This article recounts a woman’s journey of self-discovery, from childhood pressures and familial expectations to the struggles of marriage and patriarchy. With resilience, she reclaims her professional and personal identity, ultimately finding liberation through creativity, technology, and inspiring others to break free from societal norms and expectations.
Despite the somber news of her headmistress’s passing, the author fondly recalls how “Sister” granted her three childhood wishes: dancing on stage, delivering lines in a drama, and wearing her favourite magenta costume. Sister’s nurturing spirit helped her overcome shyness, leaving behind cherished memories.
The poem “#THE SHE SAGA” highlights the constant struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, where their choices, ambitions, and rights are often suppressed. Despite societal pressures and injustices, the refrain “But rest is alright” underscores the expectation to remain silent and complacent in the face of inequality.
The story of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse left in a vegetative state after a brutal attack in 1973, highlights the care and sisterhood shown by nurses who tended to her for 43 years. Pinki Virani’s advocacy for passive euthanasia eventually changed India’s legal stance on euthanasia, marking Aruna’s enduring legacy.
Samyak, a student preparing for the JEE exams, grapples with the pressures of coaching institutes that treat students as advertising tools. While acknowledging the need for coaching, the author criticizes the imposition of uniforms and marketing tactics, urging for a return to dignity and individuality in students’ educational experiences.
The author reflects on the profound role of music in shaping their emotions and life journey. From childhood memories filled with diverse musical influences to discovering new genres through family and personal experiences, music has been a universal, healing, and motivational force, offering comfort, connection, and inspiration across generations and cultures.
The woman eagerly follows the Navratri colour code, not out of superstition but for fun and celebration. It adds excitement to her routine, as she bonds with friends over outfits. Despite criticism, she believes the festival is a chance to celebrate womanhood and take some well-deserved time for herself.
A Kolkata Tamilian reflects on her childhood memories of Navratri and Durga Puja, blending Tamil and Bengali traditions. From Mahalaya mornings to Golu dolls, shopping trips, and Durga Puja pandals, the nostalgia-filled journey spans decades, evoking a deep connection to both cultures and festivals.
Anindita Chowdhury reflects on her journey with breast cancer, exploring societal trauma, neglect of self-care, and eventual survival. From rejecting shame to embracing her scars as symbols of strength, she redefines femininity, sheds societal expectations, and celebrates self-acceptance after overcoming the challenges of breast cancer.
The article reflects on Durga Pujo 2024, exploring how art in Kolkata is used to raise awareness about crime against women. Amidst celebrations, there is a somber mood as artists and citizens protest through installations, seeking justice and invoking Durga’s power to combat societal evils.
