I’m pretty sure we all know the infamous Bermuda Triangle. For those who don’t know, Bermuda Triangle is a region in the Atlantic Ocean where a number of airplanes and ships have mysteriously vanished. They enter and are never seen again. What happens to these vehicles and their crews? This mystery has been the subject of many explanations. Paranormal activity is sometimes cited as an explanation. Other people rely on science to provide answers. Let’s take a look at them:

Paranormal Explanations

The Bermuda Triangle is sometimes explained through paranormal activity. Aliens, for instance, use the Triangle as a place to conduct experiments. The water there is said to be haunted by a ghost. Some say that the Bermuda is the gateway which connects the Underworld to the Mortal realm. They tell entertaining stories about sea monsters, vortexes, and magical enchantments. We are attracted to these explanations because they hold our imagination. The unknown has always fascinated humans.

Scientific Explanations

Science is more believable over paranormal explanations, even though paranormal explanations are more colorful. It is most likely (and boring) that human error is behind the Bermuda Triangle mysteries. A pilot or a captain of a ship or an airplane is not a perfect human. We get sleepy. We get lazy. There are times when we get mixed up. With so much traffic passing through the Triangle, some of us are bound to make mistakes.

Besides human error, unpredictable weather also plays a role, according to scientists. Bermuda Triangle storms can quickly gather and be extremely powerful. The Gulf Stream (a strong wind current) has also been cited as a possible cause. It produces a river-like flow of water through the Bermuda Triangle. Floating objects can be carried miles from where they were last seen.

It is also possible that the region is home to large fields of methane hydrates (a form of natural gas). They are located along the ocean floor and produce bubbles that float to the surface. The ships traveling through these areas may be at risk. It is possible for bubbles to sink a ship!’

Body-shaming (critiquing yourself or others because of a particular aspect of your appearance) is a vicious circle of judgement and criticism. When one mocks or criticizes someone’s physical appearance they are body shamed.  There are many ways in which body shaming manifests itself, including making a passing comment about your appearance or criticizing someone else’s appearance in front of them.

It is so common for sitcoms to make fun of overweight characters’ bodies. People have become accustomed to criticizing their bodies as a way to bond with their friends – if everyone hates their bodies, this creates a sense of unity and belonging. 

When we are upset, annoyed, or intimidated by someone, do we automatically criticize their appearance? When these situations arise, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood, the default defense we often use is “They’re ugly, whatever.” Some people find it more convenient to aim for something that will hurt, like a physical appearance, than to express their emotional state. It is easier to bury underneath the body-shaming comments that rush to our mind when we say, “I am really hurt by how my friend treated me,” or “I am terrified of losing this friendship” when we open up and make ourselves vulnerable. 

Body-shaming hurts a person physically or mentally. As a result, people may feel insecure, depressed, and more. Body-shaming is a vicious tool that can be used to hurt individuals. Engaging in such heinous acts is therefore morally wrong. 

So, the next time you’d wanna shoot down comments on someone else’s appearance, pause and think about the consequences. Spread love, not hate.

“Persistence can grind an iron beam down into a needle.” Here’s such a story of Savitri and Satyvan. 

Princess Savitri of the Madra Kingdom was as benevolent, brilliant, and bright as the Sun God she was named after. Her grace was known through-out the land, and merchants and powerful princes often flocked the royal palace to seek her hand in marriage. Despite the infinite proposals she received over the years, she did not take an ounce of bit interest in anyone of them. Men often would propose but would lose their nerve upon spectating her blinding splendor. Frustrated, the princess determined to find herself a husband. She wasn’t going to be the next victim of the cruel Fate.

Mounting her golden chariot, she traveled at a fast clip over rolling deserts, glittering cities, and snow-capped mountains rejecting many suitors on her way. Eventually, Savitri ventured into the deep tranquil forest and, amidst the play of dancing stars, she met a man chopping wood. His name was Satyavan, and like her, he loved the forest and the blissful solitude that wrapped itself around it. The princess saw he was not at peace.

After talking for hours, Satyavan told Savitri of his plight. He had been once a prince with wealthy parents who ruled over endless lands until his father had been blinded and overthrown in a violent coup. Now Satyvan worked tirelessly to support their meager new life. His youthfulness had wilted a long time ago, and he had no hopes for the future. His determination and devotion moved the princess. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Savitri knew she had finally found an equal.

