Travel

EducationHealthPeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

The Bubonic Plague: A Student’s Quest to Uncover Its History and Impact

Grade 9 student at Indus International School, Hyderabad, Sanjana Gannavarapu explores the Bubonic Plague with a thoughtful blend of curiosity and reflection. What interests her most is how a single bacterium could shape centuries of human history, influencing societies, beliefs, and medical understanding. In her essay, she traces how the plague travelled across continents, how people responded to it, and what these reactions reveal about the world at that time. For Sanjana, studying the Bubonic Plague is more than learning about a past pandemic — it’s a reminder of how awareness, science, and preparedness continue to shape our lives today.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesPeople & CulturePep TalkWorkshops
The Lifestyle Portal

Why We Need ‘Emotional Switchboards’: A Workshop on Boundaries, Rest and Asking for Help

I recently facilitated a snippet of my Super Power Switchboard workshop for the F.O.L.K.S School of Facilitation and Learning, where trainers, coaches, consultants, HR professionals, creative artists and homemakers explored five life‑saving buttons. Through colours, art books and gentle reflective prompts, participants recognised where they were overstretched and what was quietly draining their bandwidth. Nothing was forced — awareness itself became the breakthrough. Many left feeling centred, grounded and ready to toss themselves a life jacket whenever needed. If you’d like a similar workshop or session at your workplace, school, college or university, get in touch.

Read More
EducationEssays & Short StoriesPeople & CulturePep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

Instilling Respect and Responsibility in Young Minds: A W.I.N.G.S Independence Day Special

Freedom is precious, but it cannot stand alone. In our W.I.N.G.S session, children explored how freedom’s closest companions are responsibility and respect. Through reflective writing, they understood that freedom is not just a right — it is a duty we honour through our actions, choices, and kindness. Whether it’s caring for our surroundings, treating others fairly, or using our voice wisely, freedom thrives only when we protect it with intention.

If your school or college wants value‑driven, reflective workshops for students, let’s collaborate with The Write Compass.

Read More
LifestyleLocalPeople & CulturePlanet
The Lifestyle Portal

Why Indore Is a Zero‑Waste Leader: A Student’s Study of Cleanliness, Community and Urban Planning

Advika Karve, a 9th grader from JBCN International School, Mumbai, explores how Indore became India’s cleanest city through a detailed case study on its waste‑management model. In her research, she examines the city’s bin‑free system, strict segregation rules, bio‑CNG plants, GPS‑tracked garbage vehicles, and the strong civic sense that sets Indore apart. By analysing what other Indian cities can learn from Indore’s approach, Advika highlights how citizen participation, technology, and accountability together create a sustainable model for urban cleanliness.

Read More
HealthLifestylePeople & CulturePep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

International Yoga Day: Why the World Needs Yoga More Than Ever

For World Yoga Day on 21 June, yoga instructor Deepa Kothawale shares her reflections on International Yoga Day: Why the World Needs Yoga More Than Ever. With over six years of experience, Deepa specialises in Ashtanga Hatha Yoga, Chakra Healing, Therapeutic Pranayama, Yogic Diet, and Pregnancy Yoga.
In her article, she highlights how modern life has pushed people into a fast, mechanical rhythm, leaving little space for self‑awareness or emotional balance. Deepa reminds us that yoga is not just movement — it is a way of returning to ourselves. A practice that steadies the mind, softens the ego, and helps us meet life with clarity, compassion, and inner strength.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

How an Unexpectedly Hard Day Became the One I Needed

9th grader Advika Karve, studying in JBCN International School, Mumbai, writes a reflective piece about a day that didn’t go the way she expected, but ended up teaching her something far more meaningful. What began with a missed alarm, a chaotic commute and a sudden downpour slowly shifted into a day filled with small, grounding moments she would have otherwise rushed past. From a warm cup of chai at a corner stall to an unplanned hour inside a quiet bookstore, Advika realises that sometimes life rearranges our plans to show us what we’ve been too busy to notice.

Read More
LocalPlanetTechnology
The Lifestyle Portal

Why Odisha Leads India in Disaster Management: A Case Study by a 9th-Grader

9th grader Advika Karve from JBCN International School, Mumbai has been studying how Odisha transformed itself from one of India’s most disaster‑prone states into a global example of preparedness. As she explored the impact of the 1999 super cyclone and the years that followed, she realised how Odisha shifted from reacting to disasters to building systems that prevent large‑scale loss of life. What stood out to her most was the state’s commitment to community‑based preparedness, early warning technology and large‑scale evacuations that have saved millions. For Advika, Odisha’s story is a reminder that resilience is built through planning, people and purpose.

Read More
LifestyleLocalPeople & CultureTravel
The Lifestyle Portal

Hidden Gems in Uttarakhand: Why Mountain Homes Is Worth the Stay

A reset in the hills was long overdue. Lansdowne welcomed us with the kind of quiet our urban minds had been craving. Mountain Homes, tucked gently into Asankhet Village, felt like a place that understood slowness. Wooden cottage, morning chai with mountain views, our daughter reading books, and our golden retriever playing in the garden, everything felt beautifully unhurried. With no laptop and no rush, we slipped into a soft digital detox. Evenings under star‑filled skies, home‑cooked meals, board games, and warm conversations made this stay feel less like a getaway and more like a home that held us gently.

Read More
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.

Read More
EntrepreneursHomeLifestylePeople & CultureSuccess Stories
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More