The last year or so has been tumultuous to say the least. Over a period of 18 months I lost four major parental figures in my life. All very close to me. The biggest loss, of course, was my own father who moved on to his heavenly abode in the first week of January this year. A void that cannot possibly be filled. Shoes so large that even the three of us siblings together are not able to fill it. Even as we dealt with the grief and the heartache we slowly began to pick up the pieces. Within weeks we had to address the exigencies of the business. After all life does not wait. Bills and salaries have to be paid. The teams needed clear cut leadership. And even without thinking or realising we began to take up the role.

The world around us watched carefully, expecting us to fall, but we slowly and surely grew from strength to strength. Padded up. Walked up to the crease every day and faced the myriad balls coming at us simultaneously from every different direction.

Looking back, I realised that the one thing that helped me through this was the fact that I signed up with a very insightful therapist within a week of my father passing. Having her with me helped me tremendously in maintaining my sanity. Of course it helped that my wife steadfastly stood at my side and the boys and the family kept closed ranks and stayed together like a rock. And of course there is the support of my friends and well-wishers. My friends were my anchor and kept me from falling apart. There was many an exchange of conversations on ideas and strategies. Each of them showing me some new way ahead. Brick by brick we rebuilt the walls to protect the void. More so to hide the void. And to fill the void.

We consolidated and worked out the path ahead. Kept our heads down and just focused on the job at hand. Building the team that we needed for the journey ahead. Making it seem easy even though it felt arduous to us. I found reserves of energy and strength that I never knew I had. And I constantly felt like a Being with Boundless Energy. Working long hours, pushing my limits. Pushing even without thinking, without realising that I was pushing. I felt like I used to during my school days. Making everything look easy. Everything coming to me easily.

And over this period I finally connected to my true passion, the desire to make an impact, to make a difference, to move from wealth creation to creating a better world for the people around me. I have had many such conversations in my head from the time I finished from university. But could not really give them real shape.

Out of this thinking was born our foundation – Vipodha Wellness Foundation. Discovering that Rolex was owned by a not-for-profit foundation inspired me to take the plunge with Vipodha. The genesis of this name is from its meaning – “Bestowing Inspiration”. INSPIRATION, a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something or some experience. INSPIRATION also gives us both the means and the motivation to rise above, be creative, grow closer to our goals, learn from others, and achieve enhanced well-being. Our core mission is TO INSPIRE. To inspire as many as we can on our journey. Our journey to drive sustainability and life-long learning.

We aspire to be an inspiration for individuals, organizations & the society to take a positive step towards self-actualization & for each to achieve their full potential. We want to partner with them in a quest to achieve true purpose & drive behaviour that helps to realise that purpose. People must be empowered to do their best, be their best and find their calling.

At Vipodha, we believe in the indomitable human spirit and its unlimited potential. Its potential to truly change the world to be a better place for all its inhabitants. To make the most optimum use of our finite resources & to create a lasting impact on the lives of all in our sphere of influence. We believe that individual well-being & knowledge are the two most important tools in improving one’s quality of life. We aspire to achieve this by way of making meaningful contributions across the fields of self-growth, mental wellbeing, arts & life skills.

As part of our journey, this magazine that I had put together during the Covid lockdown days has now been dedicated to be a part of Vipodha’s journey and become its mouth piece. So the best way to re-start the magazine, that went on hold over this crazy year due to my pulls and pressures, we felt was to set the theme for December 2022 as INSPIRATION. Here I am dedicating the rest of my life to inspiring as many as I can. I am throwing this thought out in the universe in the pure hope that I am truly able to deliver on my purpose.

God Bless!

The post Editor’s Note: December 2022 appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.

Most Italian regions have their own unique charm and when it comes to Tuscany, it’s safe to say that this historic cultural powerhouse can seduce just about anyone. From writers and poets to sculptors and architects—  if you’re an artistic soul, Tuscany is sure to be your latest muse. And even if the creative world isn’t something you’re passionate about, the quaint simplistic atmosphere that surrounds the Tuscan villages will make you fall in love.

There is truly no better way to fully embrace the beauty of Tuscany than a road trip. From the capital city Florence and the iconic town of Pisa to the medieval villages of Volterra, Lucca and Chianti, there is so much to explore in Tuscany.

