Women Era

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com
JULY (FIRST) 2012 ` 35
LEARN THE
ART OF MARRIAGE
36-24-36 INSPIRES ARTISTS BECOMING A
HOW & WHY GREAT MIL
FOR WOMEN
NAME MEANS
EVERYTHING
WHERE DO
NGO FUNDS GO
HOW TO BREAK
FEAR IN KIDS
ACIDITY LIGHTLY WHAT TO EXPECT
DONT TAKE
DURING MENOPAUSE
HOW TO BE A
TRUE VEGGIE
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Vol 39, Issue No. 926
JULY (FIRST) 2012
CONTENTS
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath
(1917-2002)
womansera.com
88
BAGS FOR ALL
THE OTHER SIDE OF AN NGO

Kritika Pandey
WHATS IN A NAME
Kasturi Rangachari
14
36
MAKE YOUR DIL FEEL AT HOME

Leena Kundnani
ARTICLES
ACIDITY & HEARTBURN
Mita Banerjee
20
35 TIPS FOR A HOTTER YOU!

Mehak Siddiqui
24
FEAR OF FAILURE IN CHILDREN

Sudha Narayan
44 PROTECT YOUR EYES

Dr Narender Kumar
90 A REAL MEDITATOR
Suman Bajpai
96 VOICING BEAUTY ON CANVAS

Suman Bajpai
THE HOUR-GLASS FIGURE

Pradeep Kumar Basu
THE AAM IS REALLY KHAASS

Maharaaj K. Kaul
28
THE LAND OF LOVE & SURPRISE

Vartika Nanda
COOKERY
56 SEASONAL HUNGAMA

THE HORRORS OF GELATIN

Maneka Gandhi
FICTION
30 THE NOSE RING
Wyn Shetty
72 THE WOMAN WHO WOULDNT STOP SEARCHING

Kasturi Rangachari
46 ALICE IN CYBERLAND (PART-20)

Anoop Verma
A MOMENT OF STRENGTH
Sarita Mathur
Caviar Pakoras Vegetable Cutlets Fruity Kulfi or Frozen Moulds Chicken in Milk and Cashews Cheesy Bonanza Relish with Mango and Arricots Litchi Rice Rasgollas with Stewed Apricots Idlis in Curd and Cucumber Aam Pana Coconut Milk Kulfi Stuffed Stewed Apples Mixed Seasonal Vegetables
Vegetable
cutlets
SEASONAL
hungama
If you like al to use season vegetables and fruits in your follow regular diet, the recipes to t add a differen
By Roma Ghosh
Caviar pakoras
lemon juice 1 tsp more your taste salt to taste
as per
Fruity kulfi
or frozen moulds
IN CHICKEN MILK AND CASHEWS

5 cloves s 4 cardamom corns 10-12 pepper 1 piece cinnamon 1/ piece star anise 2 cream 11/ 2 cups thick 11/ 2 cups milk paste 3 tbsp cashew powder 2 tsp pepper 1 tbsp ghee salt to taste
and exciting food. touch to your
CAVIAR PAKORAS
heat to Lower the are one time. that the pakoras medium so with ketchup, or crispy. Serve pickled onions chutney or aachar.
INGREDIENTS: egg 250 gm fish finely 1 onion chopped chillies green 2 chopped gramflour 1 cup besan frying for mustard oil salt to taste
VEGETABLE CUTLETS
INGREDIENTS: paneer cottage 1 cup grated
METHOD beans, grated Place the potatoes and mashed blender capsicums and run the the in a blender so that all other. for a few seconds mix into each and add ingredients a mixing bowl crumbs, Remove to cheese, bread the grated juice and and lemon salt, spice green capsicum the chopped gently with your pieces. Blend the mixture into in less fingers. Shape and pan-fry over round tikkies Turn pan. oil in a non-stick the tikkies the sides of crispy. so that both brown and are golden mustard ketchup, Serve with sauce or pickle.
INGREDIENTS: breasts cut into 500 gm chicken portions fairly large
cut into small the cheese METHOD eggs removingbowl 1 green capsicum Clean the removed in a large mixing pieces seeds and cut skin. Place remainin g 1 cup beans stringed the add with pieces and mixing gently for into very small oil ingredien ts, mashed potatoes Heat mustard 2 boiled and bread crumbs your fingers. portions Drop small 11/ cup fresh the hot 1/ 2 roasted jeera powder deep frying. mixture into 2 tsp once or of the caviar green chillies pakoras. Turn at 2 chopped oil and fry fry 10-12 pakoras twice as you
Womans Era
I FRUITY KULF OR FROZEN MOULDS

