Reimagining Ulysses: What If the Protagonist Were a Woman? By Manognya Varkoor, Krithika Sudhal from BSc FNBC II YEAR 

If the protagonist of Ulysses were a woman, the poem would be very different. In the original poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses travels across the world in search of knowledge, new cultures, and exciting adventures. However, during that period, women did not enjoy the same freedom as men because society imposed many restrictions on them.

A woman who left her home to travel would have been criticized for abandoning her family. Her character would have been questioned, and she might have been labelled irresponsible. Unlike Ulysses, she would have had to fight not only the challenges of travel but also the expectations of a patriarchal society.

If she still managed to travel, the poem would focus on both her adventures and the obstacles she overcame. Her experiences would be expressed with greater compassion, resilience, and hope. She would celebrate freedom while encouraging other women to dream beyond the limits set by society.

Although she might have faced severe criticism in her own time, future generations would remember her as a courageous woman who challenged social norms and broke patriarchal barriers. Her journey would become a powerful symbol of determination, equality, and women's empowerment.

Weekly Author Feature

Rithvik Singh

Rithvik Singh 

Rithvik Singh is one of the most popular contemporary Indian authors and poets, admired for his heartfelt writing on love, heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. A graduate in English Literature from Hansraj College, University of Delhi, he began sharing his thoughts and poetry on social media, where his honest and relatable words quickly gained a large following. His writing resonates especially with young readers because it reflects real emotions and encourages self-love, resilience, and personal growth.

Rithvik Singh's writing style is simple, emotional, and deeply inspiring. Instead of using complicated language, he expresses profound feelings through clear and relatable words. His books combine poetry, prose, and personal reflections, making readers feel understood and hopeful. His work reminds people that pain is temporary, healing is possible, and every ending can become a new beginning.

Some of his bestselling books include I Don't Love You Anymore, Thank You for Leaving, Warmth, How to Stop Overthinking Forever, I Cannot Say Goodbye to You, and Did You Ever Love Me? These books have become favourites among readers who are looking for comfort, emotional healing, and motivation. Through his writing, Rithvik Singh continues to inspire countless people to embrace change, let go of the past, and move forward with confidence and hope.

Sources:

Rithvik Singh – Official Website

Penguin Random House India

From Broken Glass to Marshmallows, a poem penned by Udhari Arundhati from, B. A Final year.

FROM BROKEN GLASS TO MARSHMALLOWS.

An April day, a sudden glance,

Two years away from the mirror's dance.

I dressed up, smiled, and clicked a view,

Seeking a dozen slides or two,

Seeking the spark I once called mine,

Before heartbreak blurred each line.

But the gallery holds a double-edged art:

The worst and best days, tearing apart,

Leaving behind a bittersweet trace—

Broken heart pieces with a beautiful hope in their place.

Yet God remembers His favorite child,

No matter how broken the heart or wild.

Looking back at the old and the new,

The glamorous poses were never quite true;

Though the outside looked fine, a picture-perfect role,

I carried that heavy heartbreak in my soul.

But the pain has softened, the focus has shifted,

The weight of the glamorous burden is lifted.

Life isn't about forcing oneself to look grand,

But embracing the soul that God had planned.

I know I wasn't always trapped in this space—

Even the rainbow envied my colorful grace,

Hair styled with a snap, sleep gentle and deep,

Like a river whose currents have no rush to keep.

The sharp, painful fragments finally yield,

Whispering softly across the field:

"I'm happy that at least it is you."

Now the sharp, broken edges are entirely new,

As the stones and broken glasses of yesterday

Turn into marshmallows along the way.

"The Footsteps That Never Returned", A poem by Gouravi from BSc ZCFS III YEAR .

The Footsteps That Never Returned

He went to the hospital...

And somehow, he never came back home.

People say, "Be strong." People say, "Time heals."

But they don't know what it feels like to wait for footsteps that never return.

They don't know how a child learns to smile in front of everyone, yet cries only in the silence of empty rooms.

Birthdays become quieter. Festivals feel heavier. Even achievements lose a little of their joy.

Because no matter how old you grow, there is always a part of you that still looks for your father.

The world moves on. Life continues.

But a child who loses a father loses more than a person— they lose their shelter, their guide, their safest place.

Years may pass, and the tears may become less visible, but the emptiness never truly leaves.

Some wounds do not heal; they simply learn to live inside the heart.

And that pain...

that longing...

is something only a fatherless child can truly understand.

"Last Wish", a poem penned by K. Pranathi, from BSc MSDS, III year.

I was born alone,

And I walk this road alone.

One day, when my journey ends,

I wish to leave alone.

No tears upon my farewell,

No sorrow in my name.

When I am gone,

Let the world remain the same.

What must I do for that?

Fade like I never existed?

Become a passing whisper

Lost within the wind?

Yet before that final day,

I want to live completely free—

To wander like the restless breeze,

To dance across the sea.

