GenZ: An Era of Neo-Renaissance- Jiya S. Divan

Every time period in history is paused and read by certain markers. Every era has its own character. A silhouette derived from an amalgamation of all its quirks and queries.

So, what represents us? What will history say about the famed techno babies? Genocides. Female violation heightened due to rape culture and unregulated porn. Distortions due to unrestricted social media usage. Pandemics. The rise of technology andthe decline of humanity. Coming here and proclaiming this generation to be a second Renaissance, or a much awaited Revival would be like slathering mud and laughing in my own face.I mean, why would it be any of those things?

Maybe because of the millions of voices worldwide that resonated across the strings of patriarchy and political polarization that holds the community in its poisoned hold. Be it uproars against systemic violence, or screams from wounds resultant of ambushed autonomy, to realizations learned at the risk of life and truths that seek to reclaim identity.

What makes it different from the countless wars fought over skies and seas and across seasons since the dawn of time?Awareness. We are a society shaped and driven by heightened awareness as compared to any previous generation. Gen Z functions as a double edged sword; a blade that seeks to radically dismantle the prevalent injustice, sometimes drawing its own blood to cleanse the space to breathe anew.

Daughters wearing the fabric of their mothers' youth. Some might call it vintage aesthetic -for the stories smudged in dust and silk. They listen to voices woven in the strands; lullabies,laughter, a faint ring of anklets. Dreams caged in the golden embroidery. Faint screams still echoing through the ripped edges. Clinging scents of childhood summer winds and monsoon skies. They wear this, spinning tales of newfound purpose and liberation.

Sons shedding the sins of their forefathers. Boys learning to hold hands and trace lines upon skin, born of wonder and affection, as opposed to the violent bruises of standard norms.Boys learning to taste the salt of their tears and read reflections in the bathroom mirror. Boys growing up to sever the narrative of female counterparts being simply an extension.

While the mount of technology threatens human morality, it also paves the way for digital art,communication and varied self expression. With the right guidance, A.I. can become a most useful tool to visualise and manifest newfound imagination. Technology has enabled humans to test the bounds of what is considered impossible, from simulating consciousness in machines to touching the cosmos and glimpsing history.

Contemporary literature was ushered in, the young generation being the eye of the storm,with nothing escaping it's transparent gaze. Every phenomena and emotion and catastrophe found their mark within quill and parchment- or rather, laptops and ipads. Historians of another period would revive and recount this transformation: a transparency that arose to challege systems running throughout centuries. Be it the meme culture or tumbler posts or instagram posts, the youth uses humour both to heal and to expose.

And so, Gen Z came forward. A generation that was cut and stabbed by the jarred ends of unspoken hurt. A broken generation that refused to shatter, refused to hurt or be hurt further and instead solidified its own sharp edges as protective wards.

Days Of Our Lives: The Young Adult Phase- Sanjana Manoj

On a rainy Friday last year, I achieved my most wanted goal – turning eighteen. The current me wonders what all the fuss about turning eighteen was, as a year later, I still find myself—body and soul—stuck in those lockdown days.

As I mentioned, turning eighteen was indeed a goal I had. Being a single child and also the youngest among my cousins, I often used to look up to my brothers and sisters. They studied hard, and some of them are even placed at famous companies. To me, with age came respect and the space to express one’s views. So, a younger me was quite convinced that being an adult—or reaching adulthood—meant gaining some sort of power.

But as I reached high school, I realized that as age increases, so do the difficulties in our life. After high school graduation, I again had a false idea—that in college, both I and the people I met would be mature, as we were now young adults. But I was wrong again. One year into college, and I am still a teenager with very little maturity, surrounded by people just like me.

But things have changed a bit. I often find myself critically analyzing things around me, which for me is a sign of maturity.

The thing is, the young adult days for all of us are often a time of confusion. We are not yet fully adults in our minds, but sometimes we are expected to act like one. On the other hand, we don’t always get the space to express ourselves completely or have a say, because at that time, we are still expected to be teenagers. With all these confusions, we are expected to behave according to society, which can be overwhelming.

We are not arrogant or back-talkers but people in a tough stage of life. The beauty of this stage is that we automatically adjust to the things that happen in life. We learn to accept our fate, and we will always fight for ourselves in any situation.

Like Greg in The Wimpy Kid, we often crave recognition and a place for ourselves in society. I, in particular, like to take up responsibility to showcase my potential and be a responsible individual. Everyone loves recognition, but being recognized for something unique within oneself is truly special. That is what we as young adults need—to gain some recognition in our own unique arena.

No one is perfect. Everyone has to cope with themselves and evaluate their life constantly. But this stage of life—when you meet some good people and learn new things—is when it’s okay to make mistakes, because this is the time you change and adapt the most.

It is hard to live through this phase of life, but it is the time we will all remember for the rest of our lives. All the moments—whether sweet or bitter—will be a treasure to remember. Amidst all this confusion and rapid change in and around me, this young adult phase will always be my greatest achievement.

Growing Up?- Aparna Suresh Nair

 “Growing up is losing some illusions, in order to acquire others.”

- Virginia Woolf

This specific quotation prompts important questions, such as: "Are we genuinely developing, or are we merely desperately holding onto the knowledge that enhances our image or positions us as superior to others? "It is reasonable to inquire why I considered this interpretation. It is widely recognised that as individuals age, they tend to develop a more realistic,practical, and refined perspective of the world, replacing their innocent,idealistic, and fanciful notions. This indicates that growing up entails a constant review of one’s beliefs, where old and incorrect information is replaced with new ideas that reflect a deeper understanding of life’spurpose. Certainly, this process will require several years to finish; every one of these years represents a part of our lives. Nevertheless, the reality is that most young people today are eager to grow up; indeed, they desire tobe older than their actual age. In this context, to maintain the illusion of being grown-up, they are increasingly engaging in dishonesty. The genuine essence of becoming mature or "aging gracefully" appears to be fading in today's generation. I recognize that this generation is not the sole one that desires to attain adulthood; this is a natural human inclination. However, if you were to inquire of a child born in the 1960s regarding their wishes, they would likely respond with desires for superpowers or other fantastical concepts limited to their imagination. Now, let us proceed to the1990s. Their replies are somewhat influenced by the arrival of the internet;many of them wish to be skilled in technology or YouTubers. However, asthe 2000s progress, their attention shifts towards aspirations that adults typically desire in their mid-20s or 30s. One may be curious as to why I hold such negative emotions.The excitement of encountering something unfamiliar has diminished.Interest has ceased to exist. In the past, when Baby Lips balm, Dazzler eyeliner, and Cuticura powder were the height of fashion, children and teenagers were unconcerned about their appearance. In contrast, today’syoung children are inundated with skincare and makeup products that they likely do not require. 

