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Dr. Akshita Mamania Mehta EI Library Team A Morning of Riddles, Discovery & Green Learning What happens when you take away smartphones from a group of children, hand them cryptic riddles, and set them loose in their own society? Magic, apparently. On a sunny Sunday morning, L&T Emerald Isle transformed into an adventure playground as young residents participated in The Emerald Quest  — a treasure hunt that combined brain-teasing riddles, physical challenges, teamwork, and an unexpected lesson in sustainability. The Hunt Begins Organised under the banner of the L&T Emerald Isle Library , the event saw enthusiastic teams of children racing against time — and each other — to decode clues that led them across nine locations within the society. The rules were simple: no phones, solve the riddle, find the location, complete the task, and rush to the next clue. And rush they did! The morning was filled with the sound of excited chatter, hurried footsteps, and triumphant cheers as teams cracked each puzzle. "I'm a path, but not for running fast, walk barefoot here, feel stones contrast..." — riddles like these had children scratching their heads before that lightbulb moment sent them sprinting towards the Reflexology Path, the CH2 Library, the Meditation Plaza, and beyond. Through the riddles, children were thoroughly engaged, debating possibilities, eliminating wrong guesses, and experiencing genuine joy when they finally cracked each clue. Their familiarity with some locations made the hunt faster, but it was the discovery of hidden gems  that made it memorable — many participants had never visited the Adventure Park or walked the scenic Lake View nature trail until that morning. More Than Just a Game The Emerald Quest was designed with purpose. Beyond the fun and cardio (and there was plenty of both!), the event aimed to achieve something deeper: digital detox, teamwork, and exploration . For 90 minutes, children experienced the thrill of solving problems together, communicating face-to-face, and discovering corners of their own home that they'd walked past countless times without noticing. The finish line at the Composting Area was more than just the end of the race — it was the beginning of a learning experience. Volunteers from the EcoCrusaders group took over, introducing the young participants to the fascinating world of composting and biodegradable bio-enzymes. Children learned how kitchen waste transforms into nutrient-rich compost, and how bio-enzymes help accelerate this natural process — turning what could have been just another game into an eco-awareness session. A Community Effort Behind every successful event is a team that believes in the idea. The Emerald Quest was conceptualised and organised by Harinath and Chintan , with Harinath being the driving force who brought everyone together and transformed a simple idea into a grand community event. The spark for The Emerald Quest came from an unlikely source — a Mystery Room game that the organisers had enjoyed. " It was so much fun for us adults, " recalls the team, " that we thought — why not bring this experience to the kids? Our society is so big with so many places to explore. Add some tasks where children interact, make new friends, and learn something along the way — and you have The Emerald Quest. " The event wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated volunteers from the L&T Emerald Isle Library who gave up their Sunday morning to guide teams, manage checkpoints, and ensure everything ran smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to ASG EI Committee, Harish, Vinita, Shuchi, Uma, Bhavna, Dhruv, Sangeeta, Anita, Akshita and Amita  (and Claude AI!) for their enthusiasm and commitment. The amount of pre-planning — from crafting riddles to designing activities to coordinating logistics — was a testament to what our community can achieve when we come together. The Verdict? Exhausted legs, happy faces, and new friendships. The children were supportive of each other throughout, celebrating not just their own victories but cheering for fellow teams. The excitement was palpable at every checkpoint — the anticipation of the next clue, the rush of solving it, the thrill of the chase. For the volunteers, it was equally rewarding. As one volunteer put it: " Seeing kids discover their own society, work together, and genuinely enjoy themselves — that's what community living should be about. " Coming Soon: Season Two! The overwhelming response has already sparked conversations about The Emerald Quest: Season Two . New riddles, new locations, new challenges — and perhaps a few surprises. If Season One is anything to go by, the next edition promises to be bigger, better, and just as memorable. Until then, here's a riddle for you: What brings children together, gets them moving, teaches them about nature, and leaves everyone smiling? The answer, as our young questers discovered, lies right here in Emerald Isle. — L&T Emerald Isle Library Feedback:

Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor Linkedin Profile Abhishekta, Founder of Celebrino Food and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. , created Re'nao , a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand. Website; Instagram ; Linkedin Declaimer: This story was shaped from a long conversation with Abhishikta — she stepped aside quietly, so I’m sharing the raw conversation for gentle readers to decide on their own. A Conversation with Abhishikta The Quiet Rise of Abhishikta & Re’nao   Every society has a few people who leave quietly every morning —and return quietly every evening. They don’t announce their struggles. They don’t advertise their ambitions. They live ordinary-looking lives. And sometimes, they build extraordinary things. Abhishikta is one of those people. If you saw her in the lift, you would never guess that her brand now sits inside some of India’s finest hotels — Four Seasons, Taj, JW Marriott, The Leela, InterContinental and more. You would never guess that her company has survived floods, trademark loss, a pandemic crash, and a ₹60+ lakh market recall — and still stands with dignity. But that’s exactly how her story began. Quietly. A Childhood Like Ours — And Not Like Ours Abhishikta grew up between Kolkata and Assam — not in boardrooms, but in real homes. Homes where money was not glamorized. Where work was. Where dignity mattered more than display. Her mother ran a small home-based food supply business long before “entrepreneurship” became a trend. She cooked, packed, supplied, collected — and repeated. Her father was a creative professional whose kindness sometimes cost him dearly. From them, Abhishikta learned two lifelong lessons: Work builds dignity. Kindness needs boundaries. These two beliefs would quietly shape everything she would later build. The First Uncomfortable Question Years later, in Delhi, Abhishikta stood in a room full of music, laughter and drinks — and felt strangely invisible. Not because she didn’t belong. But because she didn’t drink alcohol. “Juice chalega?” “Cola logi?” “You’ll manage na?” It wasn’t rude. It was routine. While some people quietly retreat into corners, some stop showing up altogether, some curse the culture, and some force themselves to drink just to blend in — Abhishikta did none of it. Instead, she asked a calmer, braver question: Why does celebration have only one vocabulary? Why was there no dignified, adult, non-alcoholic option for people who simply chose not to drink? That question didn’t become a company overnight. It stayed quietly inside her. Learning Where Real Products Are Born Soon, Abhishikta found herself working inside agricultural clusters across North-East India — standing in muddy farms, watching fruits rot, watching farmers struggle to sell excellent produce because packaging, branding and market access were missing. She learned a powerful truth: Good products fail not because they are bad — but because they don’t know how to become “sellable”. This is where her hands got dirty. And her understanding became real. The First Proof Came From Home Before there were websites or banners, Abhishikta tested her early sourcing at her society carnival in L&T Emerald Isle. Lakadong turmeric. Bhut Jolokia chillies. Honey. Black pepper. Everything sold out in two hours. Not because of marketing. But because real products met real kitchens. Her society became her first validation lab — shaping her confidence and sharpening her instincts. Entering Beverages — Almost by Accident Later, she was called in to help a struggling non-alcoholic beverage brand. What she found shocked her. The problem wasn’t sales. It was trust. Dumping. Poor service. No ownership. When COVID hit, and that company’s stock froze in the market, someone casually suggested: “Let’s start our own brand.” It felt unethical. Uncomfortable. Until someone said: “If you know cricket, you play cricket.” And so, Re’nao was born — in the middle of lockdown. When Courage Meets Reality Re’nao’s first month did ₹26 lakhs in revenue. It looked like success. Then the second lockdown arrived. ₹60+ lakhs worth of stock froze in the market. Many companies would have written it off. Abhishikta didn’t. She and her partner  Rajesh Shetty  recalled the stock, paid distributors back from their own pocket, and absorbed the loss. That night, her life-long business rule was born: Always choose the decision that lets you sleep at night. Losing