Part of What is a Woman?  Series CHAIN UP NOT, WOMAN! By Bindu Unnikrishnan Break free of the invisible chain, Oh woman! you too are born to fly! Look at the strong wings you got, you might as well explore the sky. The tenderness you show, the warmth you exude You deserve the same, and of course, some respite Breathe some, for the laundry can wait, it is your monotonous life that needs the spice. Walk few steps, dance few more, listen to your heart, if it wants some more In this lovely weather, leave that chore, bask in the sunshine which men adore. Let him pack your picnic bag, while you go for a swim, or trek for a while, Let that dinner be a surprise for you, the way you always did for him with a smile.. Chop that hair and style it through, don’t keep it long ’coz he told you to, Wear the colour you always want, without conforming to your clan. It is difficult to be always righteous and true, you can be sometimes vulnerable too. Let the tears flow and make you light, the smile w...

Article My Tummy Isn't Flat!! by Bindu Unnikrishnan "Unapologetically true!" Such was my response to an insensitive comment from a shallow, self-centered person. In fact, it wasn't just one person but a herd of self-obsessed women who undermine others, body shame them, and revel inside a bubble inflated by their egos and false self-images of perfection. Ironically, they are far from perfect. Their so-called perfection comes at a steep price. Some even remain childless just to keep their bodies unaffected by pregnancy, striving to maintain a flat tummy as if it were the ultimate sign of health. Just the other day, I praised a lady in her 50s. She was exuberant, a happy soul who wore a skirt and top with pride, showing off her outfit like a precious gift. And indeed, it was—a gift from her daughter-in-law. Her joy was contagious, her charm radiant. I complimented her generously, every word sincere. She was resplendent in that attire, her inner beauty shining through. Th...

by Ankush Bharti  In this exclusive interview, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sommya Jain, from being diagnosed with Haemangioma at a young age to overcoming countless obstacles and emerging as a successful social media influencer and dancer. Sommya shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights into her resilience, passion for dance, and commitment to inspiring others through her story. Join us as we explore the incredible transformation and unwavering spirit of this extraordinary individual. Can you share with us your journey from being diagnosed with Haemangioma to becoming a successful social media influencer and dancer? Well, to know the entire story, you need to read my autobiography book, which I am going to launch soon but to give you details in short:- I was just nine years old when I was diagnosed with a large Haemangioma on my right cheek, I was about to take part in the very famous show of the time named Boogie Boogie as I was born dan...

They tell me I should already know the road, though I’ve just laced my shoes for the first time. They laugh when I stumble, asking why I haven’t run a thousand miles yet. I carry nothing but tomorrow in my hands, but tomorrow is too light for their scales. They nod at old stories, wrinkled with years, and close their doors on voices still learning. It’s funny, really— to demand the fruit before planting the seed, to want a song that’s already an echo. I try not to mind, I keep walking, pretending I’ve lived a hundred lives, while I’ve barely begun this one. About the Author  C. Swathish is a published author and award-winning poet from Kerala. He writes about human experiences and society, using everyday moments to explore deeper truths. His work combines simplicity with thoughtfulness, offering readers a clear and reflective look at life and its contradictions

“When does the light appear the brightest?” asked Bhavna, the counselor and therapist at the Brightman Mental Health Center, to Shirin during her second session that month. November had always been a depressing month for Shirin, as if gray clouds covered her home from all sides, suffocating her. The dense clouds engulfed her apartment so completely that no light could penetrate. The air felt thin, and Shirin always found it hard to breathe. Her asthma worsened every November—it was a post-Diwali syndrome. Shirin took a deep breath and answered, “I’m not sure. What do you mean?” “It’s the darkness. Yes, that’s what it takes to see the light at its brightest—if you understand what I mean!” Shirin had been a regular patient of Bhavna. Bhavna knew exactly what Shirin needed from time to time—words of assurance, measured precisely like doses of medicine. Shirin had been diagnosed with clinical depression, mood swings, and anxiety issues. The diagnosis wasn’t new; she had suffered from anxi...