The excitement of looking something up and truly dedicating time to complete that research has diminished. Falling in love now appears to be a process filled with many challenges. Nothing is straightforward; everything tends to become complex. We no longer observe children acting like children and teenagers acting like teenagers. I firmly believe that “THE INNOCENCE OF NOT KNOWING ANYTHING” is now a misconception. Children often feel unappreciated and isolated if they are unaware of current trends in music, fashion, or social media. There are numerous factors that contribute to why children do not mature in the expected manner. One significant factor may be the absence of limits onscreen time. Research has indicated that infants who appear excessively engaged with their screens exhibit high levels of stimulation and display notably disturbed behavioral patterns. The programs that are presently broadcast include material designed to create hyperstimulation, thereby ensuring that the child remains captivated by the screen. There were times when the word “cringe” did not imply avoiding actions that align withone’s beliefs, but rather suggested conforming to societal expectations;during these periods, children exhibited greater self-confidence. There were moments when young individuals did not have to experience intense emotions following a breakup, avoiding the self-inflicted suffering that often accompanies such events. There were times when love simply meant experiencing romantic feelings without the complications of confusing concepts and cultural differences that left unfulfilled individuals longing for the wrong kind of love.

Twelve-year-olds often behave as if they are in their twenties, feeling that their lives are already over due to issues that are unlikely to affect them inthe long run. I now pose a question to society: "Why encourage children to develop more quickly? " "Why instill the belief that being less childish will increase their worth? " Allow children to mature at their own speed. Allow them to experience the joy of stumbling, allow them to enjoy the excitement of telling silly jokes, allow them to appreciate mismatched outfits, allow them to feel the disappointment of unrequited love, let them be KIDS, let them be ADOLESCENTS. This article cannot be brought to a conclusion, as the experience of growing up is a constant that will never change. Even if it does alter, such changes will occur gradually and with great difficulty. Awaiting the world's recovery, hoping for a better future forthe upcoming generations.

Likes and Hollow Bonds: The Tragedy of Modern Friendship- Maria

 U HAVE 1000 FOLLOWERS ? HOW'S THAT EVEN POSSIBLE ? That's awesome. I smirked at that because it felt like a victory to have my little brother stumbling for words like a gaping goldfish. But this tiny little moment I had with him caved path for questions that I didn't know the answers to (more like how I didn't want to subjugate my brain through this pain) like how many people you actually know, how many of them know about you and lastly but certainly the most important one how many of them actually care about you. And I measure this by how many of them wish on my birthday.

So what's the big deal about birthdays anyway you may very well ask. Well. Simple logic: it's NOT every day that one turns 18. It's obvious. The balloons, the cake, the stories about the birthday. They see it, possibly scroll past it or, even worse, like it and leave. ( at this point a single HBD would've lit up my face with joy) and that's the part that burns you more than the candle wax that falls on your hand - it's not the forgetting- it's the decision to not care. Ignored like the Thursday in a random week. And this turns into not for the birthday wish that's missed but for the version of the people who once remembered you. And birthdays are just the tip of the iceberg. I now know their dog's name, favourite hang-out spot, and their playlists, but we haven’t spoken in months. I’m not their friend, I am just a follower that happens to be on their list.

 Travelling down this spiral made me uncomfortable, to say the least. To be confronted by the truths that you wish were never true, but it unfortunately is and you got to deal with it. If not today - someday. It is the smallest - bite-sized bits of Indifference that tear apart people from each other without them even realising. From giving out a "k" to long detailed paragraphs, a random reaction (often without thinking ) to reels sent by your "loved ones", and to now think that it's these small silent k 's and emoji reactions that light up our screens. The remnants of a dead relationship.

It's crazy and beyond me how our relationships are now surviving on an IV drip of irony. And it's upsetting that at some point even the strong willed-deep convo-only texter will also give up on these K's because soon they'll come to realise that they were the bug in everyone else's inbox and that they are worth so much more than these little K’s. As soon as they stop texting, no one asks why, and they never dare start again. To be just a notification and no longer a person.

In my worldwide quest to find out what makes people do this in general ( because I am a hypocrite who loves to keep people on the edge of their seats by replying after 6 business days) I found the Japanese term Hikikomori literally means "to be confined" and is a form of social withdrawal, to be in your own little bubble; but having rusted to the digital world. In the modern context, it made me think of the ones who keep watching, observing, reading or maybe even reacting but NEVER interacting. Maybe we all are a bit Hikikomori - hiding behind screens because liking someone's story is easier than asking how they actually are.

This isn’t just a global phenomenon that exists in Japan alone. In our very own beautiful, busy country of India, the same thing is in a templated form of gifs, Cut-out stickers of each family member, and rip stickers ( literally can see my lovely dead ones rolling their eyes in their graves), The ones who keep their talkative selves shut. And again, you may ask, so what’s up with the people who put up stories about social issues? Aren’t they reacting? Yes, they are, and my take on this is that the ones that express lively and voraciously aren’t considered normal and are often left with comments like "So that’s triggering you!?”. It’s again way past my 2 brain cells how expressing your opinion on matters is now triggering and is considered "not normal" and how, instead, the ones who do not speak and just hear the stories are “normal”. Interesting.

This is to all the Friendships that were better left unsaid and to those that never bothered- a simple “k” could never replace depth and to realise it better soon than late comes with understanding your needs with a side hit of emotional maturity. To replace the craving for digital hearts with warm hugs and a conversation, a voice from the other side.

Beyond Limits: The Evolution of Womanhood- Aysha

Once upon a time, a woman's life began and ended at the threshold of her home. Her whole life revolved around the inside of a house where her only duty was to keep it clean, prepare food, look after children, iron her husband’s clothes, and silently endure domestic abuse. When she dared to speak up, society, including her family, would say, “Let it go, dear, you’re a woman and it’s your duty,” or they would say, “Suffer it, dear, you are a woman.” “It’s your duty.” That silence was inherited, passed down like generational trauma.

 Fast forward, now she speaks, she leads, and she protests. She wins. The transformation of women’s roles through time is not just about clothes or career paths, but a revolution of thought, resistance, and power. This piece charts the journey from then to now, and the future she’s building.

