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From Boardroom to Baby Bottles: What ‘Baby Boom’ Teaches Us About Reinventing Success

JC Wiatt’s life was all about power meetings and six-figure deals—until a baby landed in her arms, turning her world upside down. What began as chaos slowly blossomed into clarity. She didn’t just learn to change diapers; she learned to change her life. From boardrooms to baby bottles, JC’s journey reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful destinations.

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EducationFinanceLifestylePeople & Culture

Why Tariffs Could Be a Wake-Up Call for Indian Youth to Go Local

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grade student from Mahindra International School, Pune, is exploring the impact of global tariffs to help her peers understand their deeper implications. Her article highlights how rising import costs—especially on gadgets, fashion, and food—are reshaping youth consumption patterns. Rather than viewing these changes as setbacks, Maya encourages a shift in mindset: to see tariffs as a chance to support Indian-made products and services. By spotlighting resilient local brands and innovative startups, she frames this moment as an opportunity for young Indians to embrace indigenous solutions, foster entrepreneurship, and take pride in strengthening their own economy.

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EducationEssays & Short StoriesHobbyParentingPep TalkStudent Testimonials

Creative Writing Mentorship for Kids: How The Write Compass Helps Children Read, Write & Thrive

Many children miss out on age-appropriate mentorship, focused feedback, and creative guidance—something not always feasible for busy parents or teachers. To bridge this gap, I launched the W.I.N.G.S Program, a nurturing space that blends reading, ‘out of the box’ thinking, creative writing backed by NLP, and Art Therapy. Our programs go beyond academics to build problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and creative expression. Children explore current affairs, sustainability, mental health, and more through small projects, writing and storytelling. It’s not just about learning—it’s about growing with purpose, confidence, and joy.

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Essays & Short StoriesPep Talk

Rising Above Challenges with Swami Vivekananda: Stories of Resilience and Courage

Back in 2004, life tested me with cramped hostels, unsupportive flatmates, and nights of Monginis cake and bananas for dinner. Yet, through every struggle, I found solace and strength in the words of Swami Vivekananda. His teachings reminded me that resilience is not about avoiding hardships but about rising above them with courage and dignity. What seemed like lonely nights eventually bloomed into friendships, laughter, and lessons that shaped me for life. Looking back, I see not weakness, but the quiet determination that helped me stand tall — and that continues to guide me today.

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EducationInternationalTechnology

Criminal Profiling: The Science Behind the Stories

Maya Malhotra, a Class 10 student from Mahindra International School, explores the basics of criminal profiling. Unlike the “mind reading” often shown on TV, profiling is a careful process that applies psychology, forensic science, and technology to study behaviour and identify suspects. From cases like Jack the Ripper to the Mad Bomber, it has become an important investigative tool. In this article, Maya introduces a discipline rooted in science that requires careful analysis and ethical responsibility.

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Essays & Short StoriesPep TalkTechnology

The Avengers Within: Iron (Wo)Man Lessons in Leadership, Mentorship, and Letting Go

We weren’t just a chatbot testing team — we were The Avengers. Each of us brought our own strengths, our own quirks, and somehow, amidst the chaos, we built a system that worked like clockwork. As Iron (Wo)Man, my role was to lead, mentor, and protect, but also to know when to step back. Letting go wasn’t easy, especially when you’ve nurtured a team from scratch. Yet, I learned that true leadership isn’t about holding on — it’s about empowering others to fly on their own, even when the script changes unexpectedly. And yes, we still “miss each other 3000.”

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EducationEssays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicPep Talk

Smudges, Blots & Breakthroughs: Embracing Mistakes Through Art

We often see mistakes as flaws — something to hide, fix, or feel ashamed of. But what if a mistake was simply a new beginning in disguise? As an artist and mentor, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, patience, and possibility. Whether it’s a blot on a painting or a detour in life, mistakes have taught me to pause, reflect, and trust the process. In this piece, I share how art helped me reframe failure, let go of perfectionism, and find joy in the unexpected — both on the canvas and off it.

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Essays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicPep Talk

The Scrapbook of Possibilities: A Film That Makes You Rethink Life

Some movies stay with you, filling you with valuable lessons that you didn’t expect to learn. I almost skipped this Netflix movie ‘The Last Holiday’ (2006), dismissing it as just another regular drama. I’m so glad I gave this movie a chance.
While “The Last Holiday” was a work of fiction, I am sure there will be millions who will resonate with Georgia Byrd. They may go back home and rethink their priorities, whether it’s worth putting away little dreams in a book just because they’re too afraid to give it a try.

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EntrepreneursPeople & CulturePep TalkSuccess Stories

Blooming TanMan: A Mother’s Mission to Empower Marginalised Children through Mental Health

Blooming TanMan is a heartfelt initiative started by Sagarika Banerjee, a mother and teacher, in memory of her son Tanmay. The program supports marginalised children by promoting mental health awareness, life skills, and emotional wellbeing. What began in one school in Pune has grown into a community movement—powered by volunteers, love, and resilience. From art therapy to counselling sessions, Blooming TanMan creates safe spaces where children can heal, express, and thrive. It’s a tribute to a son’s vision and a mother’s mission to bring hope and care to those who need it most. Read our special feature here.

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EducationEssays & Short StoriesParenting

Sitare Zameen Pe – Part 2: Nurturing Talents, One Child at a Time

In continuation of my reflections inspired by Sitare Zameen Pe, I’d like to share the incredible journey of Megha Kumbhar, a Mumbai-based special educator with over 20 years of experience. In 2018, Megha approached us to help build her brand — and that’s how ‘Nurturing Talents’ was born. Passionate about teaching children with Down Syndrome, autism, and learning disabilities, Megha’s work is rooted in empathy, creativity, and personalised learning. From one-on-one sessions to individualised education plans, her story is a powerful reminder that inclusive education begins with understanding — and that every child deserves to be taught the way they learn best.

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