If you are unfamiliar with Homer’s Odyssey, here’s a little Greek Mythology for you. After the gruelling siege of Troy, Odysseus and his men set out on their long-awaited journey with a singular goal: return to their beloved homeland, Ithaca. With hearts that were maps that led to the arms of their kin, the men … Continue reading The Lotus-Eaters, the 1930s, and Us: The Uncanny Patterns of Escapism
How Anachronistic Interpretation Distorted the History of ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’
Artist: Muriel Dawson What does ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ mean to you? For me, it is a glimpse of a bygone childhood era where the changing colour of the sky, dewdrops on the leaves, or dragonflies that could lift tiny pebbles filled me with immense wonder. I still remember my old English textbook that had … Continue reading How Anachronistic Interpretation Distorted the History of ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’
“Evil Eye” through the Lens of Confirmation Bias
Almost 12 years ago, I ran into my friend’s family in a supermarket. My friend’s younger sister who was a baby when I last saw her had become a tall, confident girl. My first comment to her was, “You became so tall!” and before she could respond, her grandmother said, “Ayyo, kannu vekkalle, eni avalu … Continue reading “Evil Eye” through the Lens of Confirmation Bias
The Highest Form of Friendship: Aristotle’s Ideal
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art; it has no survival value; rather, it is one of those things which give value to survival.” This quote on friendship by C.S Lewis is incontestable. Friendship goes beyond a social convenience, it’s an essential ingredient for true happiness in our lives. While we can live without friendship, … Continue reading The Highest Form of Friendship: Aristotle’s Ideal
Why Gen Z Can’t Stop Romanticising the ‘90s?
In thrift shops, Instagram filters, and even Spotify playlists, something surprising is happening: Gen Z is falling in love with the 1990s. Despite being born after the decade ended, they’re reclaiming its aesthetics, fashion, and media like it’s a personal inheritance. Baggy jeans are back. So are disposable cameras and cassette tapes. Despite a flood … Continue reading Why Gen Z Can’t Stop Romanticising the ‘90s?
The Undeniable Role of Racism in Cultural Appropriation
The above is a beautiful painting by William Holman Hunt of his wife Fanny. Take a close look at the pattern on her shawl, does it ring a bell? Most of you must have concluded that it is Paisley. And you’re right. But here comes the actual question, how many of you know that the … Continue reading The Undeniable Role of Racism in Cultural Appropriation
Same Roof, Different Rules: How Each Sibling Has Different Parents
Katie and Leo are two bright, beautiful children growing up in a warm and loving home. Time flies, they enter teenage— the age of tantrums, eye rolls and slammed doors. Slowly, their differences begin to surface. Katie, the older sibling, often complains of the unfair curfew; she had to be home by 6, while Leo … Continue reading Same Roof, Different Rules: How Each Sibling Has Different Parents
Breaking the Habit: How Negative Thinking becomes Addictive
I approach my tea ritual with utmost seriousness. I always make sure that my tea has the perfect balance of sugar and a robust flavour that envelops my senses with each sip. One of my biggest nightmares is the day when my doctor might tell me to reduce my sugar intake. I could live without … Continue reading Breaking the Habit: How Negative Thinking becomes Addictive
Enclothed Cognition
The beloved fictional character Anne Shirley from ‘Anne of the Green Gables’ once wisely stated, “It is ever so much easier to be good if your …Enclothed Cognition
Status, Stories and Lies: Online Impression Management
Yesterday, I stumbled upon a heartfelt confession from a 25-year-old woman,who started to lead a delusional life by pretending to be wealthy on social media. She talks about how she compared herself to her rich friends and driven by the desire to replicate their lifestyle took on multiple jobs to increase her income. She did … Continue reading Status, Stories and Lies: Online Impression Management
A Date with History
Dear Diary, To find the tales of a bygone age, let's embark on a museum date. Imagine the air filled with anticipation as we stroll through the grand gate. We’ll marvel at the architectural splendour of the ancient building and the aged stones that carry the weight of history, Ivy and vines tracing their way … Continue reading A Date with History
Bursting the ‘Health Halo’ Bubble
Have you ever experienced an inclination to pick food products in earthy brown packaging while shopping? Or perhaps you've justified consuming packaged food if the cover has the coveted label “organic” written on it? Are you tempted to buy products that are portrayed as “natural”? Does guilt take a backseat when you generously savour those … Continue reading Bursting the ‘Health Halo’ Bubble
Thoughts on Culinary Therapy
Rachel and I engaged in what I would call a heartwarmingly-beautiful-and-satisfying conversation for nearly two hours, and she headed to the kitchen to make me a burger. I watched her prepare a well-done cheeseburger, with a chargrilled patty, topped with a perfectly melted piece of cheese, a finely sliced round gherkin and a trace of … Continue reading Thoughts on Culinary Therapy
Parasocial Relationships
Last Monday, I had a prolonged interaction with one of my favourite students during the lunch break. I’m particularly fond of this student because of her docile nature and dulcet tones —a very sweet girl who often smiles, makes good eye contact and nods in agreement when I give lectures, the kind of girl who … Continue reading Parasocial Relationships
The End of History Illusion
My friend lived in a charming old town, with narrow cobblestone streets, antique shops, bookstores, family-owned restaurants that promised a personalised dining experience and most importantly a typical old-fashioned town square where the locals gathered to relax. Though this place is believed to have a rich history, there were no historic landmarks or museums that … Continue reading The End of History Illusion
Realisations over Croissants & Coffee
After six months of absolutely no contact due to our hectic schedules, I made the decision to meet my homie. I knew deep down that reconnecting with her would be effortless. There wouldn't be any awkward opening lines, long pauses, funny questions, or monosyllabic responses. We would talk just like we used to back in … Continue reading Realisations over Croissants & Coffee
The Art of Weaponised Incompetence
Tessa seems to be completely clueless or incompetent, but she somehow always manages to get what she wants. On certain days, she seeks advice from her friends regarding matters that she pretends to have little knowledge about, but they end up helping her to complete the task. At times, when given responsibility, Tessa appears helpless … Continue reading The Art of Weaponised Incompetence
Tales from the Cliff
My family has a cherished tradition of visiting Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala or Varkala Beach, a popular tourist destination known for its unique cliffside location. We make sure to keep this tradition alive every year, no matter how busy our schedules become. My friends have asked me whether we find it monotonous going … Continue reading Tales from the Cliff
The Cardigan
The demons of insecurity and illusion struck her dumb, an unspoken pain lingered in the air, and half-obscured thoughts ripped her apart as she clenched the corner of a pillow tightly and grieved her smothered happiness. Hastily, she pushed herself upright, swung her feet to the floor and without drawing the curtains, stared at herself … Continue reading The Cardigan
Namaste Paris!
Paris visited me in my dreamless slumber yesterday, with teeny tales to make me smile under the faint glow of moonlight, that crept in through my window. I woke up in a hotel near Notre Dame and the aura reminded me of Quasimodo's unconditional love for Esmeralda. I wondered if their skeletons are still embracing … Continue reading Namaste Paris!