What is The Sentinel?
The world we live in is mostly water and air. Absurdly commonplace and yet, constantly eluding our grasp.
Everyone has a model of the world that is shaped by their journeys and maps. We use those models to craft our lives. The Sentinel is a newsletter in which I work through my models of the world. I will write about:
business (mostly supply chains, manufacturing, automation, platforms),
society (incl. higher education, immigration, growth, India, Asia), and
learning life (books, stoicism, religion, international films).
These topics are eclectic, as are my interests. Hence, the newsletter won’t be programmatic — some threads will be personal and experiential; some data-oriented and dispassionate. The most rewarding part of discovering truths is wandering. So, I hope you will join me.
Why the name The Sentinel?
Of all mispronunciations of my name, sentinel was my ‘favorite’ one (first used by an engineering professor during my IIT Bombay days who took a liking to cold-calling me by the wrong name to solve problems on the board).
The name fits the theme. A sentinel is an observer of the world, mostly called to duty as a low-level silentiary. I have always heard interesting stories from such rare voices. This newsletter is a thread relaying those perspectives — building up on my experiences and a rather minimal social (media) presence.
I plan to keep The Sentinel as a thoughtful public notebook with roughly weekly updates. Despite some topicality, the newsletter won’t delve into hot takes, viral conflicts du jour, or seek gains from grievances. I hope you still find the posts useful, even when you read them at a later time.
Why is this newsletter free?
Honestly, I am seeking the most valuable things: your time and attention. My goal is to keep this newsletter interesting and worth your time.
I have taught, in classrooms at The Wharton School (academic page), more than 4000 students which is a tiny fraction of learners reachable by internet. Despite all the noise and confusion, the internet can make lives better!
As a first-generation college-goer, whose life was transformed by the kindness of strangers, I am a big believer in the aspirations of individuals. This email newsletter is for that aspiring individual in you.
If you like what you read, please subscribe. It’s free (i.e., zero dollars).
Also, please spread the word by sharing the newsletter with your friends!
The company that provides the tech for this newsletter. Visit Substack.com.
