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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.

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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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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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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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From Fire Mountains to Flame Towers: Baku’s Last Impressions (Day 5, 6 & 7)

As Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.) wraps up his week-long journey through Azerbaijan, the final leg offers candid reflections, hidden gems, and a touch of history. From the scenic yet familiar return to Baku, to exploring the Shirvanshah Palace, Highland Park, and the vibrant Fountain Square, each stop brings its own flavour. The real surprises lie in the fiery wonders of Yanar Dag and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, alongside the tech-savvy exhibits at the Heydar Aliyev Centre. With practical tips, sharp observations, and signature wit, this travelogue offers both inspiration and information for your next adventure. Säg olun!

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Approaching Qebele - Caucasus ahead
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From Baku’s Buzz to Gabala’s Yawn: A Tale of Two Moods (Day 3 & 4)

After the buzz of Baku, we set off for Gabala, a small town in the mountains. The drive was scenic, with a stop at the historic Samaxi Mosque and some interesting roadside moments—including speeding fines handled with casual charm. Gabala welcomed us with cooler weather, a peaceful vibe, and some touristy sights that didn’t quite live up to the hype. The 7 Gozal Waterfalls were underwhelming, but the Tufandag cable car ride saved the day. With overpriced burgers and friendly but forgettable sights, Gabala was a mixed experience—but it added its own flavour to our Azerbaijan adventure. A travelogue series by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.).

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Think Before You Post: Personal, Public & Expert Opinions in the Social Media Era

In an age where every click can go viral, it’s more important than ever to think before you post. This article explores the three types of opinions—personal, public, and expert—and why distinguishing between them is crucial before sharing content online. Social media is a powerful tool, but when misused, it can blur ethical lines, fuel misinformation, and damage reputations. By applying a simple 3-point checklist, both creators and consumers of content can become more mindful and responsible. If you believe in writing with purpose and posting with integrity, this is your compass for navigating the digital world wisely.

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Handmade stitched fabrics and woolen bag
Essays & Short StoriesLifestylePeople & CulturePep Talk
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Needlework – Memories of a close-knit tribe

Reminiscing the art of needlework taught in schools, and the lessons learnt from it. It was more than sitting pretty with colourful threads & fabrics. It instilled in us a sense of empowerment, being a part of a tribe or a community. In a world that is so used to ‘one click’ and ‘swipe’ responses or interactions, needlework is far removed from it. We may not land up being designers, but we surely will know how to fix things on our own if we have a tear. It’s a pity this life skill is not taught so commonly in schools today.

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