INGREDIENTS: pulp 2 cups mango
cream 1 cup thick sugar 2 tsp powdered like apple and fruits 1 cup fresh small pieces, pears cut into the skin without removing
METHOD add the ghee and Heat the splutter. and allow to fry on whole spices pieces and to taste, Add the chicken adding salt medium heat, are light golden the pieces the heat in a till METHOD in colour. Lower Fry ingredien ts into brown in the cashew paste. Mix all the milk and mix Pour the mixture Mix in the moulds mixing bowl. for 2-3 minutes. or any other the cream. freeze. kulfi moulds quantity of the fridge to and half the and keep in serve. to Unmould
Womans Era
July (First)
2012
July (First)
2012
Soya Sticks with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Bottle Gourd/Lauki in Curd Raita with Mangoes and Cherries Vegetable Jamboree
FASHION
NEWS IN PICTURES
26
LIFE AFTER MENOPAUSE 12 GRATEFULLY YOURS 40 THE INCIDENT I CANNOT FORGET CROSSWORD AS YOU SAY HAPPY MARRIAGE
Padmini Singh Dr Amrinder Bajaj
FEATURES
34 BEAUTY QUERIES 42 CHILD CHALLENGE 54 BEAT HEAT 64 TEENACHE 93 YOUR BODY 94 BAGS FOR MULTIPLE PURPOSES 115 MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS & ME... MONEY MATTER CLASSIFIEDS
READERS CONTESTS
FILL UP THE CROSSWORD
AND WIN RS 10,000 EVERY FORTNIGHT
68
ETHNIC FAIR
Editor, Publisher & Printer PARESH NATH
Printed at Delhi Press Samachar Patra Pte Ltd., A-36, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055 and published on behalf of Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pte Ltd. from E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. E-mail: admin@womansera.com EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & PUBLICATION OFFICE Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi-110 055. Phone: 41398821, 41398888. Fax: 91-11-23625020 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT DEPARTMENT M-12, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110 001. Phone: 011-23416313. The names of characters used in all fiction and semi-fiction articles are fictitious. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pte Ltd. New Delhi-110 055. India.
65 DO YOU HAVE FARTH I AM PREGNANT IN YOUR PARTNER? KITCHEN QUERIES NEW LAUNCHES
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EDITORIAL
DOWNGRADING IITs
fter the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, IIT-Delhi dealt a major blow to HRD minister Kapil Sibals proposed Common Entrance Test (CET) by announcing that it will be joining the Kanpur IIT in conducting its own entrance examination. The defiance of the countrys two premier tech schools though means that students will have to write one more exam but it rightly defeats the political agenda that Sibal is keen to push through. It could have a spiralling effect on other IITs. All IITs have been agitated by the ministrys proposal to provide weight to the marks obtained in class XII board exams and make the entrance test common with admissions to other central engineering institutes. The government had on 28 May announced that from 2013, aspiring candidates for IITs and other central institutes like NITs and IIITs would have to sit under a new format of common entrance test that would also take plus two (+2) board results into consideration. The IITs opposing the new format contend the proposed test will increase stress on students instead of decreasing it, as then there will be extra pressure on the students to perform very well in board exam, too, apart from cracking the CET. As of now, students start their coaching for multiple entrance tests generally from when they are in class-X and they spend at least two years in preparation and incur huge expenditure. Just after or even before taking the class XII board exams, students appear for three or four of these entrance tests. Very few institutes give admission to students on the basis of their performance in the class XII exams. As a result, students split their attention between the class XII exam and entrance tests paying less attention to the former. There have been instances when students qualified in IIT entrance test but failed in class XII board exams but IITs giving them admission on terms that they would clear their board exams in next term. Once in place, the new system of common entrance test would haunt the students about their performance in board exams also because they will be under pressure to secure very light marks in board exams as, otherwise their performance in entrance test will not matter at all. Besides, the standards of several state boards that conduct class XII exams are not uniform. Say, there is huge difference between the
standards of board exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Delhi and Bihar board. In such a situation, students passing out from other state boards, where students employ all fair unfair means to obtain high marks, will have clear edge over those who depend on diligence and intelligence only. Would it be fair for labourious and studious students to deny them their rightful place in a prestigious institution merely on the basis of boardexam marks? Certainly not. It is not that the Union HRD minister is unaware of these anomalies prevailing in Indian education system. But he has chosen to tame the IITs, which have been raised in India with foreign assistance and collaboration to groom technical talents for global competence. If Kapil Sibal has his way then even incompetent students will find way in IITs. The quality of education in these premier institutions will invariably deteriorate and they will lose their global competence and become just like any other engineering college in the country. Their gem-like status will be spoiled by the ministers manoeuvre. It is an attempt to curtail the budding talents, as failure to secure admission in IIT will lead to severe stress and devastating effect on personality and psychology of a brilliant student. One more thing that our HRD minister should not forget that he has only two years in office. Then the change in government is imminent. Prevailing situations leave little doubt that the government can go even earlier. The new HRD minister then would implement his own way and agenda in manipulating the IIT admission procedure. Looking at the way the current government is losing its credibility, Kapil Sibal may have a plan to consolidate his vote banks. That is why, he is adopting a policy of appeasement of all castes, religious and minority groups in the guise of bringing uniformity in IIT entrance test. But in his eagerness to revamp the system he is playing with the autonomy of IITs. Instead of insisting on his way, the HRD minister must first do away with the anomalies of Indian education system. Standards of all the education boards must be raised first or there should be one board all over the country governed by equal norms and strictness. Only then talks of introducing some common entrance test for admission in countrys premier institutions make any sense.
write to: letters@womansera.com We
Womans Era July (First) 2012
THE OTHER SIDE OF AN NGO
Where do the funds go?
By Kritika Pandey
arises is how they determine an NGO which is genuine. Not long ago, there was a complaint filed at Dhaod Taluka (Gujarat) police station which encap sulated 25 trustees and officials of three NGOs (Gandhinagar-based Mahatma Gandhi Prathisthan and Samarpan Rural Development foundation and Samanvay Resource Centre. It was enquired that the NGO was paid 2 crore in 2005-06 for the project aimed at benefiting 4000 odd farmers. I was disheartened while reading a letter from one of the promising NGOs of India, which also brags of having some big Bollywood actors and sportspersons to its credit. How could an NGO adopt such cheap marketing tactics and literally try to 7
ndia is a culturally diverse country with a variety of differences which in turn give way to an equally varied number of problems and social evils. Though government has become more active day by day in introducing programmes to fight these social evil, the reach of the government in most cases fails to be an all-pervading one. Indeed, it becomes sometimes difficult for the government to reach the grassroot level where the problems like child labour, maltreatment of old people and oppressions of women are more rampant. Thus, came in some NGOs with a zest to serve the society and contribute to a noble cause. This is no doubt the sentiment behind the
formation of the Indian NGOs working in the interiors of the country. However, the saddest part of the whole thing is the fact that everything that exists has some advantages and disadvantages of its own. And the same is the case with NGOs in India. With the passage of time, along with the genuine NGOs, there came along quite a few fraudulent ones as well, whose sole interest was to make money camouflaged as noble work in whatever way possible. We all know that any organisation needs money for its effective functioning. And thus these silver papers gave birth to a lot of fraudulent activities among NGOs. No doubt, there are many people who would like to contribute in some way for some noble cause, but the question that Womans Era July (First) 2012
fool people by exhorting their money? Yes, they cited sums of money for this and that help instead for asking for just help. It looks like a mockery of the non-governmental organisations and the saddest part is that, when such cases come to light, it sheds poor light even on the good ones as well. Instead of asking for food, clothes or toys for the basic sustenance of a life, the help is asked in terms of cash or cheques and, once you have done that out of your kindness, you are not even informed where your money is used. On enquiring about the investments and concerns of the NGO, it turned out to be another case of amassing public wealth. Another incident is of a seemingly a promising NGO named relief India trust (www.reliefindiatrust.org). This NGO is endlessly calling people across India asking for immediate donations to help needy children for surgery. They call and play the 'emotional card to do well and get blessings. This is a typical sales strategy, whereby they make you take an emotional decision in a very short time. These people are so smart that they would sweep you off your money in minutes and seemingly vanish just after that. To prove they are legitimate, they have created a website (which itself is very suspicious).Importantly, they mention respectable organisations like AIIMS (all India Institute of Medical Science) among their associates. But surely it's not true. The calls are usually made from Ph no 01204307909 and SMS are from 8527396719, 9540331818 stating medical emergency for a poor children and requesting to donate urgently. The account details given by them is a/c no 629705015319, ICICI Bank, Mayur Vihar Ph-1 branch, code 6297 revealed a police officer refusing to be named. A few months back, there was the arrest of a gang of five, led by a woman, who misused international credit cards and stole over 15 crore under the pretext of running a charitable trust. Investigations revealed that Regina Seelan along with 6 other trustees established Salve Regina Charitable Trust Delhi in March 2005, obtained exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax Act in 2007, and in 2009 obtained permission from the ministry of home affairs to accept contributions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). It also launched a website, www.src-trust.org and in June 2009, approached the Merchants Services Wing of the Standard Chartered Bank, Chennai, and applied for an ecommerce gateway facility to receive foreign funds. The NGO stole credit card data online to make fraudulent transactions, and investigations reveal that the same was used to transfer cash to the trust account through the e-commerce gateway. This shocking revelation came to light after ICICI Bank, with which the NGO has a gateway facility to do international online transactions, sought service charges from the cardholders for their contributions to the trust. The account holders replied to the bank stating that the trans actions had taken place without their consent and they refused to pay any service charges. On this basis, ICICI bank filed a complaint with the cyber crime police seeking a detailed investigation. Director General of CID said that the Salve Regina Charitable Trust had collected 15.68 crore through 995 fraudulent credit card trans actions between 1 July and 13 August, 2011. Also, the fraud victims were mostly from the US and other foreign countries. Filing FCRA: There are innumerable cases where NGOs have not filed (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) returns and have been put on the prior permission list by the ministry of home affairs. Filing FCRA returns is a must, even if the NGO receives no funds from abroad. The ministry can strip erring NGOs of registration, and the organisation has to apply again to re-register. This
THE MINISTRY CAN STRIP ERRING NGOS OF REGISTRATION, AND THE ORGANISATION HAS TO APPLY AGAIN TO REREGISTER. ORGANISATIONS REPUTATION IS MARRED.
can take up to six months during which time the organisations reputation is marred. As a matter of fact, every profession has its own pros and cons but the ugly truth is the working of an NGO. The huge number and ease of foreign donations have resulted in the emergence of several fake organi sations with a motive to siphon off easy money in the name of development. The NGO sector is the most vulnerable to fraud and criminal practices, including the potential for misuse for the purposes of moneylaundering and terrorist financing. Terrorist financing: Some charities have been used for terrorist financing. After the attacks on 11 September 2001, charities came under global scrutiny especially in southern Asia. According to sources, in February 2008, the assets of Al Haramain Foundation's (AHF) branch in Oregon USA, were blocked because, according to the Inter national Narcotics Control Strategy Report of 2007, individuals connected with AHF appear to have concealed the movement of more than $100,000 to Chechen Mujahideen. It is common knowledge that international donors choose to channel is their aid via NGOs instead of the governments directly. The biggest risk is that some recipient NGOs misuse the donors' funds and fail to account for the money to the government. Under the country's laws, NGOs are required to register with the competent governmental authority, and account for their activities. The laws aim to ensure transparency in the NGO sector and guard against foreign political interference via NGOs. Whilst international funding has considerably increased the resources available to NGOs, it obviously poses problems of its own. Foreign donations can raise questions about the credibility of an NGO's activities: if foreign donors are providing money for an NGO, the question that arises is that they might be dictating goals along with it. Lack of transparency?: There are suspicious that, through wideranging frauds, some NGOs have been stealing the funds meant to help the poor or save the lives of the afflicted. Several prevalent malprac tices include NGOs illegally transferring donated funds for their declared activities to foreign accounts abroad and later refunding the money in local currency leading huge extra-budgetary expenditures, lack of transparency in the NGO's procure ment management processes, undocumented expenditures, over stating expenses by creating fake bills, inflating employee expenses, misrepresenting field activities and misreporting the financial status to donors. Thus, heartless and greedy individuals and groups fritter the donated money away into private pockets. Not only that, with or without the knowledge of donors, NGOs sometimes direct donated funds to serve their own political or social agenda. Unscruputions NGOs might use foreign funds to incite public sentiments and stage protests against government policies leading to political unrest in various parts of the country. It is galling, indeed, to think that, while some kind-hearted donors are making sacrifices, denying them selves some luxuries in order to help the poor or support a noble cause, some scheming individuals are feeding fat on the blood of the people they are supposed to protect. most dangerous of all, their political agenda could endanger the country's safety and security. Governments move: The Government of India is contemplating framing laws to control foreign funds flowing into non-governmental organisations as some time these organisations engage in anti-national activities. In India, despite decades of unhappiness with western NGOs, the Union government decided to
THE NGO SECTOR IS THE MOST VULNERABLE TO FRAUD AND CRIMINAL PRACTICES, INCLUDING MONEYLAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING.
openly confront them only when it felt aggrieved over the stalling of its 15,000-crore Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, and protests over genetically modified crops. Indian law bans NGOs from taking foreign funds for political purposes or affecting the security, strategic, scientific or economic interest of the states. Popular concerns over the power of NGOs, however, stem from their staggering funding, dubious agendas including religious conversions, and untrammelled powers to interfere in domestic matters. Data available with the Union home ministry shows that in the nine years between 2001 and 2010, NGOs received more than 70,000 crore. The highest donors were the US, Germany and Britain, and the most significant recipients include Gospel For Asia Inc, USA ( 232.71 crore), Fundacion Vicente Ferrer, Barcelona, Spain ( 228.60 crore) and World Vision Global miss out on the diminishing values. Now, if 50 to 70 per cent of the funds of any organisation are spent on establishment expenses such as buying land, buildings, Jeeps, office infrastructure, mobiles, laptops, cameras, salaries, consultancy fees, honorariums, and foreign travel, should such expenditure be tax-free when there is no public beneficiary? Huge sums are expended on conversions, which also cannot be designated as charity or public service. In the light of these experiences, many Indians feel that the country does not need foreign aid to improve the lot of its citizens, and that all social service activities can be meaningfully conducted with local donations. As India herself provides considerable assistance to other Asian and African nations, there is no merit in accepting foreign funding on the pretext of charity, and then using the same for conversions or politics. We
Centre, USA ( 197.62 crore). Analyses of the data shows that the greatest sums out of the foreign contributions were utilised for establish ment expenses (Rs. 1482.58 crore), followed by rural development ( 944.30 crore), welfare of children ( 742.42 crore), construction and maintenance of schools/colleges ( 630.78 crore) and grants of stipend/scholarship/ assistance in cash and kind to poor/deserving children ( 454.70 crore). You cant
My maths master
I bent down a little more, to peer over the path my forefinger took in the classified column of a daily, scouting for a maths tutor for my class X son. There were innumerable bone fides but pray how do I convince myself about the credibility of unknown entities? Gone were the days when we pooled in all the notes among groups of friends and were always willing to share material with each other. At this crossroad, I am instantly reminded of Subroto, who was a genius in mathematics. And what exactly did he do to merit remembrance at this juncture? Subroto came into my life through the old landline telephone in a believe-it-or-not
12
accidental cross-connection. I was engaged in a complex discussion with one of my classmates (we were in our final year of school) trying desperately to solve some delicate intricacy in maths. We were unfortunately stuck in a corner when a soft, If you dont mind, I can help you out diverted us. The initial reaction was how dare someone invade someones privacy and have the guts to enter into conversation with strangers, but something in his meek voice let me get over the rancour I felt and lo and behold! we were out of the mess in jiffy. My friend hung up shortly with a few words of thanks while I decided to show some formal courtesy by making polite enquiries regarding the personal details of my benefactor. It turned out he was an engineering student with a passion for numbers and a heart of gold (as I came to know later). He solemnly offered his telephone number for further contact for help if required but thankfully did not press for me to do the same as I was wary under the circumstances in which we had found each other. As luck would have it, I found
myself in mathematical messes quite frequently (on second thoughts now, I think they may have been more often than not, deliberate in nature) and I sailed through my preboard exams and then finals with flying colours banking on the inputs from this one-way liaison. Then, one day, he gave me the good news that he had bagged a plump opportunity for a stint abroad and bid a final farewell. I disassociated willingly still not being able to muster up the courage to enlighten him on my credentials and that was the end of an unusual friendship. Years have passed and I am misty-eyed now as I experience the void left behind by such a selfless mortal. And I am somewhat overridden by guilt for not having acknowledged a persons meritorious efforts. Dear Subroto, I wish this reaches you. I am indebted to you not so much for the grades I received in maths as for cherished memories of this very precious and unusual experience in life. Shahjahan Ansari, Howrah.
... or surname?
? A
WHATS IN A NAME
By Kasturi Rangachari
generation ago, it was taken for granted that a woman would change her surname to her husbands after marriage. The matter wasnt discussed or even given any thought that was simply how it was. And if any woman protested.well no woman
did. Sometimes women of that generation went a step further. When they got married, they did not just change their surnames, they dropped their first names too. So when Sita Raghav married Rajesh Talwar, she called herself Mrs Rajesh Talwar. Didnt she feel strange? Not stranger than a woman whose first name was changed by her in-laws as happened in many parts of our country! It is only when we today look back at this state of affairs from 20 odd years down the line that most of us even realise what the old system meant. It meant that a woman didnt have any identity of her own. She first took on her fathers surname and identity and later those of her husband. But today many women mainly those who are educated and citybased are not even thinking of changing their surnames, let alone their first names, after tying the knot. I asked around for the reason for this.
Actually, as far as I am concerned, it isnt a matter of main taining my identity or anything like that, said a newly-wed neighbour. Its just the hassle involved! Do you know how many things Id have to do to change my name and how long it would all take? Id have to start off by legally changing my name. That includes going through legal formalities, seeing that the change is published in the government gazette, announ cing the change in newspapers, etc. Then Id have to get my name changed on all my certificates and degrees. Then there are my bank documents, insurance papers, etc. My name would have to be changed for each of those too. And then theres the question of my professional life. Ive worked for various organisations and have got experience certificates from each. But if I change my name, Id have to change my names on all those so that, if I change jobs again, Id be recognised as the same person! What a headache! What a lot to go through just to call yourself by another name! Ill never do it! But another newly-married young friend said sharply, Of course, I wont change my name! Just because Im married, it doesnt mean that Ive lost my identity! I havent become another person that I need a new name and a new identity! Yes, when I got married, I entered into a relationship. I became one of a pair. But that doesnt mean that Ive lost my individuality! added her friend. But a sociologist friend had another take on the situation both on why women changed their sur names in the past and why women are reluctant to change their surnames now. According to her, in the past, it was felt that husband and wife having the same name added to the cohesiveness of the family. The family unit also became easier to explain to children. Society too saw the family as a social unit. She then went on to explain that the reluctance of modern women to change their surnames today is because the status and position of women has changed. Todays woman no longer fits neatly into a common mould. Each has her own unique feelings and opinions. She no longer feels that, after having been born a woman, marriage and children are unavoidable. She often doesnt feel the necessity for these and, though she needs a man and enters into a relationship/marriage, she is actually commitment-phobic. Such women want a partner, but do not want to commit fully. They want to leave a way out of the relationship/marriage for themselves. And so they feel that, if they commit to the extent that they change their names, they are in danger of losing their identities and they are then frightened that they will not be able to summon up the courage to leave and be themselves again. Is this refusal of women to change their names after marriage causing some sort of upheaval in society? Well, the parents-in-law of these women may feel a little put out and wonder if their daughters-in-law will prove too self-willed to handle. But their educated and city-based sons, the male counterparts of women who do not want to change their surnames, often have no objection and do not take offence to their wives not wanting to take their surnames.
COMMITMENTPHOBIC
Men are even more commitmentphobic than their female partners today, laughed one such man. Today, marrying isnt the only way we can get sex, after all! Actually, we men give up much more than women when we marry! We give up our freedom to have a roving eye and to change partners, we have to settle down to domesticity in which most of us feel shackled, we have to take on responsibilities, put up with PMS And, while we are adjusting to all this, who has the time to smart over the fact that our wives dont want to change their surnames to ours? Who cares anyway? But it is also true that many a very-much-in-love man may see his beloveds refusal to take his surname as a rejection of him and their relationship. This couple may get married but the man may continue to doubt her love and commitment to their marriage. If their marriage works out, the issue may subside to a sometimes-remembered pinprick of
SUCH WOMEN WANT A PARTNER, BUT DO NOT WANT TO COMMIT FULLY. THEY WANT TO LEAVE A WAY OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP/ MARRIAGE FOR THEMSELVES.
irritation. But, if things do not work out, the man may claim that her reluctance to change her name meant that she did not commit to the relationship from the very beginning. There are many women who genuinely want to commit fully to their marriages and who love their husbands enough to want to merge their identities with theirs to some extent. These women compromise by not giving up their maiden names and surnames but they add on their husbands surnames too, the two surnames joined sometimes with a hyphen. of the acceptability of a person. Its not that people without the same social address are not accep table! such people assure us. Its just that the comfort level with those that have it is higher. We know that they share the same cultural values that we do. This is why many people who want to do away with caste and occupation-based divisions in Indian society, do away with surnames altogether and their official names just consist of their first names perhaps followed by an innocuous Kumar or Kumari used not as a surname but a suffix. This will certainly help in bringing about a casteless India, but these people are often rather awkwardly called Mr Kumar or Miss or Ms. Kumari. A surname has another use. This is to bring a certain formality into a relationship. In offices, in the military and in other places where there is a hierarchy, men are traditionally called by their surnames alone. This brings formality into a relationship. It also brings ranking or a pecking order into it. A boss calls a subordinate by his surname, the subordinate calls his boss just sir and refers to him by his surname, adding a sir to it. Since women have entered the workplace recently, practices regarding how they should be addressed there are still develo ping. Surnames are less commonly used in their case. If they are older, behenji akka or the local word for elder sister is added to their first names, in smaller organisations where formality is less important. Today madam is often attached to their first name. In the pant-suited world of MNCs, its first names for one and all from the boss down to the peon and for both sexes. Do you like your name? If you dont, you always have the option to change it legally. Whether you can get family, friends and colleagues to call you by the new name is another matter! Every year, people apply to the government to legally change their names and to publish this in the government gazette. They usually do it because they do not like their old names, because they consider them unlucky, because they have converted to another religion, because they want to take their husbands surnames after marriage or because they want them changed back after a divorce. Increasingly common these days is for people to change their names or the spelling of their names on the advice of astrologers and numerolo gists! The state government earns quite a tidy sum from this. In 20102011, for instance, the government of Tamil Nadu earned about two crores rupees from about 45,000 applications for name changes. So dont ever ask, Whats in a We name? There is a lot!
INTERESTING CASES
There are some interesting cases of such double-surname women. Aishwarya Rai married Abhishek Bachchan and became Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She retained both her own surname and also took her husbands though she was probably also driven by the fact that Bachchan is a surname worth having! Another example of a surname change that was welcomed as manna from heaven and which has proved very useful to this day, is the one that came about after Indira Priyadarshini got married to Firoze Gandhi and took the name of Indira Gandhi. By doing this, Indira gave herself and then her children and grandchildren a gift of unparalleled political consequence the Gandhi name which brought with it the aura of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, father of the nation. No wonder that granddaughter Priyanka, even after she married and announced that she would not enter active politics, retained the surname and became Priyanka Gandhi Vadera. In the past, the surname, besides being the family name, also indicated the caste and occupation of the person and even his ancestral village. So, it was a kind of social address that was useful when it came to forming social bonds and arranging marriages. Today, it is less important for this reason but, among the conservatives it is still important because it gives one an instant idea 18
THIS IS WHY MANY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO AWAY WITH CASTE AND OCCUPATIONBASED DIVISIONS IN INDIAN SOCIETY, DO AWAY WITH SURNAMES ALTOGETHER.
Womans Era
July (First) 2012
Certain basics never go out of fashion: a classic pair of blue jeans, plain white shirts or kurtas , an elegant black evening dress or sari, a simple salwar-kameez in a colour that suits you, a basic jacket that goes with everything you get the picture, right? Smoking and alcohol are two things that will ruin your looks, whether you realise it or not. If you have these habits, quit NOW. Always go shoe-shopping at the end of the day as this is when your feet are most tired and at their largest. Make sure they fit snugly but are not too tight. To keep lipstick from getting onto your teeth, form an O with your mouth, wrap a tissue around your finger, poke into your mouth and slowly twist it out so as to eliminate excess colour from your lips. Change your razor or its cartridges regularly to avoid ugly nicks when shaving. Wear a good quality sun-screen that suits your skin type. Its better to get a waterproof one that will stay on despite sweating. Use it religiously
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For the smart, stylish woman of today.

