NOVEMBER EDITION
Armistice Day: The Price of Peace
Armistice Day, this day commemorates the end of World War I in 1918, every year on the 11th of November. On this date, the Allied forces and Germany signed an agreement to cease all hostilities. This agreement called the Armistice marked the end of the fighting as a prelude to peace negotiations, signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. This day remembers all those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Picture this: the muddy trenches where stagnant water turns to thick, sticky mud would cling to your body, weighing you down. Above these trenches, barbed wire stretched across no-man’s land and machine guns fired so rapidly that it merged into a continuous roar that almost sounded mechanical. Here, even the slightest movement could be a death sentence. This was the daily reality of those fighting the war.
These soldiers not only fought their enemies but also the toll the war took on their minds. The loss of comrades and the constant fear left many with what was then called “shell shock” This was used to describe the mental trauma they experienced. Even the smallest triggers, like a loud noise or crowded streets, would pull them right back into the nightmarish memories of the battlefield. While many died, others were forced to live with the psychological scars, suffering in silence.
India, under colonial rule, made significant contributions to Britain’s war efforts, with an astounding 1.5 million soldiers sent to fight and die on behalf of the Allied forces. Many of these soldiers died on foreign land, leaving behind grieving families. Yet, it wasn’t only the soldiers who made sacrifices. Their families too fought a silent war, never knowing if their loved ones would return. Saying heart-wrenching goodbyes, knowing their loved ones were risking their lives in foreign lands, each homecoming became a celebration to these families.
This is why it is so important to honor the resilience and sacrifices of those who fought and those who lost their lives. Armistice Day serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of World War I, as well as a symbol of enduring hope for peace. On this day in 1918, the guns fell silent, bringing both relief and sorrow.
By paying tribute, we acknowledge the heavy price paid in lives by soldiers to protect the peace that now governs our lands.
Domestic Violence: Invisible Chains
Domestic violence is a widespread issue that impacts millions of people around the globe. It is not about race, gender, age, or cultural or social background; it is about the abuser, the victim, and the people who are affected by it. It is often concealed behind closed doors and dismissed as a “private matter,” but its consequences reach beyond families, communities, and society, with its effects rippling across generations.
In domestic violence, the abuser dominates the victim to claim power and control. It can take many forms—physical torture, emotional manipulation, control over the victim’s finances, insults and humiliation, social isolation, and many more.
One may ask, “Why can’t the victim just leave?” or “They should have spoken up.” They can’t. That’s what domestic violence does. When the abuser controls the victim’s finances, every move, and actions, how can they get help? How can they contact someone? How can they speak up when they have been so emotionally abused that they believe nothing or no one can save them? How can they when they have been taught, “This is what happens in a relationship; you just need to keep quiet and keep taking it”? How can they when they have seen their own parents go through it?
Instead of asking why they didn’t leave, we, as a society, should recognize the red flags of an abusive relationship—humiliating them in public, monitoring their actions, isolating them, and erratic behavior. These signs are not always obvious; they could be downplayed or hidden, especially if victims feel ashamed, afraid, or believe they have nowhere else to turn.
To all the victims who have escaped abusive relationships, kudos to your bravery and strength. You have been incredibly brave. To the victims still trapped, please try to reach out. We are here for you.
For those wanting to support a loved one in an abusive relationship, offering empathy and a listening ear is crucial. Avoid judgment, and let them know they are not alone. Encourage them to connect with support resources, but recognize that leaving is a personal decision that may take time.
To anyone who wants to help or is in an abusive relationship, please use these resources:
– National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) | www.thehotline.org
– National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 303-839-1852 | www.ncadv.org
– National Center for Victims of Crime: 202-467-8700 | www.ncvc.org
Bangalore Blues
What is the best thing about Bangalore? Its weather.
Worst thing about Bangalore? Its traffic.
When both turn against you at the same time…You get the flooded roads of Bangalore.
In the hectic schedules of daily life, travelling through the city’s infamous traffic has created immense hustle for residents. Now, imagine when rain adds to this. Those unfamiliar with Bangalore would be shocked to see a metropolitan-like city drenched in rain, but it’s the harsh reality. With everyone busy with their nine-to-fives and limited time to commute, it’s tough for people to leave late—let alone take the day off.
On October 15th, Bengaluru experienced relentless rainfall, so the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the city under an orange alert. In response, the Karnataka government declared a school holiday the next day and advised tech companies to implement work-from-home arrangements for employees.
But the colleges, of course, were open.
The heavy rain on the 15th flooded roads, stranded vehicles, delayed public transport, and blocked major routes. Yet, students were expected to make it to college on time. Well, maybe it’s their fault for not swapping their two-wheelers for boats…
Statistically, intense rainfall often leads to widespread flooding and severe traffic disruptions; this was clearly witnessed at Manyata Tech Park, Varthur, and Hebbal. This time, in Yelahanka, Doddabommasandra Lake overflowed after a rare cloudburst, flooding ten layouts and impacting 4,000 residents. The situation prompted the NDRF and SDRF to deploy boats to rescue over 3,000 people as water levels reached over four feet in some complexes. Meanwhile, BBMP’s flood management teams have been providing essentials and working to restore internet and power. Plans are now underway to redesign stormwater drains to help mitigate future flooding.
Years of unplanned infrastructure and crowd mismanagement have given India’s IT hub, Bangalore, a surprisingly poor reputation for living conditions. People from all over the country come here seeking a better life, but with rising expenses, limited opportunities, and countless hours lost in traffic, it’s a struggle to get through the day.
Now, the question is, who is to blame? Our fate, the government? Or we, the people — who, after all, make the government and shape our fate?
