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Anahita Behera 7 years This is a cute art submission by Anahita Behera, in which she has depicted her most memorable moment from a recent family holiday. Dear Aunties and Uncles My most memorable holiday destination is Vietnam. We went there in May 2024. I saw the golden hand bridge there. It was a beautiful structure and I was amazed, as giant hands were holding the bridge.  Thank you  Anahita

Parv Dasani 9 years This poem describes a winter visit to the Rann of Kutch, highlighting its vast white salt desert, historical significance linked to the Harappan site of Dholavira, and natural beauty. It captures experiences like migrating birds, kite flying, sunsets, and a visit to Bhuj’s earthquake museum, showing the Rann as an extreme yet fascinating place. My Visit to Rann of Kutch With New Year approaching I went to the Rann of Kutch Where the sun is scorching But I went in the winter, so not as much   This white salty Marshy land has ancient roots Due to the clever harappan civilization Buried in Dholavira boots That is why it is a good station   I left in the morning at seven Through the road to heaven A white, salty desert on both sides Birds migrating from far and wide   Between Dholavira and Dhordo The Rann, There is a black mountain from where looking at border is fun On the white desert I enjoyed flying kites and a spectacular sunset   Then I went to Bhuj, where I went back to 2001 And saw an interesting earthquake museum So, that’s the Rann of Kutch It is extreme but brilliant as such

Namya Aggarwal A runner, Writer and student (12 th  Class) LinkedIn T his essay by Namya Aggarwal reflects on why people often feel the past was better than the present. The author argues that nostalgia makes us idealize earlier times, but in reality the “good old days” are relative — every moment can become cherished once it’s over. The article suggests practicing gratitude and recognizing that the present is just as valuable as any past era we remember fondly. Drowning in nostalgia, I began thinking. Why am I sinking into this thought of what once used to be? Why do I hate where I currently am? Why do I think so fondly about the same times that I once wanted to escape, just like today? Why is my feed filled with reminiscences about the past, where the music, movies and people used to be so much better? And then I realised. Its the embodiment of “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them”. Spoiler alert, the good old times aren’t the 90s or the 80’s or even the 40’s, back when lifestyles used to be cheaper than a bottle of a coke or when Instagram reels hadn’t ruined our lives or when we were still being ruled by monarchs. The good old times are now. Its every second that passes us without us realising. Its good because it happened and we got to be a part of it. The good old times are 2015, but also 2025. I think gratitude, as clichéd as it may sound, is key to realising now is the luckiest time to be alive. It’s the fact that things probably may not get better. A lot of the nostalgia we are prone to is probably because we were so happy then, versus now. It’s probably the feeling of missing younger and more active times. It probably arises from the poignant feeling of becoming older. It’s because I know one thing for a fact. I guarantee you, our parents or grandparents were almost as happy as we are now when they were younger. “Things were so simpler back then. No, they weren’t! People wanted flying cars back then. They wanted better internet connectivity because they didn’t want to spend hours rummaging through dusty books in the library. They wanted mobile phones to talk to people across the country. We, as mankind, wanted to get out of those times as much as we want to get out of these times. Fifty years down the line, right now would be the good old times. The good old times are variable. It’s not fixed. And that’s the best part. Because it shows that the good old times are just the time you were the happiest. It’s not just the time when Elvis was alive or when hipsters roamed around. Nostalgia is what you can call “rose-tinted glasses”. It’s a film that has no climax, just the resolution. It deletes all the bad parts because probably that’s all we can handle. Our mind knows us too well to remember the times when we couldn’t afford a meal or the times when a deadline filled us with trepidation. This is what is called is called rosy-retrospection . (More on this in another article) I am so sorry for this, but I need to share a sermon on gratitude. If we are just thankful that we get to be part of an era of time when we get to curate cute Pinterest boards, make customised playlists for special moments in life, hey, even doom scroll, we’d all be better off! Let’s be happy that we live in one of the most accepting and liberal of times, maybe that too has its own cons, but what doesn’t? I truly think we are in the prime of the world. Everyone wants to bring back 2015. “Lets make 2025 the new 2015. And sure, the world peaked back then. We had Taylor’s 1985 and Maroon 5 crashing weddings, and we had Kim K’s butting champagne and Twitter. But 2025 is going to be looked back on by future gen alphas as THE YEAR. We got the Summer I Turned Pretty, K-pop Demon Hunterz and Labubus. We got the downfall of P Diddy and all the crazy conspiracy theories behind Donald. And finally, we got the Victoria’s Secret Show. Its been pretty crazy, and I think it’s just a matter of acknowledging that stuff’s just as good as it was back then. We were kids, so it was better before, but adulting isn’t all sucky. Enjoy your teenage years or your 20s or your 30s or your 40s because this year will pass, and so will next and the next till now is the past, and it’s all we can remember for a good time.

