Prachi Mehra, Author at DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

Essential Tools For Trying Out Nail Art At Home

By Prachi Mehra October 17, 2018

Nail Art has been trendy for a while now and promises to stay in fashion for the time to come. Instead of paying big bucks at fancy salons and parlours to jazz up your nails, here’s how you can actually achieve them at home through the help of the following everyday tools.

Masking Tape

While masking tape is definitely one of the most important means of achieving those clean, straight lines, tapes that we use on a daily basis, can also be employed for the same. The application remains the same and can be substituted in the place of it. A variety of effects like grids and Chevron, or simply to avoid spilling of nail paint beyond the enamel, are some things that the tape can singlehandedly solve.

Dotting Tool

In theory, the name sounds majorly complicated, giving an air of importance to the tool itself. However, the purpose of it remains extremely simple; to make dots. In place of a fitting tool, the back of a toothpick or even Bobby pins can be used to achieve that effect of polka dots or round figures in general.

Newspaper

This might seem a little out of the blue but newspaper becomes another everyday utility item that can be used for a nail art technique. You just need a white base coat, rubbing alcohol and strips of newspaper and you can easily achieve the newspaper effect.

Rhinestones, glitter, and gems

The above can be easily availed at a stationery shop at very reasonable prices. For all those girls who love a dash of glitter, this is all they need to really add that oomph factor to their nails.

It is up to the creativity of the artist itself to figure out how to use these techniques in the best creative way possible. However, it becomes important to invest in good quality matte topcoats and versatile nail paints to actually add a professional sheen to it.

Feature Image Credits: BuzzFeed

Anoushka Singh
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Anoushka Singh

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Evolution of Teenage Movies

By Prachi Mehra October 16, 2018

Starting from the 50s till date teen movies have evolved and changed greatly. The idea of catering to an intermediate state between children and adult sold like hot cakes. But the genre still has a long way to go it seems.
The narrative of every teenage movie is quite unmistakeable. A new kid arrives at a high school, where they discover and learn their way around the intricate social structure comprising of jocks, geeks, nerds and everything in between. They’re initially taken in by the cool kids, only to become disillusioned with them. They go to the prom: older, wiser and with someone who gave them perspective on their arm. That’s the story to Every Teen Movie, a genre determined by a singular structure that’s far more rigid than any of the social cliques that govern the cinema. The pattern can be seen from movies like Grease to Beyond Clueless. The actors, context, settings, and timelines have changed over and over again, however, many believe that one thing that hasn’t changed, it is the over-glorified, superficial, artificial and dreamy aspect of teenage movies.

The genre of teenage movies is believed to have started in the 1950’s. Jon Savage puts forth the idea this way: after the War, “the spread of American-style consumerism, the rise of sociology as an academic discipline and market research as a self-fulfilling prophecy, and sheer demographics turned adolescents into Teenagers. A generation of adults weathered by war and Great Depression wanted their kids to have uninterrupted education allowing them larger allowances and hence creating a new media market.” Rock Around the Clock (1956) was one of the first films to be marketed around teenagers with the exclusion of their elders. Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953) answered the question “What are you rebelling against?” with “What’ve you got? And these two sentences set the mood of the teenager films for times to come making rebellion as a characteristic feature of every teenager protagonist. Rock n roll music which again associated itself with “bringing down the establishment” dominate these movies.

The sixties and seventies saw similar movies such as Carrie, Love story, John Travolta musicals – Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978). The genre was extremely malleable and could be combined with others such as horror, romance, comedy etc. The 80’s started including a group which was ancillary and constructing an identity around them which was a rather stereotypical one. The group being teenage girls. Though centred around girls the era portrayed an image of a teenage girl who just yearned for a perfect relationship, was boy obsessed and nothing else. While numerous people consider this period the Rennaissance period of teen movies accommodating newer
teenage identities and dealing with moral ideas from a teenage perspective the stereotypes aren’t really shunned at any point. Even masterpiece movies such as the Breakfast Club do not shun the idea of the bitchy cheerleader, the uber-jock footballer, and the bespectacled nerd.

The trend continues in the 1990s when chick flick films are on a rise. Anything between Heckerling’s own Clueless and Gil Junger’s 10 Things I Hate About You prove to be commodities between their modern take on classic literature and highly attractive casting decisions. In the case of Clueless – a film often included in many ‘best of the 90s’ lists – Heckerling continues to lead by example by bringing the fashion-conscious, well-intentioned, but painfully obtuse Cher Horowitz to life. However, the decade marked a popular trend that gained great acceptance in the audience, the celebration of friendship and female friendships in particular. The ideas of self-commitment and self-awareness also started taking shape in this era, however, emerged in a much concrete manner in the next millennium – the 2000s.

