Vansh is an endearing child. His eyes shine with confidence and kindness. He prepared for mainstreaming at Aasraa’s Early Learning Centre on Kanwali Road before his admission into an English medium school in 2017. His father works at a liquor shop. He understands the importance of education and encourages both his children to study hard to live a better life. Vansh’s twin brother is a student at another English medium school. Vansh likes to read story books and wants to

We are privileged. When I look around, I truly feel I am privileged. Just that the desires in our hearts are ceaseless. Even though I grew up in a modest environment, still life bestowed upon me several such blessings, that I held dear. And I still hold. But, that, and I realised when I grew up, is not so easy. There are scores of children out there who don’t have anyone to call their own. They are brought up mercifully.

Gunjan is 5 years old. She is an obedient and sincere child. Her family migrated from Bihar state to Dehradun city for better work opportunities. Unfortunately, their situation barely improved. Her father is a daily wage labourer and her mother is a house wife. The family of six members lives in a single room house on rent. Her father’s income, INR 1,800 per month, is insufficient to meet the daily expenses of the family. Education is a distant consideration. Aasraa

Few days ago, I attended a session in my daughter’s school regarding the upcoming exhibition. Arghh… I groaned inwards as I dreaded the task that lay ahead. Naturally, daughter’s project will become a family project and take over our lives in the coming days. So, imagine my surprise when over coffee and some awesome chocolate cookies (served by the school principal himself) I read the first line of the first slide of the power point which says- ‘It is a

Her passion is pure yet fierceHer eyes a blazing oasis of shimmering watersThrough her veins flows the nectar of emboldened resolveHer mind a whirlwind of chaos, nevertheless a queer tranquilShe has lived blundering her way through the taverns of despairAnd now she manoeuvres seamlessly through the dark alleyways of HellHer smile is alluring yet maniacalVulnerable yet strong, loving yet elusiveShe isn’t just another woman you can woo with sweet nothings! She is both calm and stormSomeone who can look past

#Movie – 12 Years A Slave. An outstanding film and a traumatic experience which focuses on the horror and humiliation of slavery. Directed by Steve McQueen it is based on the memoir written by Solomon Northup who was abducted and sold as a slave. He is a free man who lives in Saratoga, New York, with his family and he is lured by two entertainers and taken to Washington DC and after a night of hard drinking finds himself a

The Undelivered Letter to A Friend Dear Annie, Although I could have mailed or texted you, I felt a handwritten letter to my dearest bestie would surely make you smile. I was elated on receiving the good news from you. After extreme trials and tests you have become pregnant. God has answered your genuine faith and heart’s desire. He will abundantly bless you with… “Mummy!” interruption guaranteed when you have a super-curious toddler at home. Instead of paying him attention

“Why I love being a working mom”.  “How stay-at-home mom gives me the power.”  “I wear makeup and its nobody’s business.” “Why I don’t wear makeup.” “I am a proud breastfeeding mom.”  “I don’t regret bottle-feeding my child.” “I am proud of the fact that I don’t allow my kids to use gadgets.”  “I am not guilty of allowing my kids to watch TV or use mobile.” Every single day when I come across one such article on the internet

एक है आजाद पँछी सी,एक पिंजरे मे बंद रहती है।एक घर बाहर सब संभालती,एक बस परिवार मे व्यस्त रह्ती है।एक वो जो अपने ख्वाब जीती है,एक वो जो हर रोज दिल मे ही कही सिसक्ती है।एक वो भी है जो मिनी स्कर्ट मे घूमा करती है,एक वो है जो सर से पल्ला सरके तो भी डरती है।एक आजाद आसमां मे हर अंधकार से लड़ती है,एक वो है जो उस पिंजरे मे हर दिन मरती है।एक और भी है जो किसी

What freedom do you talk about When she lives in the world within herself She is tired yet restless She is broken yet spirited She is shaken but composed She is even caged but wants to fly For all a woman longs for To be able to break free Break-free from he shackles The norms The rules That people around her Make for her Within her is a deep anger The rage and the fire She is ready to explode