QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ANTARमन
BY MOTHERHOOD CLUB
AWESOME APRIL
SERIES 1 - VOL 5
APRIL 2025
Art By Vaishali Sisodiya
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE MONTH
22. Raghav Patil (K)
23. Rakesh Pachauri
24. Ratan Kumar Agarwala
25. Reyansh Gulati (K)
26. Ranjana Majumdar
27. Shiwani Manna
28. Suraksha Khurana
29. Surbhi Sabharwal
30. Swetha Sundar
31. Umang Sarin
32. Vanya Malhotra (K)
33. Vaishali Sisodiya
Editorial
Dear Members,
Welcome to the first quarterly edition of Antarman for Year 2025. This edition is special in many ways. As a first it's the very first time that we have mother and kids work published together, and it's not just one but 3 pairs of mother and kids whose work got published at Antarman. Definitely this a landmark moment for all of us .
Also it's our first quarterly edition under the able guidance of our Co- Editor Mr. Kamal Nimodia.
2025 marks the completion of 6 years of Motherhood club . This year to celebrate our anniversary we further deepened our efforts for “ Project Lantern” An initiative to support Quality Education , Sustainable Development goal no 4. 300 School Bags were distributed to children who come to study at the NGO Good Works Trust. In addition to this MHC sponsored education for 7 students for the entire academic year and 1 child’s future was secured by paying his school fees so that he would be allowed to take his board exams.
3 kids were supported for their books for the new academic year along with stationary distribution by one of our members to about 50 students.
The first quarter of 2025 saw the MHC team meet and take some strategic decisions and work on some new ideas and project that shall unfold in the months to come.
Conscious effort has been made to create awareness on Mental Wellbeing , Financial Literacy and Tips and Tricks for efficient Kitchen Management and Plant Care .
A new initiative is on the anvil where experience and young mind shall be coming together to create something beautiful and beneficial.
All other activities are running as usual and we hope that our members shall continue to contribute and engage with more zeal.
We are grateful to each and every member who made their contribution to help achieve our mission of 300 bags under Project Lantern. We are delighted to share, many new members and friends came forward to support the cause and further redeemed our faith in humanity.
Wishing everyone the best for the year 2025 and we hope together we all can make a big difference.
Thanking Team Motherhood club for yet another amazing year and all the best for the upcoming times filled with challenge , happiness and fun.
Best Regards
Akta Sehgal Founder & Chief Editor Antarman Founder Motherhood Club
The three pillars on which Motherhood Club stands tall. All our conversations and social drives are around these themes
KIDS CORNER
Hide-And-Seek
There once was a young boy named Eric. He loved to play hide-and-seek. One evening he and his friends Hannah, Ruhaan, Lily and James were playing hide-and-seek in their club. James was the seeker. The rest went and hid in the club banquet hall under a table in the far end. James took a while to find them While they were hiding the four were having the time of their life. Eric was telling them a spell which he had heard several times while listening to music on his phone. Suddenly BANG!!!!!!!! The floor opened and all of them fell into a colorful but long portal. Outside young but naughty James was secretly hearing a few grownups talking. “Did you hear that noise from the banquet hall?”, said one of the grownups. “It must be some stupid kids playing pranks on each other”, said the other. James then got up and ran like a cheetah right into the table where his friends were hiding. And obviously like you must have guessed even he fell into the portal and onto Ruhaans back. Relieved to find his friends James gave them a tight group hug. They started to search for an exit Room after room hallway after hallway they couldn’t find anything They started to believe that hope had left them behind. But did it? In the twinkling of an eye a young beautiful teenage girl named Hermione stepped up to help them. She told them about an evil wizard Tom Raphill who had created that dangerous spell to destroy his family; however, it went terribly wrong and instead trapped them in this portal. She also told them how she and her father John fought Tom. Unfortunately, she got trapped while escaping. “The only way to destroy this portal and Tom’s spirit is for a long lost family to reunite because Tom hated families and a family reunion would be the only thing to destroy his spirit”. They all went into deep thought hoping Hermione would be someone ’ s sister and they could leave Hannah out of the blue asked Hermione if her father’s full name was John Felton. “Yes how did you know “exclaimed Hermione.”OMG you you …… you are my sister”, screamed Hannah shocked and excited. Suddenly the portal started to collapse and all 6 safely returned home and lived happily ever after.