The 2000s took the idea of supernatural to a fever pitch starting from the movie Twilight. It also grew much more accommodative to ideas of diversity and other struggles, a classic example is Bend it like Beckham directed by Gurinder Chadha. The issues of different intersectionalities taken into account by movies like Pariah which tells the story of a lesbian African-American girl, and depicts the struggles she faces coming to terms with her identity and cultivating relationships with the people around her, including family and friends. Girlhood was another blockbuster, exploring abuse and longing to break free.

With more than five decades of its establishment teen cinema has come a long way, yet it seems to have a long way to go. There is a dire need still to break the stereotypes that sell and attract audiences because these are the very ideas that create a teen identity in public and give shape to the idea of a teen to the teenager himself/herself also. An element of sensitivity that doesn’t view them as a homogeneous group but explores their diversity, aspirations, and struggles is still lacking in the industry.

Feature Image Credits: The Film Magazine

Bhavika Behal
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Fashion

Types of Skirts to Have in Your Wardrobe

By Prachi Mehra October 4, 2018

Skirts are everlasting pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. Read on to find ways to dress and accessorise them accordingly.

Historically, skirts are the second oldest piece of clothing. They are comfortable (looking at you, skinny jeans) as well as chic, and you can carry them with the utmost ease. While the same skirt can be styled for different occasions, a plethora of variety is available to us these days.

Gored Skirt

This skirt has been used for centuries and suits women of all body types. They are now available in knee-length and buttoned-in-front fashion. They

can be paired with a crisp formal shirt, depending on the occasion. A dark- coloured gored skirt can be paired with an over-sized white or light coloured t-shirt and sneakers, giving you a modern-classy look. In winters, it can be paired with close-fit sweaters and boots.

Denim Skirt

Whether long or short, a denim skirt is your friend for every occasion. They go well with a boyfriend-tee tucked in, off-shoulder top, spaghetti strap top, and a patterned formal shirt, and give you the trendiest look. Pairing each of the above with white sneakers and a small pendant will give the perfect 90’s vibe.

Wrap-Around Skirt

In South Asia, we have given the wrap- around skirts a traditional twist with Indian patterns. They are the most comfortable skirts to pair with plain

tees on days when you are running late for college. By simply adding silver earrings, the look can be made sophisticated and ethnic. They can be worn as semi-formal outfits, with shirts and even sweaters in winters.

Circle Skirt

Short circle skirts are the “in thing” during college fest season and other events, and go with the “you got it, so flaunt it” tag. They match perfectly with bodycon and off-shoulder tops. Pairing the outfit with big loop earrings and heels can make for the ideal date night attire.

Having different types of skirts in your wardrobe can go a long way. Skirts can make any outfit look fashion forward. Happy Skirt-ing!

Look good, have fun experimenting, and most of all, be comfortable.

Feature Image Credits: Forever 21

Prachi Mehra

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Fashion

How to Master the Indo-Western Trends in Delhi University-Auburn Umbrella

By Prachi Mehra September 28, 2018

The University of Delhi since its very inception has represented a clash between the oriental and oxidant. A number of its constituent colleges were founded by the British to educate Indian youth. One’s choice of clothes speaks a lot about the demographic culture they belong to. Thus as a student of this university, wearing an outfit which is a fusion of the oriental and oxidant actually represents the legacy of clashes between the academia of two great cultural civilisations.