Back then, marriage was sold as salvation. Girls were taught that a wedding would set them free. This term was believed by most women because they didn’t have their own freedom in their own home. They thought that once they got married, their freedom, rights, and the ability to study further would happen, but the truth is, most women get scammed through these offers.

 In a patriarchal society, women are told to be in a box where they could only be wives, daughters, mothers, caregivers. Education for girls was rare. Marriage was the ultimate option for them. Their voices were expected to be soft, sweet, and have fewer opinions. If they did anything beyond that, there was rebellion, and in those times, women's identities were tied to husbands, fathers, or sons. Her only worth was in gold, dowry, and domestic skills, never in her dreams or decisions.

But even in those times, there were powerful women in history like Indira Gandhi, Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, Kalpana Chawla, and countless warriors. They disrupted the system, sometimes quietly, sometimes like thunder.

Fast forward to today. Women are known as engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, activists, politicians. She is earning her own money, having her own solo trips, speaks loudly, laughs loudly, wears the clothes she likes, and has opinions and choices. Today, education has become a right, not a luxury. Today, women have legal protection, social awareness, and feminist movements which are bringing changes. Today’s girls are chasing their own dreams and ambitions, stepping onto the roles which were once denied to them. From Michelle Obama to Beyonce, Kamala Harris to Droupadi Murmu, women are claiming space once denied.

The world let her fly but demands are still shown.

 Let’s be honest, despite all the talk of progress, modern society still struggles with deeply rooted gender issues. Across industries, whether in corporate offices, hospitals, or businesses, women are consistently paid less than men for doing the same job.

Safety remains a major concern. Women still face harassment in professional spaces, and the fear of walking alone at night remains very real. Even now, many women feel unsafe in public or at work, and unfortunately, the systems meant to protect them often fail to act.

Then there’s the pressure to fit beauty standards. Society still places more value on how a woman looks than on her intelligence, character, or abilities. These unrealistic standards continue to define a woman’s worth, limiting her freedom and self-expression.

MORE FREEDOM, SAME JUDGEMENT?

If you ask if there is any progress here, yes, there is progress, but not a complete one. Women have rights but are not respected enough, opportunities but not always accessible, louder but not always heard. In most places, freedom is promised, but conditions still apply.

Today’s woman is told she’s “free,” but that freedom is hugely managed. She must perform perfection, always presentable, ambitious, kind, but never too much.

As Gloria says in Barbie (2023):

“You have to never get old. Never be rude. Never show off. Never be selfish. Never fall down. Never fail. Never show fear. Never get out of line. It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory, and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you.”

This monologue struck a nerve because it captured exactly what it feels like to be a woman today: constantly edited, constantly judged, never quite enough.

What we call progress today is stitched together from centuries of resistance. The silence has been broken, the doors have opened for us, but even now, the shadows of the past still follow us.

Society says be free but hands us over a new rulebook which says we are allowed to speak as long as we are polite, we can shine as long as we don’t outshine.

True empowerment isn’t just about giving women opportunities, it's about changing how we see and treat women everywhere, every day. So yes, we’re farther than we’ve ever been. Until every woman is seen as whole, without edits, without expectations, we’ll keep pushing. Because womanhood isn’t a limitation, it’s a revolution in motion.

More Than Just That- Christina Elizabeth

Time. It’s a short 4-letter word which by definition is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. Isn’t there more to it than merely the continued progress of existence? Rather than it being an intangible,inevitable aspect of life, isn’t it more about how we use it? Time cannot exist as a single entity for it is us, who do things to call it ‘pass of time’.Improper use of time can affect all aspects of life, be it work, or personal development. Or does it really? Let’s take a dive into it!

Ever since the early years, people have always had one or the other work that they were entitled to carry out, regardless of age. More often than not, they practiced agriculture–based activities which were often back-breaking. However, as they grew up, they turned into strong,productive individuals. As a result, the genx of this era has an attention span of 18–25 minutes, making them apt for carrying out productive employment easily.

Fast forward in today’s world, the young generation is more often than not, glued to their screens, as if nothing else fascinates them anymore.Moreover, the genz is believed to have an attention span of 8 seconds!That’s almost the exact same attention span of a goldfish! This gave rise to a goldfish generation, that finds it difficult to set in their attention for a span of time. Where are we headed? People resort to doomscrolling when they’ve got nothing else to do and just want to passtime quickly just so they don’t get ‘bored’.

There’s a lot of ways one can use it. At its most basic level, one can either waste it, or use it. There’s this popular saying by Sarah Hardy that says, ‘Time is what you make of it’. Simply put, time isn’t about the passing of existence but all about what you do with it. You are the oneto define what ‘time’ means to you because it’s not an objective but subjective definition that explains time. There’s so much more to it than the trivial passing of existence. You get abundance of time each dayand what you choose to do is what matters. It shows your weaknesses ,your priorities, or what you consider important in life.

So, what are you willing to put your time, and energy into today, even ifit could be a little hard at the start? Is it doom scrolling or hope scrolling? Rotting or renewal? Aimlessness or steadfastness? Choose your answer.

The Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence- Gowri Sreekumar

 You've all probably seen those uncanny AI generated studio Ghibli images of people circulating around in the internet. They seem to be the new obsession of youth and old alike. People don't really seem to be putting much thought into where it comes from. It comes from stolen art. Studio Ghibli's one of a kind art style has been stolen without their consent and the famous co - creator of the studio, Hayao Miyazaki, calls these images ‘an insult to life itself’.

To use AI softwares to generate these images is disrespectful to all the artists who have dedicated their entire lives to creating authentic art. Such little thought is put behind our selfish needs to get a picture of our own, each picture generated being a stab at the actual creators. Original authentic human made art that once used to take days to create a few seconds of animation can be now recreated with one prompt, some people even getting a false sense of grandeur about their artistic skills just because they type in a command to generate an image.

The pitfalls of AI do not stop there. And in the coming years, it's only going to get much, much worse. You may or may not have heard of VEO 3, an AI video generating tool that is INSANELY good at generating content, sometimes creating videos that are eerily ‘human’, with the only indicator of it being fake being the bad lip syncing and monotone robotic voices. At first glance, people could fall for these. This is more dangerous than it is innovative. Sometimes some things don't need to be created and this is an example of that. These videos could get so advanced in the upcoming years that AI could be used to generate fake evidence for crimes, thereby invalidating original video evidence of crimes. They can be used for blackmail, threats and scams. 

