By Ishaan Raghav With the accelerated growth of modern society, there come weeds of toxicity that are hidden behind vines of “progress” and “convenience.” This pervasive toxicity is subtly ingrained into our daily lives, a threat that necessitates immediate action before it hardens into a norm that we can’t shake off. From the confines of…
Sweating the pressure: toxicity in sports
by Archisha Mukherjee Every athlete dreams of playing in a sold-out stadium, with thousands cheering their name. However, the dedication, sacrifice and raw talent required to succeed in the sporting industry is gargantuan, potentially leading to tense relationships with family, substance abuse and health problems. Once players secure a contract and find their footing in…
Navigating the Academic Pressures of High School
by Ritvik Shekar As students of the IB Diploma program, tight deadlines, insufficient sleep, and exam stress are all familiar to us, but it isn’t often that we take the time to process the compounding detrimental impact that such pressures have on our mental health and well-being. As teenagers, balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities and…
‘Heartstrings’ through the lens of our photographers
by Irresh Vijay The picture is a close-up view, similar to peering down a vibrant tunnel. The walls shimmer with musical notes, their lines swirling and dancing. Sunlight streams through, warming the scene. At the heart of this captivating composition lies a guitar. This is the essence of the photograph you envision, a powerful visual…
From schoolmates to soulmates
by Sanjana Yugan In a world where relationships often face numerous challenges, lasting love stories are treasures to be cherished and celebrated. Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Mr. and Mrs. Solanki who have recently celebrated their 19th anniversary. While I sip on chai and demolish onion pakoras, they share with me the…
Love Beyond Borders
by Asmeeta Kumar Rajesh I grew up in a South Indian family, the daughter of a Kannadiga father and Assamese mother who both grew up in the city of Bangalore. Four years after being born in Bangalore myself, my family packed up their suitcases, touched their elders’ feet, and left home to find a new…
Cruel Summers and A Thousand Cuts- Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ Pulls at Each Heartstring
by Nandita Kanodia From cotton-candy skies to tragic love letters, Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ is yet another astounding feather on her hat, with its popularity remaining sky-high even after nearly 5 years since its release. Playful experimentation with love, romance and Swift’s masterful lyricism has made this creation memorable, especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner….
The Guitar Strings of Love
by Aditya Bhatia Well, it’s that time of the year again! Shop windows are draped in red, couples exchange chocolates and roses, and the pressure to be romantic hangs heavy in the air. As the calendar flips to the month of February, we begin to recognise the importance of love in our lives. While love…
Journeys of the Heart
by Anoushka Biswas Reflecting on my upbringing, I can’t help feeling like I was the main character in a never-ending adventure film. My parents’ unquenchable desire to explore the world led us to over a dozen countries, painting my childhood with vibrant experiences that left me longing for more. Now, as I approach my 17th…
The Kindness Effect
by Manas Gupta The simple act of going out of our way and being kind typically causes a warmth to settle in our hearts. This inherent power of kindness uplifts not only ourselves but also strengthens the bonds that connect us. Yet, amidst the daily rush, we often neglect its importance, forgetting that even small…
The Casual Observer 