Savitri rushed back to her father to tell him the good news, only to find him conversing with Narada, a traveling sage and the wisest messenger of gods. At first, her father was thrilled to learn of Satyavan, but Narada revealed a tragic prophecy: her betrothed had only a year left to live. Savitri’s blood ran cold. She’d waited for ages to find her partner-was she already doomed to lose him? The princess refused to accept these terms.

Right before Narada, her family, and Savitr himself that she would never marry another. Satyavan was her true love, and their fates were entwined forever. Nobody, even the gods above could separate the two of them. The sky clapped with thunder, and the earth shook. Moved by her powerful words, Narada advised the princess to follow an ancient spiritual regimen. With regular prayers, periods of fasting, and preparation of special herbs and plants, she might be able to prolong Satyavan’s life. Savitri was ready in a heart-beat.

After a simple wedding, the couple returned to the jungle to live in keeping with the sage’s instructions. Life was hard. This modest existence was far away from her lavish upbringing, but her love for Satyavan was deep like the ocean and long as the wind. She wasn’t going to lose him. The couple was happy in one another’s company. A year passed, and the fated day arrived. 

On their first anniversary, the sun grew horribly hot burning everything it lay its presence upon. Satyavan’s brow began to burn, and Savitri barely had time to pull him into the shade, before he grew still and cold as the night. His eyes turned foggy, and a ghostly smile lay upon his lips. The earth grew silent only to be filled with Savitri’s sobs. Through her tears, the princess saw an immense figure on the horizon filling the sky. This was Yamraj, the God of Death, come to escort Satyavan’s soul to the afterlife.

But Savitri was not giving up yet. She followed the god for hours in the beating sun. Yamraj thundered at the princess to leave him alone in his peace. But even as her feet bled and her throat burned, Savitri would not turn back. She followed him like a devoted servant. Eventually, Yamraj paused. He would grant Savitri one wish as a reward for her persistence, but she couldn’t ask her for her husband’s life. Without any hesitation, she asked God to restore her blind father-in-law’s eyesight. The wish was granted, and Yamraj moved on. But still, Savitri’s foot-step echoed behind him. Exasperated, God granted her a second wish. This time, Savitri asked for her husband’s kingdom to be restored. Again the wish was granted, and Yamraj began his descent into his subterranean kingdom. 

But when he turned his head back, he was astonished to see the bedraggled princess stumbling around. His mouth was dry as a bone. He had never seen such devotion to the dead and honored her dedication with one final fish. Standing cool as a cucumber, the princess asked to be the mother of many children. Yamraj agreed and waved to dismiss her. But the princess only repeated the vow she’d made one year earlier: her fate was forever entwined with Satyavan. How could she bear many children, if Yamraj would not return her husband?

The God smiled knowing Savitri had beaten him to his own game. With Yamraj’s blessing and respect, Satyavan was returned to Savitri and the two walked back to the land of the living, united in a love that not even death could destroy.

Persistence and smartness lead to wonder. Thank you!

Oftentimes children are told bedtime stories about kings who bravely fought against the forces of evil. While other leaders were honored with statues and temples, King Midas of Phrygia is renowned for his folly. Known as a rogue ruler, his antics amused his people and distracted the gods.

Midas spent his days in a stupor of splendor, spoiling himself and the apple of his eye – his daughter, and gorging down on lavish meals. It was no surprise he looked up to Dionysus – the god of wine, carnival, and performance.

One day, Midas discovered a satyr – a perfect opportunity to win over Dionysus. He was dozing in his rose garden and drunk on more than the scent of flowers. He took in the wasted satyr, and let him nurse his hangover. Pleased with the king’s hospitality, Dionysus offered to grant him a wish. Midas cast a greedy eye over his surroundings. His luxurious lifestyle did not seem to suffice, no matter how many fine jewels, silk, and gorgeous decor he had. Life lacked luster, he thought; he needed more gold in his life.

Midas was gifted with the ability to turn anything he touched into gold. Like a child in a sweet shop, Midas ran towards his palace walls – lo behold, it indeed turned into sparkling gold. At his lightest touch, stone statues shone, and goblet glittered. With wild abandon, he galloped through his home, handling everything until it was polished to a lustrous finish. Soon the palace glistened with his golden touch, and Midas delirious laughter echoed off the walls.

