Issue No.1 aadila.in

Sharanya Swaminathan Aadila Team Editor’s Note

LIMITED, a tough job for me. I cannot keep don’t die. But old habits die, don’t they? Nobody anything short. Essays, stories, art, the goodness wants to explore the rarest of things. A new trend, within humans, and the wanderings of my mind, we’re all cows going behind it, just following Gayathri Shamugam my learning abilities or the silence I possess. But as the herd. Why don’t we do what Robert Frost Founder an introvert, I can definitely keep my conversation said in his poem, “The Road not Taken” limited. I’d like to introduce depression in this Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— letter today. Many of us say we stand for it or we support the difficulty. But when we get to see the I took the one less travelled by, And that has toughness behind it, we step back and play blame made all the difference. games. Nobody really wants to help one another. But we love the herd so much, we blindly follow It takes empathy, understanding and depth to read them. No one dares to be a wolf or an albatross. someone’s pain in their eyes. I’d like to include But hey, can we just take a moment to appreciate M Naveen Krishna Iffath Khanam Thulasi Priya Sylvia Plath in this note as well, a subtle legend the ones that chose the road less travelled by? CEO Chief Editor Associate Editor in poetic history but a mysterious tragedy in real “You attract what you think.” life who committed suicide at 30, putting her head in the oven. But a few minutes before she So let’s play it nice and wise. died, she made sure her children were fed. That It sometimes take an entire group to succeed makes a woman. But the pressure and depth something, and sometimes, success is achieved on her mind, made her kill herself. What made in solo. But what matters is that the will her push herself to such a tragedy? Depression. to go on! The dedication to thrive or work We do not recognize the sensible minds when smart and the research to be different being Harshavarthini Balakumar Velusamy Sree Bagavathe we should. is essential. Venkadesan Web Designer Social Media Manager Mary Wollstonecraft, an English writer, a Many people have lost their lives in this Copy Editor philosopher says, “Taught from infancy that beauty pandemic and the reason – positive – the corona is woman’s sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the virus and the unseen, which is depression. But body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks on the other hand, most of us made use of an to adorn its prison” opportunity to do something different. And Between all of this Chaos, a vulnerable hence, the pandemic has taught us what success, Wordsmith soul survives. failure and life is! But didn’t we all order a lot of I’d also like to talk about the art form I discovered hygienic extra-large pizzas and pastas this year, through a wise friend of mine, recently. It’s appreciating the little things in life and spending Cyanotype. So if someone has a collection of times together? negatives, some flowers, leaves, some wood, thick Here to 2021, an unexplored mystery and tons of papers or just a paper torn from your old dictionary Kamaleswari Raghu Pallavi Prathiba Kiragi Anasuith P Pridhvish opportunities! Cheers. and coating them with cyanotype liquids, and some Vitamin Sun, your new art form is evolved. So everybody talks about DSLR photography, but where are the amateurs and enthusiasts, that expertise in film photography. They say old habits Yazhini Lakshmi SThasleem Selvanayahi Ramasubramanian Rayeesha Lakshmanasamy Cover Story Contents Founder Gayathri Shanmugam

CEO & Magazine Designer M Naveen Krishna

Editor in Chief R Iffath Khanam It’s okay to be not okay Interview Page No. 06 Anita Kamaraj Associate Editor Page No. 08 Thulasi Priya

Copy Editor Harshavarthini Vekadesan Healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight Social Media Manager Page No. 10 Sree Bagavathe

