"The Forest Beyond Eight", a short story by Sharanya Jayachandran, from BSc (BTCFS) I year.

The Sharma’s had come to Udaipur for a wedding. Between the rituals and music, one plan stood out—buying jewellery from a small rural village, where women handcrafted ornaments.

The village lay beyond a thick forest. Locals whispered the same warning:

“Leave before eight. After that… the forest decides who leaves.”

The driver, Raghav, grew pale as the sun dipped. But the Sharma’s lingered. By the time they left, it was well past eight.

Inside the forest, the headlights began to stutter. The same trees loomed again and again, as though the bus circled endlessly.

Finally, Raghav stopped, whispering: “We wait till midnight. It’s the only way.”

One by one, the family drifted into uneasy sleep. But the kids were restless. Four of them—Aditya and Kabir, and their cousins Riya and Meera—whispered about exploring the forest with their drone and torch.

The twins, Aarav and Arjun, decided to stay back. “We’ll get caught. You go,” Aarav muttered, curling up against his brother.

So, while the bus slept, the other four quietly opened the emergency door and slipped into the forest with the torch, drone, and a notebook to trace their path. Half an hour later, Priya, Aditya’s mother, stirred awake. The seats were empty. Panic spread through the bus.

The twins confessed: “They went into the forest.”

The family erupted into chaos. Some demanded to search, but when they asked Raghav to lead them, he trembled.

“This place… eats people. I’ve seen it. I will not go in.”

At last, they tied a rope to the nearest tree, venturing into the forest with phone flashlights—only for the phones to flicker dead in their hands, as though drained by something unseen.

Back in the woods, the four children were already lost. The torch went out. The drone’s screen blurred with static. The forest grew impossibly silent, save for the crunch of their own footsteps.

In a clearing, they spotted an old white van. Its headlights were dim, almost glowing. Inside sat a man—motionless, eyes closed. His skin was pale, his beard long, his traditional outfit eerily spotless.

“Ask him for help,” Aditya whispered.

“No!” Riya hissed. “Something’s wrong with him.”

Before they could argue, the man’s eyes snapped open. He stepped out, his voice deep and hollow:

“Children… what are you doing here?”

Their story spilled out between trembling lips. The man listened with an expressionless face, then nodded.

“Come. I’ll take you to your family.”

Shivering, they climbed in. Aditya quickly scribbled the number plate: 9695.

The van moved soundlessly, tires making no noise on the dirt.

“Uncle… why do people fear this forest?” Kabir asked, trying to be brave.

The man’s gaze lingered on him too long before he answered:

“Because once, a family tried to leave. Their daughter died here. The mother’s screams filled these woods until she too stopped breathing. The father… could not live with himself. Since then, the forest likes to keep families… together.”

The air inside the van turned ice cold. None of the children spoke again.

Moments later, the van rolled to a stop. The bus was there. The family cried out, rushing to embrace the missing children.

The Sharma’s wept with relief, thanking the man over and over. He simply said, “Follow my van. I’ll guide you out.”

The bus followed. The van’s dim red taillights cut through the black forest until suddenly—bright highway lamps appeared.

But when they looked again, the van was gone.

Still, the family reached their hotel alive. In daylight, it all felt like a nightmare. At breakfast, the children huddled around Aditya’s laptop, loading the drone footage.

The forest flickered on screen. Then—the van.

“Zoom in,” Meera whispered.

The number plate: 9695.

Aditya’s notebook slipped open. The same number.

But the van looked different. Not clean. Not intact.

Rust covered its sides. Windows shattered. Paint peeling. The grill bent as if from an old crash.

And yet—the same number plate.

The children froze. The footage continued. When the man stepped out, his body cast no shadow. The van moved on its own, headlights glowing like hollow eyes.

The final frame made their blood run cold.

The drone, before cutting to static, had caught the van again. Not in the forest.

Parked.

Rusted.

Broken.

Right outside their hotel.

A faint horn honked below.

The notebook slipped from Aditya’s trembling hands.

9695.

Author Feature:

Ravinder Singh

Ravinder Singh is a celebrated Indian author known for his poignant, heartfelt novels that explore love, relationships, and the emotions that connect people. He is among the first generation of Indian writers to popularize contemporary romance fiction in English, creating stories that are simple yet deeply moving, and that speak directly to the experiences of today’s youth.

Ravinder’s debut novel, “I Too Had a Love Story,” is widely regarded as one of the most touching love stories in modern Indian literature. Based on true events from his own life, the book portrays themes of love, loss, and resilience with sensitivity and honesty. Following this success, he authored several other novels including “Can Love Happen Twice?”, “Like it Happened Yesterday,” and “Your Dreams Are Mine Now.” Each of these works continues to explore relationships, heartbreak, personal growth, and the strength required to move forward.

What makes Ravinder Singh’s writing unique is his ability to portray ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. His characters are relatable, flawed, and real, facing everyday challenges that reflect the emotional dilemmas of readers. He writes with empathy and warmth, allowing his audience to see themselves in his stories and find comfort in shared experiences.