Each region is dotted with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that one can visit. The Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo, is a must-visit when in Florence. A marvellous feat of gothic architecture, it is the largest masonry dome in the world and dates back to 600 years ago. When you’re done taking in the Duomo along with Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery right next to it, head over to the Ponte Vecchio. Translating to the Old Bridge, the Ponte Vecchio was one of the only bridges across the Arno until 1218. Unfortunately, after a flood in 1345, part of the bridge had to be rebuilt but since then, the bridge has been one of the most romantic spots in Florence with throngs of people walking across it each day.

Not too far away from the bustling capital of Florence is the quintessentially Tuscan town of Chianti. An absolute treat to the eyes, the scenic landscapes of this region are often what you see on Tuscan postcards and calendars. With olive groves and vineyards aplenty, it’s no surprise that Chianti produces some of the finest wines in Italy. If you’re a gourmet lover, here’s your chance to stop and sample the finest authentic Italian food and wine made by the locals. And for accommodations, Chianti is teeming with timeless hamlets and luxurious villas to pick from, Villa il Poggiale being one of the oldest and perhaps most famous in the area.

Just half an hour away from both Florence and Siena, the Renaissance villa is an ode to authentic Tuscan elegance. Constructed in the 14th century, the splendid villa is the sister property of Antiche Dimore Fiorentine that is located in the center of Florence. Villa il Poggiale has been entirely restored with antique furnishings and stunning decor. With soft pastel walls that have been painted with naturally derived pigments and curtains and canopies crafted using fabric from local Tuscan artisans, every inch of the villa truly reflects Tuscan culture and beauty.

Villa il Poggiale has five different types, namely the Country Classic Room, Country Superior Room, the Family Room, Tuscan Room, Junior Suite and Suite. Standing on top of the Argiano hill, the villa overlooks the green Chianti hills and one can truly enjoy this view from the Tuscan Room. The large central drawing-room on the ground floor also features a small bar.

The villa also has an in-house restaurant that uses solely organic produce and ingredients and they also organise traditional Tuscan cooking lessons where one can learn dishes ranging from historic dishes to family recipes. Relax and unwind at their on-site spa, where they offer natural treatments using local Tuscan products such as extra virgin olive oil, grapes, citrus, Chianti wine and honey.

I was fortunate to spend almost a week some years back at this lovely property with my family. Our days here were leisurely and joyous. The nearby town of San Casciano in Val di Pesa was also a pleasure to explore. Lots of choice of quaint stores and some great food. We also explored all the nearby towns and were able to eat some fabulous meals. And remember Italy is not only about pizzas. The choice of food is tremendous and accompanied with some bubbly prosecco life is truly blissful.

Tuscany is one of Italy’s most talked-about holiday destinations, and for good reason. As Mark Twain once said, “The Creator made Italy from designs by Michelangelo.” Don’t miss out on seeing the serene countryside for yourself!

Written by Mohit Gupta

Week 50 November 2021

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It’s time to jet-set across the globe to Europe’s go-to holiday destination for the rich and glamorous, the inspiration behind numerous paintings and the backdrops of some classic old Hollywood movies, Côte d’ Azur!

Commonly known as the French Riviera, this part of Provence is one of the most scenic strips of the Mediterranean coastline in Southeastern France. And that’s precisely how it got the name Côte d’ Azur, which translates to Coast of Blue. With the sun constantly shining on the crystal clear azure waters, this hilly region became the go-to winter getaway destination for rich and famous Europeans during the 19th century. Since then, Côte d’ Azur has become synonymous with old-world charm and a buzzing party atmosphere.

Côte d’ Azur has much to do and see, whether you prefer the beachy resort towns of Saint-Tropez and Cannes or the most glamorous gambling hub of the world, Monaco, but the true gem of the Côte d’Azur is the serene village of Eze. My most favourite town in the area. Wedged between Monaco and Nice, Eze is an enchanting getaway from the buzz of the tourist-filled resort towns that make up the French Riviera. Here had begun my love affair with the long lazy lunches and full bodied red wines. Wines with the long legs that you can practically eat.

Just like most villages in southern France, Eze is perched atop a steep hill that overlooks the breathtaking Cap-Ferrat coastline. There’s much to discover when visiting this medieval village. Tickle your olfactory senses during the free guided tour at the Fragonard Parfumeur perfume factory and discover how to craft powerful perfumes at the Galimard perfume factory! Don’t forget to carry your hiking shoes because you can’t out on the Nietzsche Path that connects Eze Village to Eze Sur Mer beach. Named after German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, this trail is rumoured to be a great source of inspiration during his time at Eze.