Chaitanya Sabharwal 11 Years old
KIDS CORNER
Practice makes us Perfect
There was a girl named Sweety. She was 14 years old and used to never study and just have fun all the time. Her exams were to start in two days .She started to worry , as she was scared she will fail this time too. She started to think what can she do to make sure ,her exams go well.
While she was thinking, she dint realise when her parents came inside her room. She was shocked to seem them, and said why have you come in my room Her mom said , you were shouting and we got worried so came to check what happened. She shared her concern with them and started to cry. Her parents told her, always remember “ Practice makes you perfect” . She again started thinking, should she immediately start practicing or let it be, and just have fun, will it really help her. She suddenly realised oh yes, Practice indeed makes you perfect. She remembered her friend telling her about a boy , who when started to practice , he passed his exams and did very well and he was so happy about it
Sweety without wasting time, started to practice and for the next two days she spent all her time practicing and reading. She wrote her exams and did very well . Her teacher appreciated her in front of the class and all her friends clapped for her and started calling her the smartest child in the class. Sweety was very happy and she understood that if we need to achieve something, we need to practice and pay attention.
Moral of the story : Practice makes you perfect, we should always practice be it anything. I will practice my drawing and do my worksheets so I can also be a smart child.
Vanya Malhotra
8 Years
KIDS CORNER
Jewellery designed and created by
Vanya Malhotra 8 years
Reyansh Gulati , 9 Years
Human life cycle by Oshi 7 years
Raghav Patil
Painting by Raghav Patil , 15 years
Artwork by Oshi
HEALTH CONTRIBUTION
GO GREEN
CORPORATE GYAN
Improving Work Place Culture
Any organization thrives on a balanced work place culture. Happy and contented employees result in improved productivity and more profits. Whatever the size of an organization, escalating attrition rates indicate towards a decline in healthy work culture. There are companies where employees stay for decades as they have been provided with security on many fores. Contrary to this we see youngsters joining and leaving in no time for short term gains. It's high time we revisit this issue, introspect and then look for solutions There are many ways to improve workplace culture The manangement must address toxicity and office politics in a very methodical manner.
The manangement must ensure prioritizing work-life balance. Avoid burnout by making sure employees have time for family and personal life.
You can offer flexible work arrangements by considering flexible work hours or remote work options.
Try to create career growth opportunities for the employees instead of hiring from outside.
Design some exercises that encourage the employees to think about growth. Provide them with new opportunities to learn and develop their skills
One of the most important factors in retaining dedicated employees is by offering them a retirement plan. Have regular meets with employees to plan for their retirement. Try to rehire ahead of schedule to bridge the gap.
Make it a point to recognize and reward your employees with small gifts, holidays, certificates, appreciation letters and thank you notes. Be generous with your appreciation. It would be great to organize personalized training and learning sessions for your employees to improve engagement. Improving interpersonal relations amongst the employees by planning picnics, staycations, movies, dinners etc. will go a long way in ensuring a healthy work place culture.
Always conduct exit interviews whenever an employee quits the organisation This will help in identifying recurring trends and underlying issues
As I mentioned earlier in the article, unless and until we introspect our system and work towards a congenial approach, we cannot think of a healthy workplace culture. An organization grows only when the employees see their personal growth.
Leaving you on this note, thank you for reading this article.
- Rakesh Pachauri Corporate professional
PARENTING CORNER
Learn & Unlearn Together
Three similar painting, but made by three different people. Who are these people ?. These paintings are made byAmom and her two children.Whywould they do it ?????
The sole purpose to do a common activity is to spend quality time doing something constructive at the same time, offering a learning experience the children that we are always learning no matter our age.
There is no age restriction to try a new skill and at the same time its ok to not know something.
Children learn when they observe rather than when they are taught. These paintings while they are same , yet different . It also teaches us that a situation can have different perspectives and solutions,We should not be rigid as we are all unique in our own ways.
