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EI Eco Crusaders Team Reachout to Us Event Summary An engaging Earth Day celebration where children explored sustainability through creative activities, gardening, and interactive learning—bringing the theme “Planet vs Plastics” to life in a fun and meaningful way. Introduction The spirit of Earth Day came alive at the L&T Club House as young residents gathered for an evening that blended creativity, learning, and action. With the theme “Planet vs Plastics,” the event set the stage for children to connect with nature in simple, hands-on ways. Event Details Date: 18th April 2026 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Venue: L&T Club House Participants: 29 children Theme: Planet vs Plastics Event Journey The event began with an atmosphere full of excitement as 29 enthusiastic children came together to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way. Designed to combine fun with learning, the session introduced young minds to the importance of sustainability and responsible living. One of the most engaging activities of the day was coconut shell painting and planter-making. Children discovered how everyday waste materials, like tender coconut shells, can be transformed into beautiful and useful planters. The experience became even more special as they moved into gardening—filling their planters with compost and soil, and planting saplings with their own hands. This simple yet powerful activity helped them understand recycling, composting, and caring for nature. The energy in the room rose during the environmental quiz, where children eagerly participated and tested their knowledge about the Earth and sustainable practices. The quiz added a lively and competitive spirit, while also helping them learn new and interesting facts. Winners were rewarded, making the moment even more memorable. The celebration concluded with a thoughtful pledge activity at the Earth Day Photo Booth. Each child selected a simple, practical eco-friendly promise—like saving water or switching off appliances when not in use. They wrote their pledges on fridge magnets, captured the moment at the photo booth, and took home a lasting reminder of their commitment. Key Moments Creative transformation of coconut shells into eco-friendly planters Hands-on gardening experience with compost and saplings Energetic participation in the environmental quiz Thoughtful eco pledges captured at the Earth Day Photo Booth Smiles, excitement, and a strong sense of responsibility among children Community Impact The Eco Crusaders celebration was more than just an event—it sparked awareness and inspired action among young participants. By turning learning into an experience, it encouraged children to adopt small but meaningful habits that contribute to a healthier planet. The enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment shown by the children reflected a growing sense of environmental responsibility within the community. Conclusion With creative planters in hand and thoughtful pledges in their hearts, the young Eco Crusaders left with more than just memories—they carried forward a mindset of care and responsibility towards the Earth. It was truly an evening well spent, where small actions planted the seeds for a greener future.

Harinath   EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog SECTION 1 Beginnings Where curiosity is pure, and identity is still unfolding Parv Dasani (9 yr) Curiosity in its purest form Who I am Me, I am a young child With expressions, I am quite mild I am a boy who is pretty shy Very smart, but never sly Studious I am, I like science Very unlucky too, always the bad dice I want to be a space scientist And remember, I am always an optimist Always curious, I ask a lot of questions I am always jumping from question to question Very clumsy though, always dropping things Always disturbed by noises, like the bell going ding-ding My hobby is primarily reading Joined by cricket and drawing Piano, chess and football follow These are stable, not hollow This is who I am I am generous and never get anyone scammed I am usually calm and kind I am a studious, 9-year-old child More About Parv Aarv Jain, T16 Kindness with quiet ambition My name is Aarv, which means melodious. I am kind, generous, and a great listener. I enjoy being adventurous and love animals. I dream of becoming a skilled cricket player. I always try to do well in my studies and aim to spread kindness, leaving a positive mark wherever I go. More About Aarv Shachii Manik, T9 Playing with words, creating wonder I love to play with words and eye each one with suspicion, as if it were up to something! That’s probably why I calmly crack crazy cryptic crosswords. You might catch me with a witch’s hat or doing a jig with giraffe ears on – anything to make kids read more. More About Shachii SECTION 2 Inner Worlds Where strength is quiet, and identity takes shape within Sangeetha Rao, T12C Gentle outside, unbreakable within An artist at heart, I express myself through food, finding joy among plants, books, and children. Warm and