Arvind Pawar Co-founder of Hyperlink Health Linkedin Dr. Kavitha Madhuri Ph.D. in Gynaecological Oncology ; LinkedIn January in Mumbai feels like a pause — the good kind. The mornings are cooler, the sunlight softer, and across terraces and balconies, kites rise into the sky. In homes across the city, families prepare for Makar Sankranti — exchanging til-gul, planning simple meals, and stepping into a season that symbolises renewal. Sankranti, like Pongal, Lohri, and other harvest festivals across India, is about gratitude and new beginnings. It is also, quietly, about health — about aligning ourselves with nature, nourishment, and balance. “Festivals remind us that caring for the body is not separate from celebrating life — it is part of it.” This makes January a meaningful time to talk about something often postponed: preventive health , especially for women. On a Sankranti evening in a Mumbai’s vibrant society like L&T’s Emerald Isle, a family gathers around the dining table. Plates of til-gul and chikki are passed around. Children drift in and out. Tea is poured. Between casual conversation and laughter, the grandmother mentions something she heard earlier that day. “January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month,” she says. “The doctor was talking about it this morning.” The room grows momentarily quiet — not uncomfortable, just thoughtful. “Isn’t cervical cancer something that can be prevented?” the younger woman asks. “Yes,” the grandmother replies simply. “Most of the time, it can.” “Sometimes, all it takes is one calm, informed conversation to shift how a family thinks about health.” Cervical cancer affects the lower part of the uterus and is most often caused by long-term infection with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is extremely common, and in most people, the body clears it on its own. What matters is prevention and early detection . Doctors explain that: HPV vaccination , when given at the right age, can significantly reduce future risk. Regular screening  — such as Pap tests or HPV tests — can detect early changes years before cancer develops. Early stages usually have no symptoms , which is why screening is so important. There is no urgency in the grandmother’s voice — only clarity. “Cervical cancer is not a silent threat because it is unstoppable — it is silent because we don’t talk about it enough.” As the conversation continues, someone reaches again for the til-gul. Sesame seeds, jaggery, seasonal grains — traditional Sankranti foods are rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Celebrations happen outdoors, encouraging movement and sunlight, supporting vitamin D levels, immunity, and mood. These customs were never accidental. “Our festivals have always carried quiet health wisdom — we just need to listen again.” Health, the family realises, doesn’t have to feel clinical or complicated. It can begin at the dining table. Later that night, when the house settles, the younger woman opens her phone. Not out of fear — out of intention. She reads about cervical screening guidelines, checks vaccination information for adolescents in the family, and makes a note to speak with a doctor. In a city like Mumbai in 2026, healthcare no longer needs to disrupt life to be effective. With digital health tools, teleconsultations, and secure access to medical records, preventive care fits into everyday routines. She books a consultation. Not because something feels wrong — but because staying well feels worth planning for. “Preventive care is not about waiting for illness. It’s about choosing continuity — for yourself and for the people who depend on you.” This is where platforms like Hyperlink  play a quiet but meaningful role. Built by doctors and led by women, Hyperlink is designed to support real lives, real families, and real health decisions  — from consultations and diagnostics to vaccination tracking and long-term wellness. With the upcoming launch of Helix , its AI healthcare companion, families can: Receive reminders for screenings and vaccinations Store and access medical records securely Coordinate care across generations Get guidance that is clear, human, and personalised Healthcare becomes less fragmented — and more manageable. “Good healthcare doesn’t demand attention. It earns trust.” As the festival winds down and kites are folded away, the family agrees on something simple and sustainable for the year ahead: One preventive check-up per adult in 2026 , including recommended cancer screenings One meaningful health conversation each month  — with children or elders — about food, movement, mental well-being, or age-appropriate vaccines One supportive digital habit , such as using a trusted platform to track health records or set reminders Small steps. Long-term impact. “Health resolutions don’t need grand gestures — they need consistency.” This January, as families across Mumbai and India celebrate Sankranti and the promise of new beginnings, we invite you to pause and reflect: How does your family talk about health? What makes preventive care easier — or harder — in everyday life? Your perspective matters. Take 3 minutes to fill the January Stories: Sankranti & Health survey Your responses will help shape better awareness initiatives, improve digital health experiences, and support more families in choosing prevention with confidence. Take the survey here Because celebrating festivals and protecting health are not separate acts — they are both expressions of care. Learn more at: https://www.hyperlink.health/  or reach us on arvind.pawar@hyperlink.health