Most of us use the internet. So it's a good time to point out the Dead Internet theory. Though it started out as a conspiracy theory, it is proving to be the truth with every passing day. It states that the internet is mainly controlled by bot activity. An example we could all relate to is youtube, one of the most common media platforms that people use. Youtube comment sections are filled with bots that spread misinformation, dangerous and malicious content. This easily fools people into believing and following what they say since they pose as real human beings when they’re not. People interact with these bots, further incentivising more human beings to believe that these bots are human. AI generated ads are also circulating on youtube which advertise fake products, leading to fake sites, forcing you to spend money on a product that does not exist. Youtube, being a big corporation would take some action on this you would assume. You would be wrong. All they have is a report button that makes you think they do something but those bots will face no repercussions, and continue to spread their messages. 

The internet has become an untraversable land of bots, scams and malicious intent. More and more people have started to get out of their phones, out of the internet and social media and stepping outside, valuing genuine human connections more as it is coming to light that the internet is not what it once was. It is not a hub for creators. It is a corporate hell filled with bots and large companies trying to advertise their products.  

In conclusion, the world we see online is no longer what we think it is. It is fake. Leave the internet behind, use it only for necessities. Meet more humans and start networking in real life.

When Art Met Heart - Nandana R

 Colour is much more than an ornament; it's a form of communication that leads to our very cores. Creators as in painters & artists have attempted to capture the absolute core of existence within vibrancy and with bold strokes throughout time. A perfect example is Van Gogh's "The Starry Night"; a cerulean pearl specked with a glow of hope and wonder. 

 

Gentle pastels are a beautiful acrylic on which Monet's "Water Lilies" is painted, bestowing a soft and movement-free atmosphere filled with ethereal beauty. Monet’s later years, masterpieces like the series Water Lilies paint the world with calmness, serenity, and beauty and remind us with reflections that feel ethereal. His powerful technique paints every pond bloom intertwined with the boundless blue sky and masterfully waters as a fluid canvas of shimmering light which leaves the audience hypnotized.  

  Water Lilies engages stunningly soft and placid hues of pastel greens, delicate pinks, pale green and blue. These aids in all waters to become calm. Gentle brush strokes filled with synchronicity exude softness all across the world blending the entire sight. Boundaries are equaled and other dimensions become a reality. Monet’s strong brushes directly address to call forth the viewer with the love strokes and the alluring seashore of mixed waters in the course of contemporary art illustrates nature's harsh simplicity. Everything unfolds in an enchanted world without end while seeing the soft mixed tints of rose tones amidst the peaceful nibbling pond.

  I truly love Monet’s Water Lilies because every time I look at it, it feels like I’m stepping into a peaceful, quiet world. It’s as if I’m standing by a still pond, where the water gently reflects the sky, and soft lilies float like little boats made of petals. The colours are calm and dreamy all blending together like a gentle lullaby for the eyes. Something is enchanting in the manner the brushstrokes flow they seem to be light and carefree, as though the wind made them. I can smell the fragrance of the flowers in the air, the feel of the sun's warmth on the water, and the stillness of nature all around me. The painting doesn't have any grand or loud message—it only asks you to feel, breathe, and slow down. It is silent, but it is packed full of deep emotion as if it is addressing the soul right directly without requiring any words. It reminds me that beauty exists in quiet, and that something as humble as lilies on water can contain a universe of feeling. For me, it's not a painting—it's a sanctuary, a warm corner of the heart where everything seems safe and gentle. 

 Mark Rothko educated the world, with his colour blocks, how sheer vibrancy can take us in its grip and create clean emotion. His art forces us to not overthink and see only the description— colour. 

 

 Picasso's world has a dual nature; is it melancholy, or is it gentleness? The blue period of masks reveals stark melancholy and loneliness that disappears in pink waves of softness in rose-coloured golden light during the rose period. 

 

 Raja Ravi Varma, India's most iconic artist, used colour, texture, and realism to bring mythologies to life in a manner that made the divine become near, recognizable, and intensely human. His colour scheme was lush, but never obtrusive—each hue had a reason, and each brush stroke had a story to tell. His work is a combination of classical European methods with Indian material, fashioning an emotional language through shades that transcended cultural barriers.

 Consider Shakuntala, one of his greatest works—Varma does not merely depict a scene from an epic, he gives it longing. The gentle golden sheen of Shakuntala's sari against the light forest behind it does more than narrate a story—it transports the viewer into her waiting, her anticipation, and her love. The sun playing on her skin is a reminder of the warmth of feeling within. The earthy colours bring her down to earth, and the soft blush of pinks and saffron shades softly elevate the painting into a more romantic, ethereal atmosphere. 

  Hue in Varma's hands becomes a tool of narrative, a connector between the ephemeral and the mundane. His legacy teaches us that feeling does not always come with trumpets. At times, it creeps up slowly, through a subtle tone of gold, the subtle fall of a sari, or the gentle blur of a look. 

 One of my favourite paintings by Raja Ravi Varma is Lady in Moonlight. Looking at it feels like stepping into a quiet dream—one that is still, soft, and filled with unspoken emotions. There’s a silence in the scene that speaks louder than words as if the whole world has paused to witness this one tender moment. I love how the moonlight touches the woman’s figure—not dramatically or boldly, but gently, like a secret being softly told. That’s what makes it so powerful—it doesn’t try too hard, yet it says so much. The light enfolds her in a feather-soft caress, soothing and gentle. The colours are muted, little more than whispers of colour into colour, like a thought receding into memory. She appears to be in another world, and when I glance at her, I feel as if I'm entering that world with her—a world where I don't need to talk, but only sense. There’s something in her gaze, in her stillness, that reminds me of quiet moments I’ve felt in my own life—moments where I’ve just sat in silence, letting emotions pass through me like waves. 

  Lady in Moonlight resonates so deeply with something in me. It's as if the painting gets a part of me that I have not yet articulated. I feel acknowledged, soothed, and reassured each time I look at it—like the painting is communicating to me in a quiet, unspoken way, "It is okay to feel deeply, even in quietness." And for that, I go back and forth to it again and again. 

  Wassily Kandinsky said, "Colour is a power which directly influences the soul." And the next time you stand in front of a painting, don't just look and move on. Stop. Allow the colours to wash over you. Allow them to speak their stories—stories of loss and love, of moments that pass and truths that endure. And in that stopping, opening yourself up to see, you may find yourself feeling something amazing—something that makes you remember how lovely and complicated this world is.