Website Designer World Of Biblio My Travel Stories Balakumar Velusamy Page No. 13 Page No. 19 Wordsmith Kamaleswari Raghu Pallavi Yazhini Fashion Lakshmi Ramasubramanian Page No. 22 SThasleem Rayeesha Selvanayahi Lakshmanasamy Anasuith P Pridhvish Abinaya My Favourite Solace Top News in 2020 Haveena Rebecah Page No. 24 Page No. 26 Sharanya Swaminathan Sonal Akshaya Page No.16 aadila.in aadila.in and even more to live a luxurious pression involves being painful at ven’t gone in detail about those life would never be depressed. times, or maybe a continued feel- feelings and situations where all Still, we as a society fail to recog- ing of sadness that remains and you want is run away from every- nize that mental health has nothing being sad doesn’t imply that it is thing, but I do know how it feels. to do with the money, fame or rela- depression. And believe me when I say that it It’s tionships. The person with a hand- will make sense at some point in ful of coins can be happy, and the We as a generation have made this time. Do not fast forward certain one with bank balance full of many term so regular that at times I’ve things. Let the beauty unfold in its zeros can be depressed. seen people taking it sarcastically, own way. Have you ever seen a street vendor but I never saw them talking about okay to who sells stuff on a daily basis? He cancer this way. Why there is such In the end, I’ll just say that if you is not famous, he is not rich, but at a differentiation between two vital are someone who is going through the end of the day, if all the things diseases? They both take life. One such feelings of self-doubts, con- that he carries are sold, he returns is known to kill, and the other will stant sadness, overly emotional home with fresh veggies and gro- kill you before it is known to any- behaviour, or just being there in a be cery to cook the best meal of the one. We should be a little responsi- paused state of mind, get in touch not day. He is not depressed about the ble while talking about such things. with me. Maybe I could help you fact that he has less or somebody Let it not become something like a in moving forward by just intro- else has more because he never millennial thing. Let’s just be a bit ducing a probable road map. In the looked for it. He is happy with the gentle with each other. next edition, I’ll bring some mo- way life is happening. The same tivating stories to let you believe Okay vendor feels sad when the stuff is There will never be a better time that in the end, it is going to be not sold, and he has to carry that than now for understanding the okay. Let it not kill you from the stuff to home. Here we need to see root cause of such issues. It just inside, talk about it, write about it, Have you ever been into the situ- is going to be okay. You’ll be shar- of money and had bills and fami- the subtle difference between - be needs a little introspection and a just bring it out, and the world will ation where you would curse your ing your story if you aren’t doing ly to feed. I wonder what that one ing sad and being depressed. De- little care to deal with this. I ha- be yours. life or maybe your own self? I’m today. You’ll be motivating people thing has made our generation to sure 2020 would have given you if you’re gaining it today. go wrong. What are those many many chances to keep your sani- things which differentiate us from ty at stake. 2020 has been so in- Nature has its own way of giving our parents or their parents? sane that we lost so many hopes, and taking. When we learn some- ambitions, dreams and even many thing, it’s our prime responsibility If you try to look closely towards bright souls to this so far neglected that we pass on that wisdom to the this aspect, you’ll find that the life Mental Health issue. one who needs. But apart from this we are living today is full of re- general talk about what we should sources and we are being watched It took us a pandemic to realize and shouldn’t do, let’s analyze it at every step. We have this con- many of the hidden facts of soci- through analysis. stant fear of not meeting the ex- ety. Mental Health had a totally pectations because we have built different meaning before this year, We never saw our parents talking so many unwanted ones by getting but today almost each and every about something like mental health exposed to the available resources. person is aware of the fact that it’s for their life. Even today when While this wasn’t the same for the okay to not be okay. If you don’t they discuss, it’s because of us generations before us. They were feel like talking or you want to cry and to make us feel better. But I either being told to what to do or your heart out; if you want to hide wonder how come that generation what not to do. There were specific or you want to be found - it is al- was unaware of this thing despite fixed methods and ways of living ways okay. being the struggling generation for their life. But today we are leading many of us. I never saw my parents the life in our own ways. We are I’ve seen so many of us going our losing hope in raising us and giv- moving so fast that sometimes we way out and sharing our stories ing us the best life. But I do have forget to look at the map for the through social media, letting peo- seen myself struggling to just go right directions. ple know how we went through it to bed and sleep. I never saw them and how worse the situation was. thinking that their life is finished We expect that a person who has But the hidden truth is at the end, it even when they were running out money, fame, a good relationship

Issue No.1 Page 06 Page 07 aadila.in aadila.in 4. When we look at your was made at home with the I try to experiment new things, Anita Kamaraj is a based food and Instagram feed, we see lot of available resources and props the things that I haven’t shot. your muses in saree. Is there and took it up for 50 days. I try to learn more. Down fashion photographer. She has shot for a anything special in that? the lane I want to try travel 8. Whose work do you admire photography which I haven’t variety of brands and 60 plus restaurants. Hahah, nothing special. Saree among your peers? done much. I would like to do works like a charm on anyone. photo documentaries. That is all. Makka photography by Let’s get to know about Anita, her art and Bhagath is my all time 13. Anything you wanna 5. From fashion shots, raw, favourite. tell all the aspiring beyond that! monochrome portraits, food photographers out there? shots and then to product, 9. Who’s your inspiration in there’s so much diversity in this field ? Never give up, be consistent your Instagram feed. and enjoy the process. Srivatsan Sankaran is my How hard have you worked to inspiration. He is a travel be a versatile photographer, photographer. how do you try to push your limits in all directions? 10. “Pictures are a form of expression “. What do you When someone begins a want to convey to the world career in photography, it through your pictures? is important to explore all the fields and then develop Everything can be made to themselves in a couple of look beautiful. I don’t want to particular genres they are convey anything. I just want really good at.Experimenting to share my vision. every genre is the key. There is nothing hard when you do 11. How far women have something you love. Learning come forward to mark a takes time, yes never it is niche in this field? What hard. would you like to specially address the aspiring women 6. What’s your definition of a in this field? ‘picture perfect’ shot? Women are doing really well 1. Hello ma’am. Tell us pictures in Polaroid cameras. first collaboration as a Picture perfect according to now and I am really happy about yourself, where do Photography to me is a part of professional photographer. me is the most unplanned or about it. I would like to just you hail from and how did me, not a hobby or something How was the experience? impromptu shot. say never to give up, we are photography happen? that needs an extra effort. It going to meet a lot of bullies just something I do every day. My first paid collaboration along the way, don’t stop Photography didn’t happen was a family portrait shoot 7. How did you creatively doing what you love for the all of a sudden. I have always 2. How did you take the and it was horrible. They engage yourself during bad experiences. had an interest in capturing decision of taking this as a didn’t pay me for a month. lockdown? pictures and in my college full time job? They treated my profession 12. How do you work on years I pursued it. My native It was not easy, I still do take like dirt. It broke my heart I explored a lot in food developing yourself on this? is Coimbatore, settled in up freelance works related to that day. photography. I challenged What next are you planning Chennai. During my school my other fields. myself to shoot whatever to do in this field? days, I used to love taking 3. Tell us about your Issue No.1 Page 08 Page 09 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in Healthy eating & Hydration