Neha Suradkar Co- Founder of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd Assistant Professor (Fashion History, Styling) LinkedIn Fashion and Design Educator, Entrepreneur, Style Coach™ and Advocate of Timeless Thinking Not so long ago, our social media feeds were dominated by filters- smoothing, slimming, glowing tools that offered instant perfection. Today, Artificial Intelligence has stepped in, turning imagination into pictures so real that even we pause for a second before recognising ourselves. Our timelines are now filled with flawless AI-generated images, versions of us we wish to be. This all seems exciting and maybe empowering. But as someone who has spent years helping people understand the psychology of appearance and self-image, I often wonder, “What happens when our digital persona starts defining our self-worth?” The Gap Between Real and Ideal Self-image is often defined by how we look and how we see ourselves. It is shaped by years of feedback, comparison, cultural values, and self-talk. Every compliment, every comment, every photo we see of ourselves becomes part of that inner mirror that defines us. AI-generated images introduce a new variable into this equation- one that feels personal but is not really ours. These images are generated by algorithms trained on countless faces the world perceives as “beautiful.” When we feed our photo into the system, it does not amplify who we are; it amplifies who the world wants us to be. In image management, one of the most important aspects of transformation is alignment. One has to bring their real and projected selves closer together. Confidence comes from coherence between who you are and how you appear. But AI images widen that gap. They create a version of us that is aspirational yet unattainable. You start viewing yourself as a constant “before” picture to a digital “after.” Social Media as the New Beauty Playground Social media plays a significant role in shaping self-image. It has shifted self-perception from “how I feel about myself” to “how I appear to others.” Now with AI, we are no longer comparing ourselves to influencers or celebrities; we are comparing ourselves to our own enhanced selves. We are curating our wardrobes, our feeds, and our identities for digital likes and appreciation, rather than self-acceptance. When we see a better version of ourselves on screen, confidence becomes conditional. We start thinking, “I’ll feel good when I look like this.” We have to realize that confidence rooted in perfection is fragile, while confidence rooted in authenticity is indestructible. The danger of AI perfection lies in how subtly it shifts our inner narrative from “I am enough” to “I must improve.”  The Invisible Risk There is another layer to this “perfect picture” conversation- Security and data privacy. When we upload our images to AI platforms, we often overlook what happens next. Most of these tools require users to grant access to their photos, which can then be stored, analyzed, or even used to train future AI models.   The face you use to create your perfect portrait might continue to exist in some digital dataset long after you delete the app. A core part of your identity becomes a piece of data that can be replicated or misused without your awareness. This often makes me wonder, at what cost are we trading privacy for perfection? Just as we safeguard our homes and passwords, it is time we guard our digital faces, too. Reclaiming the Real Image So how do we work around this new digital image without losing ourselves? Here are a few reminders to help you live comfortably with both your perfect digital portrait and your authentic, real image: Let AI inspire imagination and not feed insecurity. You can appreciate its artistry without thinking that you have to live up to AI standards. If looking at your AI portrait makes you feel proud, that’s great! But if it makes you feel lesser, that is your cue to pause and reconnect with your real self. Mirrors should be a space for dialogue, not judgment. Remind yourself that your presence has power even with all the wrinkles, scars, and curves. You need not be flawless to be powerful. A Reflection Exercise- Meeting the Real You Before you open another AI app to generate an image, try this: Stand in front of a mirror and look at your face as if you were meeting yourself for the first time. Notice what tells your story- is it the laugh lines, the tired eyes, or the curve of a smile that survived something? Ask yourself- “If this reflection could speak, what would it thank me for?” Then, look at your AI image (if you have made one) and ask- Which of these versions looks alive? Which one carries warmth and emotion? You will know your answer. That quiet recognition is where the self-image begins to heal.   In an age where algorithms paint us prettier than reality, embracing your authentic self becomes an act of quiet rebellion. AI may capture your features, but it cannot capture your energy. It can simulate beauty, but not presence. It can replicate style, but not substance. So go ahead and make your AI portraits. Enjoy them. But when you return to the mirror, don’t forget to appreciate the person who exists off-screen; the one who laughs unfiltered, feels deeply, and carries stories that no algorithm can generate. At the end of the day, self-image is not about looking perfect; it is about being at peace with what you see.