Everything — And Rebuilding Better As if that wasn’t enough, floods damaged batches. Then they lost their brand name in a trademark battle. Everything collapsed — packaging, identity, positioning. Instead of quitting, they rebuilt everything from scratch. A new name. Protected trademarks. Better packaging. Cleaner foundations. Re’nao was reborn — slower, wiser, stronger. Why Now for Quick Commerce Today, people often ask: “Why did Re’nao wait so long to come on Blinkit and Amazon?” Abhishikta smiles — because for her, platforms were never the goal. Readiness was. She did not want Re’nao to enter quick commerce as a fragile brand that needed visibility. She wanted it to enter as a confident brand that could  sustain trust, margins, and consistency. For years, she chose slow, clean growth — inside five-star hotels and premium hospitality spaces — places that don’t accept average and don’t forgive inconsistency. That is where Re’nao quietly proved itself. From 55 cases a month to over 1155 — without ads, discounts, or noise. Only now — after ensuring that growth would not come at the cost of margins, trust, or investor money — did Re’nao step into Blinkit and Amazon. Not to look big. But because now,  it is ready to stay big — cleanly. A Brand Grown by Community Re’nao was never “influencer grown”. It was neighbourhood grown. It was built on blind tastings, real feedback, real kitchens and real trust — beginning right here, in our own Emerald Isle. More Than A Brand Today, Abhishikta is not just building beverages. She is building a brand that people  own. Her employees speak of Re’nao as  “our brand.” Her distributors protect it like their own. Her bartenders recommend it without being asked. Re’nao is already present across  Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore and Hyderabad  —inside five-star hotels, premium lounges, bars and fine-dine spaces. She introduced  tonic water, mixers, soda and water  to an ecosystem that already trusted her discipline. And soon, she will bring back her original category —  Sparkling Brew  —now redesigned for families, exports and premium hospitality. Her next step goes beyond bottles. She wants Re’nao to become part of celebrations themselves — with curated party packages, bartender tie-ups, home-party solutions and premium hosting experiences. Not as an add-on business. But as a natural extension of a brand that already lives inside India’s best celebrations. And when her child once asked: “Why do you work so much?” She replied: “Because when our brand grows, more families grow with us.” That may be the quietest definition of entrepreneurship you’ll ever hear. And perhaps — the truest. Next time you see her in the lift, remember — some revolutions begin very softly.

Aanya Das, 13 yrs old. A poem about feeling lost and mentally trapped, struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure, but ultimately realizing that the confusion is temporary and hope and a way forward still exist. A Hazy Path Walking along this path of haze, I had to slow down my pace There is no sign or trace, Of something to chase I am stuck in this maze. What is there to face? I can’t win this race, For I am caged My mind is fazed, not in the right place I can’t escape, I have failed Who knows how long I’ll be in this primitive state. Life never warned me of any fog, Perhaps I forgot to check the weather log; Or I am walking on this path where I don’t belong; This path is so long. My head’s twisted into a knot, I can’t seem to connect the dots; I can’t see a clock. How far have I gone? Walking on this path, Makes you steady for attacks; The road’s not flat, It is full of traps; I don’t even have a plan, How can I go back? I don’t know, There aren’t any open doors, Things aren’t going in a smooth flow, Why am I being so slow? Time won’t wait for me anymore Am I this close? At this rate, I’ll never make it till date; My mind’s on a different blank page, I can’t seem to shake; Why am I always late ? Or why did I wait? For the perfect moment that never came, That feeling of guilt is grave; You have to start to be great, Will this ever happen someday? This path is a never ending loop, If only I could find a broom; To dust off the gloom and doom, And make room For the light to loom and bloom, But that wish will never come true; How will I move? While everyone is doing okay, At least that’s what they say; Maybe we all experience the same, Maybe we can win this game; We can get rid of this pain, I  just need to be calm and find a proper aim; Maybe I was looking at the wrong way, We all go through bad days; All I need is a simple ray, To remind me that this path of haze; Is not my fate, And there is an open gate Waiting for me on the other side of this place.

