Anika Choudhary

Today is the 75th anniversary of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu, was born on 2nd October, 1869 in the city of Porbandar in the state of Gujarat, India. He was an Indian revolutionary, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who wanted to free India from British rule. He belived in non violent and peaceful protests and rallies for India to gain independence from the British. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1921, he led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, ending untouchability etc. But, above all, he also led nationwide campaigns for achieving swaraj (self-rule).  Gandhi's birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti all around the country of India, for Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration. He taught us that we should always believe in peace and non violence. 

Isn't it relaxing to be sitting in front of a fire on a cold winter day of December or January? Sitting beside the fire with a cup of a hot drink in your ice cold hands? It is quite calming, no? Fire gives us the sensation of something burning. Fire also gives out bright light, heat and smoke. Fire is also regarded as one of the five elements in Hindu mythology along with earth, water, wind and space. Togethe, these five make up something called the Pancha Bhoota in Hinduism. Hence, fire also has a great spiritual importance in India. Fire, or Agni, is considered as the messenger between the people and their gods or dieties. It is also the personification of the sacrificial fire.

It has been really cold these past few days. There has been really huge blizzards in Buffalo, New York, North America and there has been dense fog in North India. Wherever you are living, we can all agree with the fact that this year's winter has been quite harsh. Being a fan of winter season, I love the cold winter breeze blowing in my face and I get excited whenever I see thick and dense fog. I also know that there are people like me who are also fond of the cold weather in winter. But despite this, we have to take care ourselves during winters. Nicely layer yourself whenever you are heading outside. Also remember to wear your hat! I know wearing hats are not always fun, but wearing a hat is better than suffering a headache and heavy head because of the low temperatures. This weather is quite unpredictable and it can also make you sick with cold and cough. So please make sure that you always keep yourself warm, regardless of where you live. Your health is very important and takin...

Happy New Year! Finally the time of a new year has arrived! The year of 2023 is upon us! A new year full of new chances and new opportunities for us to grow, learn and make our world a better place for the future.  According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit, starting on 22nd January, 2023 and ending on 9th February, 2024. Based on Feng Shui principles, the lucky color of the year will be Fuchsia Pink and the element of wealth will be Fire.  The arrival of the new year has brought joy and excitement but it has given us an even bigger feeling which is hope. That is, the hope that the new year will be better and bigger than the last. No one knows what curve balls the year 2023 can throw at us so for now, just enjoy the moment with yourself and your loved ones. Stop thinking about the past and stop questioning the future and live in the present.  May the new year bring you and your family a year full of happiness and good health. So, once ag...