( Other Interesting Talks – the AIP section đŸŽ„ )

Welcome to the “Other Interesting Talks, etc.” section. The title “Other Interesting Talks, etc.” is a translation from Esperanto of “Aliaj Interesaj Prelegoj, ktp.“, or, “AIP, ktp.“, in short.

This section is meant to be a place where ideas come from off the beaten path, but are still thought-provoking and fresh.

Interestingly, some of our “Aliaj Interesaj Prelegoj”, or “Other Interesting Talks”, have some of the most interesting insights for those exploring careers, productivity or happiness, from low income and middle income countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Kenya.

One of the aims of presenting these talks is to show that Constructed Languages like Esperanto can be just as expressive as natural languages like English and French.

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🌟 Curated Talks

1. { Communication Technologies and their Impact : A Perspective Out of Africa | Mr. Peter Adeyi @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2025 ]

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Speaker: Mr. Peter Adeyi

Summary: Peter Adeyi’s talk explores the paradox of digital technology, which connects people globally but often leaves them emotionally disconnected and lonely. How can we navigate the digital world of the Internet while preserving authentic human connection? He emphasizes that while platforms like social media facilitate instant communication, they can also lead to isolation, anxiety, and superficial interactions. For more on this, watch the full Prelego (trans. : “Talk”) on Youtube.

👉 Watch on YouTube

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Parolanto: Mr. Peter Adeyi

Resumo: La prelego de Peter Adeyi esploras la paradokson de cifereca teknologio, kiu konektas homojn tutmonde sed ofte lasas ilin emocie malkonektitaj kaj solaj. Kiel ni povas navigi en la cifereca mondo de Interreto, samtempe konservante aĆ­tentan homan ligon? Li emfazas, ke kvankam platformoj kiel sociaj retejoj faciligas tujan komunikadon, ili ankaĆ­ povas konduki al izoliteco, angoro kaj supraÄ”aj interagoj. Por scii pli pri tio, spektu la plenan prelegon ĉe YouTube.

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2. { The Holocaust and the Hindua-Genocidaro (the Hindu Genocides) | Mr. Anand Manikutty @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2025 ]

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Speaker: Prof. Anand Manikutty

Summary: In this first talk of the Fulmo Talk Series, Mr. Anand Manikutty explores the concept of the Hindua Genocidaro —a term from Esperanto meaning a series of genocides—drawing parallels between the Holocaust and centuries of violence against Hindus in South Asia. He critiques the framing of the Holocaust as the “greatest evil” in history, arguing that other atrocities, including those against Hindus, deserve equal recognition. The talk introduces the constructed language Sansperanto as a linguistic tool to preserve historical truth and sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the Hindu genocides in part two.

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Parolanto: Prof. Anand Manikutty

Resumo: En ĉi tiu unua prelego de la serio “Fulmo Talk”, S-ro Anand Manikutty esploras la koncepton de Hindua Genocidaro — termino el Esperanto signifanta serion da genocidoj — kaj tiras paralelojn inter la HolokaĆ­sto kaj jarcentoj da perforto kontraĆ­ hinduoj en Suda Azio. Li kritikas la prezentadon de la HolokaĆ­sto kiel la “plej grandan malbonon” en la historio, argumentante, ke aliaj abomenaÄ”oj, inkluzive de tiuj kontraĆ­ hinduoj, meritas egalan agnoskon. La prelego prezentas la konstruitan lingvon Sansperanto kiel lingvan ilon por konservi historian veron kaj preparas la grundon por pli profunda diskuto pri la hinduaj genocidoj en la dua parto.