Healthy lifestyle doesn’t Eating clean is another part of a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious meal will improve happen overnight your health and quality of life as you get older.

There is no such thing called a ‘DIET’ that works and there is no shortcut to a healthy life. Going on a restrictive diet will deprive your body of nutrients and energy.

Look for ways to make little changes one day at a time and slowly build up and make it as a lifestyle.

Few changes you can Akshaya Agnes implement: the day. Have a fruit in your healthier in the dinner menu Creating a healthy lifestyle A person who eats & drinks have major impacts on Cut back on sugar: It’s easy bag when you head out. Sneak and saying no to the second doesn’t happen overnight. clean, maintains a good physical and mental health. to consume excess sugar and in more veggies: Add them helping of buttery mashed It involves making gradual weight, gets in some physical Sadly, this is becoming a calories in the beverages that wherever you can. Keep pre- potatoes. Stay mindful of small changes every single activity, sleeps better, doesn’t dominant form of lifestyle in you drink. Sugary sodas, cut, canned, or frozen veggies your choices, your body will day to your daily habit. This is drink or smoke, keeps stress the current world. sweetened teas, artificially ready for quick snacks. love you back for it. what is going to be sustainable at bay will have a healthy flavoured juice and calorie Make some substitutions: and can have a big impact. mind. You don’t have to change dense drinks can easily eat Hydration: Drink 3 - 4 litres If you eat full-fat dressing, everything at the same up your daily recommended of fresh water every day, switch to something lighter Lifestyle has a significant Looking at everything that time, which is going to be allowance of added sugars. depending on where you and automatically you can influence on the physical and could possibly go into a overwhelming and you would Switch to plain water or water live and how much physical save a few calories without mental health of a human balanced lifestyle, you can want to give up. In fact, flavoured with cut up fresh activity you do. And tips - when compromising on taste. being. see how hard it is in our making small changes and fruits or herbs. It’s a great you’re hungry in between Opting for baked foods current world. Malnutrition, taking steps to change every way to stay hydrated and still meals, drink a glass of water instead of fried. What Is a Healthy Lifestyle? unhealthy eating habits, single day is going to be good on taste buds. and wait for 20 minutes. Your smoking, alcohol consuming, sustainable and doable. body sometimes tricks you Clear out your fridge and Everybody obviously knows improper sleep routine, drug Eat more fruits: Add it for hunger when it actually pantry: Never buy unhealthy that the habits describe abuse, stress and so on, are wherever possible to your needs water. snacks and drinks in bulk someone who is ‘healthy’ and the presentations of unhealthy cereal, salad, or even to your that you are going to resort to takes care of themselves in lifestyle. And on top, overuse dessert. The fruit is a great Make Mindful Choices: when hungry. Have healthy and out. and misuse of technology snack during peckish hours of Opting for something snacking options instead. Issue No.1 Page 10 Page 11 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in Physical Activity reaching that goal can have Stay positive and happy: an impact. World Of Everybody knows about Being happy doesn’t just lasting benefits and need to Also to increase awareness. make you feel better — it also Think about what you did has incredible benefits for Biblio exercise. There are many Art for Art’s Sake! Well, as excuses not to do it - you’re too today for your body. If you your health. It combats stress, boosts the immune system, a bibliophile, we read many busy, you’re not motivated, have spent the bulk of your protects your heart and there books. We remember the don’t know where to start, time in a day sitting, set a goal are so many other benefits. characters and the story of and not seeing results or you that tomorrow you are going Start prioritizing your happi- the respective book for years to get up each hour to stretch are afraid about injury. ness. Focus on the things that and years. But, what about It is great if you can spend or walk. So stay active and make you happy, it not only the author and their story time exercising, that you are start TODAY. improves your quality of life behind creating the other sweating and pumping at but also it may help to extend stories. Are we recognising Sleep your target heart rate zone or it. the authors for their efforts?! doing something to get you Make lifestyle changes. Be- Art for Artist’s sake too. They Quality sleep every night is stronger. ing healthy can help you to deserve to be in the limelight fundamental for good physi- prevent from chronic diseas- and get popular as equal as think that thought made me to Aayushi? cal and mental health. the books. There are so many If you are starting off, it es and long-term illnesses write. The amount of sleep you need underrated authors whom the doesn’t always have to be the and increases life expectancy. To some extent, yeah. Not a varies for each person and world needs to know. same way. Look for ways to Maintain a healthy lifestyle 2. Well, when did you first girl who grew up listening to depends on several factors. by doing what is right for you think of yourself as a writer? the horror stories narrated by move your body daily like However, for most adults, 7–9 and your body! So, meet the new author in To be frank, I never imagined grandpa, but my dad told me a doing household chores and hours per night is the ideal the town from the coconut I could write. In the handful of ghost experiences gardening can make a huge amount. YOUR BODY IS city, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu – beginning, I limited myself that crept into my skin and difference while getting your APARNA PREETHI. She has to blogging, say short stories, made me both frightened and house in order. Take the stairs shared her experiences as a If you are sleeping well, you YOUR TEMPLE! poems and book reviews. curious. I started to write this if you can, put on some good debut writer and also about her should feel awake and ener- Take a good care. Later, when I wanted to try book a few years back, so music and dance with your new book “13-A” in the genre even if I had been that girl gized during the day. If you something new, I went for a child. When you’re on the of romantic-horror. Starting long story and started posting long back, I am positive that I find yourself sluggish and phone, pace around or even do with warm greetings... it chapter wise in my blog. I am not the same. At least, not tired, you are lacking good some cleaning while gabbing. got a great response and few anymore. quality sleep or may need 1. We would like to know, recommended I make it into a more sleep. The bottom line is that what inspired you to start novel, which turned as 13-A. 5. When can we expect your exercise is movement. writing? next book? To have quality sleep every Whether it’s walking around I am a reader before a writer. 