THROUGH MY LENS
JUSTICE
by Vanamaala Prasanna
In the hush of dawn, a whisper starts, A plea for justice, from weary hearts. In cities vast and towns so small, Voices rise, an angry roar.
Against the chains of old divides, Where prejudice and hate reside, Courage sparks in every soul, Seeking to make the broken whole.
From marches loud to silent stands, Linked together, hand in hand, A banner of hopes displayed, We strive to build a fairer world.
Through struggle's tears and trials faced, An unyielding spirit is embraced. For justice, truth, and human right, We march together, day and night.
In the echoes of our unified voice, We find our strength, we make our choice. To stand for those who can't be heard, And lift each other with every word.
Editorial Times
EVERY HUMAN LIFE MATTERS
It was certain that her life was coming to an end despite immense efforts to sustain it.
The moment Susanna was born, the doctors diagnosed her with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a life threatening condition of the heart
The doctors did whatever they could do in their control
Young Susanna went through her various painful treatment methods
Her family and the doctors had reached an understanding that these methods could only prolong her life. What she really needed was an organ transplant
But without a suitable organ donor, an organ transplant couldn’t be done After 4 long years of anticipation, she died
As a doctor, I witness victims of death every day.
Their absences leave feelings of emptiness in their close ones and me with a heavy heart
There is a way to stop this With further advancement of gene editing technology, the potential possibilities to provide individuals with life saving animal organ transplants (or xenotransplantation) are viable Recently, controversy has sparked over whether this new way of treatment should be welcomed. It is imperative that we adopt this new way of treatment
It not only brings the potential to save our lives, but allows substantial saving on healthcare expenditures and the erasing of a black market for human organs
The countless that endure agony through the shortage of human organ transplants can follow a different path Australia has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world But with xenotransplantation, supply for transplants can be practically unlimited Thousands on the waiting list for a transplant will grasp their opportunity. 20 people die every day in Australia without access to a critical organ transplant Life is a gift
By Alisha Aggarwal
As the famous author, JK Rowling once said, “Every human life is worth saving” Should wereallyberelyingondonorswhenwecouldhavethetechnologytoprovidefor AlishaAggarwal these cases? No, it is simply more logical to put our available technologies to good use Certain groups are not the only ones that can be benefitted from the implementation ofanimalorgantransplants Weareallaffected Currently, illegal masterminds that sell human organs in the black market collect $23 billion all in 1 year. Individual organs are selling for up to $394,000 AUD each in the black market Organ trafficking is prevalent in Australia causing many to be deprived of their rights and forced into selling their body parts The result is suffering with the ramificationssuchastraumaoftheexperience Whydoesthishappen?
Becausecurrentlythereisashortageoforgansandthatfactistakenadvantageof Ifwe do not transition towards animal organ transplants, illegal organ trading will only be fueled Additionally, those that are desperate to receive financial support could be willing to risk their lives to donate organs. All of this can be prevented if we take on animal organ transplants This will eliminate the need for human organ transplants and terminateblackmarketorganissues
It is essential that animal organ transplants are utilized in patients Not only are the lives of our loved ones at stake, but also the future of our healthcare system and the eliminationofablackmarketfororgans
Together, we need to rise to make a change in the future of our country We can all spread awareness to society and educate others Let us take the first steps to make sure that animal organs are accessible for everyone Let us open the doors for those thataresuffering
Shattered Shattered Glass Glass
walking out…walking outside?
cool breeze
comforting warmth hours of fun
choking heat melting rays trapped hot hot hotter
violent fires, wretched storms, dissipating water
It’s all gone, going: trees, forests, icebergs
No escape No escape?
Biking, walking, conserving energy… Reducing, recycling, taking charge
United to make change, to turn back time
can I finally go outside? again?
UNRAVELLING STUDENT
PSYCHOLOGY AS A YOUNG LEARNER IN SCHOOL
As a student, life can be both thrilling and overwhelming. In our classrooms, we juggle between assignments, exams, social interactions, and personal growth, all while trying to carve our own path in this fast-paced world Understanding student psychology is like peeking into a labyrinth of emotions and thoughts that define our academic journey
I feel that Motivation and Burnout is one crucial aspect of student psychology Motivation which drives me everyday to achieve my goals, but burnout is something which can halt my progress, and the pressure to excel can sometimes lead to exhaustion
Another significant factor from my perspective is to consider our Ambitions and Anxieties. Every student dreams of a bright future, but the pursuit of success can bring about anxiety. Just like everyone, I face the fear of failure, the pressure of expectations, and the constant need to prove myself And I personally think striking a balance between ambition and selfcompassion is key to navigating this roller-coaster ride
I would say that Time Management also plays a major role Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and my personal life is an art I strive to master, but procrastination often lurks around, tempting me to delay tasks Learning to manage time efficiently is an ongoing challenge I tackle everyday
Another factor in my view is Peer and Social Influence My life is influenced by my peer interactions. Social circles and relationships shape my opinions, self-esteem, and identity. Peer pressure can lead me astray, but it can also be a source of motivation and support.
I believe Self-identity and Growth is also an important factor when coping with Mental Health As a student, I have undergone a transformative phase of selfdiscovery Exploring my interests, values, and passions shapes my identity while coping with academic stress, anxiety, and depression can be overwhelming. The increasing awareness of mental health has shed light on the challenges students face, so this journey may be accompanied by doubts and uncertainties about who I am and who I want to be in future.