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Part Two

In Part Two of the Prelego (trans. : “Talk”) on the Hindu Genocides, the speaker, Mr. Anand Manikutty, introduces Sansperanto, a hybrid of Sanskrit and Esperanto, to make cultural expression clearer and easier for speakers of Indian languages. He discusses the term “La Hindua Genocidaro”, framing centuries of invasions, forced conversions, and temple destructions as genocides against Hindus, and calls for truthful remembrance through projects and respectful discourse. Finally, he presents La Gxoja Historio (“Joyful” History), a new framework for looking at South Asian History, which, of course, includes Tamil History and the History of South India. He introduces it as a new kadro (Esperanto for “framework”) arguing that Hindu practices like yoga and meditation were happiness-enhancing activities, and their suppression during invasions represents a profound historical loss.

Please note that the audio has some issues because of some technical issues with video editing, which, incidentally, was done by an individual from Pakistan.

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Parto Du

En la dua parto de la prelego pri la hinduaj genocidoj, la preleganto, S-ro Anand Manikutty, prezentas Sansperanton – hibridon de la sanskrita kaj Esperanto – por faciligi kaj klarigi kulturan esprimadon por parolantoj de hindiaj lingvoj. Li traktas la terminon “La Hindua Genocidaro”, prezentante jarcentojn da invadoj, devigaj konvertiĝoj kaj detruoj de temploj kiel genocidojn kontraĆ­ hinduoj, kaj alvokas al verema memorado per projektoj kaj respektema diskuto. Fine, li prezentas “La Ĝojan Historion” – novan kadron por rigardi la historion de Suda Azio, kiu kompreneble inkluzivas la historion de la tamiloj kaj de Suda Hindio. Li prezentas ĝin kiel novan kadron, argumentante, ke hinduaj praktikoj kiel jogo kaj meditado estis agadoj plibonigantaj feliĉon, kaj ke ilia subpremado dum invadoj reprezentas profundan historian perdon.

Bonvolu noti, ke la sonregistraĔo havas kelkajn problemojn pro teknikaj malfacilaĔoj dum la videoredaktado; tiun redaktadon, cetere, plenumis persono el Pakistano.

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👉 Watch on YouTube

3. { A Tale of Two Cities | Mr. Budhaditya Chakraborty @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2025 ]

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Speaker: Dr. Budhaditya Chakraborty

Summary: In this informative talk, accomplished heart surgeon Dr. Budhaditya Chakraborty reflects on his journey from elite institutions like AIIMS and Mayo Clinic to his current work in Jaipur. Comparing the infrastructure, training, and ethics of healthcare systems in India and the U.S., he reveals how structural gaps in India affect both doctors and patients. He also explores the contrast between metros like Delhi and Tier-II cities like Jaipur, where government health schemes dominate but often underfund real innovation. The talk is both a critique and a call to action: that healthcare must be seen not just as a right, but as a focused investment. For anyone interested in the future of healthcare in India, this video is well worth watching.

👉 Watch on YouTube

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Parolanto: Dr. Budhaditya Chakraborty

Resumo: En ĉi tiu informa prelego, la eminenta kardiokirurgo D-ro Budhaditya Chakraborty rakontas pri sia profesia vojo – de prestiĝaj institucioj kiel AIIMS kaj Mayo Clinic ĝis sia nuna laboro en Jaipur. Komparante la infrastrukturon, trejnadon kaj etikon de la sansistemoj en Barato kaj Usono, li klarigas, kiel strukturaj mankoj en Barato influas kaj kuracistojn kaj pacientojn. Li ankaƭ esploras la kontraston inter grandegaj metropoloj kiel Delhio kaj urboj de la dua kategorio kiel Jaipur, kie regas registaraj sanprogramoj, kiuj tamen ofte nesufiĉe financas veran novigadon. La prelego estas samtempe kritiko kaj alvoko al agado: oni devas rigardi sanservon ne nur kiel rajton, sed ankaƭ kiel celorientitan investon. Por ĉiu, kiu interesiĝas pri la estonteco de sanservo en Barato, ĉi tiu video certe indas spekti.