Kurtas
This staple ethnic garment comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and cuts; and can be styled in endless ways that are
both ethic and a fusion of the east and west. In fact, the Kurta and jeans which is the unofficial uniform of DU, is a prototype of Indo-western wear. So discard your Patialas and salwars, rather pair them with jeans or military pants, to make a statement. A Kurti coupled with a pair of shorts can go a long way especially on hot summer days. This is the perfect street-style look that will work best when out for shopping. If you want to go bold with your fusion look and are comfortable playing around with fashion, use your Anarkali kurtas as dresses, pair them with metallic and broad belts to create a sensational look. Discard your regular juttis or chappals and wheat them with boots or ankle lengths to give a biker chic look.
Bohemian Dresses
If you are really not sure or think you aren’t imaginative enough to put together an outfit for yourself. Don’t worry; the simplest form of Indo-western garment is the bohemian dress. Pick dresses that have prints and designs. The fact that it is a “dress” adds the western touch. However choose your accessories in a careful manner. Ensure that there are both Indian and western elects present while you pick them. A scarf along with junk jewellery
and neutral, chunky boots can look extremely trendy. A hippie headband or head wrap can further be used to
maintain standards.
Nehru Jacket
Shirts and Nehru jackets paired together produce the most stylish outfit ever! The look is extremely effortless. In case of informal settings, avoid tucking the shirt. A plain Nehru jacket becomes super stylised with some printed buttons or with a pocket square to match. Pairing a light fabric jacket along with a formal or casual shirt with dark pants will make you look super trendy and stylish. You can play with unique colour combinations of jackets. Leaving the buttons open makes it look even more casual. To up your fashion game go ahead and pair them with ripped denim jeans.
Palazzo/ Long Skirt
Discard the myth that petite or short people can’t wear a long skirt or palazzo. Just be careful to not go for long and billowed up skirt models. Go with straight cuts, and preferably with vertical stripes. The design makes
you look taller by creating an illusion. This will produce a simple outfit that screams summer – airy, breezy, and chic. A basic block printed skirt/palazzo made of cotton, chanderi, silk, or a mix fabric along with a spaghetti
top is a classic outfit. Make sure there is a contrast between your top and bottoms. Nothing is more disappointing
than a monotonous outfit. Play around a bit with colours, patterns, designs; however strike a balance between the
solid and the prints. Pleated maxi skirts in pastel colours with undertones of peach, pink, mint green, olive green,
etc. give you an elegant silhouette. Pair that with bold chunky necklaces or
dangler earrings.
Ethnic Junk Jewellery
The basic hack to make any India outfit indo western is by adding to it a touch of ethnic by your jewellery. Silver jhumkas, a loud nose ring or nose pin, gold or silver bangles are a raging trend. Silver rings or bracelets can also be worn at anytime. However make sure not to overdo the jewellery and select one statement piece.

Feature Image Credits: Komal Pandey

Bhavika Behal
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Bazinga

Bazinga: College ID Cards to be Used as Smart Cards in Delhi Metro and DTC

By Prachi Mehra September 28, 2018

Managing cards has always been a tricky business for students. They tap College ID cards at AFC gates and flash Metro Cards to college guards. In order to clear the card clutter for students, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi Travel Corporation (DTC) have come up with a new fool-proof plan, the college ID Cards of the students shall, beginning 1st October 2018, double up for Delhi Metro Smart Cards.

The barcode lines on the back of the average College ID card will act as the connect between the University and
the DMRC. DU has been in talks with the two corporations for a while. The card shall not only provide better
accessibility to mass transit systems in the capital, it shall also entitle them to 45% discount during peak hours, and 20% discount during non-peak hours. This has also given a new direction to the political manifestos of the various fronts operating within the varsity. Mr. Moosa Heirawala, Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Delhi, says, “It was peculiar to hear that various political fronts approached the Chief Minister to ask for fare deductions, since, we were already planning to get 45% discount on Metro and DTC rides to the students through this venture.” Such arrangements have been made to facilitate the transits of the student body. The students too, on their side have accepted the news with open arms.
“My girlfriend lives in Dwarka, and shuttles to North Campus daily. Earlier, because of sharp metro fares, I used to
take the Airport Express with her from New Delhi, go all the way to Dwarka, and without making the exit, had to
wait for the train outbound for New Delhi. But now, I will finally be able to make an exit. It is all because of the
new facility that has been incorporated into the existing system,” says Janaki Prasad, a frustrated student. Quite interestingly, it has been observed that although the present strength in colleges on any given day is generally not that high, all the ID Cards pay a tap to the AFC gates across various metro stations every day. It is noticed that cards of even those students, who have forgotten what their college campus looked like, are being used daily which has brought forth some stark criticism amongst the management at DMRC.
“We have observed that students are giving their cards to others in exchange for favours. This shall not be tolerated. We’re in talks with the University to link card usage with attendance. If a student is marked present in college, s/he shall be credited with discount in her/ his card,” says the President of DMRC.

While the fate of this plan hangs in a balance, the students are trying to make the best use of it while they can.

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted.

