Authored by Dr. Eldhose A.Y, Assistant Professor, MA College
"And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2).
Even God, the ultimate creator, took a break. A sanctified day of rest. Today, when we casually toss around the words rest and leisure between frantic meetings and endless deadlines, we often forget the deeper meaning behind them. Everyone craves a break now and then it's a feeling that bubbles up quietly in our everyday conversations, tucked somewhere between discussions about workload and life goals.
But have we ever really paused to wonder: which came first, labour or leisure?
Think about it, before the organized hunt for food and shelter, humans possibly lived closer to a state of natural leisure, free from rigid schedules. Labour arrived much later, as survival demanded more collective effort. Slowly but surely, work took over, pushing leisure to the sidelines.
Some might wonder: why even talk about leisure today, in an economy where hustle is worn as a badge of honor? However, leisure is far from a trivial concern. When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in 1948—following a global depression and two devastating world wars—the right to leisure, cultural participation, and travel was enshrined in its core articles (Articles 24, 27, and 13). This inclusion speaks volumes about how essential rest is to a balanced, dignified life.
Paul Lafargue’s book The Right to Be Lazy and Other Studies (1907) offers a powerful political perspective on leisure, viewing it not as indulgence but as a fundamental challenge to the exploitative demands of capitalist labor systems. Further expanding on the significance of leisure, Chris Rojek in The Labour of Leisure: Capitalism and Leisure Theory (1985) defines it as more than a reward for work: "To wit: leisure is not the reward for work; it is an asset for the community; it reduces crime; it broadens mutual understanding; it is the secret of a healthy mind and body; it is all of this and many other things that ordinary and most educated people automatically connect with the good life." Thus, both historical human rights frameworks and critical thinkers remind us that leisure is not a luxury, but a vital aspect of human flourishing.
In India, our relationship with leisure has its own story. Before colonial rule, many communities worked early mornings and reserved afternoons for rest, family, and casual conversations a slower, more humane rhythm. Colonialism disrupted that flow, imposing foreign time structures that linger even today. Students sit through tiring noon classes; IT professionals grind for 12+ hours a day. Somewhere along the way, the joy of taking a breath, of simply being, got lost.
Back in 1911, W.H. Davies captured this sentiment beautifully in his poem Leisure:
"What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare..."
and it closes with a heavy truth:
"A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
Yes, we all need a little time time to simply stand, to stare, and to look both around us and within ourselves. There’s so much we miss every single day. The smiling face of the security guard at the office gate, the shy bloom of a new flower in the corner of our garden, the changing colours of the sky just before sunset all these tiny miracles pass us by as we rush through life. Maybe it’s time we paused. Maybe it’s time we gave something back a smile, a nod, a moment of real presence. To feel, even for a second, the quiet wonder that this universe offers with open arms. Not everything worth noticing is loud; often, it’s the softest moments that remind us we are, after all, part of something far bigger than ourselves.
Leisure isn’t laziness. It's an act of self-renewal, a political and social necessity. It’s about reconnecting with your surroundings, smelling the air, and allowing yourself the freedom to just be. Perhaps it’s time we started treating it that way. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, a prominent German Enlightenment thinker, once said, "Let us be lazy in everything except in loving, drinking, and being lazy itself."
Let’s stop romanticizing restless work
Bertrand Russell in his book In Praise of Idleness observes that “I want to say, in all seriousness, that a great deal of harm is being done in the modern world by belief in the virtuousness of work, and that the road to happiness and prosperity lies in an organized diminution of work”. There’s no shortage of movies/serials and books that celebrate the image of a hardworking mother sleeves rolled up, hair messy, cooking endlessly in the dim corners of the kitchen. These scenes tug at our heartstrings. We, the children, often get emotional when we speak of such sacrifices.
But let’s be honest when life opens new doors for us, how often do we pause and look back? How often do we actually wait for her?
In truth, we live in a culture that glorifies non-stop work. Corporations hand out ‘Best Employee of the Year’ awards, not necessarily to appreciate real human beings, but to nudge everyone else into working even harder. The condition of teachers today paints an even bleaker picture. Caught in a mad rush to complete endless documentation for accreditations, most hardly have time to sip a peaceful cup of tea in the canteen or browse a book outside the syllabus in the college library. “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains,” Rousseau once wrote. Earlier, the chains were colonialism, racism, religious fundamentalism. Today, the chains are made of endless, restless labour.
