This article explores how birthdays can go beyond the celebration of one’s physical birth to symbolize emotional rebirth and personal transformation. Through the story of one’s journey with mental illness, healing, and resilience, it reflects on how life’s darkest moments can lead to powerful new beginnings—each one a birthday in its own right.
A dark-skinned widow in conservative Bengal, Mrinmoyee Devi defied societal shackles to build her own destiny. From a rejected girl forced into marriage to a successful entrepreneur, she found solace in crafting sweets. Her shop, MRINMOYEE MISHTANNA BHANDAR, became a symbol of resilience, giving hope to outcast women like herself.
Gisele Pelicot helped to break the silence and shame around rape when she waived her anonymity as a victim of mass sexual crime and requested for a public trial. As this Frenchwoman rightly pointed out, ” it is not us who should feel shame but them.”
The article celebrates female figures from around the world who bring holiday joy, like Christkindl (Germany), La Befana (Italy), Tante Arie (France), and Frau Holle (Germany). It highlights their distinct roles in folklore, emphasizing their impact on Christmas traditions. The piece also touches on darker figures like Grýla from Iceland.
“The She” transcends gender—it represents an identity, a powerful embodiment of strength, resilience, and individuality. It’s a statement of selfhood, unbound by societal expectations. “The She” is not merely a gender but a vibrant identity, honoring the unique, multifaceted essence of women everywhere and redefining what it means to belong.
In a heartfelt reflection, a woman shares her journey as a primary breadwinner, supporting her husband’s dreams and navigating financial hardships. Embracing independence and defying stereotypes, she calls for true partnership and gender equality, empowering women to lead, inspire, and redefine societal expectations of ‘The She.’
In “Queen of the Shadows,” a traveler encounters a transgender dancer in Rajasthan, captivated by her powerful, mesmerizing performance. The dancer’s hour-long transformation into a “queen” reveals her struggle and resilience. Her story remains untold but reflects beauty and strength that transcends societal perceptions and prejudice.
This article reflects on a volunteering experience at Deepashram, a shelter for disabled individuals run by the Missionaries of Charity. It highlights the values of kindness and compassion exemplified by Mother Teresa, her legacy of serving the needy, and how we can incorporate these virtues into our daily lives.
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.
This article celebrates the indomitable spirit of sportswomen at the Olympics who, despite not winning gold, captured our hearts. From pregnant fencer Nada Hafez to resilient boxer Imane Khelif and inspirational archer Sheetal Devi, these women exemplify courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers in sports.