Exhausted after a long day of work, Midas picked up a bunch of grapes from his newly gilded fruit bowl. He almost shattered his teeth as the fruit had turned to metal in his mouth. When he picked up a loaf of bread, the crumbs hardened in his hand. Flinging himself onto his bed in frustration, Midas discovered his plush pillows had morphed into solid gold. “What is happening?!”

Hearing his cries of frustration, his daughter entered the room. Upon reaching out to her, Midas saw with horror that he had frozen her into a golden statue. He let out a cry of despair – his daughter, the most precious to him, was gone?

Midas begged the gods to take his power away for fear of the consequences of what he had done. Dionysus, taking pity on the foolish king, told Midas to wash his hands in the River Pactolus.

Traveling over snow-capped mountains, and rough terrains Midas finally reached the river. Gold oozed from Midas’ fingertips as he reached into the river. Midas returned to his palace and rejoiced to see his daughter safe and sound. That’s how the phrase ‘Midas’s touch’ came to be.

You’d think he would have mended his ways – but, oh boy. Midas was incorrigible – he never learned from his mistakes. Just a few weeks after, he made a Himalayan blunder, insulting the music and sun god Apollo when he declared Pan a greater musician.

Apollo scornfully declared that the king must have the ears of an ass to make such a misjudgment, and transformed Midas accordingly. The foolish king nearly had a heart attack upon seeing his ass ears and begged the god to reverse the curse. Apollo simply refused and rode away.

Once again regretting his behavior, Midas kept his hairy ears hidden in public. They were seen only by his barber, who was sworn to secrecy during a very awkward grooming session. Can you imagine? The barber stifled his laughter and fought the urge to tell someone, yet the secret consumed him.

When he couldn’t take any more, he walked outside the city and dug a hole in the ground. Plunging his head into the earth, the desperate barber whispered, “Midas has ass’s ears.” He was relieved.

Days passed, and a clump of reeds sprang up in the spot where the barber buried his secret. When the wind blew, they carried the echoes of his whisper through the breeze: “Midas has ass’s ears.” Donkeys rose their heads in recognition, and people chuckled at the antics of their king. From that day onwards, Midas was called the king with ass’s ears.

With his golden touch and ass’s ears, King Midas wasn’t the most respected ruler. While other leaders had statues and temples built in their honor, his people remembered him a little differently: in the depths of the glittering river and the rustle of the Phrygian wind. Thank you!

How many hours of sleep did you get last night? 6? 5? Or, maybe you did not sleep at all last night? Hi. I’m Reneeka Kumar, and today we’ll be looking over the importance of sleep. 

Grey faces with red, puffy eyes and hands holding cups loaded with caffeine. A modern portrait of today’s youth. Lack of sleep seems to be a plague among the youth. We exist in a constant rush, our schedules overflow with various tasks and responsibilities that demand our attention, and our rest usually ends up as the lowest priority on our lists. Most people do not give two hoots about sleep these days.

Why waste time sleeping when you can do so much, right? Correct me if I’m wrong, but sleep is seen as time wasted. A golden opportunity lost. Some proverbs warn you about being left behind while sleeping. Practically, in every language, we come across. There are idioms such as ‘caught napping’ and ‘burning the midnight oil.’ So, those who want to make something of themselves in life must not sleep. 

Studies show that an average adult sleeps for about 6.8 hours a night. In Japan, the national average is 5 hours and 59 minutes, representing a drastically low sleep average. Next on the list is Saudi Arabia with just 6 hours and 8 minutes. India lands 4th with a national average of 6 hours and 20 minutes. These numbers can kill us. We’re treading dangerous waters, my friend.

Now, the question arises: for how many hours do we need to sleep? Science says that an average adult needs to sleep at least 7.5 hours every night. In these 7.5 hours, a person completes five 90-minutes cycles. During these cycles, our brain moves from deep, non-rapid eye movement sleep (Non-REM) to rapid eye movement sleep (REM). The first couple of cycles are dominated by Non-REM sleep. It maintains our body, brain, and heart. The next set of cycles are required for processing and learning information gathered through-out the day. 