By Mehak Siddiqui
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TIPS FOR A
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every day even if the sun is not out as ultraviolet rays do penetrate down through the clouds too. For ultra-shiny hair, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and the juice of half a lemon. Run through your hair and rinse after a shampoo. If you have a short neck, never wear Chinese collared tops. Instead opt for deep necklines and long necklaces. Keep your make-up palette natural rather than opting for too many bright shades. The natural look never goes out of fashion.
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July (First) 2012
Remember that a brown blusher is only supposed to be applied to the apples of your cheeks, not the entire face! Maintaining an active life style does not mean you need to devote hours to exercise. Simple steps really do work taking the stairs, doing housework, even playing outdoors with your children or dog. Store your perfume bottles upside down to maintain the scent better. If you want to snack between meals, eat fruit or a vege table like carrot or cucumber rather than junk like potato chips. Scarves are great accesso ries every season of the year: wrap one around your hair in summer for protection from the heat, tie one around your neck in winter to keep warm. Best to get cotton and linen ones. Using satin pillowcases prevents hair from tangling at night A multivitamin tablet every day, especially if you are over 35, helps keep skin and hair healthy. Do consult your doctor first though. Give yourself a scalp massage before shampooing to stimulate hair
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growth. The proper way to massage is to place the thumbs of both hands on the scalp and move in a circular motion the skin on the scalp should move, not your thumbs. Constant wearing of high heels causes knee and back problems. Be sure to give your feet a rest with comfortable slippers or shoes. Do not be a fashion victim but wear clothes that suit your body type. If you are on the fuller size, avoid short tops, pants that are too skinny, etc. If you have flabby arms, do not wear sleeveless tops. To open up your eyes so that they appear bigger and livelier, place a dot of a light shade in the inner corner of each eye. Do not wear white pants if you are big-bottomed. Dont wear leggings with a kurta if your thighs are flabby. It looks horrible; instead opt for an Anarkali kurta that will cover up your thighs from the sides. It is best to contrast lipstick and nail colours; do not go for the same shades. Use of an eyelash curler can make your eyelashes weaker; stick to a good mascara and it should do the job. After applying lipstick or gloss, blot it by kissing a tissue paper. Then apply a second coat to make it last longer. Make sure to blend your blush into your foundation well or it will tend to look unnatural and add the appearance of five years to your looks. If you use make-up everyday, you
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must cleanse, tone and mois t u rise your face religiously: Keep your skin free of build-up by using a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion strokes do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type. Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturiser that is compatible with your skin type. Make sure your daytime moisturiser contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Treat yourself to an at-home facial two to three times a week. Use a mild cleanser, then exfoliate with a gentle scrub that contains exfoliants that are round and non-abrasive. Apply a facial mask after exfoliating. Rinse off thoroughly and get a good night's sleep. If you have under-eye circles or any blemishes, cover them up with a concealer rather than just foundation. This will prevent your make-up from looking cakey. Choose the shade of your concealer carefully. When testing out shades, pick one that matches your skin tone or one shade lighter. It helps to use a mirror outdoors to see how shades look on your skin in natural light. To maintain a flawless finish through out the day, apply pressed powder using a sponge or clean powder brush. If you are over 30, avoid powdering under the eyes as it can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more obvious. For smooth, soft lips, take a clean damp washcloth and gently rub your lips for 60 seconds before applying lipstick. For touch-ups during the day or night, carry a soft toothbrush in your handbag or make-up kit. Be sure to brush your lips gently. Apply a lip balm or conditioner throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and protected from the We sun's harmful rays.
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July (First) 2012
FEAR OF FAILURE IN CHILDREN

