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From Fire Mountains to Flame Towers: Baku’s Last Impressions (Day 5, 6 & 7)

As Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.) wraps up his week-long journey through Azerbaijan, the final leg offers candid reflections, hidden gems, and a touch of history. From the scenic yet familiar return to Baku, to exploring the Shirvanshah Palace, Highland Park, and the vibrant Fountain Square, each stop brings its own flavour. The real surprises lie in the fiery wonders of Yanar Dag and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, alongside the tech-savvy exhibits at the Heydar Aliyev Centre. With practical tips, sharp observations, and signature wit, this travelogue offers both inspiration and information for your next adventure. Säg olun!

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Approaching Qebele - Caucasus ahead
InternationalPeople & CultureTravel
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From Baku’s Buzz to Gabala’s Yawn: A Tale of Two Moods (Day 3 & 4)

After the buzz of Baku, we set off for Gabala, a small town in the mountains. The drive was scenic, with a stop at the historic Samaxi Mosque and some interesting roadside moments—including speeding fines handled with casual charm. Gabala welcomed us with cooler weather, a peaceful vibe, and some touristy sights that didn’t quite live up to the hype. The 7 Gozal Waterfalls were underwhelming, but the Tufandag cable car ride saved the day. With overpriced burgers and friendly but forgettable sights, Gabala was a mixed experience—but it added its own flavour to our Azerbaijan adventure. A travelogue series by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.).

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Think Before You Post: Personal, Public & Expert Opinions in the Social Media Era

In an age where every click can go viral, it’s more important than ever to think before you post. This article explores the three types of opinions—personal, public, and expert—and why distinguishing between them is crucial before sharing content online. Social media is a powerful tool, but when misused, it can blur ethical lines, fuel misinformation, and damage reputations. By applying a simple 3-point checklist, both creators and consumers of content can become more mindful and responsible. If you believe in writing with purpose and posting with integrity, this is your compass for navigating the digital world wisely.

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Embracing the sun in all its glory, the beautiful creeper Allamanda. Photo courtesy: Tanya Munshi
Essays & Short StoriesThe Dragonfly Chronicles
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Water, Sunlight, and KPI Pressure: The Garden Drama Unfolds

I learn a lot from my plants every single day. Every morning, as I sit down with my morning tea, my plants and I sit in amiable silence, sharing lessons from life. One day, it struck me: If plants had to undergo an appraisal system, and we had to review and grade them in order of performance and productivity, how would it be? Here’s a short story of an appraisal of the flowering plants. I hope this little satirical (fictional) story inspired by what my plants have taught me over the months will leave my readers with enough food for thought and plant the seed for a positive change.

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A Week by the Caspian: Baku’s Buzz and Gabala’s Serenity (Day 1 & 2)

We begin with a travel series by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.), who recently visited Azerbaijan. This exceptional travel series is unique because it’s written from the heart and includes a mix of bitter-sweet and witty moments that our readers will find entertaining and informative. This comprehensive travelogue will be helpful if you’re considering a trip to this distant land in Eastern Europe and West Asia.

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HobbyLifestylePlanetThe Dragonfly Chronicles
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Life Lessons Learned Through Gardening

Gardening may not be everyone’s passion, but the life lessons it imparts are universal. As we witness the resilience, rootedness, and generosity of plants, we find inspiration to apply these principles to our lives. The garden becomes a classroom for personal growth, teaching us to rise above challenges, stay grounded, and make a positive impact on the world around us. Sharing some of life’s valuable lessons my humble yet strong and resilient plants have taught me.

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Handmade stitched fabrics and woolen bag
Essays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & CulturePep Talk
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Needlework – Memories of a close-knit tribe

Reminiscing the art of needlework taught in schools, and the lessons learnt from it. It was more than sitting pretty with colourful threads & fabrics. It instilled in us a sense of empowerment, being a part of a tribe or a community. In a world that is so used to ‘one click’ and ‘swipe’ responses or interactions, needlework is far removed from it. We may not land up being designers, but we surely will know how to fix things on our own if we have a tear. It’s a pity this life skill is not taught so commonly in schools today.

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