Dear readers, 

As the events of the world unfolded in the last few weeks, some of our hearts went into a state of numbness. I am sure the visual of that US Airforce aircraft in the tarmac ready to fly in spite of being surrounded by so many people is an image that is going to stay in our minds for long. 

As the clichéd saying goes – an image is worth a thousand words. Well, clichéd or not, the statement is true. Who can forget these images? Remember the image of that young boy in a red t-shirt on the beach, which is synonymous to Syria in our minds? 

I do not know what is to unfold in the next few days. But I hope and pray that we retain our sanity and progress as a society.

As we all contemplate the current world issue from all angles – political, social, and cultural, let us also find some solace for our souls in art and try to see the issue from the right perspective. This time we bring to you re-runs of some great pieces of Eyra that were well received and acted as an inspiration for our readers. We hope these articles help you reconnect with your inner self and and act as a lighthouse for the world as we sail through these dark times.

We bring you back the story of Dr. Rukhmabai (Making the Right Choices) who fought against all odds in the late 1800s to carve out a professional life for herself, and remind you of Maharani Gayatri Devi (Wear What We Want) who exercised her right to dress up and wear the clothes she wanted to wear, against the prevalent diktat of those times.

As the visuals come and haunt us, Therapeutic Essence of Music may give you peace, especially if you are a music aficionado. In this piece, Dr. Ruma Chakravathy of SurManjari talks about how music heals our souls.

As someone who has read a lot of Khalid Hosseini books, I strongly hope that the culture of the country in peril acts as a foundation to revive it. I know it sounds naïve, but then you never know.

Closer home, I have seen and read of many women writers who used the power of their pens and emerged strong irrespective of their circumstances or background. Whether it was Ashapoorna Devi (The Literary Wonder Woman), the Bengali author who never went to a formal school or Fahmida Riaz (An Unapologetic Voice of Feminism) from Pakistan who dared the establishment by writing her heart out, these women are sure to inspire and bring hope to our hearts.  

Naïve or not, hope, I will.

Here’s to a world where children do not suffer and are able to lead lives filled with happiness, love and peace. 

Cheers

Swapna Narayanan, Chief Editor