Turning the Page: Starting 2025 with Purpose and Positivity

The first day of a new year always brings with it a fresh set of resolutions. For some, it’s about chasing grand dreams and conquering the world; for others, it’s simply about surviving and holding on. And then there are those who revisit the same resolutions year after year, armed with a renewed sense of determination—like Sunny Paji’s iconic dialogue,

“Tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek, tareek pe tareek milti rahi hai, my lord, magar insaaf nahi.” 

Only here, it’s not about justice delayed but about resolutions deferred, waiting for the right time, the right push, or perhaps, the right mindset to finally make them happen.

Today, as I sit on a wooden bench in the chilly weather, sipping my coffee, I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and realize what a whirlwind it’s been—a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. It started with the completion of my Ph.D. thesis in January, followed by three excruciating months of waiting for expert reviews. When the approval finally came through, it was a moment of pure relief and joy. Holding my printed thesis—five years of unwavering effort wrapped in those pages—was surreal. The chills before my final presentation, the immense pride of receiving my Ph.D. degree at the convocation, and, above all, the joy I saw on my parents' faces when I held that degree—those moments will forever be etched in my heart.

But 2024 wasn’t only about academic milestones. It was also the year I found solace and purpose in writing. During the long, anxious wait for my thesis reviews—a time that felt like one of the most challenging parts of my Ph.D. journey—I turned to writing as a way to cope. What began as a distraction evolved into a passion project: I wrote a poetry book, got it published, and even won an award for it.

Travel was another highlight of the year. After defending my thesis, I rewarded myself with a trip to Thailand (for an academic conference though). Traveling to another country on my own savings was a liberating experience in itself, but it also became a journey of connection and discovery. I met some incredible women, formed new friendships, and came back with stories that could fill another blog entirely—something I intend to write soon.

Visiting one of the seven wonders of the world—the Taj Mahal—was another remarkable moment of the year. Its timeless beauty left me in awe and reminded me of the grandeur that exists in the world when we take the time to explore it.

Finally, the year culminated in a new professional chapter as I stepped into the role of an Assistant Professor. It’s been six months into this journey, and I’ve gained invaluable insights and grown significantly, yet I continue to grapple with finding a balance between my professional commitments and personal life.

Amid all these accomplishments and experiences, one thing I let slip was my love for writing blogs. The long, demanding 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts often leave me drained, with little energy or motivation to write—or perhaps I’ve been hiding behind that excuse to cover up a lingering laziness or waning enthusiasm. I deeply miss the joy of pouring my thoughts into words, of crafting something purely for myself—a creative outlet that once felt so liberating and fulfilling.

So, as 2025 begins, I’m making a promise to myself: to get back to writing regularly. It doesn’t have to be daily, but at least once a week. For me, writing is more than just an activity—it’s my way of finding freedom, a space where my thoughts can take flight.

Here’s to a year of reconnecting with my passions, cherishing the relationships that uplift me, and carving out time for what truly matters—because life is about more than just work, and I owe it to myself to embrace every facet of it.

"Barbie" Is More Than Pretty Pink Dresses!

In the past few weeks, you must have come across one or more Instagram reels of women flaunting pretty pink Barbie outfits or advertisement videos of high-end brands selling Barbie-inspired fashion clothing, footwear, accessories, food items, and even putting on rent the Barbie-inspired bungalows. The brand marketing team of the Barbie movie deserves applause, for some of us have even started getting Barbie ads in our dreams! But is that all that Barbie is about?

A still image from the Barbie movie. Picture: Courtesy Google Images

It was back in the 1950s when the American toy market was dominated by toys meant for boys. Young boys could choose from various options like- cars, puppets, balloons and dozens of other trinkets. But young girls often felt a slight discontent with the selection of toys available to them- they had to settle for one of the trinkets from the boys' lot, or the only "feminine" choice available was different versions of kitchen sets- which reminded them that they were destined to be in the kitchen as grown-ups.

Ruth Handler often felt that there was a need for toys specifically designed for young girls whenever she observed her daughter Barbara discarding conventional toys in exchange for her paper dolls. She was amazed at seeing her daughter playing and giving her paper dolls the adult roles, making them protagonists of even the mundane scenes of everyday life. And so, to encourage girls like her daughter to aspire to anything other than motherhood and make them believe that "they could be whatever they wanted", Ruth Handler introduced Barbie, the first-ever "woman" doll, in 1959. And within a few years of its introduction, this plastic doll with a revolutionary attitude took the toy market by storm.

"You first need to imagine to create some sort of impact".

Imagine a female doll who's financially successful, independent and loaded with material wealth- back in a time when women couldn't even have their own bank accounts. She had her own house with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, couture wardrobe, and a car. It's super superficial, but it's also incredibly profound at the same time.

Born with the aim to make young girls understand that the life of an adult woman is more than just about being behind the kitchen slab or a caring mother, Barbie shattered the glass ceiling by introducing herself as a working woman. Her influence extended far beyond her initial career as a model in stylish attire and glamorous accessories to break gender stereotypes by exploring various professions. She can put on a suit, and she's a lawyer. She can put on a space helmet, and she's an astronaut. From teachers to doctors, businesswomen to athletes, Barbie became a symbol of empowerment and inspired generations of young girls to dream big and believe in their abilities.

While playing, these young girls were not just imagining being a pretty woman like Barbie when they grew up; they were also imagining having their own house, car, and careers. Thus challenging societal norms, Barbie paved the way for little girls to envision a world where they could achieve anything. She catalysed conversations about gender equality and encouraged young minds to think beyond traditional roles. Her journey reflects society's changing perspectives and aspirations, making her an enduring and cherished figure in the world of toys.

As Barbie continues to evolve, this time through a cinematic avatar, here's hoping that she keeps empowering the coming generations.