How to counter it.
By Sudha Narayan
t is natural to dislike failing at things for all but, for some children, the fear of failure provokes such intense anxiety that it changes their behaviour Thanks to this fast-paced competitive world, nowadays more children fear failing at tests, sports and other extracurricular activities. Fearing failure can cause children to avoid certain activities or to hesitate to attempt or do their best. Perceiving the failure Fear of failure relates to how children perceive the consequences of failure. Children also fear failure because they fear not having a sense of achievement. Fear of failing at a task can lead to self-handicapping in adolescents.
Self-handicapping is when a child purposely sets extremely easy goals so that he or she cannot fail to achieve them. For example, a child may aim to get a "C" rather than an "A" on a test to minimise the chances of failure. Fear of failing relates to perfectionism. People who fear failure become perfectionists in an attempt to avoid the feelings of shame and embarrassment that come with failure. Someone who perceives a lot of pressure to succeed from her parents is more likely to feel shameful and embarrassed if she fails. Children learn to avoid activities that might lead to failure. While this may protect the child from experiencing the negative emotions that come with failure, it also causes them to miss out on potentially valuable learning experiences because failure is a valuable part of life, providing children with learning opportunities and healthy motivation to do better in the future. Parents can take steps to reduce your child's fear of failure. Look for signs of anxiety in your child, such as feeling sick, tired or not wanting to go to school. Talk to your child if he or she seems worried about things. You can help your child by keeping things in perspective remind him or her that it's okay if he or she fails and that the negative emotions that come with failure will soon pass. Parents role to help kids overcome fear of failure For children, though, the very thought of not being able to succeed is enough to stop them from trying at all. So, how then, as a parent, do you help them break free of their fear and take a risk to see what they can achieve? Society is not easy on kids today. While they may not have had to grow up without video games and cable like we did, they do have a lot of peer pressure and societal pressure placed on them. Walk through your child's school, flip Womans Era
through a few magazines or watch your child's favourite show with them. The fear of not measuring up can cause your child to simply not try. After all, you can't fail if you don't try. Redefine failure Try to live by this motto, "If you learned something from it, then you did not fail." As far as parents are concerned instill that there hasn't been a situation yet that you can't learn from. You can apply this motto to anything from riding a bike, to climbing a tree, to auditioning for a part in a school play. Think about it if your child knows that success is seen as gaining experience and helping them move towards their ultimate goal, they will be more encouraged to try new FEAR things. The only way to fail is to not try Secondly, your child needs to know that the only way to fail at anything is to not try. They don't have to be the best; they just have to try their best. There is a big difference there. We have high expectations on our children. We all want our children to succeed, but what is your definition of success? If for you
success means being the best and then when your child tries and doesn't measure up and you come down on them, where is their motivation to try again, to be better, or worse to try anything new ever again? Encourage your child to do their best that is all they can do.
Share with your child/children Another tip is to share with your children times where you have failed, and what you did to overcome that failure or what you learned from that failure. Depending on the age of your child it can be an eye-opening time for them. Younger children like to think that their parents are these incredible beings that can leap tall buildings and take on every bad OF guy in the world. So FAILING hearing that you have RELATES TO not always been able to PERFECTIONISM. "beat every monster" you have come up PEOPLE WHO against but that you FEAR FAILURE never gave up, you did your best and tried BECOME will help them PERFECTIONISTS again see that they can try to IN AN ATTEMPT do. Remember you TO AVOID THE were a child once too. FEELINGS OF You were once their SHAME AND age, no matter how EMBARRASSMEN long ago that was try to think back to how you T THAT COME felt at that age. For, as WITH FAILURE. wonderful as childhood is, it also has its fair share of stresses and demands. Don't put adult expectations on them. Finally, don't live through your child You may not realize that this is a tip to help them overcome fear of failure, but sometimes trying to be mom or dad is exactly what our children do. So, if they don't believe that they can do something as good as mom or dad would do it, they won't do it so that they don't disappoint you. Encourage them to try, you never know, they may do it We better then you.
July (First) 2012
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Japanese toy maker Cube has a "Yube de Piano", on display at the annual Tokyo Toy show on 14 June, which has small touch sensors on the tip of each finger and sounds like a piano, and can also adjust tone.
Yube de piano
SF characters perform
Japanese Science and Fiction (SF) charactors, Ultra Seven (R) and Ultraman (L) perform during the men's volleyball qualifying tournament match between Japan and Puerto Rico for the London 2012 Olympics in Tokyo on 9 June. Japan beat Puerto Rico by 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16). This is an artists concept of NuSTAR, a sophisticated orbiting telescope that uses high-energy X-ray vision to hunt for Black Holes in the universe, which was poised to be launched on 13 June.
Mountaineer beams
Bangladeshi mountaineer Wasfia Nazreen reacts after arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on 9 June. Wasfia, a rights-activist, writer and development practitioner, ventured out to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains in each of the seven continents. She climbed the summit of South America, Aconcagua on 16 December, Bangladesh's 40th Victory Day.
An artists concept
US actress Eva Longoria poses during a photocall for the TV show Desperate Housewives as part of the 52nd Monte Carlo Television Festival on 13 June in Monaco. The Festival held since 1961 ran from 10 - 14 June.
Desperate Housewives
Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force fighter pilot Liu Yang (L) is seen together with her two male colleagues, Jing Haipeng (C) and Liu Wang (R), in their spacesuits. The spacecraft took off at 6.37 p.m. 16 June from the Jiuquan space base in the Gobi desert. Inset: Chinese students are looking at a model of an "alien" on display at a science fiction exhibition in Beijing on 19 June.
On display is toy maker Tomys i-Sodog, a robot dog which can walk and dance when controlled by an iPhone, at the annual Tokyo Toy Show on 14 June. The 15cm tall robot dog, weighing 400g, has 15 actuators and recognises the human voice.
Dancing Robot Dog
Three-seater electric vehicle
Japan's car designer Kota Nezu displays Toyota Motor's concept model of a three-seater electric vehicle with toy-like design body "Camatte-Daichi" at the annual Tokyo Toy Show in Tokyo on 14 June. The small-sized electric vehicle, in length of 2.7m and width of 1.3m, can change its style with different body panels.
Shenzhou-9 takes off
THE LAND OF
LOVE & SURPRISE

A country that stands apart as a travel destination.
By Vartika Nanda
CANADA
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his seems to be an abode of butterflies. They will come, hug and kiss you and will fill you with enormous happiness. No permission is required for this exchange of sweet feelings. Welcome abode. This is Montreal - the magic world of birds, butterflies and what not! One of Montreal's few designated bird sanctuaries, Summit Park is a
heaven for protected wildlife species. Located near Olympic Park, Montreal's huge botanical garden is recognised as one of the worlds largest and finest. It has an extensive collection of 22,000 plant species. It also has 31 thematic gardens, including the largest Chinese Garden outside Asia and a Japanese Garden with a tearoom and fabulous bonsai collection that make it an exceptionally beautiful attraction. The Montreal Botanical Garden attracts people from every nook and corner of the globe. This butterfly house has magic and music. The wide range of butterflies flying all over, fill the visitor with enormous happiness and take them away from the tensions of life, at least for some time. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the secondlargest city in Canada and the Womans Era
fifteenth largest in North America. Originally called Ville-Marie, or "City of Mary",[6] the city takes its present name from Mount Royal,[7] the triplepeaked hill located in the heart of the city. Its name was also initially given to the island on which the city is located or Mont Real as it was spelled in Middle French. Montreal has always been registered as one of the world's most livable cities and was also called "Canada's Cultural Capital" by Monocle Magazine. The unique design and architecture of the city also gave it the honour to be named as UNESCO City of Design. In the year 2010, Montreal was named a hub city, ranked 34th globally out of 289 cities for innovation across multiple sectors of the urban economy, in the Innovation Cities Index by 2thinknow. As a North American city, Montreal shares many cultural
July (First) 2012
shades with the rest of the continent. It has a rich tradition of producing both jazz and rock music. City also gets the opportunity to hold the comedy festival - Just for Laughs. This is the largest and most unique comedy festival in the world. Other popular festivals include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Les FrancoFolies de Montreal, Nuits d'Afrique, Pop Montreal, and the Montreal Fireworks Festival. Canada attracts Indians. Every year large number of tourists visit Canada from India. One can board Qatar Airlines from Delhi and take a connecting flight from Doha. Doha international airport is another attraction that opens up plethora of activities.
A GROWING AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the State of Qatar and is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. It also has the worlds first dedicated terminal for first and business class passengers opened at Doha International Airport in 2006. It features a spa, jacuzzie, fine dining, meeting rooms and duty-free shopping. Stay in Canada also offers a number of avenues. One can stay at the Fairmont Hotels and enjoy the luxury of the most pampered stay. Reach Fairmont Le Chteau
Montebello and you will meet the most charming Monte. He will greet you with immense happiness and will be your unconditional guide. Monte is a golden retriever and was born in 2010. He is a canine ambassador who has been trained by the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to be a guide dog, especially for blind tourists. Interestingly, the board at the hotel says: Due to his amazing kindness and incredible social skills, we have found Monte a new career at Fairmont where he will be able to socialise constantly. Monte has now become an apple of everybodys eyes. He has a special hut to reside. He is loved by everyone and is looked after with utmost love and care. This is a unique concept which is now followed by the Fairmont Hotels. As one of eastern Canada's leading destinations, Fairmont Le Chteau Montebello hotel is an exceptional Quebec resort famed for its rustic yet luxurious accommodations. Here, in the stunning red cedar log cabin, one can experience rustic elegance and a warm welcome. The Outaouais resort has hosted a number of historic meetings, including a G-7 International Economic Summit, attended by political figures including Ronald Reagan, Franois Mitterand, Pierre Trudeau and Margaret Thatcher as well as NATO meetings. More Womans Era
recently, the Quebec luxury resort hosted the North American Leaders Summit welcoming President Bush, President Calderon and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Whether guests come to solve the problems of the world or to seek a weekend's relaxation, Le Chteau Montebello in Quebec offers a tranquil resort setting, flawless service and refined cuisine. Beautiful surroundings and yearround activities offer our Montebello hotel's guests more than 40 exciting adventures, including horseback riding, championship golf, outdoor tennis. Today, Fairmont Le Chteau Montebello luxury hotel attracts visitors from across Canada and around the world. Clearly, amidst numerous travel destinations, Canada certainly stands We apart. 29
July (First) 2012
Short Story
The Nose Ring
It distracted him from the real thing. By Wyn Shetty

