Glimmer's Edition

In this modern world, one or the other things are falling apart, whether it is families, societies, or countries. There are a number of factors at work, but when we narrow them down to the root, it is either ego or the imposition of one’s ideology or problems onto others. Many are yet to understand a simple truth—that only their life is their own—and that no country can impose itself on others just to satisfy its illusionary pride, because the entire world doesn't exist to serve or answer to a handful of powerful countries. What is worse is the fact that, just to prove a point or to uphold a certain country’s interest—which is most often the interest of the people in power in that country—the well-being of numerous hardworking and struggling countries is ignored. How can one justify profiting at the cost of not just one, but many innocent citizens living across countries? In this borderless world, even the smallest disturbance can affect many, with varying degrees of impact. Is it ...

 Mr. Brain spoke looking exhausted, remarking, “Today was very bad. I don't know what was wrong with the right leg today… and the hands. They were shivering. It was really horrible. Let's watch something good.” Mr. Heart sighed deeply and replied, “Yeah really, today was not our day. Let's watch the new web series that has been released…” Ms. Conscience expressed her concern, “But kids shouldn't watch those… those are too violent.” Mr. Brain snapped irritably, rubbing his forehead, “What's your problem? As if what's happening around is good for kids… and who is a kid?” Mr. Heart leaned back and admitted defensively, “Today was such a horrible day. We deserve a break.” Ms. Conscience muttered softly, looking down, “Yeah… the pain, the workload, the fight and what not.” The argument slowly faded as the screen took over their attention. Mr. Heart shifted uneasily and suggested, “Let's watch something else now.” Soon they were interrupted by Mom’s call. Mom inte...

क्या करें, क्या न करें? कैसे करें और कब करें? सवालों ने झकझोर दिया ज़िंदगी को। कहकर भी न कह पाए। सुनकर भी अनसुनी सी है। देखकर भी अनदेखा सा है। रास्ते अनेक, पर कोई राह नहीं। मंज़िल भी धुंधली सी है। आगे कांटे और गड्ढे हैं, मीलों तक कुछ भी नहीं। हाथ अपनों ने थामा है, पर ये साथ कब तक है? किस्मत ने भी छोड़ दिया साथ। किस-किस से लड़ें और कब तक? अपनों से, समाज से या खुद से? लड़ाइयाँ अनेक, ताक़त सीमित। सब कर-कर भी सिर्फ़ मिट्टी हाथ आई। हौसले ने भी छोड़ दिया साथ। किसके सहारे खड़े हों? क्यों खोजें बाहर? अंदर ही तो सब है। एक चिंगारी अब भी जली है, थोड़ी हवा की प्यासी है। आँधी आए या तूफ़ान, खुद का हाथ नहीं छोड़ेंगे। आख़िर तक ले जाएंगे खुद को। हार मानना विकल्प नहीं। रोड़े अनेक, पर चलते रहेंगे, रुक-रुक कर ही सही।

The time came, I got up and walked towards the podium. My heart is pounding like a horse in a race. My chest felt tight under the weight of anxiousness, making me uneasy. My legs have lost their feeling, it feels like I am floating instead of walking. It was a strange sensation. Before you I stand. Set the mike to my height, the first thought written on my clean mind. It is time to start my speech. My mind is clueless, crowded with countless self-doubts. Still, pushing them aside, I start speaking. The words seemed messed up, just like how it was in the movie ‘Tare Zameen Par’.  Ohh…no I said it wrong!! But my mind urged me not to stop and to go on with the same confidence. Am I going very fast? Is my voice very low? Or is it too loud? Questions fire across my mind. I tried my best to put on a smile, I don't know whether it really came out like a smile. I reached the end of my speech. “Thank you”.  My speech was over, seeing the smile and the strength of applause I let out a l...

 It's been 79 years since the day our ancestors - the great freedom fighters and the warriors of our motherland - saw the nation in making. For which they all came together, setting aside their ego, their differences, their wants and needs, and what not. For years they stood united and fought for one shared, noble goal:An Independent India. This day makes us all ponder on many questions - Have we achieved what they dreamt of? Are we truly the India they envisioned? Are we honoring their sacrifices? India surely has reached great heights and is poised to reach many more. Once broken and left to ruin, India is now a globally valued country - reclaiming its position. India is leading in digital innovation with the UPI being adopted by many foreign countries. We are now the 4th largest economy of the world, leaving behind the ones who left us to struggle and suffer.  We have become a promising destination for business, companies like Apple and Google are ready to invest here with ...

In the darkness, You remained as a *shadow. In the haunting silence, You became the only noise. In the stillness of life, You remain the only movement. In the darkest storm, You became the flickering lamp. In the hustle of life, The only relief was you. A hope that stood, Amid the heap of doubts. You were the way out, From the darkest room . During struggles, You became my shield. Amid harsh weathers, You remain a shade that covers me. You became a cushion I could lean on, When I faltered in my life. Happy Raksha Bandhan  (*Shadow - someone quite inseparable, the one who is always with you)