And Long hours of screen time can disrupt brain functioning. Kids become so addictive to screen that they sometimes start behaving differently or may be like characters they watch on videos. Excessive use of mobiles does not allow kids to lead a disciplined life.

  • Increased Psychological Dependence on Digital Validation: Social media fosters an unhealthy dependence on external affirmation, diminishing intrinsic motivation and self-awareness.


Strategies for Cultivating Indian Values Amid Digital Distractions


1. Art of Storytelling


Regular storytelling sessions, where parents narrate Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchtantra epics rather than relying on animated adaptations, will instill a deeper understanding of ethical principles. Encouraging children to dramatize these tales enhances engagement, retention, and a sense of belonging to India’s philosophical traditions.

 

2. Institutionalizing Family Rituals and Discipline

  • Instill the habit of beginning the day with a Namaste or subh Prabhat or even good morning, whichever is comfortable to  reinforcing respect and humility.
  • Engage children in daily pujas or chanting of shlokas, explaining their meanings for knowledge and  awareness.
  • Introduce practices such as reciting “Annadata Sukhi Bhava” before meals, cultivating mindfulness regarding food and its providers.


3. Experiential Learning Through Traditional Festival and Celebrations


 Involve children in active participation through:

  • Designing intricate rangolis to foster creativity and patience during festivals
  • Engaging in the preparation of traditional sweets, connecting them to ancestral culinary practices, remember how we use to help our mothers in kitchen during sweets making?
  • Encouraging participation in daily puja, strengthening their connect towards devotional practices.
  • Hosting storytelling sessions on festival origins, ensuring they grasp the historical and spiritual significance of the particular festive celebrations.


4. Encouraging active Participation in activities


The basic ideas is to keep children busy learning something or the other so that they don’t feel urge for mobiles or tablets.

By enrolling them in dance / sports/sketching / singing or any hobby classes of their choice their cognitive mind will automatically be engaged. They will start exploring more in the field of their choice.


5. Integrating Exercises or Yoga and Meditation


The incorporation of physical fitness by exercises or yogic practices such as Surya Namaskar and Pranayama, fosters mental clarity, resilience, and discipline.


6. Implementing Mindful Digital Consumption Strategies

  • Establishing “Screen-Free Zone” during family gatherings, meals, and prayer sessions.
  • Encouraging culturally enriching alternatives to screen time, such as engaging in board games like ludo, scrabble, or Chess, which are engaging and strengthens the family bonding.
  • Introducing Indian language-learning applications that support linguistic retention while integrating digital literacy.
  • Organizing one day a week as “Digital Detox Days”, where the family collectively refrains from screen usage and engages in storytelling, outdoor excursions, and artistic pursuits.
  • Educating children on Dharma (ethical responsibility), ensuring that their engagement with technology aligns with self-discipline, respect, and conscious decision-making.
  • Replacing the habit of giving children screens when they cry or feel bored with self-soothing strategies like playing with traditional toys, engaging in creative arts, listening to instrumental music, or practicing guided breathing techniques.
  • Inculcate the habit of reading. Trust me it works like magic.


Conclusion

While digitalization has become the integral aspect of contemporary life, Indian values can coexist alongside technological advancements. The objective here, is not to eliminate digital exposure but to curate a value-driven digital experience, ensuring that children remain connected to their cultural roots and at the same time adapting to global transformations. By conscientiously integrating values into daily interactions, traditions, and educational experiences, we empower the next generation to embrace our cultural depth, ethical frameworks, and rich heritage while blooming in the modern world.

By making intentional efforts to nurture cultural consciousness, we raise children who are not only digitally literate but also culturally enriched, morally grounded, and socially responsible. A legacy of values, ethics, and wisdom will serve as their most profound inheritance—one that transcends the fleeting gratification of screens.

 

Laika And Me

  From Woofs to Purrs: Laika Welcomes Her Baby Sisters Life with Laika has always been an adventure. At two years old, she’s a bundle of ene...