3. Is there any specific reason I’m already working on it and night you must create good So the credit definitely goes the block or lifting weights, for this title, “13-A”? you can expect it by 2021. bedtime habits like sleep- to all the authors of the books that movement is an exercise 13 is the number associated ing roughly around the same I have read. I totally loved the and every time you add a little with Horror, which I 6. Since you’ve said that time every day, minimizing idea how a book can make considered. Also, the number you’re an avid reader, more than you normally do caffeine and alcohol intake, you forget about reality, and being my birth date, I didn’t can you tell us about your and it counts. Opt for small having a comfortable cozy transform you to a fictional want to miss it! most favourite book and changes. For instance, if you sleeping environment and re- world. I wondered how great character? are currently looking to lose it will be for me to give that ducing the use of electronics 4. Can you relate yourself It is difficult to choose one. weight, small steps towards experience to someone else. I closer to bedtime. with the protagonist, Each time I read a good book, Issue No.1 Page 12 Page 13 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in it gets added to the list. you have completed the book, yourself and trust your work. parents. Since the plot is based Why we should sequel after completing this The Long Road Home by how good you are doing and And don’t wait for too long to on romantic horror fiction, spookish novel. Danielle Steel was something they expect a lot from you. start, because someone might the author has used mostly all read this book? So what are you waiting for, that made me cry hysterically! Well, it might motivate you to have already thought of a the horror techniques which just grab this book along with I personally connected with some extent but it scared the story similar to yours. The author has written this make you to sit with a grip your favourite beverage and the pain gone through the shit out of me at times. It is book in a different genre and in the corner while reading bites. It’s a comfy read for protagonist; she manages to a little frustrating, similar to “It is the hard times that plot construction with the view the each part. She hasn’t left everyone and it’s not too late stand up every single time people waiting for your board define you and let you know of a female protagonist. The out anything in the romantic to grab the book. even after being tortured to exam results. what you are capable of!” main theme of the novel is the part that the readers will hell. The Shining by Stephen Hope is the best companion for importance of relationships. It certainly adore those beautiful The book is available at King, Confess by Colleen 9. Now it’s a general question, the creators. It gives strength talks not only about the love moments. The best part of the Amazon, Kindle, Flipkart and Hoover, P.S. I love You by how do books get published to face every obstacle to get relationship but also it focuses book is that the author has Damick Book Store. Cecelia Ahern and few more and can you share about the succeed in the goals. The on the bonding among the written motivational quotes in tops my list. Not much of process? positive nature and genuinity family members. The female the beginning of most of the Happy Reading and Stay a Classic reader, still into We have two types of of the author will definitely characters in the novel are the chapters and it’s much needed Connected. Contemporary. publication, traditional and take her to the higher places, feminists. The individuality for the life. This book is self-publishing. The process without any doubt. of the characters is defined definitely a page-turner and an 7. Do you believe in writer’s for both is similar. You Keep inspiring us, Aparna explicitly. The author has easy read. Even the beginners block? will have to submit your Preethi. exquisitely portrayed about can start their reading journey Well, of course yeah! I don’t manuscript and once they like the child’s yearning for love by choosing this book. You’ll think there will be any author it, it will be sent for editing. and care from her working be eagerly waiting for the who has never come across After the script gets edited it the writer’s block. But I never will be sent for typesetting. bothered much about it. I let Later, cover design and cover it rule and let it go. I believe page will be set and MRP will if I stress too much to get rid be fixed. Once all this is done, of it, I won’t be able to write it will be sent for printing. something as good as I usually Finally, the book will be do. Maybe that is why I take a launched and marketing will long time to complete a book be done. and I never regret that. In traditional publication, you 8. What is the most difficult need to send your manuscript part you faced in the goal of and if they like it, they will Why everyone becoming an author? take it from there. They will I think writing is itself the most pay you for your book. In self- difficult part of becoming an publication, you will have to author. To sit and complete pay for publishing your book. what you have started is not as easy as you think. And the 10. Do you have any tips second most difficult thing and advice to share for the is about handling the people aspiring writers? around you. Every single No one can write for you, and person who knows you are no one can write your story into writing will ask you if better than you. Just believe in