Apart from his writing, Ravinder Singh is a successful entrepreneur and a motivational speaker, inspiring young readers and writers to pursue their dreams. His books have touched the hearts of readers across India and abroad, offering stories of hope, endurance, and the power of love.

Through his gentle narrative style and deep emotional insight, Ravinder Singh continues to be a cherished voice in Indian literature. His stories remind us that love, though fragile, is worth embracing, and that hope always exists even in the darkest moments.

Source:

1.Wikipedia – Ravinder Singh (Author) –

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravinder_Singh_(author)

• his career, bibliography, and personal life.

2. Publisher’s Page (Penguin India) –

https://penguin.co.in/book_author/ravinder-singh/

• Provides details of his published books and achievements.

A Gentle Reminder: Your Dreams Matter.

Dr. B R Ambedkar faced extreme hardships in his life. Denied basic rights, education, and respect, he still rose to become the Father of the Indian Constitution. His life teaches us that circumstances do not define one’s destiny.

Success is not about the advantages or privileges one has. Reservation, wealth, or freedom from discrimination may make life easier, but they cannot replace determination, focus, and mental strength. Even those with every opportunity can face challenges if they lack clear goals and sincere preparation.

It is important to remember history. For generations, many communities were denied dignity and access to basic rights from drawing water from wells to entering temples and educational spaces. These injustices affected countless lives and left deep scars. While society has come a long way, it is essential that we never forget these wrongs and remain committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment for everyone.

Every person faces obstacles, bias, or setbacks in their journey. The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle is not their background but their will to rise above challenges.

Ambedkar’s journey reminds us that external conditions are secondary to inner strength. All you need are clear aims, self belief, and sincere preparation. With these, no obstacle is too great and no dream is too distant.

This article is not meant to discourage or differentiate anyone. It is a message to the youth that neither reservation nor discrimination should stop you from pursuing your dreams. It is also a reminder to society to never forget the injustices of the past and to work together for a more compassionate and supportive future.

Your dreams matter believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and let determination guide your path.

An Article by Udhari Arundhati, B.A. II Year.

Your feelings! 

A poem by M. Lakshmi Prasanna from B.com , I YEAR.

Your feelings!

 

Please don't hide your 

feelings like the sun 

behind branches or the 

moon behind 

streetlights. 

I know the warmness of 

your love, 

That is as pure as the 

color of a dove.

I know the sweetness of 

your smile, 

That sparks fireworks 

in my heart like a 

missile. 

I know the real you 

behind the mask of 

existing, 

The one that dreams of 

living, 

I know the true you 

who secretly wishes to 

stargaze at night, 

Unlike the one who 

tries to reach the stars 

with foresight.

Please don't let your 

inner child fade away, 

She deserves to be here, 

not too far away. 

I know you're not like 

those snowflakes that 

melt before the sun 

comes, 

Because you're like 

auroras. rare, yet 

showing their true 

colors. 

Please be you and I'll be 

there for you. 

Don't forget about 

yourself before 

knowing the value of 

your true self. 

You might be like a 

peony in the field of 

roses, 

Similar and unnoticed, 

But unique and 

remarked. 

You feel like you do not 

belong anywhere, until 

realizing you belong 

nowhere, 

Because you are where 

you should be, not 

where you need to be. 

Don't abandon yourself 

in the blueming, 

By comparing yourself 

with other's blooming.

 

"BAN PLASTIC", an essay by Meenakshi Rathod B.A. HEP II YEAR. 

BAN PLASTIC POLLUTION: A Fight for Survival!

Have you ever seen a sea turtle struggle to breathe because a plastic bag clogged its throat? Or watched a cow eat garbage filled with wrappers and bottles? These aren’t just disturbing images – they are real stories, happening every single day around us.

Plastic – once hailed as a miracle invention – has now turned into the biggest monster we created. Cheap, convenient, and everywhere, plastic is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a life-threatening emergency. From choking oceans to killing animals, from polluting soil to entering human bodies – plastic is destroying everything in its path.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: WE ARE DROWNING IN PLASTIC.

The True Cost of Plastic: More Than We Can Bear

Plastic is everywhere – in our hands, homes, streets, rivers, oceans, and even inside us. Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans. Animals choke on it. Soil turns toxic. Rivers get blocked. And the saddest part? It never goes away.

It takes 500–1000 years for plastic to decompose. Microplastics are now found in the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. In India, plastic blocks drains, causes urban flooding, and spreads disease.

Are we willing to trade our children’s future for a plastic spoon or a shopping bag? Some say banning plastic is inconvenient. But what is more inconvenient – carrying a cloth bag or living in a world where rivers are dead, crops are poisoned, and animals suffer daily? This ban is not against convenience – it’s for SURVIVAL.

A Better Tomorrow: Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Imagine a world where:

• Milk is delivered in glass bottles
• Groceries are carried in jute bags
• Parties use steel cutlery, not plastic waste
• Packaging is made of leaves, not poison

These are not dreams – they’re possibilities. Let’s be clear: there is NO excuse left. We know the damage. We know the alternatives. So why wait? It’s time to ban plastic pollution – completely, boldly, and urgently!