Geo Baby’s Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen holds up a mirror to this grim reality. It dares to show how leisure even basic rest is systematically denied to housewives in patriarchal Indian families. The woman’s silent, tireless work is applauded, but only so long as she never questions it. The film bravely critiques a culture that normalizes and glorifies this invisible slavery.
That’s why it’s important to celebrate movies that challenge this social order — and also those that celebrate leisure itself. Films like Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu, 1983, and Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi remind us that life is not just about working and achieving.
Take Baiju, for instance a character who, even at 40s, runs his small-town sports club with infectious joy. Watching him, we realize that true happiness isn’t found in corporate successes or fat paychecks. Dileesh Pothan’s character in Rakshadikari Baiju Oppu learns this too his luxury and business deals feel hollow compared to the earthy happiness Baiju finds playing a cricket match under the open sky. Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi shows travel not just as an escape, but as a necessary act of renewal a way to stitch your soul back together.
Maybe it’s time we rethink what we celebrate.
Let's honour travel, a slow coffee with a friend, a lazy walk with no destination, a long bath in a flowing river, a good night’s sleep, a silly late-night chat with your loved ones, a few quiet moments alone, and most importantly a little space to dream.
Because sometimes, the simplest things hold the key to living a life truly free.
“Today is all about you. Show the world what you're made of”
When it comes to inspiration, this may seem very fancy, but are we confusing talent, exploitation, social pressure, and financial gain in the name of revealing something to the world?
Kid influencers and social media is a rapidly growing and complex trend that has raised a lot of discussion around the ethics, benefits, and potential dangers. Essentially, kid influencers gain a following on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others, often due to their personalities, talents, or family-centric content. Some of these kids become celebrities in their own right, even landing brand deals, sponsorships, and paid partnerships.
"Kidfluencers," or kids with sizable social media followings, have sparked a $8 billion social media advertising market in recent years. Extremely "successful" kids can make up to $26 million year from sponsored content sharing and advertising. Due to their lack of legal rights to the money they earn, safe working conditions, and labour laws' protections, children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Kid influencers usually post content that showcases aspects of their daily lives—like family moments, gaming, unboxing toys, fashion, beauty tutorials, and challenges. The content is often produced with the help of parents, who may manage the production process and ensure the child's safety online. However, this sometimes raises questions about the line between child involvement and exploitation.
As these kids gain popularity, they can monetize their content through various revenue streams, such as:
Brand deals: Many kid influencers are offered sponsorships or partnerships with companies that want to promote their products or services to a younger audience.
Ad revenue: Platforms like YouTube pay content creators based on the number of views and engagement their videos get.
Merchandising: Some influencers launch their product lines, such as clothing, toys, or books.
Endorsements: Child influencers may appear in brand advertisements targeting other kids or parents.
The rise of kid influencers has sparked numerous debates over the ethical implications:
Parental control: Many child influencers’ social media accounts are managed by their parents. While some argue this is necessary for their safety, others feel it could be exploitative, particularly when it comes to monetization and content creation.
Privacy issues: Kids often post personal details about their lives, which can compromise their privacy. Since kids are not fully able to understand the long-term impact of sharing so much online, the risks of cyberbullying, data theft, and overexposure can be concerning.
Pressure: There’s concern that kid influencers might face the same pressures as adult influencers to constantly produce content, stay relevant, and maintain an idealized image, potentially impacting their mental health.
Kids are highly impressionable and look up to their peers, especially those they see in media. This can shape their preferences, buying habits, and even their self-image. As a result:
Consumerism: Children might begin to focus more on material possessions, seeing these products as part of their identity or social status.
Mental health: The constant pursuit of likes and validation can impact self-esteem, especially when young influencers begin to compare themselves to others or feel pressure to perform for their audience.
Peer pressure: Kids may be encouraged to act older than they are to attract followers or generate engagement.
