Grateful for the Journey

 

After an incredible journey of nearly 52 months, I recently bid farewell to Pocket FM.

It's amazing how quickly time flies. Looking back, I'm filled with gratitude for the people, the stories, and the experiences that made this journey so meaningful.

My heartfelt thanks to my wonderful team. It was a privilege working with all of you. A special thank you to Abhivyanjana ji, Akshay, Krunal, Sridhar, Rishi, Apurva, Rashmi ji, Rishikant, Sachin, Simran, and everyone who made these years so memorable.

I'm grateful to have contributed to some incredible shows, including:

• Super Yoddha
• Chanakya
• Sherdil
• Yakshini
• Zero to Hero
• Vashikaran

Being a part of stories that reached and entertained millions of listeners is something I'll always be proud of.

One of the most touching moments of my farewell was the beautiful gift my team gave me: a customized diary and pen set engraved with my name, along with a heartfelt handwritten note. It was a thoughtful gesture that I'll always cherish. Thank you for making me feel so valued.

As I look ahead to new opportunities, I do so with immense gratitude for everything I experienced at Pocket FM. The memories, learnings, friendships, and countless moments from these 52 months will always stay with me.

Thank you, Pocket FM, for an unforgettable journey. ❤️

#PocketFM #Gratitude #Farewell #NewChapter #Storytelling #AudioEntertainment

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Comics Today: A Promising New Beginning

 

Aayush Kumar has started a unique initiative (magazine) called Comics Today, focused on news and updates from both Indian and international comics. The first issue was released at the end of 2025, and I’m happy to have made a small contribution to it as well. Wishing many more such efforts in the future. Congratulations to Aayush and the entire team!

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When Businesses Optimize Themselves Into Distrust (Article)

I recently wrote an article diving deep into this topic. You can read the full piece here:

Beyond the Metric: The Hidden Cost of Short-Term Corporate Thinking

What if your best cost-cutting decision is quietly damaging your company’s future?

Modern businesses focus heavily on visible metrics like revenue, clicks, and quarterly targets. But spreadsheets cannot measure trust, loyalty, creator goodwill, or brand memory.

When projects are abruptly shut down to improve short-term numbers, the damage spreads silently.

Freelancers stop seeing the company as a long-term partner. Emotional investment fades, quality drops, and top talent becomes hesitant.

Users notice these patterns too. Over time, they stop emotionally investing in new products and trust begins to weaken.

The biggest problem is that some savings only delay a much larger future cost.

Data is important, but it is only a compass, not the entire landscape. Some investments work like seeds. They take time to grow, but eventually shape long-term loyalty, reach, and sustainability.

A company’s real strength is not just in its immediate numbers. It is in how confidently people invest their time, creativity, and trust into its ecosystem.

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If everything is a P0, nothing is (Article)

 

Article - The P0 Paradox: If Everything is a Fire, No One Has a Hose.

We’ve traded “Urgent” subject lines for “Critical” Slack tags, but the noise hasn’t stopped, it’s just changed its vocabulary. I wrote about The P0 Paradox: how we’ve started treating managerial convenience like a business-critical emergency, and the 'urgency tax' it’s costing our productivity and mental health. It’s time we stop inflating the labels and start respecting the work.

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Why So Many Companies Start Looking the Same

New Article, theme - When Optimization Starts Killing Identity

In many industries, companies that once stood out for their unique culture and quality slowly begin to look identical to their competitors. As management strategies become increasingly focused on optimization, aggressive scaling, and cost-cutting, the very people contributing exceptional work often become treated as replaceable resources. The result is subtle but damaging. Brand identity weakens, trust declines, and creative distinction fades into predictable sameness. The bigger question businesses should ask is not just how efficiently they are growing, but whether they are preserving what made them valuable in the first place.

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Not Every Show Wins, But Every Show Matters

 Not every story is a hit, but every effort teaches us something useful. Maharana Pratap, Mission Zombie, Pakshiraj, Shaadi Ya Sale, The Sword God, and Veer Warrior etc may not have gotten as many views as some of our other shows, but making them was just as important.

 The team spent countless hours behind the scenes coming up with new ideas, rewriting scenes, polishing dialogues, and brainstorming.We tried to match the dialects of our characters to the regions they lived in, we tried out character arcs that were out of the ordinary, and we took risks with formats that weren't always easy to pull off.  These shows taught us how to be strong, how important small things are, and how brave it is to keep coming up with new ideas.

 The process was still worthwhile, even though the results were mixed. It made us feel good, showed us what listeners like, and reminded us that being creative is just as much about trying new things as it is about succeeding.

 We appreciate every writer, editor, and performer who worked on these projects with all their heart.  These trips make me even more sure that every experiment, even the ones that don't work out, brings us one step closer to being better storytellers.

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Beyond Numbers: Celebrating Creativity and Team Spirit

 

In the last few years, some of our audio shows have reached amazing heights.From Chanakya's wise words to Super Yoddha's epic adventures, Vashikaran's thrilling suspense, Insaani Dragon and Veer Warrior's fantasy worlds, Sherdil's heartfelt grit, and Zero to Hero's rise to fame, each story touched the hearts of millions.

 The numbers speak for themselves, but it's also the love from our fans and the hard work of our whole team that made this happen. Everyone who worked on these projects turned ideas into things that people connected with every day.

 This journey has been about more than just plays and ratings; it's been about working together, being creative, and trusting each other. Each milestone is a reminder that when we work together, we make something that lasts.