NEELU SUNIL KALRA Yoga Sadhaka | Mindfulness Guide Certified 200-Hour TTC LinkedIn Profile Website (‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ का दार्शनिक पाठ) Sometimes, deep philosophical ideas are hidden in the most unexpected places. A television serial’s title song, heard many times without much thought, can suddenly become a doorway to deeper understanding. When we pause and listen carefully, even familiar words can begin to reflect timeless truths about life, change and awareness. This is precisely what my video “प्रकृति का नाटक, पुरुष का मौन — ‘क्योंकि सास भी कभी बहू थी’ कादार्शनिक पाठ” invites you to explore. Each line of the title song is explained in relation to Samkhya philosophy, helping us understand life, consciousness & relationships in a simple and meaningful way. Samkhya Philosophy: Two Principles of Reality (सांख्य दर्शन: वास्तविकता के दो मूल तत्व) Samkhya Darshan is widely considered oldest of the six orthodox (Astik) schools of Indian philosophy, which explains existence through two fundamental principles: MulaPrakriti (मूलप्रकृति) – eternal, the subtlest unmanifest material principle in potential form. It consists of three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in perfect equilibrium Purusha (पुरुष) – eternal, pure consciousness, soul, atman, inactive, silent, changeless, devoid of Gunas. Creation begins when Prakriti comes in close proximity to Purusha (pure consciousness). Purusha does nothing, it neither acts nor creates, it simply witnesses. Yet, its mere presence disturbs the perfect balance of the three gunas within MulaPrakriti. This disturbance of gunas sets the process of evolution in motion, giving rise to 23 evolutes of Prakriti called as Vyakt Prakriti or Manifested Prakriti. Starting from intelligence and ego to mind, senses and the physical elements A Popular Song, A Philosophical Vision (एक लोकप्रिय गीत, एक दार्शनिक दृष्टि) The title song of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” talks about family, relationships and the changes we go through in life. At one level, it describes everyday emotions and social roles that many people relate to. But when we look a little deeper, it shows how life unfolds as a play of Prakriti, while the observer remains steady. Prakriti: The Drama of Life (प्रकृति का नाटक: जीवन की निरंतर गति) Prakriti is always active and changing. It is the reason life keeps moving forward. Just like a TV serial goes from one episode to the next, our lives move through different situations/ relationships, happiness and problems. In families and society, we often get stuck in the roles we play. Feelings come up, expectations grow & arguments happen. This is the drama (natak) of Prakriti, it keeps going on naturally. Purusha: The Silent Witness (पुरुष का मौन: साक्षी भाव की शक्ति) Contrasting this activity is Purusha, the silent, witnessing consciousness. Purusha does not interfere, judge or react. It simply observes. When we rest in this witnessing state, we begin to see thoughts, emotions and roles as movements happening within us, not as our true identity. In yoga and meditation, this is known as साक्षी भाव , or the witness attitude. Life is experienced completely, but without getting caught or entangled within it. “Aaina phir bhi wahi” reminds us that while roles, experiences & faces change, the one who witnesses them remains the same. This Aaina/ Mirror itself is Purusha. Seeing Beyond Roles (भमिू काओ ंके पार देखना) The line “सास भी कभी बहू थी” has a deep meaning. It reminds us that every role in life is temporary. A daughter-in-law was once a child and a mother-in-law was once a daughterin-law. When we understand this, kindness and understanding arise naturally. Everything we experience— thoughts, emotions, relationships, conflicts and the many roles we play in life —is the dynamic play of Prakriti. How we think, feel & act in every role is shaped by the three gunas of Prakriti. These gunas influence our behaviour, thoughts, actions & reactions. Depending upon the dominance of one of the gunas, sometimes we feel calm and clarity, sometimes restlessness and sometimes confusion. Roles keep changing and the gunas keep playing their part, however behind all this movement, stands Purusha : the silent observer who sees, experiences and yet remains untouched. This reflects the Samkhya teaching that Prakriti is changing , while Purusha is stable and unchanging. Yoga: Balancing Drama and Silence (योग: नाटक और मौन के बीच संतुलन) Yoga is not an escape from life’s drama, it is a way to live within it consciously. Through yoga practices i.e. asana, pranayama, meditation & self reflection, we learn to: Participate in life without losing ourselves Observe without being consumed by drama Act from awareness rather than habit Conclusion: Awareness Within the Drama By linking a well known TV serial title song with ancient philosophy, we see life as both dynamic and witnessed. While Prakriti performs its drama, we can rest in Purusha, the silent observer. Life unfolds beautifully when we watch without being entangled, understanding that change happens around us, but our inner mirror remains the same.

