@just_pranjali.things

There is a strange thing we learn while growing up. We learn to make ourselves feel smaller. Sometimes to fit into a circle. Sometimes so that our growth doesn't make others uncomfortable. And sometimes, we don't even realise that we are doing it. Sometimes, we hide how ambitious we are because the people around us aren't as ambitious. Imagine someone who has multiple dreams. They want to be a writer. An actor. A director. Maybe even more. But they don't talk about all of it. Not because they don't believe in their dreams, but because they are afraid of being mocked. “What? You want to become all of that?” So they keep those dreams to themselves. They wait until they succeed before telling anyone. But let me tell you something. Ek life hai yaar. Kal pata nahi kya ho. Jo banna hai, isi life mein bano. And why should we limit ourselves to just one role when the universe has never set a limit on what we can dream? Maybe we were never meant to fit into just ...

If we are legally free, why do invisible expectations still have so much power over our choices? In Part 1, I talked about the invisible rules that define a “ good girl” —how she should behave, speak, dream and adjust. But here comes the bigger question: If nobody is legally stopping her, is she really being restricted? I think it isn't that simple. Because freedom isn't only about whether someone physically stops you. Sometimes, the strongest restriction is the fear inside your own mind. * Freedom ≠ Doing Whatever We Want When I say I want absolute freedom, I don't mean I want to do whatever I want without responsibility. A society where everyone does whatever they want without considering others will become chaotic. My freedom cannot mean taking away someone else's freedom. So, for me: Freedom means being able to make my own choices, express myself and pursue my dreams while respecting the law and the rights and dignity of others. And this is where the Con...

What does freedom mean when the strongest restrictions are not always written in law, but are shaped by fear, expectations and the need to be accepted? Every year, on 15 August, we celebrate independence. We celebrate the freedom our country fought for. We remember the people who sacrificed their lives so that we could live in an independent nation. But today, I want to ask something different. What does independence mean to us as individuals? To me, freedom means nothing less than absolute freedom. The freedom to make my own decisions. The freedom to express myself openly. The freedom to enjoy my life. The freedom to do the things I have always dreamed of. And most importantly— the freedom to do all of this without fear and without hesitation. But then I started thinking. Can we really call ourselves free if fear still influences our choices? Because sometimes, the things that restrict us aren't written anywhere. They don't come with a warning sign. They don't ...

Beyond Perception: Does Culture Really Divide Dreams? (Part 2) In the previous part, we questioned whether society has the right to decide which dreams deserve applause and which deserve judgment. We ended with another important question. Is this perception really a part of our culture, or have we simply mistaken stereotypes for traditions? According to me, the problem has never been dance. The problem has always been our perception of it. I believe dance is seen differently for boys because society has confused an art form with masculinity. When a boy chooses to dance, many people perceive him as feminine rather than masculine. Instead of appreciating his dedication to an art form, they begin to question his identity. But that makes me wonder... What is masculinity? Is masculinity merely physical strength? Or is it something much deeper? According to me, masculinity is not just about physical strength. It is the courage to remain true to yourself, the strength to protect o...

The Rhythm of a Dream, The Weight of Society (Part 1) No one is born with a dream. As we grow, we begin to discover what truly excites us. Some fall in love with football, others with cricket, some with music, and some with dance. Every dream is unique because every individual is unique. But what happens when society celebrates some dreams while questioning others? Now, let me ask you one more question. Who gave society the right to decide which dreams deserve applause and which deserve judgment? Among these countless dreams, some choose to express themselves through different art forms, one of which is dance. For them, a pair of ghunghroo is not merely an ornament to wear.  It is a symbol of devotion, discipline, and years of relentless practice. Every chime of the ghunghroo reflects dedication and the courage to express emotions that words alone often fail to convey. For a dancer, tying a pair of ghunghroo is more than just getting ready for a performance. It is a mom...

