From the Pen of Lopa

The 19 th day of November is celebrated as the International Men’s Day, but did you notice any major campaign running around for this very day? As per what I have seen, the brands talking about Men’s Day could be counted on fingers and no more. Unlike most of the celebrated days, this event never gets enough traction neither from brands nor the people. The companies shelling out millions on campaigns related to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Women’s Day were as silent as stones and nobody would bat an eye on the same. This is the stark reality and the brutal truth of how much we value and respect the men of our society. The people who would be advocating gender equality and supporting the cause being an activist were silent on the International Men’s Day. Although it is not a new thing to be noticed, but somebody had to say it out loud and this is where I am putting my thoughts in respect to all the men out there, working day and night to support the families, with or without any su...

"I dreamt of flying, when the winds resisted. I dreamt to rise, while the quicksand tried to pull me in. I planned, I failed, I strived, I fell, but, I never stopped standing up again. It surely took some time to check mark my goals, but it still is a long way to cover, before I say that I won." Year 1976, a child takes birth in a well-educated upper middle class Oriya family, second girl child of that family. As per the society, she wouldn't get to study much, as she won't need it much and get married, being the only forced-fed goal for women of the society. She is given a name, ironically, inspired by an ancient female philosopher & scholar from the Southern India. A determined being, she carries her education breaking the shackles and stigmas of societies. She promises herself for offering the best of education to her, no matter what troubles she may face. If you are determined, you make your own ways and achieve, and sometimes, the stars help you...