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Karkidaka Vavu: A Day for Remembering

Have you ever seen crowds of people heading to rivers or beaches early in the morning, dressed in simple clothes, carrying banana leaves and offerings? Chances are, if you’re from Kerala (or have roots here), you probably have. That’s Karkidaka Vavu. It happens once a year, during the heavy, brooding rains of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Even if you’ve never taken part in it yourself,…

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Inside the Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Journey into Quiet Beauty

So, as promised… we’re going deeper. In the last post, I shared how I’ve recently been very into tea ceremonies—like full-on Pinterest-deep-dive, multiple open tabs, “what is the meaning behind this specific whisk” kind of obsession. And if there’s one tea ritual that completely captivated me, it’s the Japanese tea ceremony. It’s hard to explain exactly why it pulled me in so deeply, but…

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A Dive into the World of Tea Ceremonies

The last couple of weeks, we’ve gone pretty personal and deep, haven’t we? Heavy thoughts, raw feelings, and some very real conversations. And I genuinely love that. I love going there—into those quiet, messy, beautiful corners of our minds and hearts. But I also did say that this space is where I share anything and everything that fascinates me. So, today, let’s take a little breather and switch…

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The Courage We Don’t Talk About: Understanding Suicide Beyond the Stigma

There’s a common belief that suicide is a coward’s way out, that those who end their lives are selfish or weak. But I disagree. If you ask me, it takes a different kind of courage, one we don’t often talk about, to reach that point. The kind of courage that grows out of unbearable pain. I know this because I’ve been there. Twice. And if things had unfolded just a little differently, if I…

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To the One Who Feels Stuck…

Sometimes, life doesn’t unravel the way we expect it to. There’s no big win, no defining moment of success — just a long stretch of days where everything feels… stuck. Like you’re walking through fog with no clear path ahead. Maybe you once had a plan — a dream you clung to, a direction you believed in. And maybe, like me, you followed it with everything you had… until it didn’t work out. Or…

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The Art of Starting Over: Finding Strength in Unfinished Journeys

There’s a strange kind of courage in starting over. It’s not loud or bold; it’s quiet, shaky, and uncertain. Sometimes, it feels less like bravery and more like survival — a hesitant step forward when you’re not even sure if you’re moving in the right direction. I’ve started over twice now — not out of choice, but because life unraveled in ways I never expected. Each time, I thought I’d figured…

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Book Review: Italy Can Bite Me By Mélisa Ryun

This is an advanced readers copy I received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Mélisa Ryun and Happily Booked PR for sending me this copy. All my reviews are my own. Okay, honestly, I absolutely loved this book. Yesterday (March 20th, 2025) was the release day of this wonderful book and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a rom-com that’s packed with sass, banter, and some…

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Can You Actually Become Luckier? The Science Behind Luck Uncovered

Have you ever met someone who seems to always be in the right place at the right time? That one friend who effortlessly stumbles upon amazing opportunities, wins random contests, or always seems to find a parking spot right outside the entrance? It’s easy to think they’re just lucky — but what if luck isn’t entirely random? Science suggests that luck may have less to do with chance and more to…

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Best Practices for Managing a Volunteer-Driven Community Radio Station (CRS)

Running a Community Radio Station (CRS) is a passion project that thrives on community involvement, and often, it’s the dedication of volunteers that keeps the station alive and buzzing. But managing a team of volunteers requires as much strategy, empathy, and skill as any professional operation. If you’re looking to foster a positive, productive environment for your volunteer-driven CRS, this…

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Innovative Content Ideas for Engaging Community Radio Programs

Creating captivating and engaging content is the lifeblood of any Community Radio Station (CRS). It’s the magic that transforms your station from a simple broadcast into a beloved community staple. But what keeps listeners tuning in and, more importantly, feeling connected to your station? The answer lies in continuous innovation and deep community involvement. From educational programs to…

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Technical Aspects and Infrastructure for Running a Community Radio Station

Behind every captivating broadcast from a Community Radio Station (CRS) lies a complex and well-maintained technical setup. It’s not just about having the right equipment; it’s about creating a cohesive infrastructure that keeps your station running smoothly and your community engaged. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, this guide will walk you through the…

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Effective Community Engagement Strategies for CRS Success

Community Radio Stations (CRS) have a unique and powerful role: to be the voice of the community, by the community, and for the community. But how do you make sure your station isn’t just broadcasting to people but actively engaging with them? This guide dives into actionable strategies for community engagement that will turn your CRS into a dynamic hub of conversation, culture, and…

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10 Unique New Year Traditions Around the World

As the clock strikes midnight and the world ushers in another year, most of us picture grand fireworks, countdowns, and clinking glasses of champagne. But beyond the glitter and glow of mainstream celebrations, there are places where the New Year unfolds in the most unexpected and fascinating ways. Today, I’m taking you on a journey to explore some rare and lesser-known traditions that make this…

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How to Build and Manage a Community-Centric Program Schedule for Your Community Radio Station

Creating a program schedule for your Community Radio Station (CRS) is like curating a reading list for a book club—it needs to be engaging, varied, and reflective of the interests of your members. For a CRS, your “members” are your community, and building a schedule that captures their attention and sustains their interest is key to success. A well-crafted program schedule doesn’t just ensure…

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Ensuring Compliance and Understanding Penalties for a Community Radio Station (CRS)

Running a Community Radio Station (CRS) is an incredible way to amplify local voices, share critical information, and create a hub of culture and conversation. But with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to legal and regulatory compliance. Let’s explore the key compliance requirements and the potential consequences of non-compliance, ensuring your CRS operates…

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Programming Guidelines and Best Practices for Community Radio

Community radio is more than just a platform for broadcasting—it’s a heartbeat of the community, echoing local voices, cultures, and stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media. Creating impactful programming requires thoughtful planning, creativity, and a deep understanding of your listeners’ needs. Whether you’re a new community radio station or looking to revamp your content…

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Budget Planning and Funding Requirements for a Community Radio Station

Have you ever dreamed of launching a Community Radio Station (CRS) to give your community a voice? It’s an exciting and impactful venture, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. Worry not! This guide will walk you through the essential budgeting and funding requirements for setting up and running a successful CRS in India. Running a CRS isn’t just about having a vision and a…