Author: The Lifestyle Portal

Film, TV, Art & MusicHobbyInternationalLifestylePeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

The Rise and Evolution of Breakdance: From Bronx Streets to Global Stages

8th grader Advika Karve from JBCN International School, Mumbai explores the powerful journey of breakdance from the streets of the Bronx to global recognition. Through her research, she uncovers how breaking began as a form of expression for African‑American and Latino youth and eventually transformed into a worldwide cultural movement. Advika highlights the dance’s creative influences, iconic crews, and the four foundational elements that shaped its evolution. She also reflects on breaking’s rise to the Olympic stage and its impact on young dancers today. Her writing captures both the history and heart of a dance form that continues to inspire millions.

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Essays & Short StoriesLifestyleParentingWorkshops
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The Superpower Switchboard: A Creative Art Reset for Women to Manage Energy and Overcome Burnout

In our second Creative Reset Art Workshop, we explored a theme that felt deeply personal for every woman in the room — the Superpower Switchboard. We often forget that we carry inner switches that can shift our energy, soften overwhelm, and bring us back to ourselves. Through simple art, colour‑coding, and gentle reflection, the women mapped what they access easily, what they’re learning, and what feels hard right now. What unfolded was a space of honesty, connection, and quiet strength. By the end, each woman walked away with a clearer sense of what to switch on, what to release, and what to choose for herself.

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BooksReviews
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Book Review – I Read ‘The Silent Patient’ During Exams — Here’s Why I Couldn’t Put It Down

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grade student studying at Mahindra International School, Pune, demonstrates a strong narrative instinct and an impressive sense of voice in her writing. Her review of The Silent Patient goes beyond summarising the plot; she captures mood, tension, and character psychology with clarity and depth. Maya’s observations are sharp yet grounded, showing how thoughtfully she engages with the books she reads. Her writing reflects sincerity, curiosity, and a growing confidence in her craft — qualities that make her work both engaging and memorable.

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BooksEssays & Short Stories
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The Ghost Crew of the Volga‑4: A Deep‑Sea Mystery

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grader from Mahindra International School, Pune, crafts a gripping deep‑sea narrative that blends mystery, science fiction, and emotional depth. Her story follows diver Steig Thorn as he descends into the Litke Trench and encounters the Volga‑4, a submarine that vanished in 1975 yet appears untouched by time. With precise detail and a steady build‑up of tension, Maya creates an eerie, immersive world where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

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Essays & Short StoriesLifestylePep Talk
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Why Your Productivity Will Never Look Like Someone Else’s — And Why That’s Okay

Productivity, I’ve learnt, isn’t a race or a checklist someone else hands you. For years, I pushed myself to match a pace that was never mine, measuring my worth against people whose lives looked nothing like my own. It took slowing down — truly slowing down — to realise that some days, being productive simply means showing up for yourself. Walking the dog, cooking a meal, mentoring a child, or sitting quietly with chai can be just as meaningful as ticking off a work task. Your life has its own rhythm. Your productivity should honour that rhythm, not fight it. If you’ve been questioning your pace or your definition of “productive,” perhaps this will offer some comfort. Read on…

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EntrepreneursHomeLifestylePeople & CultureSuccess Stories
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The Psychology of Space: Ankush Seth on Designing Homes That Truly Work

10th grader Maya Malhotra from Mahindra International School, Pune interviews interior designer Ankush Seth, founder of Seth & Associates, to uncover what truly lies behind the craft of designing meaningful spaces. Through their conversation, Maya explores how interior design goes far beyond colours and furniture, touching psychology, behaviour, negotiation, and the invisible decisions that shape how people live. Mr. Seth speaks candidly about layouts, client expectations, creative problem‑solving, and the importance of trust in the design process. Maya’s thoughtful questions and reflections reveal a young interviewer who listens deeply and captures the heart of a designer’s philosophy.

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InternationalTravel
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A Week in Almaty: A 10th Grader’s Ski Adventure in Kazakhstan

10th grader Maya Malhotra, from Mahindra International School, Pune, takes readers through a vivid, heartfelt photo essay documenting her week‑long ski trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan. What began as a much‑needed break after exams quickly turned into a journey of discovery, challenge, and quiet confidence. From tense moments at the airport to the thrill of skiing at 3,200 feet, Maya captures every detail with clarity and warmth. Her reflections on wrong skis, powdery snow, sunlit slopes, and the simple joy of getting better each day reveal a young writer who observes deeply and expresses with honesty.

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Essays & Short StoriesPep TalkWorkshops
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How Our Creative Reset Art Workshops Help Women Overcome Burnout & Find Balance

After years of working across different industries — from content and IT to AI and entrepreneurship — I realised something simple yet powerful: we don’t always need more technology; we need more connection. We want to feel heard, acknowledged, and understood. But in the constant noise of innovation, we forget to pause and check in with ourselves. The Creative Reset Art Workshops were born from this need. Through gentle art, mindful reflection, and unhurried conversation, we create a space to breathe, reset, and return to the parts of ourselves we often neglect.

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Film, TV, Art & MusicInternationalLifestylePeople & CultureReviews
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The Truth About Music Ownership: What I Learned from Taylor Swift’s Fight for Her Masters

Advika Karve, an 8th grader from JBCN International School Mumbai, writes passionately about the challenges artists face in owning their music. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s fight for her masters, Advika explores how creative freedom, financial rights, and personal expression are deeply connected to music ownership. Through real examples from global icons to K‑pop artists, she uncovers how unfair contracts and industry systems often take control away from the very people who create the art. Her writing reflects a young learner’s growing awareness of the music industry and a strong belief that artists deserve respect, autonomy, and ownership of their stories.

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Essays & Short StoriesLifestyle
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Growth Mindset for Children: Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

A growth mindset isn’t new — we’ve always had it within us. Today, we simply give it names like ‘fixed’ and ‘growth’ mindset. In my mentorship sessions, we explore these ideas through Sunny the Lion, Lucky the Octopus, and Shelly the Tortoise. Each animal teaches children something valuable — optimism, courage, calmness, and the belief that mistakes help us grow. These simple reminders stay with them, even if they don’t realise it now. Just like plants need gentle care, our children need steady guidance to build confidence, empathy, and a mindset that helps them move forward with joy.

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