Friends And Family: The Balance Of Life. - Bennet Shaji

 Life is complete when we have friends and family. For me, both are important. The thing about friends and family is that when I am at home, I miss my friends, but when I am with my friends, I miss my family. That’s how simple it is. With my friends, I started to enjoy my life. I began to explore new adventures. I cook food with them and eat it, which has no taste, but yet we are happy. That’s what friendship is all about—enjoying the little moments together.

No matter how many friends we have, the people who stay with us till the end are family. Good friends do stay with us till the end, but family is something we can always be sure of. I feel at peace when I am with my family. The times we all come together to eat and talk are something I will never forget. At present, all of us are in different places. My elder brother is in Idukki, my younger brother is in Bangalore, my father is in Mangalore, I am here in Ernakulam, and my mother is in our hometown.

This is how reality hits hard. We can’t always have family and friends together with us, so enjoying both is the best. Regret is something I don’t tend to have. At college, I stay with my friends, and at the end of the weekend, I always go to my hometown to spend time with my family. Friends are something we get throughout the course of our lives, but family isn’t. So I always try to spend quality time with my family. Friends is like a thriller-comedy movie, and family is like a feel-good movie for me.

When I moved in with my friends, we were all so happy. But as time passed, I could see the real side of my friends—not in a bad way, as you might think.

I realized that some didn’t know how to cook, some didn’t know how to wash dishes, and some didn’t even know how to crack an egg. At these times, I would always think of my family. My mother, since we were three boys, used to teach us all the house chores. So I knew how to do all these things. At that moment, I was really proud of myself. I would have hugged her. I used to fight with her for making me do these chores, but as time passed, I understood their importance.

So something I want to say to my dear ones is always to respect your parents wherever they are; they will always guide you. Always remember that mothers do have a sixth sense, so whatever you do without their knowledge, they will sense and know about it. This is from my personal experience. Don’t forget to go back to your roots and make trips with your friends to make memories for a lifetime. "Treat your family like friends and your friends like family."

Teenage to Adulthood- Anamika

 There is a strange limbo between being a teenager and becoming an adult where you don't fully belong to either world.Teenage life is a whole roller coaster ride of emotions. These are the years you shape yourself. It builds you into the person you become as an adult. You go from a happy little kid living a carefree life to a moody teen with lots of homework. Life begins to look dull and negative rather than the sunshine and rainbows you were used to. Everything begins to develop, from your personality to your body. You start feeling all kinds of emotions and mood swings. We also face many dramatic events like making new friends, developing crushes, hating our entire existence and everyone around us, we go through it all. But it also prepares us for more complex situations we have to deal with in adulthood.

Two years back I turned eighteen and it felt like a milestone marking the transition from adolescence to childhood. But there were no other changes except that I was legally an adult. I continued living the same way I did as a teen, I still did not have full control over my life or the decisions I made. My parents still saw me as their little girl, but now they used the fact that I'm an adult to make me more responsible. As being an only kid I was used to my parents doing everything for me, but now I was made to start doing things on my own. Of course I had complaints at first but then I saw myself becoming more independent and owning the adult title.

So here I am, freshly twenty, and it doesn't feel like becoming an adult, it feels like standing in a doorway with one foot still stuck in childhood. In my opinion, turning a certain age doesn't make you an adult if you don't start behaving like one. I myself don't think I'm as mature enough as an adult should be, I still live in my delusional world not thinking realistically as expected from adults.Although, life has started to become more realistic with bigger responsibilities and purposes. We have aims to set and career goals to achieve and now life is in our hands. Our actions and hard work determine our future.

Looking back, these years from being a teen to turning twenty I have learned to believe in myself no matter what and to stay positive and face all situations life puts us through. This in turn builds us into independent mature citizens. Growing up isn't about having everything figured out, it's about learning how to navigate the uncertainty. And perhaps adulthood isn't a destination but just another phase of fumbling through, except now you're expected to pretend you know what you'redoing. If we survived the chaos of being teenagers, we can definitely figure out this whole adulthood thing one awkward step at a time. Fingers crossed on becoming a responsible adult…you've got this.

From Reps to Resolve: The Self Improvement Journey- Carolyn

INTRODUCTION:

The gym is more than steel plates and mirrors. It's a place where determination is forged and motivation is tested.

Fitness is often misunderstood. People usually assume it's only about lifting weights and looking good ... But in reality, it is how people learn to build character, confront their weaknesses, and work towards becoming a better version of themselves.

How does the mind change through fitness?

Two years ago, I was mentally drained, dealing with family issues that left me numb and completely disconnected. I cut everyone off, distancing myself from people who cared about me. Around that time, I started getting reels and videos about fitness almost every day. Part of me wanted to try, to change something. But another part kept holding back. What if it didn’t work? What if I stayed stuck? So I kept delaying it… until one terrible day, I finally walked into the gym. 

That first workout didn’t magically fix anything, but for the first time in months, my mind felt calm. Day by day, the gym became my escape, my therapy. I didn’t just build strength—I rebuilt myself. The soreness felt better than the emotional pain I had carried for so long. I started smiling again, talking again. Living again.

Maybe you’re there now struggling, overwhelmed, doubting yourself, stuck in the same cycle. Maybe you just want to feel in control again. The gym won’t fix everything overnight. But it gives you a space to fight back.

It’s not about overnight results or looking perfect. It’s about showing up, especially on the days you don’t want to. Every workout is a promise kept to yourself. And when you keep that promise, over and over, something shifts. You start to believe in your power.

Growth is slow. It’s not about motivation, it’s about discipline. Like studying for an exam, you can’t expect results without effort. But if you stay consistent, even when the changes feel small, it adds up. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start somewhere. Sometimes, the first rep is all it takes to start rebuilding the pieces.

Dear Men, Tame Your Mind And Body- Aldrin David

 June is Men’s Health Month. This article is dedicated to Men. Unexercised raw strength derived from the will can cause fatigue. It pushes him to tear through his muscles and bones with brutal training. It doesn’t ask for comfort. It demands discipline. It calls for the body to be tamed, not pampered. It asks for denial of desires. Like the good book says—deny the flesh. Let the spirit lead.

But don’t confuse taming with domesticating. A tamed man is not a weak man. He’s a beast with control. A wild force guided by higher thought. A man who can wrestle lions but also sit with philosophers. That's real balance—body and mind in harmony. Raw strength and superior intellect in a man must have balance. Such harmony of the mind and flesh must be attained by men who are exhausted from the modern world trying to domesticate him. The modern world tries to domesticate man—soften him, shame him for being masculine, strip him of spirit, reduce him to a slave of instinct. Spiritually neutered. Emotionally lost. The worst thing is that he is reduced to being a wild beast who is a slave to his instinct.

