Kulsoomified

Tag: blogs by kulsoom Abid

  • Pantone and Mocha Mousse

    As we step into the fifth month of 2025, it’s clear that PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is doing more than just adding color to our walls and wardrobes—it’s setting the tone for the year. This soft, earthy brown has quietly taken over fashion ramps, interior design palettes, branding visuals, and even our favorite coffee shops. It’s warm, calm, and comforting—a perfect choice for a world that still seeks grounding and balance.

    (Picture Source: coulisse.com)

    But first, let’s understand: What is Pantone?

    The Pantone Color Institute is a global authority on color trends. It’s known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which helps designers, brands, and manufacturers match exact shades of color no matter where they are in the world. Since the year 2000, Pantone has been announcing a Color of the Year—a carefully selected shade that reflects the mood, culture, and direction of the world.

    Why does Pantone announce a Color of the Year?

    The color of the year is not just a trend—it’s a message. Pantone’s team of color experts studies fashion shows, art, film, technology, and even political movements to choose a color that represents the global spirit. In 2025, Mocha Mousse was chosen to reflect a need for simplicity, stability, and a return to nature.

    Who follows it and why?

    Rachel Zegler captured attention in a monochrome Mocha Mousse ensemble during her “Snow White” press tour in New York City. (Picture Source: Teen Vouge)

    Designers, fashion houses, makeup brands, interior decorators, and marketers all look to Pantone’s yearly choice for inspiration. It helps them stay relevant, connect emotionally with their audiences, and predict what customers will want. This year, you’ll see Mocha Mousse in earthy-toned blazers, minimalist home interiors, packaging designs, and cozy cafes with a vintage aesthetic.

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    What Is PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse?

    PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a soft, earthy brown shade that brings a sense of warmth, comfort, and timeless elegance. Chosen by the Pantone Color Institute as the Color of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse reflects a universal desire for stability and ease in a fast-paced world.

    This cozy and neutral tone feels grounded yet sophisticated — it reminds us of coffee breaks, cozy cashmere, and the calm of nature. It’s a shade that sits beautifully between luxury and simplicity, making it easy to adopt across fashion, beauty, home decor, packaging, and digital design.

    Martha Stewart and Katie Holmes spotted pairing Mocha Mousse with different colors. (Picture Source: People.com)

    Mocha Mousse is thriving in 2025 because of its versatility. Whether in the form of monochromatic fashion looks, soft furnishings like throw blankets and suede sofas, or makeup palettes with bronzy hues, it exudes approachability and natural elegance.

    Designers and brands are embracing it for its calming and nurturing appeal — a perfect companion to a year where mindfulness, sustainability, and authenticity are top priorities.

    Why is Mocha Mousse thriving in 2025?

    As lifestyles slow down and minimalism continues to trend, people are embracing natural and timeless colors. Mocha Mousse fits right in—it’s versatile, neutral, and comforting. It pairs well with soft creams, mossy greens, and even dusty pinks, making it a favorite in both fashion and decor.

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    With half the year gone, one thing’s clear: Mocha Mousse isn’t fading anytime soon. It’s grounding, warm, and quietly powerful—just what we need in 2025.

    Thank you for reading!

    Feel free to comment your views below.

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  • When South Asia Meets Sunset: IFFLA 2025’s Industry Days Promise a Cinematic Revolution

    By Kulsoom Abid

    In a world where stories cross borders before passports do, there’s a place where South Asian cinema takes center stage not just as culture, but as future. The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is back—bigger, braver, and more beautifully interconnected than ever before.

    2025 marks a cosmic expansion for IFFLA Industry Days, unfolding on May 8 and 9 at the Landmark Theatres Sunset, where narratives from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the South Asian diaspora meet the very core of Hollywood. And it isn’t just a festival—it’s a movement.

    This year’s heartbeat? IFFLA Connect—a cinematic constellation born in collaboration with Cinévesture. It’s more than a program—it’s a bridge. A handpicked bouquet of emerging and established storytellers are set to bloom on global soil. From Radhika Apte’s directorial debut Koyta to Nuhash Humayun’s bold Moving Bangladesh, the lineup whispers revolution, reels resilience, and roars representation.

