A chartered accountant recently made waves on social media with a headline-grabbing post on money management and long-term wealth generation. CA Nitin Kaushik, who has made a name for himself in the domain of personal finance, took to platform X to demystify the age-old philosophy of spending what is left after saving—instead of saving what is left after spending. He based this insight on the wisdom of master investor Warren Buffett, and he reminded individuals that accumulating wealth is not just about numbers—it's about living life in freedom, choice, and security.

Kaushik emphasized that every rupee invested becomes a tireless worker, one that operates around the clock without asking for breaks, benefits, or promotions. When money is strategically invested, it forms an invisible but powerful force that continues to grow, forming the foundation for lasting financial independence.

Harnessing the Power of Time and Compounding

To illustrate how money can multiply with consistency and patience, Kaushik provided a striking example. An investment of Rs 10,000 every month at an 8% rate of return would grow into Rs 18.29 lakh in ten years, Rs 59.31 lakh in twenty years, and a whopping Rs 1.5 crore in thirty years. This power of compounding has nothing to do with following high returns but having time as a strong ally. Consistency is the actual driver—making consistent contributions over a period of time.

Simple Steps to Begin Building Wealth

Kaushik presented a line of practical advice to those who are embarking on their financial journey. To start off: start as soon as possible, no matter how little money one has. Even ₹1,000 per month can accumulate into a significant amount when provided with time. The sooner one starts, the more power compounding will have.

He also urged emphasis on assets that appreciate in value and pay out income—such as equities for wealth appreciation, real estate for rental income, mutual funds for diversified risk investments, and even business enterprises that yield compounding returns through reinvested earnings.

Another habit he supported was the reinvestment of dividends. Rather than spend the dividend, leaving them invested allows compounding to gain momentum, converting lowly savings to considerable wealth over the years.

Steering Away from Financial Traps

Steering away from unproductive debt is also crucial. Kaushik suggested avoiding debts like credit card expenses or loans for luxury goods and instead employing useful debt like home or business loans to buy appreciating assets. Lastly, he told his audience that growing riches is not about rushing but doing persistent, patient work over decades.

About Nitin Kaushik

As per his LinkedIn profile, Nitin Kaushik is a commerce graduate from Delhi University and a chartered accountant. His suggestions aren't just based on theoretical knowledge but also due to years of experience in finance, with the intent to guide others to become financially independent through wise investments.

If someone had told my parents ten years ago that one day, people would stop watching TV and instead watch full movies and shows on their phones, they’d have laughed. I mean, growing up, watching TV was a full family activity. My mom had her daily soaps, dad would switch to news or cricket the second he got the remote, and I had to fight for cartoon time on Pogo, Disney or Hungama. That was the schedule. Simple, fixed, and very much dependent on the remote. But now? Things have changed so much. Thanks to OTT platforms.

 OTT stands for "Over The Top" platforms. It basically means streaming services that deliver content over the internet. So stuff like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema, Zee5, SonyLIV, even YouTube, to an extent are all part of the OTT world. And these platforms have totally changed the way we watch, what we watch, and when we watch.

 We are the one to decide what,where,when to watch. We’re no longer tied to a TV set or fixed timings. We watch shows while traveling, lying in bed, eating , even while pretending to study. Honestly, OTT has completely changed how we, especially the youth, engage with content. Let me try and break down how these platforms are changing viewership in India.

From “What’s on TV?” to “What do I feel like watching?”

Earlier, TV controlled our choices. There were fixed shows at fixed times. If you missed your show, tough luck. Now, it’s the other way around. We’re in charge. We can watch what we want, when we want, how we want. Want to pause for a snack? Sure. Want to skip the intro because you’ve heard it 50 times already? Go ahead. Want to rewatch a scene because your favorite actor looked too good in it? No one’s stopping you, want an outfit inspiration -screenshot.

This level of flexibility is what makes OTT so addictive. It's entertainment on your terms. And humans love freedom.

The Binge-Watch trail-Let’s admit it,we have all said “One more episode” and then ended up watching the whole season. That’s binge-watching. OTT platforms encourage it by dropping entire seasons at once. Whether it’s Mirzapur, Kota Factory, Money Heist, or Stranger Things, once you’re hooked, it’s game over.This is a major shift. Earlier, you would watch one episode per week. Now, we finish shows in one night and then suffer the next day because of it. (Been there, done that.) But the emotional connection is deeper when you watch it all in one go. You get attached. You live in that world for hours.

