Poetry from students at East West Public School in Bangalore, India

Love Songs and Bloodbath

                 Std. 7 A and B

          East West Public School 

               Subramanyanagar

                  Bangalore

                      India 

            English Lab. depth. 

               Classwork activity 

                      45 mins. 

     Marathon Poetry Carpet Weaving 

“(The power of the pen vs The power of the sword) *

 The power of the sword kills the person

 It doesn’t change the world 

It leads to a valueless balance ,

Bloodshed, hatred and violence.

The sword may rule the world with fear,

The pen shows power and calls another ‘ My Dear.’

The pen shows your signature,

 The sword shows your anger 

 evilness and makes you a greedy. 

 The pen shows that you’re capable of much more,

No way less than the other.

You can erase if you make a mistake.

it’s a big success in itself.”

The sword plays a cruel game 

 it can never be successful. 

Zoya

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

1. Sword wages war and another brings peace through writings.

2. There’s a line in a Kannada movie: “Give a man a gun and he’ll become a terrorist, but give him a pen and he’ll write history.”

3. A great warrior with a sword was Shivaji Maharaj, while Rabindranath Tagore wrote the Indian National Anthem with a pen, stealing our hearts.

4. Kempe Gowda won freedom with his sword on the battleground, while Rashtrakavi Kuvempu wrote the Nada Geethe, stealing every Kannadiga’s heart.

Dhruva 7A

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

  Sword harm people and it can even kill  

The pen is used to change the world and even our future 

Chaitanya. C Reddy 

“Pen is with ink, sword is with blood

Pen gives us education, sword gives us bravery

Many battles have sword with blood, but pen is only with different inks

Pen is beautiful but sword is dangerous

Pen brings people together but sword eliminates people”

Prajitha 7B

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

“A pen can write for a person and ‘kill’ their problems.

What can kill many people in one shot? A sword.

Kings had both- favourite swords to kill, Wise quill pens to write their will. 

A pen can bring many people together to write.

A sword is a great ‘ chopper’,

A pen makes a person a topper.”

Charan.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

A pen’s power goes beyond writing ✍️

Rana Pratap’s sword claim to fame . Guru Nanak’s words, Calms the brain. 

Pen’s subtle, sword’s the brave 

Pen’s for thinkers, sword’s the action 

Might of ideas vs. might of blade 

Dasharath.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pens will build society but swords destroy society The pens lead a Person’s life smartly,         

  where as swords lead the person’s life foolishly.   

 Dhanyatha

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

……….

“Pen is mightier than the sword”

Pen, oh my pen, you helped me discover

Pen, oh my pen, you are so powerful

Pen, oh my pen, you’ll help me still

You’ll be alive

Pen, oh my pen, you’re helping me get a good place in society

Pen, oh my pen, the education you’re giving me is wonderful

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me in war

Sword, oh my sword, you are very scary

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me, though the war has ended

Sword, oh my sword, you helped me be a good warrior

Sword, oh my sword, the help you gave saved my life in war

……

Madan

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

……

There is a saying that ‘ a pen is mightier than the sword.’

A knight comes with a sword but a writer conquers with a pen. 

One for destruction ,the other for construction.  

The sword spills blood but the pen spreads divine energy. 

DHRUTHI. 

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A pen is not just an object; it is the object that changes our life.

– A sword is not only for killing; it showcases our skills, personality, bravery, and fearlessness.

Parikshith

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A sword defends us in war and helps us win, but a pen fights with letters and creates a beautiful poem.

– A pen decides an author, and a sword decides a king.

– A pen attracts us to write, and a sword forces us to fight.

– A pen designs something, and a sword destroys something.

– A pen is a letter of love, and a sword is a letter of of doom.

Pratigna

…………….

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

The sword v/s the pen The power of sword can kill hurt and create fear in many but a pen as the power to change the story of your imagination

Adi

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pen can open the eyes of the world

A sword can close them forever.

A pen can open up a heart but the sword shuts it down. 