Relatives and friends had arrived ahead of the actual nuptials. The women among them play an important part in the week-long pre-wedding ceremonies. The bride needed their special care and advice on the choice of ornaments and clothes. There was turmeric paste to be prepared, henna designs to be selected for the mehendi ceremony and a host of feminine planning related to a typical Indian wedding. The women, for once, were in charge and in the thick of things. The mansions spacious courtyard served as the marriage mantap. It was now covered with a multicoloured awning, its supporting poles bound with twirls of fresh marigold, jasmine and roses threaded in colourful tinsel. The flowers heady fragrance permeated the air while melodious shehnai tunes played in the background. An ornate sofa for the couple stood on a red-carpeted dais, while gilded chairs, upholstered in plush, red velvet, were arranged in rows for the guests. The venues vibrant display vied with the invitees finery. The women were draped in dazzling silk saris and wore all the gold they owned for the event. The men, not to be outdone, sported their best sherwanis with glittering jewelled buttons. All eyes were on the jewel-encrusted nose ring hanging from Swethas nostril with a wide gleaming arc. It gave her a sensual look a hint of suppressed passion to the bridegrooms gaze. A learned guest remarked knowingly on the elaborate ornament. The nose, besides being a sense of smell has other uses. It also connects to ones emotional and sexual feelings, he noted. Ah, now I know why nose rings form an integral part in a brides trousseau. Decorative assets to enhance their marital life, commented his friend. Others insisted, They are just good breath regulators. Both were debatable points. Be that as it may, the majority
wetha wore an intricately wrought nose ring on her wedding day. She was veiled, dressed in red silk, and decked with heavy gold jewellery. She sat on the carpeted floor beside Shan, the bridegroom. Seated opposite was the officiating pundit, chanting sonorous Vedic hymns over a blazing ritual fire. The bride sweated nervously; the groom seethed with impatience. The marriage was a much-awaited occasion for the rural community of Millur. Their zamindar, Ram Pandiyans eldest daughter had finally got a good match. The villagers were delighted. The event would brighten their mundane lives. She is past marriageable age, commented a crone. All that time wasted in studying up to college. Some agreed, but a few thought it wise. Her education plus a huge dowry probably helped with the marriage proposal. Could be, considering her looks. The old one insisted on having the last word. The others ignored her remarks. Nothing could quell their excitement. Swethas jubilant parents threw open their mansions doors for the occasion. Everyone in the village was invited to join in the celebrations.
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partake of the free wedding banquet. The bride and groom began to look bored and tired. The grooms father took in the situation and was furious. He called out to the female relatives, Hurry! Get them to the nuptial chamber. He was that eager for his son to beget an heir. Chastened, the women bustled to the couple, and led the two to the selected bedroom with loud he nose ring sparkled on the brides pale giggles. They shut the door on them, smirking cheeks, eclipsing her other features hidden by suggestively. the gauzy veil. Swetha hated it. Her previous Everyone sighed with pleasure and relief. Now plain one would have been enough. But family they could feast and enjoy the entertainment offered tradition prevailed and the stud was replaced with by their host. They looked up with expectation as a this golden dangling hoop of an heirloom. Custom group of dancing girls came on the stage. The men decreed that it should be passed on to the first bride were thrilled, the women scornful, as they watched in the family. Now, forced to wear the ridiculous the gyrating girls imitating the latest dances from adornment in her nose of all things, Swetha hoped Hindi films. she could sneeze and eject it. How comical it would Men are all the same, muttered a matron, but look if the hoop fell off right into the grooms lap as looked on with interest. he tied the mangal sutra round her neck! She smiled In the nuptial chamber, Shan moved towards the at the thought. She did not like the groom. This was bed strewn with fragrant rose petals. the crux of the matter. He was that Ignoring the customary milk and fruits Shan eyed her covertly; trying to placed nearby, he looked at his bride and gauge her figure bundled in layers of eager for his gruffly ordered her, Come to bed. bejewelled finery. The marriage had been son to beget an He was more interested to look at what arranged. Neither of them had seen each heir. Chastened, lay beneath all those heavy ceremonial other. She looks like a stiff puppet, he clothes. Swetha, cringed at his crudeness, thought, as he continued to study her, but the women and tried to put off the moment. She for the nose ring. It danced coquettishly bustled to the began to frantically dislodge the nose on the brides face, tempting and stirring couple, and led ring, even as Shan watched her with his desire. Well, he hoped she could the two to the irritation, until it came off her nose. cooperate on the nuptial bed. The whole I just needed to get this thing off, she purpose of this marriage, as far as he selected explained. was concerned, was to beget heirs and bedroom with She then took a fruit from the tray and please his parents. They wanted loud giggles. began to cut it leisurely. legitimate ones. It was true that several Shan repeated his command, Now! offspring, alleged to be his, were Swetha could dawdle no longer and obeyed. She scattered around in the village. Shans virility was a docilely approached the bed with the glass of milk byword in the area. As a zamindar, he had taken advantage of many an innocent village girl. He felt it for them to share. Goodness, her eyes squint, Shan muttered. was his birthright. Aghast! He stared at her in disgust. The nose ring I will make sure to sire one tonight, he confided had been a ploy to distract his gaze from her earlier to his pleased father. offensive features. Lets hope it will be a boy, was his fathers He picked the ornament and flung it to Swetha eager reply. shouting, Here, keep your bait. The long-drawn-out wedding ritual finally came to He kicked open the bedroom door and dashed an end. The couple bent to touch the feet of their out to confront the cringing relatives. parents for their blessings. They were then escorted I am getting the marriage annulled instantly! he to the dais, where they sat stiffly receiving the well shouted at them and left in a rage. wishes and gifts from the guests. The shehnai was drowned by the loud cinematic songs blaring from wetha breathed a sigh of relief. She was spared the mantaps speakers. Children screamed, laughed the ordeal of sleeping with that philandering and ran about unchecked. Friends boisterously monster. She brazenly locked the door and lay hailed each other. Relatives and friends jostled on down on the bed to enjoy a good nights sleep! the dais, to be photographed with the couple. She would need it to face the expected ruckus in Guests forgot the newly-weds to make a beeline for the morning. the refreshment area. They were in a hurry to We of Indian women continue to follow the ancient practice of wearing nose rings. Nostrils of female children are pierced with a thin gold wire. These graduate to plain gold rounded studs with a gemstone or more elaborate ones as they grow older. It is all about status and trend than need.
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Is there any difference between an antiperspirant-- deodorant spray , a body spray and a roll-on? Which is better? I am a busy 28-year-old working woman There is not much difference in many cases, except for the manner of application. Antiperspirant products usually contain an aluminium-based chemical which reduces perspiration and dampness and stops body odour. Body sprays normally contain only perfume to help you smell good. This can be spritzed all over the body. Take care to avoid getting it into eyes. Roll-on deodorants help to reduce sweating and prevent odour and is used only on underarms. After using a roll-on, wait for 10 minutes before slipping on clothes, as it can stain fabric. If allergic to contents, you can suffer from redness or irritation. In this case, stop the application and try an alternative. If you have little time, a body spray could be your best bet. I am only 30 years old but have noticed that my under-eye area is getting puffy.This adds years to my face. What is the cause and how can I deal with it? The skin surrounding the eyes is extremely delicate and great care should be taken right from the teen years to be gentle with it. Puffiness can be caused through eye strain, lack of sleep, allergy to eye cosmetics, or the habit of applying rich creams on this area. If you are having late nights, try to get more sleep. Stop creaming the under-eye area as this is very absorbent and becomes puffy quickly. Use anti-allergic eye makeup which will not irritate the skin. Dont tug or be rough with the eyes when washing and drying your face. Chill used tea bags in the fridge and place on your closed eyes for 15 minutes every day to soothe and shrink puffy skin. You can even use slices of chilled cucumber or raw potato in the same way to reduce puffiness. It is a good idea to visit an Womans Era July (First) 2012 ophthalmologist to rule out eye infection which could be causing the puffiness. I am a 19-year-old college student with naturally curly hair. I use an electric straightener ever morning to make my hair smooth. I find that my hair has now become dry and brittle. Please advise. The daily straightening has definitely affected your hair thanks to the heat the process generates. You should moisturise and nourish your hair very frequently with a conditioner to avoid dryness. Also, do not forget to dampen your hair before using the straightener. To avoid further hair damage why dont you get permanent hair straightening done in a beauty parlour? The effect lasts for a year or more, and is well worth the cost. It will also save your hair from the daily torture you are at present submitting it to! Although my face is fair, my neck is dark by comparison. What can I do to make it fairer? Many of us neglect the neck area when doing beauty treatments. A simple lack of proper cleaning can cause an accumulation of dirt and grime and skin darkening. Neck folds also tend to trap dust and sweat; neck skin, being more thin, tans easily with UV rays too. Plain cold milk is an excellent remedy for a dark neck, as it acts like a toner and cleanser. Massage it gently into the neck and wash off on a daily basis. Make a paste of olive oil and sugar crystals and rub it into the neck in circular movements till the sugar dissolves. This acts like an abrasive to remove dirt and dead cells. Another massaging paste can be made with curd, a few drops of lime juice and crushed almonds. Use in the above manner and wash off with warm water. Aloe vera juice helps lighten pigmentation. Plain lime juice is also effective but never go out in the sun without washing this off as it leads to tanning. In all these methods, take care to be gentle with neck skin so that you do not stretch it.
I tan easily and now that summer is here I am going to look quite dusky. I cannot use cosmetics due to my many allergies. Please suggest some natural de-tanning treatments. Why dont you carry a parasol or wear a large floppy hat to shield your face from the sun? F or r em ov ing a ta n , a v e ry effective method is to use plain lemon juice. If you find it a bit too acidic, mix a little milk cream in it and apply it on the face and arms in gentle massaging movement. Keep on for half an hour and wash off. Multani mitti or Fullers earth mixed with a little sugar (for exfoliating) and rose water is great for removing tan. Apply and keep on for half an hour and rinse off with warm water. Other natural concoctions for helping to remove tan are a mix of alm ond pas t e, h o n e y a n d mi l k ; m as hed av oc a d o w i th h o n e y and milk is also a soothing detanning paste. Many swear by the efficacy of a mixture of egg and almond oil. These pastes can be used thrice a week to help in removing the effects of UVB rays on the skin. 34
DIL FEEL AT HOME

