Editor's Pick
Remembering Vijaya Mulay
Vijaya Mulay: A Pioneer in Indian Cinema and Education- Honoring the legacy of a filmmaker who shaped childhoods.
For those who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, the song “Ek Chidiya Anek Chidiya” holds a cherished place in the hearts of many. It was more than just a catchy tune; it was a reminder of unity in diversity, beautifully portrayed in the short animated film “Ek, Anek aur Ekta.” directed by the late Vijaya Mulay.
Vijaya Mulay was a renowned filmmaker, film historian, researcher and educationalist born in Mumbai. Mulay’s journey with cinema began in Patna in 1940, where she used to frequent city theatres to watch English films. This passion for cinema led her to pursue a master’s in education in the UK, after which she returned to India and became actively involved in film societies, notably founding the Delhi Film Society in 1959.
Throughout her career, Vijaya Mulay made significant contributions to Indian cinema and education. She served as the joint secretary of the Federation of Film Societies alongside film critic Chidananda Dasgupta, with Satyajit Ray as its founding President. Her work at the Central Board of Film Certification in the early 1960s shaped the Indian film industry. She also played a vital role in producing several educational films widely used in schools across the country, promoting a progressive and inclusive approach to education.
In 1967, Vijaya Mulay fostered a lifelong friendship with celebrated French filmmaker Louis Malle, who assisted her in making her debut film “The Tidal Bore.” This film, depicting a natural phenomenon along the Hooghly River, garnered international acclaim and was India’s official entry at the Mannheim Film Festival. Its success not only marked a significant milestone in Mulay’s career but also showcased the potential of Indian cinema on the global stage.
Mulays’s accolades include the V Shantaram Award for Lifetime Achievement for documentaries and the Vikram Sarabhai Lifetime Achievement Award for educational communication. She was also awarded the national award for best writing in cinema.
In 1975, Mulay led the Centre for Educational Technology (CET), where she produced educational films broadcast across thousands of villages. One of the most notable films from CET’s animation studious was “Ek, Anek aur Ekta”. This film, a heartwarming tale of unity in diversity, won the National Film Award for Best Educational Film. Its success reflected Vijaya Mulay’s commitment to progressive education and inclusive ideals and demonstrated the power of film as a tool for social change.
Vijaya Mulay’s vision of a diverse yet united India is evident in “Ek, Anek aur Ekta,” a film that resonates even today amidst political turmoil. At a time when diverse rhetoric dominates, Mulay’s work reminds us of the importance of unity and inclusivity.
As we remember Vijaya Mulay’s legacy, we honour her contributions to Indian Cinema and education. May her films inspire generations, fostering a spirit of harmony and understanding in our society.
Editor's Pick
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Architect of India’s Unity
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s grit and strategy unified India, merging over 550 princely states into a mighty nation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) was a towering figure in India’s history, for he cemented the unity of free India by integrating more than 552 princely states into the Indian Union. However, India had become free in 1947; Goa, Daman, Diu, and a few other territories were joined later. Patel’s bold diplomacy was the base for a united India, and his tireless effort to consolidate the country earned him the title “Iron Man of India.” Mahatma Gandhi inspired Patel, and his journey was marked by an unwavering resolve to serve India, even amidst challenges from monarchies, local rulers, and ideological groups.
Early Life and Education
He was born on 31 October 1875 at Nadiad, Gujarat, into a family of Leva Patidar farmers. His father, Jhaverbhai, was an army man of the Rani of Jhansi, and his mother, Ladbai, was very religious. His early education was in Gujarati medium schools, which soon shifted to English studies. He passed high school in 1897. In 1910, he travelled to England and studied law at the Inns of Court, returning to India in 1913 to practice law in Godhra, Gujarat. His excellent sense of the law and judgment brought him lucrative offers from the British, yet he declined these offers; he opted to resist colonialism.
Leadership
His first critical involvement in the independence movement came when he led the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918 through a “No Tax” campaign for farmers devastated by floods. In recognition of his efforts to rally the masses, Patel was called the “Sardar” by women from the locale. Later, he championed the cause of the Non-Cooperation Movement undertaken by Gandhi and travelled to India, raising funds and furthering the message of freedom.