    “Our focus is access,” says Noopur Sinha, Festival Producer. “These ten powerful South Asian-led projects deserve the chance to not just survive, but soar in global cinema.” And with champions like Netflix, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, Neon, and Temple Hill watching closely, the world might just listen a little more intently.

    But this festival doesn’t stop at showcasing. It dares to sculpt the future. The Launchpad: Pitch Competition returns, offering five dreamers the stage, a listening industry, and a chance at $10,000 in development funding. In a room full of believers, sometimes that’s all a story needs.

    Panels that Matter, Questions that Echo

    The Industry Days are rich with brain and soul food:

    The Human Loop panel asks: “Can storytelling stay human in the age of AI?”

    Global Vision challenges studios to look beyond Western borders, diving deep into how international voices are redefining cinematic futures.

    And in a heartfelt nod to literature and theatre, a panel on the Life of Pi stage adaptation explores how a tale from Pondicherry now moves hearts from Broadway to LA.

    Magic has a Masterclass too.

    One of the most anticipated events is “From Dhaka to Hollywood”, where South Asia’s horror whisperer Nuhash Humayun dissects how local stories can scream on global stages. From his breakout Moshari to hauntingly poetic cinema, it’s a classroom where the future listens.

    The Jury that Breathes Stories

    This year’s juries—both for features and shorts—are a soulful blend of insight and artistic fire:

    Rajshri Deshpande, known for Sacred Games and Sexy Durga

    Carla Renata, a.k.a. The Curvy Critic, whose words have shaped Variety, RogerEbert.com, and beyond

    And Maureen Bharoocha, whose lens bridges genres and hearts alike.

    With names like Priyanka Mattoo, Kausar Mohammed, and Sudeep Sharma in the mix, it’s clear: these are not gatekeepers—they’re gate-openers.

    For the Dreamers, the Believers, and the Storytellers

    IFFLA 2025 isn’t just a festival. It’s an invitation to the world to sit down, lean in, and feel the pulse of South Asia—loud, luminous, and unapologetically original. From bustling Mumbai sets to quiet Bangladeshi scripts scribbled at midnight, this is where those dreams take their first Hollywood breath.

    Passes are now live at indianfilmfestival.org.
    And for the readers of Kulsoomified: if you’ve ever believed in the poetry of film, this is your call to witness a new chapter in the language of cinema.

  • Stretching My Sorrows Away

    Stretching My Sorrows Away

    By: Kulsoom Abid

    {Picture Source: @_miss.abid_ on Instagram}

    I wake beneath the rusted bench,
    Where morning sun slips through leaves—soft, warm—
    And stretch my bones like old truths
    That still carry weight but ask no harm.

    The street yawns open with honks and feet,
    I watch life unravel on concrete.
    Children run with bread in hand,
    One tosses a crumb—my breakfast, unplanned.

    Vendors chant their daily hymns,
    A lady in red feeds pigeons near the temple rim.
    The chaiwala whistles an old film song—
    His cart smells of stories steeped too long.

    I see a man cry near the lamp post,
    His suitcase shut like a locked-up ghost.
    He pets me gently, calls me “buddy,”
    His eyes spill secrets he won’t tell anybody.

    I’ve seen police catch thieves, and goons running gangs,
    I’ve also seen protests rise like dust from marching bands.
    I once saw a bride walk out in rain,
    Laughing like sorrow had never known her name.

    Monsoons flood my little square,
    But I dance in puddles with muddy flair.
    When winter bites, I curl like ink
    In the warm story of a shopkeeper’s wink.

    They say I have no master, no home—
    Yet I’ve never felt entirely alone.
    I am painted in dust, stitched in city hum,
    A little wild hymn where no one comes.

    Still, I stretch—tail high, heart free,
    This world may bruise, but it shelters me.
    And as the sky trades gold for gray,
    I keep stretching my sorrows away.

