Apple turns 50

Mrinal Chatterjee

Window Seat

In a world where technology changes faster than habits, turning fifty is no small feat—especially for a company that began in a garage. As Apple Inc. marks its golden jubilee on 1 April 2026, it feels less like a corporation aging and more like a restless mind constantly reinventing itself.

Back in the mid-seventies, two young dreamers—Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (Ronald Wayne, who was also in the team that started Apple left in 12 days) —set out to make computers personal. The early machines, like the Apple I and Apple II, were not just devices; they were invitations to a new way of thinking. But Apple’s journey was never a straight line. There were stumbles, including Jobs’ own exit in the 1980s, and a period when the company seemed to lose its way.

Then came the comeback—almost cinematic. Jobs returned, and with products like the iMac, Apple rediscovered its voice: simple, elegant, and just a little rebellious. The real turning point, however, was the iPhone in 2007. It didn’t just change Apple; it changed how we live—how we talk, work, click photos, and even think about time.

What makes Apple a giant today isn’t just innovation. It’s the quiet obsession with design, the seamless ecosystem, and the ability to make technology feel human. Apple products don’t merely function; they belong.

At fifty, Apple stands as a reminder that success isn’t just about being first. It’s about staying curious, daring to simplify, and understanding that in the end, even machines must tell a story.

Rabindranath and Shillong

While in Shillong recently, I chanced upon a plaque in the Wards Lake area saying the deep connection Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned philosopher-poet and the only Nobel laureate in literature of India, had with this beautiful hill-city.

A century ago, Tagore made his maiden visit to Shillong, the then capital of undivided Assam. He spent three weeks at Brookside, a bungalow in the Rilbong locality, belonging to the then Chittagong assistant commissioner, Kiran Chandra Dey.

In a letter Tagore wrote to Hitendranath Nandy from Brookside on November 18, 1919, his fascination with the surroundings is memorably delineated: “I am very happy to be in Shillong. It is much better than Darjeeling... The place where we are staying is quite isolated and the lanes are quiet, overshadowed by deodar trees and washed by the rippling sound of the Nirjhorini.” When the poet visited South India in 1928 and wrote Shesher Kobita, 13 of the 17 chapters were inspired by his stay in Shillong. Although Tagore did not mention Brookside by name, the letters bearing its descriptions and its geographical location make it evident that Jogmaya’s house in the novel is indeed modelled on Brookside.

The city's serene atmosphere and breath-taking landscapes also influenced his philosophical and spiritual writings.

Ward’s Lake

Ward’s lake is a must-visit place in Shillong. Ward’s Lake, also known as Nan Policth lake, is a picturesque artificial lake in the heart of Shillong, Meghalaya. Built in 1894 by British civil surgeon David Scott and later renovated by Major J.H. Ward, the lake is a popular tourist destination and a tranquil retreat. The lake's serene waters are surrounded by lush greenery and gardens, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and boating. The lake's island is connected by a picturesque wooden bridge, adding to its charm. Ward’s Lake is also a hub for cultural events and festivals, showcasing the region's rich heritage.

The Vanishing Crows

Have you noticed that the once ubiquitous crows are not so ubiquitous these days. In fact in several areas crows are hardly seen.

The species of crows are rapidly decreasing due to the use of excessive chemical fertilizers in the fields. Farm water has become poisonous by the use of chemical fertilizers, which is reducing the reproductive capacity of the crow. Even the hard layer of the egg of a crow made of calcium carbonate has weakened. This breaks the egg protection shield before time. Naturally the crows are now reaching the verge of extinction.

(Sketch by R.K. Laxman)

Right

"It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance." – Thomas Huxley