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Migration and Urban India: Benefits, Challenges, and the Way Forward

10th grader Maya Malhotra tries to understand internal migration in India by exploring why people leave their villages each year in search of better opportunities. As she studies cities like Delhi and Mumbai, she realises how deeply migration shapes urban life—from transport systems to diverse food, festivals, and languages. Her research helps her appreciate migration as a complex journey—one that strengthens cities even as it challenges them to grow more inclusive and resilient.

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Essays & Short StoriesPeople & CulturePep Talk
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A Christmas CSR activity that became a reality check

During a Christmas CSR visit to a senior living home in Mumbai, my team and I expected a cheerful day of decorations and cake. What we received instead was a profound lesson in empathy. Elderly residents welcomed us with fragile eyes and eager hearts, sharing stories that stirred our souls. One former bank manager’s quiet words—“Now I’m here”—echoed long after. That day reminded us that titles and appraisals don’t define us. What truly matters is how we treat others. Empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a life skill. And sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from the quietest voices.

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Essays & Short StoriesParentingPep Talk
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Teen Loneliness and Social Media: What We’re Getting Wrong

One morning at 7am, my daughter and I overheard a young girl in the lift practising her school speech on social media. She ended with, “We teenagers should be allowed to use social media because it helps us deal with loneliness.” She couldn’t have been more than 12 or 13. That sentence lingered long after the lift doors closed. How is it that in such a “connected” universe, our teens still feel lonely? That moment nudged me to write this piece and create a simple ‘7‑Point Loneliness Self‑Check’ that might help. Read on to explore whether social media is truly a remedy for their loneliness.

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EducationEssays & Short StoriesParentingPep Talk
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The Power of Writing Mentorship for Children: Emotional Growth Through Expression

Children often carry more inside them than they can express, and their quietness sometimes speaks louder than words. As parents, we try our best, yet we’re left wondering why our child still feels unheard or unsure. Over time, these unspoken emotions turn into negative self‑beliefs that dim their confidence. Through mentorship, I help children slow down, look within, and gently reframe these thoughts. With tools like the Optimistic Octopus, writing exercises, and art‑based reflection, they learn to understand their feelings, celebrate small wins, and build emotional strength—one mindful step at a time.

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EducationStudent Testimonials
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Mentorship That Matters: Helping Students Write with Clarity, Emotion, and Purpose

Amulya and Sangya, design students from Jain University, were struggling with their research paper. It felt too technical and lacked emotion. With the deadline approaching, they reached out for writing help. We worked together to make their thesis clearer, more personal, and easier to read. I gave them detailed feedback in parts so they could revise quickly. They submitted on time and shared a lovely thank-you note, saying the mentorship made them feel confident and supported. This story shows how the right guidance can turn a stressful task into a meaningful learning experience.

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EntrepreneursEssays & Short StoriesLifestylePep TalkSuccess Stories
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Parichay – Pehchaan Khud Se: How One Coach Transforms Lives Through Self-Awareness

In a time of deep transition in my corporate journey, it was Premsai Samanatary who helped me rise. Through her gentle yet firm coaching, I rediscovered my voice, my rhythm, and my purpose. Premsai’s own path—from pain to healing—infuses her work with empathy, depth, and grace. Her signature program Parichay – Pehchaan Khud Se isn’t just coaching; it’s a soulful reconnection with self. This interview is my Guru Dakshina to her—a tribute to a mentor who helped me reclaim my joy, launch The Write Compass, and live a life aligned with creativity, clarity, and conscious choice.

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EducationEssays & Short StoriesParentingPep Talk
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Why children need mentorship beyond classrooms

Mentorship isn’t just for professionals—it’s something children need too, and much earlier than we think. As a Writing Mentor, I’ve seen how a little nudge, some focused attention, and a safe space to express can do wonders. Children crave individual feedback, not just grades. Through writing, coaching, and art therapy, I help them explore ideas, challenge limiting beliefs, and build emotional resilience. It’s not about rushing—it’s about going deep, slowly and steadily. When we mentor children early, we give them the tools to unlearn, relearn, and grow into confident, thoughtful individuals—ready to face life, not just exams.

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EntrepreneursEssays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & CultureSuccess Stories
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Crafting Change: Truly Tribal’s Inspiring Journey to The Better India & The Logical Indian Recognition

A chance meeting at an award ceremony introduced me to Shweta Menon, founder of Truly Tribal. Her passion for Indian crafts and commitment to supporting rural artisans was inspiring. We connected instantly and later featured her story on The Lifestyle Portal in 2020, celebrating her vision to contemporize Indian handicrafts. Over time, our professional collaboration blossomed into a meaningful friendship. During the pandemic, her online workshops helped revive traditional art forms and supported artisans in need. Seeing Truly Tribal featured on The Better India is a proud moment—and a reminder that purpose, perseverance, and heartfelt work always shine through.

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Turning Pain into Purpose: A Note of Gratitude from the Founder of Blooming TanMan

We have known Sagarika Banerjee since 2019 — not only is she an excellent educator, but also a wonderful human being. When she asked us to write about Blooming TanMan, her mental health initiative in memory of her son Tanmay, we felt truly honoured. Through this work, we saw how she turned her pain into purpose and created a mission of hope for children’s mental health. Her kind feedback and recommendation mean a lot to us. It reminds us that every story we write has the power to inspire, support, and encourage the good work happening around us.

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EducationTechnology
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The Future of Work with AI: What Students Need to Know

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grader from Mahindra International School, Pune, is exploring the complex and timely question: will artificial intelligence replace human jobs? In her thoughtful essay, Maya examines how AI is reshaping industries, from customer service to healthcare, and how countries like Japan and the U.S. are using AI to address labour shortages and aging populations. She contrasts this with India’s challenge of reskilling its youthful workforce. With a balanced lens, Maya highlights the irreplaceable value of creativity, empathy, and collaboration—skills that machines can’t replicate. Her work invites young readers to reflect, adapt, and prepare for an AI-powered future.

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