Content in Every Language- This is one of the coolest changes. TV mostly gave us Hindi and a few regional channels. But OTT platforms offer the same shows and movies in every language,Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi..everything. With subtitles and dubbing, there’s no language barrier.

 I never thought people would watch Malayalam movies, but thanks to subtitles, people have seen amazing films like Kumbalangi Nights, Jana Gana Mana, and now they actively search for regional gems. It’s not just about understanding,it's about discovering different cultures and storytelling styles from across India.

 The Fandom Culture- Another cool thing OTT has sparked? Fandoms. Yup. People now form entire online communities around their favorite shows. There are Reddit threads, Instagram meme pages, fan fiction, edits, and even Discord servers.

 I remember when Aspirants came out, my whole feed was filled with Sandeep bhaiya quotes. “UPSC sirf exam nahi hai, yeh ek bhavna hai”,and It struck a chord with countless UPSC aspirants, Same for Scam 1992. Harshad Mehta fans were everywhere, using "Risk hai toh ishq hai" like a mantra.

 OTT shows are no longer just content,they become culture. They give you shaped references, jokes, and emotions that connect strangers online. And that’s actually kinda beautiful?

New Stars, New Talent- OTT has given us so many fresh faces who might never have made it in Bollywood. Like Jitendra Kumar (Kota Factory, Panchayat), Shefali Shah (Delhi Crime), Pratik Gandhi (Scam 1992), and so many others. It’s not about looks or fame now,it’s about acting. You can be dark-skinned, chubby, queer, or even unknown, but if you’re good,OTT will not discriminate,it will give you a stage.

 Everyone Watches Something Different Now- There’s no “one-size-fits-all” anymore. TV used to be about joint viewing,everyone in the family watching the same thing. Now, we all watch different stuff. Like you, if you watch rom-coms, your  best friend might watch Korean dramas, your  dad might be  into historical documentaries, and your cousin might be obsessed with anime. OTT has something for everyone.

 Even niche interests are represented,such as food shows, true crime, stand-up comedy, horror, teenage drama, period romance, spirituality-you name it. You get to explore genres that TV never even touched.

Bold Stories, Real Characters-OTT has given creators the freedom to tell real, raw, and sometimes risky stories. TV had too many restrictions,no cuss words, no bold topics, and everything had to be “family-friendly.” But OTT content is different. It explores LGBTQ+ issues (Made in Heaven), mental health (Delhi Crime), caste, corruption, and even dark human emotions (Paatal Lok, Gehraiyaan).

 Characters are flawed. Stories don’t always have happy endings. And honestly, that’s more realistic. Life isn’t always perfect, so why should stories be?

Rise of the Web Series-Earlier, Indian shows ran for hundreds of episodes (and sometimes made zero sense). OTT brought in tight, meaningful web series,usually 6–12 episodes per season. That’s enough to develop a story without dragging it.

 Shows like Panchayat, The Family Man, Aspirants, and Gullak prove that you don’t need drama queens and villains to tell a good story. You need real emotion, a solid script, and characters that feel like people you know.Relatability wins hearts.

 Ad-Free Experience (Mostly)-One of the best things? Fewer ads. Or in premium subscriptions, no ads at all. After suffering through never-ending Fair & Lovely ads on TV, this feels like a blessing.

 Even free platforms like MX Player or YouTube manage ads better than TV ever did. It’s less disruptive and keeps the flow of the story intact.

 Smartphones - New TV Sets-OTT wouldn’t have grown so much without smartphones. Honestly, my phone is my personal TV. I watch stuff on the bus, while waiting in line, or curled up in bed under a blanket. Thanks to cheap data in India, people even in small towns and rural areas are streaming content.

 This has democratized entertainment. You don’t need a big house or a fancy setup,just a phone and internet. That’s powerful.

 Affordable and Accessible-Subscriptions are now affordable. Platforms like Hotstar offer yearly plans under ₹500. Amazon Prime has student discounts. Some platforms are even free. And yes, people  share passwords. Netflix might hate it, but it’s the truth.

 This accessibility has made OTT more popular than cable TV, especially for the younger generation.

 OTT’s is the Pandemic birth -Let’s not forget how the pandemic changed everything. Theatres shut down, and OTT became the only entertainment option. Films like Shershaah, Ludo, Gulabo Sitabo, and Jai Bhim released online,and they got huge audiences.