Sanskriti Bhargava HFSI, XI grade Writing, EI Kids Conner Editor The bittersweet lie is that effort is always noticed. People are expected to meet high standards, and for a while, this belief feels comforting. Expectations are mistaken for faith, and hard work seems like a shield against judgment. The sweetness fades when a mistake is made. One error is enough to change how someone is seen. The hours of effort are forgotten, and consistency is replaced by criticism. What remains in people’s minds is not the journey, but the failure. Effort becomes invisible, while flaws are magnified. But as humans, without mistakes who are we? This is where the lie turns bitter. Society often values perfection over persistence, outcomes over struggle. Yet within this bitterness lies a quiet truth: effort does not lose its value just because it goes unnoticed. Growth continues, even when recognition does not. That is why the lie is bittersweet — it disappoints, but it also teaches resilience beyond approval.

Vijaya Nane Leader, Coach, aspiring Psychologist Why how we appreciate matters more than what we appreciate. You ask your 3-year-old to pick up her/his toys and put them back in the place and the child promptly responds to your request and you compliment – you are such a good girl/boy- you are so sweet. You keep encouraging the child with your appreciation whenever a good thing is done as good girl/good boy and when they do something that is not appropriate saying don’t do that - and they continue to do that we say bad boy/bad girl.  Mummy is angry with you or you don’t listen etc. The child becomes a little older and comes back from school with a A+ grade – we celebrate and say I am so proud of you – you are so intelligent.  The child tops the class parents tell everyone that the child is so smart and intelligent and you feel absolutely blessed. A few years pass you start noticing the grades are not as good as they used to be.  You are worried. Now when you ask, the child says the teacher is partial to girls or boys depending on the gender of your child – they feel the teacher favours other gender or the questions are out of syllabus.  You also sympathize with the child because you strongly believe that the child has been a great student all along and this poor performance must have got something to do with external factors, like the teacher or out of syllabus questions. Slowly you start seeing your child sliding and reaching the stage of mediocracy and you start worrying about their admission into any good college. How could we have prevented a good and committed child from becoming mediocre and how we could have made a brilliant student out? As adults we need to be mindful of our intent and what impact it has on the children. Intent is what you have in your mind and the impact is what the child feels or perceives.  When the child has done something that is good or bad – as parents we should separate the behavior from the child.  Like getting a great score is very good – so while sharing the appreciation always ensure you appreciate the process over the person.  Let me explain – when the child achieved a great score or something in extra curricular activity which makes you really proud – convey to the child that you are so proud to see the achievement and immediately reinforce the process like “ everyday you study/practice  regularly without fail – that is really amazing and it is giving these results." When parents appreciate the child as you are intelligent, smart or great the child believes that they are really great and believe the praise belongs to them, and do not establish co relation between behavior and results.  By the time they grow up and understand the co-relation, it is generally late and we lost the opportunity of early positive reinforcement, as parents we are not helping the child to see the power of regular practice or the strength of discipline at the right time. So, the key is separate the behavior and the child and make sure at every possible opportunity reinforce the right behavior, like when your 3 year old puts the toys in their place – instead of saying you are good or you are smart  or you always listen to Mama– tell them that  “ after playing you always keep your toys neatly in their place – that is really very good and helpful”. Whatever could be the age of your child – start practicing this to understand its power.  Reinforce the process making it as explainable as possible – like – you always sit at one place for the defined period of 2 hours without distractions, have a time table, you always practice by writing etc. This helps the child to reinforce the right habits and make them strong.