engaging outwardly yet deeply introverted within, I carry quiet strength. Beneath my gentle exterior lies a core of steel, grounded, resilient, and unwavering in everything I choose to pursue each single day. More About Sangeeta Umme, T16 Becoming through chaos and creation I am an artist of inner worlds and untamed paths. I create, teach, and rebuild—again and again. I chase stillness, yet crave expansion. From quiet corners to bold expressions, I turn feeling into form. I lose my way, then rise stronger. This is my adventure—becoming, creating, and living truthfully, without shrinking. More About Umme Manjari Gupta Balancing roles, building purpose I am an economics post graduate balancing life as a wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. Passionate about travel, cooking, and exploring new places, I teach Vedic Maths guide for Olympiad to students. I strive to turn my passion into a profession while supporting underprivileged children and growing through every role I embrace. In my recreational time, I love to watch movies and do yoga for mindfulness. Chandni Barak, T4 Sharp mind, curious spirit I'm a lawyer who keeps businesses afloat—mostly by not sinking them myself. By day, I manage projects and life while being more curious than my toddler and cat combined. I also try to wedge my leg into every business door I come across. So far, no splinters More About Chandni SECTION 3 Searching & Becoming Where answers are uncertain, and the question becomes the journey Chintan Mehta, T3 A quiet search beneath action A quiet rebellion:  owner of a landscaping company, obsessed with AI, who finds meditation to be the most important practice, enjoys tennis + trekking + engineering challenges. volunteer and teacher @ the Art of Living.  Wishing + working  towards a better society. And ponders over who I really am! More About Chintan Simar Bedi, T5 Driven by purpose, grounded in gratitude A soul that finds meaning in words, people, and stories—and magic in everyday life. Fueled with ideas, ambition, and passion, I refuse to do things halfway. I create, I teach, I evolve—constantly becoming, unfolding the power of mind. I’m the creator, rooted in purpose, moving with grit and strong will, always in gratitude and awe of the Universe. More About Simar Sanskriti Bhargava, T7 Choosing authenticity over approval I am a curious mind and a thoughtful observer, finding beauty in small details and quiet moments. I explore ideas and turn imagination into creativity. I choose authenticity over approval and courage over comfort. I am still becoming—learning, growing, and shaping a future that reflects who I truly am. More About Sanskriti SECTION 4 Perspective & Legacy Where life slows down, and meaning begins to settle Harinath, T15 Building paths where none existed My heart holds the wheel; my mind traces quiet constellations of direction. I move inch by inch, a patient force, loosening stone from mountain. I carve paths where none existed, so others may cross unafraid. Like an old man planting mango trees, I create for seasons I may never see— to connect, to build, to become. More About Harinath Arvind Pawar, T15 Collecting perspectives, not just places I grew up in dial-phone India, Rangoli on doorsteps, rock music crackling through black-and-white screens, and street cricket before anyone monetized childhood. Twenty countries later, Japan for culture, Italy for simplicity, Switzerland for precision, and India for civilizational history. I've learned that experience is the only degree that compounds. I stopped chasing jobs the day ambition showed up. Some people collect qualifications. I collect perspectives. More About Arvind Sandeep Mishra, T4 A life devoted to experiences I am Sandeep Mishra 67 years old , engineering graduate and happily settled retired person . If I look deeper ,I see myself as a person who has got an opportunity to live and experience this world . My philosophy is that one should accumulate as many experiences in life as possible in this life . After death all the material things stay behind but if there in life after death, one will carry all experiences of this life to next life . If one doesn’t believe in life after death then this life is an opportunity to get variety of experiences. So I have dedicated my life to learnings and love reading , writing poetry, playing percussion instruments & singing , traveling around the world, astrology , swimming etc etc . I am yet to experience many more things before the final call and god willing will learn few more skills in time to come . More About Sandeep A Note of Gratitude To everyone who paused… reflected… and chose to write— thank you. In a world that often asks us to explain ourselves to others, you chose to understand yourself. You didn’t try to impress. You didn’t try to fit a format. You simply showed up—as you are. And in doing so, you’ve given this space something rare— honesty. Each piece here is not just writing, it is a moment of truth. A glimpse into a life. A quiet act of courage. Thank you for trusting this platform, and more importantly, for trusting your own voice.