Issue No.1 Page 14 Page 15 Issue No.1 health care. So while studying psychology there were friends Cover Story and relatives who were low- key mocking me or asking me naive questions like can I I was a commerce student in to move away from the herd read their minds. A collective my PUC, I scraped through it mentality and hustle culture. support from my husband and as I didn’t like it that much. Yet, All the colleges had closed my father was of tremendous I got into an elite university in in the admissions by the time help to go and chase my Bangalore on a scholarship, as I had made my mind to quit dreams and make them I did well in my second year commerce. At that point, only into reality. of PUC. I was a part of their one college was there which cream of the cream students. was providing a Bachelor’s I have been a service oriented Everything was going in sync course in Psychology. person since childhood, and with the family tradition, Honestly, I joined it to check I always knew that I wanted as most of them were either out the field and explore myself to do something different, doctors or engineers, at most and the subject, but it came so help, the fight within myself Bangalore for studying where I would get to grow unique and meaningful. After commerce graduates. Nobody naturally to me that I ended came to an end. This personal a Masters in Corporate and help others grow on dealing with low paying jobs stepped out of these stable up getting a gold medal at the experience of mine bonded Psychology as they were the psychological horizons. and common life problems zones in my family. The first end of my graduation from me further to my passion. only college providing this I hit a personal low point two days of college were like the Bangalore University. I After that whoever would particular course. It was not I quit that opportunity and where I had come face to some accountancy professor never felt even for a moment, counter my choice of path an easy path. I had to clear ventured into academic face with my dark sides. I had will come and teach numbers that I didn’t belong here. wouldn’t matter to me. I got tests and interviews to get a teaching, it was never a rosy clinical anxiety and I would and leave. my blinkers on and focused seat. path for me. By this time I always choose flight, when Unfortunately we live in a on my professional path. was in the dilemma that when the situation demanded me It was on the third day of society which looks down Life at Christ was hectic and I am happy with my job I am to either fight or flight. I just college when I had my calling, upon mental health and has Since I was able to learn only rigorous, but after that there not happy with my paycheck, never knew it. But, once I it was not about what I want to succeeded in building a lot the basics of psychology in was no looking back. I had a and when I am happy with my made my peace with it and got do. The calling I had was that of stigma around mental my undergraduate I decided lot of placement offers for an paycheck I am not happy with this is not for me. I remember to push myself into the depths HR profile. In the second year my job. I didn’t want to give this voice from within saying of psychology by pursuing of masters last semester was in to the common sayings “you’re not for this, you’re a study at Masters level. I entirely for doing internships. like, “you can’t have it all” not made for this”. I realized I got a meritorious seat with During that time I got into a or like “to gain something loved talking to people and it a scholarship for Masters in company called Directi, it you have to lose something”. came naturally to me. That’s Clinical Psychology because was a very cool company. It I knew I deserved and could when I decided to not fit into of my gold medal win; but was about drinking beers, get both. Life in academics something I wasn’t meant for I wanted to expertise in playing pool, and a pantry full was going on when I had to and let go off that prestigious Corporate Psychology. I had of food among many other succumb to back injury. By scholarship. to let go of that scholarship cooler things. Anyone would then I had enrolled for my and wait for one year to love to work there but I didn’t PhD and started doing my I didn’t know that I wanted apply somewhere, where find satisfaction, as my role research on adapting the to study psychology then, they provided a course in was in HR and wasn’t related tool of Emotional First Aid but I was sure that I wanted Corporate Psychology. Then to psychology in particular. originally structured by Dr I applied to Christ University, I was looking for something Guy Winch in accordance aadila.in to the Indian Society, it is a I am currently working with balance. I get paid well and work in progress. While I Healthifyme which has over most of these platforms are was dealing with my injury 10 lakh client population, subscription based for the and doing my research, the as a resident psychologist. users. So it is not at all like we My Travel Stories pandemic happened. I don’t We were initially providing are squeezing every penny out Two years ago, I was someone life”. And gradually I fell into Board) team. And the next day think if anyone was spared mental health support to of them. Such platforms are who had literally no idea heavy depression. I went to a trekking campsite by it, everyone’s life has been clients who are focusing on making mental health more about what to do with my at Kottagudi hills, named life. Everyone says, home is affected by the pandemic to weight loss, later we realised accessible especially from I couldn’t concentrate on my Cloud farm, where as well where heart is. But my heart job and anything. I felt double Neelakurinji was blooming. mild or drastic levels. the potential of us being able home. It is a win-win space for was not where home was. sickness and loneliness Unfortunately or fortunately, to provide them support with both the mental health clients Home was always a terrific on weekends because, I was the only guest at the It was during the pandemic other mental health problems as well as for mental health memory for me. I was afraid when everyone goes home, campsite that night, along that most of the general as well. Along with my work professionals and I am glad to go there because I was a including my roommates, I with three camp managers, population realised that they at Healthifyme I am also that I am where I am today. sexual abuse victim from my had no place to go. I had no and I was super safe there. I had to deal with traumas working as a mental health Now everyday work seems own father and brother from work to do. slept in a tent with no safety of their past and present, consultant with Curefit and meaningful, I have found my childhood days. And one day, locks, still I was not attacked especially to survive this year. LiveLoveLaugh Foundation. purpose. they beated me up and kicked It was that time I joined an by anyone. That night literally They no more had the options As a mental health consultant me out of home for reacting NGO named U&I, to teach changed the impression l had to party their stress out or my job is to log in and set up to their deeds. Luckily I was underprivileged, orphan kids. on all men. I was afraid of escape issues by going to the appointments with clients and working then, and I was But still, it was only for 2.5 everyone because of my own theatre for a movie. Since it work on an hourly basis and happy to go away from them, hours on every Sunday. I had life experiences. But that was working from home for charge what I want to charge but what made me sad and nothing to do for the rest of night proved to me that it’s all all, I applied to a few online for my services. angry at the same time was, the time. about mindset. health based platforms and my mom didn’t stand up for There we talked only about mental health foundations. I can say that now both my me or stay with me forever Subsequently flood hit Kerala, nature, sunrise, sunset, from then. She left me all monetary aim and professional bad things started to happen clouds, wind, mist etc. We alone and went back home to and it came in a raw way. I were not even bothered about satisfaction has come to a fulfill her “duties” as a “good” was extremely stressed. And what time of the day it was, I am currently working with wife! I felt lonely for the first so in Oct 2018, I took leave or about what was happening Healthifyme which has over time ever in my life. I started from the office for 2-3 days in the outside world. We were calling myself an “Orphan by and went on a solo trip to totally disconnected in a way Munnar, Kerala, for a change, and also because I heard that the flower which blooms in 12 years - Neelakurinji - was then in full bloom there. But I didn’t even imagine that was going to turn my life upside down.