Pen can change history and the sword too can change it too. 

Sword brings sorrow pens bring joy. 

Pen can build a new future for us and the Sword builds new kingdoms. 

Krithika.  

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

A pen carries ink in itself and can splash it on paper

A sword has nothing , it drinks blood and vomits. 

Vivian

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

The power of pen decides our future

Swords may decide life in a wrong way. 

A pen gives life. 

A sword takes life. 

Srishkand.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Pen can design beauty 

Sword hunts for blood. 

Surag.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

Power of pen vs Power of sword

The power of pen and the power of sword are equal but there is just one difference.It is that the sword is powerful in reality and a pen is powerful in imagination.A pen is a signal of love and sword is a signal of mayhem 

Sricharan K.Y.

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

 If we give a pen to a person it is a gift but if we give a sword to a person it is a weapon.

 A sword will create pain in a person ‘s heart but a pen will create hope in a person ‘s heart.

A sword kills people but the pen writes beautiful stories of lives. A sword sends a letter of horror and sorrow but a pen writes a letters love and joy.

Hasini

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

– A pen can create an author, and a sword can make a king.

– A pen is filled with ink, while a sword is stained with blood.

– A pen helps us write, but a sword helps us win battles.

– A pen writes ink on paper, and a sword spills blood on the ground.

– Pens come in different colors, but a sword’s color is just one – blood.

©️ Yashitha GR

S- word carries a ‘Special word.’ 

Sharp on edges

 it runs through

butter.

Rough as boulders

but breaks no bones.

Sweet at times laced with hemlock

Time it well by the clock.

Pen reaches the blind end with a dyslexic ‘d’

Perfect is life 

in its natural deformity. 

Black Buddha.

For project 

Youth and 

POETRY EAST WEST PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMIC ADVISER INT.ISA COORDINATOR 

GRACE SITHARAMAN

Essay from Brian Barbeito on his new book Of Love and Mourning

Screenshot


Mini Essay on The Book of Love and Mourning (prose poems and photographs)

87 pages print 

105 pages electronic 

colour photography 

independent 

publication, (February 2026)

-Brian Barbeito

The book is out and a copy arrived. I think it’s well done in content (the writings and photos) and the physical book looks and feels nice. A large softcover work, perfect to go on coffee tables or carry around, not dissimilar to the first two collections, Still Some Crazy Summer Wind Coming Through, and When I Hear the Night. The covers and the yellow of this one are cheerful and upbeat, positive. 

Plus, it’s different, interesting, and unique. Inside and the actual book as I said. When I think of it; who needs another book that looks like all other books? There are millions that look so regular. Something different has been done! For instance, there are not nearly as many ‘prose’ poets as there are regular poets in the poetry worlds. Secondly, the poet is the photographer and it’s his work (my work), on the covers and throughout. 

Everything about it is original. 

If Tara hadn’t put this volume together, though I had written and photographed and compiled the manuscript, I don’t know if I could have. It takes patience and some technical skill and learning. Also, there is a picture of Bear and one of Paws (next to Raquel’s artwork, a painting of dogs on the wall beside Paw’s cat tree in the picture). So, Bear, nearer the start of his life, represents new beginnings, and Paws closer to the end of his life, the last chapter if one will, is seen dignified and independent and is remembered, honoured, immortalized through this photograph. Love and mourning. We love them of course when they are with us, and we mourn their loss. 

The book works on several levels. Poetry book. Photography book. Travel companion. Coffee table work. Conversation piece. Honoring the past. Acknowledging the present. And looking to the future…

-Brian Barbeito 

February 2026. 

Screenshot

Essay from Suyunova Zuhra Oybekovna

The Importance of Teaching Writing Skills in English Language Learning

Abstract

Writing is one of the most important skills in English language learning because it allows learners to express ideas clearly, logically, and accurately. Writing plays a vital role in academic success and professional communication. This article explores the significance of teaching writing skills in English language classrooms, the role of writing in language development, common challenges faced by learners, effective teaching approaches, and the teacher’s role in improving students’ writing competence.