Feature Image Credits: CitySpidey

Aashish Jain
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DUB Speak

Q&A: An Inside Look at the College Quizzing Circuit

By Prachi Mehra September 28, 2018

Quizzing in DU has its own circle and charm. Here are a few observations, stereotypes, and other phenomena that you will observe in a typical college quiz scenario. Right from the start, we seem to be surrounded with questions. ‘Who wrote the original ‘Panchtantra’ or ‘Why did Game of Thrones Season 7 win the Emmy when there were better nominees?’ Regarding these questions that pop up now and then, some of us tend not to care, some of us pretend to know the answers, and the rest of us end up joining the quizzing circuit. Quizzing in the University of Delhi (DU) might not be as exciting to the average person. Quizzing finds a mention in the Extra Curricular Activity (ECA) quota, and almost every college in the University has a proper quizzing society. From technical science, history and commerce quizzes to pop culture, Harry Potter and anime quizzes, there is one thing or another to trigger the brain cells of the geeks in the campus. The season usually starts with a couple of freshers’ quizzes in August-September and then it carries on with other variants like the Music, Entertainment, Literature, and Arts (MELA) Quiz, or the India Quiz. Just like every student, every quizzer is unique and different, but for a few seconds, let’s don the robes of stereotypical, judgemental aunty and categorise these quizzers. Most of the participants are ordinary looking students with a pair of spectacles and unkempt facial hair. For a layman, the terms ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’ might have the same connotation, but any ‘wannabe Sheldon Cooper’ will tell you that this is not the case. For starters, you can notice the subtle differences in the dressing sense to differentiate a nerd from a geek. The typical nerd quizzer would usually be dressed in an elegant plain shirt (though not worn and tucked so elegantly) and jeans while the geek will most likely be found wearing a superhero or fandom related graphic tee and loose shorts. The beauty of quizzing is how seemingly random some questions appear, but those are usually the ones with workable solutions and their answers gather a cumulative “ohh” from the audience. Unlike high school quizzing, which tends to be much more direct and quicker, quizzing in college requires you to interpret the whole question in a deconstructive and deductive manner. College quizzing is more about working around given hints and connecting the dots and not mere rote learning. Sometimes, the answer might turn out to be the least expected thing that your mind thought of. Therefore, the key to quizzing is that there is no key. You do not need to do a lot of heavy reading on a particular theme or a subject. One needs to be aware of what goes on around them since anything can be of help to answer a question in a quiz, be it a classroom debate or a senseless Instagram post. To sum it up, here are a few added comments and shades of opinion, on the quizzing circuit, by some members of quiz societies around DU: “The first thing I noticed when I joined Jesus and Mary College (JMC) was the general lack of enthusiasm for quizzing amongst college students. A few were genuinely interested, but they soon left for better opportunities in the Model United Nations (MUN) society or Debating Society. The representation of girls in the DU quizzing circuit continues to be very less, as there are only a handful who are recognised by members of the DU quizzing circuit. With more initiatives being taken by quiz societies of girls colleges, this issue should hopefully subside soon.” – Member, Curiosus – The English Quiz Society, Jesus and Mary College. “College quizzing is an experience worth living. School quizzing and college quizzing stand worlds apart, and it is definitely a step in the better direction. Be it in the type of questions that come, or the joy that comes after answering a question, going just by what your gut says. The type of questions are quirkier and more interesting, and it is sheer pleasure winning and just sitting for the quizzes in the college arena.”- Shankar Tripathi (Vice President), Manthan – The Quizzing Society, Hindu College Feature Image Credits: Janki Devi Memorial College Shaurya Singh Thapa [email protected]]]>

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DUB Speak

Q&A: An Inside Look at the College Quizzing Circuit

By Prachi Mehra September 28, 2018

Quizzing in DU has its own circle and charm. Here are a few observations, stereotypes, and other phenomena that you will observe in a typical college quiz scenario.

Right from the start, we seem to be surrounded with questions. ‘Who wrote the original ‘Panchtantra’ or ‘Why did
Game of Thrones Season 7 win the Emmy when there were better nominees?’ Regarding these questions that pop up
now and then, some of us tend not to care, some of us pretend to know the answers, and the rest of us end up joining the quizzing circuit.
Quizzing in the University of Delhi (DU) might not be as exciting to the average person. Quizzing finds a mention in the Extra Curricular Activity (ECA) quota, and almost every college in the University has a proper quizzing society. From technical science, history and commerce quizzes to pop culture, Harry Potter and anime quizzes, there is one thing or another to trigger the brain cells of the geeks in the campus. The season usually starts with a couple of freshers’ quizzes in August-September and then it carries on with other variants like the Music, Entertainment,
Literature, and Arts (MELA) Quiz, or the India Quiz.