But man is not just an animal. He’s not a god either. He stands in between. Like the prophet of dead God, Nietzsche said, “Man is a rope stretched between the beast and the Übermensch.” That’s the challenge. To rise. To choose to overcome.                    

Man must be a master of his flesh and a servant of his soul for it is what the wild beasts lack. Soul, divine spark, choice of word… this makes him man. If someone wants to transcend himself, he needs to master the desires and regulate emotions. A man who conquers himself can conquer anything.

Tame the flesh with intense training and serve your soul with books. In this modern world of ours, the habit of reading is often neglected. The intellect is deprived of knowledge. So man indulges in all kinds of perverted desires and thus dies from its own weight.

Let the sun tan your skin and let the steel train your body. Seek wisdom for your soul since wisdom is like a woman, she only prefers the warriors. Dear Men, Tame Your Mind and Body.

Normalizing Change - Elsa Bobben

It is often considered a difficult task for people, especially us Indians to accept change. It can either be moving to a different country or just changing your views about different things. We are mostly structured around the idea that change can lead to consequences and consequences can in turn follow rash decisions. But looking back, in the past two decades or so, we have changed a lot.

Change can sometimes be challenging but we should accept that it can sometimes give you insight and alter your point of view to a more optimistic one. Would our parents have believed if we told them that the majority of our lives are structured around technology right now, during their childhood, would they have believed us? Or that LGBTQ is legally acceptable? There’s no way, right? But with time, as change occurs, we are forced to live with it. However, should the word “forced” really be used if we can accept all these and normalize it? Would that make our lives more easy?

I, personally, strongly believe that all these stereotypes and conflicts occur because of our social construct on rather acceptable ideologies. It isn’t so hard to normalize change if u don’t look at it with so much hatred and fear. Fear of change is normal but it can deteriorate if you do not try to accept it. Reading all these may make you think that normalizing change is a topic only for major socially identifiable ideas, but no.

A simple, personal experience of mine that required a lot of acceptance for a major change was when I decided to move to India. I’ve always loved India. But the idea of leaving all my friends and the place that I grew up in really took a toll on me. But a 13-year-old girl's opinion didn’t matter whether she wanted to move or not. So I had to accept what was ahead of me. It was hard at first but gradually I realized that everything I had back in UAE was so clearly available and achievable wherever I went if I had the heart to accept it. It didn’t matter where we were, our point of view and embracement of our surroundings is what made an impact.

Change is good. You can either accept it and be at peace or forever live in conflict with the social world.

Change is an inevitable part of life no matter how much you try to avoid it, learning to adapt to change can make all the difference in our personal and professional growth. Having an optimistic view can be a good start. Take time to understand and get yourself to embrace the change. Learn to navigate change in a way that can have a positive impact on both society and your personal life. By normalizing change, we can create a society that values adaptability, resilience and innovation.

“It’s Okay To Not Be Okay”: Embracing The Toughness In The Real World. - Ayana Jayaprakash

 Who doesn’t face problems in this world? We all do, at different phases of life. Let’s be honest, there are days in our lives when we don’t feel like it, feel like we don’t belong, and feel like all our efforts are worthless. These are the days when we are not okay. Days when no matter how hard you try or what you do, it just feels difficult to find anything positive around you in the mist and darkness of everything negative that’s happening in life. 

It doesn’t mean that there is nothing positive to look forward to, there always is, but we must search for it amidst the cloud of all the negativity. There is a famous saying that “Every cloud has a silver lining” a simple saying that suggests that even in tough times or when things aren’t okay, there’s always hope or something positive that will be found eventually.

What I want you to know is that it’s okay to have days like these where you aren’t yourself, days when you feel low and days that are dark. And during these days it's okay to not be okay. When days like this hit, it pushes us to a limit where we can hardly see through our tears. Even I have had days when I felt like ‘I can’t do this today, just not today.’ I have also had days when I am not okay. What I want you to know is that having days like this doesn’t mean you are drowning. It’s said, “Sometimes you have to sink before you learn how to swim.” It indicates that all the struggles we face may be too much at that point of day, we might get emotional; and burst out, but in the end, we can handle it and get through to the future. The important part is that it teaches us a lesson and helps us grow in the process. Just like how when you first try to swim, you may drown and later that fear of drowning is what makes you keep moving forward to excel in swimming.

Well, I did have one such day when I felt like my efforts were worthless, no matter how cheerful or dependable I had been people kept stamping on me. The stress of being perfect rushed in and I was quietly struggling with all of that piled up inside me. And one day I broke down and let it all out, couldn’t hold it in, all that had happened and was happening I just couldn't stand it. This happened in the bus with the presence of my best friend beside me who offered her shoulder and let me weep in silence. After a while of comforting, she asked me “Are you okay?” I said no. She went silent for a while letting me finally get a grip and stop crying. She started talking about her own experience of how one day everything just didn’t seem it its place and how she had to go through something that broke her inside. After hearing about her situation, I thought maybe mine was not as bad as hers, but I still couldn't handle it. So, I guess we all have our not-okay days and experiences in different wavelengths. I felt good after sharing my problem with her, made me feel like I got something so heavy off my chest, made me feel light at heart.

Reaching out to someone when we are not okay is the best way to get through any rough situation. It might not seem much but makes our problems lighter and gives us a clearer route to solve our problems.  Bottling up pain is never a solution, it may seem like an easier path but will eventually lead to depression, breakouts and isolation. The important thing is that we must learn how to embrace vulnerability, saying “I am not okay” for a person who is always positive and cheerful takes courage. But when u finally say it, it opens the door to healing.

Always remember that feeling low, being anxious or getting overwhelmed doesn’t make you weak – it just means you are only human, and these things are okay to happen.  Life is full of ups and downs, no one is free of hardships. By accepting that it's okay not to be okay, we allow ourselves to grow, heal and eventually, to feel OKAY again. So, the next time you or someone you know is struggling, remember that pain is not a burden to hide, just sit with them, talk, share and remember that you are never alone. And it's truly okay to not be okay at times.

Brushstrokes Upon Breath: An Artist's Journey- Neha Ajayan

 You know, sometimes it takes just one moment — one quiet, painful moment — to change how you see everything. For me, that moment came when I was just a kid trying to figure out where I belonged.