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4. { The Spirit of Cricket | Mr. Achyutha Ram Marri @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2026 ]

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Speaker: Mr. Achyutha Ram Marri

Summary: In this engaging talk from the Fulmo Talk Series, technology leader Achitra Ram introduces the global world of cricket to an American audience, blending personal nostalgia with clear, beginner-friendly explanations. He mentions the sport’s three major formats—from the long, strategic Test matches to the fast-paced T20 games—and shows how cricket’s mix of strategy, skill, and emotion has captivated billions. Through memories and reflections, he illustrates how cricket becomes a shared cultural experience that unites families, communities, and nations. The host later extends the discussion by addressing recent unsportsmanlike incidents and proposing a creative, dignified response through a logo contest to reaffirm the spirit of cricket. Ultimately, the talk presents cricket as more than a sport: a cultural bridge, a source of joy, and a tradition worth preserving.


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Parolanto: Mr. Achyutha Ram Marri

Resumo: En ĉi tiu alloga prelego el la serio Fulmo Talk, teknologia gvidanto Achitra Ram prezentas la tutmondan mondon de kriketo al usona publiko, kombinante personan nostalgion kun klaraj, komencant-amikaj klarigoj. Li mencias la tri ĉefajn formatojn de la sporto — de la longaj, strategiaj “Test”-matĉoj ĝis la rapidaj T20-ludoj — kaj montras, kiel la miksaÄ”o de strategio, lerteco kaj emocio en kriketo kaptis la atenton de miliardoj. Per rememoroj kaj pripensadoj, li ilustras, kiel kriketo iĝas komuna kultura sperto, kiu unuigas familiojn, komunumojn kaj naciojn. Poste, la preleganto vastigas la diskuton traktante lastatempajn nesportemajn incidentojn kaj proponante kreivan, dignan respondon per konkurso pri emblemo, por reaserti la spiriton de kriketo. Finfine, la prelego prezentas kriketon kiel ion pli ol nur sporton: kiel kulturan ponton, fonton de ĝojo kaj tradicion konservindan.

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5. { Improwised Technologies – Empowering Developers, Accelerating Delivery | Mr. Shailesh Davara @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2026 ]

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Speaker: Mr. Shailesh Davara

Summary: In this interesting Fulmo Talk, Shailesh Davra, CEO and co-founder of Improvised Technologies, shares how his company helps SaaS businesses scale efficiently through platform engineering. He explains how automation, open-source tools, and developer self-service can make infrastructure more reliable, secure, and cost-effective. Drawing on over 17 years of experience, he illustrates how empowering developers with autonomy leads to innovation and agility. His talk highlights the human side of technology—efficiency with simplicity, and creativity supported by sound engineering.

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Parolanto: Mr. Shailesh Davara

Resumo: En ĉi tiu interesa Fulmo-prelego, Shailesh Davra, ĉefoficisto kaj kunfondinto de Improvised Technologies, dividas kiel lia kompanio helpas SaaS-entreprenojn skaliĝi efike per platforma inĝenierado. Li klarigas kiel aĆ­tomatigo, malfermfontaj iloj kaj memservo por programistoj povas igi infrastrukturon pli fidinda, sekura kaj kostefika. Bazante sin sur pli ol 17 jaroj da sperto, li ilustras kiel povigi programistojn per aĆ­tonomeco kondukas al novigado kaj facilmoveco. Lia prelego elstarigas la homan flankon de teknologio – efikecon kun simpleco kaj kreivon subtenatan de solida inĝenierado.

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👉 Watch on YouTube

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6. { Esperanto, the Language for World Citizens | Anand Manikutty @ Fulmo }

[ FULMO TALK SERIES 2025 ]

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Speaker: Prof. Anand Manikutty

Summary: In this engaging session in English and Hindi, Anand Manikutty introduces viewers to Esperanto, the international language designed to bring people together. Mr. Anand Manikutty’s talk explores the origins and design of Esperanto as a neutral, logical, and easy-to-learn international language created by L.L. Zamenhof to foster global understanding. He reflects on its strengths—such as regular grammar and cultural neutrality, and mentions a new concept in linguistics, namely, “aayaato”, which can help improve learning and organizational outcomes. Inspired by Esperanto, he has created new constructed languages aimed at promoting unity and accessible communication in multilingual contexts like India.