Keywords: writing skills, English language learning, academic writing, process writing, language development

Introduction

In the modern world, English has become a global language used in education, science, technology, and international communication. Among the four basic language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—writing is considered one of the most complex and challenging skills to master. Writing requires learners to generate ideas, organize thoughts, use appropriate vocabulary, and apply grammatical rules accurately.

For students learning English as a foreign language, writing is essential for academic achievement. Essays, reports, exams, and research papers all require strong writing skills. Therefore, teaching writing should be given special attention in English language education.

The Role of Writing in Language Learning

Writing plays a crucial role in developing overall language proficiency. Through writing activities, learners practice grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary in a meaningful context. Writing helps students internalize language forms and improve accuracy.

Moreover, writing enhances critical thinking skills. When learners write, they analyze information, organize ideas logically, and express opinions clearly. Writing also improves learners’ reading skills, as good writers are often careful readers. Thus, writing supports integrated language development.

Common Challenges in Learning Writing Skills

Many English language learners struggle with writing due to several factors. Limited vocabulary is one of the most common problems, making it difficult for students to express ideas effectively. Grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, and lack of coherence are also frequent challenges.

Another major difficulty is learners’ fear of making mistakes. When teachers focus too much on error correction, students may lose confidence and motivation. As a result, they may avoid writing tasks. These challenges highlight the need for supportive and effective teaching strategies.

Approaches to Teaching Writing

One of the most effective methods of teaching writing is the process-based approach. This approach views writing as a continuous process that includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, and finalizing. Students are encouraged to focus on ideas first and improve accuracy gradually.

Another useful approach is genre-based writing, which helps learners understand different types of texts such as essays, letters, reports, and narratives. Teachers provide models and guide students in analyzing structure and language features.

Collaborative writing and peer feedback are also effective techniques. They encourage interaction, improve motivation, and help learners learn from each other.

The Teacher’s Role in Developing Writing Skills

Teachers play a central role in teaching writing. They should act as facilitators, guiding students through the writing process. Providing clear instructions, sample texts, and constructive feedback is essential.

Teachers should create a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing ideas. Choosing interesting topics and allowing creativity can significantly improve learners’ writing performance. Continuous practice and encouragement help students develop confidence and competence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing skills are an essential component of English language learning. Writing supports language development, academic success, and effective communication. Although writing is challenging, the use of appropriate teaching methods and supportive classroom practices can greatly improve learners’ writing abilities. Therefore, teaching writing should remain a key focus in English language education.

References

Harmer, J. (2004). How to Teach Writing. Longman.

Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Pearson Education.

Hyland, K. (2003). Second Language Writing. Cambridge University Press.

Richards, J. C., & Renandya, W. A. (2002). Methodology in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Nunan, D. (1999). Second Language Teaching and Learning. Heinle & Heinle.

Suyunova Zuhra Oybekovna was born on October 25, 2006, in Toyloq district of Samarkand region. She graduated from Secondary School No. 27 in her district. Currently, she is a second-year undergraduate student at Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.

From a young age, Zuhra has been highly interested in learning languages and communicating independently in them. As a result of her dedication and strong motivation, she can now speak four languages and has obtained relevant certificates.

Her articles on various topics are regularly published in mass media. Zuhra’s goal is to learn even more languages in the future, travel to foreign countries, and continue her professional activities on an international level.

Essay from Suyunova Fotima Oybekovna

Safeguarding the Planet: Environmental Protection as a Normative Obligation of Global Society

Suyunova Fotima Oybekovna

Student of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages                                        

English faculty, XTA, 2407 group

Abstract: In this study, I examine environmental protection as a normative moral obligation of global society within the context of accelerating ecological degradation. Moving beyond purely economic and regulatory interpretations, I argue that environmental preservation constitutes an ethical imperative grounded in justice, intergenerational equity, and human rights. Through qualitative normative analysis and interdisciplinary reflection on environmental ethics, sustainability theory, and global governance frameworks, I demonstrate that ecological collapse represents not merely a scientific crisis but a profound moral failure. My findings suggest that safeguarding the planet must be institutionalized as a universal ethical commitment embedded within political institutions, economic systems, and social values.

