Shimla | 28 September 2026 There are stories that entertain us, and then there are stories that gently remind us of who we ought to be. At its Annual Concert on 28 September 2026, Loreto Convent School, Tara Hall, Shimla , brought one such timeless story to the stage with A Heart Reborn , a theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much-loved classic A Christmas Carol . Presented around the themes of compassion, transformation and the rediscovery of the human spirit, the evening was a celebration of theatre, music and dance, but above all, of values that remain deeply relevant in today’s world. The programme brought together 670 students from Classes VI to X, along with teachers, parents, Parish members, PTA representatives, heads of schools and distinguished guests. The presence of Rev. Retd. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimla-Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest added further significance to the occasion. Bringing Dickens to Life The production followed the journey of...

By Ankush Bharti  There are books we read, books we enjoy, and then there are books whose stories quietly remain with us long after the last page has been turned. Bindu Unnikrishnan’s Sonarelle: Stories That Echo belongs to the latter. A collection of thirty stories, Sonarelle journeys across a remarkable emotional landscape.  Instead, it allows the reader to experience the many shades of being human—sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a lingering sadness, and often with something to think about. One of the strengths of Bindu Unnikrishnan’s writing is her ability to weave contemporary concerns into her storytelling without making the narratives feel forced. Her stories remain rooted in human emotions while gently drawing attention to issues that matter. “Of Eyes and Lips” is particularly striking in this regard. Centred around a girl born with a cleft lip, the story moves beyond physical appearance to explore love, acceptance and the deeper meaning of seeing and being se...

  Palak Chauhan is a writer, editor, and creative entrepreneur, and the founder of Thought Lantern, a literary platform nurturing emerging voices. With a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism, she explores storytelling across fiction, poetry, mythology, media, and social commentary. Through her empathetic writing and editorial vision, she strives to make literature meaningful, inclusive, and accessible. An Interview with Palak Chauhan Tell us a little about the vision behind Thought Lantern. What inspired you to create it, and what do you hope it will offer to writers and readers? Ans 1 - Thought Lantern  was created with only one vision in my mind to discuss on spiritual topics and festivals it is a space where any age group can come and join the conversation related to spirituality, indian festivals and more than that it is a platform which celebrates the spirit of writing it does not compare why or why not it is an open call for everyone to join we also organize dif...

Part of What is a Woman?  Series CHAIN UP NOT, WOMAN! By Bindu Unnikrishnan Break free of the invisible chain, Oh woman! you too are born to fly! Look at the strong wings you got, you might as well explore the sky. The tenderness you show, the warmth you exude You deserve the same, and of course, some respite Breathe some, for the laundry can wait, it is your monotonous life that needs the spice. Walk few steps, dance few more, listen to your heart, if it wants some more In this lovely weather, leave that chore, bask in the sunshine which men adore. Let him pack your picnic bag, while you go for a swim, or trek for a while, Let that dinner be a surprise for you, the way you always did for him with a smile.. Chop that hair and style it through, don’t keep it long ’coz he told you to, Wear the colour you always want, without conforming to your clan. It is difficult to be always righteous and true, you can be sometimes vulnerable too. Let the tears flow and make you light, the smile w...

Article My Tummy Isn't Flat!! by Bindu Unnikrishnan "Unapologetically true!" Such was my response to an insensitive comment from a shallow, self-centered person. In fact, it wasn't just one person but a herd of self-obsessed women who undermine others, body shame them, and revel inside a bubble inflated by their egos and false self-images of perfection. Ironically, they are far from perfect. Their so-called perfection comes at a steep price. Some even remain childless just to keep their bodies unaffected by pregnancy, striving to maintain a flat tummy as if it were the ultimate sign of health. Just the other day, I praised a lady in her 50s. She was exuberant, a happy soul who wore a skirt and top with pride, showing off her outfit like a precious gift. And indeed, it was—a gift from her daughter-in-law. Her joy was contagious, her charm radiant. I complimented her generously, every word sincere. She was resplendent in that attire, her inner beauty shining through. Th...

  “Get outside, you never know where you’ll find yourself.” Bob (Robert Franklin Peter Moffatt) and Clint (Clinton Thomas John Moffatt) are a musical brother duo from Canada. With almost 5,000 live performances under the category of seasoned entertainers and performing professionally since they were just 4 years old, Clint and Bob are undoubtedly experienced performers. 

I kicked off my boots, my wet socks clinging to my frozen feet. The fireplace was dark and cold. Frantically, I searched for matches to ignite a fire but found none. Shivering, I paced the room, avoiding the sight of what lay before me: a transport coffin. Inside, the frozen body of my beloved wife, Mukta, lay at rest. Her still, stone-like face revealed no expressions, just as it always had. I could never read her mind or decipher the emotions behind that stoic exterior. Even when her eyes welled with tears, I was often left bewildered by her true feelings. Yet, my love for her was boundless. Perhaps I failed to express it in the way she needed to hear. We both struggled to convey our deepest fears and desires. Despite this, I cared for her deeply and longed to protect her. She was born to soar, constantly seeking new hobbies and rugged terrains, each exploration a quest for extraordinary feelings. I could never understand her wild spirit. At times, she would scream, and I could only ...

“When does the light appear the brightest?” asked Bhavna, the counselor and therapist at the Brightman Mental Health Center, to Shirin during her second session that month. November had always been a depressing month for Shirin, as if gray clouds covered her home from all sides, suffocating her. The dense clouds engulfed her apartment so completely that no light could penetrate. The air felt thin, and Shirin always found it hard to breathe. Her asthma worsened every November—it was a post-Diwali syndrome. Shirin took a deep breath and answered, “I’m not sure. What do you mean?” “It’s the darkness. Yes, that’s what it takes to see the light at its brightest—if you understand what I mean!” Shirin had been a regular patient of Bhavna. Bhavna knew exactly what Shirin needed from time to time—words of assurance, measured precisely like doses of medicine. Shirin had been diagnosed with clinical depression, mood swings, and anxiety issues. The diagnosis wasn’t new; she had suffered from anxi...

As I pin my words down To those pages I never thought to open, The lace draped windows of my room Welcomes in the cold wind; Unbidden to my heart. Flipping through some unwanted sheets Dredging those indelible memories I kept concealed. My aching heart lets out a cry Even the tears glaciate meanwhile the wind still blustering, Echoes of bygone promises still muttering. Skipping the unwritten chapters; My vision lands on the flower of love. Lost like me in the twisted lanes of memories Strikes as if it has stopped ageing The red petals are no more glazing A part of my kernel is iced and so the corolla It hasn't died and so haven't I. Surviving without hope is worse than dying! Making me realize the contrary of 'never' is a beautiful lie. About the Author  Ayana or in Latin we say 'Beautiful Flower' is a nature lover and an ardent admirer of human thoughts and emotions. Her poetic style is as unique as every existing star in the Universe. She believes embracing ev...

The nature holds us close, like a mother's embrace, As though cocooned in the warmth of its serene arms, Nurturing us with the tenderness, Surrounded by green, we feel revitalized, A space that offers healing to a distressed mind, The zone we delve into the deepest, A spectrum of elegance wrapped in a circle, Relishing every miracle, unveiling that it belongs to us… Angel Mary born in Kasaragod,is an Assistant Professor of English and a dedicated poet with a deep passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the power of hope through her words. Her poetry reflects a profound connection to the natural world, often exploring themes of renewal, resilience, hope and the quiet strength found in everyday moments. Through her work, Angel strives to inspire readers to find light and hope, even in the darkest of times.