The day 1 of my trip, on Oct 2nd, was to Ralamala mountain, along with DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council by Kerala Tourism

Issue No.1 Page 18 Page 19 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in that I could reconnect to my Aranamala, etc in Wayanad; depressive days. own self. I felt like, this is Pallavoor, Kollengode, etc So, my advice to everyone where I belong. I badly wanted in Palakkad; Paithalmala, reading this is, you must to come again, because I felt Ezharakundu waterfalls, travel. And when you travel, it’s home. Palakkayam Thattu, Kavvayi don’t go for luxury trips. islands etc in Kannur; Take the lowest possible In the coming days, I tried Nilambur, Karuvarakundu budget trips. to get a job in a reputed etc in Malappuram; travel company. But there Sundarapandiapuram in And at least once in your life was no opening that fits my Tamil Nadu; Goa; and time, build up the courage, background. And one day, the Kullu, Manali, Kheerganga, and go on a solo trip, talk owner of Tentgram camping Kasol, Tosh, etc in to strangers, befriend the group advised me to start Himachal Pradesh. unknown, get help from the guiding a group of travellers. unexpected, spend atleast I had no idea about it then. The next plans were to one night alone in a totally But I was excited because Poomparai in Kodaikanal new place, buy yourself some my weekends will no longer and Lakshadweep islands. good food, feed some stray be boring. But that was when Covid hit animals, smile, click pictures, and the trips got cancelled. ask for routes to beautiful Then when I thought about Now even though I’m stuck destinations, take tickets on it in depth, I decided to limit inside home since past 8-9 your own, get lost, ask for the group only with ladies, months, I didn’t feel bored at help, find the way out, and because of a few reasons like, all as I have travelled to many discover a whole new world it will be easier for me to places before. In addition, by yourself. manage, it’s women who need I’m doing things like farming a push in travelling unlike in my balcony, painting my Trust me, no books, no parent, men who can travel anytime appartment, plastic upcycling, no schools or no university they want, and women out etc. These are all possible only will teach you the lessons there will be comfortable if because I’m so much positive those few days of solo journey they hear that they have a lady these days, unlike those old would teach you. If you do it coordinator with them. And at least once in your lifetime, also I wanted them to enjoy you will do it more. All your the same safety and freedom fears will be gone and your l enjoyed at Cloud farm that confidence level will get night. So I requested them increased. The selfishness will and arranged my first event at go away. You will ultimately the same place. be a better human being and will pass the test of life with From then, my life high scores. was completely changing. We traveled to many places like Meesapulimala, Kolukkumala, Ramakkalmedu, etc in Idukki itself; then 900 Kandi,