Riddhi Gulhane 11 years A cute introspection, the places she went, emotions, and the person I became. As all of you know 2025 has come to an end. It has been such an eventful year that I am titling 2025 as "The eventful year". But if you ask me personally I would title 2025 as “The rocky road“ because we went to many road trips. A few of the events taken place in 2025 are that famous people like Ed Sheeran and Lionel Messi came to India, there were a few tragic incidents like The Palgham attack by Pakistan and The Air India plane crash, and famous movies like K-pop Demon Hunters and Saiyaara were released. But in my life, a found and lost a bunch of friends, learnt how to buy clothes on my own and find out about useful investments and useless investments. This year has been a roller-coaster of emotions. All the wars were scary but my victories made me happy. 2026 was like light in a dark room, since it was a dark time. I say this every year but this time I mean it, this year went by way too fast. My goals for 2026 are to - Explore 12 new places (preferably villages) Read 150 fantasy books (I was inspired by the avid reader award in our school) Cycle regularly for 30 minutes Write a children's fantasy book

Kaalika-The Rise of Rakthbeej Poonam Desai Author   In the previous chapters, we saw Hiranya Kashyap and his aide Swarbhanu discover the resurrection stone at Kalimath. DSP Sharvari is sent to Joshimath to investigate a cold case and interrogate Dhaigham, a man who was missing for 10 years after a mysterious accident and missing precious stones. In the meantime, Hiranya summons Raktbeej’s soul and traces Dilan, Benroy’s son. Swarbhanu kills Manohar, and Dilan escapes. Sharvari and Kasar begin a hunt for Dilan, meanwhile Dilan hears his inner voice at the Kalpavriksha in Joshimath and follows a path to the Nav Durga temple at Nandadevi.(Note- the Nav Durga temple and Mahuli are fictional places). Hiranya and his men are headed to Nanda devi forest reserve. Swarbhanu is sure Dilan is a Mahasimha.  Their paths converge and they are all moving towards Nandadevi. Whilst Dhaigham explains the history of the temple to Sharvari and Kasar Hiranya and his men close in. Despite the best efforts of Sharvari and team Hiranya and his men escape. Dilan bears the weight of the defeat. Hiranya raises the demon and Sharvari has her first encounter with Raktbeej in her dream. Raktbeej’s arrival tosses the world in chaos and Sharvari and Dilan gear up for a battle. Chapter 12 Hiranya’s office was full of activity. There calls for aid from all over India. With Lord Raktbeej’s rebirth, all his followers and resources were now at his disposal. He had control over everything. The calamity, the rescue, and the treatment were all at his mercy. What he awaited now was a call from the government. Because that was the centre of control and power. Once the government was on its knees, he would have control over the entire nation. “Power is an addictive thing,” he whispered and smiled to himself. Swarbhanu entered his cabin and updated him on information within the government ranks. “But Saaheb, if we are creating the chaos why help the government?” Hiranya sighed. Swarbhanu though a trusted aide, wasn’t the sharpest arrow. “Bhanu not every war is won by Brute force. Today’s Raktbeej will not fight on the battlefield. He will spread into the ranks of society. Every person we plant becomes a new Raktbeej, debilitating the economy, destroying public trust and finally causing the fall of democracy.” Swarbhanu scratched his head. “I still don’t follow.” Hiranya squeezed his shoulder and said, “Bhanu your job is to implement the task not understand its philosophy. Now go arrange a meeting with the Head of NDMA, Mr. Raghav Sinha.” Swarbhanu nodded and left. In the National Disaster Management Authority office every analyst was working to map the crisis and to come up with a plan. But it was like they were drowning. Before they could get hold of one situation a new one erupted. Among this chaos, they received a mysterious call from Bija financials. “Hello, I am calling from the Ceo’s office of Bija Financial. We would like to connect with the team leader for aid in the ongoing crisis.” The clerk on call immediately transferred it to the main office. Mr. Raghav Sinha, the Prime minister’s trusted aide, who was bent over a computer screen monitoring the situation in Joshimath. He picked the call. “Sir, a call from the CEO’s office, Bija financial. They say they can assist in the ongoing crisis.” Raghav Sinha thought for moment. It was a very rare case that a financial company reached out for providing aid. “Patch them through,” he finally said. Hiranya picked the line and spoke, “Mr. Sinha how have you been. Myself, Hiranya Kashyap, I am the CEO of Bija financials.” “Mr. Kashyap I don’t really have the time for exchanging pleasantries. What can I do for you?” “Mr.Sinha I hear you are experiencing several difficult situations across the country. I am sure your department is struggling to resolve them. Have the source of contamination in Mumbai and Ahmedabad been identified? Or have you