Dr. Yogesh Suradkar Founder & CEO of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd Consultant, Startup Mentor, Ex VP R&I L'Oréal, P&G, Marico LinkedIn Your body does not run on willpower. It runs on timing. Biological Rhythm is your body’s 24-hour internal timing system. It influences sleep, energy, focus, mood, metabolism, productivity and recovery. Feeling sharp in the morning but drained by afternoon? That is not always laziness. It may be rhythm misalignment. Your body takes daily timing cues from light, sleep, food, movement, stress, screens and routine. When these signals become inconsistent, energy, focus and recovery start getting disrupted. Start with 5 Biological Rhythm anchors: 1. Wake up at a consistent time 2. Get morning daylight 3. Move during the day 4. Reduce late-night screen and stress stimulation 5. Protect your sleep window Download my complimentary 24-Hour Biological Rhythm Alignment Playbook here: Click The playbook includes: 24-hour alignment map 5 rhythm anchors 7-day rhythm reset Personal Rhythm Scorecard Comment “Biological Rhythm” if your sleep, energy or focus feels out of sync. Follow Instagram link for science-led insights on Biological Rhythm, Circadian Rhythm, sleep, energy, longevity, beauty, wellness and human performance.

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 How did eight USA universities end up being called the Ivy League the most powerful academic brand in the world. The Ivy League didn’t begin as a ranking. It began as a rivalry. In 1852, Harvard and Yale competed in what’s considered the first intercollegiate sporting event in the U.S. — a rowing race. Other old colleges followed. Games multiplied. Rivalries hardened. By the late 1800s, these universities needed rules. Not for admissions. For sports. In 1954, eight universities signed an agreement to regulate athletics, scholarships, and student life. They called themselves the Ivy League. The eight were already old: Harvard (1636) Yale (1701) Princeton (1746) Columbia (1754) UPenn (1740) Brown (1764) Dartmouth (1769) Cornell (1865) What most people miss: The Ivy League was never meant to signal academic superiority. It was an athletic conference. Over time, something interesting happened. These schools doubled down on: Liberal arts foundations Faculty-led research Small classes and discussion Intellectual independence Excellence compounded. Reputation followed. Decades later, “Ivy League” stopped meaning sport. It became shorthand for prestige. But prestige was the byproduct, not the plan.

Leyansh Mantri 10 years A hopeful poem about creating a better tomorrow through small, meaningful actions today. From planting trees and nurturing nature to keeping our surroundings clean, it reminds us that collective responsibility can help build a healthier, happier and greener world. Starting my day from today, Thinking of making a better everyday. For creating a better tomorrow, First we need to remove the sorrow. Starting with planting trees, So that we can breathe free. By puting seeds in soil, Letting nature's magic unfoil. Picking up all the litter and trash, So that the nature doesn't crash. We should recognize it first, Or our world will become the worst. Together we can shine like the sun, Making everyday full of fun. We will live there with pleasure, If we treat nature like treasure.