As the industry grows, there have been calls for stricter regulation around kid influencers, including:
Age restrictions: Some social platforms have age restrictions to protect younger users, though enforcement can be inconsistent.
Guardianship and oversight: The question of how much control parents should have over their child’s online presence is critical. Some countries are considering laws to ensure children’s content is regulated and not overly commercialized.
Legal protections: In some places, child labour laws apply to young influencers, especially when it comes to working hours and financial compensation. There are also concerns about how income earned by kids is managed.
Some well-known examples of kid influencers include:
Ryan Kaji: The YouTube star behind Ryan’s World, who became famous for reviewing toys and has built a massive brand that includes merchandise, TV shows, and apps.
Charli D’Amelio: While not a "kid" in the traditional sense (she was 15 when she started), Charli’s rise to TikTok stardom highlights how teens can capitalize on social media to become household names.
Jojo Siwa: Known for her vibrant personality, Jojo became famous on YouTube and social media and has since expanded into music, books, and TV appearances, making her a well-established child star.
For many successful kid influencers, parents play a large role in managing content, protecting the child's interests, and handling business deals. However, this has also led to accusations of exploitation, with critics arguing that parents might push their kids into this lifestyle for financial gain or fame. On the flip side, some say that parents are simply giving their children an opportunity to succeed in a new digital economy.
The trend of kid influencers shows no signs of slowing down. As technology advances, more children will likely engage with social media at younger ages. Brands will continue to leverage this young demographic for marketing, but it's possible we could see more regulation or platform changes that aim to protect children from exploitation and abuse online.
Kid influencers are part of a larger cultural shift towards social media as a primary platform for fame and business. While there are clear benefits—such as financial opportunities and the potential for children to showcase talents—there are also significant challenges and risks that need to be addressed. Balancing opportunity with protection is key, and as the landscape continues to evolve, it will be important to ensure that young influencers are treated ethically and responsibly.
Hello everyone! My name is Shon Joy and I’m a Copywriter working for a U.S. marketing firm and the author of a Malayalam coming-of-age novel titled “John.” Here’s something fun: can you guess what I studied in school or college based on where I am today? It might seem impossible, but take a wild guess anyway! Surprisingly, I wasn’t a literature student, even though I now write ad copy for an international audience. In fact, I studied in a Malayalam-medium school but now communicate and write in English daily as part of my job. Looking back, it’s been a journey full of ups and downs, enriched by incredible experiences and valuable lessons. I’m truly grateful to everyone I’ve met along the way. Though life remains unpredictable, its surprises keep things interesting. Let me take you back to my early years. Before the year 2000, when I was about to start school, my parents were deciding whether to enroll me in an English-medium institution.
They wanted me to study in English, but financial struggles made it difficult because the fees for English-medium schools were considerably higher than Malayalam-medium schools. As a result, I attended a couple of government-aided Malayalam-medium schools until my tenth grade. Interestingly, even in those early years, I developed a knack for learning English, better than some of my cousins in English-medium schools! I credit this to my love of English action movies, which helped me absorb the language naturally. I liked movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and above all, Bruce Lee. Initially, I focused solely on their action moves, but soon I started listening to what the actors were saying and reading the subtitles to understand better. So, in short, I liked movies, and they helped me understand the language better. While math was my weak point, language exams, whether in English, Hindi, or Malayalam, felt like a breeze. I didn’t stress about English pronunciation either; I knew my roots were in my native language and never felt the need to mimic a foreign accent. Language is for communication, not showing off your vocabulary. When I started my copywriting career, I realized how true this was. If I had tried to show off my vocabulary or write like the respected MP Shashi Tharoor speaks, the viewers of my ads or my target audience wouldn’t have found it appealing. A quick fact: in the ad industry, unlike in great literature, the goal is to use the simplest words to describe your product or service.
I remember joining story-writing competitions in school and winning a few times. I had a habit of writing stories in a notebook, and during breaks, some of my friends would listen to them. I can’t recall if they cursed me for taking up their precious break time, but I realized I had an interest in crafting stories. When I reached higher secondary school, my entire curriculum switched to English. This transition required me to adapt quickly, replacing Malayalam terms with English ones in math and science. I chose the biology science stream because, at that time, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. However, those two years made me realize that the medical field wasn’t for me, I lacked both interest and confidence. Also, truth bomb: I was lazy. Perhaps because I didn’t feel inspired to put in the hard work needed for something I wasn’t passionate about. So, what did I do next? I chose something completely different: Engineering!
