SAFA

The other day, my professor was actually talking about him, S. Mohammad Yunus. At first, the name didn’t ring a bell. But as he continued, I realized this wasn’t just another story it is something great so I did a bit of reasearch about him and it was about a man who redefined bravery and selflessness. A man who went from being a "money-making machine" to a hero of humanity.   Yunus, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Chennai, became a beacon of hope during the devastating floods that submerged the city. While many were stranded, he stepped in not for recognition, not for applause, but simply because he couldn't stand by and watch. With sheer will and determination, he rescued nearly 2,100 people, ensuring their safety in over 300 houses. On November 17 alone, he saved around 1,500 people, and when the city drowned again on December 2, he pulled another 600 to safety.   But perhaps the most touching part of his journey was when he saved a pregnant woman, Chitra, and her...

The other day, my friend spoke about how much she misses her grandma, and I felt her words deep in my soul. It’s not the kind of missing that fades with time it lingers, like a favorite song that plays softly in the background of your life.   She told me about how her grandma’s laughter could light up a whole room, how her stories carried lessons wrapped in nostalgia, and how her hands always felt so warm, like they held all the love in the world. Losing her grandma wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a person; it was losing a safe space, a home that didn’t have walls.   Some days, the missing is subtle, like a quiet ache. Other days, it’s overwhelming, crashing over you like waves. It's in the moments you least expect a scent that reminds you of her cooking, a photo tucked away in a book, or a familiar phrase that feels like her voice whispering through time.   And yet, she’s still here, isn’t she? In the way her love shaped you, in the strength she passed...

I still can't figure out to outlet our emotions all we need is a listener but you know what the most annoying part is nobody likes to listen to our sorrow tales. Yes, few days back my friend texted me saying she is literally depressed. I rang up immediately to her and she was literally speechless. I tried comforting her with my words and gave her some space so that she feels better and yes, she started to slowly speak , her voice was tender and she spoke about the criticisms which she faced. I was honestly perplexed and she told me she trusts people so easily( :) hinted me being gullible) and I spoke volumes about her traumas but no one was actually interested to listen to her and gave her some lame excuses, some actually listened to her laments and the most disgusting part is they made fun of her on her behind. When she quickly narrated me, I told her ..You know what, I know it's hard to accept the reality, when our heart weighs with emotions and our brain hints us to outlet o...

One of my friends recently spoke about a Tamil novel that she couldn't stop raving about. Her exact words? "It’s just mind-blowing!" Intrigued, I asked her if there was an English version I could dive into, but alas, it wasn’t available. Determined not to miss out, I requested her to narrate the story instead. And let me tell you – by the end of her narration, I was blown away too.   The novel, Kudiyettram, is a gripping tale of rebellion, survival, and hope. It’s set during the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Marakayar , Tamil-speaking merchants  were navigating the tricky tides of British exploitation. The British, greedy for control, imposed taxes on exports and imports. But one man, Periya Thambi Marakayar, stood tall against their tyranny. His rebellion wasn’t just bold , it was legendary.   However, heroism often comes at a cost. Periya Thambi Marakayar discovered the British plot to kill him, yet he chose to fight. He gave his life for his cause, leavin...

  Today, we celebrate the literary queen, the  feminist icon, and the ultimate wordsmith Virginia Woolf. Born on this day in 1882, Woolf didn’t just write books; she painted life with words, creating worlds that felt as intimate as your innermost thoughts. Let’s take a dive into her vibe, why her words still slap, and why we absolutely stan her genius.   Her Pen Game Was Unmatched  Woolf didn’t stick to the rules. Instead, she redefined the game with her iconic stream-of-consciousness style. Her novels like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse didn’t just tell stories; they captured the messy beauty of the human mind. She made us feel things we didn’t even know we could feel. I mean, who else could turn a walk to buy flowers into an existential masterpiece? Let’s talk about A Room of One’s Own. This isn’t just an essay; it’s the Bible for creative women everywhere. Woolf said it loud and clear women need space (literally and metaphorically) to create. She paved t...

  A Tribute to August Strindberg Picture this: You’re in class, and your professor drops a question “Guess whose birthday it is today?” The room goes silent, and everyone racks their brains. A few random guesses float around, but the correct answer? August Strindberg, born January 22, 1849, the legend of Swedish literature.   The Man, The Myth, The Literary Icon   August Strindberg wasn’t just any writer he was a whole vibe. Known as the "father" of modern Swedish literature, he revolutionized storytelling with his sharp, satirical lens. Whether it was his iconic novel The Red Room or his hard-hitting plays like Miss Julie and The Father, Strindberg had a knack for shaking things up.   His works weren’t just words on paper; they were mirrors reflecting society’s flaws. And let’s be honest, it takes guts to do that in any era.   Why He’s Still Relevant   So, why should we care about a guy born 176 years ago? Because Strindberg’s them...

