The self-proclaimed shark with no teeth

In the quiet town of Aryalaya, life moved at a pace that let resident's gossip, complain, and, most importantly, observe. Here lived a man named Tejas Babu. He was a middle-class schoolteacher with a knack for pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Tejas was the embodiment of self-promotion without real substance.

To the outside world, Tejas appeared to have high moral standards. He was an epitome of love, loyalty, and ethics. You would often see him in the local market, hand in hand with his wife, Sita. He would passionately declare to anyone who listened, “The love I have for my Sita is like the sun, unwavering and eternal. She is the backbone of my success. Without her, I am nothing!”

However, the townsfolk, especially his colleagues, had learned to take Tejas’s words with skepticism. What he didn’t realize was that behind the scenes, his reputation as a devoted husband was as thin as the lies, he told. Tejas might have been the most disloyal man in Aryalaya, but his clever manipulation of words let him project the image of an ideal husband. The truth was, his affection for Sita was as fake as his moral high ground, and everyone knew it.

Sita was far from oblivious. The quiet, unassuming woman had accepted her reality. Tejas’s grand love speeches were just public performances, a part of his daily facade. Regarding his “loyalty” to her, Sita understood better. He had a reputation for disappearing after school hours, often leaving her wondering where he truly went. But she had more pressing matters, like raising their children and managing the household.

Tejas Babu’s behavior at school was equally well-known. In staff meetings, he sat with a smug grin, always ready to share his “wisdom.” Much of it came from overheard conversations or random internet quotes. He was quick to take credit for any small success and the first to blame others for his failures. “This student’s report card was successful because I guided him through every step!” Tejas would say, as if he hadn’t spent most of the semester in a haze of half-finished lessons.

When things went wrong, it was never his fault. “The curriculum committee didn’t understand my vision,” he would insist. “But I shall carry the burden of their incompetence.” Or, “That project failed because the other teachers didn’t follow my brilliant instructions. I had already predicted it.” But no one ever challenged his grand stories. They didn’t need to. They all knew Tejas Babu was, at best, a harmless fool and, at worst, a walking joke.

The principal, Mrs. Kumar, learned over the years to indulge Tejas’s boasting instead of correcting it. She viewed him as a necessary source of entertainment, especially when staff meetings became dull. Her favorite tactic was to praise his “innovative” methods with a straight face, fully aware that his ideas were recycled nonsense. “Tejas,” she’d say with feigned admiration, “I’ve never met a teacher so deeply invested in developing students’ emotional intelligence. Your approach is truly revolutionary!”

And Tejas, unaware of her sarcasm, would puff up with pride. “Thank you, Mrs. Kumar. It’s always been my dream to impact the youth of this country and mold their minds into ethical, responsible citizens!”

Behind closed doors, however, the staff would burst into laughter once Tejas left the room. “Can you believe he thinks he’s actually changing the world?” one teacher would say, shaking his head. “He’s the biggest fool I’ve ever met.”

Despite their amusement, they all continued to feed Tejas’s delusions. Mrs. Kumar, always strategic, knew that keeping him in his bubble of self-importance worked in their favor. As long as he felt happy with the false praise, he wouldn’t notice how thoroughly overlooked he was. In fact, she used him for the same reason everyone else did: to distract, entertain, and lighten the otherwise monotonous life of school administration.

One fateful day, however, the laughter came to an end in the most unexpected way.

The school was organizing its annual “Teacher’s Excellence” award, which recognized teachers for their efforts in various areas. Tejas Babu, ever the opportunist, convinced himself that this was his moment. After all, he believed he was the most ethical, devoted, and innovative teacher in the district. He never considered that someone else might win this award.

When the night of the ceremony arrived, Tejas was already rehearsing his acceptance speech in his mind. “I am deeply humbled by this honor,” he imagined saying. “I promise to continue working for the greater good of education.”

But fate had other plans. The award went to another teacher, Mrs. Malini, a quiet, hardworking woman who had spent countless hours tutoring struggling students. She was known for her kindness and selflessness.

When the announcement was made, Tejas’s face went pale as if he had just seen a ghost. He blinked in disbelief as Mrs. Malini took the stage to accept the award. For a moment, he stood frozen, unable to grasp that the recognition he felt entitled to had slipped away.