managed evacuate the workers in the Dhauliganga tunnel?” Raghav Sinha was silent for a moment. The man on the other end had a mocking tone. As if he was sitting and watching the fun. Hiranya continued, “ I am sure you don’t want the Hyderabad hostage situation to repeat in Bangalore.” His fists tightened. “Are you threatening us Mr. Kashyap?” Raghav Sinha gritted. “No no Mr. Sinha, on the contrary I want to help the government solve this crisis. But again I am a business man, I will look for benefits before investing.” “Mr. Kashyap, the government does not deal with people who coerce or threaten. If you are a genuine then we may consider your help.” “Mr. Sinha you haven’t seen coercion yet. Let me prove my worth. Switch to the Joshimath area.” Raghav Sinha walked to his monitor. The reporters in the area were looking at a rescue helicopter which landed with latest specialized rescue and stabilization gear. They bored passages for the water to drain and used Rock bolts to anchor into the surrounding rock mass to "knit" fractured rock together. Shotcrete Equipment was used to secure the raw walls. The people within were helped out and flown to nearby hospitals. “Sinha Sir look,” the analyst handling the media coverages called out. Fresh updates are coming from the Isckon temple in Bengaluru. Few armed men have laid siege in this location. Several devotees are in the temple at this hour. There has been a stampede and shots were fired after which this incident came to light…..” Raghav Sinha loosened his tie and sat on a chair. Putting the phone to his ear he said, “What do you want Mr. Kashyap. What is the meaning of all this.” “Nothing much Mr Sinha. I want an audience with the PM in the next 24 hours and then we can discuss this further,” Raghav Sinha rushed top the PMO after the call. As he waited for the PM, a feeling of dread crept up his neck. He had been the best at disaster management, hostage negotiation and never had he experience such loss of control. “Mr. Sinha the PM will see you now.” PM’s PA ushered him into the chambers. “Yes Sinhaji, you asked for an urgent meeting.” “Sir you are well aware of the ongoing crisis. But today I wanted to update you on a phone call we received from Bija Financials…” The PM listened with rapt attention as Raghav Sinha filled him in. After careful discussion, the PM said, “Call   DIG Pandey. I believe he has more knowledge about this Hiranya Kashyap and may be able to help us.” Raghav Sinha nodded and headed back.

Preeti Mahendru Full-time mom, and a volunteer at DBF How To Deal With A Defiant Child Or A Stubborn Child What should be done when an open clash between you and your child arises? What should be done when your child cries? Let’s learn the art of dealing with such behaviors coming from your child! Give a thought on the following: When you have a complained about a particular behavior of your child, did you ever check whether you behave in the same way with the child? For example: Say, she does not listen to you. Are you behaving the same when she wants you to do a favor? Do you listen to her only when she calls you couple of times? Say, she uses mobile phone. Do you keep checking your phone whenever you find some time? Say, she speaks harsh words. Do you speak such words when you lose your temper? Start listening to her and returning favors and see the change. Spend time with them, respect them and start doing whatever we expect them to do. Param Pujya Dadashri explains how to handle stubborn behavior in the below discourse: As a Parent, you need not become obstinate along with the child; rather, pacify your child Dadashri:  Once you smooth things out then it will continue running. However, people make their child even more obstinate. They become obstinate along with their child. If the child does not speak, then the mother does not talk either. Questioner:  Yes, her face becomes sullen. Dadashri:  Her face becomes sullen. Hence, this is not a quality of becoming a mother, is it?! It is done by observing others; if someone beats their child, then she too will beat her child. Questioner:  I do not want to do that. I wish to know how a mother should be. Dadashri:  What happens when your child becomes stubborn and you too become stubborn? Questioner:  When the mother becomes stubborn and the child becomes stubborn, then the child gets a beating. Dadashri:  No, but there is no point in that, is there? The child's stubbornness should be broken. Questioner:  How can it be broken? Dadashri:  Whatever makes him  happy , make him happy for a little while by soothing him, and then things will be fine. After that, her obstinacy will go away. You have to pacify her for the time she is being obstinate. Other important tips for parents to help deal with children’s defiant behavior: The   child’s defiance is a reflection of the parent’s past conduct.  If we are a worthy parent, the children would not retaliate. So the parents should work to improve themselves. If you keep nagging your children, they will become spoilt. Keep them in touch with the  Gnani  or good company. By being in good company, they will inevitably acquire the best qualities. Children should be given the help to improve, not beaten. It is very wrong to hit children. Real parents are those who manage to change their children's behavior through  love  and understanding, even when the child does dreadful things.   