Anika Choudhary

While looking at this picture, your attention may have been centered to the little grass growing from the hard tiles. This is one of nature's miracles, as we all know that although possible, it is very hard for plants to start growing out of such tiles. And the growth that these plants are showing is absolutely outstanding. But the real question is how did they grow? Well, if you look at the picture close enough, you might see the little crevices between the sides of two adjoining tiles. Now, these plants may not seem very interesting at first, but thinking about the symbolic meaning is mind blowing.  In this messed up world, it sometimes feel like evil is prevailing over good. The atmosphere around you gets so negative that you feel like every day is just sadder than the previous one. In all of the negativity, we forget to look within ourselves and awaken our inner happiness, stability and goodness. But it's always important to remind ourselves of the fact that goodness is eve...

Look at this picture and take a deep breath. Think to yourself for a moment. Imagine that you are outside your busy lives and are staring at this beautiful landscape in solitude. Peaceful, isn't it? Such a peaceful landscape with so much freedom. It is quite cherishable, isn't it? You might feel like you have finally taken a breath of relief. Well that is how the Indian citizens must have felt like when they had attained freedom from the British Raj on August 15, 1947, which was 77 years ago. The British Raj ruled over the country for nearly 200 years. Now, don't think of this the wrong way. The British did indeed benefit the country in numerous ways and helped establish the base for India's development. But there is no greater reward than freedom. Today, India celebrates its 77th Independence Day. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!!

This is a picture of a Mughal garden in Kashmir. Mughal gardens are known for their precise symmetry. Both the right side and the left side of the garden are exactly parallel to each other with not even a single statue or brick in asymmetry.  Just like the Mughal gardens, we should also keep our lives and minds balanced. Because this is the only way that we can live a peaceful life in this bustling world. Nowadays, everyone is busy with their own work and daily tasks, regardless of their age. Everyone has a lot of pressure, whether its related to their job, their homes or anything else. But the worst thing is that this pressure is that it is like a virus. It can overturn even the calmest people and fill their lives with enormous burdens. But the good thing about it is that you can decide how you want to deal with that pressure. You can either pressurize yourself on top of feeling the burdens of everyone else. Or alternatively, you can choose to keep that pressure aside ...

Take a good look at this image. What does it remind you of? For some, it may symbolise something yet for others, it may just seem like meaningless clouds. That is perfectly fine, because everyone looks at things in different ways.  On seeing this image, I think of two people fighting to voice their opinion for the world to hear.  They must have their origin thousands of miles away. And as destiny has it, they have clashed with each other. And on clashing with one another, they have left a beautiful view that has left me in awe. In life, you and your opinion can either be ignored or they can be heard. That's the confusing part about this world. But the good part is that this is completely your choice. But, in my opinion, the world and its people will always favour those who voice their thoughts.  You might have even seen some incidents in your life where the silent ones were always overlooked in the crowd. Even if they're the most potential one there. So, why d...

Nainital is a town situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This former British hill station is surrounded by towering mountains, which provides breathtaking views. The town has a lake called Nainital Lake, which is a very popular boating site. The right side of the lake is dotted with markets, restaurants and hotels. Here, you can buy beautiful clothes, eat delicious food and enjoy the busy marketplace. The north side of the lake is home to the revered Naina Devi temple. On the west is the ठंडी सड़क (th-undee sadak) which literally translates to Cold Road in English. Unlike the east side of the lake, this is a quiet and peaceful road where people can walk in peace. It is a road surrounded by a vast variety of greenery, which is perfect for any nature lover. Besides the Nainital lake, Nainital also has many other tourist attractions. Some of these are Snow View, Tiffin Top and Eco Cave Park.  This beautiful hill station is a place full of bustling markets, ...

It was a lovely evening for the month of May, and my father came home with something that I didn't know would change my life for the better.  My father bought a wild Indian ringneck parrot who was only 1 month old (approximately). That adorable parrot was given the name of Hari. But, don't be fooled by the name. He looked very cute but he was very naughty. He kept chewing and biting every single thing I owned. He chewed my hair, my earrings, my textbooks and so much more. He was a complete troublemaker.  But, we had to take him back to his home. For, that is where he deserved to belong. He deserved to be back with his family and his flock. So, we took him outside. He was shocked and stayed on my shoulder for a while. Soon, we started walking home with him still sitting on my shoulder. And he flew away. He flew back home. That moment was like riding on an emotional rollercoaster. I was proud of him, but at the same time, I was sad that I couldn't make more anymore memories w...

The Ball Poem is a extraordinary poem written by John Berryman. The poem gracefully explains the five lessons of the epistemology of loss through a small boy who has lost his toy ball. Feeling inspired by the poem of this amazing poet, I also tried to composed a poem on the five lessons of the knowledge of loss. To those who have experienced loss Are labelled as a lost cause Those who try to lend a hand Are stopped due to society's demands If you do try to help Then there's no use of the advice you're about to tell For they'll push you away Without listening to the words of support you wanted to say Then, they realise about responsibility The first lesson in loss's epistemology Soon, they learn that things come and go For that is how our world stays afloat On knowing that this world is full of materials They realise that money is just external It can buy the same new and shiny things But it can't buy the same feelings Then, their time of learning is interrupted ...