Keywords: environmental ethics, sustainability, global responsibility, moral obligation, intergenerational justice, ecological crisis

1. Introduction

In the contemporary era, I observe that environmental degradation has evolved into a multidimensional crisis affecting ecological systems, economic stability, and social cohesion. Climate change intensifies extreme weather events, biodiversity loss destabilizes ecosystems, and pollution undermines public health worldwide. While environmental protection is frequently framed as a matter of policy regulation or technological innovation, I contend that such perspectives underestimate its normative dimension. In my view, the Anthropocene — an epoch characterized by significant human impact on planetary systems — compels humanity to reassess its ethical responsibilities toward nature. The unprecedented scale of human-induced environmental transformation has altered the moral landscape of global society. Because our collective actions now shape atmospheric chemistry, ocean composition, and terrestrial ecosystems, I argue that environmental protection must be regarded as a binding moral duty rather than a discretionary political agenda. This research therefore seeks to answer the following question: Why should safeguarding the planet be conceptualized as a normative obligation of global society?

2. Literature Review

In reviewing existing scholarship, I find that environmental ethics provides the foundational framework for understanding moral responsibility toward nature. Scholars such as Aldo Leopold (1949) introduced the concept of the “land ethic,” arguing that humans are members rather than masters of the ecological community. This perspective redefined moral consideration to include ecosystems and non-human life. Contemporary philosophers such as Hans Jonas (1984) further developed the idea of responsibility in the technological age, asserting that humanity’s expanded power requires an expanded ethical framework. Jonas emphasized the “principle of responsibility,” according to which technological societies must act cautiously to preserve the conditions necessary for future life. Additionally, sustainability discourse, particularly as articulated in the Brundtland Report (1987), introduced the concept of intergenerational equity, defining sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations. This framework significantly strengthened the normative dimension of environmental policy. More recent studies in climate justice literature argue that environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized populations and developing nations. Scholars highlight the ethical necessity of distributive justice in climate mitigation and adaptation policies. Despite extensive research on environmental governance and sustainability, I observe that many policy-oriented approaches treat environmental protection as pragmatic necessity rather than explicit moral obligation. My study seeks to contribute to the literature by synthesizing environmental ethics and global governance discourse to demonstrate that environmental protection is normatively binding.

3. Methods

In conducting this study, I adopted a qualitative normative methodology rooted in conceptual analysis and interdisciplinary integration rather than empirical experimentation. I began by systematically clarifying key concepts, including “normative obligation,” which I define as a morally binding duty derived from universalizable ethical principles, and “environmental stewardship,” understood as responsible, precautionary, and sustainable interaction with ecological systems. I then applied foundational ethical principles—harm prevention, distributive justice, intergenerational equity, and human rights-based reasoning—to contemporary environmental phenomena such as climate change, biodiversity decline, and transboundary pollution. By examining whether environmental protection satisfies established criteria for moral obligation within philosophical discourse, I constructed a comprehensive ethical argument demonstrating that ecological preservation transcends voluntary activism and enters the domain of moral necessity. This approach allowed me to integrate philosophical reasoning with socio-political analysis, thereby producing a coherent normative framework that positions environmental protection as an ethical imperative for global society.

4. Results

My analysis reveals that environmental protection fulfills multiple interrelated conditions required for classification as a normative obligation. First, the principle of harm prevention establishes a compelling moral mandate, as environmental degradation generates foreseeable and preventable suffering in the form of intensified natural disasters, displacement, food insecurity, water shortages, and public health crises. Because such harms are largely anthropogenic, failing to mitigate them constitutes ethical negligence rather than unfortunate inevitability. Second, intergenerational justice introduces a temporal dimension of responsibility, compelling present societies to consider the rights and life prospects of future generations who lack representation in current political processes yet will bear the long-term consequences of ecological mismanagement. Third, environmental degradation undermines fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, security, and adequate living conditions, thereby transforming ecological preservation into a matter of safeguarding human dignity. Finally, the transboundary nature of environmental systems demonstrates that ecological harm is inherently global, necessitating collective accountability among nations, institutions, corporations, and individuals. Taken together, these findings substantiate the claim that safeguarding the planet is not discretionary but normatively binding within any coherent ethical framework.