Today’s session was an absolute vibe! After ages, I found myself immersed in such an engaging and enriching conversation. The star of the day was Mrs Kelly Glubb-Smith, a powerhouse of knowledge, currently a Senior Lecturer and Social Work Programme Convenor at The University of Waikato, New Zealand.    🌍 From a Snake-Free Land to India   Mrs Kelly comes from New Zealand famously known as the land of no snakes! Can you imagine? While we dodge snakes here in India, their biggest “threat” might just be... sheep! She also mentioned New Zealand’s mild weather, with a max of 26°C. Compared to India’s fiery summers, it’s like living in an eternal spring.    🍛 First Taste of India   This trip marks her first-ever visit to India. She touched down in Kochi before arriving in Chennai, and oh boy, the food has been a revelation for her. Spicy, flavorful, and so unlike what she’s used to! She couldn’t stop raving about the diverse culinary landsca...

So my friend in the US was talking about "the racism stuff," and it really made me stop and think. Here we are, in 2025, still dealing with this outdated, ugly reality. It’s wild, right? You’d think we'd be past this by now, but racism is still very much alive  lurking in our everyday lives, whether we want to admit it or not. Let’s break it down: According to a 2023 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India saw a 45% increase in cases related to hate speech and acts promoting enmity between groups based on religion, race, language, and place of birth over the past two years. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra had the highest number of such cases in 2022.  But it’s not just about the big stuff we hear on the news. It’s in those subtle microaggressions, the sideways glances, the assumptions that build up over time. Remember when a Black family was denied service at a fast-food chain just because of the color of their skin? That’s the kind of everyday...

 India: The Billion-Dollar Dreamland – What If It Were the Richest Country? Picture this: India, not just the land of vibrant cultures and spicy chai but the global hub of wealth and innovation. What if India dethroned the likes of the USA and China to become the richest country in the world? Imagine luxury cars cruising down roads lined with solar trees, tech hubs in every corner, and a thriving economy that turns every citizen’s dream into reality.   Let’s dive into this alternate universe, where the rupee reigns supreme, and India is the ultimate global powerhouse.   1. The Currency Game: Rupee Flex   The Indian rupee becomes the new gold standard. Forget dollars or euros businesses worldwide would scramble to stockpile rupees. A chaiwala in Mumbai might casually accept payments in Bitcoin, but rupees? That’s the real deal.   Trend Alert Rupee would be trending globally.   2. Goodbye Poverty, Hello Prosperity: Poverty? A distant ...

 So, here’s the thing people always ask me what it’s like being the only child. Some say it’s the dream: all the attention, all the gifts, all the love. Like, who wouldn’t want that, right? But then there’s the flip side people talk about how only kids can be spoiled, don’t know how to share, or lack that “sibling sacrifice” vibe. Honestly, it's not as simple as they make it sound. Yeah, I get the perks. I’m the main character in my parents’ world, always getting their full attention. And gifts? You bet! But it’s not just about the stuff. It’s about feeling loved and cared for in a way that’s hard to put into words. And trust me, I’ve never felt bored or lonely. I’ve had all the space to figure myself out, and I can’t complain about that. But here’s the twist: being an only child doesn’t mean I’m missing out on sacrifice or sharing. My parents are not just my mom and dad, they’re my best friends, my siblings, and my constant source of support. They’ve given up so much to make su...

 It’s 2025. The beginning of this year is already throwing curveballs, and honestly, it feels like Mother Nature and global leaders are on some kind of chaotic rampage. From wildfires turning California into an inferno to floods washing over Mecca, wars spreading like wildfire, earthquakes shaking the earth like a bad breakup, and tsunamis reminding us how small we really are  it’s hard not to feel like the world’s heading toward some sort of epic finale. So, what’s really going on? California’s burning, again. The Palisades Fire has scorched over 23,000 acres, turning some neighborhoods into ash and leaving over 1,200 homes flattened. And it’s only January. The winds are literally fueling the flames, making it a nightmare for firefighters who are doing their best to keep up.  And let’s be real, it’s not just a fire. It’s a symbol of everything we’ve been ignoring: climate change, extreme weather, and how fragile our world really is.  Floods in Mecca :A Holy City Und...

