Category: Uncategorized

“No that’s too far. You will not be able to travel home alone,” just another concerned parent opinionating about their daughter’s choice of school, college or job.

Yeah we have progressed except we must think in which direction. We claim ourselves to be part of the progressive, forward-thinking crowd – physically, verbally but not mentally. When it comes to our own sisters or daughters none of this applies but when it comes to a debate about ‘Women’s Rights’, we can all say we men and women should be given equal, opportunities, rights, etc. But when we really introspect on this matter, we realize that the real problem is different. It is in the mindset of the people.

Of course I understand the concern of the parents but until everyone thinks differently there will never be a change. Maybe we can think of a solution. What about teaching girls to be independent? Maybe teaching them how to do small-small things like buying grocery, paying the bills, etc. will teach them the skills. But we are reluctant to even send them to the nearby shops. Is this really a permanent solution? Not really. How long can we keep girls in a cocoon? Some day or the other we will need to let go the leash so isn’t it better that they are prepared for it? Maybe learning a few self-defense tactics will do. These are just a few suggestions; there are many other things that can be done.

Even if none of this is really done, atleast girls should be given a chance for better education, jobs, anything for that matter. as long as there are constraints on them, their potential can never be fully exploited. And until every girl or woman has complete freedom to make her own decisions and go forward with it, we can never call ourselves a developed nation.

Of course we have to follow our culture, traditions, values, etc. but only those which are relevant in the contemporary scenario and those which benefit both the gender equally because most of them were made by patriarchal societies. Why did we abolish Sati? Because we realized that it did more harm to our society than good. Similarly, until we understand the importance of gender equality, we cannot work towards its achievement. The condition has improved over the years but I believe there is still a lot of scope.

“If we teach a man, we teach an individual;
If we teach a woman, we teach a whole family.”

    So why exactly is it oddly weird to not like rain? I mean whenever I tell someone that I dislike rain, I am greeted with an expression which says, “Oh my God, then what do you actually LIKE?” Well I can’t help it. I love sunshine. The word itself makes me smile.

Well in my defense let me ask what really is so great about rain? Except for the fact that we get water and it is essential for the water-cycle to continue. It makes the outside dark and gloomy which just spoils your whole mood (along with your plans to enjoy a day out in the sun). It gets your clothes and shoes wet, damp, dirty and stinky. And you have to carry an umbrella and once it is wet it becomes really inconvenient to keep it down anywhere.

That’s just the beginning – then the roads get flooded, puddles are formed and all kinds of creepy-crawlies get into the picture; followed by epidemics and other complications. Well, you get the picture.

Not to forget how it makes people lazy as all they want to do is just cuddle in bed or just watch the rains from their windows while sipping on hot chocolate.

Sunshine brings happiness and optimism. Makes you want to smile and jump with joy. And you don’t need hot chocolate – a cold bar will do. And of course there are ice creams. Eating ice-creams is a total no in the rain while it’s most welcoming on a sunny day.

Even the English language has realized its significance. We always say ‘let’s look at the sunny side of things’ and not the ‘rainy side’. So go enjoy the sun! (Sun rhymes with fun while rain doesn’t.)

Not only kids but don’t we all love glow-in-the-dark objects? They bring out the child in each of us. We are always fascinated by them. These days apart from stickers, there are watches, bands, shoes and a number of other objects which have been made with glow-in-the-dark materials.
They have infact paved way to an innovative idea of glow-in-the-dark nail polishes. That has become the new trend after neon colours. Glow-in-the-dark glue sticks are loved by kids. Kids like to decorate their rooms with glow-in-the-dark stickers available in different colours and shapes.
Next time your kid asks for a room makeover, be sure to add some of these and see the smile on their innocent faces !

Coffee mugs have become a phenomenon. No, I am not joking; in fact you must have observed it yourself. In all colours, sizes and shapes with beautiful messages written on them. You can always see a lot of innovation in them. Not only to drink coffee but also to decorate your room also you you can use these. Can’t find a pen stand? Coffee mug to your rescue !
These days they have turned into a gift item for any occasion. Friend’s birthday? Mother’s day? Teacher’s day? Valentines day? Gift a coffee mug with the right message and see the happiness on the faces of your loved ones. Or you could also include nail polish sets, teddy bears or rings along with your coffee mug – some of the best gifts you can give.
I once read these lines on a mug ” In order to reach the top, you’ve got to go to the bottom.” What a refreshing way to start a day-right?!

Glitter – yes ! I love glitter. I don’t really know why but I just love glitter. It seems to bring life to things and happiness to me. Something that can be used just anywhere to bring a lot of shine. Whether it be clothes, eyeliner, accessories, eye shadow or the front page of your kid’s project, it has its own effect. Glitter is available in all different forms and colours to meet all our glitter-needs. Not to forget shoes – another important area -, heels, wedges or flats – anything be it, glitter will enhance its beauty.
How can I leave out glitter nailpolish? They look fabulous whether you are just going to meet your friends or want to shine in a party.
How much has glitter influenced us right? All the  colours it has to offer – gold, silver, red, green, blue, orange and so on. As the old saying goes, “All that glitters is not gold.” But no I think glitter better be glitter and not glitter !

‘Baby pink’ and ‘baby blue’ – sounds familiar right? Of course it reminds us of cute babies – doesn’t it? But well, have you ever thought why babies couldn’t wear other colours? Why are colours gender biased? Who decided that blue was for boys and pink was for girls?
From a really small age we are taught that certain things are meant for boys while certain others for girls. Girls are supposed to play with dolls while boys play with cars – ain’t it? Even cartoons have followed this trend – Powerpuff Girls and Barbie for girls and Spiderman and Batman for boys. But why? What will happen if boys wear pink? or watch Barbie? No we really cannot think of that. Well thats because these multinational companies who use these strategies for marketing their products have influenced us so much that we cannot think otherwise. This has created the whole problem of gender inequality.
From a very young age, boys are told that they are strong and girls are weak. Yes, we have created these ideas in the young minds by our words and deeds and when they grow up with these ideas, we criticise their generation.
Creating a change in the minds of the old is not an easy task but it is possible with the help of the young. Only if we decide to sow the seeds of equality in their minds will we be able to reap a better future that we dream of.
So let us take the step and tell our children that it does not matter who we are or where we come from; what matters is what we want to do for the greater good of the society.

“Be more concerned about your character than your reputation, because your reputation is merely what people think of you while your character is who you actually are. “