 Thank you so much to everyone on the team for putting their heart and soul into every script, sound, and episode.  And thanks to our listeners for letting these stories into your lives.

 Here's to more stories, more milestones, and more memories to come.

Further updates related to this will be shared shortly...

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World Book Fair 2024 - Day 5 Glimpse...

 

Thrilling book launches and insightful author interviews with Megha Rathi ji, author of "Ungliyan," and Sameer Ganguly ji, the creative mind behind "Ghadighar ke Samay Prahri" and "Zed Zooing ki Diary." (Stall K-15, Hall 2, Pragati Maidan, Delhi)

Megha Rathi ji captivated the audience with the spine-chilling tales woven within the pages of "Ungliyan," a must-read for horror aficionados seeking a gripping narrative.

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Sameer Ganguly ji took us on a journey through time and imagination with his works "Ghadighar ke Samay Prahri" and "Zed Zooing ki Diary," delving into the realms of science fiction with unparalleled creativity.

Also met artist Abhishek Singh, Vikas Nainwal (Sahitya Vimarsh), Ishani (Flairs and Glairs), Niraj ji (Vanika Publications).

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Megha Rathi ji Interview

Sameer Ganguly ji Interview

#books #worldbookfair #worldbookfair2024 #india #horror #sciencefiction #event #interview

Remembering Akanksha Sachan: A Trailblazer in the Indian Cosplay Scene

 December 30, 1993 - August 2, 2023

The world of cosplay mourns the loss of Akanksha Sachan, a trailblazing figure in the Indian cosplay community. Born on December 30, 1993, Akanksha's journey was one of passion, creativity, and a deep love for all things fantastical. Her untimely passing on August 2, 2023, left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her admirers, friends, and fellow cosplayers.

A Legacy of Creativity and Dedication

Hailing from Lucknow and later based in Delhi, Akanksha's artistic journey began during her college years at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata, where she honed her skills in fine arts. Her interest in cosplay grew out of a fusion of her fascination with anime, comics, and video games, along with her talent for design. She embarked on a remarkable journey that would see her rise to become a revered name in the world of cosplay. Akanksha's journey as a cosplayer began in 2010 (One of the first pro cosplayers in India). In an era when the concept of cosplay was still nascent in the country, she stood as a trailblazer. Her early days were characterized by a struggle to explain her unique craft, often having to educate others about what cosplay truly meant. 

Her perseverance ultimately led to her being invited as a celebrity guest to major events, where she not only showcased her extraordinary work but also inspired countless others to embrace their passions without hesitation. From cosplays that flawlessly captured the essence of beloved characters to gaming videos that resonated with fans, Akanksha's dedication and talent shone through in everything she did. Her cosplays were more than costumes; they were immersive portrayals that breathed life into the characters she loved.

A Star on the Global Stage

Cosplayers - Li Harper, Akanksha Sachan, Michelle Krikowa, Yamaki Yama and Michelle Krikowa 

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Akanksha's dedication to her craft earned her recognition not only within India but also on the international stage. She and her former cosplaying partner Aorin Shariyari formed the dynamic duo "Star Guardians," captivating audiences with their impeccable cosplays at events and competitions throughout the country. Her talents led her to represent India at the esteemed World Cosplay Summit 2018 in Nagoya, Japan, showcasing her prowess to a global audience.

Her creative flair extended beyond the realm of cosplay. She established Sachan Design, a luxury costume boutique that offered embroidery design, custom prints, and worldwide shipping. Her commitment to craftsmanship and design was evident in every piece she created. Her designs were sought after not only by fellow cosplayers but also by those who admired her artistic sensibilities.

A Community Builder and Mentor

Akanksha's impact on the cosplay community went beyond her stunning cosplays and designs. She was known for her kindness, willingness to mentor newcomers, and her passion for sharing her knowledge. Her online presence, with over 80,000 followers on Facebook and 30,000 on Instagram, showcased her ability to connect with fellow enthusiasts and cosplayers around the world. Her Twitch livestreams, where she engaged in crafting sessions and gaming, further solidified her position as a beloved figure in the community.

Akanksha's sudden passing due to an anaphylactic shock to anesthesia has left the community in shock and mourning. Fond memories and heartfelt tributes poured in from all corners of the world, a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

Nagpur Anime Club shared, "Her legacy will continue to live on through the passion she ignited in others, the memories we shared together, and the positive impact she had on our lives. We will remember her as a guiding light, a friend who walked along with us, and a cosplay guru who believed in our potential."

Cosplayers and friends alike expressed their sorrow and memories, remembering Akanksha as a beacon of inspiration and creativity. The impact she had on the lives of those she touched was immeasurable.

Awards and Accolades

ESL Cosplay Competition Winner 2017 (Delhi Comic Con)

India Gaming Show Cosplay Competition Winner 2017

World Cosplay Championship 2018 India Prelims Co-Winner

Represented India in World Cosplay Summit 2018, Japan

Multiple Regional Cosplay Championships Winner (2011-2023)

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As we reflect on Akanksha Sachan's life and contributions, we are reminded of her remarkable ability to turn her passion into a thriving career and a source of inspiration for countless others. Her memory will continue to live on through the characters she embodied, the designs she created, and the lives she touched.

In the words of one of her friends, "Rest in peace in a better place, Sachan...one day we'll meet again." Akanksha Sachan's light may have dimmed, but it will forever shine in the hearts of the cosplay community and beyond.

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