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By:

Shiv Sethi

10 January 2026 at 2:43:11 pm

Endless Inner Echoes

A Kolkata-based entrepreneur and a featured author in eminent media houses, Rajeev Kejriwal,  presents a rare confluence of industry and introspection. Writing primarily in Hindi, his poetry navigates universal emotional terrains like restlessness, solitude, memory, and the self with a quiet intensity. His work does not seek comfort; it unsettles, provokes, and invites readers to confront their own unspoken truths. His acclaimed poetry collection Antheen (meaning Endless) has been widely...

Endless Inner Echoes

A Kolkata-based entrepreneur and a featured author in eminent media houses, Rajeev Kejriwal,  presents a rare confluence of industry and introspection. Writing primarily in Hindi, his poetry navigates universal emotional terrains like restlessness, solitude, memory, and the self with a quiet intensity. His work does not seek comfort; it unsettles, provokes, and invites readers to confront their own unspoken truths. His acclaimed poetry collection Antheen (meaning Endless) has been widely appreciated for its minimalist expression and emotional depth. An English translation of the collection is set to release soon, aiming to reach a broader audience. Excerpts…   Poetry often comes from deep emotion. What inspires your verses the most? Inspiration, for me, is rarely a grand moment. It’s usually a quiet moment of solitude or equally a moment of disturbance—something that doesn’t settle. A question that hangs in the air, a silence heavier than words—and at times, just emptiness. I write because something within refuses to be resolved.   How would you describe your poetic voice or style in your own words? I believe my voice lives somewhere between what is said and what escapes being said. Minimal on the surface, with an undercurrent of unease… and involves the reader in its search. I’m drawn to pauses, to absences, to incompleteness.   Do your books emerge from personal experiences, observations, or imagination? Tell me about your books. A combination of all three, but not in a linear way. Personal experience leads to focused observation, observation dissolves into vivid imagination—and somewhere in between, a poemstarts taking shape instantly. My work, especially Antheen, it’s more about capturing states of being—detachment, longing, quiet anger, or nostalgia. If there’s a thread across my books, it’s this idea of something endless—but in feeling.   Is there a particular poem of yours that is closest to your heart? Why? Yes—but not because it is the most polished. The ones closest to me are often the ones that feel unfinished, almost fragile. Like “Tukde Tukde” is a poem where the question outweighs the answer, where the silence in words and action holds more weight than the written words.   How do you approach the process of writing a poem? Does it come spontaneously or through careful crafting? It almost always begins spontaneously—a line, a thought, a certain emotional rush. But writing doesn’t end there. I return, not to decorate it, but to strip it down. Remove the extras, like a sculptor removing the unwanted parts from a slab of stone to reveal the statue. The process is more about uncovering what was already there, hidden beneath noise.   Many believe poetry is losing space in today’s fast-paced world. How do you respond to that? I t’s the attention span., and poetry has always lived in spaces where attention is fragile. poetry becomes almost necessary in a fast-paced life, - crisp, minimal words to express thoughts, emotions, —not as an escape, but as resistance, asking you to pause. It will always find those who are willing to stop and listen- to their heart.   Which poets or literary traditions have influenced your work the most? Less names, more sensibilities. That said, works that embrace restraint and depth whether in Hindi, Urdu, or even certain modern minimalist voices have stayed with me, where a single line can hold an entire emotional landscape.   What role does language play in your poetry? Do you think differently when writing in different languages? Language shapes the emotion itself. Hindi, for me, carries a certain intimacy and rawness. English offers distance and structure. The poem chooses its own language and sometimes, it lives in both, and that’s where translations come.   What themes or ideas are you currently exploring in your upcoming work? The distance, - lately, I find myself returning to it, not just between people, but more within the self. A kind of quiet disconnection that isn’t dramatic, but persistent. I’m also exploring memory how it shapes us, distorts us, and sometimes traps us. As something unresolved, as something that remained unsaid at that point of time. Few of my poems have a humorous touch too as you will find in “Dasvi Pass” or “Dawa Daru” I write not to answer, but to sit with what refuses to resolve.

Empowering Indian Science: From Red Tape to Real Impact

Indian science is going through an important change. Recent government decisions are making the country’s research environment more supportive, flexible, and focused on national needs. These steps reflect a stronger recognition of science as a national priority in moving beyond procedural bottlenecks and acknowledging its central role in building a strong and self-reliant India.