Abhi Jain Lead Functional Consultant LinkedIn The journey that changed me did not begin with a suitcase or a map. It began on an ordinary morning, when the house was quiet for a rare moment, and I realized I had forgotten what silence felt like. Once, I believed journeys were about movement— changing cities, roles, titles . I moved fast, learned faster, and wore resilience like armor. I measured progress in milestones and deliverables, convinced that strength meant never pausing. Then life handed me a journey that demanded the opposite. It arrived softly, in the weight of a sleeping child on my chest, in nights stitched together by half-hours and heartbeats. Time slowed, not because I wanted it to, but because it had to. In that stillness, I met parts of myself I had ignored—the impatient one, the tired one, the deeply tender one. I learned that control is an illusion, and surrender is not weakness. There were days I felt split in two— One part striving, planning, fixing; The Other simply holding, feeding, soothing. I thought I was losing myself. Instead, I was being expanded. I learned to listen more than I spoke, to choose calm over reaction, and to redefine productivity as presence. Somewhere along this journey, my definition of success shifted. It was no longer about being the loudest voice in the room, but the steadiest one. No longer about doing everything, but about doing what mattered with intention and care. I did not return from this journey unchanged. I returned softer, but stronger. Slower, but clearer. With a deeper respect for invisible labor, quiet courage, and the kind of love that asks for nothing and gives everything. And now, when I look ahead, I know this much: the journeys that truly change us rarely announce themselves. They simply ask us to show up—and become someone new along the way.

EI Library On 14th December 2025, the EI witnessed something quietly magical. As tiny hands held paper, scissors, and glue, the Activity Room slowly transformed into a small world of colour, laughter, and concentration. Our Christmas Craft – Wreath Making Workshop brought together children aged 8 to 11 years for a joyful hour of creativity — and what unfolded was far more beautiful than just handmade wreaths. This was also a special milestone for EI Library — our very first paid activity , kept intentionally simple and accessible. We charged only ₹85 per child , covering the activity room and craft material. The idea was never commercial; it was to make creative learning. At the heart of this session was Ms. Anita Oberoi , who led the workshop with quiet brilliance. Anita ji personally planned every detail of the activity — sourcing all the materials, preparing semi-finished templates, estimating time flows, and designing the session so that each child could complete their wreath comfortably within an hour. This level of preparation doesn’t come from a checklist — it comes from experience, care, and genuine love for children. What makes her effort even more meaningful is that she chose to do this at a time when she didn’t have to — giving her personal time purely to create something special for our kids. That kind of contribution can only be described as heartfelt. Once the session began, the room slipped into a gentle rhythm — focused eyes, tiny hands at work, volunteers moving quietly around, and soft chatter filling the air. The children were completely absorbed. Cutting, folding, pasting, arranging — each wreath slowly became a reflection of a child’s imagination. And when they were done, the room lit up. Thirty proud little artists stood holding their wreaths — smiling, comparing designs, and calling their parents to see what they had made. The cuteness in that room was simply overflowing. We are deeply thankful to all the volunteers who supported the children patiently and to the parents who trusted EI Library with their little ones. Your warm feedback after the session felt like a blessing — and an encouragement for us to continue creating more such meaningful, heart-warming experiences. This was not just a craft session. It was a reminder that when community, care, and creativity come together, something truly beautiful is created — both on paper and in hearts. 🎄 Parents Generous Feedback

Dear Friends Do join us to create AWARENESS FOR ORGAN DONATION 7-8.30am Sunday 28th Dec POWAI 12 clubs participating ⚪ Verona Fountain (Start) A : Heritage Circle B : D-Mart Circle C : Ventura/Eden Junction D : Ambrosia Garden E : Verona Fountain (Start) 1.8km, 26min (nonstop)