If you have an interest in botany or just enjoy the beauty of nature, a must-visit when in Eze is the Exotic Garden. A treat to the eyes, this garden that is located in a medieval fortress is home to numerous species of succulents, plants and xerophytes from across the globe. With its caves and waterfall cascading down and a panoramic view that extends from the Esterel Mountains to the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the garden is simply spectacular.

When in Eze, there’s no better place to stay than the jewel of all heritage boutique hotels, Château Eza. This 400-year-old exposed stone-walled castle promises its guests an extravagant affair. With old castle doors, monogrammed fireplaces, wooden intricate filigree carved beds and private terraces that lead to unimaginable views, Château Eza truly puts the word luxury in the term luxury boutique hotels.

This fairytale castle-like hotel was once the private winter residence of Sweden’s Prince William. In fact, up until 1976, it was known as “The Prince of Sweden’s Castle”. Now, the exquisite 14 room chateau it’s open to one and all to bask in a slice of living a lavish life on the French Riviera. There are 4 different types of rooms and 3 suites that one can book at Château Eza. The most accommodating being The Junior Suite Family that consists of a ground and first floor and houses 4 people.

Their in-house restaurant run by renowned Chef Matthieu Gasnier serves à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine that’s to die for. Once an old wine cellar, the current dining area is an indoor glass-edged room with 180° panoramic views of the vistas and blue water down below.

Any time spent in Côte d’Azur is time well spent. From rich culture, gorgeous scenery, and hospitable people, your journey is bound to become enriched when in Eze. But don’t just take our words for it, as the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “Don’t listen to what they say, go see!”

Written by Mohit Gupta

Week 47 November 2021

The post A Princely Affair in Côte d’ Azur appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.

There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by celebrating a wonderful white Christmas, and the best place to do so is in Switzerland!

Though the hilly Central European country is land-locked and incredibly different from its Mediterranean neighbours Italy and France, Switzerland has an incomparable appeal of its own. With jagged mountains, coniferous and broadleaf trees, peaceful villages and some of the best and most glamorous ski resorts in the world, Switzerland is a paradise for those who love the cold and outdoor adventures.

Out of all the numerous luxury ski resort towns in Switzerland, Gstaad is by far the most splendid. Located at an altitude that ranges between 1,000 and 1,400 metres, this town promises to ensure that you have the Christmas of your dreams! The journey to the popular destination is just as captivating as the stay. The train ride from Geneva to Gstaad by train is around 2 hours 44 minutes long, but time tends to fly when you get to stare out the window at picturesque views of spruce and fir trees, towering mountains and the placid waters of Lake Geneva.

While Gstaad might be a go-to hub for those who love jetting around for ski holidays, Gstaad still holds a quintessential Swizz charm. Of course, that being said, the town is anything but sleepy. No matter the weather, you’ll find people out and about visiting the numerous cultural and sporting events, as well as the shopping facilities. While planning your stay at Gstaad, it is easy to get confused while picking your accommodations, especially since there are so many state-of-the-art resorts in the area. But if you are looking for an experience of a lifetime we suggest spending a night amongst snow and ice art at Iglu Dorf.

Located atop Saanenmöser’s ski slopes, Iglu Dorf is a one of a kind snow hotel that provides each of their guests with an absolute bucket-list-worthy stay. The hotel likes to sum up their guest’s stay as, “50% snow + 30% sun + 20% starry sky = 100% Iglu-Dorf.” One of the most interesting parts of Iglu Dorf’s accommodations is that they have crafted each of their igloos following a unique method. A room-sized inflatable balloon is blown up and later covered with snow, water and ice. Once everything freezes, the balloon is removed, leaving a solid structure that forms the outer layer for the igloo. The interiors are then decorated by their team of ice-cravers to create the perfect ambience.

The resort offers a range of rooms for families, friends and solo travellers. From their cosy Romantic Igloo and their Family and Friends Igloo that can house six people to their Igloo Suite, which has a private whirlpool and toilet, there’s an option for everyone. As one can imagine, spending a night in an igloo is bound to be a bit chilly, especially when Iglu Dorf Gstaad sits 2,000 m above sea level in the stunning Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. But not to worry, each room is equipped with the best thermal mats and expedition sleeping bags that are suitable even for temperatures as low as -40°C.