  It was Pongal vibes on campus, and after ages, I found myself doing something that felt both exciting and challenging wearing a saree. Let’s be real, I’m not exactly a pro at draping, but major shoutout to my amazing friend Nancy for stepping in and making me look like a saree queen. Trust me, her draping skills deserve a standing ovation.   Now, let me tell you, walking in a saree is no joke. It’s like balancing elegance and survival at the same time. But somehow, I managed to pull it off, embracing the graceful chaos. After our classes wrapped up, it was time for what we do best an impromptu photoshoot. Despite the limited crowd, the moments we captured were priceless. And honestly, isn’t posing with friends half the fun of any event?   As the day came to a close, I quickly packed up and headed home, navigating my saree-clad self through the journey. Thankfully, I reached safely (because saree struggles are real, guys!).   Now Packing my bags to le...

Ever asked someone to choose between a butterfly and a tiger? It's fascinating how these choices mirror deep-rooted societal stereotypes. Recently, I did just that, and the pattern was striking: most girls picked the butterfly, while boys leaned toward the tiger. The reasons? Girls loved the butterfly’s grace and beauty, while boys admired the tiger’s aggression, authority, and dominance. But let’s peel back the layers what do these choices really reveal about gendered thinking?   Butterfly: The Stereotypical Feminine Charm  Butterflies have always been associated with delicacy, beauty, and transformation. Girls often relate to them because society conditions them to value traits like elegance, gentleness, and nurturing. The butterfly flutters through life quietly, admired for its charm but never seen as a threat. Sounds familiar, right? It mirrors the traditional “ideal” woman society paints a figure of beauty, always adapting, yet rarely breaking barriers.   B...

 Ever had those days when your heart feels like it’s carrying a thousand bricks? Like the weight of the world just decided to camp on your chest? Trust me, we’ve all been there. It’s that suffocating cocktail of emotions stress, sadness, demotivation, or just plain overwhelm. And you know what? It’s okay to feel that way. What’s not okay is bottling it up.    Why the Heaviness?   Our hearts get heavy when we overthink, overstress, or get hit by life’s curveballs. Maybe it’s unspoken words, unmet expectations, or just the chaos of trying to keep it all together. But here’s the thing emotions are meant to flow. Keeping them locked up? That’s like shaking a soda bottle and refusing to open it. One day, it’ll explode.   Letting it out doesn’t mean losing control it means regaining it. Everyone’s got their way of venting:   - Some pour their hearts out to their besties.   - Some grab a notebook and scribble till their hands ache....

Today, my professor dropped a story that totally blew my mind. He spoke about this absolute legend, Paalam Kalyanam Sundaram. Ever heard of him? Neither did I, but trust me, his life is next-level inspiring. So, this guy was a librarian for 35 years  a rockstar in his field, one of the top five librarians in India. And here’s the crazy part: every single rupee of his salary? Donated. Yep, you read that right. He gave away his entire paycheck to charity. While most of us are hustling for a comfy life, this man worked as a waiter in a restaurant just to support. Talk about selflessness, right? Oh, and get this: when Bill Clinton visited India, he didn’t just want to meet the Prime Minister. He wanted to meet Sundaram as well.  That’s the kind of impact this man had. Even superstar Rajinikanth was so moved by his story that he adopted Sundaram as his father and invited him to stay with him. But Sundaram, being the simple soul he is, chose to return to his village. And guess wh...

 There’s something magical about stepping into a book fair. It’s like entering a world where every stall tells a different story, and every corner is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and discovery. My recent visit to the YMCA Book Fair was no exception it was an experience that left me inspired and deeply connected to the world of words.   The moment I walked in, the aroma of fresh pages and the sight of rows upon rows of books greeted me. From classics to contemporary reads, children’s stories to academic treasures, the variety was overwhelming yet enchanting. It wasn’t just a book fair; it was a celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.   Exploring Literary Gems One of the highlights of my visit was stumbling upon rare and unique collections. There were first editions of classics, limited prints of poetry anthologies, and even graphic novels that combined art with storytelling. I felt like a treasure hunter, picking up books that I knew would add...

Today, while I was traveling, something unusual happened. My eyes fell on a board by the roadside. It read:   Your destination is ahead, but don’t forget to live the journey." Boom. That hit me like a plot twist I didn’t see coming.   There I was, headphones on, scrolling through my playlist, mindlessly counting the minutes till I reached my stop. But this board? It made me pause (mentally, of course I didn’t want to miss my station!). It felt like the universe had slapped me with a reminder: Life isn’t just about reaching the next milestone, it’s about soaking in the little moments in between.   Suddenly, the journey felt different. I looked outside the window. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the trees, a flock of birds painted patterns in the sky, and the world seemed alive. Even the bustling chaos of street vendors and honking vehicles had a rhythm to it.   I realized how much beauty we miss when we’re in a rush to get somewhere. May...