5. Discussion and Implications

Reflecting upon these findings, I maintain that the ecological crisis exposes structural deficiencies within prevailing economic and political paradigms that prioritize short-term growth and profit maximization over long-term sustainability. The normalization of environmental externalities—whereby ecological costs are displaced onto vulnerable communities or future generations—reveals a profound moral imbalance embedded within global capitalism. I argue that technological innovation and regulatory reforms, while indispensable, remain insufficient without a corresponding ethical transformation that redefines humanity’s relationship with nature. Educational systems must cultivate ecological literacy and moral awareness; international institutions must strengthen cooperative governance mechanisms; corporations must internalize environmental accountability within strategic decision-making; and individuals must adopt sustainable consumption patterns. In my view, redefining progress in terms of ecological resilience, social justice, and long-term sustainability rather than mere economic accumulation represents a necessary paradigm shift. Ultimately, environmental stewardship reflects civilizational maturity, as it demonstrates humanity’s capacity for foresight, solidarity, and ethical responsibility in the face of existential risk.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, I assert that environmental protection constitutes a normative obligation of global society. The ecological crisis is fundamentally a moral challenge requiring ethical evolution alongside scientific and technological innovation. Through the principles of harm prevention, intergenerational justice, human rights protection, and global solidarity, I demonstrate that safeguarding the planet is an ethical necessity. The future of humanity depends not only on our technological capabilities but on our moral commitments. Recognizing environmental protection as a binding normative responsibility is essential for ensuring sustainable and equitable global survival.

Poetry from J.J. Campbell

Author J.J. Campbell White man with a large beard and a black tee shirt and eyeglasses stands in a bedroom with posters in the wall.
Author J.J. Campbell

——————————————————–

ankles to neck

one of those nights

where arthritis tells

you, you should’ve

died young

a constant pain

ankles to neck

gin used to dull

this fucker

but those days

are long gone

as always something

stronger is needed

there has to be

a bent spoon

around here

somewhere

a little glass mirror

that hasn’t been

broken in some

psychotic rage

the next door

neighbor is

a gypsy

i’m sure she’ll

have something

of course, she’s

younger

only takes digital

currency

————————————————————–

the new normal

tornado warning

in february

there’s still snow

on the fucking

ground

they say this is

supposed to be

the new normal

i guess for the

first time in

my life

i can officially

say

i’m too old

for this shit

——————————————————-

overtime

bloody teeth on the ice

a nation lets go of forty

six years of frustration

i believe whitman would

call it a barbaric yawp

i would say i screamed

in ecstasy

something i have been

waiting for since i was

four years old

but for at least one

sunday in february

the boys will be

known as golden

—————————————————–

a secret to be kept

remember the first woman

you took to get an abortion

she was a friend that never

asked for any money

only for a secret to be kept

and it has

we, the lost souls of the

nineties

kids in the streets

or the kids that thought

they knew the streets

dealing drugs in the

apartments

running cocaine across

three towns at four in

the morning

most of us made it out

alive

some of us had no choice

but to die young

i look at the old photos

still remember the names

and the good times

but don’t know where

any of them are anymore

just how they like it

———————————————————-

keeps you up at night

the voice of an angel

enough baggage to take

a few years off your life

of course you’re in love

the ache in your soul

that keeps you up

at night

the endless questions

that have no answers

she sends her love every

morning so many miles

away

promises to come find

you before you die

you’re old enough

to know

a promise really means

nothing until it does

all the scars have a story

every heartbreak has

a song

life keeps turning the

page until the story

runs out

hopefully, we have

a few more chapters

to write

———————————————————–

jcampb4593@aol.com

https://evildelights.blogspot.com

https://goodreads.com/jjthepoet

Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews painter Vivian Daouti

Tell us about yourself, dear Vivian.