There is nothing wrong with wearing a ghunghat. There is also nothing wrong with choosing not to wear one. The real issue begins when a woman's choice is replaced by someone else's expectation. For generations, many of us have heard: " घर की इज़्ज़त बहू के घूँघट में होती है।" But perhaps it's time to ask a different question— Can the honour of an entire family really depend on a piece of cloth? If respect disappears the moment a woman lifts her veil, then maybe what disappeared wasn't respect—it was control disguised as tradition. «" सम्मान सिर ढकने से नहीं, नज़र उठाकर बराबरी से देखने से मिलता है।"» Traditions deserve respect when they are embraced with love. But traditions also deserve reflection. Every generation has the responsibility to preserve what is beautiful and question what is unfair. After all, many customs we once accepted without question have changed with time. Society evolved—not because people stopped respecting culture, ...

Whenever we talk about ghunghat, one word comes up again and again—respect. And honestly, respect is important. But have you ever noticed that when people talk about respect, the responsibility somehow falls more on women? A daughter-in-law is expected to cover her head in front of elders. If she doesn't, people may question her upbringing, her values, or even her character. But have we ever asked ourselves why this expectation is mostly from one side? Can respect really be proved by a piece of cloth? For me, respect has always been much bigger than appearances. It is in the way we speak. It is in the way we treat our elders. It is in listening, caring, and standing by our family. A woman may wear a ghunghat because she genuinely likes the tradition. And if that is her choice, it deserves complete respect. But if she wears it because she is afraid of being judged, criticised, or called "disrespectful," then is it really a choice? That is the question we should...

In many Indian families, a bride is welcomed with warmth, blessings, and celebrations. But for some women, the celebrations end quickly, and a list of expectations begins. "Cover your head." "Don't speak loudly." "Don't sit in front of the elders." "Keep your ghunghat longer when guests arrive." These instructions are often presented as symbols of respect. But an important question remains: If respect is meaningful, shouldn't it come from behavior rather than from a piece of cloth? A woman can be kind, humble, responsible, and respectful without covering her face. At the same time, someone wearing a ghunghat may not necessarily possess those qualities. Respect cannot be measured by appearance. The real concern is not the ghunghat itself. The concern begins when it is no longer a choice. A tradition becomes a burden when a woman fears criticism for not following it. When she worries that relatives will question her upbringi...

"Traditions tell us where we come from. Questions help us decide where we are going." There are some traditions in our society that we follow without even asking why. One of them is ghunghat. For generations, countless women have covered their heads or faces after marriage. In some homes, it is seen as a symbol of respect. In others, it is simply a family custom. And for many women, it becomes something they are expected to do from the very first day they enter their new home. But have we ever paused and asked a simple question? Is ghunghat a tradition we choose, or an expectation we inherit? This blog is not written to criticize any religion, culture, or family. Every tradition has a story, and every family has the right to preserve what they value. At the same time, every tradition deserves thoughtful reflection. Because asking questions is not the same as disrespecting culture. It is trying to understand it. What Is Ghunghat? Ghunghat is the practice of coverin...

The Invisible Prison We Never Realize We're Living In "The child grew older. The voice grew louder." Hey there! I'm Pranjali, and today I'm back with another blog. Before we begin, I want to ask you a few simple questions. How many careers were never chosen? How many dreams were abandoned? How many people became someone they never wanted to be? What if I told you that, in many cases, the answer to these questions lies in just four words? "Log Kya Kahenge?" A sentence we have heard since childhood. A sentence that has silently shaped our choices, influenced our decisions, and, at times, made us live according to society's expectations instead of our own. But have we ever stopped and asked ourselves— Who are these "Log"? And more importantly, Why do we allow their opinions to decide the direction of our lives? When Did We Stop Living for Ourselves? Was it during adulthood? Or did it begin much earlier? When...

Questioning a Practice That Turns Marriage into a Transaction «"Culture should preserve values, not justify exploitation."» Introduction What does marriage truly mean? Is it merely a transaction, or is it the union of two souls, two families, and a lifelong companionship? If marriage is built on love, trust, and mutual respect, why do financial expectations continue to define its beginning? If marriage is sacred, why do some families demand dowry, while so many others feel compelled to give it? Is it driven by greed, social pressure, the desire to outdo others, or simply the fear of " chaar log kya kahenge" if we don't participate in the practice? These questions may seem uncomfortable, but they deserve honest answers. Marriage is often described as one of the most sacred institutions, built on love, trust, commitment, and mutual respect. Yet somewhere between finding a life partner and exchanging wedding vows, conversations about money, ...