There’s a funny saying: “If you haven’t decided what career path to take, join engineering!” I pursued Computer Science and Engineering, inspired by movies like Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher, The Social Network directed by David Fincher, Pirates of Silicon Valley, 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan, and the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. These shows and movies made me dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
However, the reality of engineering education in India hit me hard. Most schools and colleges focus on rote learning rather than fostering innovation. I later thought that if I had chosen computer science in higher secondary school instead of biology, I wouldn’t have had to start from scratch. When looking back on past events or decisions, everything often seems much clearer and easier to understand than it did at the moment.
I struggled with programming but still enjoyed my college life, making great friends and creating memories I cherish to this day. By the time I graduated, I knew I wasn’t cut out to be a programmer. Although I had an entrepreneurial spirit, I lacked the technical expertise to bring my ideas to life. I even tried convincing some of the smartest students in my class to start a venture with me, but they preferred secure employment over taking risks. I had attended a few campus placement drives and received an opportunity that felt great at the time. After college, I joined an EdTech company as a Business Development Executive. My job was selling educational products to parents. To be precise, this was a tablet installed with classes that promised to provide great educational assistance for their kids. Despite the attractive salary, I couldn’t reconcile my ethics with the company’s practices, so I resigned before completing one year there! Later, my friend and I launched an e-commerce startup with a modest investment of ?1,000 to ?5,000. While we managed to create a website and app, a lack of funding meant we couldn’t sustain it. Though the venture was short-lived, it taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship. What was this lesson, you might ask? A clear marketing plan! Yes, even if you have a great idea, it won’t reach its target audience without one.
I’m too shy to talk about our business, so let me make it clear with an example. Imagine if I’m creating an e-commerce website to sell books. First, I should have a plan that includes: who’s our target audience, can I create a buyer persona, what it costs me to host an e-commerce website, what my options are, how much it will cost to send a book to a buyer (including packing and delivery charges), which medium I should choose to deliver these books at a profitable rate, what I get after all expenses, and who my competitors are. Before all that, registering as a company and handling the formalities should be clear. These are nothing compared to the extensive list of preparations needed to start a startup.
We weren’t prepared. After a few deliveries, we realized we were losing more money than we were earning. So we shut that venture temporarily - that’s what I like to believe! While working on this venture, my friend dealt with the technical side of things, and I focused on communication and creativity. So the good thing that happened was this: I realized I know how to craft content for an e-commerce website, I know how to make the product appealing to the audience, and somewhere along the way, I discovered my talent for crafting information and stories that a large audience can understand. I eventually found my true calling - Writing. Like Chandler Bing in Friends, who discovers his passion for copywriting, I turned to something I’d always loved. Starting as a fresher in a small digital marketing firm in Kochi, I worked my way up. When I completely immersed myself in this career, I found other challenges. I thought I could write and write, and it would be a piece of cake. But that wasn’t true, not at all! When creating longer content, I made errors, spelling or grammar, things like that. I was doing this without a plan or process in mind. I had to figure out how to tackle these problems. So I discovered tools that helped me, like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, etc. I started watching a few courses led by experts in this field on Udemy and Coursera. I realized there’s always an action plan. It’s not just writing; I have to follow some rules, some steps, which eventually make my okayish copy great! I learned a lot and am still learning, but each day, I’m sure I’m getting better than yesterday.
Today, I’m a Senior Copywriter with creative direction expertise, working for top clients across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Singapore, the UK, and the US. In the midst of my career, I published my first novel, John. Though I write professionally in English, I chose Malayalam for my book to honor my roots. It tells a story about life’s struggles from childhood to adulthood and how the protagonist finds his passion, just like I did mine, capturing the essence of resilience.