How did you start painting? 

Painting entered my life at a very young age as a way to express my emotions.

 What is your inspiration?

 My inspiration is the human being, feelings, and even something simple like a song.

2. What is the message you want to give through your art? 

Through my works, I want to capture the viewer’s interest and create a feeling, either positive or negative.

Where is your inspiration coming from?

 My inspiration comes from my daily life and my emotions.

3. Do you believe that new generation is creating art? 

I believe that the new generation has talent and creativity

Do we have good painters or not? 

There are many remarkable young artists who create with passion and authenticity.

4. How have you felt when you see your Art awarded in Art media event this February?

It was a moment of emotion and gratitude. I felt that the effort and love I put into my creations were recognized. At the same time, it was a motivation to continue with even greater strength.

5. Do you want to share with our readers a phrase that changed your life:

“Live in the present and do not be afraid of the future.”

6. What is your future project?

In the future, I would like to study at the School of Fine Arts and then continue to be actively involved in the art field.

…..

Biography 

Vivian Daouti is 19 years old and comes from Platanos, Ancient Olympia, Greece. She is a high school graduate and currently in her second semester at the Educational Union (SAEK) of Athens. She holds a Proficiency diploma in English and is a self-taught painter.

At the age of 17, she participated in a painting exhibition for the first time, where she received an award and highly positive reviews, while several of her works entered private collections. Despite her young age, she has already taken part in twenty-four group exhibitions in Greece and abroad — Austria, Istanbul, Turkey, Athens, Pyrgos, Naousa, Paros, Syros, Ancient Olympia — earning distinctions and honorary awards.

In March 2025, she received the 1st Audience Award at the Pan-European Dreamteam Competition at the War Museum of Athens. The award was presented by the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Mr. Aris Panagiotopoulos. On the occasion of this distinction, the Metropolitan of Ilia, Mr. Athanasios, as well as the Directorate of Secondary Education of Ilia, sent her congratulatory letters for her artistic course and for representing her school at the art exhibition in Istanbul.

In August 2025, she participated in a group exhibition in Ancient Olympia that lasted 24 days and attracted high attendance and warm reviews.

In September 2025, she held her first solo exhibition at the Latsio Municipal Hall of the Municipality of Pyrgos, which drew impressive attendance and very positive feedback from the public and art institutions.

In January 2026, she presented her second solo exhibition in Ilioupoli, Attica, with great success.

In February 2026, she was awarded for the second consecutive year with the 1st Audience Award at the Pan-European DREAMTEAM Art Competition at the War Museum of Athens.

Her works have been published in collectible books, international painting volumes, as well as in print and digital media. At the same time, she participates with her work in the commemorative French edition of the historical volume on the life of the Dredes.

She is a collaborator of the creative group “Grypiotis Collection.”

Her goal is to study at the School of Fine Arts and to explore different cultures through travel, exhibitions, and museums around the world.

Essay from Sultonaliyeva Go’zaloy Ilhomjon qizi

Tourism and Its Impact: Economic, Cultural, and Environmental Dimensions


Abstract
Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing global industries, influencing economic development, intercultural communication, and environmental sustainability. This paper examines the multidimensional impacts of tourism through a qualitative analytical approach based on existing scholarly literature and international tourism reports. The study identifies tourism as a significant
driver of economic growth, a facilitator of cultural exchange, and a factor that can both protect and threaten the natural environment.

The findings suggest that sustainable tourism practices are essential to balance economic benefits with social and ecological responsibilities.