But such love is not to be found, because the parents themselves are unhappy.  This world can only be won over through love. Parents tend to keep talking about the negative behavior of the children repeatedly in front of friends and family. This has grave consequences as the kids actually become whatever we believe them to be.   For instance, if we believe that our child is stubborn and defiant, the child would surely become so, one day, even if it is not the case today. On the other hand, if your child actually happens to be stubborn, but you still choose to instill the belief within you that your child is quite good and obedient, then you will soon start seeing  positive changes  in your child... The human mind-body complex is capable of recording even if you call a person worthless while he is sleeping, your remark will be recorded within the soul as  karmic  account  and you will have to face the consequences. If you want to say something, make sure it is positive. Your good intentions will result in happiness for you. So talk about the behavior you want to encourage in your kid rather than repeating the stubbornness, or things you want to discourage.   To read more please visit Here

Vinita Khar Co founder of Aumentar Hospitality alliance a hospitality sales consulting organisation; Linkedin Profile ; Instagram There is a special kind of peace that only a road trip can offer — the steady rhythm of the highway, changing landscapes and conversations that flow more easily with every passing kilometre. This drive from Mumbai into the heart of Gujarat’s spiritual circuit became a relaxed yet meaningful journey across temples, coastlines and historic towns and a very practical route for anyone planning a similar trip. From Mumbai to Surat: Easing into the Journey The journey began in Mumbai before sunrise, when the city was just beginning to stir and the traffic was light. The highway towards Surat offered a smooth run and an easy transition from urban rush to the calmer rhythms of Gujarat. Surat, with its mix of commerce and culture, made for a convenient first pause — a place to stop for breakfast, refuel and get ready for the more interesting leg of the trip. From Surat, the drive continued to Hazira, a coastal point that has changed how many travellers now cross the Gulf of Khambhat. Instead of driving all the way around the gulf for several extra hours, boarding the ferry from Hazira to Ghogha proved to be a sensible choice — it saved time, reduced fatigue and added variety to the journey by breaking the drive with a sea crossing. Hazira to Ghogha: Across the Gulf by Sea Driving onto the Ro-Ro ferry and stepping out onto the open deck brought an immediate change of pace. The sea breeze, distant coastline and gentle movement of the vessel turned what could have been another long stretch of highway into a relaxed break in the middle of the day. Travellers can stretch their legs, grab a snack and simply enjoy open views of the gulf as vehicles rest below deck. This sea route not only saves several hours of driving but also keeps everyone noticeably fresher for the long journey ahead. By the time the ferry reached Ghogha, there was renewed energy for the road and it felt like the spiritual part of the trip was just beginning. Bhavnagar: The First Halt at Efcee Sarovar From Ghogha, the drive to Bhavnagar is straightforward, with coastal winds slowly giving way to the drier interiors of Saurashtra. Bhavnagar, with its old-world charm and easy pace, works well as the first night halt after a day that includes both highway and sea travel. The stay at Efcee Sarovar Portico added comfort and convenience, with modern rooms, good food options and a central location suitable for business and leisure travellers alike. It became an ideal place to unwind, plan the route ahead and get an early start the next morning, bridging the practical side of travel with the spiritual experiences to come. Towards Dwarka: The Call of Krishna The next morning, the road from Bhavnagar towards Dwarka unfolded gradually through villages, fields and small towns. As the car moved steadily towards one of India’s most sacred destinations — Dwarka, the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna — the drive felt unhurried, with limited options for tea and snack breaks along the way so ensure you fuel up yourself, there are plenty options for the car. By the time Dwarka’s skyline appeared, crowned by the dhwaja of the Dwarkadhish Temple, the trip had started to feel more like a pilgrimage than a regular road journey. Narrow lanes, temple bells, conch sounds and the steady flow of pilgrims signalled arrival in a town where faith is part of everyday life. ​Dwarka Stay: Ira by Orchid In Dwarka, staying at Ira by Orchid added a practical advantage — the hotel offers comfortable rooms and views of the Dwarkadhish Temple