One of the most impactful changes is the complete overhaul of procurement procedures for scientific research. Until now, buying research instruments and lab equipment involved multiple approvals, quotations, and mandatory use of government platforms, often leading to long delays. The new rules are a game-changer.


The direct purchase limit for scientific instruments and consumables has been raised from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2 lakh, allowing quicker purchases without needing quotations. The purchase committee limit (through Limited Tender Enquiry) has been increased from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.25 lakh. The Advertised Tender Enquiry limit has been raised from Rs.50 lakh to Rs.1 crore. For large-scale procurements, Vice Chancellors and Directors of institutions can now approve Global Tender Enquiries up to Rs. 200 crore, giving research institutions far greater flexibility than ever before.


In another bold step, the government has allowed scientific goods to be purchased outside the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Earlier, GeM was the only route for procurement, but this often did not meet the specific needs of laboratories or offered limited suppliers. Now, researchers can directly access better products and vendors, save precious time and ensure the quality of scientific work is not compromised. These simplified procedures significantly reduce red tape and speed up procurement across India’s research labs.


At the same time, another key reform focuses on reducing the administrative burden on Principal Investigators (PIs). Until now, PIs were expected to handle both science and paperwork by tracking expenses, filing reports and managing grant-related documents. These tasks took away valuable time from research. Shifting these responsibilities to trained staff in institutions is a much-needed change. It allows scientists to focus on what really matters: thinking, discovering, and mentoring.


Together, these reforms show a deeper understanding: that science must be allowed to grow without unnecessary roadblocks. But freedom also comes with responsibility. As India aims to become a developed country by 2047, science must help solve real problems like providing clean water, affordable healthcare, sustainable farming, reliable energy and safe cities. Research must not only advance knowledge, but also improve people’s lives.


To achieve this, the way we measure success in science also needs to change. Rather than just counting the number of papers or patents, we should ask: What impact did this research have? Did it solve a real problem? Did it lead to a useful product, policy, or technology? Funding agencies can support this shift by linking grants to clear goals, regular reviews, and mentorship—making sure that independence leads to meaningful results.


At the same time, science is being reshaped by artificial intelligence. AI tools are now used to analyse data, review literature, suggest ideas, and even write papers. These tools can be helpful if used carefully. But there is a risk: relying too much on AI can make science shallow. A paper that sounds polished but lacks original thinking adds little value.


That’s why scientific integrity today means more than just avoiding fraud. It also means being thoughtful, honest, and creative. AI should support human thinking, not replace it. Research institutions must set clear rules on how AI should be used, encourage transparency, and make sure that the peer review process looks for depth, not just fluency.


Another ongoing problem is the delay in releasing project funds and fellowships. For many young researchers, these delays cause frustration, uncertainty, and slow down progress. Fixing this is essential. Predictable and timely funding is as important as autonomy as it helps scientists plan and work effectively.


In addition, research institutions must build stronger internal systems. Good science depends not just on smart researchers but also on skilled administrators, grant managers, and lab technicians. These support roles must be recognized and strengthened. A successful research system needs both talent and teamwork.


India must now create its own model for scientific growth that matches its challenges and strengths. Simply copying what other countries do will not work. India needs a system that blends basic research with real-world problem-solving, cutting-edge tools with cost-effective solutions, and global ideas with local action.


To make this happen, stronger collaboration is needed. Scientists must work more closely with industry, government and civil society. Research hubs, startup incubators and joint projects can help convert ideas into useful applications. Community participation can also help ensure that innovations are practical and accepted.


Science must also connect better with the public. People should understand and care about science. Including topics like environment, sustainability, and critical thinking in education will help build a generation that supports evidence-based decisions. Outreach through digital tools, schools, and local programs will make science more inclusive.


These recent reforms have set the stage. But it is now up to scientists, institutions, and policy-makers to use this opportunity well. Will the system encourage creativity? Will it support those who take bold steps? Will it stay focused on national progress? If approached with clarity and commitment, this moment can become a turning point. Indian science can break free from old limits, grow with purpose, and play a central role in building a confident, capable and developed India.

(The author is the former Director, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune and Visiting Professor, IIT Bombay. Views personal)

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