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Parolanto: Prof. Anand Manikutty

Resumo: En ĉi tiu interesa sesio, okazanta en la angla kaj la hindia, Anand Manikutty prezentas al la spektantoj Esperanton, la internacian lingvon kreitan por kunigi homojn. La prelego de s-ro Anand Manikutty esploras la devenon kaj strukturon de Esperanto kiel neĆ­tralan, logikan kaj facile lerneblan internacian lingvon, kreitan de L.L. Zamenhof por kreskigi tutmondan interkompreniĝon. Li diskutas ĝiajn avantaĝojn — ekzemple regulan gramatikon kaj kulturan neĆ­tralecon — kaj mencias novan koncepton en lingvistiko, nome “aayaato”, kiu povas helpi plibonigi la rezultojn de lernado kaj organizado. Inspirite de Esperanto, li kreis novajn konstruitajn lingvojn celantajn antaĆ­enigi unuecon kaj alireblan komunikadon en plurlingvaj kuntekstoj, kiaj Barato.

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7. { Grit | Angela Duckworth }

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Speaker: Prof. Angela Duckworth

Summary: Angela Duckworth’s Grit session, part of the Talks @ Google series, offers a fascinating expansion of her ideas on Grit and Resilience.

In this session, Angela Duckworth explores how grit is reinforced by culture and identity. Drawing on examples from West Point, Google, and Finland, she shows that shared rituals, language, and values can make perseverance more natural. The Finnish concept of sisu—representing determination in the face of difficulty—illustrates how a collective identity can encourage individuals to push through challenges. Similarly, strong organizational or team cultures, whether in sports or corporations, provide a framework that helps people sustain effort and commitment.

She also stresses the importance of directing grit toward meaningful goals. Many people, especially after school, struggle to find pursuits worthy of sustained effort. Duckworth advises reflecting on early interests and aligning them with personal values to discover passions that are both compelling and purposeful. Quitting strategically, she argues, is sometimes necessary; stepping away from unfulfilling paths allows individuals to invest their energy where perseverance will have the greatest impact.

Finally, Duckworth highlights how grit develops over time through practice, feedback, and virtuous cycles of achievement. Role models like parents, teachers, and mentors can guide development, but personal effort is crucial. She notes that grit often overlaps with obsession: deep focus and enjoyment of one’s work fuel remarkable outcomes. While underdog experiences can amplify determination, anyone can cultivate grit by committing to meaningful goals, persevering through setbacks, and continuously refining their efforts.

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Parolanto: Prof. Angela Duckworth

Resumo: La prelego de Angela Duckworth pri “grit” (persista persistemo), parto de la serio Talks @ Google, ofertas fascinan vastigon de Ɲiaj ideoj pri tiu persistemo kaj rezistemo.

En tiu prelego, Angela Duckworth esploras, kiel kulturo kaj identeco plifortigas tiun persistemon. Uzante ekzemplojn el West Point, Google kaj Finnlando, Ɲi montras, ke komunaj ritoj, lingvo kaj valoroj povas igi persistemon pli natura. La finna koncepto sisu — reprezentanta decidemon fronte al malfacilaÄ”oj — ilustras, kiel kolektiva identeco povas instigi individuojn venki defiojn. Simile, fortaj organizaj aĆ­ teamaj kulturoj, ĉu en sporto ĉu en entreprenoj, provizas kadron, kiu helpas homojn daĆ­rigi sian klopodon kaj engaĝiĝon.

Ɯi ankaƭ emfazas la gravecon direkti tiun persistemon al signifoplenaj celoj. Multaj homoj, precipe post la lerneja periodo, malfacile trovas okupojn indajn je daƭra klopodo. Duckworth konsilas pripensi fruajn interesojn kaj harmoniigi ilin kun personaj valoroj por malkovri pasiojn, kiuj estas kaj allogaj kaj celkonsciaj. Strategia rezigno, Ɲi argumentas, foje estas necesa; forlasi neplenumajn vojojn ebligas al individuoj investi sian energion tie, kie persistemo havos la plej grandan efikon.