Keywords: tourism, economic impact, cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, environmental impact

Introduction
Tourism plays a vital role in the modern globalized world. Increased mobility, globalization, and digital accessibility have enabled millions of people to travel across borders annually. Countries increasingly rely on tourism as a source of income, employment, and international cooperation. However, tourism also produces social and environmental challenges that require responsible management.
The purpose of this paper is to analyze tourism from three major perspectives: economic contribution, cultural interaction, and environmental consequences. The study aims to demonstrate
that tourism is beneficial when managed sustainably but potentially harmful when uncontrolled.

Literature Review
Previous studies indicate that tourism contributes significantly to national GDP and employment rates (UNWTO, 2023). According to economic development theories, tourism stimulates local markets by increasing demand for transportation, accommodation, and services (Sharpley, 2018).


In developing countries, tourism is often considered a catalyst for regional development (Scheyvens, 2019).
From a cultural perspective, tourism promotes intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding (Smith & Richards, 2017). Cultural tourism allows visitors to experience traditions, festivals, cuisine, and heritage, strengthening global awareness and tolerance. However, researchers warn that commercialization may threaten cultural authenticity (Cohen, 1988).


Environmental studies highlight both positive and negative outcomes. Ecotourism supports conservation and environmental education (Weaver, 2001). Conversely, overtourism causes pollution, biodiversity loss, and infrastructure pressure (Gössling et al., 2019).

Methodology
This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method. Data is collected through analysis of international tourism reports, academic journals, and case studies. The method focuses on comparative analysis of tourism effects across economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions.

The research does not rely on primary field surveys but synthesizes existing reliable academic sources.

Economic Impact of Tourism
Tourism significantly contributes to national and local economies. It generates employment in hotels, restaurants, transportation services, entertainment sectors, and small businesses. Many countries depend on tourism revenue as a major component of GDP. For example, Mediterranean countries benefit greatly from seasonal tourism activities.


Tourism also supports entrepreneurship. Local artisans, guides, and small enterprises benefit from tourist spending. Infrastructure development such as airports, roads, and communication networks
often improves due to tourism demand, benefiting residents as well as visitors. However, economic dependency on tourism may create vulnerability during crises such as pandemics or political instability. Therefore, diversification of the economy remains necessary.

Cultural Exchange and Social Influence
Tourism fosters intercultural communication by enabling people from different backgrounds to interact. Travelers learn about local customs, languages, and traditions, while host communities gain exposure to global cultures. This exchange promotes tolerance and global awareness. Nevertheless, cultural commodification may occur when traditions are modified solely to satisfy tourist expectations. Maintaining authenticity while accommodating visitors is essential. Community-based tourism models help protect cultural heritage by involving local residents in decision-making processes.

Environmental Impact
Tourism affects natural ecosystems in multiple ways. Responsible tourism supports conservation programs, national parks, and heritage protection. Ecotourism initiatives encourage environmental
awareness among travelers. In contrast, uncontrolled tourism leads to overcrowding, waste production, water consumption, and habitat destruction. Popular destinations often suffer from environmental degradation due to excessive visitor numbers. Sustainable management strategies such as visitor limits, recycling programs, and eco-friendly accommodations are necessary.

Discussion
The findings demonstrate that tourism is neither entirely positive nor negative. Its impact depends on planning and regulation. Sustainable tourism integrates economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. Governments, businesses, and tourists share responsibility in maintaining balance.

Conclusion

Tourism remains a crucial global industry with powerful economic, cultural, and environmental effects. When properly managed, it supports development, cultural understanding, and conservation. However, without sustainable policies, tourism may damage communities and ecosystems. Future tourism strategies must prioritize sustainability to ensure long-term benefits for both travelers and host societies.

References
Cohen, E. (1988). Authenticity and commoditization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research.
Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2019). Global tourism and environmental change. Routledge.
Scheyvens, R. (2019). Tourism for Development. Routledge.
Sharpley, R. (2018). Tourism, tourists and society. Routledge.
Smith, M., & Richards, G. (2017). The Routledge Handbook of Cultural Tourism.
UNWTO. (2023). International Tourism Highlights.
Weaver, D. (2001). Ecotourism. Wiley.