What are the effects of sleep deprivation? Science has linked poor slumber with a number of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Over time, lack of sleep and sleep disorders can contribute to the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also leads to obesity. King’s College London conducted a study in 2016 where they found out that sleep-deprived people consume an average of 385-kilo calories extra per day. You’re dicing with death if you do not act now.  

Among teens, sleep deprivation is an epidemic. If you do not get enough sleep, you’re groggy at school. It also makes it hard to concentrate. You know the drill, we all have been there. The most recent national poll conducted across America shows more than 87 percent of U.S. high school students get far less than the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. As a result, people end up being less productive. 

Now that you know that sleep deprivation does more harm than good, what can we do to counter-attack this problem? 

1. Avoid using devices right before bedtime.n Most of us scroll through our devices right before hitting the hay. These devices emit blue light which boosts cortisol production in our body and hampers our sleep. 
2. Drink caffeine only in the morning. The more caffeine in your bloodstream, the harder it will be to sleep. Have a cup of coffee at 8 a.m., and you’ll still have 25 percent of the caffeine in your body at 8 p.m. Anything you drink after noon will still be near 50 percent strength at bedtime.
3. Wake up at a consistent time. Waking up at the same time every day sets the body into a regular circadian rhythm, and ensures you have better sleep. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, while school-children require 9-12 hours.

Our web-series can be paused and late-night conversations can take place in the morning, too. Work, career, and ambitions can take hold. Cause’ you know what, if you don’t sleep, how will we dream?

Once lived a troubled king who wished to unlock the true essence of life. Many tried answering, but none of the responses satisfied the king. He felt the need to consult someone wise: the old saint living in the forest. 

It was a long-distance, and the sun was shining brighter than ever. The king had traveled miles to meet the saint. The now dehydrated king looked desperately around for water. Just as he was going to give his hopes up, he found a well nearby and quenched his thirst. 

He thanked his stars, and as he was going to continue his journey, something struck his mind. He was happy! Happy because he quenched his thirst. It dawned upon him that the true meaning of life is happiness. What is it exactly?

Some define it as immense satisfaction when something good happens. Some say it’s when you make big, or when you get your desired things. For the rich, it might be when they visit exotic places. For the poor: it might be when they have a shade on them. Happiness is something commonly seek.

Happiness isn’t something that can be defined by words. It’s raw emotion, something that comes from within. It’s common. Everybody experiences it, yet we can’t describe it. Every person defines it in his/her manner. In whatever means you may define it; the truth is that it is vital for a healthy and prosperous life. 

Happiness. Such a simple word, isn’t it? Yet something so complicated that millions fail to understand. Finding happiness in this materialistic world is the main reason for this failure. No amount can buy you your happiness, whether be the favorite thing you desire or the person you love the most, or the career you build, unless and until you feel it within yourself. 

“If one speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows one, like a shadow that never leaves.” In other words, happiness is a state of mind. It is not something that happens to us, but a deliberate decision to choose happiness day in and day out, regardless of the circumstances.

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your actions.” – His Holiness The Dalai Lama.

Cultivating happiness is an easy task. To be content and happy with whatever you have and yourself takes time and patience. We should try to appreciate the people and things in our lives. At the end of the day, they are the ones who matter the most in our lives.

Cast aside your past, and look forward to a beautiful future. Learn to live today with more happiness than yesterday and forget about your past sadness for a harmonious life. Be grateful for the things you have.

Try to find goodness in every situation, and accept the things that already happened, whether good or bad. Never forget to choose merrier and positive people to be closer to you so that their vibes will also help you in becoming one too. 

At times you may feel low, but do not ever forget that you have people who love you. Never hesitate to ask for help. It’s a long journey, but implementing these rules in our lives sure does help! Happiness is not something created, it’s generated.

You saw how a simple thing such as water could please a king who had everything. It wasn’t the water that did the trick, but it was the king who learned to find good in little things. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. We must understand that happiness is nothing more than the state of a person’s mind. Our thoughts channel our emotions. Therefore, we must work on having only positive energy, and this can only be done when we see life in a positive light. There’s always a reason to be happy.

“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.” 

