While working on a strategy exercise to identify growth levers for a state government, I reached a surprising conclusion: data centres could be a primary engine for 10x growth.

While I know I am pro-sustainability, I am equally pro-growth. I particularly dislike open skylines being replaced by the view of tall buildings with big windows or advertisements. While I agree India needs infrastructure like hyperscalers and colocation to drive the growth it so excitedly aspires for, I am also advocating an integrated policy to ensure the growth is aligned with urban sustainability.

All this thought brought me back to the question – why is everyone, all of us, chasing growth? Not just for-profit companies, but governments, non-profit organizations, and also individuals like me… including me. We are all chasing growth.

But why?

In December 2025, I had noted how Finland is using heat from data centres to power homes. How India is looking at increasing water scarcity threat in already water stressed areas.

Looks like CEEW (Council on Energy, Environment and Water) already is saying what I was trying to articulate. India needs an integrated policy to transform the data centre boom from potential environmental and economic liability into a sustainable and a strategic national asset. [CEEW, 2026]

Three data points and three questions:

The 29th conference of the parties of climate action (COP) held between 11th-22nd November 2024 was a huge disappointment according to various sources including Mint. The “Finance CoP” failed to secure the target investment commitment from countries to mitigate climate risk. Recognising the importance of mobilizing varied sources of investments, CoP-29 including previous CoPs believe that private sector investments will play a key role in driving climate related initiatives.

In 2023, investment in the climate tech industry was $33.3Bn more than (or only 3 times) the total investment in the Indian Startup ecosystem, which stood at $11.3Bn

While CoP-29 signals low commitment of governments, businesses and societies at large towards climate action, investors in climate tech probably have a different view.

With the rise of hyper-local e-commerce, I have been deliberating the future of traditional grocery stores and supermarkets. Thinking about all the challenges local retailers are facing in maintaining their customer base, my friends and I have often strived to shop from our local Kirana stores.

I understand that the landscape of retail is not solely defined by price; it also encompasses the shopping experience itself. The experience of browsing aisles intertwined with excitement of picking something not on the list and a sense of nostalgia still draws customers to the local stores and supermarkets. Yet, as e-commerce continues to streamline product selection and enhance convenience, the traditional supermarket experience seems at risk.

“Facing sustainability issues? Let’s solve them using solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and power stations.” How many times have we heard this?

Are electronics truly the solution to our environmental woes, or are we creating more problems in the name of sustainability?

Recently I visited Nainital with my family. I have been there as a kid, but we needed a break from our mundane lives and didn’t want to do something fancy. Hence there we were in the lake city of Uttarakhand, Nainital.

A love story in 2023 is about couples bringing their families’ consent and happiness together along with each other.

This “summer vacation” gave me ample time to read lavishly. I finally picked up a book I was gifted by a friend over a year ago. “Kashmir - A Tragedy of Errors” by Tavleen Singh became my first book on the country’s political history. I read Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman, and more.

Every now and then, there is a reel, a post, a discussion that brings me back to the fight that women are fighting to feel heard, be respected and allowed to be successful. Some appeal, some demand and some advice. There are some who talk about the support they have received from their family, friends and lives. However, there are days when I feel every girl is fighting a battle, in one way or other.

I am from Surat, Gujarat - The textile hub of the Country. Growing up in the city, I remember seeing cloth (white cloth called grey) manufactured from cotton threads, and embroidery being done on machines. However, my understanding of the industry has gaps. Big gaps. With some time in my hand and my presence in the city, I am looking forward to understanding the industry a bit more.

They told me that MBA is a protected environment, so experiment and try everything you want to - cause after that it will be real life. And I did exactly that. I opted for courses that were out of my comfort zone. I prioritized learning about people skills over academics (at least I feel so).

“I want to get it right, until I am fully prepared I won’t start” - what we also call procastinating, I have been there, done that more than once. Not today. I want to start somewhere. This is where I start. If this isn’t perfect, its alright. I find imperfections more beautiful anyway.