As a child, the one gift I consistently asked for—whether from my parents or visiting relatives—was colours. Crayons, colour pencils, watercolours… any. I remember the anticipation more vividly than the gift itself. I would dream of them, imagining the shades, textures and the mess I’d make with those.
Interestingly, I wasn’t particularly artistic then, and I wouldn’t call myself artistic now. But my connection with colours has been emotional. They have the power to lift my mood, calm me, or sometimes even stir a quiet sadness. Today, colours can make me feel joyful, elated, thrilled—or a little low. But back then, they meant only one thing: pure excitement!
Perhaps that’s also why lipsticks fascinated me so much.
My mother never used lipsticks, so they were none at home. But many of her friends did. Whenever I got the chance, I would quietly sneak and mess around with that colourful stick. I must have ruined a few in the process, though I don’t recall anyone ever complaining to my mother.
Even now, that fascination hasn’t entirely faded. On some days, I turn to pour painting—not with any grand artistic ambition, but simply to watch the colours merge and move and drip. Sharing some here 🙂
There’s something deeply satisfying about the interplay, something that still feels as magical as it did in childhood.
Maybe I never outgrew my love for colours. Shall I tell you women often compliment my dresses ‘I like your choice of colours!’ May be they are right! And I feel flattered. 𐔌՞ ܸ.ˬ.ܸ՞𐦯
India has a rich tradition of multilingualism. Most of us grow up speaking two or three languages, thanks to the country’s incredible cultural and linguistic diversity.
I was reminded of this during an interaction at the University of Rhode Island. A young student asked me,
❝Renu, how many languages do you know?❞
I began modestly: ❝Hindi, English…❞ But perhaps I was in a slightly indulgent mood that day, so I continued, ❝…some Gujarati, I have studied Sanskrit, and I can understand and appreciate Urdu as well.❞
He looked visibly astonished—eyes widened, mouth slightly open. ❝ That’s quite a lot!❞ he said.
To keep the conversation going, I asked him the same question. He looked down, raised one finger, and replied somewhat sheepishly, ❝Only one.❞ I instantly regretted putting him in that spot.
(⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝) During the same informal interaction, someone shared a lighthearted joke:
❝ What do we call someone who speaks many languages?❞ ❝Multilingual.❞
❝Two languages? ❞ ❝Bilingual.❞
❝ And one language? ❞ ❝ …American.❞
Clearly meant in jest. But the stereotype made us reflect. It also set the stage for a deeper discussion on MULTILINGUALISM.
Soon, the conversation shifted to research in psychology and neuroscience, which shows that multilingualism is far more than just a communication skill—it is a cognitive advantage. From enhancing memory and problem-solving abilities to improving focus, fostering empathy, and even delaying cognitive decline, the benefits are both wide-ranging and well documented.
Multilingualism—the ability to use two or more languages—has profound effects on the brain’s structure and function. These advantages stem from the continuous mental exercise involved in managing multiple languages , strengthening executive functioning and mental flexibility.
India’s own intellectual and political leaders strongly advocated multilingualism. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and B. R. Ambedkar believed that learning multiple languages expands the mind, builds cultural bridges, and serves as a powerful tool for social mobility and empowerment.
Reflecting this vision, educational policies in India have long supported the three-language formula. Recently, CBSE curriculum for 2026–27 has made a third language mandatory from Class 6. The National Education Policy’s emphasis on Indian languages. While some argue that this may limit the choice of foreign languages for students, many institutions are creatively addressing this by introducing language clubs and extracurricular opportunities.
I often hear parents express concern about the increasing academic load due to the additional language requirement. However, what is often overlooked are the significant cognitive benefits of language learning. It contributes to brain development, enhances executive functioning, improves focus, and nurtures creativity—while also strengthening communication and social skills.
At a time when global research strongly supports the advantages of multilingualism, it may be worth rethinking these concerns. Instead of viewing it as a burden, we could see it as an investment in a child’s intellectual and personal growth.
As the contemporary linguist G. N. Devy, who has documented hundreds of Indian languages through the People’s Linguistic Survey of India, aptly reminds us:
Losing languages means losing ways of understanding life.
Loose and free! Are they? Or are these words linked?
Why do these words keep whiring in my mind? Perhaps they are more deeply connected than they appear.
Recently, I came across a statement by Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, in The Indian Express (March 6, 2026): “Coaching culture trains students to game the exam rather than build conceptual understanding. This approach doesn’t work in the IIT system.”
This stayed with me.
My thoughts wandered to the many reports of students resorting to self-harm in prestigious institutions, and to similar incidents in cities where coaching centres thrive but young minds quietly struggle. I even recalled a panel discussion I watched years ago, where heads of IITs spoke about the rising number of student suicides on their campuses.