Life is a beautiful adventure. Cherish and worship it. Once a moment is gone, it never comes back. Be happy and enjoy your life with your loved ones. Happiness is truly the true essence of life!

Surveys show that ninety percent of teens ages 13-17 use social media. Seventy-five percent report having at least one active social media profile, and 51% visiting a social media site at least once daily.

Hi. I’m Reneeka, and today’s topic is all about the ways social media affects teens. 

I hardly think an introduction to social media in today’s online generation would be necessary. It’s simple: 1 out of every four teens is an avid social media user, using at least two different social media each day. 

For folks who don’t have a clue about what social media is, here’s the definition for it. As described by the dictionary, it is a website and application that enables users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. 

It’s a common belief that overrated platforms like TikTok or YouTube are the only examples of social media. In reality, any app that allows you to communicate with others and express yourself is social media. It includes your online school too.

The grasp and dependence on social media of teens far exceed that of many adults. Go figure. Hence, it is crucial to understand how it mentally impacts us. Several health issues develop as a result of too much time spent online.

What makes social media so “attractive”? A study by researchers at the UCLA brain mapping center found a distinct region of our brain becomes activated at the mere prospect of receiving likes. This reward region is particularly sensitive during the teen years, which could explain why teens are attracted to social media. 

Additional studies have established a link between depression and social media. Prolong use of social media may show a sign of depression or low self-esteem. According to a study, people who use more than seven social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression than people who use two or fewer sites. 

Social networking leads to a deterioration in social activity and an increase in loneliness. You may argue that social media does provide a stage for communication, but you may as well know that humans are social creatures programmed for physical connection.

Social media, in a nutshell, is a fabrication of lies. Unfortunately, what most teens do not realize is that people post their “highlight reel” and usually hide their experiences. It creates a notion of perfectness and pressures teens to have perfect posts or images. Teens who place a priority on social media will often concentrate on showing how much they are having fun, rather than focusing on having fun! 

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep up with the unspoken rules and culture of each social media platform. As a result, this puts additional pressure on teens, which can cause feelings of anxiety. Some studies have found that the larger a teen’s social circle is online, the more feeling of pressure is. 

A study showed that one-fifth of teens “almost always” wake up during the night and log in to social media. It’s a proven fact that sleep is vital for development in children. Consequently, this sleep loss can lead to moodiness, a drop in grades, and overeating, as well as intensify existing problems like depression and anxiety.

While social media can be a fantastic place for keeping in touch with loved ones, it is not the same as face-to-face communication. Under forced circumstances, I’ve been chatting with my friends a lot lately. But if you ask me to do the same, but face-to-face, let say through a virtual meeting, I would fail miserably. 

See? That’s what I’m trying to indicate. Many teens spend so much time online that they forget to talk to the person in front of them! As a result, teens risk having relationships that are not deep or genuine.

So, what’s the solution? You don’t have to quit social media; you will have to learn to use it better! Because so much brain development takes place during the teen years, we mustn’t neglect the impact of social media on us. We have the power of using it, make sure it doesn’t use you!

Thank you!

A research-based on the above topic:

In this paper, we’re gonna talk about Europe and what all this small continent caused.

Most of the pandemics in the past had been caused by the diseases originating in Europe. It is no surprise here. More than a billion people have died due to these diseases. Since Europeans have been colonizers in the past, they had spread their diseases to all over the world.​

Let us learn about the diseases spread by this continent:

THE BLACK DEATH

• The Black Death plague which was originally originated in China dominated Europe from 1347 to 1665. ​
• It reached its peak in the years 1346-1356 where estimates place that around 75 million-100 million.​
• Almost one-third of Europe perished.​

SMALL POX AND MEASLES:

• Small Pox and Measles were the diseases that were introduced to the native population of North America brought by the Europeans.​
• It reduce the number of native Americas by as much as 95%, killing 20 million.​
• It was from 1509-1529

CHOLERA:

• The third global cholera pandemic of 1852 – 1866 began on the Ganges River Delta, spreading along trade routes throughout India, and from there to Russia, China, France, England, and the United States. ​
• In 1853–54, an epidemic of cholera broke out in London, where it claimed over 10,000 lives.​

Thank you!