Aanya Das, 13 yrs old. Kindness is a quiet strength—soft in appearance, yet powerful enough to reshape hearts and moments. It asks for nothing, yet gives everything. A simple smile, a listening ear, a gentle word—these small acts ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully see. The Power of Kindness The world has some tough days, But we can solve these problems in many ways; Like solving them with non-violence, Cuz' that's the power of kindness! When you see the poor and needy, Offer them some money; A small amount won't just make them happy, But it saves their lives from death which is scary; It's all merry within the silence, Cuz' that's the power of kindness! When you see someone hurt and crying, Don't stand there instead you should be trying, To spread your kind words, And make them laugh and learn, To forget all the words of offence; Cuz' that's the power of kindness! When you see the pollution present in mother nature, You have many solutions to help & clean her; As you are dependent on her for many things, So it's your time to bring, The cleanliness; Cuz' that's the power of kindness! When you see animals in pain, You must make them gain; Energy to fight against the pain who are their foes, Or else you must take them home; To help them heal their weakness, Cuz' that's the power of kindness! When you face these kinds of problems, You can take help from people in different columns; Or from people you have helped, Cuz' at the end, That's the power of kindness!

Priya Chaturvedi Global Markets Professional, avid reader, finding rhythm in semi-classical dance and expression in Hindi verse. LinkedIn निराशा फूटी गागर को देख देख यदि लोचन भर आते हैं, भ्रमरों के गुंजन भी यदि मन की व्यथा बढ़ाते हैं, देख देख यदि नील गगन को स्मृतियाँ फिर जीवन पा जाती हैं, रागों की यदि स्वरमालाएँ क्रन्दन बनकर छा जाती हैं, हे मानव! यदि जीवन में इतनी ही घोर निराशा है, तब तो फिर यह जग जीवन भी एक झूठी सी अभिलाषा है। आशा माटी की मटकी छार हुई पर पनघट क्लांत नहीं होते, फूलों के झरने से भँवरे अमृत की आस नहीं खोते, गगन साँझ की स्मृति नहीं केवल धरा को उषा का सपन है, राग नहीं विरह में ललित केवल प्रेम में तिरता यमन है, थके हुए पाँवों से पंथी डगमग चलना ही अभिलाषा है, हे मानव! है चिंताओं से भरा किंतु जीवन का होना खुद में आशा है।

Parv Dasani 9 years Me, I am a young child With expressions, I am quite mild I am a boy who is pretty shy Very smart, but never sly Studious I am, I like science Very unlucky too, always the bad dice I want to be a space scientist And remember, I am always an optimist Always curious, I ask a lot of questions I am always jumping from question to question Very clumsy though, always dropping things Always disturbed by noises, like the bell going ding-ding My hobby is primarily reading Joined by cricket and drawing Piano, chess and football follow These are stable, not hollow This is who I am I am generous and never get anyone scammed I am usually calm and kind I am a studious, 9-year-old child

Sanskriti Bhargava HFSI, XI grade Writing, EI Kids Conner Editor I am a curious mind and a thoughtful observer, someone who finds beauty in small details and meaning in quiet moments. I ask questions, explore ideas, and turn imagination into creativity. I believe growth is a continuous journey shaped by resilience, empathy, and self-reflection. I choose authenticity over approval and courage over comfort, even when the path feels uncertain. As Oscar Wilde wisely said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”  This reminds me to honor my individuality and trust my own voice. I am not afraid of change, because every challenge helps me learn, evolve, and understand myself more deeply. I am still becoming—patiently learning, bravely growing, and confidently shaping a future that reflects who I truly am.