Many people ask why I chose a career unrelated to my academic background. My answer is simple: it doesn’t matter if your job aligns with your degree; what matters is finding work you’re passionate about. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, it feels fulfilling. Life is unpredictable, and dreams evolve over time. Don’t fear change. Whether you succeed or fail, every path teaches you something valuable, guiding you to the destination where you truly belong.
There is an interesting story about Wendy Doniger, one of the most famous Indologists of our time. In 2003, during one of her lectures in London, a man offended by Doniger’s statement that Sita accused Lakshma of having sexual designs on her, threw an egg at her. The man who had poor aim would have heard the Ramayana from his grandmother’s lap, or an Amar Chitra Katha, or Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, like most Indians did.
Had he read Valmiki, he would have understood that Doniger was actually right. The scene was Rama’s chase of the golden deer. Sita desired for the deer. Rama, before pursuing the deer, asked his brother Lakshmana to watch over Sita and leave under no circumstance. When Rama, much far away from Sita and Lakshmana shoots the deer, it takes the form of a Rakshasa and screams for aid in Rama’s voice. Sita mistakes the voice for Rama and asks Lakshamana to aid her husband, which he declines. Distressed and angry, Sita does accuse poor Lakshmana of those things, and it worked - Lakshmana goes after Rama.
Mythological literature
Mythological literature is not always set in stone contrary to popular imagination. It evolves throughout the ages taking in social norms and dramatic interpolations. Even the most devout re-tellers add a bit of their views to epics. The strictest of texts get their meanings changed as scribes inadvertently miss letters or diacritics, or as time progresses words themselves change meaning rendering the text differing in intent.
However most of us take the version that we heard in our childhood and assume it to be the same as it was millennia ago, conveniently disregarding that the version at best was only old as we are. There are many reasons why mythological literature evolves whether organically, or through deliberate actions.
One such reason is bowdlerisation i.e. adapting a work to suit the tastes of a modern society, or to be palatable to children. Ancient works are often dated when it comes to ethics. What was considered a norm in the ancient world can be casteist, racist or sexist to the modern reader. While Odysseus is a favourite character in Greek mythology famed for his cleverness, a main character in both of Homer’s epics and the architect of the Trojan horse, not many know that he is also a child-killer. He had to throw Priam’s newborn over the city walls - a deed which was necessary and logical in the ancient world but horrifying to the modern audience.
The Arabian Nights (or Alif Laila wa Laila) had many explicit incidents as well as sexist and anti-semitic content. There is a section in K M Ganguli’s English translation of the Mahabharata, where the poor translator, shocked by the explicit content, translated the offending verses into Latin instead of English. All three works mentioned here have been adapted well into comic books, cartoons and Grandma’s stories. It wouldn’t have been made possible without the necessary censorship.
Another reason is changing religious and social norms leading to reinterpretation of popular characters. In the most popular rendition of the Ramayana, the Ramcharitamanas, Tulsidas has his protagonist Rama walk into the ashram, where Ahalya had been turned to stone due to a curse. Ahalya was tricked by Indra under the guise of her husband Gautama to have a liaison. The incident found out by Gautama was the reason for the curse. She was turned to stone and was doomed to remain so, until Rama came to the Ashram. Once turned back to human Ahalya falls at her saviour’s feet. This is the most famous version of the story popularised by Ramlilas, TV serials and Comic books.
A peek into the forerunner, Valmiki’s Ramayana shows us this was not always the case. In the supposedly original version, Ahalya is not actually turned to stone but rather cursed to ‘remain invisible and unheard bound to the Ashram eating dust’ until Rama sets foot in the place. Ahalya wasn’t tricked by Indra. Instead she sees through Indra’s disguise but is flattered and becomes a willing participant. Furthermore when the curse is lifted, Rama is the one who touches the now purified Ahalya’s feet for her blessings.
One can only imagine Tulsidas’s mind. The fact that a pious wife of a sage willingly took part in sin, might have not been pleasing in 16th century Awadh. She had to be tricked by Indra. Also, Rama touching a mortal woman’s feet didn’t make sense. Ahalya seeks blessings from Lord Rama. Tulsidas’s Rama is more divine than Valmiki’s. Such anxieties to enforce moralities on gods and men are visible throughout different epics.
