Loststories

Wonder and worry exist in unison, as my mother stares at the laptop screen. Her old world has crumbled, familiarity is slipping away. Leaving behind the firm grip of the chalk, with trembling hands, she embraces the keyboard — a letter at a time, slow yet steady. "Don't worry, tech is easy," I’m about to utter, as an image flashes in my head. It’s me standing at the edge of the swimming pool, fear coursing through my veins, as I take one step forward, two steps behind. She’s afraid too — of taking the plunge, of letting go. There's comfort in familiarity, uncertainty breeds fear. “Ctrl + A, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V; how difficult can it be? Tech is your friend, just focus on your content.” But along with text, she's also aligning her thought process. From answering questions, she’s now asking them; from an experienced teacher, she's transitioned into a curious learner. Her tryst with technology is like a new flavour meeting your palate. Some foods you take to immedi...

In 2020, I feel like a movie's protagonist that keeps reliving the same bad day over and over. Only in my case, this day is coupled with erratic emotions. Speaking with a few psychologists made me realize that I am not alone. A whole new world order due to Covid is causing individuals to experience a spectrum of emotions. Fr Godfrey D'Sa, a Catholic priest and the Founder Director of PRAFULTA, Centre for Psychological Wellness , says, “ Some are experiencing a sense of relief because of less stress, but many are struggling with different kinds of difficult emotions like fear, anxiety, frustration, irritation, anger, sadness, helplessness.” Priyanka Varma - a clinical psychologist, counsellor and psychotherapist - says, “People are sad about not celebrating birthdays, not seeing their friends, not getting a proper graduation. Some of them may also feel guilty for mourning these things as they are not as great a loss as the death of a loved one. However, everyone has a...

Picture credit: Getty images In psychology, the All-or-Nothing cognitive bias causes the mind to perceive things in extremes. Situations and people are seen in black or white, good or evil. This All-or-Nothing bias is often reflected in media coverage about Muslims. A recent example is the Tablighi Jamaat incident. “In the whole event Tablighi Jamaat and the administration were equally at fault,” states Delhi-based journalist, Aliza Noor. She notes that without detailing the chronology of events or presenting multiple perspectives about the incident, TV channels started communalizing it. “When you’re misreporting and demonizing an entire community for something a handful of people of that community have done, there are more damages done because firstly you divert from the whole issue, you don’t focus on the facts at all and that provides ground for justifying your bias and bigotry against that community,” she adds. Noor also feels that lack of reporting is a ma...

Picture credit: Ruel Rebello To my 16-year-old self, the Mumbai Local was my route to freedom. From missing numerous trains to heaving sighs of relief on finally entering one, From saying “Please shift” to “Move it woman!” From being asked to me asking fellow passengers, “First time hai kya train mein?” From being a ‘First Class only’ snob to realizing that ‘Second class’ is just the same  only with a pinch of vibrance. From getting accustomed to the stench of Mithi at Mahim, But still dreading the crowd upon hearing,‘Pudheel station: Dadar.’ From occupying space for two at an empty Mumbai Central, To setting foot at Churchgate like it was my second home. From rushed college mornings to mellow night journeys, From brewing up conversations with strangers to mini reunions with friends. To journeys where I’ve laughed till my stomach hurt, & times when I’ve cried my eyes red. To fights with decibels that overpowered my music, & times of ...

Source: Kuwaitup2date The holiday season is a time of returning to the comfort, security & familiarity of home. Of being wrapped in the warm embrace of family & friends. However, for some homecoming is an unaffordable luxury.   Every year several Indians shift abroad for work in search of a better life. Poverty & a limited skillset forces a majority to take up jobs as maids & labourers in Middle Eastern countries. While some of them have been at it since decades, others who have a hard time adjusting or are mistreated by sponsor families turn to Shaheen Sayyed. A woman with kind eyes & a voice reflective of grit aptly describes Sayyed.   An NRI residing in Kuwait, she has been alleviating the plight of Indian maids & labourers for over 22 years. Several such workers want to return home but have little or no guidance. Sayyed decided to put her education to good use & help them out. So much so that her family retorts, “Jab tak aa...

Laxmi Naidu addressing students at the Mahila Milan office Dressed in a blue sari, Laxmi Naidu appears frail but commands my attention the moment she starts talking. “Main zyaada padheli- likheli nahi hoon. 2-3 class padhi hoon bas,” she says. Previously, a pavement dweller, Naidu is now a proud owner of a flat. However, the journey from Nagpada to Mankhurd has been a rocky road. To beautify Mumbai the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would break down huts all over the city. Which forced slum dwellers like Naidu to rebuild their lives each time this happened. Things started to look up, when Sheela Patel, the founding director of Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centers (SPARC) stepped in and procured ration cards for 536 pavement dwellers from Nagpada. She advised women like Naidu to come forward and engage in dialogue with authorities to improve their living condition. With Patel’s guidance, the women from Nagpada began their search for land in the city. T...