​

Ever wondered why a small metal coin sinks and a big ship doesn’t?​
​

Oh, it’s all based on the concept of density. And the whole idea of density comes from the concept of the Archimedes principle. It is because of this principle we know why big ships float on the water, and do not sink.​

​So, what is the Archimedes principle?

​Archimedes’ principle, physical law of buoyancy, discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes, stating that any body completely or partially submerged in a fluid (gas or liquid) at rest is acted upon by an upward, or buoyant, force, the magnitude of which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body.

What is density?​

​Density is a measure of mass per volume. The average density of an object equals its total mass divided by its total volume. An object made from a comparatively dense material (such as iron) will have less volume than an object of equal mass made from some less dense substance (such as water).​

​FLOATATION:​

​When a body of density ρ and volume V is completely immersed in a liquid of density, the following two forces act on the body:​

1. Weight of body, W=Vρg acting vertically through the center of the gravity.​

2. Buoyant force or upward thrust, FB = V*liquid density*g equal to the weight of the liquid displaced, acting vertically upwards through the center of the buoyancy.​

​So, in simple words we can define the Archimedes principle as: when a body is wholly or partially submerged in a liquid, buoyant force acts on it thus reducing the weight of the object which is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced.​

Depending upon these formulas, there are three cases:​

​

1. W > FB , the body will sink to the bottom of the liquid. This happens when the density of solid is greater than the density of the liquid.​

​

2. W < FB , the body will rise above the surface of the liquid to such an extent that the weight of the liquid displaced by the immersed part of the body ( i.e. upward thrust ) becomes equal to the weight of the body. The body will then float. In this case, the density of the body is lesser than the density of the liquid.​

​

3. W = FB , the body is at rest anywhere in the liquid. The body will float if its whole volume is just immersed in the liquid. In this case the density of the body is equal to the density of liquid.​
​
Therefore from the above conditions, we now know why big ships float. This is because of density. The density of the ship is much lesser or equal to that of the water.​

Thank you!

WE HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE. A time so cruel for us. A time when we endured the torture inflicted upon us. Forced to part away from our identity, freedom and love. But what would be India’s history if Aurangzeb had not issued the farman?

Well for starters, India would have discovered the route to England via the Cape of Good Hope. They probably would have voyagers conducting expeditions to search for new lands to trade. Britain at that time did not that much to sell. India would have taken Britain’s market on storm, because of the spices and variety of natural resources. This would have made India powerful than ever.

During that time, silver was on great demand for creating swords, utensils etc. As India, where silver had not been discovered by that time would probably be exported from Britain. This would be a one-way win for India as Britain would have been heavily dependent on India for almost everything.

This would have caused a vast cultural change among these two countries, predominantly in Britain as India (in this scenario) has more power in Britain. Who knows, maybe Hindi was the official language of Britain or India would have been the most powerful country now?

We have seen the cultural, economic and political changes if India had captured Britain. But what about the conditions in India? Well, India would have been a much powerful country then ever before. It would have great education system, proper housing for its citizen and oh, the monarch concept.

There wouldn’t have been any riots or even protest because India was its own country! There would have been no Swadeshi Movement, Jallianwala Bagh massacre or even Independence!

In a nutshell, India would have been a country of its own will; just ruled by different dynasties. It would have been called the world’s most powerful country. People wouldn’t have to live under the slavery. Oh, I wish this would have had happened!

Once Albert Einstein quoted “The only source of knowledge is experience.” It’s true. So, here am I sharing my experiences under lockdown. Or in simple words; how has the pandemic changed my life.

Let me remind you that, this speech is a middle schooler point of view.

The main change that the pandemic inflicted upon my life is that now I don’t have anyone to socialize too. In this context, I mean to meet and talk to others physically. Right in front of them.

Sure, apps like Zoom and Google Meet do provide us a platform to meet and chat with our relatives and friends. But do not forget that humans are social creatures. It’s our instinct to communicate. After all, this whole world solely depends on communication. I’m now just adjusted to communication virtually.

Though we meet virtually, the idea of meeting people physically is so appealing. I don’t know, but there’s one thing I’ve understood is that I can’t live without physical communication. What about you?

For me, as a student, the biggest change in my life is related to academics. Any guesses, I promise it isn’t too hard.

Yes, you got right. It is indeed online classes.

Online classes in reality are way different than the physical traditional one that we used to attend. School.

