Subash.M | Assistant Professor

Today, I stand in Sabarimala, surrounded by thousands of devotees, each carrying a story, a hope, and a silent prayer. The air is filled with chants, devotion, and an energy that words struggle to capture. As I walked the 3.2 km trek, I didn’t just see people I witnessed faith in its purest form. There was an aged woman, her body trembling with every step, yet her spirit unshaken. She paused, struggled, but never gave up. A few steps ahead, I saw a physically challenged man, moving forward with the support of his hands. His determination spoke louder than anything else. These moments made me reflect faith is not about comfort it is about courage. So many faces, so many emotions, so many prayers each one different, yet united by belief. In that crowd, I was not just an observer I was one among them, carrying my own thoughts, my own silent wishes. And then, those sacred 18 steps… as I approached them, something within me shifted. Words failed me. I found myself searching for meaning, for...

Today at Madurai Kamaraj University was not just another day in my PhD journey it became a moment I will carry for life. I have never taken my parents to my school or college for any meeting or official work. I have always handled things on my own. But today was different. I stood there with my research supervisor someone who has been guiding my academic path yet today, she stood beside me like something more than that. We were standing in front of a table, facing a person who has seen hundreds, maybe thousands, standing just like us nervous, waiting, hoping. I had seen how authoritative and commanding that voice could be. But today, something changed. The tone softened, the intensity lowered. Still, my heart was racing. Deep inside, I knew the mistake was mine. But before I could even process it, my guide took it upon herself as if the burden was hers. That moment shook me. I could feel my ears burning, my words disappearing. I wanted to speak, to explain, to defend but nothing came o...

I have stopped measuring my life by speed. The world may rush, compare, and question but I choose a different rhythm. Let me come slow. Not because I am lost, not because I lack direction, but because I have learned the value of pausing, feeling, and truly living. People may misunderstand. They may call it delay, hesitation, even laziness. But they do not see the quiet strength it takes to move forward after breaking. I have known moments that bent me, days that emptied me, and nights that tested my endurance. I have cried, I have fallen, and yes, I have failed. But I have also survived. And that changes everything. There was a time when I feared being left behind. Now, I am no longer afraid of what passes me by. Not everything that moves fast is meant to last. I have walked through my winters those cold, uncertain phases where nothing seemed to grow. Yet, somewhere within, I held on to a simple belief, if winter comes, can spring be far behind? That hope carried me, gently but firmly....