Varun Goel 9769117718 Registration Link: 4th Pranic Healathon at L&T Emerald Isle Creating Space for Mental Well-Being in Our Community In today’s fast-paced lives, mental and emotional well-being often becomes something we attend to only when stress begins to show—through fatigue, anxiety, or a constant sense of being overwhelmed. Increasingly, communities are recognising the value of simple, practical tools that help people pause, reset, and restore inner balance. At L&T Emerald Isle , this understanding has taken shape through a series of wellness initiatives over the past few years . In fact, over the last three years, 10 Pranic Healing and meditation sessions have been conducted within the society , with encouraging participation and positive feedback from residents across age groups. Pranic Healing is a no-touch, energy-based healing system that works on the body’s energy field to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When combined with practices like the Meditation on Twin Hearts, it offers a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress, calm the mind, and cultivate emotional clarity—without requiring prior experience or belief. Continuing this ongoing focus on mental health and wellness, another Pranic Healing camp is being organised for residents. The session will include an introduction to energy healing, practical insights on applying it in daily life, a guided Meditation on Twin Hearts, and a complimentary Pranic Healing experience for participants. The camp will be held at Venue: CH2, Multipurpose Hall Date: 10th January 2026, 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Registration is free , slots are limited . Those wishing to register can register by clicking on the link or scanning the QR It is intended as a gentle, inclusive space for anyone looking to unwind, recharge, and explore simple tools for inner well-being—right within the comfort of our own community.

Jyothi Dmello Author and Street Photographer Instagram If I have to sum up my 2025 in one word , I would say: Blessed! Just look at the views outside my window. From mackerel skies and golden sun, to hues of yellow, orange and pink, to grey clouds and the mighty lightning and thunder, and Oh, moon’s goodnight kiss, it is impossible to not marvel at nature's beauty, appreciate my existence in this magical universe and feel grateful.

Sanskriti Bhargava HFSI, XI grade Writing, EI Kids Conner Editor

Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog Dear Gentle Readers, If I look back at 2025, it feels like a year where something inside me finally clicked into place. Not because life became easier, but because it became clearer. Our society magazines along with Shalini —born quietly at the end of last year—found their true rhythm in 2025. What began as a community project slowly turned into a shared movement of curiosity, learning, and creativity under one guiding line: connect, collaborate, create. In a world that is rapidly shifting under the weight of AI, I found myself asking a simple but necessary question: What does it mean to remain human? The answer was not in competing with machines, but in nurturing everything that makes us different from them. That thought shaped my entire year. I thank my wife, who amazes me by handling everything with such ease that I’m free to dream without limits. Rediscovering What It Means to Feel Early in the year, I sensed that my mind had become heavily tilted toward logic—decisions, data, problem-solving. Useful, yes. But incomplete. So I walked into an art class , picked up sketching pencils, and began retraining my eyes to see the world the way a child sees it—through colour, texture, emotion, and presence. There’s something grounding about observing the angle of a shadow or the softness in someone’s expression. It reminded me that humans are built to feel the world: to see light differently, to hear what isn’t said, to sense comfort, discomfort, joy, and pain. These are experiences no algorithm can replicate. And simply reconnecting with them gave me a sense of fullness I didn’t realise I had been missing. Creating Learning Spaces That Became Communities At the start of the year, we manifested the idea of having a library in our society. Life responded generously—we didn’t get one library, we got two. That moment when children stood in line waiting for us to open the door… I felt something shift. Watching them occupied in corners, lost in books, reminded me why knowledge spaces matter so much. They don’t just hold books—they build futures. From there, the EI Libraries transformed into something far bigger: a living ecosystem of experiences. We hosted: Nature Walk & Leaf Painting for five- and six-year-olds Storytelling sessions that filled rooms with wonder