Tag: writing-community

  • “Everyone is a hero!”

    In the year 2018, I listened to my students’ harrowing tales of Kerala’s devastating floods. They recounted their real-life ordeals of navigating through the floodwaters and enduring the aftermath. As I heard their stories, the distress they experienced became palpable, and I empathized deeply with their struggles. Many had endured nightmares as their homes succumbed to the deluge, forcing them to seek refuge in relief camps.

    However, my understanding took a profound turn when I watched the documentary “2018.” It dawned on me that what they had conveyed to me was merely the tip of the iceberg, and the extent of the devastation was far greater. My heart ached witnessing people grappling with the aftermath of decisions that led to such catastrophic consequences. I pondered what might have happened if certain preventive measures were taken or if they had heeded the warnings of their team members (as seen from the documentary)

    Fast forward to the end of that distressing year, the resilient people of Kerala faced yet another adversary—COVID-19. It’s remarkable how, despite these challenges, many of the individuals I’ve encountered have managed to rebuild their lives successfully. Reflecting on these adversities, I can’t help but contemplate how my own family might have coped in such circumstances and where we might be now.

    Beyond the miseries and dangers, these resilient individuals stand tall, facing the world with unwavering zeal. Their strength in the face of adversity has left a lasting impact on me, making me feel a bit stronger today.

  • Outpouring love!

    Daily writing prompt
    When are you most happy?

    “I am a gracious young lady, appreciating the joy that small compliments, smiles, gifts, and, of course, love and concern bring into my life. Today, I was pleasantly surprised by an outpouring of love from my students. Not only did they express their well-wishes, but they also presented me with a thoughtful gift that reflected their care and affection. This unexpected gesture truly made my day, and I never anticipated receiving such warmth from individuals I met just a month ago. It is undoubtedly a blessing in disguise, and I am immensely grateful for their goodwill.

    Reflecting on my past, I vividly recall the days when I was younger. I would find immense excitement and happiness whenever I caught a glimpse of those men I secretly admired. It was a little mischievous secret I indulged in when I should have been focusing on my studies. Those innocent crushes added a delightful touch to my younger years.

  • Is it Truly as Simple as ABC?

    Is it truly as simple as ABC, as the saying goes? I distinctly remember struggling immensely to learn how to write the ABCs. It’s not just my own experience; observing young children grappling with the task underscores the difficulty of mastering the English alphabet. This challenge persists even among educated individuals well-versed in literature. So, why do we say “as easy as ABC” and not “as tough as ABC” or “as complicated as ABC”? The bias in this world, from the beginning to the end, is a perplexing aspect.

    As one of my college professors, particularly from the Political Science department, used to emphasize, “We are born with politics, live in politics, and carry it until our last day.” These words echo a truth about the omnipresence of politics in our lives.

    Allow me to express a few lines in my dialect, “Khipana khipali machong mei manem mei mana kachi li khipana ya chi paira? Ringkapha mirin wui shongza khangakhui hili kachipana kachangkhat eina ngakhui zatli doh? ” This underscores the challenges and intricacies embedded in existence.

    Indeed, it’s a competitive world where survival of the fittest reigns. Among billions, a handful live seemingly indifferent to the value of life. Half the population believes money is everything. Meanwhile, billions struggle tirelessly to bring sustenance home, while some grapple with the pressure of overcoming debts, and others rest beneath the weight of debts accumulated from people.

    Life, in its essence, is both unfair and just. The promises of truth prevailing, peace reigning, and justice being rewarded sound comforting, envisioning better days. Yet, are these promises mere notions one must patiently await to manifest in their lives?

    Unanswerable questions loom large, a shared uncertainty. Above all, the beacon that people ardently pursue is that of HOPE. It conquers the atrocities of life, washing away the bitterness of endless tears. I hope, one day, a brighter future will dawn.

  • Travel wishlist

    Daily writing prompt
    What cities do you want to visit?

    There are the most beautiful places in the world, and one would undoubtedly love to visit these once-in-a-lifetime destinations. Marvelous cities abound across the globe, and I have witnessed them firsthand, through television, photos, and social media. I have heard countless tales about these extraordinary places.

    I have a myriad of destinations on my travel wishlist, and among them is Dubai. I harbor ardent desires to visit this city, to be captivated by its allure and marvel at its unique lifestyle. Oh, how fortunate I would be to experience the wonders of Dubai one day.

  • Childhood Cartoon

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s your favorite cartoon?

    When we were young, we didn’t have a TV, so we rarely got to watch it, let alone a TV series. Even when we did watch, it was from the CD player, as the villagers didn’t have a signal to connect or a place to subscribe to channels. The one channel I remember was Tom and Jerry. We would run to our neighbors’ places to watch it and sometimes even had to contend with the elders for the channel, as they were uninterested in watching it. We were teenagers back then. I vividly remember the joy and laughter we shared with our cousins and talked about it after the show.

    Gone are the days when we’d watch over three rupees dried Mattar and 50 paise sweets. We would quarrel about eating too much and too fast, not sharing with the others. We would also trick the younger ones into eating more than them—haha. Reminiscing about it gives me nostalgia. Thanks for this daily prompt topic.