Dreams are curious things, aren’t they? One moment you’re floating through fragments of reality, the next, you’re thrust into realms that defy time and space. Last night, I had a dream that felt like stepping straight into Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s "Kubla Khan" a time-traveling escapade into the mystical land of Xanadu.   I don’t remember how it began dreams rarely hand you a proper beginning. But I found myself standing before a massive palace, golden domes glinting under a surreal sky, surrounded by lush gardens that seemed to breathe with life. Rivers of molten silver snaked through the land, their currents humming a melody I couldn’t place but felt in my soul. The air was heavy with the scent of flowers, but not like any flowers I’ve known these smelled of ancient secrets and unspoken truths.   The moment I stepped into the palace, the air shifted. It felt as though time was bending, folding over itself, with whispers of past and future swirling around me. I saw ...

There’s something magical about picking up the phone and hearing your friend's voice when life gets overwhelming. No matter how chaotic things are, just a few minutes of chatting can completely change the vibe. It’s like a personal reset button, and let’s face it  we all need that from time to time. For me, a call with my friend is my ultimate stress buster. No agenda, no pressure, just real talk and laughter. But you know what? I was curious about why a simple phone call works like a charm for relieving stress. So, I googled it. Turns out, there’s actual science behind it  who knew?   Here’s the deal: when we talk to someone we trust, our bodies release endorphins  those feel-good chemicals that give us that “high” after a good laugh or conversation. They’re like the natural mood boosters our body hands out for free. On top of that, a deep conversation with a friend activates the parasympathetic nervous system (aka the relaxation response). This helps slow down...

  This morning, the alarm rang, but my bed seemed to hold me captive. Then it hit me today’s convocation! With a rush of adrenaline, I jumped out, showered, and got ready to assemble by 8:30. For one last time, I got to live my day-scholar routine, and did it hit me in the feels!   As a current hosteller, those day-scholar days feel like a lifetime ago. I miss the home-cooked food, the college bus rides, and those cozy lunches at home post-classes. Back then, it was all about switching on the TV, digging into luscious meals, and yeah... being a bit on the chubby side (no regrets though).   The moment I stepped onto the campus, a wave of memories washed over me. Those towering buildings, familiar corners, and faces it was like rewinding to a golden era. And then, I spotted my friends. OMG, seeing them after ages was nothing short of magical. Nostalgia had me in a tight grip today, and I wasn’t complaining.   After a quick refreshment break, I grabbed my...

Bidding Bye-Bye to Mumbai: A Rollercoaster of Emotions Leaving Mumbai is like packing away a piece of my soul and leaving it behind. This city is more than its skyline; it’s my family, my emotions, and memories that feel like home. Saying goodbye this time? A full-on emotional rollercoaster. My cousin sister? She was a wreck crying like there’s no tomorrow, and honestly, I couldn’t hold back either. Grandma, though, tried to be all strong, but her teary eyes gave her away. She made sure I was stuffed with my favorite dishes parathas, biryani, sweets you name it. And yes, she snuck snacks into my bag because “You’ll need these for the journey.” But it wasn’t just them. I’ll miss my uncle and grandpa like crazy. My uncle? He was my tour guide, my partner in crime, the one who took me to all the places I wanted to visit. Exploring Mumbai wouldn’t have been the same without him. And my grandpa? He’s the unsung hero, always making sure I was cared for, from the tiniest details to the big th...

Some friendships are like old wine they age beautifully, becoming richer and more unforgettable with time. Today was one such day when I reconnected with my childhood friend, who now calls Mumbai’s iconic St. Xavier’s College her second home.   We started by diving straight into a college showdown MCC versus St. Xavier’s. She painted vivid pictures of Xavier’s Gothic charm, its legendary fests, and the buzzing energy that only Mumbai can bring. Not to be outdone, I spoke of MCC’s sprawling green campus, where the air is filled with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. I spoke about MCC’s cultural fests, which are more frequent, diverse, and vibrant than anything she could imagine. From literary debates to theatrical performances, music nights to traditional celebrations, MCC is a melting pot of creativity, talent, and spirit.   It’s not just about the fests, though. I shared how MCC’s essence lies in its inclusivity and the way it nurtures every student’...