The Power of Youth: Change Begins With Us

You don’t need to be a politician to change the world. You just need to care. We, the students and youth, are the voice of tomorrow. We can lead by:

4R principles

• Refusing plastic in our daily lives
• Educating people
• Participating in clean-up drives and campaigns
• Using social media to raise awareness
• Supporting strict government policies
• Promoting alternatives

Plastic pollution is a war. And it’s time we fight like warriors – with our choices, our voices, and our courage. Say NO to plastic at every chance. Be the change others follow.

We are the last generation that can fix this. Let the world know: we will not drown in plastic. We will rise with purpose. We will fight. And we will win.

Because when we ban plastic pollution, WE CHOOSE LIFE. WE CHOOSE EARTH!

Author Feature: 

Perumal Murugan

About the Author:

Perumal Murugan (born 1966) is a renowned Tamil writer, scholar, and literary critic whose works powerfully depict rural life, caste structures, and social realities of Tamil Nadu. As a professor of Tamil literature, he has contributed both academically and creatively, shaping contemporary Tamil writing with fearless honesty. His narrative style is simple yet evocative, often portraying the conflicts between tradition and modern aspirations. Murugan’s novels are deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people, highlighting their struggles with caste oppression, poverty, desire, and survival, yet they resonate universally.

One of his most celebrated novels, Madhorubhagan (One Part Woman), explores the societal pressures faced by a childless couple. This work brought him both global recognition and controversy, with certain groups attacking it as offensive. The backlash forced Murugan to briefly announce his “death as a writer.” However, the Madras High Court’s defense of literary freedom marked a turning point, after which he resumed writing. His other significant novels include Seasons of the Palm, Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat, and Pyre. In 2023, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Pyre, reaffirming his place as one of India’s boldest and most relevant literary voices.

 Books Translated into English.

Perumal Murugan’s works have reached international audiences through fine English translations, allowing readers worldwide to engage with his themes of caste, identity, and human struggle. Madhorubhagan was translated as One Part Woman by Aniruddhan Vasudevan and became his most widely known novel. His moving story of bonded child laborers, Koolamadari, was translated as Seasons of the Palm by V. Geetha, and it was shortlisted for the Kiriyama Prize. Aalanda Patchi appeared in English as Pyre, a powerful tale of caste violence. Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat was directly written in Tamil but translated into English by N. Kalyan Raman, capturing Murugan’s allegorical style. Other translated works include Current Show, The Well, A Lonely Harvest, and Trial by Silence. These translations have made Murugan’s voice accessible beyond Tamil readership, cementing his reputation as a global writer whose stories transcend cultural boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in Tamil soil.

Sources: Wikipedia, The Hindu, Penguin India, The Guardian

"BAN PLASTIC", an essay by TWINKLE KONDEPOGU. B.A. MLHJ, III YEAR.

Plastic Pollution: A Battle We Keep Fighting

I’ve heard the same message over and over again for many years—about the dangers of plastic pollution and the urgent need to stop it. This theme has followed me since my school days. I’ve written essays on this topic in school, seen my classmates write about it, and even today, during my undergraduate studies, I find myself reflecting on the same issue .Time has passed. I’ve moved from school to intermediate education, and now into college. The world around me has changed—technology has advanced, lifestyles have evolved—but the issue of plastic pollution remains the same. Despite all the awareness campaigns, rallies, and debates, the problem still persists .

 I've seen people debating this on television, heard countless voices repeat the phrase, "Change starts with you," and watched social activists march down streets shouting, "Ban plastic!" These efforts have no doubt borne some fruit, but they haven’t grown into the strong tree of change we hoped for. Civilians say the government needs to enforce stricter laws, while the government often blames the public for not being responsible enough. Both sides keep playing the blame game, but real solutions get lost in the noise.

The truth is, plastic usage can’t be completely eliminated—not yet—but it Can be controlled. Let’s be honest. If we were to entirely ban plastic, we would need to replace almost everything—from our toothbrushes to our dustbins. Logically and practically, it’s not an easy shift. However, we can begin to move in the right direction step by step . Small actions matter. For example, we can start by eliminating single-use plastics from our daily lives. We can choose eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives cloth bags instead of plastic ones, reusable containers instead of disposable packaging. We can reuse items until they’re truly worn out, and we can get creative—turn old plastic into something useful instead of simply throwing it away . Responsibility starts with each one of us. You and I may not be able to clean up an entire street, but we can each pick up that one bottle or plastic wrapper and put it in the trash bin.

We may not be perfect every single day, but we can strive to be better than we were the day before . Change doesn’t always need to be revolutionary it can be a quiet commitment to do the right thing, again and again. If enough people make small, consistent efforts, they eventually add up to something powerful. The battle against plastic pollution is not over. But if we keep trying, one responsible action at a time, we can create a future that is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for everyone.