Fine, Duckworth elstarigas, kiel tiu persistemo evoluas kun la tempo per praktikado, reagoj kaj pozitivaj cikloj de atingo. Rolmodeloj kiel gepatroj, instruistoj kaj mentoroj povas gvidi la evoluon, sed persona klopodo estas decida. Ɯi notas, ke tiu persistemo ofte interkovriĝas kun obsedo: profunda koncentriĝo kaj ĝuo pri la propra laboro nutras rimarkindajn rezultojn. Kvankam spertoj kiel “subulo” (aĆ­ malfavorato) povas plifortigi decidemon, ĉiu povas kultivi tiun persistemon per engaĝiĝo al signifoplenaj celoj, persistado fronte al malsukcesoj kaj konstanta plibonigo de siaj klopodoj.

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8. { Understanding Generative A.I. | Vela Sivasankaran }

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Speaker: Ms. Vela Sivasankaran

Summary: Vela Sivasankaran’s Generative AI session, part of the Fulmo Talk Series, offers a comprehensive educational overview of artificial intelligence tools and their emerging applications for personal growth.

In this session, technology executive Vela Sivasankaran maps out the rapid evolution of generative AI from its traditional machine learning roots to modern architectures like transformers, large language models, and autonomous AI agents. She explores how these sophisticated networks simulate human decision-making to autonomously generate original text, images, video, and code from simple user prompts. Sivasankaran highlights how AI capabilities are expanding through retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and open-source standards like the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which allow these systems to seamlessly bridge the gap between general pre-trained knowledge and a user’s specific external data sources.

Sivasankaran also provides a practical guide to maximizing the utility of these tools through effective prompt engineering and structured communication frameworks. She breaks down essential techniques—ranging from zero-shot and few-shot learning to role prompting and chain-of-thought reasoning—showing how users can explicitly guide AI behavior to unlock high-quality, targeted outputs for both corporate workflows and creative endeavors. Ethical considerations, including addressing algorithmic bias, managing misinformation, and navigating copyright issues, are also underscored as vital components of responsible AI adoption.

Finally, the talk aligns with the overarching mission of the series by exploring how generative AI can conceptually support mental wellness and self-reflection. Sivasankaran highlights industry trends where AI tools assist individuals with structured journaling, habit tracking, mindfulness prompts, and non-judgmental creative expression. This technological overview complements the Fulmo platform’s broader dedication to pairing games with happiness practices that actively cultivate resilience, optimism, and gratitude.

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Parolanto: Ms. Vela Sivasankaran

Resumo: La sesio pri Generativa AI de Vela Sivasankaran, parto de la Fulmo Talk Series, ofertas ampleksan edukan superrigardon pri artefaritinteligentecaj iloj kaj iliaj emerĝantaj aplikoj por persona kresko.

En ĉi tiu sesio, teknologia oficulo Vela Sivasankaran mapas la rapidan evoluon de generativa AI de ĝiaj tradiciaj maƝinlernadaj radikoj ĝis modernaj arkitekturoj kiel transformiloj, grandaj lingvomodeloj kaj aƭtonomaj AI-agentoj. Ɯi esploras kiel ĉi tiuj sofistikaj retoj simulas homan decidiĝon por aƭtonome generi originalan tekston, bildojn, filmetojn kaj kodon el simplaj uzantaj promptoj. Sivasankaran elstarigas kiel AI-kapabloj vastiĝas per retrov-pliigita generado (RAG) kaj malfermfontaj normoj kiel la Model Context Protocol (MCP), kiuj permesas al ĉi tiuj sistemoj senjunte transponti la interspacon inter ĝenerala antaƭtrejnita scio kaj la specifaj eksteraj datenfontoj de uzanto.

