HOW IT STARTED
On the evening of 24th March 2020, the Hon'ble PM of India announced that the country would go into complete lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the very next day. About a month later, on 30th April 2020, I was asked to write my first ever scientific blog comparing the Alps and the Himalayas from the perspective of an Earth Scientist to be published in The Qrius Rhino. I was too bored at home as my online classes had just begun, and I agreed to give it a try. I collaborated with a dear friend of mine and successfully completed it. This gave me confidence, and I wrote my second article for the same blog on a topic I was pretty familiar with. On 19th May 2020, I was introduced to Scicatalyst for the first time by Ananya, one of the editors there. A text of 'Would you like to contribute something?' from her changed everything. Little did I know that I'd develop an interest in writing and (virtually) meet and interact with some fantastic people. I then began working on my first published article and had some excellent experience with the editors. In late June, one fine evening, I called my roommate Atul and ranted for about an hour about how I felt so useless at home. I complained that people around me were utilizing their time doing useful things while I wasn't doing much. My 21st birthday was fast approaching, and I wanted to do something different and start something new. By then, I had worked with Scicatalyst on two articles and learned some basics, just enough to start writing things, which led to Carte Blanche's creation.
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I am a curious person and have had tons of questions in my mind most of the time. Books have been a constant companion all my life, thanks to my mother's efforts in my early years. With enough time at hand, I have read many books that I've wanted to. I had also made a couple of reading buddies with whom I shared a similar interest. I have begun to enjoy the process of reading new things and sharing all of my thoughts with my readers. Being a Science student, I have started the task of explaining complicated phenomena in simple words, hoping that it would ignite the spark of curiosity in the minds of my readers. With restaurants closed and the fear of contracting the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus, like many others out there, I began experimenting with cooking techniques using limited ingredients and leftovers. Cooking has been therapeutic for me and has helped me through the taxing days of the pandemic. An accidental discovery of the Python Turtle package amidst the pandemic opened up a new platform to showcase the little artistic talent I possess. With the help of few friends like Atul, Anshuman and others who supported me initially, I was able to get my very own website. Carte Blanche is truly my little passion project, gaining more and more traction each day. I hope you enjoy browsing my site and all of the contents I have to offer. Take a look around; perhaps you'll discover what fuels you as well. Read on and enjoy!