For the past eight years, the question “Who am I?” has echoed in my mind. Son, brother, boss, engineer, coder, writer — I’ve worn these labels, yet deep down, I sense that I am more than the sum of these roles.

A recent revelation occurred while watching the finale of “The Crown.” Claire Foy’s portrayal of the original Elizabeth, advising the current Queen, resonated with a profound truth. The idea that there is only one identity — the highest form of royalty, akin to the sun. A king has but one identity, and in this pursuit, I find myself reflecting on my own journey.

In astrology, the Sun, exalted in the 1st house of identity, signifies the highest form of self. King Dhritrashtra from Mahabharata, in his kingship, missed this understanding, clinging to the role of a father. Similarly, my ventures in business and the complexities of identity reveal a similar struggle.

My father imparted a valuable lesson when I started my business — my primary responsibility is that of a businessman, perhaps even above family. Despite this wisdom, I found myself entangled often in the web of confusion. Rahu, the node in astrology, the shadow of identity, became a convenient scapegoat. Yet, the reality is, I have always grappled with understanding myself.

As one navigates this journey, one ponders the role of identity in daily life. Is it just for the public, or does it guide the personal journey? The answer, it seems, lies in the synergy of both planes — material and spiritual. One must unify public and private identities, transcending the divisions. If astrology provides a guide, then our karma, our yagna, must define us.

Perhaps, one is a learner — a person who delves deep into wisdom and shares it with the world. Writing, then, becomes an outcome of being a learned one. The challenge lies in embodying this identity consistently — in the day, with family, society, world and even in spiritual pursuits.