Sivasankaran ankaƭ provizas praktikan gvidilon por maksimumigi la utilecon de ĉi tiuj iloj per efika prompta inĝenierado kaj strukturitaj komunikadaj kadroj. Ɯi detale priskribas esencajn teknikojn — de nul- kaj malmult-pafa lernado ĝis rol-instigo kaj ĉen-de-penso-rezonado — montrante kiel uzantoj povas eksplicite gvidi AI-konduton por malƝlosi altkvalitajn, celitajn rezultojn por kaj entreprenaj laborfluoj kaj kreivaj klopodoj. Etikaj konsideroj, inkluzive de traktado de algoritma biaso, administrado de misinformado kaj navigado de kopirajtaj problemoj, ankaƭ estas substrekitaj kiel esencaj komponantoj de respondeca AI-adopto.

Fine, la prelego akordiĝas kun la superreganta misio de la serio esplorante kiel genera AI povas koncepte subteni mensan bonfarton kaj mem-reflektadon. Sivasankaran elstarigas industriajn tendencojn kie AI-iloj helpas individuojn per strukturita taglibro-skribado, kutim-spurado, atent-instigo kaj senjuĝa kreiva esprimo. Ĉi tiu teknologia superrigardo kompletigas la pli larĝan dediĉon de la Fulmo-platformo al kunigado de ludoj kun feliĉo-praktikoj, kiuj aktive kultivas rezistecon, optimismon kaj dankemon.

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More Interesting Talks

[ Stephanie Harrison ]

The following talk — although also not technically part of the Fulmo Talk Series — is worth watching. It’s certainly one you may want to make time for.

In her Google Talk, Stephanie Harrison, the founder of The New Happy, challenges the conventional wisdom around happiness—what she labels “Old Happy.” That model, she explains, grew out of cultural forces like capitalism and individualism, which link happiness to personal success, possessions, and status. The trouble? Many people dutifully pursue these goals, only to discover they feel emptier, not fuller.

Her alternative—The New Happy—flips the script. Instead of chasing external achievements, she argues that fulfillment comes from recognizing and sharing your own unique strengths, then using them to improve the lives of others. True happiness, in this view, is less about self-congratulation and more about co-creation: building joy that ripples outward through kindness, community, and shared purpose.

Harrison underscores that happiness isn’t a private trophy to hoard, but a collective state we create together. Even small, everyday acts of generosity can spark a chain reaction—lifting you up while simultaneously brightening someone else’s day.

It’s an inspiring reminder that we’re not meant to “go it alone.” By choosing connection over competition, we move closer to a kind of happiness that sustains both the self and the wider world.

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[ Neil Pasricha ]

This isn’t part of the Fulmo Talk Series either, but it’s another one worth watching.

In his talk on The Happiness Equation, Neil Pasricha dismantles the standard formula most of us live by: work hard → achieve success → then you’ll be happy. He calls this the “old equation,” and he points out its fundamental flaw: the goalpost for success is always moving. Each time we achieve something, the definition of success shifts just beyond our reach, keeping happiness deferred.

Pasricha flips the formula: be happy first → then you’ll be more successful → and achieve more naturally. Drawing on research in positive psychology, he argues that cultivating happiness isn’t the reward at the end of the journey but the fuel that powers it.

To make this shift practical, he offers three “secrets” for rewiring your mind toward happiness:

  • Do less: Pare back the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters.
  • Do it now: Stop postponing joy for a future that may never arrive.
  • Be you: Drop the mask of comparison and lean into authenticity.

The elegance of his message lies in its simplicity: happiness isn’t something we earn after proving ourselves. It’s a choice, a practice, and a starting point. By prioritizing it now, we not only live more fulfilling lives but also unlock the energy and clarity to create, connect, and contribute at our best.