A Biodiversity game on the food chain and the fungi universe Book readings with career coaches from our society A meaningful session on POCSO awareness A Career Guidance Workshop for curious teens preparing for their next step In this process, I met marvelous individuals whose generosity and enthusiasm strengthened everything we were building. Together we shaped a literary group and expanded into EI Universe , where both our magazines live today alongside learning programs and community initiatives. The real gift wasn’t the events—it was the sense of shared purpose. The feeling that learning can bring people closer, create bonds, and uplift an entire neighbourhood. People Who Became Turning Points This year taught me something I had overlooked for a long time: growth comes from the people we allow into our lives. My Blogging Friends across Globe: Ral helped me challenge my thought patterns. Imi revealed layers of emotion and reasoning within me that I had not explored. Mark and Kelly made me think beyond the margins of my existing worldview. These individuals shaped not just my thinking, but also how I express myself on the page. They held up mirrors, asked better questions, offered sharper perspectives, and brought out parts of me I might never have discovered alone. They didn’t just touch my life—they shaped my voice. Writing as a Way of Understanding Myself Writing became the backbone of my year. I wrote poems, fiction, spoken-word pieces, business essays, reflections on society, and articles for our magazines. Each form allowed a different part of myself to speak. Through fiction , I explored human nature without filters. Characters like Saathvi and Veeran taught me about fragility, courage, ego, loss, and transformation. Their stories, set in pre-digital times, let me study people beyond the noise of our modern world. Next year brings a new set of characters— Ram, Auren, and Avni —each standing at a crossroads of purpose and emotion. Ram , standing on the ridge overlooking the Valley of Machines, questions what perfection truly means in an age of silent chaos. Auren , the ruler bound by a self-imposed seven-year throne, grapples with ambition, duty, and the danger of becoming exactly what he once fought against. And Avni , the quiet observer, sees the world not as it appears but as it feels — layered, fragile, and achingly human. They will challenge me as a writer, and I hope they move something within you too. Through non-fiction , I found clarity in the world of retail—quick commerce, supply chains, consumers, and strategy. Writing about these topics wasn’t just professional; it helped me organise my thoughts and understand the mechanics of the world we live in. And through community writing , I realised words can bring people together. A simple idea can turn into an event. A conversation can turn into a podcast. A line in a magazine can spark someone’s curiosity. Writing helped me see myself from outside. It revealed patterns, beliefs, stuck points, and inner truths. It became a way to understand life—not escape it. Learning as a Way of Staying Alive This year, I made learning a non-negotiable part of my life. I stepped into philosophy to find answers to the questions that quietly follow us all. I began Sanskrit , to reconnect with a heritage we often view through a borrowed lens. I completed my Improv comedy advanced course and performed my first paid show—an experience that taught me spontaneity, awareness, and presence in a way no classroom could. These pursuits didn’t just add skills—they added depth. They helped me understand where I come from, how I think, and who I am becoming. They made life richer. Movement, Play & the Joy of Being Alive This year wasn’t just about the mind—it was also about the body. My fitness journey continued through runs, treks, kickboxing, and reflections on resilience. These moments of movement helped keep my thoughts sharp and my spirit light. And just as the year came to an end, I found myself celebrating a victory with my society cricket team. Being part of that win filled me with a childlike happiness—a reminder that joy often hides in simple things. Stepping Into the Next Year As I look ahead, I know the coming year will be shaped by stories—Ram, Auren, Avni—and by ideas I want to simplify for young entrepreneurs and curious readers. It will be shaped by more events under EI Universe, more conversations with experts, more writing across art and analysis, and more learning that keeps me awake to the world. If you’ve walked with me through any part of this journey—thank you. Your presence, even in silence, has encouraged me. Here’s to another year of creating, connecting, and discovering what it truly means to live with intention and joy. With warmth, Harinath