How to be a great MIL.
By Leena Kundnani
o it has finally happened. Your son, the apple of your eye, is about to get married. Soon you will become a mother-in-law and your son will acquire a family of his own. No doubt, a wedding is an exciting event and there is so much joy and happiness associated with it. However, once the excitement of your son's wedding has died down, reality hits you on the face. You may feel that your son has moved away from you, and doesnt need you to meet his day-to-day needs. Or you may find that he seems to spend less time with you and more time with his wife. All this may be upsetting and may make you feel insecure and apprehensive. Either way, you need to realise that your son has a life and a family of his own. It is time to truly cut the umbilical cord and set your son free. The fact is that your family has grown and you now have a new addition to the family the daughter-in-law. Whether you think she's the best thing that ever happened to your son or the worst, your family relations will be much smoother and more pleasant
MAKE YOUR
Accept your new daughter-inlaw for who she is. : Accept your daughter-in-law as she is. Remember, your son (and of course you too if it is an arranged marriage) has chosen her to be a part of your family. Believe that she has some special qualities that drew your son and perhaps you to her and try and focus on her positive qualities. Also, keep in mind that your daughter-inlaw has a need to belong from the day she becomes a part of your family. If you want to win her over, refrain from criticising her clothing, past behaviour and career decisions. Also, avoid criticising her family, her upbringing, and her likes and dislikes. Instead, compliment her on things she does well, whether it's her amazing banana bread pudding or her new promotion. Unexpected gestures of love and kindness go a long way in strengthening the bonds of your relationship. Kalika Shah, a 30-year-old married woman says, Ours was an arranged marriage. I came from a more well-to-do family as compared to my husbands. As a result, I was used to the finer things in life. This was known to my would-be in-laws prior to marriage. While I went all the way out to adjust myself, forgoing all the things I was used to, my in-laws kept taunting me saying that my demands were never ending and that I had only learnt to ask for things all the time. On rare occasions that my spouse indulged me by ordering my favourite dishes from a restaurant, my MIL used to get terribly upset and angry. As a result, even after seven years of marriage, we are just not close and silently resented each other. Share family stories with your new daughter-in-law: Sharing anecdotes about all your family members is the best way by which you can make your new DIL feel a part of the family. Tell her about the time your son opened a lemonade stand as a child, or about the times he got into mischief in school. Share stories about the other siblings at Womans Era July (First) 2012 home so that she develops a bond and understands them better. At the same time, dont portray all your children as saints, share both their good and negative aspects. Remember the more she knows about your family, the more she will feel like a part of it. Neha Mehta, a 55-year-old lady looks back as she remembers her experience as a DIL. Her SIL, three years her senior, went all out to make her feel completely unwelcome. Whenever my SIL came to visit on her annual visit from Singapore, the family would gather in the living room to gossip. However, all the chatter would stop the moment I would enter the room, she rues. My SIL would curtly ask me Yes, Neha, do you want something, much to my embarrassment. I used to then leave the room, not knowing what else to do. And, on rare occasions, if I did swallow my pride and sat in the room, all the chatter would stop and all family members would glance uncomfortably at each other. Till date, she says, my SIL monopolises my husband whenever she comes to visit us. Its unfortunate but true, she sighs. My MIL was a completely different breed, says Delhi-based Anjana Singh. Whenever there was some disagreement at home, she would pass comments like What will others think? or Dont say anything in front of her. All these made me feel as if I was the outsider, she reminisces. Cut the umbilical cord: This is one of the most important things you need to do to make yourself acceptable and popular with your DIL. Indian parents are known to be extra-possessive of their sons. They just dont want to let go of their sons and feel that no girl is worthy of them. If you want your son to be happy, you need to cut the cord. Give the couple some space. Dont interfere or dictate what you feel the young couple should or should not be doing. When they have children of their own, give
COMPLIMENT HER ON THINGS SHE DOES WELL, WHETHER IT'S HER AMAZING BANANA BREAD PUDDING OR HER NEW PROMOTION.
if you sincerely try to welcome your daughter-in-law into the family with open arms. Bonding with your daughter-in-law is an integral part of parenting. This is especially true if you are one of those lucky ones whose son and daughter-in-law will be living with you instead of setting up their own independent set-up. Regardless of whether your son has his own set-up after marriage or continues to live with you, here are some ways by which you can not only make the new member feel at home but also ensure that you are liked by your daughter-in-law. 38
suggestions and advice when asked but allow the younger couple to rear their children in the manner they want. Sonia Singh, a 30-something homemaker shares her experience. My MIL was extra-possessive of her son. She truly believed that no girl was worthy of him. She would hover around me when I made his breakfast and packed his tiffin, worried that I would serve her son less food or worse, starve him, she reminisces. My in-laws were very possessive and didnt want to let us out of their sight, says Delhi-based Mahek Sharma. They resented it when we went out to the movies and dinners on weekends. And, if we decided to stay at home, my in-laws never allowed us to be at home alone. While they used to go out together every evening, they used to take turns to go for their evening walks if my husband and I decided to spend an evening at home. Shalini Ramani from Mumbai has a different story to share. My spouse was an only child. And yet, my inlaws were far from possessive, she reveals. My in-laws used to encourage us to go out on weekends, leaving our two children with them. In fact, on several occasions, my FIL even went out of the way to get us movie tickets for the latest blockbuster in advance. They have always given us space and privacy and have allowed us to live our own lives, even though we all live under the same roof. As a result, I am very close to my in-laws and love and respect them a lot, she confesses. Plan an outing together: There is nothing better to break the ice than planning an outing together. It could be to the latest pizza joint or to a movie but planning an outing with your DIL could make you popular with her. It is also an opportunity for both of you to get to know each other. Of course, you should take into consideration your DILs tastes and preferences while planning the venue of the outing. My MIL and I are on very good and friendly terms, says Mumbaibased KhushbuIrani. We often go out on shopping sprees and lunches. While we both have our friends circles, we are also part of the same kitty group, and this fact amazes some of my friends, she chuckles. Understand and respect her views: It is important that you demonstrate an understanding of your daughter-in-laws behaviour, intentions and views. Seeking her opinion makes her feel part of the family. It could be a simple thing like asking her what she would like for dinner or what colour the living room should be painted. Be sensitive to her feelings at all times. This paves the way to a long and meaningful relationship with your daughter-inlaw. Using these simple ways you can surely make yourself accepted and We liked by your DIL.
Born again
My eyes were closed, my head was inside the MRI machine and I was trying to shut out the irritating reverberating noise of the machine. Extremely severe headaches and several visits to the doctors had landed me at Bombay Hospital a few years back. There is a big shadow at the base of your brain, said my doctor examining the CT scan I had undergone after a battery of other regular tests, It could be a tumour but it is at an inoperable place. This verdict suggested that there was no cure and that my life could be counted in days. The blinding headaches I was
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undergoing were terrible and unbearable. My children were young, still in school and my busy executive husband knew nothing about the home and hearth. What would happen to them if something happened to me? You have been a very good daughter, wife and mother, said a friend in whom I confided my worries, If you have to go away, go with a peaceful mind. But was I ready to go? Could I leave my family to fend for themselves? And could they? The answer was a big and resounding, NO. As the MRI scanned my brain, my mind was active. I relived my life, the happy occasions, the highs and the achievements. I still had a lot to do, a long way to go before I called it a day. As my brain was being scanned, I came to a decision: I HAD TO LIVE. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO DIE. My mind was made up. I resolved to live,
fight out my illness and survive. The results of the MRI were startling. The so-called tumour shown in the CT scan had now broken into bits and there were some six to eight small shadows at various places in my brain. It is difficult to say exactly what they are, said the brain specialist, By drilling your skull and scooping out one of them and analysing it, we could probably find the problem and then a solution could be attempted. I shuddered at the very thought. Isnt there any other way? I asked. There is, he said slowly, You can be put on a broad-spectrum medical course. The medicines will be strong, your stomach and its lining will be tender. These medicines cover a large number of illnesses, right from tuberculosis to infection and the rest. You must also have a full body check-up. -Veena Adige, Mumbai.
I have a six-month-old son. Please tell me what are the advantages of massaging a baby and what is the right way of going about it. Research has shown that regular massage benefits the growth and development of the baby. It moist urises the skin and scalp, promotes mother-child bonding and enhances the psychological well-being of the child. You could begin by massaging the scalp with a mild oil and then move over to the body. Rub some oil between your palms, hold the babys foot with one hand and move the other hand from his buttocks to his foot. Follow the same motion with the other hand. Alternate both hands in this way taking care not to squeeze the leg. Repeat this motion in the reverse. You can flex and relax the foot and roll the babys leg between both hands. Repeat with the other leg. Now, place both your hands in the centre of his chest and move them outwards around his chest. Next, place one hand on his belly button and move it gently downwards. Follow with the other hand. For the arms, place both hands on the centre of the babys rib cage and move them outwards over his shoulders, upper, lower arms and hands in a smooth motion. As for his face, put both your hands on his forehead and slide them down the sides of his face with your thumbs massaging the sides of his nose. Lastly, make small circular motions over the babys cheeks in front of the ears, loop around the ears and chin. I have a two-month-old son. Though I wash his hair regularly, he has crusty flakes on his scalp that I cant get rid of. Please tell me why are they present and how do I get rid of them. Is this due to some skin disease or due to lack of adequate hygienic measures? I am very worried. The crusty flakes that some babies have on their heads, is called cradle cap in lay language and seborrhric dermatitis in medical parlance. It is a form of dandruff common in infants. The greasy scales usually respond to a brisk massage with oil, followed by a thorough shampoo that removes the crust along with the oil. Those cases where the flaking is heavy and present as brownish patches or yellowish crustiness need more vigorous treatment. Daily use of anti-dandruff shampoo after an oil massage should be made. Make sure you keep it out of the babys eyes. Ointments with anti-dandruff preparations can be applied afterwards. Since the condition worsens with sweating, make sure you keep your babys head cool. Occasionally, the cradle cap may persist throughout the first year but as the condition causes no problems and is only cosmetically unappealing do not get unduly worried. My seven-year-old son has started developing white patches on his body. The hair over that area has also turned white. I am very worried. Is it leprosy? Please tell me what to do. Your son is most probably suffering from vitiligo or leucoderma. This is not a variant of leprosy as most people fear. It is non-contagious and non-lifethreatening but can cause a lot of emotional trauma on account of the disfigurement. It occurs due to loss of melanocytes the pigment-forming cells. Till recently there was no effective cure in allopathy and more and more people turned to ayurveda for this disease. Nowadays, laser has shown promising results.
Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD.
My 12-year-old son develops ulcers in the mouth off and on. They begin with a tingling and burning sensation, are followed by a red bump that turns into a yellowish ulcer. It is painful and he experiences difficulty in eating. Sometimes there is more than one ulcer. They heal in a weeks time. Please tell me why does he develop ulcers and what should we do to treat them. Mouth ulcers occur due to a variety of reasons ranging from digestive problems, allergies, stress, fatigue, illness, injury, deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Good oral hygiene is of paramount importance both in the prevention and treatment of the disease. Avoid spicy and salty foods and drinks as they may aggravate the condition. Strong mouth washes may irritate the existing ulcers and are best avoided. Local applications and painkillers help alleviate the symptoms but do not cure the disease. Please do take him to a doctor. There is a constant flow of clear liquid from my babys right eye that is worrying me. He is just one month old. The constant flow of tears occurs due to blockage of the passage that carries excess tears from the inner end of the eye to the nose. A gentle massage with a finger, beginning from the inner end of the eye downwards along the nose bridge, usually opens up the duct and cures the condition. A paediatrician will show you the correct method of doing it. In case this does not work your baby might need a minor operation that involves opening up of the blocked passage. 42
Could you tell me what is caries and how I can prevent it from occurring in my daughters teeth. Caries are cavities in the teeth, caused by bacteria that multiply in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. Food particles that remain overnight in the gaps between the teeth, lead to a growth of bacteria. These bacteria produce a lot of acid that destroys the enamel of the teeth. After some time the damage progresses further down right up to the pulp causing a lot of pain. If not checked even at this stage the infection spreads to the rest of the body through blood.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
M
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Eyedrops need to be used with caution.