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[ Robert Waldinger ]

This isn’t a Fulmo Talk Series session either, but Robert Waldinger’s TED Talk offers a fascinating look at what makes a good life. He challenges the common belief that happiness stems from wealth, fame, or career achievement. By tracking 724 men over 75 years, the data provides a rare picture of human development. Ultimately, the research shows that quality social connections dictate our long-term health and joy.

In this session, Waldinger explores how deep social connections actively protect our physical health. The study shows that individuals bonded to family, friends, and community live much longer. Conversely, isolation dampens daily happiness and triggers an earlier drop in midlife physical well-being. Surprisingly, more than one in five people report feeling profoundly lonely in their lives. The research highlights that being socially connected is a necessity tied to our survival.

He also stresses that the ultimate predictor of healthy aging is relationship quality. At age 50, relationship satisfaction predicted how well participants would age by 80. Living in high-conflict environments, like affectionless marriages, damages health worse than getting a divorce. Warm, supportive partnerships act as a buffer against the inevitable pains of growing older. Furthermore, secure attachments keep senior memories sharper, proving that reliable bonds shield the brain.

Finally, Waldinger highlights that cultivating these life-saving relationships requires continuous personal effort. Humans crave quick fixes, but tending to family and friends is endless work. The happiest retirees succeeded because they actively replaced old workmates with new playmates. He advises leaning into connections by replacing screen time with face-to-face time. Ultimately, the good life is built with meaningful bonds, leaving no time for grudges.

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The YAHOO Section: Yet Another Handpicked Offering of Originals

The following talk — although also not technically part of the Fulmo Talk Series — is under preparation. We’ve included it here because it has a distinctly humorous flavour. Pulling off a truly funny talk is harder than it looks — it demands substantially more preparation and finesse.

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[ Anand Manikutty ]

{ Wendy Doniger vs. Anand Manikutty: The 10-Year Debate Saga (Spoiler: I Win) | Anand Manikutty @ Fulmo }

Speaker: Anand Manikutty

Summary:

Anand Manikutty’s talk reflects on a decade-long intellectual engagement with Wendy Doniger, exploring the challenges faced by those whose lived experiences are often marginalized in academic debates. With a Talk featuring a rather humorous title, he emphasizes Gxoja, or joy. He also emphasizes the need for mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience, advocating for tools like humor, mindfulness, and Vipassana meditation to protect oneself in a digital world marked by stress and dislocation. The talk also critiques the power dynamics in academia, where influential scholars can shape narratives that sometimes overlook or diminish alternative perspectives. Ultimately, Anand calls for greater awareness and self-protection in navigating these uneven terrains of knowledge and power. This critique has been sent to Wendy Doniger herself and she has not replied back to say that she has found any problems with it.

It is surprisingly easy for academics, even those with significant influence and public-oriented responsibilities, to put forth controversial opinions while skillfully dodging their critics. Within academia, a conformity bias often encourages the acceptance of these dominant views without sufficient scrutiny, leading many to hold on to beliefs that may be flawed or incomplete. This dynamic creates a form of Grupopensaro (or Extended Groupthink), where dissenting perspectives are marginalized, and incorrect ideas—such as the unquestioned superiority of vegetarian or vegan diets, the supposed Granda Sagxeco (or, Great Wisdom) of closing down schools during Covid or the supposed incontrovertible patterns in climate change data—become widely accepted. This critique also has the distinction of having been brought to the attention of senior members, including a cofounder, of the Hindu American Foundation.

In this Talk, Anand Manikutty introduces an entirely new critique, called the Enmiksiĝo critique—“enmiksiĝo” meaning “interference”—of Wendy Doniger’s work and that of other academics who apply Freudian psychology to analyze Hindu mythological figures. (One striking example is an academic’s claim that Ganesha’s tusk symbolizes a limp phallus.) What differentiates this critique is that it is the first critique that is a critique of the work of these academics that is not from an emic perspective. It is purely academic, and, indeed, based on science. The Enmiksiĝo critique argues that when such interpretations do not clarify that they represent fringe perspectives within Hinduism, they cause “interference” by preventing millions of Hindus from engaging freely in spiritual practices aimed at increasing personal happiness without harming others. It uses ideas from a new Philosophy developed, called La Gxoja Filozofio, which is meant to be a rival philosophy to ancient philosophies such as Stoicism and Epicureanism, as well as modern philosophies such as Existentialism. This serious and well-intentioned critique exposes how such academic narratives create barriers to authentic spiritual engagement and the achievement of happiness for many Hindus.