Aadhyaya Gupta 10 years A heartfelt poem celebrating the people who brighten our darkest days. Through the love of a mother and the joy of friendship, the poet reflects on gratitude, companionship and the little moments that make life brighter. When my days are gloomy, Mom is there to flip my frown. When my days are black and dark, Mom is there to start the spark. Staying with me every day, Giving me ideas all day. My friends keep my hopes high, By bringing fun through the light. Singing songs of fun and buns, Leaping high above the sun. Playing with me every day, Walking, talking every day. These folks have been my guiding light, Who help me shine super bright. Lighting up my day so bright, How can I thank them for making my life so bright? Written By Aadhyaya Gupta T5-1302

Shiv Agrawal 10 years A young student discovers that small, consistent efforts can lead to big results. By practising mathematics every day instead of waiting until the last moment, he gains confidence, scores full marks, and learns the value of discipline and perseverance. Small Changes, Big Impact "Next week, we will have a Mathematics Written Test," our maths teacher announced. As soon as I reached home, I told my mother about it. Usually, I would wait until the last minute to study, but this time I decided to do something different. I made a small promise to myself; I would practise maths every day for just one week. Every evening, I revised the chapters, solved questions from my rough notebook, and cleared my doubts with my mother. Some days I felt lazy, but I reminded myself that even a little practice every day was better than studying everything at once. Finally, the test day arrived. I was a little nervous, but I also felt prepared. When the teacher distributed the question papers, I took a deep breath, read every question carefully, and started writing. The first section had MCQs, followed by fill-in-the-blanks, arranging numbers in ascending and descending order, place value, face value, and word problems. Because I had practised every day, I was able to solve the questions with confidence. A few weeks later, our teacher returned the answer sheets. My heart was beating fast as she called out my marks. "Thirty out of thirty!" she said with a smile. I couldn't stop smiling. I felt proud-not just because I got full marks, but because I had learned an important lesson. That one small change in my daily routine made a big difference. It taught me that success doesn't always come from doing something extraordinary. Sometimes, practising a little every day is all it takes to achieve something great. - Shiv Agrawal 10 years

Priya Chaturvedi Global Markets Professional, avid reader, finding rhythm in semi-classical dance and expression in Hindi verse. LinkedIn A sharp and witty reflection on the importance of freedom of expression, urging us to think, question and speak up. Through humour and everyday examples, the article reminds us that silence is easy, but finding our voice is essential. "बोल के लब आज़ाद हैं तेरे…" "…बोल ज़ुबान अब तक तेरी है"। फ़ैज़ की कविता है जो बिना लाग-लपेट के हमसे अपनी बात रखने के लिए कहती है। अभिव्यक्ति की आज़ादी केवल एक मौलिक अधिकार नहीं है, जीवन की आधारशिला है। भगवान ने ये हुनर केवल इंसान को दिया है कि वो सोच सकता है, लेकिन मन की बात पढ़ी जा सके ऐसा शऊर, भगवान इंसान को देना भूल गए। तो ज़माने गुज़रे पर मन की बात कहना ऑटोमेट नहीं हो पाया और कहना-सुनना जारी है, यही कहने-सुनने का सिलसिला सारी खोज, विस्तार, विकास, प्रदर्शन, युद्ध, शांति, अपराध, विरोध आदि का कारक है। इसीलिए ये कहना गलत नहीं है कि धरती शेषनाग के फन पर नहीं बल्कि अभिव्यक्ति की आज़ादी पर टिकी हुई है। बोलने की आज़ादी है और कब क्या कितना बोलना चाहिए उसके कोर्स व्हाट्सएप पर उपलब्ध हैं। सब सोचते हैं कि अपनी अभिव्यक्ति व्हाट्सएप पर कर लें, ऐसी बरसात में सड़क पर कौन जाए। मन की तसल्ली के लिए लोग अब डिजिटली अपनी अभिव्यक्ति करते हैं, जो काफी हद तक विचारों से अधिक “रिमेनिंग बैटरी %” पर निर्भर करती है। हम या आप कोई भी हो, अभिव्यक्ति अपने लिए चाहता है अपने प्रति नहीं। जो बात हम कहें वो आलोचना है लेकिन कोई और कहे तो मानहानि