Issue No.1 Page 20 Page 21 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in Fashion is all about how you Fashion style and wear it Fashion is all about how you My look from this My Pongal look from this style and wear it. 2020 was brand is Double border Maxi brand is plain Turquoise color indeed a year full of twists and dress in Coffee brown silver saree with classic pinkish turns which changed our life jhari in Sungudi with pink maroon border. I pair it routine. We relied so much on border. Being a sungudi with half sleeveless maroon online shopping and contact lover, sucker of big border, I blouse with big Jhumuka less delivery. So in this article, felt this dress is perfect of all and I am ready to rock under you are going to know more festive occasion under 1500 2300 range. about affordable emerging price range. and trust worthy brands Big shopping in Instagram. Own your handloom ft Myntra saree Customise your ft @thavamstudioz Myntra is one of the biggest dress trust worthy online shopping ft @hangerstories Thavam studio is by Anuradha brands where you have all ft @hangerstories ft @thavamstudioz who owns authentic handloom exclusive collections. It has a Hangerstories by Ramya is directly from weavers. cluster of brands from in wide one of the brand where you Every saree tells a story variety and in all ranges. A few can customise your own dress with history. They have best trustworthy dress brands in according to choice. When Kanchi cotton, 1000 Butta, Myntra are Sangria, Roadster, it’s hard to get the perfect and Narayanpet sarees. The AKS, Indya, Sassafras, ft @Myntra with tailor shops here, you another unique part about Libas, Visudh, Nayo, Tokyo will be amazed by the fit with this brand is their wide talkies, Hereandnow, W and online measurements. They variety of color patterns and Harpa (based on my personal have wide variety of designs border combinations. From experience) which includes ikkat, florals, big borders to plain cotton sungudi, cotton and synthetic. to checked pattern to flower My simple Pongal curation Another best part about this motifs, each saree makes its is from brand Sangria via brand is affordable ranges own statement rich look. The Myntra. The designs on this according to dress type. She brand’s main motive is to dress adds more elegance and designs simple croptop to connect, make weavers and I complete the whole look Maxis to festive gowns. To customers equally profitable with big hoop earring. say more about brand owner along with affordable range. Ramya, she manages this This women entrepreneur Hope You Like It page along with full time manages this page along with IT job. IT job and family.

Issue No.1 Page 22 Page 23 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in The year 2020 had sync forgetting all the sadness of the two things that could with every human emotion; your life. That helped me a take myself out of it. And all My Favourite Solace everyone fell into the extreme lot and also gave me some I know is I was not the only fear, depression and what motivation to be myself. And one who felt this way. We all not. Just when everyone when I tell I was motivated; know a couple of page will was witnessing their mental it won’t be fair if I don’t talk never be enough to talk about health shatter into pieces, the about – Itaewon Class. Not my favorite solace. K-Drama world gave us a only this K-Drama but every series which was the need of song in this drama gave me a Let’s discuss more about the the hour. new energy irrespective of the beautiful world of K-Drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay language. in the upcoming months. Until then, big hugs and lots I would call this my most Every time I was falling prey of love from me. favorite K-Drama of the year. to the darkness inside me, It enlightened knowledge Annyeong Chingudeul! K-Drama and writing were about my inner self. It helped me to discover the wounds I never knew I had. Can someone who is not even March 17, 2020 into writing poems, reading It covered all the talks about aware of your existence put up books and watching lots mental health that were left a smile on your face?! I never knew this phase of and lots of Korean Dramas. unnoticed. I fell right for the I would say, Yes! Every life, where I would be locked When all my friends where name of the drama. It was just Korean Oppa does that to me. inside my own house was obsessed with Money Heist like a reminder to me from the I smile wider than I would waiting for me. In the middle and Lucifer, I got strongly universe. Yes! It’s okay to not smile for my crush. Oh, are of all this confusion and fear attracted to K-Dramas. They be okay! Being out of your you wondering what I meant I was a fool to think this was had all those things that I comfort zone and suffering by “Oppa”, that’s how you my most needed break. Little could use to comfort myself. all your thoughts, listening to call your man in Korea! did I know that was the start them can take you to the path of most important period of And to my luck the K-Drama of self-discovery. I never even thought that this my life? world went into a total And when I stopped running, would become a savior against transition they had things I took a stand and listened to my sadness, warrior against The spread of the disease and I could learn for life, they myself, I knew I was cheating my worries and a solace where the online academics caused touched the significant topics myself all along. I realized I can be myself, I can feel overthinking and needless to that a human would crave for I was ignorant of my very happy for very small things, say I fell into depression. The more than romance. Most own thoughts and denying cry my heart out for every famous extrovert girl became people who don’t watch all the sadness I had to suffer ad song. a total introverted person who K-Drama think that they are and shrug off. I could finally couldn’t even open up with only about the stereotypical come out of the shell I was All the little ideas of love that I her very close friends. romance factor. hiding in. wished for, all the happy things my inner child would want When life hit me hard with the Only if you get the taste, you When you are a fan girl you were there in each and every reality all I had was my world would know it has every other know that you can be totally K-Drama I have watched. of fantasy, I immersed myself thing that life throws at you. immersed inside a K-Drama