While we are unique, we are all working towards a common goal . We all have our flaws and at the same time we are good at many things, Just because we have flaws doesn't make us less than anyone else.
It is important to bond with kids over many such fun and creative activities and learn so much together.
Learning skills together and at the same time pursuing your or your childs passion helps you build an everlasting bonds and at the same opens a happy health space to talk about all that, that the child has been reluctant.
Keep the kid alive in yourself to nurture your own kids for a healthy and happy relationship
Akta Sehgal
FIN - GURU - CONTRIBUTION
Emotions over Pragmatism
A human mind goes through so many emotions while making decisions . It is no different when it comes to taking decisions on your investments specially when you that market environment is dynamic and most often that not , our emotions can often cloud our judgment.
Emotions has always tried to rule and win over pragmatism , however if we focus on our goals, be disciplined and follow the process, in all fairness pragmatism shall win. It actually is a true test of your involvement, understanding and above all the ability to withstand volatility, know your risk profile and be an adaptive leader in managing your own investment.
Greed and fear are the two strongest emotions that dint spear even a learned man like Isaac Newton.
The only way to overcome our emotions is to have a proper process of evaluation, reviewining and actioning . In addition to this its imperative to understand the dynamics of the financial market. Like us financial markets also react to emotions, sentiments and reacts before it starts to respond or take sensible decisions. This happens because this market is also driven by humans like us and tend to react differently. Well that does make it interesting.
In our lives we have heard that we mature over a period of time, similarly our understanding of the markets, our own risk ability and goal matures over a period of time.
We need to be focused on our goals and not get swayed by the knee jerk reactions. At times the response of the market may not look favourable to us, but may also be the need of the hour.
We must always ask the following questions before we react positively or adversely basis our emotions
1 Has my goal met
2. Is the market conducive enough for me to take the decision
3. Do i have enough data to substantiate my stance
4.Am i not expecting the economy to grow
4. Is the situation temporary or permanent, if permanent how will it impact the overall growth
5. Last but not the least, have i gone back to the basics of investments..
To be emotional or Practical ... Its all about the choices we make
Poetry corner
Creative Challenge Winners Contribution
November 2024
ThankYou Life
Thankyou Life for giving me many chances to live.
For being a torch-bearer, assisting in darker places so that I could stride on and on...
For embracing me with open arms when the other helping hands suddenly became heavy and refused to provide succour to my ailing self.
You, e Zindagi, proved yourself to be an eternal ally--- never leaving my side...
-Anu Mahajan
Creative Challenge Winners Contribution
December 2024
Cold night
That dreadful cold night ...
When you should have been tucked tight in a cosy blanket, Wrapped in your mom ' s love and warmth of your fathers arm. Instead, you lay naked in your own blood.
On the streets, with every passer giving a stare,
None stopped to check, None stopped to cover, Men ogled and ogled at your naked lifeless body.
Some came and consumed. Some spat on you !
But none came forward to hold you... coveryou, rush you to a hospital. Then came a God sent, a third gender who saw a human, not a man or a woman.
Alife that needed attention, a life that deserved love and dignity.
Tookyou, treated you and held you in utmost love and trust. Yet again humanity lost to the cliche' of life.
Yet again a life... was lost
Creative Challenge Winners Contribution
January 2025
The Brave Hearts,
In uniforms of honour, they stand tall and proud. Their chests filled with country's pride. Theywear no capes, no masks to hide.
Fill their heart with courage and love. They keep the Country and fellow men before themselves.
March into the unchartered territory, forgetting all that's left behind.
Not a tear is shed, although surrounded by bloodshed.
Their bond of brotherhood, camaraderie that lasts, through challenges of life.
Never does their spirit die, with each and everyvictory a few get sacrificed.
They earn their pride standing alongside. They are the guardians, sentinels of peace. Ashining example, of unity in diversity. They are the unsung heroes, their stories untold, yet leaving their legacy etched in every Indian's mind.
They are the unspoken heroes, of our time. The IndianArmy always fills our heart with pride.