Iglu Dorf also offers their guest the chance to get their hands dirty and build their very own classic igloo to spend the night in. While it’s certainly not an easy task, you’re the kind of person who loves a good challenge, this is one experience you don’t want to miss out on. The build starts in the morning at the chosen location at 10 am and then carries on under their guidance for the next 6 hours. Once complete, they provide you with the expedition sleeping bags and other things needed to enjoy the night.

The resort is also home to an Igloo Restaurant and Snow Bar. Warm up your body by indulging in some hot fondue made with regional mountain cheese amidst the beautifully craved snow walls. Or, if you’re looking for a view, take in the breathtaking mountains on their sun terrace as you sip on homemade mulled wine and enjoy their Swizz cheese.

Even just a night at Iglu Dorf in Gstaad is enough to enjoy a truly memorable festive season. Just don’t forget to pack your thermals and ski boots, and you’ll be sure to have a magical time!

Written by Mohit Gupta

Week 48 December 2021

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New beginnings— be it new journeys, new relationships, new jobs, new homes or moving to a new country— always marks the start of a tectonic shift within the landscape of your life. And no matter how eager you are, these beginning can be daunting at times. The creeping fear of “Will it work out?” and dreadful anxiety of “Am I making the right decision?” is bound to pop up every now and then. If you are the kind of person who finds comfort in routine, embracing change can be even more difficult for you. But it is important to keep in mind that the beginning of something new can be beautiful, even if it is painful sometimes.

Each of us is blessed with only one life. For some, it is a long odyssey spanning 70 to 80 years or even more! For others, it can be much shorter. But it is not the number of years that we spend on this planet that matters. No, it is the positive impact that we leave behind that truly matters. If you close off your mind and block off chances to start new adventures in your lives, you would not truly be living. In fact, you would not leave behind anything of great value to remember you by. All you would be doing is repeating the same routine over and over again.

So how do you take a step towards embracing new beginnings? You start by turning your nerves and apprehensions into unbridled excitement. Sure, it is easier said than done, but letting go of doubts and worries can turn your path of life into the most wondrous experience. When you live in the moment and quell that nagging little voice in your head, you will start to see all the new opportunities heading your way. Do not shy away from these beginnings, but embrace them instead.

Sometimes new beginnings stem from a place of loss and sadness. While we may all have free will to do as we please, there are some things in life that are out of our hands. If there was an unforeseen ending to a certain part of your life that shook you, it is important to remember what has to happen will happen. The voyage of your life is not without trials, but in order to enjoy and cherish the good moments, you have to move forward from the bad. As Louis L’Amour once said, “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning”. So, do not let catastrophe and bad luck define your story, but instead, write your own new beginning.

As the days of December slowly pass by and the year 2022 comes closer, do your best to let go of your worries and strife and let the wind of change carry you to a grand beginning!

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A wise-one perhaps would require me to state the dictionary definition of freedom before glorifying my opinion on it. Which I agree would be an ideal start. So, accepting Oxford Dictionary as the holy book of English, and Google as an official source of enlightenment: Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Privilege, Independence, liberty, self-government are other popular synonyms.

There are fissures surfacing in this fine explanation though. More specifically in the past one-and-a-half year of life-in-a-lockdown mode. Nature unleashed its havoc on humanity disrupting world order and the first thing that it took away from us was our ‘freedom’. We had no power on whatever was going around us. Neither the cause nor the solution of Covid was in our hands. We were cruise-controlled by the government and they further by the superpowers. Without power what is the meaning of rights. What possibly could we act upon? Except following instructions like vacuous kindergarteners. What we spoke was being lost in the noise of insouciant social media. What we thought didn’t matter. What we wanted we forgot. Hindrance and restraint were everywhere in everything. Word freedom lost its meaning and essence in the midst of this world chaos. Privilege was replaced by restrictions; independence by indoor; liberty by the lockdown.

While we all lost our freedom, millions lost their lives along with. To put the point in perspective, when it comes to survival collectivism takes precedence over individual freedom and group-think becomes group-choice. Although at will we have the choice not to follow group but logically it becomes inevitable, also the right thing to do.

