Swarnika Nimje

The festival of colors, Holi, is more than just splashes of vibrant hues; it's a reflection of the myriad colors of life itself. Life, much like Holi, is a celebration woven with threads of relationships, both lasting and transient. With each passing year, some colors fade away while new ones grace our journey. This year's Holi brought forth a kaleidoscope of new experiences – new smiles, new traditions, and the embrace of a new home. Yet amidst the novelty, there lingered a poignant nostalgia for the hues of yesteryears. The blend of old and new colors painted a picture that felt simultaneously familiar and fresh. The joy of the festival, the excitement in the air, the aroma of familiar dishes – all evoked cherished memories while paving the way for new beginnings. Yet, amidst the festivity, there was a longing for the colors of the past, a yearning for their timeless presence. As I reflect on this amalgamation of hues, I realize the importance of embracing change while cheris...

What does it matter? A mere name change. An assumption made by everyone around you, that your name will be henceforth the name of your husband. Strange! As I sit down to ponder over these seemingly harmless statements, I realize the profound impact they've had on my life. It's a societal norm, they say. A tradition passed down through generations, unquestioned and unchallenged. But when this tradition collided with my reality, it felt anything but normal. As an outsider, it feels like a small thing. A woman gets married and her name changes, happened to my mother, her mother, and exactly every woman I know. It's normal, and for some people it's "natural". I used to think the same. Growing up, I witnessed the women in my family seamlessly adopt their husbands' names upon marriage. It was expected, almost automatic. But I never truly grasped the significance of it until it happened to me. I realized the gravity of it when this normal felt abnormal, w...

  "Laapata Ladies" is not your typical comedy entertainer. It's a film that weaves humor seamlessly with profound messaging, leaving audiences chuckling one moment and pondering the state of its blindfolded or missing women characters the next. With every burst of laughter, there's an afterthought, a reflection on the societal constraints and challenges faced by these women. One of the film's strengths lies in its adept usage of metaphors from a woman's life to illustrate her state of mind and understanding of the world. Through subtle imagery and dialogue, the audience is invited to delve deeper into the characters' experiences, making the laughter more poignant and thought-provoking. Heartwarming characters populate the narrative, each brimming with innocence and offering unique perspectives on the world and their roles within it. Their authenticity and vulnerability draw the audience in, forging an emotional connection that resonates long after the ...

On this Women's Day, I am sharing a personal reflection on my ongoing journey to understand the essence of womanhood. In every woman, a world does dwell, With roles she plays, she does excel.   As daughter, she brings joy and cheer, Her laughter, like music, sweet and clear. An adolescent, strong and bold, Facing life's storms, her spirit holds. Womanhood's mantle, she wears with pride, In her love and care, hearts find a guide.   Motherhood, a journey of sacrifice and love, Enduring childbirth, she rises above. A creator of life, a nurturer divine, In her embrace, new worlds entwine.   As a grandmother, she imparts wisdom old, In her stories, she shares the lessons untold. Love and care, in her embrace, Generations find their rightful place.   But beyond these roles, she's herself, With dreams and fears, in her heart's delve. Ambitions, wishes, and aspirations strong, In her essence, her spirit belongs.   So let...

  “Home is where you make it. “– Japonisme (book) Chhindwara, Seoni, Jabalpur, Ahmedabad, Tel Aviv, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Noida.   In the fabric of life, these cities are the threads that have woven me into who I am today. From the place of my birth to the corners of the world where I found belonging, each city has left a mark on my soul. They are not just geographical locations but repositories of memories, experiences, and growth. Each one holds a piece of my heart, making them my true homes in their own distinct ways. Chhindwara - a distant echo of childhood, a place shrouded in the haze of vague memories. It exists as a patchwork of stories woven by elders, relatives, and distant acquaintances who seem to know a version of me that I try hard to recognize. These narratives paint a picture of a little me, created by unfamiliar faces tinged with a sense of familiarity, evoking a poignant nostalgia for a time and place that feels both known and unknown. Jabalpur —my s...