Questions We Carry — Episode 01: Samir Patil (Part 1)

This is the first installment in a long-form interview series—a candid, college-era conversation exploring identity, beliefs, and reasoning. I met Samir during my master’s program, and it was easy to become his friend. He has a genuine personality and a deep understanding of emotions. He's kind and warm. We shared many thoughtful conversations, along with plenty of laughter. Unfortunately, the pace of life never allowed for a thorough discussion on these topics at the time, though I always hoped we would eventually have one. This interview happened later as a result.

Once again, life intervened, and I couldn’t publish this on the blog as originally planned. So here we are, years later—from 2021 to nearly 2026 (with the calendar just moments away from turning to 2025 as I write these lines)—returning to the original beginnings. More discussions will follow soon. Stay tuned!
– Shakeeb

Reminder:

The interview below was originally recorded in August 2021. Due to the passage of time, it is presented in its original form, without retroactive additions or follow-ups, to preserve its authenticity.

Interviewer: Shakeeb Ahmad
Interviewee: Samir Patil
Recorded: August 21, 2021 · Published: December 31, 2026

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

1. What is the meaning of your name? Where were you born? What's your family like?

Answer — Samir Patil

Actually, I found the meaning of my name in childhood only. It meant a cold, gentle breeze of air, a charming, entertaining companion, the loyal one. But I like it when Aishwarya Rai (named Nandini) in the movie *Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* says to Salman Khan (named Sameer), “Oo Sameer, hawa ka jhonka.” 😍😍 I was born in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It's not that famous a city 😅 but it has a tiger reserve named Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, and my city is near Nagpur city, which is quite famous 😂 My family is amazing ❤️ My father is a teacher, and he gave me everything which I asked him for (and was necessary). He is like a guide to me, and he is very friendly. My mother is a housewife; she is someone who gives me an edge on my needs and demands. And I have a little brother — he's not that little, but for me, he will always be little. He is a very loving and smart person. My family is very caring, and my parents always taught me to question and think about whatever comes to me. I have implemented that from my early childhood. I always think deeply about everything and ask questions to myself and, if possible, to others. That made me a rational human being.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

2. Describe yourself in 3 words. What quality do people often praise you for?

Answer — Samir Patil

RATIONAL, COURAGEOUS, HUMAN. The only quality of mine which gets admiration is that I am a very helpful kind of friend. I will help my friends anytime, anywhere. No matter what work I am doing at that time, I will somehow make time for them.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

3. Did you choose computer science, or did the stream choose you? What are your plans after masters?

Answer — Samir Patil

The only love story of mine which was two-sided 😅. I used to think it was me who chose computer science. From childhood, I was interested in computers and was lucky enough that my dad bought one when I was in my early teens. So I was kind of fond of that machine. My first machine was IBM; it was called Big Blue. I researched a lot about that company and then became interested in computers and all those games. Then mobile phones became famous, so I was very curious about operating systems of phones and computers. So then, yeah, the computer stream chose me too 😎

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

4. What gives you hope for humanity? What makes you the most angry?

Answer — Samir Patil

NATURE. Whenever I look out into nature and observe closely, I think this is it — the nature which created humans shows me many examples of our so-called humanity which ought to be common in us, the thinking beings of the planet. And whenever I look at people who do social work, I think humanity still exists. Whenever I see extremist people oppressing common people and spreading hate, propaganda, and violence among them in the name of god, caste, religion, class, creed, race, and gender.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

5. How often do you change your opinion? Based on what?

Answer — Samir Patil

Often, I will say not so often. But I am open to changing my opinions. The process is very hard, and only some of my opinions have changed. I will change my opinions whenever someone or something shows me reasons or facts about the contrary. I will research, discuss, and think about all that, and yes, I will change my opinion based on the above factors.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

6. Which book is a must-read? What are your favourite genres?

Answer — Samir Patil

“You Can Win” by Shiv Khera is a must-read. My favourite genres in books would be sci-fi, history, mystery, thriller, fantasy fiction, and romance. Some books I enjoyed include Harry Potter, Revolution 2020, Half Girlfriend, But I Love You, Sherlock Holmes, and Julius Caesar. Some of these have also been adapted into films, such as Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes. I also enjoy a range of movies and television shows, including popular mainstream and mystery series.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

7. Do you believe in hoaxes and conspiracy theories? What's your favourite one? Do you think 9/11 was an inside job?

Answer — Samir Patil

Yeah, obviously I do. I believe in hoaxes and conspiracy theories. My favourite one is the Malegaon bomb blasts. There were many bomb blasts and terrorist activities between 2002 and 2007/08 that were done by Hindu extremist groups, and Muslims were caught in their place so that the air flew that mostly Muslims do terrorist activities. The result we are seeing nowadays is that Hindu extremists in power are selectively targeting minorities of the country. Mr. Gandhi's murder was a well-planned conspiracy. Yeah, to the best of my knowledge, 9/11 was America’s step to blame and create new terrorism based on a selected religion. This one I am not so sure about, but connecting the dots, there are many possibilities that this could have been true.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

8. In the left-right political spectrum, where do you find yourself? How did you land there, gradually or were always there?

Answer — Samir Patil

I think I am left-aligned. I was always there from the start. My thoughts and my expectations from society and wants and needs were always a perfect fit with the left. With time passing by, it made me more and more sure about my ideology.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

9. Do you believe in a higher power? If so, which one appeals to you, monotheism or polytheism?

Answer — Samir Patil

I believe in science, and science doesn't believe in or validate fiction and mythological stories, so no, I don't believe in any higher power. Actually, my option is not present; I am an atheist. God is merely a loose and lazy explanation for questions whose answers early humans didn't know, but yes, some clever people knowingly used that to fool others, and others were innocent and ignorant enough to get fooled.

Question — Shakeeb Ahmad

10. Do you believe in objective morality? If yes, where do you derive it from?

Answer — Samir Patil

Surely, I do. Objective morality should be something that we Indians, especially, must strive for, considering the current situation of our country. For me, most of what I learned came from the moral science subject in school, and much of it I saw implemented by my parents and the people around me during my childhood. I observed these and considered them as standards for morality. Being open-minded and rational never became factors to differentiate between people.

(The interview continues in Part 2.)