I kicked off my boots, my wet socks clinging to my frozen feet. The fireplace was dark and cold. Frantically, I searched for matches to ignite a fire but found none. Shivering, I paced the room, avoiding the sight of what lay before me: a transport coffin. Inside, the frozen body of my beloved wife, Mukta, lay at rest. Her still, stone-like face revealed no expressions, just as it always had. I could never read her mind or decipher the emotions behind that stoic exterior. Even when her eyes welled with tears, I was often left bewildered by her true feelings. Yet, my love for her was boundless. Perhaps I failed to express it in the way she needed to hear. We both struggled to convey our deepest fears and desires. Despite this, I cared for her deeply and longed to protect her. She was born to soar, constantly seeking new hobbies and rugged terrains, each exploration a quest for extraordinary feelings. I could never understand her wild spirit. At times, she would scream, and I could only ...

Bhavna Pathania, a talented web developer and content creator from Himachal Pradesh, has become an inspirational figure for many aspiring artists. Growing up in a small town and village, Bhavna faced numerous challenges in pursuing her passion. Despite societal pressures and limited resources, she has successfully carved a niche for herself, creating content that resonates with thousands. While talking to Bhavna I could relate a lot as I myself belong to a village in Himachal. When I spoke to her she continuously emphasized on the fact that women are equal to men and how she feels that she deserves bigger platforms for live performance.On behalf of The Holistic Pine I wish her best of luck. She is definitely an inspiration for many. Bhavna's journey from a small-town background to becoming a recognized content creator is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Her short film "Khidki," which poignantly explores the challenges faced by women in balancing their drea...

  Neha Kumari is a dynamic and accomplished individual who has excelled in multiple domains, from academia to public service. Holding a strong academic background with a Master of Arts in English Literature from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Neha further pursued her scholarly pursuits by completing a PhD from BHU, specialising in British and Commonwealth literature. Her dedication to academic excellence is underscored by her achievements, including clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and qualifying the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2021.  Notably, Neha's intellectual curiosity extends beyond the realms of literature, as evidenced by her success in the competitive arena of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), where she attained Grade A in 2022. However, her journey doesn't end there. In 2023, Neha achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (I...

Hi, I'm Ankush Bharti, the Editor-in-Chief of The Holistic Pine.  First of all, let’s just say what a privilege it is to interview you, Meenakshi ma’am. Your name is iconic with being a female superstar in Indian cinema. Your disappearance from the large screen coincided with a new era in the cinema, where Indian cinema almost lost its footing. Gradually, only, it made a comeback with movies like Lagaan, Munnabhai series, and the recent pan-Indian movies from the South. 1. How do you perceive the role of female stars in present-day Indian cinema? Films like Damini are noticeable with their strong female leads. How do you look at today's Bollywood in terms of female representation? Today’s female stars are for the most part focused, talented and ambitious. There is so much more of a professional attitude. Subject matter for female roles appears to be more bold. In fact, many subjects, and topics are being tackled, which would never have been addressed in the p...

As I pin my words down To those pages I never thought to open, The lace draped windows of my room Welcomes in the cold wind; Unbidden to my heart. Flipping through some unwanted sheets Dredging those indelible memories I kept concealed. My aching heart lets out a cry Even the tears glaciate meanwhile the wind still blustering, Echoes of bygone promises still muttering. Skipping the unwritten chapters; My vision lands on the flower of love. Lost like me in the twisted lanes of memories Strikes as if it has stopped ageing The red petals are no more glazing A part of my kernel is iced and so the corolla It hasn't died and so haven't I. Surviving without hope is worse than dying! Making me realize the contrary of 'never' is a beautiful lie. About the Author  Ayana or in Latin we say 'Beautiful Flower' is a nature lover and an ardent admirer of human thoughts and emotions. Her poetic style is as unique as every existing star in the Universe. She believes embracing ev...