Then came the moment that shattered his carefully constructed world.

As the ceremony wound down, Mrs. Kumar approached him, sensing that Tejas needed a gentle dose of reality. “Tejas, can I have a word?”

He nodded, forcing a smile, still hoping for some consolation prize. Mrs. Kumar leaned in and spoke in her usual calm tone. “Tejas, I need to tell you something. It’s about how you carry yourself.”

Tejas, eager for praise, interrupted, “Of course! I know I’ve done so much for this school. My methods, my vision, my commitment—I’m just ahead of my time!”

Mrs. Kumar looked him in the eye and replied, “You don’t get it, do you, Tejas? You’ve been playing this game for years, but you’ve never been real with anyone. The loyalty you speak of is empty. Your ethical stance is just a mask. You take credit for things you didn’t do and blame others when things go wrong.”

Tejas stood there, his heart racing. “What do you mean? I’m the most loyal man in this school! I’m the most committed teacher you’ve ever seen!”

Mrs. Kumar shook her head. “No, Tejas. You’re the most disloyal, opportunistic person I’ve ever met. You’ve been fooling yourself all this time. We all know it, and we let you carry on because it was entertaining. But you were the only one who didn’t see it. The joke’s always been on you when you casually used to joke on other competent and more realistic teachers behind their back.”

Tejas’s mind raced. Was this true? Had all his years of boasting and pretending been in vain? He had convinced himself of his greatness, but now, at this moment, the truth pierced through. His reputation as a teacher, his supposed integrity—it was all smoke and mirrors.

The final blow came when Mrs. Kumar added with a sigh, “You’re not the person you think you are, Tejas. And you never will be, not unless you learn to stop pretending and start learning things rather than copying. Let others speak for you, let your work speak for you and let your words rest until you know something real meaningful that is truly yours”

Tejas stood there, stunned, as the realization sank in. His carefully crafted image had been a house of cards, and one gust of truth had knocked it down. He had spent years elevating himself at the expense of everyone around him, but in the end, he was nothing more than a puppet dancing to his own ridiculous stories.

And so, Tejas Babu - once the self-proclaimed most loyal, most ethical, and most talented teacher - was left with nothing but his own reflection. That reflection now revealed the truth: he had been a fool all along. The truth and better sense prevailed as always. 

Moral of the Story: "The truth always catches up with those who wear a mask of deceit. Boasting without substance not only fool others but ultimately deceives the person wearing the mask."

मेरा ख्याल कर | Naven Kumar Jannat | Poetry

सुन तू बन ठन के ना आया कर
और जो आ जाये तो ना जाया कर

तू खैर किया कर मेरी साँसों की
और खैर की ख़ातिर ही थम जाया कर

वो कंगन झुमका बिंदिया और काजल
मैं नज़र भर लूँ तू ना शरमाया कर

जिद कर रहा हूँ तू ज़रा ख्याल कर
ऐ ख़ूबसूरत ना मेरा सब्र आज़माया कर

Naveen Kumar Jannat

Why Everyone Should Invest at Least 5% of Their Salary in a Nifty50 Index Fund

What to do with the first salary?

Investing early, even with a small portion of your salary, can lead to significant financial security by the time you retire. The Nifty50 Index Fund, which tracks India’s top 50 companies, is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced investors alike. Let's explore how starting with your first salary and retiring at 58 can shape your financial future.


Assumptions for the Calculation

  1. Start investing at your first salary, regardless of age.
  2. Retirement age: 58 years.
  3. Initial investment: 5% of the monthly salary.
  4. Annual increment in investment: 1% of the initial monthly salary per year.
  5. Average annual return: 10% (compounded monthly).
  6. Example salaries: ₹20,000 and ₹50,000.

Example 1: Starting Salary ₹20,000

Investment Plan

  • Monthly investment at start: ₹1,000 (5% of ₹20,000).
  • Increment in investment: ₹200 per month each year (1% of salary).