Samiksha  Verma 9th grade. At 11:30 PM, with almost nothing in the fridge, a desperate experiment turned into the creamiest, most unforgettable mac & cheese—proof that chaos sometimes cooks up pure magic. A meal I’ll never forget. I’m sure many of you have eaten many meals in your life, so have I, but there’s one meal I’ve eaten that I just can’t seem to forget. Mac & Cheese. It was 11:30 PM on a Tuesday, and I was staring into my fridge, which contained little more than a jar of pickles, a sad lime, and enough cheddar to keep a Wisconsin artisan in business. I didn’t need to make dinner; I needed a miracle, or at least a snack that wasn't a spoonful of peanut butter. Suddenly, the vague thought, "I’ll just throw some mac and cheese together," erupted into a full-blown culinary mission. I didn't have a recipe, I didn't have heavy cream, and I certainly didn't have the patience to make a roux that didn’t look like lumpy beige mortar. But what I did have was a desperate hunger and a reckless belief in the power of dairy. I boiled the noodles until they were "somewhere between al dente and mush," threw in a reckless amount of butter, and decided to just melt whatever cheese I had in a saucepan. "It’ll probably taste like melted plastic and regret," I mumbled, eyeing the oily mixture as I added way too much black pepper to mask potential failure. I dumped the cheese-sludge onto the noodles and stirred it with a fork. It looked… okay. It was just an accidental, last-minute, "I have no idea what I’m doing" meal. I took the first bite, prepared to weep over wasted cheese. Instead, I froze. It was—against all laws of science and my own culinary track record—absolutely incredible. It was impossibly creamy, ridiculously cheesy, and had that slight, glorious tang from the random sharp cheddar I’d used. The " black pepper mistake " actually made it taste like a fancy, gourmet bistro dish. I sat on the kitchen floor eating it straight out of the pot, basking in the glory of the greatest accidental meal of my life. I’ll never forget it, mostly because I have since tried to recreate it six times and failed spectacularly every single time. It was a 10-minute wonder born of chaos, the culinary equivalent of winning the lottery without buying a ticket.

Harinath Poet EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog A satirical verse exposing poets’ detachment from everyday life—mocking their lofty ideals, domestic avoidance, and delusions—before ending with a witty twist on Socrates, ostriches, and AI creativity Poets don’t live on the ground— they hover above dishes, blind to the grease and sweat that keep their world alive. They opt non-violence, feed stray dogs with metaphors, can they still scribble verses when chased down the street? They sing of love, but never stay back to wipe a toddler’s mess. “It’s not my thing,” they sigh, “my life is beauty alone.” Socrates knew— no place for poets in the new world. Practical? Never. Delusional? Always. And here I am, mocking poetry in a poem, waiting for poets to nod. My fellow poets chuckle, “Buddy, you exaggerate— the world isn’t that cruel.” So I hurl back these words: “Don’t be an ostrich!” Now spin your own verse, or ask the machines— these days, even they write better than us.

