Personal Interests

Flight Simulation & Aviation

Flight Simulator Cockpit Instruments Photo: Aaron Barnaby on Unsplash vide Unsplash License

I have been long interested in aviation, initially in civil aviation and later in fighter (military). The origins of this interest date back to when I was 12 years old.

For some reason, I could not join the Indian Air Force, and the chapter on aviation was soon closed temporarily. The information about Flight Simulation and the details which it entails brought me back to aviation.

It can therefore be said that aviation is my interest and flight simulation is my hobby. These days, I fly Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX), I am also a virtual pilot and member of the International Virtual Aviation Organisation (IVAO) which is a non-profit flight simulation community.

Someday in the future, I want to migrate to flight simulation in the eDigital Combat Simulator (DCS). Right now, I am practising my manoeuvres in FSX. I am currently rated Advanced Flight Student at IVAO, I look forward to completing my exams and practical soon to get a Commercial Pilot rating there.

Trains

Indian Railways has always fascinated me. The sheer scale of it, the management of its operations (as it is what it is), its history, etc. make me like it.

I am always interested in learning more about it, how it works, and also the historical aspect of it. In this endeavour, I have been helped a lot by the IRFCA (Indian Railways Fan Club) of which I too am a member.

Books

Curated Personal Library Bookshelf Photo: Jared Craig on Unsplash vide Unsplash License

I have been interested in books since when I do not know exactly. However, with age, I have gradually developed my interests.

As of 2026, I have over 800 books in my personal collection (Library of Keshav Bhardwaj) which can be seen here or explored on the Library page.

Philately

Indian Post Office & Stamp Collection Photo: Wikimedia Commons vide CC BY-SA 4.0

My interest in philately dates back to 2021, however, I did not develop it into a hobby for various reasons.

Starting in 2024, I have started collecting postage stamps from IndiaPost (Department of Posts). Currently, I am only collecting MNH (Mint Never Hinged) stamps. My collection can be seen here.

Technology

Digital Systems & Code Architecture Photo: Fotis Fotopoulos on Unsplash vide Unsplash License

I do not have much formal education in technology. However, I do like to play with new technologies.

Thanks to ChatGPT, Google, and StackOverflow, I have been able to create a few projects such as:

• Streamlined Administration Hub for Yielding, Organising, and Governing (SAHYOG) DBMS • SQL • LibreOffice Base
• Accession Record Form Processor (ARFP) Google Forms • Spreadsheet • AppScript (Java)
• Central Dak Processing Unit (CDPU) Google Spreadsheet • AppScript (Java)

Designing

UI/UX Wireframing & Visual Design Workspace Photo: Firmbee on Unsplash vide Unsplash License

I have generally been interested in user interface, experience, and graphic identity design as a tool to communicate better and seamlessly with the user.

I have designed an Emblem/Seal, Library logo, and Archives Division logo. The Office of Keshav Bhardwaj’s letterhead has resulted from multiple trials and errors and can be seen here. I am constantly trying to improve the designs to make them more communicative and impactful.

Wargaming

Tabletop Strategy & Wargaming Terrain Photo: Aksel Fristrup on Unsplash vide Unsplash License

I am at the nascent stage of wargaming. I would like to learn more. I have never played an actual tabletop game. I have played a few hands in tabletop simulation Open General.

As and when the wargaming culture in India grows, I shall be adding more to my knowledge and skills. If you have any leads or resources, please feel free to write to me.