All my life, I’d always fantasized about what would it be like if I were to attend online classes instead of schools. I wished to attain the experience of online classes. It always seemed cool to me, but now it doesn’t. Perhaps because I may have gotten bored of it.

First, the lack of physical communication. I strongly believe that learning in a school, in the same room with the teacher and student present is better than that of online school. The reason behind is because you get to engage with your classmates and the teacher can keep a check on you.

You learn much better and quicker than the online classes.

Second, internet issues. They frustrate me. I mean, how are you supposed to learn if your call hangs, or the teacher isn’t audible to you. At least, traditional schools had no disruption.

Last but not the least, in school I had the coordination of mind, eyes and hand but being online I’m losing them all. I’m a bit lethargic while writing.

Besides, there’s one more aspect that I want to bring to the audience we get distracted. When I often study on the laptop which connected to the internet, you frequently get interrupted and get urged by the other medias to search for unrequired information.

This has affected my way of learning.

As any other human, I’m now forced to wear mask, gloves and what not. Because the COVID-19 is thought to spread through contact.  I’m strictly forbidden from going outside, or in other words in lock-down. Not only I miss my previous way of life I detest the pandemic. Its too hard to maintain social distancing, wearing masks etc.

Wearing masks and maintaining social distancing is often now symbolic to a bird within a cage. We all want freedom. It can be in various ways, but for now is to go out safely without any precautions. You could possible call me ignorant and vain, but we all want to free of them, don’t we?

To sum up, I would like to go back to the old ways of my life; more of physical socialising, schools and doubt clearing. In the end, I understand that its impossible to do the above until the vaccine is out!

Thank you.

A few weeks back, I was watching a debate with my family on television. It was about an ongoing disputed case over the death of a famous Bollywood actor. And the debate was toxic; insults were being spewed at each other, people were politicizing the issue and henceforth on. But what disturbed me, was that the anchor was a very biased person. I’m not siding with anyone here, but I believe that a matter has two sides. And as an anchor, it was his responsibility to hear both sides. After reading the comments, I was even more shocked to learn that people sided with a biased view; and here I learned the power of media. How it can truly influence us.

So here am I, Reneeka Kumar, to present my views and to educate the power of media. How can you be influenced by the media?

Before I start discussing my beliefs, primary enlightenment to media is necessary. So, what is the media? Well, your television is the media. Your local newspaper is the media. Even, the internet is the media. In simple words, the media is a means of communication. Now, now, now; you must be wondering: “Reneeka, how possibly in this world, can media influence us?”

Chill, I’m getting there.

Media is a powerful tool that can be used to change our way of thinking, our perception of the world. It’s absurd, and no one’s immune to it. In reality, the people who are “immune” to media are more prone to the influence.

We have two faces of media, in other words, pros and cons. The good and the ugly. Let me start with the positive faction of media, the pro.

The positive effect of media: for starters, it has made the current generation aware of the issues going all around the world. As rightly said by Dave Wallis, “Don’t use social media to impress people; use it to impact people.” And that’s what the media is doing!

On news channels and social networking sites like Twitter and Youtube, you can get to see videos and read interviews about influential people. See videos about the extra-ordinary people who made a positive impact on our society. Those who motivate us to become a better person, a better generation.

You also, learn about the current issues of the world. Poverty, diseases, national security risk, peace, harmful usage of drugs, etc. Because of this, people are now more aware of the world and can do something about it. In a way or another, it’s contributing towards a bright future.

You see, how can media truly impact our views? Influence and make us a better person with an open mind? But, sadly, this doesn’t happen all the time. Remember, media is just a tool. In reality, it is used by people to push their negative propaganda.

This brings us to question and learn about the negative effects of media.
Who here, once in their life, have seen the “Fair and Lovely”? For those who don’t know, this advert teaches us the so-called superiority of “fair skin”. That you’re nothing without a fair skin, kyunki chitta gora he sabse accha hein! This negatively corrupts our minds, and actively promotes racism! There are more adverts like these that contribute towards discrimination and hatred. To note: as of date, backlash and criticism have forced the company to change the company’s name. It’s now, “Glow and Lovely”.

