Thought Lantern

  As Dr. Arwa Saifi is now an active part of our Mental Awareness Campaign, she has shared a heartwarming piece for everyone.  Let's start our day with some wonderful readings.  When Teachers Struggle: The Silent Crisis of Mental Health in Indian Classrooms. Teaching has always been called a noble profession. We grew up believing that teachers shape the future, that they are torchbearers of knowledge, patience, and wisdom. But in today’s India, a painful truth sits quietly beneath that halo - our teachers are breaking. Not because they lack love or passion for what they do, but because the emotional, mental, and physical load they carry has become too heavy to bear. In staff rooms across the country, you will find tired eyes behind warm smiles. You’ll see teachers who spend their mornings in classrooms, afternoons grading assignments, evenings planning lessons, and late nights worrying about how they could have done more. Teaching doesn’t end when the bell rings - it foll...

  Pinki Bakshi is a storyteller at heart who loves to navigate the complex emotions of people and the poetry of life. A professional content writer with extensive experience in research and writing, her work reflects deep ... The Song of Our Bond is a work of fiction inspired by true events from the lesser-known 1970s communal riots in Eastern India. Unlike many stories set in times of conflict,  The Song of our Bond is told through the eyes of two innocent children, making it a tender yet powerful tale.  The story explores how such incidents leave a lasting mark on the innocent mind of a child. When a child is exposed to separation grief or violence, especially arising from cultural differences, their safety bubble bursts, and their trust in people begins to dwindle. Children process grief differently from adults, yet despite everything, when they find ways to move forward, not only do they survive, but they also flourish. This novel is an ode to the strength and resilie...

  Thought Lantern recently organized a poetry challenge for our poets, and they showed great enthusiasm.  Our winners are:  1) Dr. Romila Chitturi.  2) Dr. Sarvani.  3) Sujata Maggoo  And last but not least, our runner-up Reubenna Dutta.  Day 2 Prompt - Nature.  By - Dr. Romila Chitturi.  The morning breaks with golden light, Upon the hills where shadows flee. The sun embraces every height, And wakes the sleeping, ancient tree. Within the woods, a silence grows, Where mossy roots dive deep and wide. The gentle breeze softly blows, And secrets of the forest hide. The river carves a winding path, With crystal waters pure and clear. It holds no sorrow and no wrath, But sings a song for all to hear. High above, the clouds drift by, Like ships upon a sapphire sea. They wander through the endless sky, In patterns wild, bold, and free. As seasons turn from cold to warm, The earth prepares a grand display. We find a shelter from the storm, In nature’...

 Thought Lantern recently organized a poetry challenge for our poets, and they showed great enthusiasm.  Our winners are:  1) Dr. Romila Chitturi.  2) Dr. Sarvani.  3) Sujata Maggoo  And last but not least, our runner-up Reubenna Dutta.  Day 1 Prompt - Galaxy.  Title: The Celestial Embrace By Dr. Romila Chitturi  Behold the grand, celestial sea, Where time dissolves in mystery. A spiral arm of silver grace That curves across the depth of space. Here, stardust weaves a gentle thread, Through voids where silent giants tread. No coldness reigns within this sphere, But radiant warmth draws us near. From glowing core to outer rim, The lights of ages never dim. We travel on this ship of pearl, As constellated maps unfurl. So look above with humble eyes. To see our kinship in the skies; United by gravity’s soft hand Within this vast and glittering land. The galaxy, a beacon bright, To guide us through the velvet night. By Dr. Sarvani  Poem on G...

  Written by - Palak Chauhan, Founder & Editor in Chief, Thought Lantern.  Words by - Dr Arwa Saifi.  India’s architectural heritage is like a living museum, where every structure tells a story of dynasties, devotion, creativity, and culture. From grand temples and majestic forts to quiet stepwells and elegant havelis, Indian architecture reflects the soul of a civilisation that is thousands of years old. One of the earliest marvels of Indian architecture is found in the Indus Valley Civilisation. The city of Mohenjo-Daro was carefully planned with a grid layout, advanced drainage systems, and houses built with baked bricks - proof that India’s architectural genius began long before recorded history. As centuries passed, India’s architectural landscape evolved with every dynasty that ruled it. The Mauryan period introduced polished stone pillars, most famously seen in the Ashoka Pillars. These pillars weren’t just decorative - they carried messages of peace and moral ...

  Ending Period Poverty: A Collective Journey Towards Dignity. Ending period poverty is not just about providing sanitary products; it is about creating a world where menstruation is treated with dignity and understanding. For many girls and women, something as natural as a monthly cycle becomes a source of stress simply because they cannot afford pads, do not have access to clean washrooms, or have grown up hearing that periods should be hidden. To end period poverty, the first step is to speak openly about menstruation. When conversations become normal and free from embarrassment, girls feel confident to ask questions, seek help, and share their needs without fear of being judged. Breaking the silence also helps dismantle the myths and shame that have existed for generations. Another important way to tackle period poverty is to ensure that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to everyone. Many families still consider pads a luxury, forcing girls to rely on unsafe alte...