I usually write my edit note a day before we send the magazine to print. It’s like my set ritual where I sit in the middle of the night with my favourite whiskey and music and simply let my thoughts flow. It’s a very calming, happy and therapeutic process.
But writing this one feels different. I am neither happy nor calm. I am actually worried, confused, tensed and sad seeing the suffering around.
When we started planning this issue in February, things had just about started looking up for India. The first round of vaccines had been introduced, businesses were picking up, people were travelling and meeting in safe environments – there was optimism and hope in the air. We took a cue from that and decided to do a happy summer issue. But little did we know that our positivity is going to be short-lived.
The current scenario in the country has obviously put a massive dent in our spirits and it seems like we are back in April 2020, just in a much worse manner. While it’s way tougher this time around and all of us are struggling to fight this, I would urge each one of you to keep up that hope and positivity. There are enough people out there sharing depressing news… Let’s build a community that spreads good vibes and brings people together.
View this post on Instagram
Signing off with a lot of positivity and hope for a better tomorrow, I want to leave you with what keeps the ELLE India edit team going when things get tough… Stay home, stay safe.
Sonali Shah, Deputy Editor
“Besides the miles to go before I sleep, there are books to be read, places to be visited, cuisines to be enjoyed, and adventures to be had—the imminence keeps my spirits up!”
Samreen Samad, Beauty & Health Editor
“Never let a good crisis go to waste’—Winston Churchill said this more than 75 years ago but it resonates with me today. The pandemic has been a challenge in many ways, but this quote reminds me that the glass is half full.”
Pinky Akola, Creative Director
“Hope… It is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes has within him the gift of miracles.” – Samuel Smiles
Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Digital Editor
“It’s a global pandemic but thankfully it’s the little things that are truly making a difference. It’s been nice to know that baby steps like educating people, amplifying voices, supporting charities and just staying at home is, in its own way, helping the world.”
Zoha Castelino, Fashion Editor
“What definitely got me through the lockdown, and keeps me going, is my family. Lockdown had its moments, and times of introspection. I learnt to value, and celebrate my life and all the people in it.”
Ruman Baig, Senior Digital Writer
“The wound is the place where the light enters you,” perfectly sums up the current scenario. It may be painful at the moment, but hopefully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel – Rumi”
Shaeroy Chinoy, Jr. Fashion Editor
Nature reminds us – “YOU” are not necessary! Remember, you are my guests; Not my masters! The very same nature has the answer. The question is: Are we ready to listen! It may be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever. Respect nature & she will hold us united & strong: For a mother will only punish to nourish!
Pooja Khanna, Manager Brand Solutions
‘It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it’ – Seneca. “Although this is the tragedy of great consequence, this is not mankind’s first challenge. The stoic belief that just as we could sense the gripping fear of the calm before the storm, we can feel the light at the end of the tunnel, is what keeps me going.”
Ekta Ashar, Marketing Head
“I take a deep breath, and start recounting all the things that I’m grateful for. This helps me to focus on the good, which in turn gives me the strength to do whatever I can for those who need my help in these times.”
Gargi Agrawal, Digital Writer
“With the kind of news surrounding us, I often find myself mentally exhausted. To combat this, I have started writing down three things that I’m grateful for that day before I go to sleep. And I have noticed that it’s all about having a home, clean water, food and a family that’s always looking out for you. Appreciating little things has helped me to be positive in this time of crisis.”
Isha Mayer, Digital Writer
“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf”
Sonakshi Sharma, Junior Beauty Writer
“Haruki Murakami said, ‘This is what it means to live on. When granted hope, a person uses it as fuel, as a guidepost to life. It is impossible to live without hope.’ This resonates with me at my lowest and ensures the urge to survive.”
Siddhi Dolas, Fashion Assistant
“Finding joy in little things and being grateful for what I have, always inspires me to persevere. This appreciation helps me, not only to look forward to the extraordinary but also to cherish what I already have!”
Jainee Bheda, Intern
“There will always be calmness in the epicentre of a storm. Find that centre, your centre. And that will be your strength. Keep your heads up, and hold on to the light.”
Anavi Chander, Intern
“These tough times have shown me that our connections are now built on the edifice of love. Philanthropy is a genuine desire and in reaching out to others, we unearth the core in our hearts that makes us human. And that’s what will get us through this.”
Dona Wilson, Intern
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. – Saint Augustine”
Download your digital copy of ELLE’s April 2021 issue here.
