Soil and Struggles Unrecognised: Exclusion Amidst Devotion
Editorial
Mishti, a sixteen-year-old, was brought into the world of prostitution at the young age of ten. She was promised a roof over her head, clean clothes to wear and three meals a day. A trade agreement convincing enough for her parents to send her off with an unknown middle-aged man, who brought her to the narrow lanes of Sonagachi. In the past six years, she has tried to escape four times but all efforts were in vain. She could never surpass the ‘Nishiddho Pallis’ (Red Light Areas). Over time she has given up and tried to build a home out of the ten dilapidated rooms. She knew the one at the extreme end corner like the back of her hand, she knew the three spots upon which the filtered light through the curtains would fall, the constant plinks of water from the heavy seepage on the ceiling and the rhythmic yet bothersome humming noise of the fan. Years have passed by and the anger and sorrow have turned into nonchalance and acceptance. She is a reserved girl who lives by each day as asked of her, and in return, asks for just five days of happiness. Each year, from ‘Shoshti to Doshomi’ (Sixth day to Tenth day of Durga Pujo), Mishti is on leave. She puts on her white saree with red borders, a clothing item quintessential to the women of Bengal, and goes to visit nearly all Durga Pandals in North Kolkata with her 4-year old daughter, Gudiya.
The Gaza Conundrum: Palestine, Israel and the Actual Path to Peace
Editorial
What’s common between Christmas and Diwali? Or what’s common between Easter and Eid? Well, The answer lies in their shared distinction as the most jubilant occasions within their respective communities. 7th October 2023, was somewhat similar for the Jews as it was a day where they came forward and celebrated ‘Love and Harmony’ as it was the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. There was music, love, and happiness until hundreds of armed men descended from the sky in parachutes near a music festival- what ensued were ceaseless volleys of gunfire, mercilessly targeting unarmed revelers. Their transgression? Merely partaking in the festivities of the festival or, perhaps, being Jewish—an identity deemed culpable. But this isn’t something new! Israel’s past has always been tumultuous with constant struggles and fierce gaping wars. It all began when the U.N. in 1948 granted the Jews their own country. This was just after almost two-thirds of the entire Jewish Population in Europe was reduced in the Holocaust due to a Fanatic Austrian Art School Reject who espoused the Aryan Supremacy Theory. Unhappy with the decision of the Partition of the state of Palestine- the Arab Nations waged war with Israel- just a day after the U.N declaration. Imagine surviving the most virulent onslaught borne of animosity towards an entire community, only to find oneself embroiled in subsequent conflicts, facing a different adversary each time! This initial strife marked but the commencement of a series of disquieting, ruthless, and sanguinary wars that would unfold in the annals of history.
UNWRAPPING THE MAGIC: WHY WE NEED MORE THAN CLICHES THIS CHRISTMAS
Editorial
Embrace the enchantment of cinema this Christmas, choosing films that transport you beyond the predictable. Let the silver screen weave stories that linger, warm your soul, and ignite the fire of imagination.