It’s not just censorship or socio-religious anxieties alone that shape literature, it could be purely artistic influence. Poetic licence can elevate scenes for dramatic effect. Characters can devolve to archetypes. Decades old derivative literature can overshadow millenia-old epics. Even the way we visualise those characters are subject to a lot of influences.
The romantic story of Sakuntala and Dushyanta where a pregnant Sakuntala is forgotten by her lover, the upright king Dushyanta due to Durvasa’s curse is of Kalidasa’s making. In the original source, there is no Durvasa. Sakuntala, when she approached Dushyanta, was ridiculed by him. Her former lover pretended to not know her at all. Only a heraldic voice from the heavens (an asariri) saves her reputation in the front of the court. Then the honourable Dushyanta turns the table - he was only denying that he knew Sakuntala so that the asariri is forced to vouch for her! Kudos to Kalidasa for making an eternal love story out of this hot mess.
Storytellers often reduce characters to certain archetypes. Bhima, a strong warrior is sometimes portrayed as the ‘dumb muscle’ archetype, despite that he is a character who is well informed about Dharma.
Storytellers often reduce characters to certain archetypes. Bhima, a strong warrior is sometimes portrayed as the ‘dumb muscle’ archetype, despite that he is a character who is well informed about Dharma. Karna who is a jealous warrior who often runs away in battle and boasts a lot, is the primary instigator of the Vastraakshepa (the disrobing of Draupadi) - even Duryodhana was silent. But he gets pushed into the ‘underdog’ archetype. Suddenly his faults are overlooked and his sacrifices are blown up. Books like Shivaji Sawant’s Mrityunjaya are also culpable for this.
The way we visualise gods are similarly formed. Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings of gods and kings were immortalised in popular imagination due to the printing press. The gaudy golden crowns and silks made their way into calendar art, comic books, and movies. The TV serial Asuras often had horned helmets blatantly inspired from Wagner opera Vikings. Of course real vikings never wore horned helmets, but popular culture trumps history.
Like the paths of rivers being determined by the terrain they flow on, the way mythology evolves is seemingly defined by a complicated landscape. Ramayana has spread across much of the world, with hundreds of versions in scores of languages and cultures. In Thailand the epic is revered so much that the capital of one of its provinces is Ayodhya (“Ayutthaya”) and its kings are named after Rama (the current one being Rama X). Ramakein is the Thai national epic. Even in India it takes local flavours. The location of Pampa might be in modern day Hampi, but to a Malayali it could be the Pampa river beside Sabarimala. To a Gujarati it could be the Pampa sarovar in Dang district.
However, contrary to what many purists would say, this is not (always) a bad thing. Mythologies change because they are alive and popular. Rather than being confined to indecipherable stone codices, they are celebrated and retold throughout the generations. Every rendition teaches us something new, or offers a fresh perspective.
Even devotees of epics like the Ramayana consider each version valid. Every poet like Tulsidas was divinely inspired. Who are we to argue otherwise?
In today's business landscape, the role of a Company Secretary (CS) is crucial. While many may associate a CS with administrative duties, the profession is far broader and increasingly strategic. As I near the completion of a decade in this profession, I’ve witnessed first-hand how diverse and rewarding this career path can be, particularly for those passionate about corporate governance, law, and strategic business roles. This article provides an overview of what the role entails, what aspirants can expect, and how they can get started.
1. Understanding the Role of a Company Secretary
A Company Secretary serves as an advisor to the board and executive management on governance and compliance. This professional ensures that companies adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements while also supporting the board in making strategic decisions. In many companies, the CS is a senior position, often serving as a bridge between the company’s board and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:
2. Why Pursue a Career as a Company Secretary?
The CS profession is held in high regard across the corporate world and government sectors, offering a unique blend of legal, administrative, and strategic responsibilities. Aspirants can expect the following benefits:
3. Skills and Qualities Needed for Success
To succeed as a CS, one must develop a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills:
4. Educational Path and Certification
To become a Company Secretary, students typically complete a certification program offered by recognized professional bodies. In India, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) provides a comprehensive CS certification. The program is structured as follows:
But it’s not all theory. A hands-on practical training period in the form of articleship is also required to become a fully qualified Company Secretary.