Patel played pivotal roles in the Bardoli and Borsad movements, campaigning militantly against unfair British taxation. In 1930, he was sent behind bars for participating in the Salt March of Gandhi; his incendiary words during the Salt Satyagraha motivated the Indians to action. Patel spearheaded the movement in all Gujarati areas on behalf of Gandhi, who himself was arrested. Later, he was made President of the Indian National Congress in 1931. There, he started making it ready for the coming time of a secular nation and declared human rights and humanity’s freedom.
Role to Unite India
Patel became the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister after India achieved independence in 1947. He took up the challenge of integrating more than 550 princely states by touring and negotiating with regional rulers. Many states joined without a fight, but not all: Hyderabad, Junagarh, and Jammu & Kashmir, for example. Through a mix of negotiations and strategic military action, he brought these territories into the Indian Dominion.
Patel created the base of the administrative structure in India, and has been a great success. He favoured establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). Patel also knew that solid governance had to be kept in mind to stabilise the newly formed nation. It included the development of infrastructural facilities, too. For example, the ancient Somnath Temple was restored and rebuilt, but foreign invaders destroyed it.
Principals
Mahatma Gandhi enjoyed a peculiar relationship with Sardar Patel, who was entirely in harmony with Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha. He was one of those leaders with no ideological differences from other leaders like Nehru; he put national amity above personal ambition. Sardar Patel had already withdrawn his candidature for Prime Minister at the behest of Gandhi, which is testimony to his amity commitment. He even, when criticised, backed the Quit India Movement in 1942, which had made him imprisoned for three years.
The assassination of Gandhi in 1948 was a great shock to Patel and caused him much pain. He later explained a heart attack he suffered as grief over the loss of his mentor. Patel’s relationship with Gandhi greatly influenced his political thinking, leading him through the freedom movement and the trying times of independence.
Legacy and Passing
Late in 1950, Patel’s health began to deteriorate. He died on 15 December of the same year. His legacy is firmly etched in the annals of India’s history. He is the “Iron Man” who visioned, led, and pragmatically built modern India. Uniting the country after gaining freedom and establishing a robust administrative structure is a testimonial to his dedication and commitment.
Today, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stays in the hearts of every person as the epitome of strength and unity combined with patriotism. Statues and memorials recall his works to inspire coming generations to understand the importance of national integration and respect towards his idea of a progressive, economically stable India.
Editor's Pick
Unplugged: Navigating Social Media Anxiety
Why do I care so much about Social Media? Here is your guide to understand social media anxiety and help you cope with it.
In today’s digital world, social media has become nearly inextricable from daily life, especially for emerging adults (those aged 18 to 29). This demographic has seen rapid integration of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and many more into their routines, often using them for networking, keeping up with friends, entertainment and even professional advancement. However, as much as social media can enhance connectivity, it can also increase anxiety and impact mental health in profound ways.
What is Social Media Anxiety?
Social media anxiety stems from a variety of factors, including the pressure to maintain an idealised online persona, comparison with others, and the constant urge to stay connected. For emerging adults, the impact can be particularly significant as they navigate self-identity, career paths, and relationships. The anxiety associated with social media can manifest in symptoms like FOMO (Fear of missing out), obsessive checking of notifications and self-esteem issues driven by comparison. Research shows that the more time young people spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience increased levels of anxiety, loneliness and even depression.
What are some factors contributing to Social Media Anxiety?
Comparison Culture
Social media often highlights the best parts of people’s lives, from vacations to career successes to relationships. This “highlight reel” can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy when compared to one’s life, potentially leading to feelings of jealousy, low self-esteem and self-criticism.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
FOMO can intensify social media anxiety, leading individuals to check for updates and notifications to avoid feeling excluded obsessively. The constant need to stay updated and relevant can create feelings of stress and inadequacy.