Just like every student, every quizzer is unique and different, but for a few seconds, let’s don the robes of stereotypical, judgemental aunty and categorise these quizzers. Most of the participants are ordinary looking students with a pair of spectacles and unkempt facial hair. For a layman, the terms ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’ might have the same connotation, but any ‘wannabe Sheldon Cooper’ will tell you that this is not the case. For starters, you can notice the subtle differences in the dressing sense to differentiate a nerd from a geek. The typical nerd quizzer would usually be dressed in an elegant plain shirt (though not worn and tucked so elegantly) and jeans while the geek will
most likely be found wearing a superhero or fandom related graphic tee and loose shorts.

The beauty of quizzing is how seemingly random some questions appear, but those are usually the ones with workable solutions and their answers gather a cumulative “ohh” from the audience. Unlike high school quizzing, which tends to be much more direct and quicker, quizzing in college requires you to interpret the whole question in a deconstructive and deductive manner. College quizzing is more about working around given hints and connecting the dots and not mere rote learning. Sometimes, the answer might turn out to be the least expected thing that your mind thought of. Therefore, the key to quizzing is that there is no key. You do not need to do a lot of heavy reading on a particular theme or a subject. One needs to be aware of what goes on around them since anything can be of help to answer a question in a quiz, be it a classroom debate or a senseless Instagram post.

To sum it up, here are a few added comments and shades of opinion, on the quizzing circuit, by some members of quiz societies around DU: “The first thing I noticed when I joined Jesus and Mary College (JMC) was the general lack of enthusiasm for quizzing amongst college students. A few were genuinely interested, but they soon left for better opportunities in the Model United Nations (MUN) society or Debating Society. The representation of girls in the
DU quizzing circuit continues to be very less, as there are only a handful who are recognised by members of the DU quizzing circuit. With more initiatives being taken by quiz societies of girls colleges, this issue should hopefully subside soon.” – Member, Curiosus – The English Quiz Society, Jesus and Mary College.

“College quizzing is an experience worth living. School quizzing and college quizzing stand worlds apart, and it is
definitely a step in the better direction. Be it in the type of questions that come, or the joy that comes after answering a question, going just by what your gut says. The type of questions are quirkier and more interesting, and it is sheer pleasure winning and just sitting for the quizzes in the college arena.”- Shankar Tripathi (Vice President), Manthan – The Quizzing Society, Hindu College

Feature Image Credits: Janki Devi Memorial College

Shaurya Singh Thapa
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

National Service Scheme – Loss of the Spirit of Service

By Prachi Mehra September 24, 2018

How relevent and impactful is the NSS is a question that pressing, now more than ever.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) established by the Goverment of India in 1969, is close to completing 49 years now. While the NSS is well established across schools and colleges in the country, how true is it to its motto, is a question we need to ask. The main purpose of the NSS is to create a sense of leadership, and community awareness in the youth as they initiate welfare programs, and community service. Volunteers may have to be involved in activities such as: cleaning, afforestation, awareness rallies etc.

According to recent statistics, the number of students volunteering for it, were 3.8 million as of March 2018. While active participation is witnessed from colleges, there is ongoing criticism regarding NSS – is it effective in sparking the true benefits it promises to inculcate in the youth? There is a greater disparity in the rural to urban context, when taking a consensus of the NSS volunteers. While there is an active participation in the rural areas with foreseeable results, there has been a decline in the performance ratios in the urban sector. A reason for this change could be the rise of Non Govermental Organisations (NGOs) in the urban area which promise better welfare programmes and more widespread connections at the grass-root levels, that makes students reconsider their options regarding the welfare organisations.

Another thing to witness, is the rise of the ‘CV factor’ amongst college students these days. While it is a good thing to focus on things which will aid them in their careers ahead, students opt for social service organisations as an “accessory” to boost their CVs. Arpita Chhikara, a 2014 graduate from Jesus and Mary College states, “I joined NSS in 2011, as it was something I was really passionate about. I speak on behalf of my fellow members, at that time we joined it for a purpose, which was to ensure the welfare of the under-privileged. Would it look good on our college applications further or not, was a secondary thought.” Apeksha Jain, a second year B.Com Programme student of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College says, “On an individual level, I feel better working or partnering up with NGOs as I am accountable to them directly, and I am free to let things go their way according to both of our preferences. At the end of the day, you know the impact you make and it is a feel-good factor”.