By Dr Narendra Kumar
However, its dangerous to stock the leftover medicines to be used later on as first-aid products. Eyedrops are medicines for topical use in the eye; and may contain steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflamm atory drugs, mydriatics, miotics, topical anaesthetics or artificial tears etc, depending upon the condition being treated. As compared to oral medicines, eyedrops carry lower risks of sideeffects; and it is generally recommended that these should not be used after three weeks of the opening of the bottle for fear of their losing potency. Following are the various types of eyedrops: Eye cleaning drops: The main constituent in these drops (e.g., Optrex with an eye cup) is normal saline and these are primarily used for eye rinsing. Steroid eyedrops: These contain organic compounds and are used to treat eye infection. Also having prophylactic properties, these are used to prevent infection after ocular surgery, and should be used only as per the directions of the eye doctor. Antibiotic eye drops: These are also used to treat eye infection as well as to prevent infection after eye Womans Era July (First) 2012 surgery, and must be continued for full treatment periods as otherwise the infection may relapse. Glaucoma eyedrops: These are used to manage glaucoma, the silent thief of vision (as vision once lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained by any means), and help to drain eyes fluid (aqueous humor) better and decrease the amount of the fluid made by the eye, in order to reduce eye pressure. Artificial teardrops: These are lubricating eyedrops for the management of dry eye, the common debilitating condition that results in irritation, redness, itching and discomfort. Allergy-relief eyedrops: These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs having anti-allergic constituents to control ailments like allergic conjunctivitis. Pink eyedrops: These antibiotic eyedrops (e.g., Ciplox) treat the red eye due to conjunctivitis. Mydriatic eyedrops: These are used for the dilatation of eyes pupils to facilitate estimation of the refractive error as also the examination of the inside of the eye (e.g., Pilocarpine). All eyedrops, especially steroid and antibiotic preparations, and mydriatic and miotic preparations, must not be used indiscriminately; these should be used as per the We advice of the eye doctor.
rs Sabharwal rings me up and says, Im not in a position to come to the clinic; Im having watering in one eye. My neighbour, Mrs Sharma, visited me last evening and gave Tropica Plus and Ciplox eyedrops as first aid, but theres no improvement in watering and redness; can you suggest some eye drops? I replied, We can only advise any treatment after eye examination, and you need to take an appointment; in the meantime, while Tropica Plus must be stopped, you may continue the use of Ciplox prior to coming to the clinic. Tropica Plus is a mydriatic (Tropica mide + Phenyephrine) commonly used for dilating the pupil to perform refraction and examine the posterior segment of the eye; and its a grave mistake by anyone offering it as a first-aid medicine for the problem of watering. Most commonly abused eyedrops include mydriatic and steroid preparations as these are leftovers having been prescribed for a family member, the parents are usually asked to put mydriatic drops in the eyes of their child at home prior to coming to the clinic, and steroid drops are usually prescribed for the ocular ailment specially meant to be treated with such formulations.
Long Story Part-20
Alice in Cyberland
Taking digital swords by roller coaster. By Anoop Verma
The story so far
Alice and her friends meet the fogy squirrel who is actually the principal of their school. After introduction they tell the principal that they want to save the world by defeating the evil duo. The principal is delighted and discloses to them that he knows the way to access the source codes of the evil duo and he will show them the method. your swords to fight the evil duo and their cruel minions. Timmy, the friendly lion and the spider will use their claws and teeth to do the fighting. When can we have the special digital swords Mr Principal? asked Rachna. I too am eager to have the special kind of digital sword, said Pinki, wondering what the sword would look like. Would it match the colour of her dress? Would she look more beautiful carrying it? Hurrah to the principal and to his sword, said the friendly lion and Timmy. I am so pleased that we will soon be on our way to fight for saving the world, said Rajat with a brave smile. I am not eager to be on my way to fight for saving the world, mumbled the selfish spider by herself, even as she partook of another mouthful of nuts. However, as no one learnt of her secret thought, she escaped from being scolded. We are eager to destroy the forces of evil so that we can return to the real world, said Alice enthusiastically. Yeah, we are all eager to return to the real world, said Ashish. Hurrah to the real world cheered Timmy and the friendly lion. From my house, I will get the five special digital swords, which all of you will need to defeat the evil duo. I dont want to keep all of you from your mission to save the world, the principal said getting up from his chair. Where is your house, Mr Principal? asked Alice. The principal laughed and said, Look up, girl, among the branches of the tree under which you are sitting. The youngsters looked up and saw perched between the branches, a small but immaculately built tree-house. But how will you climb up to your tree-house, Mr Principal? the spider opened her
o matter how powerful the evil ones are, in the end they always get beaten at the hands of the virtuous. The Emperor of the Internet and the Lackey were seemingly the most powerful in Cyberland, but even they were not unbeatable. The evil duo is shielded by a very potent digital firewall, which is impossible to access by normal software hacking techniques, said the principal to the audience comprising Ashish, Alice, Rajat, Rachna, Pinki, Timmy and the friendly lion. The spider was sitting under a nut tree munching some succulent nuts. The only way to break that digital firewall is by cutting it down with a special digital sword, which is forged from a very potent software system. Using the sword wont be easy; the evil duo will use every trick to defend their digital lives. The fight against the evil duo is going to be a fight to the death, which in Cyberland means deletion. Mr Principal, where will we get the special digital sword with which we can access the digital firewall of the evil duo? asked Alice. I will give the sword to you, said the principal. Since I became trapped in the cyberworld I have been working on forging swords which can break the digital firewall of the Emperor of the Internet and the Lackey. I have succeeded in creating five such swords. I will give one sword each to Ashish, Alice, Rajat, Rachna and Pinki. All of you can use
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The evil duo are shielded by a very potent digital firewall, which is impossible to access by normal software hacking techniques. Mr Principal, where will we get the special digital sword with which we can access the digital firewall of the evil duo?
mouth full of nuts to ask. How can you ask such a silly question, girl? Dont you understand that I climb to my tree-house like a squirrel, reposted the principal. So saying, the principal started climbing his tree-house by slithering up the nut tree just as a squirrel does. The principal slithered down the nut tree only moments later holding five digital swords in his hands and these he gave to the five youngsters. I am glad to receive this sword, Ashish said examining his sword gleefully, I am sure it makes me look like a medieval prince. I feel great. Oh, I am so, oh so delighted to have my sword, beamed the absolutely delighted Alice. The silver colour of the sword matches so wonderfully with the silver colour of my dress, delightfully said Pinki. I am sure I look like some medieval princess, said Rachna. I feel stronger than ever with this sword in my hand, said Rajat. But the envious spider was overwhelmed by envy when she saw her friends receiving the beautiful swords. Out of sheer spite, she said, Carrying a sword is no big deal. Only hairy and ugly men carry swords. Pretty women always carry a parasol. This is just what she should have said to make Rachna lose her temper. Shweta, you monstrous sixlegged spider! she screeched. How dare you speak such cruel words? Apologise, or I will tackle you with my new sword. Fearing that Rachna may actually carry out the threat and hit her with the specially made digital sword, the spider hastened to apologise, I am sorry Rachna, she gulped, I didnt mean to hurt
48
anyones feelings. That was a lie of course, she had meant to hurt the feelings of all those who had received a sword from the principal. Nevertheless, she was forgiven. I must now seek your permission to leave, Mr Principal, said Ashish pompously, holding the swords hilt firmly and proudly in his hand, like a medieval prince. There are many battles that I have to fight and many dangers that I have to face before I finally succeed in achieving my real aim of saving the world. Yes, Mr Principal, our mission to save the world cannot be delayed any longer and so we must leave, said Alice, with her head held high, looking like a very pretty medieval princess. But we have hardly given any thought to how we are going to reach the lair of the evil duo, said the friendly lion. We dont know the way to that place. Oh no, thats true, Rachna gasped desperately. We dont know the way to the lair of the Emperor of the Internet and the Lackey. I didnt realise up till now that none of us knew about the way to the evil duos lair, Rajat said with apparent frustration. What are we going to do now? said Pinki. How are we going to use our special digital swords on the evil duo, if we dont even know where to find them in this vast Cyberland. Mr Principal, can you suggest some way by which we can reach the evil duos lair quickly? Alice asked, looking expectantly at her sword. It was clear that she was itching for a battle against the forces of the evil duo. Of course, I know of a way that can take you to
In my nut forest I have a digital roller coaster, which is capable of travelling right up to the lair of the evil duo. All you guys have to do is to sit down on seats of this roller coaster and then you will be off on a topsy-turvy, tumultuous, riotous, thunderous and screaming ride to the evil duos lair.
the evil duos lair in moments, the principal said, with a smile. You do? Alice said happily. But why didnt you tell us about that earlier? How could I unless somebody asked me? said the considerate principal. Please tell us how we can reach the lair quickly, Ashish said eagerly. Listen very carefully, for I shall say this only once, said the principal. Everyone listened very carefully to the words of the principal, who never said anything twice. In my nut forest I have a digital roller coaster, which is capable of travelling right up to the lair of the evil duo. All you guys have to do is to sit on seats of this roller coaster and then you will be off on a topsyturvy, tumultuous, riotous, thunderous and screaming ride to the evil duos lair. I am terrified of roller-coasters, the spider wailed feebly. Sitting in roller coasters gives me a feeling of emptiness in the pit of my stomach. Now, the wily nut-
munching six-legged spider had again said something that was sure to get her a well-deserved rebuke. And that is what she got from the principal. She is just making an excuse by saying that she is terrified of roller coasters because she does not want to fight to save the world, said Rachna, who had an axe to grind against the spider. What is it to you if I am lying? asked the sullen spider taking another mouthful of six nuts. You are only jealous of me and that is why you are making up all sorts of stories about me. I am not jealous, I am speaking the truth, Rachna said peevishly. Since when did you start speaking the truth? sarcastically asked the spider. Thats enough, interjected the principal. I am of the opinion that Shweta is making up stories about being terrified of roller coasters as she does not want to fight to save the world. Do you know how I punish girls who refuse to contribute their mite to saving the world from the nefarious conspiracy of the evil duo?
o one felt any pity for the wily nut-munching spider since her punishment was entirely well deserved. Enough of this melodrama, girl, the principal hollered. My decision is final, you are going to ride the roller coaster in the front seat and thats it. The realisation dawned on the spider that her wailing and pleas for mercy were not going to have any effect on the principal and so she resigned to her fate. She lapsed into a morose silence and continued with her nut-munching activity. Mr Principal, can we now depart for the lair of the evil duo? asked Ashish eager to do battle with
We will succeed in saving the world, Mr Principal, have no doubts on that regard.
forces of the evil. Of course, of course, I wont hold all of you back from the momentous undertaking of saving the world, the principal said brightly. Come with me, all of you, I will show you the roller coaster. At the other end of the nut forest there was the colourful digital roller coaster, whose digital tracks seemed to go on and on into the cyberspace and melt into infinity. What a pretty roller coaster, Alice exclaimed happily. I will enjoy riding in this roller coaster. This roller coaster looks too good to be true, Ashish chuckled. Hurrah to the roller coaster that will take us to the lair of the evil duo, cheered Timmy and the friendly lion.
he spider without waiting for anyone, quickly jumped into the rear seat of the roller coaster, hoping that no one would order her to vacate this seat and move to the front seat. But she was obviously underestimating the principals determination to severely punish her. Not so fast, girl, the principal admonished, glaring at her through his pince-nez. Didnt I tell you that you are going to ride the roller coaster on the front seat, which is the most frightening seat in any roller coaster? Ppleplease dont make me sit on the front seat, the spider said shivering with fright. Alice can occupy the front seat. And why should I? Alice asked peevishly. Maybe Ashish can occupy the front seat, said the spider still shivering. And why should I? asked Ashish sullenly. Rachna, Rajat or Pinki can occupy the front
seat, said the spider with fright. Why should we? said the three youngsters. It is you who has misbehaved all the time since we arrived in this nut forest. Maybe the friendly lion or Timmy can occupy the front seat, the shivering spider ejaculated in a last ditch attempt to avoid sitting on the front seat. Boo to the front seat, Timmy and the friendly lion said in unison. Only girls who are being punished by their principal are supposed to ride the front seat of roller coasters and not others. Your delaying tactics dont seem to be working, girl, the principal said. There is no way you can avoid having a place in the front seat. It is time you vacate the last seat and come to the front. The spider stayed put on the last seat with her teeth chattering and body shivering. The principal finally and rightly decided that he had had too much of nonsense from this disobeying spider. He simply resorted to picking her up by the six spindly legs and chucked her unceremoniously into the front seat which, as we all know, is the most terrifying seat of all. If you utter another word of protest, I will see to it that you always ride in roller coasters on the front seat, the principal said angrily. Even after we are back in the real world, you will be forced to ride roller coasters on the front seat only. The spider gnawed at the nails of her six feet, shivered and her teeth chattered, but she did not utter any word for fear that the principal would make his new threat come true. Ashish occupied the second seat, Alice the third, Rajat the fourth, Rachna the fifth, Pinki the sixth, Timmy and the friendly lion settled down on the seventh and eighth seats respectively. We are on our way to fight the evil duo, Mr Principal, Ashish said with pride. We will succeed in saving the world, Mr Principal, have no doubts on that regard, said Alice enthusiastically. We will win, because we are fighting for liberty, said Rajat, Rachna and Pinki. Hurrah to our mission to save the world! said Timmy and the friendly lion. The spider was too busy shivering and feeling frightened to say anything. Best of luck boys and girls, may the world be saved, said the principal. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! chanted Ashish, Alice, Timmy and the friendly lion. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! chanted the principal and then he pressed a digital button that said Click here to send the roller coaster to the lair of the evil duo. The roller coaster was on its way with the brave digital souls, on whose young shoulders rested the mantle of saving the world. (To be continued)
52
Beat Heat
Wear this marvellous designs to beat the heat in a hotter way...
A led gown in crepe with wrinkles. The same tone belt with silver flower brooch attracts the waistline. The V-neck accentuates the looks.
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Turn heads this summer in the latest designs and colours.
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SEASONAL
hungama
If you like to use seasonal vegetables and fruits in your regular diet, follow the recipes to add a different and exciting touch to your food.
By Roma Ghosh
Caviar pakoras
CAVIAR PAKORAS
INGREDIENTS: 250 gm fish egg 1 onion chopped finely 2 chopped green chillies 1 cup besan gramflour mustard oil for frying salt to taste METHOD Clean the eggs removing the skin. Place in a large mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients, mixing gently with your fingers. Heat mustard oil for deep frying. Drop small portions of the caviar mixture into the hot oil and fry pakoras. Turn once or twice as you fry 10-12 pakoras at
56 Womans Era
one time. Lower the heat to medium so that the pakoras are crispy. Serve with ketchup, chutney or pickled onions or aachar.
VEGETABLE CUTLETS
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup grated paneer cottage cheese 1 green capsicum cut into small pieces seeds removed 1 cup beans stringed and cut into very small pieces 2 boiled and mashed potatoes 11/2 cup fresh bread crumbs 1/ tsp roasted jeera powder 2 2 chopped green chillies
July (First) 2012
Vegetable cutlets
1 tsp more lemon juice as per your taste salt to taste METHOD Place the beans, grated capsicums and mashed potatoes in a blender and run the blender for a few seconds so that all the ingredients mix into each other. Remove to a mixing bowl and add the grated cheese, bread crumbs, salt, spice and lemon juice and the chopped green capsicum pieces. Blend gently with your fingers. Shape the mixture into round tikkies and pan-fry in less oil in a non-stick pan. Turn over so that both the sides of the tikkies are golden brown and crispy. Serve with ketchup, mustard sauce or pickle.
Fruity kulfi or frozen moulds
1 cup thick cream 2 tsp powdered sugar 1 cup fresh fruits like apple and pears cut into small pieces, without removing the skin METHOD Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into kulfi moulds or any other moulds and keep in the fridge to freeze. Unmould to serve.
FRUITY KULFI OR FROZEN MOULDS