Perfectionism and Online Persona
Many emerging adults feel pressured to curate a version of themselves that fits societal standards of success and happiness. When reality doesn’t match up with this ideal, it can lead to anxiety, as one feels they aren’t living up to the standards they present to the world.
Cyberbullying and Negative Interactions
Online harassment and negative interactions have become unfortunately common, impacting emerging adults significantly. This can lead to feelings of rejection, isolation and anxiety which may be difficult to overcome without proper coping mechanisms.
Addictive nature of Social Media
Social Media is designed to be engaging with notifications, likes and comments, creating a cycle of reward in the brain. Emerging adults can find themselves spending excessive time on social media, which can reduce their real-world social interactions and increase anxiety levels over time.
Signs of Social Media Anxiety
Social media anxiety can manifest itself in subtle and overt ways. Some common signs include:
- Constantly checking notifications or feeling restless without a device nearby
- Negative self-talk and comparison to their online
- Feeling overwhelmed by FOMO or needing to be “in the loop”
- Avoiding social media altogether but feeling isolated or anxious about missing out
- Decreased self-esteem or self-worth tied to social media interactions or online validation
What are some strategies to cope with Social Media Anxiety?
Mindful Social Media Use
Practising mindfulness with social media can help emerging adults become more aware of their feelings while online. Take note of when negative feelings arise while scrolling through content, and use that awareness to limit exposure to triggering content. Being intentional about social media use can minimise its impact on anxiety.
Limit Screen Time
Setting boundaries around screen time can be highly effective. Many devices and apps allow users to set daily usage limits for specific apps, which can help emerging adults avoid the “scrolling trap”. Designating certain times of the day to check social media, such as once in the morning and once in the evening, can also help regain control over online time.
Curate your feed
Emerging adults should consider unfollowing accounts that make them feel inadequate, anxious and angry. Following accounts that promote positivity, self-care and mental well-being can improve the quality of one’s feed. This meant mental health advocates, wellness coaches, and support groups share content that can be empowering and comforting.
Focus on Real-life Connections
One of the most effective ways to counter social media anxiety is to prioritise real-life relationships. Meeting friends in person, engaging in hobbies, and participating in social activities outside of social media can provide a sense of fulfilment and reduce the need for online validation. Real-life interactions also allow emerging adults to build social skills and deepen personal connections
Practice Self-Compassion
It’s easy to be self-critical when comparing oneself to others online. Practising self-compassion, being kind and understanding towards oneself in moments of perceived failure or inadequacy, can help to counteract this tendency. This might include journaling positive affirmations, meditating on one’s strengths, or talking to oneself as one would talk to a friend.
Develop a Balanced Perspective
Social Media often distorts reality, but being aware of this can help lessen its impact. Reflect on the fact that everyone experiences struggles and that people are unlikely to show care failures or mundane aspects of life on social media. Developing a balanced perspective allows emerging adults to remind themselves that what they see online is a limited view of reality.
Seek support from Mental Health Professionals
For emerging adults who struggle to manage social media anxiety on their own, reaching out to a mental health professional can be beneficial. Therapists can help with cognitive-behavioural strategies to shift thought patterns and group therapy may offer a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
The Role of Digital Detox
A “digital detox” or taking a break from social media entirely, can help reduce social media anxiety. Shirt detoxes like turning off notifications over the weekend or more extended breaks, like a week-long hiatus, can give emerging adults space to reconnect with themselves without the constant pressure of social media. A digital detox can also provide insights into how social media affects mental health, potentially encouraging more mindful usage when they return.
Social Media Anxiety is a modern phenomenon, impacting emerging adults at a time in their lives when they are working to establish their identities, values and relationships. Understanding the roots of this anxiety, recognising the symptoms, and adopting strategies to cope can foster healthier social media habits and enhance mental well-being. By being mindful, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, emerging adults can create a balanced relationship with social media, one that supports rather than detracts from their well-being. In a world that encourages constant connectivity, a little distance from the digital world can go a long way in nurturing mental health.