है। मुझे तो लगता है मानहानि शब्द का तो ईजाद ही इसलिए किया गया ताकि अभिव्यक्ति की आज़ादी को टक्कर दी जा सके। और सच मानिए टक्कर ज़ोरदार है। अभिव्यक्ति और मानहानि महाभारत के तीरों की तरह एक दूसरे को काट देते हैं। अच्छा, अभिव्यक्ति का समय भी बड़ी ज़रूरी चीज़ है। अब नेताओं का ही किस्सा लीजिए, “गरीब मज़दूर के पेट की आग, जो उनकी रैली के भाषणों में सुलगती है, सदन के एसी उसे मानो बुझा ही देते हैं”। वैसे नेताओं को छोड़िए, वो वैसे भी मानसून सत्र में अपना हल्ला-गुल्ला कर रहे हैं, उनके हंगामा को अभिव्यक्ति जैसी छोटी बातों के लिए स्थगित नहीं करना चाहिए। हम अपनी बात करते हैं, अपने दफ़्तर में ना बोल पाने वाली जनता सोचती है कि जो लोग अन्याय का शिकार हैं, अपनी आवाज़ क्यों नहीं उठाते। उन्हें मालूम भी तो होना चाहिए कि आवाज़ उठानी है। कोई अंत्योदय की आस लगाए बैठा हो तो सूरज को जल ही देता है, उसके विस्तार पर प्रश्न नहीं उठाता। खैर नहीं मालूम होने का भी बहुत हर्ज़ाना नहीं है क्योंकि जिन्होंने आवाज़ उठाई उन्हें कौनसा वैकुंठ मिल गया है, यहीं कोर्ट में भटकते फिरते हैं अपनी अभिव्यक्ति की फाइल लिए। लेकिन सुनिए, कहना ज़रूरी है। कहिए कि आप हर बच्चे की आँखों में रंग देखना चाहते हैं, कहिए कि पीपीटी को किताबों की जगह लेने का कोई हक़ नहीं है, कहिए कि अभिव्यक्ति बस ट्विटर का ट्रेंड या इंस्टाग्राम की रील नहीं है, कहिए क्योंकि चुप रहकर देखना भी सहमति है। किसी को अगर ये मुगालता है कि अभिव्यक्ति को बांधा जा सकता है तो वह इसलिए है कि हम अपनी आज़ादी का इस्तेमाल सही ढंग से नहीं कर सके हैं। सोचिए, कहिए, पूछिए क्योंकि आपको अभिव्यक्ति का अधिकार है, खैर मेरा काम था, कि आज़ादी का पर्व आ रहा है आपको याद दिला दूं, "बोल कि लब आज़ाद हैं तेरे, बोल ज़ुबान अब तक तेरी है, बोल के सच जिंदा है अब तक, बोल जो कुछ कहना है कह ले”

Samiksha Verma 9th grade. Many in life have found ideas that change the way they think, they feel and the way they believe. I had one too, direction over destination. Most of you may already know what it means, but I’ll tell you anyway, it is shifting from destination to direction changes how you feel about failure. A missed promotion or a broken plan is no longer a total disaster. It is just a detour. It asks a new question: Are you still moving in the right direction? If yes, then you are not lost. You are just on a richer, more winding path than you planned. This mindset brings a deep sense of peace. You stop waiting for your life to start. Your life is happening right now, in the way you treat people, the effort you put into your work, and the honesty you bring to your quiet moments. The destination will take care of itself eventually, but the direction is yours to choose every single morning. How I found this idea? How did it change my life? When I was seven years old, my entire world was about one thing: learning to ride my shiny blue bicycle without training wheels. That bike was my destination. One day, my dad finally took the training wheels off. I gripped the handlebars so tight my knuckles turned white. "Just pedal fast and look straight ahead," Dad said, holding the back of my seat. He ran alongside me, then let go. For three glorious seconds, I was flying. Then, the handlebars wobbled. I panicked, jammed the brakes, and tipped over right into the prickly bushes at the edge of the driveway. My knee was scraped, and my pride was completely shattered. I sat in the grass, crying angry tears. "I’m never riding this stupid bike again!" I yelled. "I'm just bad at it!" My mum tried to help me too, both did, for three months straight, but no matter how hard we tried it never worked out! Back then, I had two friends who were the best people I could’ve asked for, they told me to not worry about how I can manage to ride the bike, they told me worry about how I’m going to do it, what I’m willing to do for it. So I did. Every day for three weeks I practiced with them, on how to ride it, every day they guided me, for second graders, we were an amazing team! And I tried and tried and tried until one day… I did it! I learnt it! I made it! And I felt more happy than I ever could, it felt better than to give up on that bike. That’s also when I realised it was never about the destination it was all about the direction.