[ Filmeto estos afiƝita ] [ This lecture video is being prepared by the Esperanto and ConLang Society of South India ]

[ Video to be posted ] [ Filmeton preparas la ESSh ]

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[ Tia Graham ]

This one isn’t part of the Fulmo Talk Series either, but it’s another talk worth your time.

In this heartfelt and practical talk on the choice of happiness, Tia Graham challenges the common belief that happy people are simply born that way or stumble into the right circumstances. She starts with her own story: watching her father lose himself through a painful divorce, then consciously reclaim joy by doing things that energized him. That childhood lesson — that happiness is something you do, not something you wait for — ended up shaping her entire life.

But the talk isn’t about being cheerful all the time. Graham reframes happiness as a life with more positive than pain, one grounded in meaning, purpose, and a diversity of rich experiences. She points to global research: most people are disengaged at work, stressed, sleep-deprived, and wired with a built-in negativity bias. In other words, the world isn’t designed to make happiness easy — so we have to be intentional.

Her framework centers on four evidence-backed choices:

  • Spend time with people you love: Strong relationships predict both happiness and long-term health.
  • Get real sleep: Seven to nine hours is non-negotiable for emotional stability and cognitive performance.
  • Move often: Regular physical activity boosts mood, reduces stress, and sharpens thinking — even 15 minutes counts.
  • Do meaningful work: If you can’t change jobs, make your current work matter by helping others.

Around these, she adds nature, meditation, volunteering, and journaling as additional ways to lift your set point.

The message is deceptively simple: happiness takes both a will and a way. By choosing to spend more time on the things that genuinely light us up, we not only become happier — we become more productive, more successful, and better equipped to care for the people who depend on us.

It’s not about meeting society’s expectations. It’s about intentionally building a life that feels good to live.

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[ Jessica Weiss ]

This one isn’t part of the Fulmo Talk Series either, but it fits perfectly in the YAHOO section — practical, research-based, and easy to apply.

Jessica Weiss’s core message is simple: happiness is built through small, intentional habits. While genetics matters, about half of our happiness comes from what we choose to do every day.

Here are her four key habits:

  • Friends are magic.
    Strong relationships are the most reliable predictor of well-being. Even brief, genuine connection reduces stress and lifts mood.
  • Keep a Joy Journal.
    Write down three things that brought joy and why. This rewires attention away from negativity and strengthens positive experiences.
  • Live in “day-tight compartments.”
    Stay aware of the future, but handle life one contained day at a time. This prevents overwhelm and keeps you focused on what’s actionable.
  • Make work meaningful.
    Work becomes energizing when you use your strengths, help someone, and track small wins. Meaning drives sustainable motivation.

The essence: happiness isn’t accidental — it’s practiced through a handful of consistent, doable habits.

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Why Watch These?

Because sometimes, the most unexpected talks leave the biggest impact.

These videos expand the Fulmo Talk Series’ mission: to spark curiosity, joy, and connection in every corner of the Internet.

⚡ Click. Watch. Learn.

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đŸ€ In Association With ESSh

This Talk Series is presented in association with the Esperanto and ConLang Society of South India.

đŸ—ŁïžBelow is a short message from the Society — which believes that language can be a tool for peace, clarity, and joy.

“The Esperanto and ConLang Society of South India is dedicated to exploring the power of constructed languages to foster understanding across cultures. We support initiatives like the Fulmo Talk Series that highlight curiosity, creativity, and meaningful communication. Whether you’re a linguist, a coder, or just curious — there’s space here for your voice.”

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