One remark stuck: many students entering these institutions are those have not read any story books, watched meaningful films, pursued hobbies, or experienced unstructured play. From as early as Grades 6 or 7, they are absorbed into coaching systems. By the time they get here, they are often mentally exhausted, emotionally depleted, and physically inactive.
They are unprepared—not intellectually, but psychologically—for the journey ahead. For years, their singular goal has been to “get in.” Schools, parents, and coaching systems reinforce this idea.
I recall a school leader telling Grade 12 students: “Focus on getting into IIT. Once you’re there, life is set.” The implication was clear—work relentlessly now, and later you just chill and enjoy life. But reality is very different. And reality hits them hard as nothing, no one prepared them for that.
Many students discover that the pressure does not ease; it intensifies. Without genuine interest in their field, without emotional resilience, and without a broader foundation of experiences, they struggle to cope.
As Professor Kedare also points out in the same idea exchange that some students arrive driven more by the brand value of institutions than by thrir passion for learning. When faced with academic and personal challenges, they falter. He adds that he has seen students spiral—one, for instance, turned to excessive gaming and failed most first-semester courses.
This forces us to question the cost are we chasing success.
It is natural for parents to want the best for their children. But should childhood be sacrificed at the altar of coaching classes? Too often, we hear heartbreaking accounts of children apologizing to their parents for “failing” them—just before taking irreversible step.
Parents may not fully grasp the immense pressure their children carry, or how fragile their mental health can become under it.
So what can be done?
First, we must stop placing the entire weight of expectations on young shoulders. Children need time— for studies, and for life.
Time to play. Time to explore hobbies. Time to simply be.
Free play is not a luxury; it is essential. It supports emotional regulation and contributes to mental strength. Physical activity is equally critical—it nurtures both body and mind.
I know of a parent who once said, “She can play after her Class 12 exams. There’s no point wasting time now.” But is play really a waste of time?
Is it not fundamental to healthy development? Can children truly excel academically if their physical and emotional needs are neglected? Childhood is a critical period of growth—what is missed then cannot be fully recreated later.
Watching reels or playing video games is not the same as running outdoors, playing a sport, or engaging with peers. Through sports and play, children learn to solve problems, follow rules, handle victory and defeat, negotiate, collaborate, and persist. They learn resilience, they thrive.
And yet, while we speak often about social-emotional learning, we rarely give children the space to experience it.
Many parents also dismiss stories, poetry, theatre, or the arts as distractions. “What’s the use?” they ask.
Oh, the use is profound!
Stories build imagination. Poetry deepens emotional awareness. The arts cultivate empathy, reflection, and self-expression.
These experiences shape individuals who are not only academically capable, but also socially aware, emotionally intelligent, and truly prepared for life.
If we want our children to flourish and not just succeed—we must rethink what we value.
Now let’s turn to the words we read in the beginning. Those are not separate after all.They are threads of the same fabric.
The first thing that comes to my mind as I read this prompt is a quote I stumbled upon this morning—
It instantly brought someone to my mind. Someone going through a difficult time, nursing a heartbreak, weighed down by disappointment, struggling to move forward through the negativity.
I shared this thought with her, hoping it would remind her that even in the darkest phases, something meaningful is possibly taking shape beneath the surface.
We often celebrate growth when it’s visible—when the transformation is complete. But we rarely talk about the in-between: the confusion, the self-doubt, the negativity, the waiting…
Research in positive psychology supports this unseen phase of growth. The concept of post-traumatic growth, introduced by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, suggests that people can experience profound personal development after adversity. It’s not the pain itself that transforms us, but the way we process, reflect and rebuild. 🤍☁️🌿🍃✨️
And yet, while research gives us language for this transformation, living through it is messy.
And it’s not just about heartbreak. It could be any loss, any setback, any moment where life feels heavier than usual. These are the times when faith feels fragile and hope feels elusive—but they are also the moments that shape our better version.
Growth happens in the dark too! Save this for difficult days when it feels overwhelming. ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆
I try to find joy in the little things. My inclination toward positive psychology encourages me to notice and nurture happiness in everyday moments. In this field, happiness is often seen as having two essential components: feeling good, and engaging in meaningful activities that foster personal growth and fulfilment.
One of my simplest pleasures is watching the sunrise in silence. I love observing the morning sky as it shifts from crimson to red, then saffron to orange. Waking up to a sky already bright yellow makes me feel as though I’ve missed an important event. I admit, it leaves me a little grumpy. When I do catch the sunrise, I take a pause, thinking of nothing in particular, absorbing the beauty. It fills me with a sense of renewal, like the day holds fresh promise.
Another small joy is scrolling through my phone—especially when it feels earned. After finishing a task, I allow myself a short break, telling myself I’ll relax for fifteen minutes. Of course, those fifteen minutes often stretch into thirty. Still, that time feels like a gentle reward: a mix of catching up, browsing, and unwinding.