Back in primary school, I always felt a little… off. I couldn’t draw a straight line no matter how hard I tried. My circles were always wonky, and my handwriting? A total mess. I used to look at the neat drawings and beautiful notes my classmates made and wonder, Why can’t I do that? What’s wrong with me?

While others were confidently sketching sunsets and trees and cute little houses, I was still stuck trying to make my sun look like a proper circle. My best friend, Aysha, on the other hand — she was amazing. Everyone called her the “little artist” of our grade, and she deserved it. Her drawings were like something out of a storybook.

And then there was me. Always in the background. Quiet. Watching. Wanting. I didn’t think I had a real talent. I felt invisible next to everyone else’s shine.

But the truth was — I loved drawing. I just never thought I was good enough. I was too shy to show anyone, afraid they’d laugh or roll their eyes. I hid my sketches like they were secrets.

Except for Aysha. She saw them. She always encouraged me, even when I showed her something I thought was awful. She never made me feel small. Honestly, her support meant more than I could ever say.

Bit by bit, I started drawing more. Just for myself. Slowly, I began to enjoy it — even when my lines weren’t perfect. Flowers, trees, mountains — I filled my notebooks with them. Then one day, I tried drawing something harder. A portrait. Faces are tricky, but I liked the challenge.

And then came the day I’ll never forget.

I decided to draw my dad.

He’s always been someone I deeply respected and looked up to. I spent hours on that sketch, carefully shaping every line, and putting everything I had into it. When I finished, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — pride. Pure, bubbling happiness.

I couldn’t wait to show him.

But when I did, he just looked at it… and laughed.

He didn’t mean to hurt me, I think. But he said, “That doesn’t even look like me,” and chuckled like it was nothing. For him, maybe it was. For me? It shattered something. I ran to my room and cried like I’d never cried before. That night, I seriously considered never drawing again.

But something changed in me. Somewhere in that heartbreak, a new kind of fire lit up. I made a silent promise to myself: One day, I’ll draw so well that even he will be proud. One day, I’ll show him what I’m capable of.

That was the turning point.

From that moment on, I didn’t just draw for fun. I drew with purpose. I practised every single day. I studied faces, learned about light and shadows on my own without going to any classes, and worked on every little detail. Year after year, I kept improving. And every year, I tried drawing my dad again — always a little better than the last time.

Fast forward to 7 years.

It was his birthday. I had spent weeks on a new portrait — the best one I’d ever made. My hands were shaking as I wrapped it. Part of me was still that little girl hoping for his approval.

When he opened the gift and looked at the drawing… he went completely quiet. Then, he teared up. He looked at me and said, “I’m proud of you.”

And just like that, everything came full circle. All the pain, all the effort, all the silent hopes — it all came rushing back. But this time, I was crying tears of joy.

Since then, my world has changed. People started noticing my work. I got my first commission. Then another. And slowly, people began calling me an artist. It still feels surreal.

But the most beautiful part? Realizing that the same moment that once broke me was also what built me. My father’s words — though painful at first — pushed me to grow. To fight for something. To become someone.

Now, I’m no longer that shy girl afraid of being judged. I’m an artist. I own my story. And I’m proud of every step that brought me here. And I know — this isn’t the end. I still have so much more to learn, to create, and to share. My journey isn’t over.

It’s only just the beginning.

That Strange Day- Devinandana

What do you fear the most?

Some people fear injections, heights, ghosts, or animals but In my case, I used to fear going anywhere alone or even being alone. This fear entered my life when I was around 8 years old. It happened during a bus journey with my mom and grandmother.

We were traveling together when suddenly our stop arrived. I got off the bus first, but when I turned back, neither my mom nor grandmother was behind me. I stood there, confused, shocked and unsure of what to do. I searched for familiar faces in that crowd but all I could find was strangers. After about a minute, a random man came up to me and asked if I was lost. I didn’t respond—maybe I was too shocked or scared to speak.

The next thing I remember is that he grabbed my hand and started leading me toward another bus. Strangely, I went with him without thinking much about it. As we approached the bus, I suddenly heard someone calling my name from far away. I turned around, and to my relief, I saw my mother and grandmother running toward me like they were in a race.

The moment they reached me, I broke down in tears—and I cried for the rest of that day. I couldn’t even remember what the man had said or why I went with him so easily. Since that day, I developed a deep fear of buses and bus stops. I couldn’t bear the thought of traveling without my mom. The incident traumatised me. What scared me even more was seeing my mom cry as she hugged me tightly. That was the moment I began to realise how serious the situation was, and how dangerous it could have been if they hadn’t found me in time.

As the years passed, I decided I didn’t want this fear to control me forever. After the COVID pandemic, I finally found the courage to travel alone on a bus. That small fear that haunted me for so long slowly started to fade, though even now, when I stand at a bus stop, the memory sometimes flashes through my mind. But today, I see that experience differently. It was a moment that taught me how unpredictable and real the world can be, and how important it is to stay aware of our surroundings.

We all carry fears—some big, some small—but every experience, even the frightening ones, can lead to growth. They shape us, teach us, and give us the strength to face life with a little more courage.

If I Die- Riswana

If I die?

I often think about the day I once longed for. 

If I die…? We should ask ourselves this question rather than expecting an answer from anyone else. How will all my other wishes be fulfilled after I’m gone? Will those whom I loved and cherished come to see me one last time when they hear the news of my death? Will the face I longed to see look for me, just once…? What will happen to my father, my mother, my siblings? Will that house feel empty without me? Will the laughter of my friends fade without me? Or… will they forget me? Will someone feel a pang of guilt when they see my photo shared in a group with the caption “Rest in Peace”? But at least on that day, I might finally hear good words spoken about me…Even those who never remembered me might come back to remember me once a year. The ones who celebrated my birthday for so long…will now celebrate my death—without me. 

But wait, what if it didn’t end that way? Let me tell you a story. There was a girl who has  always kept smile on her face, will make others happy, a kind hearted girl, but no one knows that she is broken inside, and nobody cares about her feelings. Because no one will know that she is sad, like that way she is going with her life. She started facing difficult situations from a young age. But at that time she didn’t know that it would stay for the rest of her life. Ok. Wait. Now you all are wondering about what kind of situation she is facing. Right? She is from a middle class family and she is the elder one. She had many dreams about her life. And she loves to share everything with her parents but she won’t because they will judge her. But initially she didn’t take it as a serious matter because she thought they are teasing. But one day at school there is an incident.  Two children where fighting over a pencil and even though she is not part of that fight, it finally  ends up with them breaking the pencil box that belongs to her. When she told this to her parents, instead of supporting or comforting they judge her. From that day onwards she stopped sharing everything with her parents. 