Seerat Tiwari Loves singing, dancing and Writing A little boy was thinking, what it would be like next year. He forgot all the fears & started a new year. He turned all his dreams into a big belief, He carried them to bed & gently fell asleep.   The first day of school, the elementary exam. He was happy all day & got praised by all the mams. This was just a reminder of few of the things of the past, Now it's time for 2026 & let's see how it will last.   He wants to be an explorer; he plans to go to space. He can be whatever he dreams, if he puts it on a pace. He wants the earth to be clean, for it to be a better place.   Just then he woke up by the chirping of the birds, He got out of his bed & went to see the herd.   It was the beginning of the new year, It was time for him to rise. Day & day he would train, To become more & more wise.

Preeti Mahendru Full-time mom, and a volunteer at DBF How To Deal With Teenagers As a Single Parent Seeking how to deal with teenagers tends to become the only goal of any parent’s life when their children enter teenagerhood. It is widely believed that one of the difficult phases of parenthood is parenting teenagers. This phase becomes even more difficult when it comes to single parenting teens. Let’s put the same view in this way: This phase brings more responsibilities to a single parent to make him or her stronger than dual parents. Isn’t this encouraging when it comes to parenting teens regardless of whether you are a single mom or a single father? Remember, your teens will become strong only if you are strong. By playing the role of both mother and father and taking up the additional family responsibility, single parents tend to develop substantial strengths such as being committed, making firm decisions, setting clear priorities and conserving family values. So, never think that being a solo parent means you cannot handle teens effectively or it is tough for you to parent them. What you need to recognise is that teenagerhood, as a natural part of the growth process, poses many challenges due to which your frustration can be rampant. However, this is the time when the relationship between you and your children requires to be redefined. Yes, initially, it is difficult to accept that kids are now reaching adulthood and are likely to have differing viewpoints, opinions and decisions from those of yours. However, accepting it spontaneously is the first step to overcome the teenagerhood challenges and frustration while parenting today’s teens. Once you accept it, it becomes easy to handle teens effectively. There are some easy tips for the same. However, before we explore them, let’s get a brief insight into teenagerhood. Understanding the Teenage Behaviour What is it that makes it challenging to parent teens as a single dad or mom? Why do the same children who were once highly obedient, now, question everything and accept almost nothing? Up to the age of 10 or 11, children are like wet clay. You can mould them into any shape. This is the best time to instil  moral values , nurture and encourage their good qualities and discourage and gently wean them off their bad habits. Upon turning 15 or 16, the ego becomes firmly established in them. In simple words, they now have their viewpoints, opinions, feelings, observations and experiences, which are likely to differ from those of yours. Thus, most of the times, it is not possible for your teens to be responsive, in a positive way, to your words the way they used to. These differences result in fights or defiant behaviours. For this, we are only responsible, as we keep scolding and  nagging  for even small things since our teens were small. With ego comes increased sensitivity and words of admonishment end up doing more harm than good. That is why Pujya Dadashri has said that children must not be scolded; do scold occasionally when it is necessary once they are beyond the age of 5 and never, under any circumstances, beyond the age of 15. Furthermore, nagging, giving unsolicited advice, taunting, arguing with them or disrespecting them whether privately or in public must be avoided. Otherwise, these behaviours can result in unacceptable teenage reactions and can even make us lose our teens, especially in the case of a single parent family. Let’s now explore some tips on how to raise a teenager as a single parent. Be a Friend It is now, in their teenagerhood, that your children require you to be their friends. Their ego has developed to such an extent that they no longer will accept instantly what you say or command. They are certainly not likely to respond well to the assertion of authority. According to  Param  Pujya Dadashri, “I tell parents that after their child turns sixteen, they must interact with him as a friend would. They must speak to him in a friendly manner so that their words will be more appealing. The child will not heed his father if the father constantly asserts his role as a father. What would happen if he continues to do this even when the child turns forty?” While you must be both father and mother for your teens, you need not assert the role of father or mother. Rather, become a friend such that they not only find the right parental guidance but also find the desired friendly comfort zone in you. When teens find the desired comfort and guidance in their parents, they will not go looking for the same elsewhere. It is important to remember that most of the times, the fear of being judged prevent our teens from being frank with us. Being their friend gives them the comfort level to communicate openly and allows you to give the right advice in a way that does not hurt or offend them. Even while giving advice, it should be done with discretion. It is fine to caution or advise when they are going in the wrong direction, but one must not nag or yell. While giving guidance, you should explain the consequences of each possible course of action and then, leave it up to your teens to take their own decision. Communicating to your teens that you trust them to take the right decision will not only give them the strength to overcome their own limitations and choose only what is right but also strengthen their faith in you, thereby, fostering a healthy single parent-child relationship. You must not expect your teens to rise to your level in terms of understanding. Rather, you must come down to their level. This is the only way to become their friend and the simplest key for dealing with teenagers effectively. Set an Example through the Right Conduct; Be Their Role Model Once children reach a certain age, telling them what is the right thing to do will not have as much impact as conveying the same by setting an example through personal conduct. Trying to discipline them or asserting your authority over them will only make them unresponsive. Gradually, it will make them rebellious and challenge the parent’s authority. Such outcomes will create new problems instead of solving the existing ones. Children and teenagers respond positively to role models. If you live a peaceful life without  anger , deceit or greed, stay away from non-vegetarian food, alcohol or other addictive or violent substances and  resolve all issues with love  (without conflicts) and mutual understanding, teens will not only respect you more and more with the passage of time but also aspire to be like you. In short, you first do what you want your teens to do! You cannot expect a teen to listen to you if you do not listen to your elders such as in-law parents or your parents.  Teenage children, like all human beings, are looking for happiness. Now, it is up to you to demonstrate them what real happiness feels like and how it can be obtained. Be a Gardener Sometimes, single parents tend to over-parent. That is, they go beyond their call of duty and try to modify or micro-manage every little aspect of their teens’ life. Some single parents try to turn their teens into an exact replica of their own selves or at least, constantly compare and express dissatisfaction at how they have turned out to be. Such an attitude only fosters negativity and makes the teens feel unwelcome and unappreciated. Pujya Dadashri has given a very simple yet effective solution for this issue. He says that a home must be thought of and handled as a garden having varieties of flowers. Just as each flower has a distinct shape, size, smell, colour and other characteristics, each person at home has a distinct personality. Children and teens must be allowed to blossom according to their personality, their  prakruti  (innate nature). You must accept and  adjust  to their personality, such that you can deal with your teens without forcing them to change. Once this happens, all conflicts will go away on its own. Always Remember Beyond a point, our teens will have to learn from their mistakes. If we do our job well as a single parent, we can help them find their way through their struggles. To read more please visit Here