Hello readers,

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the holiday season.

As we usher in 2023, we bring you some curated pieces on a diverse set of topics.

We begin this issue with an interview with the iconic author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Known for her strong feminist depictions of our famous mythological women such as Draupadi, Sita etc., she wields a pen which narrates stories that touch the reader’s heart, appeal to their sensibilities, and share perspectives that often cross our minds but end up only partially voiced or never voiced. We, at Eyra, are privileged to get an opportunity to interact with her and get to know her thoughts both as a family woman and as a successful author. Read on at – The Queen of Feminist Perspectives – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

The next article, The Dance of Violence – Curb it, touches upon a recent acid attack incident in New Delhi which really disturbed us to the core. Why do women tolerate violence? Why do men want to show their disillusionment by ruining the woman they supposedly love by killing her spirit, her psyche and almost every aspect of her existence? What we discuss after every incident, is how to punish and what action to take AFTER the incident happens. But what we really need is prevention, which is really the only cure here.

One of the reasons that such attacks happen is because of some deeply embedded nuances in our society and the way we look at women, treat women, abuse women etc. A lot of it gets done subconsciously too. While a lot of us have gotten used to it, a detailed internal discussion amongst our team prompted our Young Voices editor to pen an article titled – Subtle Words, Potent Weapons – that touches upon the deeply engrained biases in our minds and the words that we use!

While knowing very well that a lot has to change to give space to a truly empowered woman in our society, we bring to you the story of a true change maker, Vandana Suri – founder of Taxshe – a women cab service that is driven by women and drives women and kids to their destination. In Putting Women in the Driving Seat – Vandana Suri, you will connect with a woman who has a clear vision and some strong goals to achieve that vision. Way to go Vandana! You inspire us to realise that our negative angst is actually power that can be put to good use.

To live and make space for our selves in this world, a lot of internal work also needs to be done. And Yoga is a clear winner amongst all the options available as it is the most holistic form of exercise and covers both internal and external fitness. However as its popularity increases, we see many forms and types of Yoga, which can be intimidating for many to decide which one to adopt, especially if you have a specific goal in mind. Read on at – Yoga – A Crash Course to understand the differences in the various forms of Yoga and choose what works for you the best!

With this, let me sign off. A quick reminder – Eyra is moving quarterly from 2023 and we will meet you again with compelling stories that impact in March 2023.

Till then, adios!

Have a happy holiday season and a happier 2023!

Cheers,

Swapna Narayanan

Chief Editor, Eyra

*All images used in this article are either Eyra’s own design or widely and freely available on the internet.*