Editor's Pick
“The Goddess Who Wants Out” by Kritika Pandey
An intimate tale of friendship’s beauty and fragility, “The Goddess Who Wants Out” explores growing up, growing close, and growing apart
“The Goddess Who Wants Out”, published in the Bombay Literary Magazine in January 2020, tells a beautifully woven narrative based on the intricacies of a childhood friendship that grows and then changes over time. Given that the story is about Ela, it develops the deep bond she enjoyed with Niranjana and the friendship that felt as intuitive as family but was still strained by their diverging paths as they navigated from youth to maturity. Through the beauty of poetic prose and the senses, the author brings to life the joy, heartbreak, and complexity that define the relationship between them and the reader, offering a glimpse into the bittersweet evolution of two lives once so closely entwined.
One of the story’s most striking aspects is the way it captures the contrast between Ela and Niranjana’s upbringing and hints at the differences that will eventually separate them. From the beginning, the story throws us into a world of parallel lives: Ela’s cosmopolitan background contrasts with Niranjana’s more rooted, traditional upbringing. As the two move through the ups and downs of their adolescence, they encounter parental expectations, societal norms, and individual insecurities—tensions seamlessly woven into the narrative. This involves colourism, academic pressure, and issues regarding body images that create a basis for their relationship and would most likely make it realistic and complex.
Such sensory language infuses the story with vividity, drawing readers to step into the world of Ela and Niranjana. School lunch textures we feel through our senses, petrol intoxicates during rebellious youth activities and warmth friction all combine for them in their typical space. Sensory riches enhance storytelling and help illustrate the layers of a relationship that have a tangibly physical and emotional element to the tie.
Meanwhile, all this gentle mischief from one to the other lies beneath the sadness in this tale and is punctuated by episodes that tell of the scars each carries. One moment of quiet turning point came about when Ela took from Niranjana a question paper for the board exams—a subtle act of betrayal telling us of far weightier ways they would one day drift apart. As they age, the underlying tension and their relationship veers towards moments of unsaid space and miscomprehensions. It was mighty when Ela washed Niranjana’s clothes. A small gesture of lingering affection and nostalgia remained unsent through Niranjana’s negligence, without Ela having anyone to appeal to her connection. This silent, one-sided act says much about how their relationship has changed in ways neither can fully repair, though she still loves him.
“The Goddess Who Wants Out” also feeds off its quiet, pointed commentary on the social pressures that shape both girls’ expectations of academic success and family values defining who each girl is and what she will do. In one beautiful metaphor, their stargazing together through a telescope becomes a metaphor for their relationship: looking at life from each other’s perspective, even if they cannot inhabit it fully. Their shared evening under the stars is an almost fleeting, almost celestial moment, encapsulating the intensity and fragility of their friendship.
This is a sensitive, layered portrayal of a friendship tested by time and life’s pressures. Through Ela’s observant and emotionally honest narration, the story becomes a celebration of the beauty and transience of childhood connections. In that light, “The Goddess Who Wants Out” resonates as a poignant reminder of how, despite our most substantial ties, life leads us down different paths, bearing memories of love, loss, and simple magic in our hearts.
Editor's Pick
The Mental Health Boost of Standup Comedy
How standup comedy offers more than laughs—it provides a path to mental wellness by releasing tension, stress, and anxiety.
At its core, standup comedy aims to make people laugh; however, it also has the profound ability to heal. Often, it is not only the comedians but also the audiences who share a cathartic release from life’s stressors through laughter. Notable mental health benefits can be associated with the spontaneous release of humour, providing a unique and socially engaging form of therapy.
The Science Behind Humor and Healing
Evidence demonstrates that laughter releases endorphins, one of the body’s naturally produced “feel-good” hormones, which may cause better moods and decreased pain perception. Humour is one of those collective settings where stand-up performances can reduce cortisol, letting off stress and anxiety by its presence. Due to timing, storytelling, and relatability, the variability in standup can keep audiences on high alert, giving an emotional release or taking a person’s mind away from his tension.