Human mind and way of life however has gravely altered and reoriented post-covid. We the grateful survivors are somewhere redefining the word freedom through our own examples, at our own terms. As and how the life is resuming normalcy similar to the past, we are beginning to circle back into individualism. But now we are making a conscious effort to interpret life in the present tense. Today is the day I am alive and I shall live it fully, cause tomorrow may never come or what may come, who knows. There is a dash of optimism even in this otherwise pessimistic thought. The way we are aspiring to live life at our full potential at this scale is something new to human mind. The sense of regret and accumulated guilt has begun to lift-off our souls. Those daunting words ‘what will people say” are slowly diminishing from our society manuals. We are becoming individuals and somehow doing fine.

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” ― Sigmund Freud

Flip the coin and on the obverse is another take on freedom. What is the definition of freedom for us, for you and for me? Is it doing what we have always done with ourselves and continue to do it? Is it following others and be constantly instructed on what is right and wrong? or is it expanding boundaries of our vision and stepping into the new unchartered territories taking risks? We can become what we want inside our head and if we try it can become our reality too. The younger you start the easier it is. The sooner you realize it is never too late. The catch is whether you make that decision or not. With all the pep-talk of be yourself, believe in yourself love yourself, take control of your life, make your own decisions, etc, etc…the question is how many of us really want to? How many of us do really take our own will seriously? Freedom as an action word will always come down on us as our act and our decision. No matter what changes in the world around us, we will always be in the center of it all holding our choices.

If freedom means choosing our own path, it also means not abusing its privileges. It means taking responsibility of every and any obstacle that may come our way while keeping our sanity and integrity of character. Freedom can sure get a little overwhelming for the risk averse. But remember, freedom means nothing if there is no freedom to make mistakes. We make our path, give our best, learn from mistakes and move on.

To an average law-abiding citizen freedom is doing what he/she wishes to do after fulfilling their social moral and family duties. As a nation freedom is to be able to preserve and practice our political, cultural, religious and ethnic value systems. Freedom flourishes best within boundaries drawn on logic and moral codes. Humans are social animals by instinct and hence, there will always be certain limitations to the idea of freedom. If we want a life on our terms and reap the fruits of freedom too, we will have to determine a middle path between I and us, and bear responsibilities attached to our choices.

Written by Anupriya Agrawal

Anupriya Agrawal is an explorer by choice, traveler with experience and a poet at heart. She has a knack for expressions that are best expressed through her words. Embarked on the journey of a seeker, which though is a long one, she finds her sanctuary in books and music. Presently living in Toronto, Canada, she enjoys her family life while aspiring to be an essayist and a public speaker.

Week 47 November 2021

The post FREEDOM AS YOU CALL IT appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.

The city of joy has a different plan for winter this year. At around 5 pm I  am in the balcony sipping tea. Just the perfect amount of lukewarm ,watching the birds fly home and the sunset paint the sky in its colour along with my chai. The wind gushes through my hair, the wind chimes makes a sound. Soothing. Beautiful. Peaceful. But at the same time not making sense.Here’s to the ones who are staying away from their family, the coffee you kept on your table for the last fifteen minutes is cold now. The songs that you hear on a loop is nothing but your heart missing your home.

Cooking your meal is like tasting memories in one go. You wonder how things are at home, and if your neighbour has stopped complaining or the dog you once loved is still alive? Is ma again doing the same household chores? Is baba helping her this time? You miss them, but you don’t tell them.

You check our gallery with old pictures of them and smile at our stupidity. Calling our family back home feels like a script laced with advice and assurances with a discussion on food.  We disconnect the call without telling them how much we miss them and putting a date on when we would again meet them.

We sit in our apartment and hear our silences which goes quieter than ever, and we wonder how our office looks on Thursday afternoon and whether the cigarette shop has stopped keeping your brand. We read books on poetry and wonder if our dreams slept beside our pillows? We thank our loved ones and quietly pray for our family – we don’t tell them we miss them.

We thank the stars and the moons for existing. We hear the songs on love and think of the times when we would meet our loved ones.

We have learned to befriend long loneliness time back- we are prepared for this. The reason we keep sinking in love.

I once wrote about sand-castles, high tides, setting sun, violet skies and changing dialects in my diary and sometimes, I wondered if stories are people’s escape or the other way round. We spend so much time pleasing people who we don’t even like. We spend our time filling excel sheets and those silly codes which do not even make sense. So, when we turn some 80, we are full of regrets about the things we have not done and the books we have not read.