The media plays an important role in informing us about the latest news. But, the news we see, to what extent is true and biased? Most of the time, the media provides us a piece of biased news and only lets us know, about one side! One that will increase more views! In this way, people are not truly educated and this, once again, leads to hate and violence.

In a nutshell, the media influences you, your thoughts, and your actions. Media plays an active part in shaping your personality, your character.
You must have heard, “You are what you eat.” Well, I say, that you are what you see.

We can’t expect to see any changes to the functioning of media any time soon, so, as a responsible human being, it is your duty to take the responsibility of the media you see or do.

So, the next time when you see the video of a Karen refusing to wear a mask because “things gotta breathe”, don’t just don’t idolized her.

Thank you!

Hi. I’m Reneeka Kumar. And today, I’ll be talking about a rather controversial yet sensitive topic: feminism in this article.

Exactly 100 years from now on, women were first given the right vote. We have come a long way from then since.  A lot has changed. Women now are considered to be the same as men in society. We enjoy the same share of rights that men do. So why need feminism? Why do we need feminism if women are the same as men?

Aah, here’s the catch. Now, if you would have noticed you might have seen that I had been using the term ‘same’ instead of ‘equal’. The reason behind this word usage is that women are not equal to men. Or as what the society still thinks.

Women may have been declared to be equal to men. But the universal fact remains, and that is women are not the same as men. It is true. People often fail to understand this point. Women and men, we all have our differences. But we shouldn’t let these differences become the cause of hate and prejudice.

Feminism kind of works in this way. We, feminists, don’t demand to verify the fact that women are the same as men. Instead, what we just demand is to have equal rights. Feminism is not a definition that you have to learn. Feminism is something deeper. It’s a feeling that you get.

Feminism at its core is about equality of men and women, not “sameness.”

Let me ask you guys, what was the first thought that came in your mind when you heard the word “feminism”? Let me guess, something related to females, right? But here’s where you are wrong. Feminism is never about a particular gender. Feminism in a way is about creating a society where men and women don’t have to live with prejudices. Of course, feminism started as demanding rights for the oppressed women. But as time changed, the idea of feminism slowly evolved.

Now feminism is not just about making women seen as equal. But it’s about breaking the stereotypes. Women, of course, were the most affected to live up to the stereotypes that the society had created. But men are affected in the same way women are too.

This question is for boys. How many of you have asked not to cry? Be honest, most of you might have. This is not a surprising fact. Society demands that boys shouldn’t cry, and boys are forced to live up these conditions.

A question for the girls now. Only women should cook. How many of you have been reminded about this so-called fact? Again this stereotype about females has been demanded by society, and girls are being taught to cook. Mind you, learning how to cook is not wrong. But learning to cook based on this stereotype is bad.

So, what’s wrong here?

Since people have a great deal of respect for the great society, I have a question for it? Have you ever considered that men are human too? Perhaps creatures with emotions. Men, by all rights, have the right to express their emotions. And what about the only-women-have-to-cook stereotype? Shouldn’t all know how to cook?

Feminism’s other mission is to break these stereotypes and work for the betterment of society. It is never biased on gender. So the idea of feminism only for women is entirely wrong.

A knife is a really useful tool. On one hand, you can use it to cut vegetables. And on the other hand, it can be used to end someone’s life. Its usage completely depends on the mentality of the person.

Feminism is that knife. It is that knife that can be used to cut the un-equality. But in the meantime, it can be used to cut the hopes of people. You might be wondering why I’m suddenly on this topic. And here’s the reason why.

Feminism is linked to misandry. Or in simple words hating men. Feminism doesn’t require to hate men. Real feminists don’t hate men. Yet people often fail to understand this.

I said it once, and I’m saying it twice: feminism was never, is never, and will be never about hating men. We just want equality. Why do we need to struggle so much? Is asking for equality wrong? Why do many people hate feminism?

These are questions that you need to ask yourself. Find your position in this fight, because you’re either a feminist or a sexist. Make up your mind.

I recognize myself as a feminist. I don’t hate men. I want equality. What do you want? Equality or the continued oppression of both sexes?

Another misconception that I want to clear: you don’t have to a woman to be a feminist. When you start realizing, that it’s time to stop this hatred and prejudice in this society; you are a feminist. Never be afraid to speak up because you and I will change the world!

Thank you!