In conclusion, student psychology is a multidimensional realm where ambition, anxiety, peer dynamics, and personal growth intertwine Acknowledging the challenges and celebrating the victories make this journey worthwhile As a student, I have learnt not only from textbooks but also from my personal experiences, interactions, and willingness to embrace change Understanding the complexities of student psychology helps me navigate this phase of life with greater empathy and resilience, preparing me for the adventures that lie ahead
LAVANYA SHARMA
The End of Time
When time's last breath begins to sigh, And stars fall silent in the sky, The universe, in gentle grace, Prepares to rest in vast embrace.
The ticking clocks, they start to slow, Their constant rhythm now let go. Moments melt like morning dew, As eternity comes into view.
The sun's descent, a final blaze, Casting hues of golden haze. Mountains stand in solemn still, Witness to the quiet thrill.
Galaxies in graceful spin, Fold into themselves, within. Black holes yawn, their hunger sated, Cosmic dance, so long awaited.
Time unwinds its final thread, As the cosmos, still and spread, Embraces night with tender care, In a realm beyond compare.
No more future, no more past, Just a stillness, vast and vast. In this end, a peace profound, Where the echoes of life resound.
And in the dark, a spark might gleam, The birth of yet another dream. For in the end, beginnings hide, In the ever-flowing cosmic tide.
Angeeth Kizhakke Kandiyil
UNTITLED
By Sejal M.
PG.14
PG.24
Anonymous Poems
TITLE: DINNER
YOU MAY NOT LIKE YOUR DINNER
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LITTLE KID CRYING FOR FOOD? OR THE OTHER ONE DYING FOR ANOTHER CRUMB? WHAT ABOUT THE KID WHO HAS TO WORK FOR THAT MEAL YOU GET FOR FREE WHAT ABOUT THE KID WHO HAS TO FARM THEIR FOOD THAT GETS ON TO YOUR TABLE
YOU MAY WANT TO THROW YOUR MEAL AWAY BUT WITH IT YOU’RE ALSO THROWING LIVES AWAY
UNTITLED
WE CAN WIN A FIGHT AFTER WE LOSE SO TO WIN OR LOSE THE BATTLE, IT’S UP TO US TO CHOOSE
source:https://wwwwashingtonpostcom/world/interactive/2023/ev-cobalt-mines-congo/
HowcobaltminingintheDemocraticRepublicofthe Congoisaworldofdeathandhumanrightsabuse
Withthecurrentgenocideoccuring inPalestine,peoplehavebeen bringingattentiontoanother,lesserknowngenocide-thehorrificliving conditionsandmassdeathsofthe Congolesecobaltminers.
TheDRCisthemostcobalt-rich placeintheworld,anditscobalt productionamountsto75%ofgobal supply.Cobaltisakeyingredientin themakingofelectronics,andits demandisincreasingaselectriccars becomemorepopular. productionarebeingtakenadvantage of,inwhatisoftendescribedas “modernslavery.”TheCongolese cobaltminersdigoutsurface-level
Butthepeoplebehindits
cobaltwiththeirbarehands,despite thefactthatsuchexposuretothemetal istoxic.Infact,thislong-termexposure to cobalt has caused birth defects, cancers, diseases, and miscarriages, amongotherhealthissuesinCongolese miners. Alongside deaths caused by illness,therearealsolargenumbersof people dying due to tunnel collapses. The poor infrastructure that causes thesecollapsesrarelygetsaddressedby officials.
Adultsarenottheonlyonessubject to this dangerous environment, however. Many of the miners are children, working alongside their parentstohelpsupporttheirfamilies asthewagesareincrediblylow-
gruelingwork.Evenbabiesareputat risk,asworkingmothersareforcedto bringtheirbabieson-site,eitherin make-shiftcardboardcradlesorslung directlyontheirback,intothemines. oftenjusttwodollarsanhourfor
Source:https://wwwindependentcouk/climate-change/news/phoneelectric-vehicle-congo-cobalt-mine-b2277665.html
Thisissueisnotaneasyonetofix. Corruptionrunsdeep,andthemines areoftenheavilygardedsothatthe truthoftheCongolesepeople’splight isnotexposed.Theissuerunsdeep withinthesupplychainaswell,as whereverthereiscobalt,thereis evidenceoftheexploitationof Congoleseminers.ItisuptoBigTech companiestofocustheireffortson improvingtheconditionsforcobalt minersintheDRCandmakesurethat thebloodofthousandsofCongolese adultsandchildrenisnotontheir hands.
Youmightbewondering,WhatcanI do?asthesituationseemslargelyoutof ourcontrol.Butinorderforcompanies to address the dark conditions from where their cobalt is coming, there needs to be public outrage. The best waytohelpistospreadthewordin ordertopressureaction.
Addtionally,youcanbemindfulof yourelectronicpurchases.Isthatnew phone really necessary? Why not repair your computer, instead of buyinganewone?Isitreallyworthit, whenthecobaltbehindyourdeviceis comingfromexploitativeminesinthe DRC?NotonlywillthishelpCongolese miners, it will also have an environmental impact as tons of ewasteisdumpedinlandfillseveryday.
ThechildrenofCongoshouldno longerhavetodigforcobalt,andit shouldbeourgoaltohelpthemassoon aspossible.
ByAmulyaGowthavaram Sources
https://www.independent.co.uk/climatechange/news/phone-electric-vehicle-congo-cobaltmine-b2277665.html https://republic.com.ng/october-november2023/congo-cobalt-genocide/