-Akta Sehgal a proud daughter of a BraveArmy men
Creative Challenge Winners Contribution
February 2025
Nest
She glanced at the row of books. She gave the best study table tender looks. She dreaded going to his room. And face an evening full of gloom. Why oh why! did he leave her alone.
Without a thought for her, his heart a stone.
She missed their morning conversations. Their tug-of-warwith equal contributions.
The single plate on the table looked forlone.
As if missing the clatter of its friends now gone.
The house seemed emptywhere once it appeared full.
Like bare trees whose yellow leaves had dropped during fall.
Days stretched and time stood still.
As if life had had its fill.
She now understood the birds' feelings best. When her own fledging flew the nest.
Basant Panchmi
The air is warm, the flowers bloom, No more winter’s chilly gloom.
The birds all sing, the bees do hum, Basant Panchami has now come!
Little hands with books so bright, Learning things with pure delight.
Maa Saraswati, hear our call, Bless us with knowledge, bless us all.
Dressed in yellow, we laugh and play, Kites fly high in skies so gay.
Afestival of joy and light, Basant Panchami feels so right.
- Swetha Sundar
Just go out andwin…
Go out andwin,
Don’t stop to ponder on
Where areyou and
Whatyou are in Think..
Whenyou see self on top
Whatwould it mean Just go out andwin..
On theway
Take along people
As togetheryou succeed
And aloneyou might fall
Just go out andwin..
On theway
Therewould be puddles
Therewould be hurdles
You - just focus
On putting together
The pieces of the puzzles
Just go out andwin..
The journeymight look tough
It might actuallybe rough
But remember…
You are awinner
Strong and tough
Just go out andwin…
Monica Goel Diwan
Articles, Blogs &Stories
November 2024
Secret
Saanvi lived a seemingly perfect life with her husband, Ulhas. Their marriage was filled with love, but Saanvi harbored a secret that gnawed at her heart, she had adopted Ulhas' illegitimate child, a boy named Niret, born from a brief affair that Ulhas had had with Saanvi's schoolmate Garima, before their marriage.
When Saanvi discovered the truth, she felt a mix of betrayal and compassion. Instead of rejecting Niret, she chose to embrace him, believing every child deserved love. She kept this secret from Ulhas fearing it would shatter theirworld. She endured all the hate and venom spewed at her by society for not being a biological mother.
As Niret grew, he became a joyful part of their lives. Saanvi taught him to read and write, sharing stories of courage and kindness. However, the weight of her secret grew heavier. One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Saanvi decided, it was time to reveal the truth.
“Ulhas!” she began, hervoice trembling “There’s somethingyou need to know about Niret and me " I am not infertile as I claimed to be but I wanted to desperately adopt Niret. Hence I lied to you " .
Ulhas looked up, confusion etched on his face.With tears in her eyes, Saanvi explained everything the affair, Garima's sudden illness and death, the adoption, and her choice to raise Niret as her own. Silence enveloped the room as Ulhas processed the revelation. He had not developed any long term feelings for Garima and hadn't realised that she had been pregnant. Then he met Saanvi and fell in love with her.
Finally, he spoke softly, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” “I wanted to protect our family and the promise I made to Garima ” Saanvi replied. “But I love him just as much as I love you. ” After a long pause, Ulhas took a deep breath and smiled. “He’s our son now.We’ll face this together.”
In that moment of honesty, their bond deepened. Saanvi realized that love could transcend even the most difficult truths. Together, they embraced Niret fully, forging a new family united by understanding. Saanvi had turned a horrific secret into a beautiful reality filled with love and acceptance.
- Swetha Sundar
English Winner December 2024
APinch of Salt
Shobhita and Ganesh were celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. Shobhita was an aspiring chef, known for her adventurous palate and creativity in the kitchen. She often experimented with flavors, believing that cookingwas an art form that required both passion and precision. Ganesh ,on the other hand, was a pragmatic engineerwho appreciated Shobhita's culinary talents but preferred the simplicity of a well-cooked meal over intricate gourmet dishes.
That evening Shobhita decided to prepare a special dinner to celebrate their anniversary. She envisioned a feast that would showcase her culinary skills and surprise Ganesh. She spent hours in the kitchen, chopping fresh herbs, sautéingvegetables, and marinating paneer in a blend of spices that she had crafted from her travels around the world.