3 months ago, I returned to my hometown thinking that my world has come to end. In fact, when I was unpacking my suitcase I took with me some box of memories that I had bought from Delhi. I don’t know where to start and what to write! I am sure there has been plenty of blogs on this already.My initial days were to cope with the crowd. ” To go with the flow”. To not get lost in the race. I did feel like ‘ Alice in wonderland’ but trust me we all have one mad Hatter to give us reality check. I had one too. So, an year ago I took two risks in life. One was to leave my home and the second was to leave my job in a new city and go with a bunch of crazy heads who at that time wanted to set up their own business.

Being crazy is one but being idiot is like a diwali bonus. Anyway the point is I was both, and so I started going with the flow. I realised one thing that we keep chasing happiness in things that are not even real like fancy apartments, or the latest phone. The happiness of falling in love, the happiness of making friends, the happiness of sharing homemade food. The happiness of cribbing about your phone, extra bills and then finding a solution to it at the end. The happiness of talking about stupid things and smiling over it. The belief that I can be happy again and start over is a different kind of feeling. Somewhere between singing weird songs and arguing about silly things I guess love happened. Hearts are stubborn. They don’t understand the reasoning of the hearts or the understanding of the brain. They want you to understand the fluttering butterfly and want you to walk on the dew dropped grass. They want you to jump on the sea without taking life jackets and they want you to leap on the mud. Regardless of what the world thinks. I have slowly started restoring belief in my old self.

Written by Poonam Chatterjee

Week 48 December 2021

The post A Different Winter appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.

A woman never really has had it easy. More so, when it comes to the freedom of expression. You want to make your name in the creative field but you’re immediately aware of the consequences where women are not taken seriously when it comes to writing. There has been a plight of women writers who have faced the wrath of such patriarchy over the years. Yet, there are a few women writers who have trusted their work and had been using male or ambiguous pseudonyms. It is very surprising to know that some of the most famous women authors have used masculine names for the sake of being taken perilously. As sad as it sounds, it is amazing to know that these women wrote words that are read even till now. Here are few names that used masculine pen names to gain popularity:

Charlotte Bronte –

Jane Eyre was a book we all read in our school days, however, a lot of us do not know that the author has used male pet name Currer bell to publish her book. The reason behind this was stated by herself, ‘ we did not like to declare ourselves women, because at that time our mode of writings and thinking was not called “feminine” we had a vague impression that authors are liable to be looked on with prejudice.

Louisa May Alcott

We have all been familiar with the book,” Little women” because of its beautiful storyline. Although this book was published by her name for the other gothic thrillers she used male pen names, the subject who was deemed ‘unladylike ‘for the late 19th century female writers. Even to experiment with genres women were forced to adopt a pen name that would decrease the reader’s prejudice against female authors

Mary Ann Evans

Not many of us are aware of this but the author of the book, The Mill on the floss was a woman! The reason for her to do so was also very simple because she thought that it would help her to escape female stereotyping.

Harper Lee

Her most famous work, to kill a mockingbird, had won everyone’s heart but she had dropped her first name that is Nelle Harper Lee and adopted a name that seemed more ambiguous in terms of gender. Her work was taken more seriously because of her pen name.

JK Rowling

We have grown up with Harry Potter. No matter which corner of the world you live in, but you have at least heard of the wizard boy’s story. You cannot deny but we are all shocked when you came to know that J. K Rowling was a woman. Joanne Rowling chose the male-sounding name consciously. Her publisher supported her in this decision as it was a fact that young readers of Harry Potter would be unable to connect to the plot if the author’s name was feminine.

Hopefully, we do not have to do this anymore and we won’t lose out good female writers because of sexism. Through the years we have seen a woman doing well in life in every field yet the fight for freedom when it comes to gain popularity shows that women are still struggling to make a mark in the field. Whenever I watch a new movie or even read a new book, I find myself wondering if the female characters are going to be actual and not really surreal. Even today we find that writers fail to portray the female characters properly and they end up falling into a particular sexist trope or another. I know that it can be a coincidence as most of the time female characters are displayed in a way that it sends a wrong message whether we are watching it as a critical audience or writer who wants some inspiration for your own female characters.

Written by Poonam Chatterjee

Week 47 November 2021

The post Freedom of Expression appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.

