When Strangers’ Pain Becomes Our Own

I follow the news regularly. Some stories I read with interest, while others I read simply to stay aware of what is happening around the world.

But some stories don’t end when I close the newspaper.

They stay with me.

They Are Strangers, Yet It Hurts

Sometimes, a tragedy involving people I have never met affects me deeply. They are strangers, yet their stories enter my thoughts, conversations, prayers, and quiet moments.

The tragedy surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput and his manager was one such story. I was never a fan, but when I heard about it, it disturbed me. Even today, when I hear about developments in the case, I find myself hoping that justice is eventually served.

Perhaps we don’t have to know someone to feel for them.

I Wish There Was More Good News

There are days when I wish the news was filled with things worth celebrating.

Instead, we often hear about wars, corruption, natural disasters, political conflict, and journalism that sometimes feels increasingly divided.

I know these are realities we cannot ignore. But sometimes, I simply wish there was something good to read.

The News I Love

Recently, I read about a daily-wage worker whose three children qualified to study medicine, without formal coaching.

That story stayed with me too, but for a completely different reason.

It made me happy.

It reminded me that good things are still happening. That dreams can survive difficult circumstances. That there are stories worth celebrating.

I wish we heard more of them.

What I Keep Looking For

Whenever I read about a tragedy, I find myself looking for the next headline.

Was someone caught?

Was justice delivered?

Did the family get answers?

Too often, the story continues with bail, delays, lack of evidence, investigations, and appeals.

This is where I feel journalism needs to rediscover its purpose. We need reporting that informs us, questions what needs to be questioned, and gives us facts without turning every tragedy into endless noise.

What Happened to All the Epstein Buzz?

The Epstein story dominated headlines for a while. Now, the noise seems to have faded.

For allegations this serious, silence is unsettling. There should be a thorough investigation, transparency, and accountability, not a story that slowly disappears from public attention.

And the irony is hard to miss:

The people who could be under investigation may also be the ones with the power to investigate.

Maybe that’s why the questions haven’t disappeared, even if the headlines have.

We Are One Human Family

Maybe the reason some stories hurt is because, somewhere inside, we don’t see these people as strangers.

We see ourselves in them.

A grieving parent is a parent.
A child’s dream is a child’s dream.
A family’s search for justice is a human search for justice.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family.

Not for one religion. Not for one caste, creed, or community.

For all of humanity.

And perhaps that is why some news stays with us long after we have finished reading it.