Presented by EI Events Committee (EIEC) Instagram On 20th December 2025, Emerald Isle witnessed one of its most vibrant, thoughtfully curated, and high-energy community events yet — EI’s Carnival 2025, themed Around the World. What unfolded over five magical hours was not just a carnival, but a celebration of diversity, collaboration, and community spirit at its very best. From Idea to Experience: Two and a Half Months in the Making The journey of EI’s Carnival 2025 began nearly two and a half months prior, with the core EIEC team and committed team members coming together through multiple rounds of brainstorming and planning. From pitching initial ideas to narrowing down the theme, every detail was debated, refined, and aligned to ensure the carnival felt fresh, exciting, and meaningful. After two previous carnivals with open-ended themes — including last year’s much-loved circus concept — the team wanted to introduce a structure that still allowed creativity, while adding an extra layer of excitement. The Around the World theme did exactly that. A Theme That Made Choosing Easier — and More Fun One of the biggest pieces of feedback from past carnivals was simple but telling: “There’s so much food, we don’t know what to choose!” This year, the global theme became the solution. By anchoring stalls to international cuisines, residents could instantly gravitate toward flavors they loved — Mexican, Italian, Asian, Indian, and more — while also discovering something new. For home chefs, the theme sparked enthusiasm and healthy competition, giving them the chance to represent cuisines from across the globe, while popular favorites kept everyone eagerly guessing what they’d bring to the table. A Carnival That Flowed — Literally Food remained at the heart of the carnival, but this year marked a significant evolution in how the event was experienced. For the first time, the entire setup expanded seamlessly into the garden area, creating a single, cohesive flow across Emerald Isle. As residents strolled through food stalls, accessory counters, and activity zones, they could enjoy the beautifully lit garden space as part of the experience — not as an afterthought. The layout was carefully designed to avoid congestion, encourage exploration, and keep energy levels high throughout the evening. Firsts That Made It Special EI’s Carnival 2025 introduced several exciting firsts: A dedicated stage with live performances High-energy DJ sets that kept the crowd moving A powerful drum circle featuring 25 drummers, playing in unison and drawing residents together in a shared rhythm-filled experience From 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, the carnival saw over 2,000 residents actively participating — eating, shopping, dancing, and celebrating together. Something for Everyone — Especially the Kids With over 120 stalls spanning food, shopping, and games, inclusivity was a core focus. Two entirely free game zones for children were thoughtfully curated by the EIEC team, featuring: Trampolines A bouncy castle Mini go-karting Additionally, balloon shooting, sponsored by Snabbit, added to the fun. The games and play areas were intentionally grouped to reduce wait times and prevent overcrowding — allowing children to move freely between activities while waiting their turn. Coordination, Care, and Community Behind the scenes, meticulous planning ensured smooth crowd movement, clear zoning, and a layout that encouraged comfort rather than chaos. Every decision — from stall placement to game sections — was rooted in one goal: ensuring everyone could enjoy the carnival without stress or long queues. A Night to Remember Pulling off an event of this scale — with thousands of attendees — and hearing overwhelmingly positive feedback is no small feat. EI’s Carnival 2025 succeeded not just as an event, but as a shared memory-maker, closing the year on a high note and leaving residents smiling, energized, and already looking forward to what’s next. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors Snabbit, IndusInd Bank, and Enrich for supporting the vision and helping scale the carnival to what it became. As we step into 2026, EI looks forward to many more moments of togetherness, celebration, and joy — because when a community comes together, the world truly feels closer to home.

Harinath Cricket Fan EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog From sidelines to center pitch—rage, grit, and joy collided. We didn’t play alone; we moved as one force. Sweat, pride, noise, silence—all bound into one unforgettable day Till yesterday, I was never as much a fan of playing cricket as I was of watching it. But today, I can’t say that anymore. Today, I understood something deeply: it’s not the sport that makes it great... it’s the people. People who play as a team, with big hearts, who stay till the end and create a bond that lasts. We didn’t play as alone. We played as one . Everyone brought their best... like spokes, wheels, bearings, and lubricants of a powerful machine... moving in perfect rhythm, creating no unnecessary noise, unshaken by the noise around us. That synchronicity calmed us from within. Calm minds brought us closer. Our energies aligned... in the right place, at the right time. When one torch fell, another quietly lifted it high. And together, we shone brighter... as a single, strong spirit of the game. I feel grateful to be part of this team. I’m proud that I gave my best. And I’m equally proud of every single one who did the same. It gave me enough fuel for the future.. to go that extra mile, to push myself a little more. Not just for me, but for a team that moves as one... like a quiet beast , full of pride, ready to take on whatever comes its way. A silent roar.