This comedy can, therefore, be a mental escape for subjects suffering from depression and anxiety; this temporary mental space might provide refuge from loneliness and make one feel like part of human nature. Real-life problems and sensitive issues find a way to appear on the comedian’s stage with a light-hearted touch, which is fresh air for the audience, making them take their problems in a less daunting light.
Standup Comedy: The Therapeutic Mode of Self-Expression
Many comedians find performing standup cathartic, a healthy outlet for self-expression, and a place for discussing private problems with social acceptability and transmuting bad experiences into something that others will laugh at, curbs those impulses and brings one back in control of pain-producing situations.
In addition, standup comedy fosters a sense of bonding and community. In the laughter of an audience, people come together to enjoy something funny and build a sense of acceptance and camaraderie among them. For those living in total isolation or self-doubt, such a collective experience can be beneficial.
Comedy Clubs and Mental Health
Comedy clubs and open mics can be used as a type of amateur support group; many comedians and even listeners find solace in the shared laughter. Increasingly, comedy spaces host nights centred around mental health, providing a space for connection about relatable, mentally health-oriented humour. Shows help people feel seen and understood, giving them the strength of knowledge that they are not alone.
The Acceptance of Humor as a Means to Wellness
Of course, standup comedy can’t replace therapy, but its benefits to mental well-being are undeniable. For those seeking an accessible, enjoyable way to de-stress and improve their mood, attending or even participating in standup can provide a meaningful boost.
Editor's Pick
The Common Man’s Voice: A Tribute to R.K. Laxman
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman, popularly known as R.K. Laxman, was more than just a cartoonist, a face of the millions of ordinary Indians in scores and scores of cartoons featured in The Times of India. Born on 24th October 1921 in Mysore, India, Laxman was born to a family of eight children, with him being the youngest sibling of famed novelist R.K. Narayan. His interest in art dates back to his childhood, when he would draw caricatures of teachers and jot writings on the walls of his home. The Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art rejected him for “lacking talent”,-but this did not deter Laxman from pursuing his love for drawing.
The Beginning of The Cartoonist’s Journey
When Laxman started illustrating stories by his brother R.K. Narayan for The Hindu, his career took a flying start. His first full-time job as a political cartoonist was at the Free Press Journal in Mumbai. It is true, however, that it was during his stint in the Englishman and later with The Times of India that he became a household name. Here, in 1951, Laxman invented the Common Man, who would transform into the symbol of his satirical genius in the years to come. The Common Man, in a checked coat, bald head, and bewildered expression, stood silently by the happenings of post-independence India. He used his daily cartoon strip, You Said It, to comment on the absurdities in Indian politics, social issues, and corruption most genuinely and humorously.
The Satirical “Common Man” & More
Laxman’s work always remained invested in the everyday struggle of Indian society. He was unusually adept at piercing the noise of politicians and bureaucracy to present the world from the commoner’s point of view. Never to his credit did the cartoons take political sides, but they always told the truth—the often unsaid but undenied truth. He took complex issues ranging from economic disparity to political scandals and raised them in simple drawings. Laxman’s Common Man tried to witness every twist and turn in India’s democratic journey and make his way into the people’s hearts.
Laxman was a cartoonist but had creativity that went beyond cartoons. His artistic hand found its way into designing Gattu, the mischievous mascot of Asian Paints, and drawing stories for the famous TV serial called Malgudi Days, adapted from his brother’s works. He featured in many Hindi and Tamil movies through cartoon sketches.
Behind the Cartoonist’s Canvas
Although there is a tinge of humor in his artwork, Laxman’s life wasn’t one of roses and camellias either. Kumari Kamala was his first wife, whom he soon divorced. His most crucial test was, however, when he went into a coma in 2003 after suffering a stroke that partly paralyzed him. Still, he remained productive until the very end, producing cartoons with the same acuity with which he began. R.K. Laxman breathed his last on 26th January 2015, but his legacy of being timeless shall live on in cartoons and their characters that shall forever give voice to the struggles of Indian masses.
The Legacy
Laxman is remembered for his immense contributions to Indian art and journalism and was a multiple-award winner, for example, in Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He was the last of a generation, but his cartoons are still inspiring generations.
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