I also cherish the moments when I lie in bed with a book in hand. Sometimes I read, sometimes I drift off within minutes—there’s no guarantee. But the comfort of that quiet pause is enough.
And whenever I can manage, which is not very often, I like to practice Yog Nidra. It’s so rejuvenating!
Music is another constant companion. Every day, there’s usually one song playing on a loop in my mind, and I find myself humming it throughout the day. That, for me, is a sign of happiness. In fact, if I’m not humming while going about my mundane life, my family starts to wonder if something is wrong! ◡̈
Yet, of all these small joys, nothing brings me greater fulfilment than writing. I am no great writer, yet the act of writing gives me immense satisfaction. And again! Enhancing life satisfaction is a fundamental focus of positive psychology (oh, can’t keep it out of my thoughts). Even composing a simple email can feel meaningful. When I haven’t written for a few days, I notice the absence—I feel restless, a little joyless, and somewhat unanchored.
These everyday moments may seem ordinary, but together, they create a life that feels rich, mindful, and quietly joyful.
✦I hope to support the community at its most foundational level by empowering parents, teachers, and caregivers with practical ideas and meaningful strategies.
✦When the adults in a child’s world feel equipped and confident, children are more likely to flourish—reaching their full potential while growing into individuals who are socially and culturally competent, and physically, mentally, and academically strong. This vision is deeply personal to me, and it is what has led me here @ Roots n Wings.
Raising Kids & Shaping Future
⚡When I look around, I feel a growing urgency. We constantly read and hear about the challenges children face today—fragile mental health, low frustration tolerance, and an increasing need for instant gratification. Alongside this, digital addiction has emerged as a modern epidemic, often contributing to behavioral and emotional concerns.
⚡Adolescents, especially, are navigating a demanding world—balancing parental expectations, peer pressure, bullying, and their own inner questions about identity and belonging. At the same time, many parents and educational systems are still adapting to these rapidly changing needs. The increasing cases of self-harm among students remind us that we need to pause, reflect, and respond with greater sensitivity.
💫This is where I believe positive psychology can make a real difference.
It is not just about addressing problems after they arise, but about preventing them—building emotional strength, resilience, and awareness early on. It complements therapy by creating a strong foundation for well-being.
✦With my background in teaching, along with my training as a counselor and therapist, I feel prepared to contribute to this space. While I know my journey is still in its early stages, my intention is clear—to reach more people, to share what I’ve learned, and to make a meaningful difference.
✦And most importantly, I believe this with conviction—I am ready for this.
What you see in the picture is five-year-old me in the cape. The woman in the purple saree is my aunt—my mother’s younger cousin—standing in her classroom, teaching her students.
That day, I accompanied her to school, and I was completely in awe of her presence—the quiet authority she held, and the way her students looked up to her. In that moment, something shifted within me. I decided what I wanted to be. I, too, wanted that same magical influence. I wanted to be a teacher, just like Rama Masi.
As I grew up, I often taught my imaginary students—long before I began teaching real ones. Later, I pursued a Master’s in Counselling and Family Therapy and completed a teacher training course. Today, I conduct workshops for teachers, carrying forward that early spark of inspiration. 𐦂𖨆𐀪𖠋
ꜛ The above quote resonates deeply with me. It suggests a powerful yet simple idea: we can learn something from everyone we meet. The only requirement is where we choose to place our focus. If we train ourselves to notice strengths, qualities, and positives in others, every interaction becomes an opportunity for growth,IF, if we “have a heart that watches and receives” (expression borrowed from the great english poet William Wordsworth)
›This way of thinking closely aligns with the essence of positive psychology—a strength-focused approach. What we focus on grows. If we train our eyes to see gems, the world begins to feel richer, wiser, and more generous.
› At the same time, learning is not just about others—it is about our willingness to be taught. If you are truly willing to learn, every experience and interaction—whether positive or negative—holds a lesson. But for that, one must be teachable. When we cultivate that openness, the entire universe becomes our teacher.
›In his poem ‘The Tables Turned’ William Wordsworth captured this beautifully when he wrote, “Let nature be your teacher.” He believed that:
❝One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can.❞
∗(From: The Tables Turned) These lines remind us that wisdom is woven into the world around us.
››As I write, I’m reminded of a poem I encountered in school, probably in the fifth grade. At that age, perhaps we are too young to fully grasp its depth, yet the message quietly stays with us. Meaning unfolds, as we grow. The image below is found on the internet.
››I sum up the main idea that the poem conveys. It draws lessons from nature in the most beautiful way. The mountain, standing tall and firm, teaches us to hold our heads high—to be grounded, resilient, and unwavering in our values. The ocean, vast and deep, reminds us that our thoughts, too, should have depth, encouraging us to think critically rather than remain superficial.