  • What We Can Learn from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—And Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

    Every generation has its revolutionaries. But Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was more than that—he was a visionary who saw beyond his time and left behind blueprints for a just, equal, and educated world. He didn’t just fight for rights; he fought for dignity. He didn’t just write laws; he rewrote the story of India’s future.

    In today’s chaotic, divided, fast-changing world, Ambedkar’s teachings feel like a compass—pointing us toward justice, courage, and collective transformation.

    Here’s what we can still learn—and how it can change us.

    📚 1. Education is the Ultimate Weapon

    “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”

    Ambedkar’s entire life is proof that education can shatter chains. He rose from oppression to become one of the most educated men of his time, holding multiple degrees from Columbia, LSE, and more. He believed that true freedom begins in the mind.

    💡 In today’s world:

    In an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire and the education gap still divides rich from poor, Ambedkar’s belief reminds us to invest in knowledge, not just skills. To think critically. To learn—and to teach others.

    🧘🏽‍♂️ 2. Self-Respect is Non-Negotiable

    “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”

    Ambedkar didn’t just fight for Dalit rights—he fought for human dignity. He believed no man, woman, or child should bow their head due to birth, caste, or gender.

    💡 In today’s world:

    Caste-based discrimination may have changed form but it still exists. So do racism, sexism, classism. His philosophy teaches us to stand tall, to claim our self-worth, and to question systems that try to label us lesser. From rural protests to boardroom diversity conversations—his voice still guides us.

    🏛️ 3. Question Religion, Fight Injustice

    “Religion is for man and not man for religion.”

    Ambedkar’s powerful critique of religion wasn’t about denying spirituality—it was about rejecting systems that use it to justify inequality. His conversion to Buddhism was a radical act of choosing peace and equality over dogma and oppression.

    💡 In today’s world:

    With rising religious intolerance, his wisdom reminds us to separate faith from fanaticism. To choose compassion over ritual. And to create a society where religion heals, not hurts.

    📜 4. Build Institutions, Not Just Movements

    As the architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar created structures that protected the rights of all citizens. He didn’t just revolt—he rebuilt.

    💡 In today’s world:

    Activism today needs more than protests—it needs plans, policies, and perseverance. Whether you’re fighting climate change, casteism, or corruption—build things that last. Create change that outlives you. Like he did.

    🔥 5. Be Unapologetically Brave

    “Life should be great rather than long.”

    Ambedkar was never afraid to speak truth to power, even when it cost him approval, position, or peace. He didn’t wait for permission to fight for what was right.

    💡 In today’s world:

    His spirit lives on in every girl who dares to dream beyond what her village told her, every queer youth demanding visibility, every worker organizing for fair wages. Being Ambedkarite today means being bold, not bitter—and taking the road less safe but more just.

    🌍 Final Thoughts: Ambedkar is Not Just History—He’s the Future

    If you’re looking for a hero who wore no cape, spoke truth like fire, and dreamed of a world where every human is treated as human—Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is not just a chapter in your textbook. He is a mirror, a map, and a mantra for our times.

    To walk in his footsteps doesn’t mean being perfect.
    It means being awake.
    Being aware.
    Being active.

    Because the India Ambedkar dreamed of?
    It’s still being built.
    And we are the builders now.

    Thank you for reading!

  • Voices of the Bhakti Movement: Poems that Still Resonate

    As mid-April blossoms into Pohela Boishakh, Baisakhi, and Ambedkar Jayanti, we witness not just seasonal or cultural shifts—but spiritual reminders. These dates mark beginnings, harvests, revolutions of identity, and the dignity of selfhood. What better moment to revisit the deeply personal and profoundly political verses of the Bhakti Movement?

    The Bhakti saints spoke in simple tongues, but their words had the weight of mountains. They shattered caste walls, defied societal norms, and chose poetry as their protest and prayer.

    These poems weren’t written for scholars. They were written for people like us—soulful, weary, hopeful. And yes, they still speak.