 OTT proved that you don’t need a cinema hall to make an impact. And after that, even big stars started treating OTT as a serious platform.Abhishek Bacchan,Manoj Bajpayee,Pankaj Tripathi,Neena Gupta and many more

Shorter Attention Spans with Snackable Content-Let’s face it,our attention spans are shorter than ever. Reels, TikToks, Shorts… we’re used to content that entertains us in under 30 seconds. OTT platforms have picked up on that. Apart from long shows and movies, now there are mini-series and quick 10–15 minute episodes Adulting, Engineering Girls, Little Things started that trend.

 Even episodes in regular shows are getting tighter. No unnecessary dragging. Just straight to the point, which suits today’s impatient viewer who’s juggling a million tabs,literally and mentally.

OTT is not just a trend. It’s a revolution. It has changed how India watches content. It’s more inclusive, flexible, and real. It’s giving voices to new stories and new people. It’s breaking language barriers, shaking up Bollywood, and redefining what success looks like.

As someone who grew up with both TV and OTT, I can see the difference. And I genuinely believe that we’re living through one of the biggest cultural shifts in entertainment history.

These platforms aren’t just changing how we watch, they're shaping who we are as audiences. We’re more curious, more critical, and more connected than ever. With every scroll, skip, or stream, we’re creating a new culture of viewership ,one that’s digital, diverse, and here to stay. OTT is more than just a way to pass time,it’s become part of our lifestyle. Whether you’re crying over a breakup in a show, laughing at a roast, or watching a documentary to learn something new,it’s shaping the way we think, feel, and connect.

 So, binge with the content that you like to watch anytime anywhere with your butterpopcorn and icy-cola!

For the first time in years, Mumbai’s civic education system seems to be starting the academic year on the right note. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has promised that 3.5 lakh students in civic-run schools will receive their full educational kits on the first day of school, June 16. That’s not just a logistical update—it’s a significant shift in narrative for public school students often left behind by broken promises and bureaucratic delays.

Earlier, these kits  used to reach so late that either the students went without them or missed the benefit of some of them altogether. Mid-semester was the time when textbooks used to reach. Raincoats used to reach after the monsoon season. Some used to wait so long that the academic year used to be half through before they got a decent school bag.

This year, the BMC appears to have heard. After years of complaints by parents, teachers, and erstwhile corporators regarding shoddy planning and poor materials, officials are ensuring that they do it right this time. And they should be applauded. Not for improved tendering procedures or logistics—but for recognizing that dignity starts with preparation.

What could be a simple kit is, to so many children, a message that they count. A fresh uniform and functional shoes can give a child the confidence to step into a classroom. A good school bag can mean protection of books and aspirations as well.

In a welcome step towards digital inclusivity, students in grades 8-10 will be provided with tablets, assisting them in overcoming the technological gap and conforming to contemporary learning patterns. With the support of teachers during school hours, it's a positive step towards curbing digital disparity.

The BMC needs to see that this momentum doesn't die down. Prompt, respectful care to all students should not be headline news—it should be the norm. But today, we have to admit that for 3.5 lakh kids, June 16 could well come across as an actual first day of school.

Let's continue to make it so.

Siddharth Shankar, Tails Group's £6.7 billion turnover serial entrepreneur and recent nine-figure exit, has criticized the increasing popularity of "practical MBA" programs as a trend-based movement with little applicability in the real world. In an interview with the Karostartup podcast, Shankar cautioned young business professionals and would-be entrepreneurs to subject the expanding boot camp, accelerator, and experiential course ecosystem to critical scrutiny.

"Everybody's hopping on this bandwagon of functional MBAs," Shankar said. "But where is the true value in the corporate world?" Shankar, who founded his startup career after MBA in 2017, attributes his conventional academic background for giving him strategic thinking, financial knowledge, and worldwide business exposure that enabled him to create a 285-brand portfolio reaching over 150,000 worldwide customers.

Countering the promotional-laden hype of short-term, experiential business programs, he said, "The numbers will catch up. These programs sound good but do not often create the depth of analysis required for lasting business success."

He emphasized that although experiential learning has its value, it cannot supplant traditional business education. "Intellect and practical application must be married with theoretical knowledge. That's the winning combination," he said.

Shankar's comments arrive at a time when India's entrepreneurial environment is more and more embracing fast-tracked entrepreneurial programs, usually at the cost of conventional academia. His experience acts as a counterpoint, reasserting the long-term worth of formal business education.

Currently the Global COO of Komerz, Shankar still invests in startups and guides young entrepreneurs. His experience serves as a timely reminder to students and education policymakers alike: as the competition for innovation heats up, academic quality must not be sacrificed.