As she worked, Shobhita recalled something her grandmother used to say: “Every great dish needs a pinch of salt.” It was more than just a cooking tip; it was a metaphor for life. Shobhita believed that just like in cooking, relationships also needed that little extra something to bring out the best flavors. As Ganesh returned home that evening, his nostrils were met with a wafting aroma of spices and herbs. He had brought Shobhita her favourite Kanjeevaram in red jewelled tones and silky strands of jasmine . He was, however, surprised to see Shobhita standing in the kitchen with her brow furrowed in confusion.
What’s wrong?” he asked gently. “I think I might have added too much salt to the gravy, ” Shobhita replied, frustration evident in her voice. “I wanted it to be perfect for tonight.”
Ganesh stepped closer and took a taste. “It’s not too salty; it just needs... something,” he said thoughtfully. “Maybe a pinch of sugar?”
Shobhita sighed. “I wanted everything to be perfect for our anniversary dinner. I’ve planned this for weeks!”
Ganesh smiled softly. “Shobhita, perfection is overrated.What matters is that we ’ re together. It’s about enjoyingwhat we create together.” He reached for her hand across the table. “Just like this dish you added just enough salt to bring out all the flavors.”
Shobhita smiled, feelingwarmth spread through her chest. “You’re right,” she said softly. “It’s those little moments that matter most.”
As they finished dinner, they shared stories and laughter, reminiscing about their adventures and dreams for the future. Each anecdote was seasoned with affection and sprinkled with humor a perfect blend that made their bond stronger.
As they savored each bite of the meal, Shobhita realized that it wasn’t just about the food; it was about the moments they created together. The paneerwas tender, the vegetables vibrant, and despite her initial worries about the saltiness, everything tasted wonderful because of the love infused into each dish.
After dinner, as they enjoyed dessert a rich chocolate cake topped with fresh berries Shobhita reflected on her grandmother’s words again. She understood now that just like cooking requires balance a pinch of salt here or a dash of spice there relationships thrive on understanding and compromise.
“Thankyou for being my taste tester,” Shobhita said playfully as she leaned over to kiss Ganesh. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he replied with warmth in his eyes. “And remember, sometimes all you need is a pinch of salt to make everything better”
That night marked not just another anniversary but also a renewed commitment to embrace imperfections together. They learned that love isn’t about creating flawless moments; it’s about savoring every flavor life offers—sweet or salty—and finding joy in each other’s company. As they cuddled on the couch later that evening, Shobhita whispered with a smile, “Next year ’ s dinner will definitely include a pinch of salt... and maybe some sugar too.”
Ganesh chuckled softly in response, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, theywould face them together seasoned with love and laughter.
- Swetha Sundar
English winner - February 2024
The Journey ofAcceptance
In the quaint village of Himachal pradesh, nestled between rolling hills and flowering meadows, lived a young girl named Myra. Myra was known for hervibrant spirit and her heart as expansive as the horizon. However, Myra was different from the other children in the village. She had a limp in her step, a reminder of the illness she had battled as a baby. Though she carried this with grace, the other children often failed to see beyond her physical difference.
Myra's days were filled with the laughter of her childhood friends, but there was always an undercurrent of whispers and pointed fingers. The other children’s parents, unaware of the impact theirwords carried, would often speak loudly about Myra’ s "unfortunate circumstances," thinking she couldn't hear. But she did. Everyword, every murmur, settled in her heart like pebbles in a pond, creating ripples of self-doubt.
One summer afternoon, a new family moved into the village. The family had a boy named Raj, who, like Myra, was different. Raj was visually impaired. His eyes, though clear and bright, could not see the world as others did. Raj although could not see but had a heart full of stories, poured into his soul by his grandmotherwho would describe the world in vivid detail.
Myra and Raj met by the village well, a place of gathering and stories. She saw him tapping the ground with a stick, his face turned towards the sun as if he could feel its warmth more intensely than anyone else. Intrigued by his serene demeanor, Myra said hello to him. Raj turned his face towards hervoice, a smile spreading across his lips. "Hello.Who are you?"