    1. Mirabai – The Lover Devotee of Krishna

    Picture Source : Wikipedia

    Poem:
    “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi,
    Jaake sir mor mukut, mero pati soi.”

    Meaning:
    “My only beloved is Giridhar Gopal (Krishna), I belong to none else.
    The one who wears the peacock feather crown—that alone is my husband.”

    Why it resonates today:

    Mirabai’s defiance of patriarchal norms mirrors the journeys of modern women choosing self-love over societal pressure, or standing by partners and dreams that the world may not approve of. Her devotion is echoed in every woman choosing authenticity over conformity. In interfaith relationships, LGBTQ+ love, and bold artistic self-expression—Mira still sings.

    2. Kabir – The Weaver of Eternal Truths

    Picture Source: artofit.org

    Poem:
    “Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi,
    Jo man khoja aapna, mujhse bura na koi.”

    Meaning:
    “I went out to find evil in others, but found none.
    When I looked within myself, I realized none was worse than me.”

    Why it resonates today:

    In a digital age full of cancel culture, online outrage, and blaming others for everything—from politics to personal woes—Kabir reminds us to turn inward. This poem is a guide to emotional maturity and self-awareness. It’s a timeless push toward introspection over judgment.

    3. Tukaram – The Farmer Mystic

    Picture Source: Pinterest

    Poem:
    “Pandharicha mahatva kon jane re,
    Techi jane jyancha bhaktichya bhare.”

    Meaning:
    “Who truly knows the greatness of Pandharpur?
    Only those drenched in the flood of devotion.”

    Why it resonates today:

    Tukaram’s poetry connects deeply with today’s grassroots voices, farmers’ protests, and simple folk whose faith is their survival. His verses still sing in every rural home where belief and struggle live side by side. In a world that often ignores the rural, the underpaid, and the overlooked—Tukaram remains a voice of dignity.

    4. Andal – The Divine Girl of Tamil Bhakti

    Picture Source : Wikipedia

    Poem (from Tiruppavai):
    “Margazhi thingal madhi niraindha nannalal
    Neerada podhuvir, podhumino!”

    Meaning:
    “This is the auspicious month of Margazhi, lit with moonlight.
    Come, let us bathe and celebrate together!”

    Why it resonates today:

    Andal’s poetry feels like a call to collective feminine joy. In today’s world of sisterhood circles, girlhood revivals, women’s retreats, and sacred feminine movements, her invitation to spiritually bathe together is an ancient version of modern self-care, sisterhood, and divine femininity.

    5. Ravidas – The Voice of Equality

    Picture Source : Indian Postal Stamp, Wikipedia

    Poem:
    “Begampura sheher ka naam, dukh andohu nahi jisme dham.”

    Meaning:
    “The name of the city is Begampura—
    A city with no sorrow or suffering.”

    Why it resonates today:

    This verse is an anthem for every activist, every oppressed voice, and every dreamer of justice. It resonates during Ambedkar Jayanti when India remembers the long fight for equality. Ravidas’s “Begampura” is today’s utopia—where caste, class, and gender don’t define opportunity. It lives in protests, in policy demands, and in people who still believe a better world is possible.

    So, Why Now?

    Because we are once again in a time where:

    • Love is politicized.
    • Faith is divided.
    • Women are questioning roles.
    • The marginalized are rising.
    • And amidst the noise, the soul still longs for truth and tenderness.

    These verses are not just relics—they are resonances.
    They live in:

    • A girl posting poetry on Instagram about heartbreak and the cosmos.
    • A Dalit student topping civil services.
    • A farmer holding onto faith during floods.

    Endnote: Bhakti is not Blind

    Bhakti is not about superstition or subservience. It is about devotion as power.
    It is about surrender—not to oppression, but to truth, love, and purpose.

    This Pohela Boishakh, Baisakhi, and Ambedkar Jayanti, let us not only light lamps and wear new clothes—
    Let us light a fire of poetry inside.
    Let us listen to voices that refused to stay quiet, even centuries ago.

