Travel

InternationalTravel
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More
Film, TV, Art & MusicInternationalLifestylePeople & CultureReviews
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & CulturePep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

Little Voices, Big Thoughts: Our Republic Day Classroom Conversations

This Republic Day, we encouraged the children to think beyond their usual textbook lessons. Instead of simply memorising dates, we explored what it truly means to be a Republic and how the Constitution helps us in our everyday lives. Through simple discussions and reflective activities on safety, good habits, kindness, and responsibility, the children linked national values to their own little worlds at home and in the classroom.

Their reflections were innocent, sincere, and thoughtful. Moments like these remind us that nurturing good citizenship begins early, and even a small reflective activity can plant the seeds in them.

Read More
LifestylePeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

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

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.

Read More
EntrepreneursFoodHome ChefPeople & CultureSuccess Stories
The Lifestyle Portal

How Cheena Soni’s Global Flavours and Comfort Food Classics are Winning Hearts

Whenever I’m craving something warm, flavourful, and made with care, I find myself turning to Home Chef Cheena Soni’s kitchen. Whether it’s her grilled chicken steak, chicken in mushroom sauce, or her much‑loved Khow Suey, she somehow knows exactly what will hit the spot. Over time, we’ve bonded over our shared love for cooking food for others. What I admire most is how Cheena brings global flavours into a home kitchen with such sincerity. She isn’t just a home chef; she’s someone who quietly wins hearts, one soulful dish at a time.

Read More
EntrepreneursEssays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & CultureSuccess Stories
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More
EducationFinanceLifestylePeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More
EducationInternationalTechnology
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More
EntrepreneursPeople & CulturePep TalkSuccess Stories
The Lifestyle Portal

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.

Read More