from the property. Being close to the temple reduces commute time, especially for early-morning or late-evening aarti and gives more flexibility to plan darshan and local sightseeing. Having the temple in view from the hotel helps keep the spiritual atmosphere alive while still enjoying modern comforts, which is useful when travelling with family or seniors. Dwarkadhish Temple: In the Court of the Lord The Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands on the banks of the Gomti River and is regarded as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Its multi-storeyed structure, raised platform and carved pillars reflect centuries of devotion and architectural detail. As one walks through the gate and moves with the crowd of devotees, attention naturally shifts from travel logistics to the simple focus on darshan. Tula Daan is a traditional ritual where a devotee is weighed on a balance scale and donates items equal to that weight — grains or essentials — as an act of charity and gratitude. I decided to participate in Tula Daan myself, sitting quietly on the scale while the priests arranged the offerings. The moment felt deeply personal: the soft chanting, the gentle clink of weights balancing out and the calm focus of everyone around created a sense of surrender without any pressure. Walking away with the receipt and the knowledge that those offerings would help others brought a quiet satisfaction that stayed with me throughout the rest of the trip. Stepping out afterwards onto the Gomti ghats, watching priests conduct rituals while the river flows quietly towards the sea, brings a sense of calm that stays long after leaving the temple area. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Shiva’s Presence Near the Sea A short drive from Dwarka takes you to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and an important site on Gujarat’s temple circuit. The temple is located in relatively open surroundings, with a large Shiva statue visible from a distance, making navigation simple even for first-time visitors. Inside the sanctum, the atmosphere is quieter and more focused, with the chant of Om Namah Shivaya and a steady stream of devotees. Visiting Nageshwar as a day excursion from Dwarka works well logistically and offers a nice spiritual balance — Krishna’s energy at Dwarkadhish complemented by Shiva’s presence at Nageshwar. Somnath: Where Faith Meets the Ocean From Dwarka, the route continues along Saurashtra’s coastline towards Somnath, another key stop for many pilgrims. The coastal drive, with occasional sea views and small towns, is comfortable and well-suited for a day journey with breaks. Somnath Temple, set on the shore of the Arabian Sea, is both a historic and spiritual landmark, known for having been rebuilt several times. The temple complex faces the open sea and time spent on the promenade outside, listening to waves and temple bells together, makes the visit memorable without needing a rushed schedule. The evening aarti, with conches and lamps against the backdrop of the ocean, is worth planning around, so reaching Somnath by afternoon and staying nearby is a practical approach. Somnath Stay: Lords Inn   In Somnath, Lords Inn works well from a convenience point of view, being among the hotels located closest to the temple. Its comfortable rooms, on-site dining and quick access to the main temple road make it easy to attend aarti and darshan without worrying about long transfers or parking. For a temple-focused visit, this proximity becomes a strong advantage, especially when travelling with children or elders. Back to Bhavnagar, Ghogha, Hazira and Home   After the spiritually rich stop at Somnath, the drive back to Bhavnagar brings a quieter mood, with familiar roads making the return leg easier to cover. A second halt in Bhavnagar offers one more comfortable night at Efcee Sarovar before turning towards the coast again. From Bhavnagar, it is a short and familiar run back to Ghogha port, where catching the Ro-Ro ferry to Hazira once more turns a long road section into a relaxed sea crossing. Stepping off at Hazira, the final drive via Surat and the highway back to Mumbai closes the loop, bringing the journey full circle from city to coast, temples and ferries and finally home. Reflections on a Spiritual Drive Looking back, this circuit — Mumbai → Surat → Hazira → Ghogha → Bhavnagar → Dwarka → Nageshwar → Somnath → Bhavnagar → Ghogha → Hazira → Mumbai — proves to be both practical and rewarding. The ferry helps optimise time and energy, the chosen hotels in Bhavnagar, Dwarka and Somnath ensure comfortable halts and the driving distances between each leg remain manageable for a relaxed itinerary. More than anything, the journey shows that spiritual travel can be meaningful without being exhausting: aarti by the river, quiet moments before a Jyotirlinga, sunrise drives between temple towns and the comfort of good stays along the way come together to create a trip that is easy to repeat — and easy to recommend for anyone planning their next road holiday in Gujarat.

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.