    Because maybe, in the quiet of your heart,
    Mirabai still weeps.
    Kabir still questions.
    Ravidas still dreams.
    Andal still sings.
    And you, dear reader, still feel.

    Thank you for reading!

  • The Importance of Multilingual Education in India

    By: Kulsoom Abid

    India is a land of linguistic diversity, with over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken across the country. Given this rich multilingual heritage, education systems in India must embrace and integrate multiple languages to ensure inclusive and effective learning. Multilingual education is not just a pedagogical choice but a necessity in a country where language plays a crucial role in identity, culture, and communication.

    Understanding Multilingual Education

    Multilingual education refers to the use of two or more languages in teaching and learning processes. In India, this is often implemented through a combination of the mother tongue, regional language, Hindi, and English. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reinforced the importance of multilingualism, advocating for instruction in the mother tongue at least until Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8.

    Benefits of Multilingual Education in India

    1. Strengthens Cognitive Development

    Children who learn in multiple languages develop stronger cognitive abilities, including better problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. Studies show that multilingual individuals tend to have enhanced memory retention and mental flexibility.

    2. Improves Learning Outcomes

    When students are taught in their mother tongue during early education, they grasp concepts more effectively. Research indicates that children learning in their native language perform better in subjects like mathematics and science compared to those who are taught in an unfamiliar language.

    3. Preserves Cultural and Linguistic Heritage

    Multilingual education helps preserve India’s linguistic diversity by ensuring that regional and tribal languages continue to thrive. It prevents language extinction and fosters a deeper appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage.

    4. Enhances Social Inclusion

    Many students, especially from rural and tribal areas, struggle with mainstream education because they are taught in a language unfamiliar to them. Multilingual education promotes inclusivity by ensuring that children from diverse linguistic backgrounds have equal access to quality education.

    5. Increases Employment Opportunities

    In a globalized world, proficiency in multiple languages opens up better job opportunities. Knowledge of English, along with regional and foreign languages, makes individuals more competitive in national and international markets.

    6. Strengthens National Unity

    India’s linguistic diversity is often seen as a challenge, but multilingual education can turn it into an asset. Encouraging students to learn multiple Indian languages fosters mutual understanding, reduces language-based discrimination, and strengthens national unity.

    Challenges in Implementing Multilingual Education

    Despite its advantages, multilingual education in India faces several challenges:

    • Shortage of trained teachers proficient in multiple languages.
    • Lack of quality educational materials in regional and tribal languages.
    • Resistance to change, with many parents preferring English as the medium of instruction.
    • Administrative hurdles in standardizing multilingual curricula across states.

    Way Forward

    To fully harness the benefits of multilingual education, India needs:

    • More teacher training programs focusing on multilingual instruction.
    • Investment in developing textbooks and digital resources in various languages.
    • Public awareness campaigns to educate parents on the benefits of mother-tongue-based learning.
    • Policy implementation and monitoring to ensure effective execution of NEP 2020’s multilingual approach.

    Conclusion

    Multilingual education is vital for India’s future, as it enhances learning, promotes inclusivity, and preserves cultural heritage. By embracing linguistic diversity in education, India can build a more knowledgeable, united, and globally competitive society. With proper implementation and awareness, multilingual education can become a powerful tool for national development, ensuring that every child, regardless of their linguistic background, receives an equitable and enriching learning experience.

    Thank you for reading!

  • 5 Stylish Bohemian Looks for Working Mothers: Stress-Free Outfits for Daily Life

    5 Stylish Bohemian Looks for Working Mothers: Stress-Free Outfits for Daily Life

    By: Kulsoom Abid

    It might be difficult to strike the ideal mix between style and functionality when you’re a busy mum. Nonetheless, adopting the bohemian style trend can provide a novel approach. Boho clothing seamlessly combines elegance and comfort with its laid-back yet trendy design, making it a great option for working mothers.