Wealth Accumulation by Age

AgeMonthly Investment (₹)Total Invested (₹)Wealth Accumulated (₹)
281,00012,00012,701
383,0003,60,0006,92,933
485,0009,00,00024,34,264
587,00018,00,00066,22,574

Example 2: Starting Salary ₹50,000

Investment Plan

  • Monthly investment at start: ₹2,500 (5% of ₹50,000).
  • Increment in investment: ₹500 per month each year (1% of salary).

Wealth Accumulation by Age

AgeMonthly Investment (₹)Total Invested (₹)Wealth Accumulated (₹)
282,50030,00031,752
387,5009,00,00017,32,333
4812,50022,50,00060,85,659
5817,50045,00,0001,65,56,434

Key Insights

  1. Starting Early Pays Off:
    Even if you start investing later in life (e.g., at 28), consistent contributions make a massive difference over 30 years.

  2. Incremental Growth Amplifies Returns:
    A modest annual increase in contributions ensures your investment keeps pace with your growing income and inflation.

  3. Long-Term Compounding Is Powerful:
    In both examples, your wealth grows exponentially in the later years. This demonstrates the magic of compounding.


Why Choose Nifty50 Index Funds?

  1. Low Risk:
    Investing in India’s top 50 companies spreads risk across sectors.

  2. Cost-Effective:
    Index funds have lower fees compared to actively managed funds.

  3. Ease of Investment:
    SIPs make it easy to automate monthly contributions.

  4. Proven Performance:
    Over decades, Nifty50 has consistently delivered strong returns, making it a reliable choice for long-term wealth building.


How to Get Started

  1. Open an Investment Account: Choose a broker or app to begin.
  2. Set Up a SIP: Automate monthly contributions to maintain discipline.
  3. Stay the Course: Avoid panic during market fluctuations.

Conclusion

Whether your first salary is ₹20,000 or ₹50,000, investing 5% with a modest yearly increment ensures you retire with financial security. Starting at 28 with consistent investment until 58 could provide you with ₹66 lakh to over ₹1.65 crore. That’s the power of starting early, staying consistent, and leveraging compounding through a Nifty50 index fund.

(Only for Educational purposes)

Food for the Soul: The Power of Companionship — Lessons from Krishna and Shalya

Companionship in any relationship plays a crucial role in shaping the path we walk, affecting our choices, our mindset, and ultimately, our destiny. From friendships and marriages to mentorships and partnerships, the right companionship can uplift and empower, while the wrong one can drag us down and weaken our spirit. A profound example of this dynamic can be found in the Mahabharata, where the relationships of Krishna with Arjuna and Shalya with Karna provide contrasting models of support and sabotage, each having a significant impact on their respective outcomes.

Krishna and Arjuna: The Divine Companion and the Disciple

The relationship between Krishna and Arjuna stands as an iconic example of true companionship, rooted in trust, guidance, and inspiration. As Arjuna's charioteer, Krishna was more than just a driver; he was a friend, philosopher, and guide who empowered Arjuna not only physically but also mentally and spiritually.

Empowering through Inspiration

Krishna's greatest gift to Arjuna was his ability to inspire and encourage him, even in moments of deep doubt. When Arjuna found himself paralyzed by the moral dilemma of fighting against his own kin in the Kurukshetra war, Krishna stepped in to provide clarity through the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Rather than discouraging Arjuna or letting him retreat into self-doubt, Krishna reminded him of his duty (dharma) as a warrior, encouraging him to rise above his personal emotions and fight for a greater cause.

Krishna's companionship was centered on empowering Arjuna to realize his fullest potential. He never imposed his will but instead guided Arjuna to make his own decisions with wisdom and clarity. This balance of support without overshadowing Arjuna's autonomy exemplifies a companion's role in fostering growth, courage, and self-belief.

Synchronization of Thought and Action

Krishna’s ability to synchronize his own wisdom with Arjuna’s strength was essential in ensuring victory. As a charioteer, Krishna drove Arjuna’s chariot with precision and foresight, leading him through challenging battles. His sharp intellect, combined with Arjuna’s martial prowess, created a perfect harmony between mind and body, thought and action. This synchronization can be likened to the ideal companionship, where both partners or friends understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, complementing each other perfectly to achieve success.

In Krishna, Arjuna found not only a guide but a source of constant encouragement, someone who illuminated his path even when the way forward seemed uncertain.