Simar Bedi Founder, Ekattva Beauty & Wellness Fitness Enthusiast Website ; Ekattva Instagram ; Personal Instagram ; LinkedIn  Every summer, a familiar checklist repeats in our homes: Swimming classes? - Done Extra tuitions? - Done Playtime downstairs? - Done   And yet, somewhere between structured routines and free play, parents often find themselves asking — “Is my child really growing, or just passing time?”   A recent feature by The Times of India highlights how summers can be a powerful window to nurture not just skills, but thinking, creativity, emotional strength, and confidence in children.   Because childhood isn’t just about staying occupied — it’s about becoming.   The Shift: From Activity to Awareness   Today’s parents are increasingly looking beyond traditional summer engagements. The focus is gently shifting from:   Keeping children busy → to keeping them engaged Learning what to think → to learning how to think Consuming content → to creating experiences   This is where the idea of mindful, holistic summer experiences comes in — spaces where children explore, express, and evolve.   What Truly Enriches a Child’s Summer?   The most meaningful summer activities often blend joy with growth. Think of a day where a child:   Starts with movement (like yoga or dance) Dives into stories and imagination Creates something with their hands Plays, collaborates, and laughs in a group Learns to express emotions and build confidence   Add a splash of swimming or even exposure to a new language, and suddenly summer becomes a beautiful mix of learning + living.   The Magic of “Roots & Wings” 🌈   Imagine giving your child both:   Roots — grounding them with values, awareness, and emotional strength Wings — helping them express, explore, and grow with confidence   That’s exactly what thoughtfully designed summer experiences aim to do.   Over a few weeks, children don’t just attend sessions — they transform:   •   Shy children begin to speak up •   Creative sparks turn into confident expression •   Screen time naturally reduces •   Friendships and teamwork blossom.   In the End, It’s About the Feeling   Years later, children won’t remember every class they attended.   But they will remember:   The joy of creating something new The confidence of speaking up The friendships they made The feeling of being seen, heard, and encouraged   And that’s what makes a summer truly unforgettable.  A Little Something for Our Community   And the best part — a thoughtfully curated, mindful summer experience inspired by these very ideas is now coming to life right here in our society. Introducing: EI Roots & Wings A Mindful, Holistic Summer Experience After an incredible journey with our batch of 2025 (see our favorite moments below!), we are thrilled to open doors for another season of transformation. We invite your child to step away from the screens and into a space of awareness and expression. Our curriculum is designed to give children Roots (values and emotional grounding) and Wings  (the confidence to explore and fly). The Daily Flow (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Mindful Starts:  Yoga, breathwork, and movement. Creative Immersion:  Storytelling, art, and hands-on making. Social Connection:  Collaborative play, laughter, and confidence building. Weekly Themes: Week 1: Calm & Confident Me (4 May -8 May) Week 2: Little Creators Club (11 May -15 May) Week 3: Nature Explorers (18 May -22 May) Week 4:  Kind Hearts & Happy Minds (25 May - 29 May) Week 5: Brave Voices & Bright Wings (1 June- 5 June)   If this resonates with what you’ve been looking for, it might be worth exploring for your child. 🌈✨   Flexible Enrollment:  Join us for the full 5-week journey, or pick the specific weeks that fit your family’s vacation plans!   Click to Fill out the form to register your child:   Or you can directly call Simar at +91 7814044119.   Flexible Enrollment:  Join us for the full 5-week journey, or pick the specific weeks that fit your family’s vacation plans! Feedback from Previous Workshops

Aditi Agrawal Founder of Humm Story 9819898102 Whatsapp ; Instagram A personal journey that turns everyday snacking into a balance of taste, health, and conscious choice. Snacking has quietly become a part of our daily rhythm—during meetings, at gatherings, or in those small pauses between a busy day. Yet, it often carries an unspoken trade-off: taste versus health. This is where The Humm Story  begins, with a simple idea—to enjoy food without second thoughts. The Humm Story was not born out of a structured business plan. It began with a personal experience. Like many modern women managing multiple roles, I often found myself searching for snacks that were both satisfying and nourishing. The challenge became more visible during social gatherings. The food was always familiar—fried, heavy, and comforting—but rarely something that felt balanced or nutritious. This led to a simple question: Why can’t party food be both enjoyable and wholesome? The answer came in the form of hummus. Hummus, a classic Mediterranean dip made from chickpeas, offers a rare combination—it is naturally rich in protein, high in fiber, and adaptable to different tastes and occasions. Despite these strengths, it has not yet become a regular part of Indian snacking habits. That gap became an opportunity. The Humm Story was created with a clear purpose—to make snacking, especially during social occasions, more thoughtful without losing the joy of indulgence. Each batch of hummus is prepared with a focus on both taste and nutrition. The intention is not to take away indulgence, but to give it a better meaning. Food, after all, is more than just sustenance. It brings people together, shapes conversations, and creates memories. Whether it’s a house party, an evening snack, or a quick bite between meetings, the idea is to make these moments feel complete—without compromise. The Humm Story is not just about introducing a product. It reflects a shift in how we approach food. A shift where choices are mindful, yet enjoyable. Where taste and well-being can exist together. Because the most meaningful stories are often shared over food—and even more so when that food makes you feel just as good after. Reflection Do you often find yourself choosing between taste and health while snacking? What would change if your everyday indulgences felt both satisfying and balanced? How can small food choices influence your larger lifestyle habits? The Humm Story is built on a simple belief—indulgence does not have to come with compromise. It is about making better choices feel natural, enjoyable, and part of everyday life. One dip at a time, it invites us to rethink how we snack, share, and celebrate food.