Issue No.1 Page 24 Page 25 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in 3 of racism she shone through through her success speech Kamala Harris a 56 years the darkness, eliminating after the election results Top News in 2020 old woman, from the Indian all the discriminations. Mr. by addressing the topics origin became the Vice Joe Biden the presidential of women empowerment, President candidate of the candidate chose her as his racism, climate crisis and the The year has taught us many things from accepting United States during the running mate establishing the pandemic. Her victory was the reality to be at home to using the pandemic as an November 2020 elections. significance of all the black also praised and celebrated in She’s the first black, Indian voters. She’s the first Indian India. opportunity to establish the creative self. Women are doing -American woman to be the descent to make a mark in the wonders in various fields by achieving success after a lot Vice President of the United U.S politics. She inspired and States. After all the break outs motivated every little woman of hurdles.

1 Jacinda Ardern helped the US New Zealand is considered to President-elect Joe Biden by be one of the most successful introducing the New Zealand’s countries in suppressing the most senior health officials to spread of Corona Virus. The share their ideas on reducing Prime Minister Jacinda played the rapid spread of the virus. a major role in eradicating She has also been noticed the spread of the virus twice for her composed reaction to 4 to watch. The two important the genres crime and mystery in the country. The numbers the Christchurch Mosques The pandemic made people to films starred by female actors thriller. Another important have been marked only in attack. Eventually she won move nowhere. Staying home as main protagonists got person to be known for her the count of 2000 cases and the reelection with majority started to prevail as a new released on OTT. Jyotika’s films released on OTT was 25 deaths. The steps taken by of seats in parliament. habit and there were fewer and director Sudha K. Prasad. Her the nation as strict lockdowns rooms to go out and seek Keerthy Suresh’s penguin. films , Putham lead to this positive situation. entertainment. The movies got Each film had strong female Puthu Kaalai and ‘Thangam’ started to be released on OTT, protagonists showing the from Paava Kadhaigal got power of motherhood. Most great appreciation and also 2 year. Both the albums had which gave people the little Taylor swift has been up beautifully depicted the love relaxation and new movies importantly the films were of conveyed messages in depth. on the up since both of her through lyrics, music and the albums that got released in magnificent voice of Taylor. 2020 made a huge success. We can’t miss talking about “Folklore“, which got the album cover giving out all released on 24, July 2020 the aesthetic feels. The music had all the love that people video healed us with all the needed after few months of idyllic and forest vibes. lockdown. And at the end of the year came “Evermore” on 11, December 2020, that gave out all the romanticism that was lost throughout the

Issue No.1 Page 26 Page 27 Issue No.1 aadila.in aadila.in 5 7 The brave act of a thirteen Economic Times Prime years old girl, named Women Leadership Awards Amandeep Kaur caught the are given to honour the attention of the state, Punjab. women leaders who have On the Longowal road a pushed boundaries and van carrying twelve school broken barriers. ETPWLA is students caught fire. At her considered as one of the most own risk, Amandeep Kaur prestigious awards. These are Business and some more. All society, and also they focus saved four children out of the given in twelve categories like the awards focus on women’s on the upcoming talents. This burning van. She was honored Lifetime Achievement Award, leadership skill, innovation, year also various talented with the Bravery Award and CEO of the year, Global hard work, and contribution women were honored with the state government said Indian of the year, Beyond to the organization and the the above mentioned awards. to sponsor her education. Let us pay the salute to the 8 President, Ram Nath Govind The award has covered many bravest girl. Women’s day is celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New categories, such as developing 6 every year on March 8 to Delhi. Focussing on women the art, supporting each other, This general talk has taken acknowledge the women who empowerment, awards were leading life on their own, Misconception and blind wrong roots among people. do wonders in their personal given to women who have Education and so many. approach towards a fact or Some stood by her side and and social life. Women’s contributed highly on various a gesture make no sense. some misunderstood her and day 2020 was celebrated fields, including the three A particular speech of strongly opposed her words. by awarding the women women who became IAF’s actress at an award In supporting Jyothika, actor with “Nari Shakthi” by the first women fighter pilots. ceremony ignited flames Surya issued a statement on social media. She spoke giving a strong response to the about donating to hospitals people who stood against the and schools as equally to the Jyothika’s concerned words. donation we give to temples.

The above are the women who have been noticed for their efforts. Women are achieving more in many fields and they have been witnessed for their efforts made.

Issue No.1 Page 28 Page 29 Issue No.1 “Each time a women stands for herself, she stands for all women”

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