Kiyaan Pradhan 10 years A tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, one of cricket’s greatest icons and an inspiration to millions around the world. From his unforgettable debut as a 16-year-old to his legendary journey of 100 international centuries, his determination and passion remain inspiring. This piece celebrates his remarkable legacy, exemplary personality, and the inspiration he continues to provide to young cricket lovers.

Chintan Mehta EI Library Team Recently, fourteen children from our society walked into the clubhouse for four afternoons — and walked out a little different. They came in wondering what they would be doing for nearly 5 hours on 4 days, and worrying that their precious vacation time was going to go away in yet another class, but what unfolded blew away their own minds! Through games & activities they learnt how to deal with their little stresses, build a strong character and become someone everyone would love to befriend. They ran around all they could, harnessed the power of their own breath and then sat still in meditation-which one child described was an experience of complete calm, without any thoughts or worries about school starting or how to cope up with homework or studies. Having learnt ancient techniques to quieten the mind & sharpen focus, they soon discovered that their intuition had heightened. By the end of the course, some of them were mindreading, colouring with their eyes covered, while others were reading blindfolded from placards handed to them at random. It was an absolute delight to watch them marvel at their own newfound capabilities! But the blindfold is not the point. It is simply the visible signal that something has shifted underneath — a softening of the noise in a child’s mind, an opening of an intuitive faculty all of us are born with and most of us slowly lose touch with. The changes that stayed with me were the quieter ones, which the parents began telling me about, one by one. During the course, the children were gently asked to stay away from junk food. There was one boy for whom this was, frankly, the hardest possible request and yet he kept his word, all four days, without fuss or reminder. His mother told me she had never quite seen him hold to something like that before. It was a small thing, and it was not a small thing at all. There was a boy who had been losing to his uncle at chess for a long time. A few days into the course, he won. Nothing about the board had changed, only the child sitting at it — a little calmer, a little clearer. Sometimes that is all it takes. Being able to read or do things blindfolded has no real application in the world outside, but what these techniques and activities do is allow children to build & trust their intuition more and more so that they will always take the right decisions for themselves. Having improved focus, they will be able to study & grasp things faster and with a more balanced activity of both hemispheres of the brain, excel in academics as well as multiple extra-curriculars at the same time. This has been experienced by tens of thousands of kids across the globe already who have learnt and have been practicing the Intuition Process by the Art of Living. We spend years trying to teach our children focus, calmness and clarity. We pay tutors, we buy books, we run from one class to another. And here, in the unhurried rhythm of a few afternoons at our own clubhouse, something opened up in these children that all of that effort had been reaching for. We will be organising more such courses. If you are wondering whether to enrol your child the next time around, I will only say this: do not let it pass by. They will not be eight or ten or twelve forever. These are the years when the soil is still soft, and the smallest seeds grow into the deepest trees.

