December month, though exceptionally cold for Bangalore standard, we did not have time to feel it.
It all began with my sister and brother in law arriving on 16th night, coinciding with the arrival of my dear friend Prof Raj Khandekar from Denver.
He comes every year to India and takes time off, to stay with us in our home, an exclusive Bangalore trip only for us, feels honoured. Last year he fell ill at Kolhapur and had to cancel his Bangalore trip, which created a gap of our yearly meeting. I enjoy his intellectual talks and he my cheap cracks, we have a ball for two days.
When he has to introduce me he says “This is Rajan” and adds “I have stolen his girl friend” he means his wife and I quietly thank him for that ( I hope, She skips these lines)
My sister and brother in law had met him at Denver a few months ago for the first time. They were very impressed with him and enjoyed the association, hence they timed their visit to Bangalore to be with him.
An IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta are good enough credentials to put him on a pedestal. He left for his return trip to Denver after 2 days , giving us a great time.
Two days after, my daughters, my niece, one grand nephew, 4 grandchildren, my cousins who also happens to be in laws of my daughter and two other cousins made Bangalore the hub to spend vacation under one roof for a fortnight.
The discussions, arguments and laughters late into the nights, the decibel level in one room can be close to a packed cricket stadium. I have avoided to be anywhere near my neighbours, les they pounce on me, appreciate their silent suffering from our noise and their tolerance. I dread to meet them, after my dear ones leave back to their work places, which will begin from the new year day.
During the crazy days, we celebrated Kavitha’s birthday and Chitra’s ( a daughter as close as my two daughters) Baby Shower celebrations on 26th.
The summary of it, it’s been a blast.
Recently, I caught up with Elango, Mphasis President, my friend for the last 25 plus years, the chat exchange :
Me : Happy birthday, Elango
Elango : Thank you Menon. bTW I am leaving Mphasis, 31st Dec is my last day.
Me: Best wishes. What next ? You don’t have to tell me now, until you are there
Elango : For now I plan to take it easy Menon.
Me : That’s great. I have an image of you, rushing, accomplishing, growing. When you say, taking it easy, is like taking the foot off the pedal and cruising. It can be fun when you become the master of your time.
Elango : Yes you showed me the way. The Dutch have a term for it – Niksen
Me: Googled and learnt more about it. I knew the process, not the name, Niksen. Thanks.
I liked Niksen. Just in case you want to know more about Niksen read on.. else you can quit here with my wishes to you and all your dear ones, a great year 2026 filled with good health and happiness.
**********************
Niksen (pronounced “nik-sen”) is a Dutch concept and art of “doing nothing” consciously, a purposeful idleness or active rest to combat burnout, boost creativity, and reduce stress, distinct from scrolling or productive downtime like meditation; it’s about simply being, like staring out a window or daydreaming without a goal, gazing at clouds, listening to music aimlessly allowing your brain to switch off and recharge for better focus and well-being.
*Benefits*
Reduces stress, boosts productivity, sparks creativity, and improves well-being.
*How to practice*
Find a comfy spot, consciously do nothing.
Wish you all a fantastic 2026, filled with good health, happiness, and plenty of Niksen moments .
Rajmenon's Blog 