Throughout human history, we have used our time in the pursuit of happiness. We all seek as much of it as we can get- it is the most intrinsic human plight. The downside to this limited resource in the digital age is the cesspool of choices we are all exposed to on a daily basis, of which anxiety, stress and burn out by information over load are acute consequences. With these many choices and (social) anxieties about where to invest your time, we waste it making choices we don’t want to make, and do things we don’t really don’t want to do, feeling stuck, and miserable. I believe most of us out there are actually paralysed with the fear– of beginning, of the unknown. I’ve noticed that as most adults around me grow older, they become more regretful, because they ‘play it safe’, they’ve found a comfort zone rather than a happy zone. In the past 18 months however all of us were (at least I was) forced to face our worldly existence, with most of us assessing (or reassessing) our way of life, what we most desire and the ‘terms and conditions’ we set for ourselves, to live a better, more meaningful life.

We’re all guilty of the fear to some extent, I know I am. Admitting this to myself was hard enough, let alone write it for people to read. I was miserable and stuck because I denied myself to look at my hits, fixating only on my misses, and not the whole picture. Constantly wanting to be busy, because of today’s toxic work culture, unhappy, lost in city life constantly tired, not knowing where time went, I can’t remember the number of times my mates have looked me in the eyes to catch my attention to say “Taabish, breathe”. I was guilty of paying attention to what ‘others think’ outward validation which cost me my time, rather than paying gratitude which costs nothing. I think even after all this, I still lack the discipline of stillness, but I now know my answer to the question of how to be happy, it isn’t satisfying desires, it’s shedding fear. Fear of failing, fear of judgement, and the fear of starting something new, yet the fear of missed opportunities and beginning to find peace with things around me, and within myself.

My mum plays it safe- her and I have fundamental ideological differences in our beliefs- she says no to new things (except food) and tried to tailor me in the same fashion- cautious, muscles always contracted like a cheetah about to lunge. I was even afraid of dogs till my 18th year because I was told to be by my Muslim relatives and acquaintances! (I live with 2 cats and a dog now!) All I heard in my ear was, all the things that could go wrong if I started something new (that is, if I got an explanation beyond ’no’). My whole life has been a series of ‘don’t do this or else’, being labelled a ‘rebel’. It made me miserable as a teenager and young adult!

I didn’t get to pick my own IB major because my mum did psychology so it was the ‘safe’ tested option. I dropped it in grade 12 and took History- my mum was furious and even though I was terrified because I missed a whole year of syllabus- it was one of the best decisions I made because I then went on to get an MA in Classical Studies, the best experience of my life so far. An opportunity I would have missed out on, had I succumbed to the fear of beginning something new when I was in school. In my 16 year, I dragged my mum and masi out to central London to watch the fireworks because I “wasn’t allowed to go alone”, by 9:30 they were tired, ready to leave and watch it on TV.  It was my first NYE in Central London, and the first year the city hosted an event, so I forced them to stay, while they gave me an earful about how they just wanted to go back to the comfort of their couch, till about 11 when Southbank was lit with murmurs, music, and merry festivity. It took us 3 hours to walk to the closest tube station, and we got home at around 5am, but my masi and mum still look back fondly and say “we didn’t want to stay because we had never been to such a thing before, but I’m so glad we did because if we went home, we would have missed out on a marvellous experience, thank you”. So naturally, it was difficult for me to live at home with my parents when I came back from five years at University in Scotland. I got an earful about adopting my dog, my choice to be a handpoke tattoo artist, and learning how to pole dance. Sometimes it still makes me miserable.

To be honest, I guess I have to thank her, for without her perspective approach, I would have been unable to challenge myself, and live through the experiences I have that have made me a truer, happier version of myself in a world full of people trying to miserably fit in. I started to realise that I need to do what makes ME happy, not any projected rendition of happiness, conditioned by my family, fiction, and generational socio-culture. I need to not be held hostage by fear, to hone the courage to dare, to take that first step, to see what’s on the other side of deciding to be free. Also, here we are, with my dog and mother cuddling! It began with her saying no to letting the dog anywhere outside my room. My mum now kisses, pets and greets the dog when she comes home, before her own children haha! She has formed a bond she never knew she could! My dad drunk dailed me once and said ‘kya yaar Taabi, there is a dog here I am petting and I miss Skylar, you got me to love dogs, what did you do!’ Who do you think won happy? Comfort? Or Curiosity?