Photo by Jannik on Unsplash Avnish Anand LinkedIn; Medium Why Achraf Hakimi and Ayyoub Bouaddi are torch bearers for future French footballers of multicultural origins On June 13th, Morocco’s 18 year old wonder kid midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself to the larger world. In a commanding performance at the heart of Morrocco’s midfield, he completely dominated the likes of Casemiro and Fabinho. While football nerds and talent scouts have known about him for a while, this was truly the moment when the larger footballing universe stood up and took notice of this amazing talent. Bouaddi belongs to a long line of footballers whose origins lie in one of the former French colonies but were born in France and nurtured in the French football academies. However there is big difference. He’s an elite talent who represented France at all age group levels but decided to represent Morocco at the senior level. He follows in the footsteps of Achraf Hakimi, another elite level talent who gave up the chance to represent Spain and chose Morocco instead. Both of them are exceptions to the way the relationship between France and its former colonies work when it comes to football talent. France has arguably been the most dominant footballing nation in the last 30 odd years. A key reason has been the presence of sons of immigrants from former colonies (Zinedine Zidane, Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele etc etc ). Without this diaspora talent, there is no way France becomes the football powerhouse that they have become in the last 30 years. The dominance of the multicultural player pool has been a heavily debated topic inside and outside France. None of the former imperialist powers have benefited from diaspora talent like the way France have. Almost 80% of the French squads in the last 3 decades usually consist of multicultural talent. Critics have called this “Sporting Neocolonialism” where a former imperialist power continue to brazenly raid the riches of its former colonies. Long after the last of the French Legion left their shores. This raiding of talent has given France unprecedented footballing success. And the gains aren’t just limited to success for the national sides. The French clubs and their academies have also benefitted tremendously. While Brazil remains the biggest importer of football talent in absolute terms, France is no 1 when it comes to exports to the top 5 leagues in Europe. As we all know this where the richest clubs in the world play and needless to say, French clubs are at the top when it come to regularly securing high transfer fees for the multicultural talent they develop in their academies. There is also political mileage and soft power. Success on the pitch allows France to project an image of a harmonious, well integrated multicultural society. Even though the reality is far from it. Are there any benefits for the former colonies ? Or is it just like the plunder of the old imperialist days ? The reality is that the colonies are also benefitting. Earlier as per FIFA rules, a player who represented a country at any level was locked with that country for life. A 2004 FIFA ruling changed that. As per the new rules, the restriction came into play only if you represented a country at the senior level. This allowed many French youth internationals who hadn’t made the cut for the senior side to switch their allegiance to their parents’ countries. As a result many of the former colonies started to get an infusion of top level European trained talent. They have undoubtedly benefitted from it. Essentially the former colonies are inheriting world class players at zero development cost. The entire cost of training and developing them at the top French academies like Clairefontaine are being borne by the French tax payer. Finally some capital moving in the other direction, albeit in an indirect way. These former colonies don’t have the development infrastructure that is available in France and there is no doubt that these finishing schools play a big role in ensuring these talented youngsters are converted into top class players at the highest level. This seems to be like a win-win relationship between France and its former colonies. Not quite actually. While the colonies are also benefitting, there has always been a huge asymmetry in the relationship. France gets all the elite , once in a generation talent. The Zidane’s, Mbappe’s, Pogba’s and Benzema’s of the world inevitably pick France. France usually gives such players their senior debuts very early, effectively locking them forever. They only need 25–30 players at any time for the national pool and they always get the best of the lot. The colonies get the best of the rest. The second tier talent. They aren’t bad but they are essentially like the QC rejects of French football. However, the disparity in the relationship is changing. At the 2026 World Cup, there are 99 players who were born and trained in France. Teams like Algeria, Senegal and Congo have 10+ players of this ilk. All the others like Morocco also have a handful. The number of multicultural players switching teams and representing the countries of their families’ origin has grown exponentially in recent years. The flow of players in the other direction has become a flood and the reverse talent movement has become very crucial to the success of many of these national teams. They might not be getting the elite players but the quantity of good players they are getting is transforming their fortunes. A case in point is the Senegal team which has become dominant in Africa. The footballing relationship between France and its colonies is becoming less asymmetrical and a little more symbiotic. Now there is the fascinating case of Ayyoub Bouaddi Players of his prodigious talent have ALWAYS chosen France. His transfer value could rise to a 100 million euros if he continues to perform at the same level and the Moroccans go deep. He was convinced by the Moroccan footballing project being undertaken for the 2030 World Cup which will be hosted in Spain and Morocco. There is also the case of Achraf Hakimi. Arguably the best right back in the world, Hakimi was born in Spain and part of the Real Madrid youth set up. He even attended training sessions with the Spanish national youth setup. But he never felt at home. Never felt a connection. He chose Morocco at the youth level itself. He has become an elite player and has also enjoyed unprecedented success with the Moroccan national team. Reaching the semis of the Qatar World Cup. The “not feeling a connection” part is interesting. There is racial inequality in French society ( even in other European countries ) and it is a serious social problem that many footballers of multicultural origin have spoken about. It will be interesting to see how the journeys of Hakimi and Bouaddi and the success they enjoy with Morocco influences the choices of future French born multicultural talent. They are getting world stage exposure and success previously thought impossible for African teams. It will only get bigger and better at 2030. The training facilities at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Complex are state of the art. Life is getting better and better as a Moroccan national team player. Their success could convince more such players to follow their path. If that happens the asymmetry will reduce even more. And African football will gain in a big way. I am cheering for that.