Smita Shetty Chartered Accountant (CA);   FINANSYS LinkedIn ; Beyond Boardrooms by Smita Shetty Every January, my husband and I block one evening on the calendar - no phones, no spreadsheets at first, just two cups of chai and one honest question - Do we still feel financially secure the way we did last year? Because numbers alone don’t answer that. Lot of my folks look as Insurance as either investment or expense. For us, it’s a mitigation plan, when done first and right, it absorbs life’s shocks quietly and there’s an unexpected side effect to it, it allows us to maintain a more efficient emergency fund, while letting the rest of our money work with purpose instead of sitting still out of fear. Only after that do we look at our investments. This year, allocation took longer than usual, with global tensions, changing market ratios, and uneven performance across segments, we felt the need to reassess our mix. Small and mid-caps had underperformed for a while, so we used the opportunity to book partial profits in silver to help with tax planning, ofcourse with the intention to re-enter at a more appropriate time. Then came a moment of pause. On paper, we held several mutual funds tagged against goals. But when we looked under the hood, many of them owned the same companies - different fund names but same exposure. We also checked whether fund managers had recently changed, whether strategies had drifted, and whether diversification was real  or just assumed. Retirement planning followed, not because it’s imminent, but because assumptions age faster than we realise. Instead of fixating on a single corpus number, we talked about how life might actually look. Some expenses will rise, others will naturally fall away. Next, we pulled up our parents’ SWPs. The intention wasn’t return optimisation but just to make sure the income still feels comfortable for their current lifestyle. A small check, but one that mattered. Nothing dramatic changed that evening, but we did gain clarity. Over the years, I’ve learnt that good financial planning isn’t about predicting the future perfectly. It’s about building discipline, creating room to adapt, and reducing the mental load money often brings - so money supports life decisions, instead of limiting them. For families who’d like their financial plan reviewed with this same lens of clarity and practicality, we’re always open to a conversation

Vinayak Rao A study abroad counselor at Gradmonk Former Immigration Officer, New Zealand Embassy Ex-India Representative, University of Auckland Education Counsellor in Hiranandani, Powai LinkedIn Mrs. Baluwala recently asked me, “Which international board IB or Cambridge should we choose for Vihaan?” It’s a common question. But it’s also the wrong one. Because choosing between IB and Cambridge (IGCSE / A-Levels) isn’t about which board is “better.” It’s about how your child learns, thinks, and grows. The IB is built on breadth and inquiry. Students write, reflect, debate, connect subjects, and learn to think across disciplines. It rewards curiosity, time management, and intellectual risk-taking. The Cambridge pathway is built on depth and mastery. Students go deep into fewer subjects, focus on content rigor, and are assessed through structured exams. It suits learners who like clarity, structure, and academic specialization. IB asks: Can you connect ideas? Cambridge asks: Can you master a subject deeply? Neither is superior. They simply value different skills. I often tell parents this: IB prepares students for uncertain futures. Cambridge prepares students for clear academic trajectories. One trains generalists who can adapt. The other trains specialists who can go deep. And then there’s the child in the middle — creative but disciplined, curious yet focused. For them, the decision isn’t about the board. It’s about the environment — the school, the teachers, the support system. Because no curriculum works in isolation. A great IB school can outperform a weak Cambridge one. And vice versa. So before asking, “IB or Cambridge?” Ask instead: How does my child learn? Do they thrive with exploration or structure? Breadth or depth? Reflection or exams? The right board won’t just help your child get into a university. It will help them become a learner who understands how they think. And that matters far more than the logo on the report card. Book an expert consultation for Admissions with Vinayak Rao (Education Consultant) on 9819700567

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.