Praveen Nishanth

Reclaiming Attention: A Manifesto for a Kinder Digital Future By Praveen Nishanth | New Year Edition “It’s okay to look away.” A Wake-Up Scroll It starts small. A ping. A buzz. A “quick” scroll. And suddenly, an hour has vanished… or two. From the tiny hands of a child watching endless reels to a retired elder forwarding videos late into the night, we’re all caught in something— a loop we never signed up for. What if I told you… it’s not your fault? The Dopamine Dilemma Your brain is wired to seek novelty. To feel rewarded when something new or exciting happens. That’s dopamine doing its job. But today’s digital design doesn’t play fair. Apps and platforms are crafted to trigger this reward system—again and again. Not to help you. But to keep you there. This isn’t about addiction in the classic sense. It’s about being conditioned—slowly— to need stimulation to feel okay. Why Some Fall Deeper Than Others Some people have more sensitive reward system...

Well, it’s about leaving my native, ever-green Nagercoil, located at the southernmost tip of India, a place of immense natural beauty. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, it boasts lush green landscapes and serene backwaters. As I gazed out of the clean, big glass window of the new orange and grey Vande Bharat train, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the verdant hills and tranquil surroundings of my hometown. The sight of the lush greenery slipping away made me realize how much I would miss the serene beauty of Nagercoil and how blessed I am to be born there. A Fresh Journey on the Orange Vande Bharat Express After some busy days of working only from my home, this seemed to be a nice train journey after a while with my wife last Saturday. You know, I enjoyed a meal from Indian Railways for the first time. The food was decent, though the service was not quite up to the mark. The host should speak the local language, especially Tamil, but I appreciate it for what it is. We we...

 I want to write again, but now I've become more accustomed to using my mobile phone to jot down thoughts. However, I still enjoy the traditional method of writing on paper. Whatever the case, not having a laptop should never stop me from posting or writing from anywhere. It's been a while, everyone. After many years, I'm back to writing and doing the routines I've longed for. I didn’t want to post a lot because what I was writing felt too personal and real, and I didn’t want to express my content through a straightforward moral lens. So, I thought I could create a story of my own based on personal experiences and the lessons life has taught me so far. For starters, I’m going to hit 34 this September. I’m pretty sure my previous audience consisted mostly of my childhood friends or relatives, with a few others, as I wasn’t consistent enough in adding content. Anyway, let’s now focus globally. I mean, I can write stories and maybe publish them in two main languages for no...

It's been a while, but I'm back—blogging with a touch of retro flair! 😄 Some might call it retro, but for me, it's a return to my roots. Over the past decade, I've been on quite a journey—working as a software engineer at various companies, taking breaks when life demanded it, and navigating through some tough times. There were wrong decisions along the way, and I faced my share of challenges. But now, I’m ready to make a comeback, stronger and more determined than ever. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned, where I’ve been, and how I’m moving forward. Whether it’s personal stories, photography, travel, or reflections on history—whatever I’m exploring, you’ll find it here. It feels like I’m starting from scratch, but that’s part of the excitement. Let’s embark on this new chapter together

Lake View Viknesh Sekar Apeksha Camp fire

This old man has no need for a big job, no corporate life, no traffic, and no deadlines. Life is about relaxing for him. This photo, taken over eight years ago in the serene village of Kookal in Kodaikanal, captures a moment of pure tranquility. In 2024, I revisited this hidden gem with my wife, mom, and driver. Although we couldn’t spot the old man, we found the place still brimming with its unique charm. Once a well-kept secret, Kookal has now been exposed to the world through Instagram and other social media platforms. Despite this, it remains relatively uncrowded, preserving its small-village allure. Kookal is a gateway to heaven. As we ventured deeper, we discovered many simple nature resorts, resembling huts. These aren’t luxurious five-star accommodations, but their beauty surpasses even the most opulent seven-star hotels. Although we couldn’t stay overnight, I was thrilled to let my family explore and feel the essence of Kodaikanal’s beauty.