5. Complementary Qualifications for a CS Career
A Company Secretary can further enhance career prospects by pairing the CS qualification with other certifications or degrees. Some beneficial combinations include:
6. Challenges in the Company Secretary Profession
While the CS profession is rewarding, it has its share of challenges requiring resilience and adaptability:
7. The Future of the Company Secretary Profession
As business evolves, so does the role of a CS, shifting from a compliance-focused function to a more advisory and strategic position. With digitalization, CS professionals are increasingly expected to utilize technology to achieve excellence and sustainability while formulating and refining corporate practices.
Conclusion: Building a Rewarding Career as a Company Secretary
The role of a CS is dynamic, intellectually rewarding, and integral to the integrity of corporate operations. For those interested in law, governance, or business strategy, it’s a career path worth exploring. With the right skillset, qualifications, and a commitment to ethical governance, the opportunities in this field are vast and impactful.
I am Aravind Balakrishnan, a Research Associate at Cardiff University, UK, working at the Centre for Excellence in Ammonia Technologies (CEAT). My research is dedicated to exploring innovative energy solutions, particularly in the areas of plasma-assisted combustion and ammonia cracking. Plasma-assisted combustion seeks to address flame instabilities in fuel-air mixtures within aero engines through advanced plasma technology. Ammonia cracking focuses on generating hydrogen—a clean and versatile energy carrier—from liquid ammonia. These research areas aim to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming, aligning closely with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.
Energy sources can be broadly categorised into fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, and renewable energy options, including wind, solar, and tidal power. Currently, fossil fuels dominate global energy usage across heating, electricity, and transportation. However, they are finite, environmentally damaging, and major contributors to climate change and air pollution. Renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative, yet challenges remain in terms of cost and reliability. For example, solar power is limited by the availability of sunlight, and the high installation costs of renewable technologies often pose financial barriers for widespread adoption.
As societies transition toward renewable energy, improving the efficiency of fossil fuel use is essential in the interim. Combustion, the process of producing heat through fuel burning, can benefit significantly from plasma technology. Plasma, a high-energy state of matter, enhances combustion efficiency by stabilising flames with minimal fuel input. Plasma-assisted flames leverage electricity to create plasma, enabling cleaner and more efficient energy production. This approach represents a promising bridge technology to support sustainable energy goals while renewable systems continue to develop.
Plasma-assisted combustion is a relatively new field with immense potential to address modern energy challenges. Ongoing research focuses on optimising its use in engines, addressing safety concerns, and improving performance under varying conditions. This technology not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also supports the goals of SDG 7 by promoting sustainable energy practices. Furthermore, plasma technology is compatible with alternative fuels like hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels, expediting the transition to greener energy systems and a more sustainable future.
Ammonia, traditionally known as a fertiliser, is now being recognised as a promising energy source. It can be burned in engines or used in fuel cells to produce electricity. A report by the Royal Society highlights ammonia's potential to form the foundation of a global renewable energy storage and distribution network. Its appeal lies in its ability to combust without releasing carbon dioxide, its capacity for synthesis using renewable energy, and its ease of storage and transportation as a bulk liquid. These properties make ammonia an attractive solution for various industries worldwide and position it as a versatile compound capable of enabling other carbon free energy technologies.
In addition to its use in combustion systems, ammonia can be "cracked" into nitrogen and hydrogen, with the latter serving as a clean energy source. Hydrogen, when consumed in fuel cells, produces only water, making it an ideal option for applications like transportation, electricity generation, and portable power solutions in vehicles, homes, and devices. This dual functionality makes ammonia a pivotal player in the shift toward sustainable energy.
The past five years have seen significant advancements in the use of ammonia for small-scale power systems, driven by innovative technologies. However, challenges persist in scaling its application to medium- and large-scale power generation. Further research and development are needed to unlock the full potential of ammonia’s hydrogen content and establish it as a reliable and sustainable energy source for global use.
By addressing these challenges, both plasma-assisted combustion and ammonia cracking can serve as transformative technologies, accelerating progress toward cleaner energy systems and a sustainable future.
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