As the youngest daughter of a desi family, whenever a guest tries to give me money,  I struggle with knowing how many times I need to say, ‘Nahi nahi, ye takaluf na karein,’ before it’s actually okay for me to accept the cash note. To be fair, if social etiquette weren’t a thing, I’d GLADLY accept the money without refusing at all, because who doesn’t … Continue reading The Intricate Art of Etiquette: A South Asian Perspective

Love, the most celebrated of human emotions, is often painted as a beautiful, transcendent experience. A force that unites souls, promises fulfilment, belonging, and purpose. Whether in romanticised tales of star-crossed lovers, or the intimate bond of family and friendship, love is viewed as the ultimate expression of human experience—something that elevates and completes us, offering both comfort and wonder. But what exactly is love? … Continue reading To Love is to Suffer

Like Fawkes the phoenix from Harry Potter, ever so gracefully emerging to life from his own ashes, every A-level student fantasizes about their very own rebirth, a renewed chance at what’s infamously “the most academically challenging phase.” Often times, this rebirth comes in the form of the rather notorious: Academic Comeback. So buckle in and cue “Give me some sunshine” on your headphones, while I … Continue reading Is academic comeback just a myth?

When you think of animation that transcends mere entertainment, invoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia, where you just get that feeling, that feeling, you remember what it’s like to be five years old, one name stands above the rest: Studio Ghibli. This Japanese animation studio, founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, has created some of the most beloved animated films … Continue reading Studio Ghibli: Remembering what it’s like to wonder

Kendrick and Drake. Two names which have completely taken control over the music scene with their intense, borderline petty, rivalry. Now I’m sure you’re wondering where this beef spawned from. Two months ago, there was barely any mention of grievances between the two and all of a sudden, they’re throwing egregious accusations at each other? Well, this rap battle has been brewing behind the scenes … Continue reading Verses and Vendettas: Kendrick vs. Drake

It was only some weeks ago, when summer break had finally begun, that I’d decided to search up live performances of Hamlet. Although my Literature teacher had been emphasising since the very first day that Shakespeare—or any other playwright for that matter—did not intend for plays to be studied in a classroom, rather experienced through a performance on stage, I knew that a youtube video … Continue reading I Want to Die with My Boots On: A Tribute to Zia Mohyeddin.