J.M.W. Turner — Norham Castle, Sunrise Nandini Mathur Author, Blog - 'मेरी कलम से' उगता सूरज, किरणों का पुंज, वसुधा पर लहराती मखमली मुंज। अम्बर में बिखरी स्वर्णिम धूप, मुस्काते फूलों का अनूठा रूप। सब अपनी आभा में सजते, अनायास मन में हैं बसते, पल भर में सबको अपना करते। मासूम पर्वत ताने सीना, अचल-अडिग से खड़े महान, बाँहों में लिए क्षमता भरपूर, उर में भरे असीम वरदान। मूल स्वरूप में रहते मौन, इनकी गरिमा नापे कौन, पल भर में मन को हर लेते। पर्वत की ओट से बहती नदियां, सागर से मिलने की आस लिए, उछलती-कूदती, अल्हड़-बावली सी, खुशियाँ जग की झोली में दिए। निज स्वरूप में रहतीं सदा, मन को हर्षित करतीं सर्वदा, पल में ही लेती अपना बना। प्राकृतिक अवस्था से यदि इतना लगाव, तो क्यों रखते हम बनावटी अंदाज! ऊपर से कुछ और, अंदर कुछ और... क्यों बाहरी देह को ही सजाते? क्यों अपनों से फासला बढ़ाते? क्यों नहीं इक-दूजे का हाथ बँटाते ? हे मानव! अंतर्मन को सुंदरतम बनाओ, खुशहाल रहो, कल्याणकारी बनो, जीवन को अपने तुम सफल करो। (स्वरचित) -नंदिनी माथुर- English Summary - The Rising Sun The rising sun, a bundle of golden rays, Velvet-green grass swaying across the earth, Golden sunlight scattered across the sky, And the enchanting beauty of smiling flowers. Each adorned in its own radiant glow, Yet quietly finding its way into our hearts, Winning us over in but a fleeting moment. The innocent mountains, standing tall and proud, Firm and steadfast, majestic and grand, Their arms holding immense strength, Their hearts filled with endless blessings. Silent, remaining true to their natural form, Who can ever measure their dignity? Yet, in a moment, they capture the heart. Rivers flowing from behind the mountains, Carrying within them a longing to meet the sea, Leaping and dancing, carefree and wild, Spreading joy wherever they go. Always remaining true to their natural self, Forever filling hearts with happiness, They make us their own in an instant. If we love nature so much in its natural state, Why then do we live behind artificial facades? Why be one person outside and another within? Why do we adorn only our outward selves? Why do we create distances from those we call our own? Why do we not lend each other a helping hand? O human, make your inner self truly beautiful. Live joyfully, become a source of goodness, And make your life truly meaningful. (Original composition) — Nandini Mathur Translated by ChatGPT

Priya Chaturvedi Global Markets Professional, avid reader, finding rhythm in semi-classical dance and expression in Hindi verse. LinkedIn Roja, a 1992 blockbuster which captured the national attention and forever changed the viability of dubbed regional cinema across India. It marks a tectonic shift from the hyper masculine action hero to a realistic protagonist with human nuance. Anchored by Arvind Swamy’s restrained charisma, Madhoo’s earnest innocence, and A.R. Rahman’s haunting, ethereal soundscape, it moved beyond the metrics of a traditional blockbuster. Redefining Patriotism The movies completely departs from the war driven high-octance patriotism and pivots to quiet resolve of an ordinary citizen. It sounds a message that even in peace, citizens love and are willing to serve the nation. Mani Ratnam does not dilute the heroism of a soldier, instead elevates the relevance of individual patriotism when hope is bleak and longing takes over. The film establishes the sanctity of the nation state which refuses to leave its citizens in despair. It balances the desperation of getting a loved one back at the any expense with the state’s commitment to secure strategic security for the future. In Rishi, we see a citizen’s duty and courage; in Roja, we feel the burning value of a single human life. The Emotional Metamorphosis The true emotional anchor of the film is the transformation of Roja. She is introduced as a reluctant, innocent, and vibrant