As for the loss in the spirit of service in governmental organisations like NSS, a major question to be asked is, on whom can one place this accountability? Is it the students who are more performance oriented or is it the improper structure or the unclear hierarchies, which makes things confusing and reduces efficiency. Why is it that social welfare NGOs and other organisations are able to successfully meet their targets more effectively than governmental organisations? Another debate is the ongoing dilemma about choosing the right organisation in your college days, as there is hardly any uniqueness left in almost every welfare platform. They all are catering on similar lines, making it hard for students to decide which is the correct option for them. Social welfare and service have become integral in almost every organisation in this country and across the world.

Feature Image Credits: NSS

Avnika Chhikara
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LQBTQ

An Ode to the Decriminalisation of Section 377

By Prachi Mehra September 24, 2018

Since 1978, the pride flag has undergone many changes in dimensions and hues but its message is still preserved as it flutters with the winds of change. The original rainbow pride flag had eight colours but has now adopted six, not seven, colors from the rainbow as its own. Accommodating different colours from the vibgyor spectrum only strengthens the status of the flag as an epitome of equality.

Violet is a shade which stands for the spirit. The movement wouldn’t have achieved success without an undying spirit of courage and the persistence to move forward.

Blue usually has mellow undertones but in the flag, the colour represents a sense of harmony and peace.

Green represents Nature. Mother Nature has created everyone with their unique characteristics and differences and accepting this diversity is exactly what the Pride movement stands for.

Yellow shows that a new dawn, a dawn of change would arrive as the sun rises. It represents sunlight, and in its truest sense, it encourages you to stand out instead of living in the shadows.

Orange is the shade of healing. Psychologists usually deem orange as one of the major colours associated with positivity.

Red is essentially seen as the shade of life. Additionally, it is a common fact that red represents rage, which can be interpreted as indignance against the system.

Shaurya Singh Thapa | [email protected]

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DUB Speak

Invest the Last Two Weeks of Break in Productive Ventures

By Prachi Mehra July 10, 2018

In two weeks’ time, the new session of the University of Delhi will begin and the hullabaloo will follow. With the next semester lurking just around the corner, watching over us and ready to prance, our ‘Netflix and Chill’ time is about to end. Before the hectic schedules of society practice and course timetables ensue, we must set our affairs in orders and be ready to take the plunge again. To get out of our lazy comfort zones, we might want to be utilizing these days into something more productive.

Learn
Is that online course you had been pursuing still lying unfinished? Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill or hobby like managing your finances, web development, computer languages, drawing, painting, photography, martial arts, or gardening? Ever had the urge to learn about a country and its culture, language, legacy, and tradition? Or wished to improve your personality and widen the horizon of your thinking? With everything available at the click of our hands, all of these are possible when you look in the right place. Online educational organisations like Udacity, Coursera, Udemy, etc provide courses for professional and personal growth from various international institutes with certification. Pursuing the courses of your interests and professional mastery will you give an edge on your CV. Skillshare has given a platform to artists and professionals their skills to students across the world. You can learn about a country by reading books of native authors, their language at the country’s embassy and their culture at their museums. YouTube channels like Khan Academy, Crash Course, Asap Science, MinutePhysics, and The School of Life can teach you various subjects in the easiest possible ways. If documentaries have your fascination, Documentary Heaven is for you. Another app to put your crafting and DIY skills to test is Pinterest.

Volunteer
If you do not want to stay within the confines of your home and bring about a change with your efforts, there are opportunities in every corner. If you are an animal-lover, NGOs like PAWS, PETA, Friendicoes, and Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre would readily take you. What could be better than helping those young and old furballs? VolunteerMatch would help you find the best volunteer work near you. If working for the environment and well-being of Mother Nature is your passion, the NGOs Directory online will help you find the perfect one for you with various projects and campaigns going around you. You can also explore outstation volunteer opportunities if you want to combine travel with volunteering. If you one someone who wants to unravel far off lands, Workaway can provide you those opportunities and if you want to combine your exploration with learning, check out Youth Opportunities.

Take Care
With our addictions to our smartphones and technology, we must not forget to tend to the temple we live in and rejuvenate it time and again. It still is not late to kick in the New Year resolutions of getting fitter or any other fitness goal. Keeping a gratitude journal will bring out the positivity in you. Keeping ourselves constantly busy with our smartphones does more harm than good to us. Going on a social media detox to deal with your emotional and mental health will reconnect you with your true, inner self.

Just whiling away our time in watching movies and shows and only ‘chilling’ may provide us momentary happiness, but does not add to our wellbeing in a long run. Being productive and working on our personality and health will benefit us all in the long run.

Feature Image Credits: Medium
Prachi Mehra
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