›The earth, patient and enduring, teaches us to carry our responsibilities without complaint. And the sky, limitless and expansive, inspires us to grow beyond boundaries—to embrace a perspective wide enough to include the whole world.
🎯The poem is really about developing essential life skills.🪴 It speaks of courage—the courage to stand for what is right. It nurtures assertiveness, resilience, and the ability to think deeply. It encourages problem-solving and thoughtful decision-making. And above all, it fosters empathy—the kind that allows us to consider every soul on this planet.
›Perhaps the lesson is simple yet profound: if we are willing to learn, teachers are everywhere. In people. In experiences. In nature. In life itself. 🌿⚘.⋆🍃༄
✍️ Over to you:What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💬
🌸 Here’s to the women pave the way for future generations, who provide both roots and wings!
🍃On March 8, we celebrate the X — the mark of creation. Beyond biology lies brilliance, the quiet strength, the capacity. The capacity to nurture without losing strength, to lead with empathy, to raise emotionally secure children.
It’s about power — expressed with grace, the soft power. 🍀
No, we don’t compete for power. We are power. Before you disagree let me elaborate my point.
Let’s bring genetics into the conversation. X chromosome contains significantly greater number of genes. Then, certain conditions (mitochondrial) can be inherited down the maternal line only.
🍃Well, leave the genetics aside and consider socialization. Although fathers’ involvement in child-rearing is increasing, yet studies indicate that, on average, mothers spend significantly more time on direct childcare and daily routines compared to fathers. Understandably, mothers have a greater impact on their children’s behavior, attitudes, and personalities. So, until the time men take equal share of child rearing responsibilities, women would continue to lead not just support.
Oh, does this sound divisive? Allow me be an unapologetic feminist today 🙂 Happy Women’s Day! 💐
Hardship, loss, and humiliation are universal human experiences. No one is immune to life’s inevitable negative experiences. Since no one escapes these moments, we all have to find ways to deal with them.
The true challenge lies in finding the strength to cope and move forward. We have to help ourselves. Even counsellors help people to help themselves. Eventually it’s we. We have to find, reflect, try what works for whom or what support to take. I am here sharing my coping strategies. Someone may just find them useful.
Prayer. When troubled I take refuge in prayer. My prayer is simple. When I feel low, I find comfort by sitting in my home’s prayer corner. I just sit quiet watching my thoughts drift by. I talk to myself and I feel lighter. Sometimes I find solutions to my problems and sometimes I find strength to cope.
Then, I find great solace in quote therapy. I have my personal collection of quotes which have appealed to me at different times. I take a dip in my collection and very often emerge wiser and stronger.
I recall one instance – In April 2020 during lock down. I developed symptoms and went to imaging centre for my lungs X-ray. From there I was sent straight to the Covid hospital. Covid was not confirmed yet the chances were high. While my husband was driving me to the hospital on the deserted street, I was thinking about these lines from Annie Johnson Flint poem .
❝God has not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God has not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.❞
and I felt strong and ready to face whatever was instore for me.
Similarly the following lines from WB Yeats’ The Ballad of Father Gilligan always make me feel safe and loved and fill me with gratitude.
❝He Who is wrapped in purple robes,
With planets in His care
Had pity on the least of things
Asleep upon a chair.❞
Another poem ‘Asha Ka Deepak’ (Beacon of hope) that fills me with hope and optimism at the time when the going gets tough, is written by the great hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
And there are times, when I take to journaling. When I am hurting from what someone has done to me, when I’m smarting because I’m wronged, when I’m writhing because I became a victim, when I get no rest, when my unceasing thoughts don’t let me sleep, I pour all those disturbing thoughts on paper.
I keep those papers with me thinking I’ll sometime show these to the right person at the right moment. That does not happen. After sometime things change and all the thoughts, words become irrelevant. When I look at those papers much later, I feel I was either overthinking or overreacting or that these are just thoughts that mattered then but not now. This has happened quite a few times in life. But pouring those thoughts and emotions on paper has provided me instant relief and peace. 🤍☁️🌿🍃✨️
I have observed often that cleaning up my house also cleans up my mind. It’s kind of symbolic. Decluttering physical space declutters the mind too. At least it works for me that way.
❝Self-care is the process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being of oneself, to promote health, and actively manage illness when it occurs.❞ Wikipedia
Have you ever experienced a good walk, a refreshing shower, a satisfying meal, some enjoyable music evlevate the mood? All these stimulate the production of “happy hormones” like endorphins, dopamine,serotonin and oxytocin and reduce stress hormones. All these are my go-to self-care practices.🌼
This is about me. I’d definitely love to know more about your coping strategies. Share your thoughts in comments 💬Till then…
Roots n Wings 