Kaalika-The Rise of Raktbeej Poonam Desai Author In the previous chapters, we saw Hiranya Kashyap and his aide Swarbhanu discover the resurrection stone at Kalimath and manage to find the blood stones. They resurrect demon Raktbeej while Sharvari, Dhaigham, Kasar and Dilan fail to stop them. As Raktbeej comes to power, chaos reins in the entire country. Mr. Raghav Sinha from the disaster management office is contacted by Hiranya under guise of Bija financials. The PM asks Mr. Sinha to contact DIG Pandey. They have a meeting with Sharvari and Kasar. Mr Sinha and DIG Pandey are shocked to learn about who was behind Raktbeej. They are now banking on Dilan and Dhaigham to find a solution. Meanwhile Hiranya and the demon Raktbeej have raised the bar. Chapter 15 Dilan and Dhaigham had spent days and nights going through the scriptures of the great battle and all the history of Mahasimha, but not one gave them the answer to how they could defeat Raktbeej. At the lunch table, Dilan picked at his food. Dhaigham had noticed that after their phone call with Sharvari, Dilan had become pensive. He caressed Dilan’s head and said, “Don’t worry yourself so much. When the time comes Devi Maa will guide the way.” “At the temple, despite the powers the Devi bestowed upon me, I couldn’t stop Hiranya. He was able to raise the demon because I failed at my duties. Look at the mayhem he is causing around our country. How are we ever going to rise from this calamity?” Dhaigham looked at the pictures of his ancestors on the wall of their old house. “They all awaited their destiny, but only you got the opportunity to fulfil the vows they took. That is an honour and you at your tender age have done your best to face this challenge. But every battle has its path. The skirmishes will turn to war and there will be a lot of collateral loss. Then the war will taper and one side will lose. But the side that wins also isn’t spared. They also suffer loss and injury and need time to come to terms with the victory.” Dilan pursed his lips. “If you are cheering me up, you aren’t doing a very good job.” Dhaigham smiled at his grandson, “I am not here to encourage you or put you down. I am here to tell you that the path is already paved, walking down the length is your duty. Dealing with whatever happens alongside and not leaving the path is your strength.” Dilan got up, his food still untouched. “I need some air.” He stormed out of the house and ended up at the temple. He leaned into the walls. The cold black stones were a relief to the burning anger within him. He sat there till the sun set and darkness began to fall. Just beyond the temple walls a small light shone. It was like a flame. It formed and dissipated like a mirage. Dilan reached out to touch it but it moved away. It appeared again into the woods on the border of their village. He followed it. The flame kept disappearing and reappearing as if directing him. The flame finally stopped near an old Banyan tree and hovered burning brighter than before. Dilan hadn’t walked through the woods before. He had not seen the tree before. As the flame shown he saw a small shrine buried into the dangling roots of the tree. He pulled at the roots. It was stone carving of a Narsimha, sitting in a meditative mudra. He dusted the statue and peered under the light of the flame. In front of the meditating form, lay a page and a inkpot, and two astras – Parashu (axe) and Trishul (Trident). While he pondered on the depiction, a light wind blew away the leaves lying before the stone. The