To laugh like water splashing,

To chase the open sky,

To carry no regrets at all

When it's my time to die.

And when death stands before me,

Quiet and serene,

What must I do to greet it

With a heart forever clean?

Perhaps the answer is simple—

Neither fame nor company;

To cherish every fleeting moment,

And love my solitude faithfully.

"Ink, Ideas, and Identity: My Story with Quills". An experience shared by Haseena Ahmed Jabri from,  B.Sc FSCCA, III year.

“Sometimes, the right words don’t just inspire us—they quietly transform who we become.”

The Beginning
It all began on the very first day of my college life, during the orientation conducted by the Department of English and Foreign Languages. Among the many introductions that day, one moment stayed with me—Dr. Jhilam Chattaraj reciting her poem Mirchi and Bhajji from her book Noise Cancellation. In that moment, I didn’t just hear a poem—I felt something awaken within me. I remember thinking, I wish she would become my teacher.

A year later, that wish came true.

A Spark Turns Into Action

When she entered my classroom in my second year, I felt a quiet sense of happiness. A few weeks into her classes, she encouraged me to read more. That very day, I rushed to the library, picked up a book, and began reading with a renewed sense of purpose. Soon after, I gathered the courage to ask her how to start writing. With her guidance, I began journaling—slowly, imperfectly, but consistently.

That was the beginning.

Finding My Place in Quills

With her encouragement, I participated in an essay competition and became a member of the Quills Literary Club. Entering Quills felt like stepping into a space where words had life. I deeply admired the *Arunodaya Student Magazine*, yet I hesitated to write for it for a long time, constantly questioning myself.
For nearly a year, I remained a silent observer—reading, appreciating, and learning. Looking back, that phase taught me patience and gave me the courage to begin.

Stepping Into Growth

Gradually, Quills became more than just a literary space for me. I hosted programs, participated in competitions, and eventually took on responsibilities. Being appointed as the Student Chief Coordinator of the P. N. Panicker Reading Club was a turning point—it pushed me beyond hesitation and into action.

From organizing sessions to interacting with authors and attending the Hyderabad Literary Festival, each experience shaped my perspective. Later, serving as the Student Convener for the Quills 10th anniversary further strengthened my confidence.
Finding My Voice

And then, quietly, I began to write.
In December 2025, I wrote my first poem. Seeing it published and appreciated gave me the courage I had been waiting for. Eventually, I became a contributor to the Arunodaya Student Magazine, marking a moment of true self-belief.

Becoming

Looking back, this has been one of the most memorable journeys of my B.Sc. life.
From a hesitant first-year student to someone who expresses, leads, and creates—I see a transformation not just in my skills, but in my identity. Quills did not change me overnight; it shaped me gradually, helping me find my voice.
Quills was never just a club.

It was where my thoughts found direction, and my identity found expression. 

I wholeheartedly express my sincere gratitude to our HOD, Dr. M. Suchitra ma’am, for her constant support and invaluable guidance throughout my journey. Her presence has not only been that of an academic leader but also a source of steady encouragement and inspiration. As the Chairperson of the Quills Literary Club and P.N. Panicker Reading Club, her dedication to nurturing young minds has left a lasting impact on me.

I also extend my heartfelt thanks to all the faculty members of the Department of English and Foreign Languages. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in my abilities have played a significant role in shaping my experiences and growth.

 Weekly Author Feature 

Amithaba bagchi

Amitabha Bagchi

Amitabha Bagchi is a prominent contemporary Indian writer known for his contribution to Indian English literature. He is admired for his thoughtful storytelling, realistic characters, and deep understanding of modern Indian society. Along with being a novelist, he is also an academic and teaches Computer Science at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. His dual identity as a writer and professor makes him a unique personality in the literary world.

Bagchi was born in India and developed an interest in literature from an early age. His writing reflects both intellectual depth and emotional sensitivity. He often explores themes such as family relationships, urban life, identity, loneliness, memory, and the changing values of Indian society. His language is elegant and expressive, making his works appealing to both common readers and literary critics.

His first novel, Above Average, published in 2007, gained attention for its portrayal of the life of an ordinary engineering student. It presents the pressures, dreams, and insecurities faced by young people in modern India. Another important novel is The Householder, which deals with family life and personal struggles in urban India.

Bagchi became internationally recognized with his celebrated novel Half the Night is Gone. This novel received the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2019. It is a deeply moving work that combines grief, memory, class divisions, and father-son relationships. The novel is praised for its rich language and emotional power.

Another significant work is This Place, which explores Delhi as both a city and an idea, reflecting social and political realities. Through his novels, Bagchi presents a vivid picture of contemporary India and its complexities.

In conclusion, Amitabha Bagchi is an important voice in modern Indian literature. His works combine intellect with emotion and realism with artistry. He has successfully portrayed the struggles and hopes of Indian people through meaningful stories. As a novelist and teacher, he continues to inspire readers and students alike.

Sources : Wikipedia, and publisher author pages, IIT Delhi website.