Healing the Healers-Because They Deserve It Too

Doctors save lives. But who saves the doctors?

The answer lies in transforming medical education,not just to produce skilled physicians, but compassionate, resilient healers who are allowed to be human.

“We cannot pour from an empty cup. If we want better doctors, we must first take care of the people who will become them.”

The time for change is now. Because when we care for those who care, everyone heals better.

The Silent Struggle of Healers

Every day, medical students and healthcare professionals walk a tightrope,balancing the immense responsibility of saving lives while battling their own unseen struggles. Behind the white coats and stethoscopes lie sleep-deprived minds, anxious hearts, and, far too often, silent suffering.Medical students are 2-5 times more likely to experience depression than the general population. 1 in 3 doctors will experience burnout at some point in their career. Physicians die by suicide at twice the rate of the general public. Yet, while they are trained to heal others, they are rarely taught how to heal themselves.

Why mental health training in medical schools is not just an academic addition-it’s a lifeline.One that protects both future doctors and the patients they will someday treat.

The Current Gap in Mental Health Education

The Crisis No One Talks About-Mental Health in Medical Training

Many students fear that admitting to mental health struggles will label them as "weak" or "unfit" for medicine. Toxic culture,where "suffering in silence" is glorified—fuels this crisis.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Yet, nearly two-thirds never seek professional help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or insufficient access to care.

Burnout Among Healthcare Workers: The medical profession itself faces high rates of stress, depression, and suicide, highlighting the need for self-care and peer support training.

Rising Cases of Depression and Anxiety: Post-pandemic, mental health disorders have surged, requiring healthcare workers to be better equipped.

Why Mental Health Deserves a Seat in the Curriculum

In medical colleges and nursing schools, students are taught to read X-rays, interpret lab results, and diagnose physical ailments. But how many are taught to recognize the early signs of depression in themselves? Or how to respond empathetically to a patient struggling with suicidal thoughts?

Mental health education is not just an option,it is a necessity.

1. The Healer Must Be Healed- If future doctors, nurses, and therapists are to care for others, they must first learn to care for themselves. Mental health awareness teaches self-compassion, balance, and resilience.
2. Understanding the Patient Beyond the Symptoms-A person is not just a body with symptoms. Behind every trembling hand or rapid heartbeat might lie stress, trauma, or fear. A healthcare worker who understands mental health can offer complete, compassionate care.
3. Breaking the Stigma—From Within-Students who learn about mental health as part of their curriculum will normalize it. They’ll become professionals who talk about it openly, encourage support, and break the generational cycle of silen.

Reducing Stigma and Improving Patient Trust-Many patients hesitate to discuss mental health due to fear of judgment. When healthcare providers are trained to approach these topics sensitively, patients feel safer seeking help.

Holistic Patient Care-Healthcare is not just about treating diseases,it’s about caring.

 Building the Curriculum: More Than Just Lectures

Incorporating mental health into the curriculum isn’t just about adding a chapter in psychology. It’s about a cultural shift in how future healthcare professionals are trained.Use storytelling, role-playing, and real-life case studies to help students experience what mental illness feels like. Let them walk a mile in a patient's shoes.Psychologists and counselors should be regular faculty contributors, not just guest lecturers. Their insights bring real value.

When we train healthcare workers to prioritize mental health, they don’t just heal patients-they heal society.A nurse who understands trauma will comfort a victim with care.A doctor who manages stress will not explode in frustration at a junior.A counselor trained early will change lives with timely interventions.And most importantly, they’ll become role models for the next generation-showing that vulnerability is not weakness, but strength.

India’s Need of the Hour

In a country like India, where mental health remains cloaked in stigma and silence, integrating mental health into healthcare education can be revolutionary. With suicide rates among students and healthcare workers alarmingly high, we cannot afford to wait.

We need a generation of doctors who ask, “How are you feeling?” with as much urgency as they ask, “Where does it hurt?”

We need nurses who check emotional vitals alongside physical ones.

We need professors who say, “It’s okay to cry. You’re human first.”

The Heartbeat of Healthcare

Let’s remember- medicine is not just a science. It is an art. The art of healing, listening, and connecting.Promoting mental health awareness in healthcare curricula is not about ticking a box. It’s about building a better world-one where those who care for others are also cared for. One where students don’t break under pressure. One where healing begins in the classroom, not just the clinic.

The next time you walk into a hospital or a classroom full of future doctors, nurses, or therapists-ask yourself.Are we teaching them to treat patients? Or are we preparing them to heal humans, inside and out?