Curiosity never killed the human race, it aided us. It was curiosity and the human desire to understand, influence and manipulate nature that motivated development in science, philosophy, and other fields of study.  It’s why I love first times, new experiences- call it what you shall, because in retrospect, I never really regret the things I do, but the things I didn’t do. There is no better feeling walking into the unknown, only to look back later wondering ‘now, why I so scared of all this endless adventure?’ Whenever I see a path I want to embark on, its mostly because I’m plagued in wanting to find out what happens at the end, to look back at the beginning, to realise how simple it really was. Blaise Pascal says, ‘things are always best in their beginning’, and I still chuckle when I say this to my clients, especially the first 50 I did, ‘it’s a good thing for me you’re getting inked from me now, because I’m still learning, I’m a beginner, if I fuck up it’s understandable and it’s not all my fault’ I can’t say the same thing to client number 1000 I tattoo, now can I?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

Missed opportunities have caused more regret, than being nervous about embarking on that opportunity even though you know there are certain things you can’t control like unforeseen obstacles. At some point, for a more meaningful life, you have to snap out of it, so at least you can sleep satisfied knowing you gave it a shot. We have been so programmed to think that ‘a new beginning’ or ’that what I have not already experienced’ is scary. Worrying about it, won’t stop the flow of time, even if you wish for it. You can either worry about all the things that could go wrong, and live a dream other are selling you, or you can do exactly what you want to do. Being honest with yourself is the most difficult thing you can do, but it is also the most daring and liberating. Do you dare to not give up in the face of fear and actualise your desires? How then can you build the best life you want to live? Time is limited, and fear is abundant, but courage is a tool, and regret is worse than failure. Be curious, ask for what you want, begin that journey, take that opportunity because at the end of the day, it’s the journey we look back on, and the happy memories that we make along the way. Whatever it is you want to do, all you have to do is choose to begin, and begin to choose. Endless possibility is what makes time limitless; and isn’t the limitless exhilarating?

*Much love and more strength to everyone who has lost a loved one during this pandemic.

Written By Taabish Rayani

I was born and bred in Mumbai, but I consider myself a resident of Pangaea. I’m a stick and poke tattoo artist, I like dogs more than humans, and I would rather read an ancient satire by Aristophanes, than watch a Marvel movie (I know, what a classical gyp). I believe life is happy if you are the person your dog thinks you are!

Week 48, December 2021

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A most important part of life is to bring the focus on yourself. Always remember that even though there are a million things to do it is critical to rest and regroup. There is no need to feel guilty when you look after yourself. You need to realise and accept that if you are not in good shape then all those million things you want to do will not happen in any case.

Why not start reflecting on the things that you may be grateful for, both great and small. This is something if you don’t do on an ongoing basis and if you are reading this, then I suggest you begin right away. Do it in any way that you like. Write it down in a daily journal at the end of each day. Or acknowledge the people and things you are grateful for by reaching out to them.

For me this is the year that I have truly been able to give some real shape to a lifelong dream of mine. I am truly grateful for that. The food forest that we started working on late last year is taking good shape and feeling so real and fabulous now. Nature is taking its course. The trees are going. The figs are looking fabulous even on the little trees. The soil is enriched with our endeavour and feels and smells fabulous. And we are blessed to be working some very young colleagues who are as excited as us to make our dream of a food forest a reality. If you do have a moment do have a look at our Instagram feed on our handle thepinktreeproject. I know this is the legacy that I am truly going to be proud of leaving behind. I don’t want to be remembered for anything else that I may achieved but this.

I strongly believe that some of the best gifts we can give and even receive are time, empathy and love. So right through life never lose sight of that. Make time for all you love. Judge every mistake that you experience with empathy. And share love willingly, joyfully and large-heartedly. Nothing else will matter in life.

This month our motley crew shall do its best to inspire you for the year ahead and for your journey ahead.

There are so many micro-journeys that we experience in our journey of life. Each one is special and shall last as long as it meant to last. Give up regret. Just celebrate it all.

It is never the end, just the start of a new adventure. There is never any need to rush, just ease yourself into every new beginning.

May you always have the fortitude to face life being your best self.

May you be blessed with the foresight that you need to face life. To learn and to grow. To reach for the stars and beyond.

God Bless.

Mohit Gupta

3rd December 2021

The post Editor’s Note: December 2021 appeared first on ROADFOLK Magazine.