earth there had claw marks. “That is weird, no one has been here in ages, where did the claw marks come from?” Dilan wondered. The light that had hovered above now floated down and began beaming over the soil. Dilan raised his eyebrows. “Anyways, we crossed over ‘weird’ way before,” he said and began digging. An hour later he found a scroll, the head of a trident and the blade of a Parashu buried within. He collected the things, carried them back to his house. Dhaigham was sitting on the Verandah waiting for him. “Where had you disappeared?” Dilan put the objects on table in the living space and sits. He narrates the whole incident to Dhaigham. They both sit in silence staring at the objects. “Now what?” Dhaigham picks the scroll and answers, “Lets read the scroll.” नवरात्रि-उत्सवस्य सप्तमी-तिथि-दिने, मोम-चन्द्रस्य सप्तमी-दिने, यदा अराजकता तस्य चरमसीमायां भवति, अन्धकारः च पृथिव्यां राज करोति, तदा रक्तबीजः स्वस्य शक्ति-शिखरे भविष्यति। माँ कालरात्री उत्थाय तस्याः त्रिसुल परशुना सह रक्तबीजस्य प्रत्येकं बिन्दुं पिबन् मारयिष्यन्ति। (On the Saptami tithi of the navratri festival, the seventh day of the waxing moon, when chaos is at its charamseema and darkness reigns earth, Raktbeej will be at the peak of his power. Maa Kaalratri will rise and with her Trisul and Parashu kill Raktbeej drinking every drop of his blood.) “Maa Kaalratri will rise? It happened before, will it happen in today’s world? And who is the Avatar of Durga now?” Dilan wondered. After a moment of silence they both stared at each other. “Sharvari?” they said in unison.

Pratima Manik Editor, Hindi & Marathi EI Lifestyle मी ही अशी English Translation “I Am Like This” I am a woman who lives in a world of dreams. I find joy in the smallest of things. The rising sun enchants me, and the setting sun casts a spell over me. A shower of rain soaks me in the blessings of God. I am always lost in the world of stories, novels, films, and plays. These days, children always have a mobile phone in their hands, don’t they?But in my childhood, I always had a book in mine. Every written word mesmerizes me. Learning and teaching are my passions. The sight of textbooks gives me a strange excitement. While teaching children, I lose myself in a unique kind of joy. I love gathering friends and family for long conversations. I truly enjoy cooking different dishes and sharing them with others. But cleaning, household chores, and sewing are things I do not enjoy at all. My day begins with a hot cup of tea, accompanied by a newspaper. I may solve puzzles or read a beautiful short story. Reading lovely poems, watching good films, and enjoying plays…make life feel complete. — Pratima Manik मी एक स्वप्न विश्वात जगणारी स्त्री आहे . छोट्या छोट्या गोष्टीत मला आनंद वाटतो . उगवतां सूर्य मला भुलवतो, मावळता सूर्य माझ्या वर जादू करतो . पावसाची सर मला ईश्वराच्या आशीर्वादाने ओलेचींब करते . मी नेहमी कथा, कादंबऱ्या, सिनेमा , नाटके ह्या स्वप्न विश्वात रमते . हल्ली मुलांच्या हातात मोबाईल असतो नां? लहानपणी माझ्या हातात सतत पुस्तक असायचे . प्रत्येक लिहिलेला शब्द मला भुलवतो . शिकणे व शिकवणे हा माझा छंद आहे. अभ्यासाची पुस्तके पाहिली की मला नशा चढते . मुलांना शिकवताना मी वेगळ्याच आनंदात तल्लीन होते . मित्र मैत्रिणी व नातेवाईक जमवून गप्पा मारायला आवडतात . वेगवेगळे पदार्थ करून खायला व खाऊ घालायला खूप आवडते . साफसफाई , घरकाम, शिवण - टिपणं अशा गोष्टी मुळीच आवडत नाही . माझा दिवस उजाडतो तो एका गरम कप चहा नी . त्या बरोबर एक वर्तमानपत्र असते . कोडी सोडवावी किंवा एखादी सुंदरशी नवलकथा वाचावी . छानश्या कविता वाचाव्यात , चांगले सिनेमा बघावे, नाटके पहावी…..जीवन कृतकृत्य वाटते. प्रतिमा माणिक