    Here are five stylish boho looks to take into consideration if you’re ready to add some bohemian flair to your wardrobe:

    Flowy Maxi Dresses

    Wear flowy maxi dresses to embrace the carefree vibe of bohemian style. These floor-length beauties radiate bohemian flair and provide the utmost in comfort. To harness those boho vibes, go for earthy tones, floral prints, or ethnic patterns. Wear with sandals or ankle boots for a casually stylish outfit that works well for everything from school runs to brunch dates.

    Accents of Tassels and Layered Fringe

    Layered fringe and tassel accessories give your ensembles a whimsical twist. These whimsical accents, like a bold necklace, a kimono with fringe, or a purse with tassels, can quickly update your appearance. They’re ideal for bringing movement and texture to your ensemble, which will effortlessly create a fun and fashionable bohemian vibe.

    Embroidered Tops and Blouses

    Wear embroidered tops and blouses to embrace the bohemian fashion artistry. These tops infuse your wardrobe with a touch of workmanship, whether they are elaborate ethnic motifs or delicate floral embroidery. For a carefree daytime appearance, pair them with jeans or shorts; alternatively, dress them up with a long skirt and bold jewellery for a bohemian-chic nighttime combination.

    Wide-Legged Palazzo Trousers

    Breathable and comfortable, wide-legged palazzo trousers are the perfect alternative to constricting narrow jeans. These flowy trousers let you move freely and appear effortlessly stylish at the same time. They are both stylish and functional. To create a well-proportioned silhouette that’s ideal for running errands or meeting friends for coffee, pair them with a cropped blouse or a fitted tank top.

    Items with a Vintage Feel

    To round off your bohemian attire, incorporate items with a Vintage feel that infuse your ensemble with nostalgia. Imagine hefty jewellery with a nostalgic feel, floppy hats, woven straw bags, and large sunglasses. These accessories not only improve your ensemble but also give it a distinctively personal touch that makes it truly you.

    Embracing bohemian design into your daily wardrobe as a working mother doesn’t have to be difficult. Flowing silhouettes, fun accents, and accessories with a vintage vibe will help you to effortlessly update your style without sacrificing functionality. So go ahead and embrace the stylish and carefree vibe of boho fashion by letting your inner bohemian goddess out!

    Note: All the Images of this blog is taken from Pinterest.

    Thank you for reading!

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  • Spring Style Spectacle Showcased

    Spring Style Spectacle Showcased

    12th April,2024

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    This article is crafted and curated by

    Kulsoomified

    Thank you for reading. Feel free to comment your suggestions and views below.

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  • Color Of The Sky

    Someone once asked me, “how would you describe the color of the sky if you were not allowed to use the words blue, cloudy, white, black and grey?’

    I thought for a while and then I picked up a pen and a paper, and this is what I came up with.

    You can find everything up there if you look for it. Grass not green and the flowers not purple, mountains not brown and rusty not a pebble. You see everything in the color of purity when it’s morning and you see everything magically colorful as the sun sets. When the night rises you fall in love with the shimmery dreams twinkling on the immensely wide canvas. The broken, the lost, the forgotten, the lovers, the poets, the over-thinkers and many others who believe in magic, look up at the vastness with hope and paint their dreams.

    So, if you ask me what is the color of the sky? I would say it is colorless. And every tint, tone or shade you see there is purely of dreams, wishes, hopes, and imaginations.

    -Kulsoom Abid

    Thank you for reading.

  • Villain

    Everytime I look at you

    I feel like you are someone I have been looking for ages,

    I want to hold you close

    But I am scared you will overcome me Just like different stages,

    And what if you change like Moon’s phases.

    I don’t wanna lie to you, But the Satan in me loves to do.

    I guess the Poetries will always remain, The only place I can spil all my truths.

    The truths that are dark, The stories that make me a villain

    The tales that can hide the angel in me

    And show the traits of the devil.

    Maybe Villains don’t deserve love, And maybe I also don’t

    Maybe they are forever judged, And maybe they are always doomed.

    But no matter what I do or where I go

    The eternal truth is,

    I am and will always be

    in Love with You.

    -©Kulsoom Abid

    Thank you for reading