Because true healthcare begins with the heart.

Remember the sound of chalk scraping against a blackboard? The faint scent of erasers and notebooks filled with handwritten notes? For many of us, those memories are nostalgic-a reminder of a simpler time in education.

But today’s learners,Generation Z are different. They swipe before they write, Google before they ask, and learn as much from YouTube as they do from textbooks. They are digital natives, born into a world where information is instant, collaboration is global, and attention spans are shorter than ever.

Yet, despite all the technology, one thing remains unchanged: the human need for connection, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences.

This is where hybrid learning comes in-a blend of online and in-person education that meets Gen-Z where they are while keeping them fully engaged. But how do we design learning experiences that resonate with them? How do we bridge the gap between traditional teaching and digital innovation?

The Gen Z Learner-Who Are They?

Gen-Z (born between 1997-2012) has never known a world without smartphones. They are tech-savvy, but studies show they also crave real interaction. A 2023 Pearson report found that 65% of Gen-Z students prefer a mix of online and in-person learning,they want flexibility but also the warmth of a classroom.

Short Attention Spans, High Expectations

With TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, Gen-Z processes information in seconds, not hours. Educators must adapt micro-lessons, interactive quizzes, and gamification to keep them engaged.

They Learn by Doing-

Passive lectures? Forget it. Gen-Z thrives on experiential learning,projects, simulations, and real-world problem-solving.

They Value Mental Health & Inclusivity-

This generation is vocal about well-being, diversity, and equity. A hybrid model that allows self-paced online learning while fostering a supportive classroom community speaks to their needs.

 The Hybrid Classroom-Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Hybrid learning isn’t just about splitting time between Zoom and a physical classroom. It’s about seamlessly blending the best of both worlds.

 Real-time discussions, debates, and collaborative projects.

Pre-recorded lectures, interactive modules, and discussion forums.

Example: A history teacher assigns a documentary to watch online , then hosts a live debate in class where students role-play historical figures.

 Smartboards & Beyond-Tech That Engages

Interactive Smartboards: No more dusty chalk-students can collaborate on digital. Chatbots that answer questions 24/7, providing instant help.whiteboards in real time.

Learning That Feels Like Play-Leaderboards, badges, and quests turn lessons into challenges.  A math app where students "level up" by solving equations, competing in teams.

The Flipped Classroom Model-

Students learn theory at home (videos, readings) and apply it in class (labs, group work). This maximizes face-to-face time for deeper interaction.

The Heart of Hybrid Learning-Emotional Connection

Technology alone isn’t enough. Gen-Z needs to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Building Relationships in a Digital Age

• Weekly Check-Ins: A simple "How are you feeling today?" poll before class starts.
• Virtual Office Hours: Teachers available via chat or video for emotional and academic support.

Student Voice & Choice-Let them co-design lessons. When students pick project topics or debate formats, engagement skyrockets.

Celebrating Small Wins-A shoutout in class, a digital badge, or a meme-themed certificate-recognition fuels motivation.

The Role of Storytelling-Instead of dry lectures, teachers who share personal stories, real-world case studies, and student experiences make learning unforgettable.

Overcoming Challenges-The Road Ahead

Hybrid learning isn’t without hurdles.

The Digital Divide- Not all students have equal access to devices or Wi-Fi. Schools must provide laptops, hotspots, and offline resources.

Teacher Training-Many educators weren’t trained for this shift. Ongoing PD (Professional Development) in edtech tools is crucial.

Avoiding Screen Fatigue-Too much screen time drains energy. Balance digital tasks with hands-on, offline activities.

Keeping the Human Touch- No AI can replace a teacher’s smile, a high-five, or a heartfelt "I believe in you."

The Future of Learning is Hybrid & Human

From chalkboards to smartboards, education has transformed. But the core of teaching remains the same: inspiring, connecting, and empowering young minds.

For Gen-Z, hybrid learning isn’t just a pandemic stopgap-it’s the future. A future where:

• A student in a rural village attends a virtual lecture by a Nobel Prize winner.
• A shy teen finds their voice in an online discussion forum.
• A teacher’s passion transcends screens and walls, lighting a fire in their students’ hearts.

As educators, we must innovate but never forget the human touch. Because behind every screen is a dreamer, a thinker, a future leader,waiting to be seen, challenged, and inspired.

So let’s design hybrid learning that doesn’t just inform, but transforms.Because education isn’t just about what we teach-it’s about who we reach.