"I'm Myra. I... I live here," she stammered, unsure of how to explain her presence. "Nice to meet you, Myra, I'm Raj, will you help me see this new place and be my friend?""I'd love to", replied Myra.
From that day on, Myra and Raj became inseparable. She described the world to him in ways he had never imagined. She spoke of the colors of the flowers, the patterns of the clouds, and the dance of the fireflies at dusk. In return, Raj shared his grandmother's stories, tales of distant lands and mythical creatures that sparked Myra's imagination.
Their friendship did not go unnoticed and became the talk of the town. Some viewed it with curiosity, others with skepticism. But as days turned into weeks, something remarkable began to happen. Their acceptance of each other began to ripple through the village. On Diwali day Myra shared one of Raj's stories with the villagers.
As hervoice wove the tale of the brave knight and the enchanted forest, a hush fell over the crowd. She described the knight's journeywith such passion that the villagers could almost see the towering trees and hear the rustling leaves. She spoke of the knight’s courage, his battles, and ultimately, his realization that true strength lies in acceptance.When she finished, there was a moment of silence. Then, a single clap echoed through the ground, followed by another, and another, until the entire village was applauding. Myra’s eyes welled with tears as she saw Raj’s beaming face in the crowd, his sightless eyes turned towards her, filled with pride.
Achain of change began. The children who once saw Myra’s limp as a mark of difference now saw it as a symbol of her strength. They began to include her in their games, learning to appreciate her unique perspective. The parents, too, started to see past their prejudices, realizing that acceptance was a twoway street.
Raj became a beloved member of the community. His stories brought people together, bridging gaps that had long divided the villagers. He taught them that sight was not just a matter of the eyes, but of the heart.
English Winner February 2024
Years passed, and the village blossomed into a village known for its unity and acceptance. Myra and Raj grew up, their bond unbroken by the passage of time. They continued to inspire those around them, reminding everyone that true acceptance comes from understanding and embracing each other's differences. Their journey of acceptance, which began with a simple greeting by the village well, had transformed not only their lives but the entire village.
-Akta Sehgal
#mightymondayWinner Hindi November 2024
Hindi Winner - February 2025
Smile is Contagious ��
Have you ever noticed that wheneveryou see a smiling face, your lips widen and a smile automatically appears on your face?You can never be sad on seeing a happy face. Smiling is the easiest way to start any conversation.
Yes, it’s true that a smile is contagious and one cannot escape from smiling in a situation filled with smiles. Imagine a morning, where you wake up and greet your family members in a casual way. Looks like a boring one! Right? Now start the daywith a smile on your face with a greeting. There will be happiness and positivity in the house environment. I have personally experienced this in my family. Smile impacts the mindset of the receiver.When you conveyyour thoughts with a smile on your face, they are received with a positive outlook.
In today’s chaotic world, when everyone is running and busy, one is always looking for a reason to be happy.You will find a thousand reasons to be negative but one smile will make you deal with the day in a much betterway. Today, people are lost in their small world of screen, finding reasons to occupy their minds. In this process, we have stopped looking at people’s faces, even at small, confined places like inside the lifts.We all are busy scrolling down the phone doing a never ending search.We have stopped smiling in the real world.
So, let us try making this a habit to smile when we see someone. It's surely going to reach others. Remember how anyone and everyone smiles seeing a child smiling. That innocent smile is just a smile filled with purity of emotions. There is no pretence. Let us keep bringing that child back in our hearts and keep our smiles alive!
Always
Keep Smiling !��
- PoojaAgarwal
Rangoli art by Preetha Nair
Charcoal art by Priti Sonawane
Artwork by Shiwani Manna
Holika Dahan
From Ila’s Lens
Artwork by Kanchan Sarda Gulati
From Akta’s Lens
Rangoli art byAparna Ghosh
Sunset on the sea shores ofVietnam
Colours of spring
WE ARE
HAPPY TO SHARE
THAT if any MHC member wishes to join hands or collaborate with either of our associates or Partners, s/he can please get in touch with team Motherhood Club for the same.
