Welcome to The Body Issue. The human body, in all its functions, is one of the most complex and fascinating forms in nature. A wonderland. And yet, in everyday narratives and mainstream culture, the body is largely viewed through the paltry lens of vanity. We see it as a clothes horse, to decorate with clothes. We put our body on diets, so it can meet societal expectations. We sexualise, adorn, fix, and compare our anatomy, sometimes forgetting that essentially, it is a valuable holder of physical power; a tool for us to survive and thrive and interpret the wonders of our world. In the wise words of authors Dr Lexie Kite and Dr Lindsay Kite, “Your body is an instrument, not an ornament”. It is a celebration of the body that forms Bazaar India’s theme this month. Our covergirl Huma Qureshi has been photographed unlike ever before—in swimwear and her natural glory—and the results are raw, real, and delightful. She admits that this Bazaar India cover is a welcome change. “It is so powerful for me, and so strong, not because it is just about being sexy and beautiful, but also because it is about celebrating my own body and womanhood without pandering to the male gaze or conforming to certain ideas of it.” Elsewhere in the issue, we explore other facets of the human form, including but not limited to the mind-body connection. In The Power Of Female Form, a portfolio of six remarkable women come together to pen thoughtful essays on learning to love the body, defying cultural expectations, and reclaiming agency over oneself. And in The Art of Pleasure, Mythologist and Sexual Health Educator Seema Anand encourages Bazaar India readers to reconnect with their bodies and “learn how to ‘think’ pleasure, so it can manifest in the body.” And finally, I invite you to soak in our swimsuit special, which showcases a diverse selection of models and body shapes. I hope this issue inspires you to hold up a mirror to your relationship with your own body. And I hope it strengthens your resolve to be kinder to every bit of yourself.