Shalya and Karna: The Companionship of Sabotage

In contrast, the relationship between Shalya and Karna illustrates how the wrong kind of companionship can prove detrimental, sowing seeds of doubt and inferiority, rather than offering support. Shalya, though nominally Karna’s charioteer, undermined Karna's confidence at every opportunity. This relationship provides a stark contrast to that of Krishna and Arjuna, revealing the consequences of toxic companionship.

Discouragement and Inferiority

Shalya’s attitude towards Karna was far from supportive. Despite his role as Karna's charioteer, Shalya often belittled Karna, mocking his abilities and reminding him of his inferior social standing. Instead of offering wisdom or guidance, Shalya’s words were designed to instill doubt and sap Karna's resolve, constantly eroding his confidence. His sarcastic remarks and negative attitude created an environment where Karna, despite his great strength and skill, was burdened by self-doubt.

Karna, unlike Arjuna, did not have a companion who believed in him or wanted him to succeed. Shalya’s lack of faith in Karna translated into a fatal lack of synchronization between the two. While Krishna aligned himself with Arjuna’s goals and did everything in his power to ensure Arjuna's success, Shalya’s toxic negativity weighed Karna down, making him feel inferior and isolated.

Impact on the Battlefield

The difference in their companions was evident in the battlefield. Arjuna, buoyed by Krishna’s guidance, fought with clarity, confidence, and determination, ultimately leading to his triumph. Karna, on the other hand, despite his talent and determination, was hampered by Shalya’s constant discouragement, leading to confusion and hesitation at critical moments. Shalya’s lack of synchronization with Karna resulted in fatal mistakes during battle, culminating in Karna's tragic death.

Lessons for Modern Relationships

The lessons from these two pairs can be applied to our daily lives and relationships. Whether it’s friendship, mentorship, or partnership, the people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence our sense of self and our success.

1. Support vs. Discouragement

A companion who uplifts and supports you can help you realize your fullest potential, just as Krishna did for Arjuna. On the other hand, a companion who constantly discourages or undermines you, like Shalya did for Karna, can lead you into self-doubt and prevent you from reaching your goals.

2. Trust and Belief

True companionship is built on trust and belief. Krishna believed in Arjuna’s ability to overcome his doubts and fight for what was right. Shalya, however, lacked faith in Karna, and this lack of belief proved to be Karna’s undoing. In relationships, belief in each other’s capabilities is a foundational element for mutual growth.

3. Harmony and Synchronization

Successful relationships require harmony and synchronization of goals, efforts, and intentions. Krishna and Arjuna moved in perfect sync, both mentally and physically, contributing to their success on the battlefield. When there is a lack of alignment between companions, as with Shalya and Karna, the partnership becomes a liability rather than an asset.

Moral: Choose Your Companions Wisely

The contrast between Krishna and Shalya’s relationships with their respective warriors highlights the immense impact companionship can have on our journey through life. Just as Krishna’s support allowed Arjuna to emerge victorious, the right companions in our lives can help us rise above challenges, inspiring us to reach our highest potential. Conversely, as seen in the case of Shalya and Karna, toxic or discouraging companionship can erode our confidence and lead us astray.

Choosing the right companions, those who uplift and synchronize with us, is perhaps one of the most important decisions we make in life. As the stories of Krishna and Shalya teach us, the right relationship can be the key to victory, while the wrong one can lead to defeat.

मेरा ज़िक्र भी बदनाम कर देगा | Hindi Shayari | Naveen Kumar Jannat

नाउम्मीद सा होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता
हो कर के ना होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता

आँखों से टपकते हुए आंसू भी चूमे थे
चुपचाप अब रोना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता

एक और रखो इश्क़ वफ़ा मान जवानी
इन्सान ना होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता

माना कि मेरा ज़िक्र भी बदनाम कर देगा
बेनाम सा होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता

अहसान है कि ज़िंदा हूँ और जी रहा हूँ मैं
अहसास ना होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता

मुड़कर नहीं देखा जो बुलाती रही सुख़न
‘जन्नत’ तेरा होना भी तो अच्छा नहीं लगता