village girl. Her initial immature self is later replaced by an iron-willed defiance. As she navigates the hostile terrain of Kashmir, she evolves into a person who is assertive and refuses to break down. She forces the state to acknowledge her personal grief. This arc is an emotional pillar of the plot which reminds us that strength is not always found in aggression but in the relentless refusal to give up on those we love. I find it amazing how the same plot can be translate for women of all ages. As a young girl who was watching it for the first time, I couldn’t imagine leaving my house, getting married and leave my ambition behind when I wanted to study further. My mother on the other hand could relate to the grief of the newlywed who is longing for her husband who is abducted by the terrorists. My dadi relates to Roja as a resilient wife in the face of tragedy, to her it was the story of modern Savitri saving a much handsome Satyawan. A masterstroke in aesthetics Roja is not just an emotional masterpiece, it is pleasing in aesthetics too. I remember watching the movie and wondering why did the bollywood not make more of these ? It is a break from the usual mansions, grandeur and the glamour of Karan Johar movies. Roja settles into a deliberately cool, haunting, blue grey landscape. It is immersed into the beauty of Kashmir, so much so that one’s heart skips a beat with every frame. Roja makes you want to visit Kashmir and reminds you of the imminent danger in a single scene. It makes us question that if why is the paradise haunted but the bane of humanity that is terrorism. The Wardrobe is enchanting too, all attires are believable and my parents personally loved the woollens and shawls which inspired their winter wardrobe for years and still continue to do so. Roja’s saree drapes have not escaped any girl’s imagination of their future self. All in all, the film is pleasing to the heart, soul, eyes and ears. An ethereal soundscape A.R. Rahman, with his unparalleled skill, composed a soundtrack in perfect harmony with the landscape, characters, and mood. Rather than feeling forced, every track fits like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle, flowing seamlessly with the storyline. Rahman introduced a style that sounds like quiet contemplation. I love the album of Roja, Dil Hai Chhota Sa still fills every little girl’s heart with joy and bubbly innocence, the verses of Bharat Humko reminds us how deeply we relate to this land, and I still find people humming the masterpiece Roja Jaaneman. To me, the album is bundle of emotions with considerable ease and no chaos. The movie proves a very crucial point for me, to be catchy one doesn’t need to compromise on the lyrics or the vibe of the song. I still find myself wandering to “Songs similar to Yeh haseen wadiyan” sometimes. Roja: A Landmark Success Roja was a triumph in every sense. It was a commercial feat, earning triple its ₹2 crore budget, and it transformed the music industry with a soundtrack that sold over 15 million units. For a generation, it became a Doordarshan staple filling every heart with warmth, romantic tickle, grief, longing and quiet patriotism. The movie concludes with the melody “Bharat humko Jaan se pyara hai” which captures all quiet emotions which overwhelm the audience through the course of the film. Did you know ? 1) The plot is vaguely inspired by the abduction of K. Doraiswamy and the pursuit of his release by the Indian state. 2) The music of Chinno Chinno Aasai (Dil hai chotta sa) was actually a jingle composed by Rahman for a coffee or tea brand. 3) The film was shot entirely outside Kashmir due to security threats, the shots are of Coonoor and Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Manali in Himachal.