And it goes on like this. Then came 2018, she is in 8th standard. This time she has met 5 beautiful people in her life. The 5 beautiful souls. They’re the ones who understand her more than her parents.They listened without judgment. They made her laugh when she wanted to cry, or to scream too. But it was only during the class hours she felt that peace, back at home she is like a stranger. Who sits with full silence. After 10th they’re all on their own path. All have their own motivations right? But those 3 years… were unforgettable days with her friends. So after 10th they had met only once. Just once. After that the peace she had been getting is no more and the situations are getting worse. She realised every hard situations is a lesson. And this time she learned to keep the key of the happiness with herself. Because everyone is busy with their own happiness. 

It comes up to higher secondary +1 +2 This time she understands that her own family members where also thinking and talking bad about her.. She learned more and more lessons and she changed a lot from these situations. When she’s studying in higher secondary she had met her old friend who studied in tution and it’s a boy. Her uncle saw that and told to her father. Ok. Can I ask you one thing if you’re parents heard something like this, first what they’ll do? They will come and ask who is that? Is that is your friend? Right? But here he didn’t ask anything about that guy. No questions. No explanations. Only oders, he is like don’t go to school tommorow onwards. Don’t dare to talk with boys again, don’t go out with friends, don’t use phone anymore. And she obeyed to her father. And she didn’t go to school for a month. For a month her father didn’t talk to her she is exactly like a stranger, or ghost in own house. She fakes a lot to stay strong in front of her relatives, friends all. 

Nobody cared if she is fine, if she is ok with her life. No one…This time she tired of her life. She has wondered if her life had ended. She asked the priest if he would have ended her life. She has thought about falling asleep forever. At the age of 9 she started thinking “what if I die?” She couldn’t go on with life anymore. Everytime, she kept telling herself, “Everything will be fine one day.” But now.. she felt completely done with her life.Finally, she used to cut her veins….

Wait, what happened to her? Is she dead or alive? Yes, she was  done with her life Yes, her vision blurred, her breath slowed and she felt on coming darkness. But life held on. Her soul didn’t want to give up like this. This time she had touched the edge and came back to life…. She opend her eyes painfully…The pain was still there but this time… It hits different… She realised no one really cares about her life, her feelings….If she lives or not. No one really cares.

She realised: “There are many people to misunderstand many people to judge, many people to tear into pieces… ““And for all that I’m the one who should face all this.. and I should fight for it….” She wakes up each day to face new challenges, and still she chooses to walk through that fire, before the fire goes out, not to burn, but to bloom. Creating a beautiful life for herself and with herself. Always having a smile on her face.She stays busy everytime to forget all things in her head. Don’t think she don’t love her parents…..She always wants to love her parents because they are the ones who made her a strong woman. And now it’s 2025, I’m still here I want to tell you guys that problems is a part of our life. If situation get’s hard or worse that’s based on how we dealing with that problem. Once I’ve done not once. But now I’m not doing the same. Situation will get worse you guys want to face. Don’t give up with your life. Over come everything. You all have the power. The hard and worse situation will make has feel bad as they want, but don’t give up there is a good life is waiting for you in future. Even it doesn’t feel right now.

“Sucide is not a solution for any problem, If you want to win face it…”

Why Whey Protein Is The Trend ?-Adwait P Dileep

As we all know health is our most precious asset. “Health is wealth “. Good health and well-being enable us to live happily, fulfilling lives and free us up to achieve our full potential.

But In India, around 80% of the population is ‘Protein deficient ‘  and are struggling to meet their protein goals. On average every adult individual should intake at least 0.8 g - 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight of protein daily in their lives. The main factor in the lack of these essential elements in the people of India is the ‘Diet’. Any person who consumes a proper diet in their daily life won’t have any deficiencies in their body. But for people who can’t take a proper diet in their busy lives, these supplements are of great use.

So the sudden rise for Protein or why it is in trend, is because protein is one of the main nutrients that helps with muscle growth and these supplements can be both used for weight loss and also for gaining clean muscle mass without overeating and having more than our daily maintenance.

Another factor that every household has concerns and doubts about a supplement that is objectified as a “ poison “ to our body is “ Whey proteins “. Let’s talk about the truth of whey proteins and why the majority of Indian people believe it is an unhealthy or bad supplement. The main reasons are:- 

◦ Lack of education about supplements.

◦ Comparing whey proteins or any supplements to steroids. 

◦ Believing that supplements are only for people who go to the gym.  

 These are the common factors that the majority of people are believing. But let’s understand it by understanding the scientific studies about health supplements. First, what are Whey proteins? Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. It is one of the top-tier proteins known for its easy digestibility and efficient absorption. Its primary components consist of nine essential amino acids such as beta-lactoglobulin (65%),alpha-lactalbumin (25%), and serum albumin (8%). It also contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This protein is essential for promoting muscle growth, generating new tissue, and facilitating the repair of damaged tissues in the body.

 Another doubt that may occur to everyone is, how many types of whey proteins are in the market and which are the good and effective and safest to consume. There are three primary types of whey protein supplements: whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate. 

These are the major truths about health supplements that everyone should know about without believing any myths.

 

More Than A Game : How Football Shaped My Life - Basith Ibrahim Bava

Football has been a part of my life since my 9th standard. It became a passion for me when I watched football matches, and I was attracted to Cristiano Ronaldo. I started watching Cristiano's lifestyle videos, which made football a passion and my profession. 

I started playing football on the streets when I was in 6th standard. After two years, I learned about the rules and regulations of football. Now, I have entered the field of professional football and consulted many coaches for training. One of my closest friends invited me to train under the guidance of his coach Javed. Through consistency and hard work, I managed to join the Panampilly Football Sports Council.

After joining the Panampilly Sports Council I continued to work consistently and as a result, I played at the district level, securing the second runner-up position. My greatest achievement was getting a selfie and a conversation with I. M. Vijayan. After that, I entered the senior-level college football team and am still aspiring to push beyond my limits.

My passion for joining the Indian football team remains unfulfilled, but I will do my best to achieve it, just as I did for my previous milestones. It is not talent that brought me here but hard work and consistency. I am a firm believer that I can achieve anything under the sun through hard work and consistency.