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups mango pulp
CHICKEN IN MILK AND CASHEWS

INGREDIENTS: 500 gm chicken breasts cut into fairly large portions
Chicken in milk and cashews
Cheesy bonanza
5 cloves 4 cardamoms 10-12 pepper corns 1 piece cinnamon 1/ piece star anise 2 11/2 cups thick cream 11/2 cups milk 3 tbsp cashew paste 2 tsp pepper powder 1 tbsp ghee salt to taste METHOD Heat the ghee and add the whole spices and allow to splutter. Add the chicken pieces and fry on medium heat, adding salt to taste, till the pieces are light golden brown in colour. Lower the heat and mix in the cashew paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the milk and half the quantity of the cream. Stir gently. Add salt to taste and the pepper powder. Add one cup
of water and pressure-cook or cook in a pan covering with a lid so that the chicken pieces are tender. Lace with the remaining cream and serve. You could use less of the cream and skip the last step if you want less quantity of the cream. Serve with rotis or romalis or parathas.
CHEESY BONANZA
INGREDIENTS: 200 gm paneer cottage cheese 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese 2 tbsp Feta cheese 2 tbsp oil 200 gm peas 1/ tsp haldi powder 2 1 tbsp coriander powder
2 tsp jeera powder 1/ tsp red chilli powder 2 2 tbsp tomato puree salt to taste METHOD Heat the oil and fry the paneer pieces which have been cut into cubes. Remove once the pieces are light golden brown and keep aside. In the same oil add the peas and stir-fry for a minute. Lower the heat and mix in the spices and tomato puree. Cook on low fire for a further 2 minutes. Add half cup of water and bring to boil. Cover the lid and cook for a minute more. Now, mix in the paneer pieces and the Feta cheese and mix gently. Remove to a serving dish and top with the grated cheese. Serve with rotis.
Litchi rice
Idlis in curd and cucumber
LITCHI RICE
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cooked basmati rice 4 tbsp litchi juice 1 tsp oregano 12-14 litchies METHOD Mix the cooked rice, oregano and litchi juice in a mixing bowl and then lay out on a serving plate. Top with the litchis and serve as a pulao.
For the stewed apricots: 3-4 apricots 1 cup sugar 1/ tsp cinnamon powder 2
Rasgollas with stewed apricots
METHOD Cut the apricots into quarters and remove the seeds. Boil the sugar in 1 cup water adding the cinnamon. Boil till a sugar syrup forms. Add the apricots and boil in this sugar syrup for 3-4 minutes on low fire. Remove, chill and serve with rasgollas.
RASGOLLAS WITH STEWED APRICOTS

INGREDIENTS: Rasgollas for serving
INGREDIENTS: 8-10 steamed idlis rise or semolina 1 cup curd 8-10 curry leaves 2 tbsp of oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1/ tsp red chilli powder 2 optional
IDLIS IN CURD AND CUCUMBER
Aam pana coconut milk kulfi
Stuffed stewed apples
2 green chillies 11/2 cups cucumber peeled and cut into small pieces METHOD Heat the oil and allow the mustard and curry leaves and red chillies to splutter. Cut each of the idlis into four pieces or more as per your requirement. Lower the heat and mix in the idli pieces, the curd and the chillies and stir gently. Mix in the chopped cucumber pieces and serve as a refreshing snack.
3 tbsp aam pana ready made 1/ cup cream 2 METHOD Mix all the ingredients together and fill kulfi moulds and freeze till solid. To serve unmould by running the tip of a knife around the rim to loosen the kulfi.
STUFFED STEWED APPLES

INGREDIENTS: 2 apples 1 cup sugar 1/ tsp cinnamon powder 2 METHOD Cut the apples into halves and remove the seeds, scoop out
slightly to form a depression for filling. Boil the sugar in 1 cup water adding the cinnamon. Boil till a sugar syrup forms. Add the apples and boil in this sugar syrup for 3-4 minutes on low fire. Remove, chill and insert half a gulab jamun in the scooped out portion and serve. You can use different fillings like mango pulp, Mysore paak or any other sweet.
AAM PANA COCONUT MILK KULFI

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups full cream milk chilled
SOYA STICKS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

INGREDIENTS: 300 gm soya sticks
1 chopped onion 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 tbsp tomato puree or tomatoes chopped 1/ tsp garam masala powder 2 1/ tsp haldi powder 2 2 tbsp coriander powder 1 tsp jeera powder 2 tbsp oil 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes salt to taste METHOD Remove the sticks from the soya sticks and cut into 2-3 pieces each. Heat the oil and add the onions and cook till translucent. Mix in the ginger-garlic paste. Now, mix in the soya pieces. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes adding salt to taste. Mix in the remaining ingredients (except the garam masala) and stir gently. Add one cup of water and lower the heat and cover with a lid. Cook till the soya sticks are tender and then sprinkle the garam masala and stir gently. Now, mix the sun-dried tomatoes and stir once again. Serve with rotis.
BOTTLE GOURD/LAUKI IN CURD

INGREDIENTS: 400 gm lauki 2 cups thick curd 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp fennel powder saunf 1/ tsp red chilli powder 2 1/ tsp haldi powder 4 oil for deep frying METHOD Peel the lauki and cut into circles half-inch thick. Heat the oil and fry the lauki pieces a few at a time till light golden brown in colour. Remove and keep aside. Remove most of the oil except 2
Bottle gourd/lauki in curd
Raita with mangoes and cherries
tsp. In this oil add the curd and the spices and half cup of water and bring to boil. Add salt to taste and mix in the fried lauki pieces. Stir gently. Cook for one minute more and serve with steamed rice.
RAITA WITH MANGOES AND CHERRIES

INGREDIENTS: 500 ml whipped curd 4 tsp sugar syrup 1 cup sweet mango pulp 100 gm cherries or less or more as per your choice 2 tbsp aam papad cut into small pieces optional METHOD Place the whipped curd in a serving bowl. Mix in the sugar syrup, mango pulp and stir gently. Add the aam papad pieces and decorate with cherries. Chill and serve as a refreshing raita.
VEGETABLE JAMBOREE
Soya sticks with sun-dried tomatoes
INGREDIENTS: 300 gm green saag pui saag or any other green
Vegetable jamboree
100 gm red pumpkin 100 gm brinjal 1 potato 1 onion chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 piece ginger 2-3 tsp mustard oil 1/ tsp panch phoran mix 2 2 chopped green chillies 1/ tsp haldi turmeric powder 2 1 tbsp coriander powder 1 tsp roasted jeera powder salt to taste METHOD Cut the saag into one-inch pieces with the stems. Cut the remaining veggies into one-inch pieces. Heat the mustard oil and add the panch phoran spice and allow to splutter. Lower the heat and mix in the veggies and the ginger and garlic. Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Mix in the spices and lower the heat and cover and cook on low heat till the veggies are tender and the preparation has only little water. If you are using vadis then fry the vadis in another pan with one tsp of oil and fry till light golden in colour. Sprinkle on top of the saag preparation and serve with steamed rice.
INGREDIENTS: 300 gm green mangoes peeled and cut into strips 100 gm dried apricots 1 cup musk melon, peeled cored and cut into small pieces 1 apple peeled, cored and cut into small pieces 1 piece cinnamon 2 cloves 3 cardamoms 2 dried red chillies 1 cup sugar or more as per taste 1/ tsp red chilli 2 powder
RELISH WITH MANGO AND APRICOTS
METHOD Boil 100 ml water and add the whole spices. Lower the heat and mix in the green mango pieces and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes. Now, mix in the remaining fruit pieces and cook over low heat till the fruits are tender and mushy. Add the sugar and continue to cook till the preparation is less liquid. This will depend on the thickness you desire for the chutney. If you want the chutney dry then allow the water to evaporate. But a semi-thick consistency is the best and will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. We
Relish with mango and apricots
Womans Era
July (First) 2012
63
TEEN TE EN ACHE HE C
I am my parents only son and child, born after several years of their marriage. Because of this, they take great pains to see that I have the best of everything in life, even if it calls for sacrifices on their part. We are a middle-class family but I am studying in a high-profile public school. I am a normal fun-loving boy, quite average in my studies, but what makes me depressed is that my parents have such high expectations of me that I feel guilty and inadequate all the time. I am never able to live up to their goals. They are tense, I am tense I just want to run away from home and be free... It is unfortunate that your parents are unwittingly putting such a lot of pressure on you with their expectations and dreams. Is it possible for you to have a calm discussion with them to let them know how unhappy and stressed you are? If they know, they will surely lay off the pressure and allow you to be just what you wish to be. Often, simply because we fail to talk and reveal our true feelings, we unnecessarily suffer a lot. You could also enlist the support of an older tactful relative to talk to your parents. Even your school student counsellor could show them that success comes in many forms; you have to be happy with your achievements and not avalanched by the tension of living up to their expectations. Relax. Running away will not solve any problem. Once you get advice and support, both you and your parents will be more relaxed and satisfied. 64 I am a 17-year-old girl studying for her BA degree. I am very fond of acting and long to join an acting school. Is it possible to do this even when I am in college, or should I wait to finish my graduation? I live in Delhi. Naturally, you will not be able to I am a 16-year-old attractive 12th class girl who has two boys vying to be my boyfriend. The problem is that I cannot decide who to favour. One boy is bold, adventurous and always ready for excitement. The other is comparatively staid and stiff but sincere and honest. I know I cannot depend on the first one...he is a bit of a rogue, but I enjoy his company. He is great fun. The other boy is good but so stodgy and boring! My friends are warning me against the first boy, saying that he will cause trouble, but I am drawn to him! Why should you decide between the two of them? You are too young anyway to have a steady relationship, so tell them that you will want to be friends with both of them. Women (and girls) are often attracted to the rogue because he promises thrills and excitement. But all this may come at a cost, because such boys usually hate commitment and tire easily of a relationship. They keep flitting from girl to girl. If you are willing to accept this, you may quite enjoy his friendship. But when you are ready to settle down with a lifetime partner, the real qualities of honesty, integrity, character and commitment play a big part in your happiness. All things considered, enjoy yourself in group friendships at present. There is time enough to go on serious dating in the coming years. Womans Era July (First) 2012 do a full-time acting course now as this will make you miss college,and your attendance could fall short. There are, however, several evening classes in theatre which you can attend. This will expose you to the acting world and also help you get some roles on the stage. Sahitya Kala Academys National School of Drama is a renowned institute for acting courses, which affords great stage opportunities as well. You can contact the institute for details. Recently, the prestigious Jamia Millia Islamia University has announced plans to launch a post-graduate course in acting in its Mass Communication Research Centre, which will be a one-year diploma course. The critereo for application is graduation in any discipline (10+2+3) and not less than an aggregate of 50% marks. This promises to be an exciting course, which you can consider after graduation. There are several smaller, lesserknown acting schools too but never join unless you are assured of their credentials and reputation.
TEENACHE
This column is especially for teenagers. Adolescence can, we know, be a trying and confusing time. There are so many questions which seem to evade solutions. A wrong decision, or an indiscreet move, can spell disaster and ruin a life. Share your problem, worry or doubt with us and WE will help you find a way out to a happier, healthier and more successful adult life. Send your problems to: WOMANS ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. Womansera.com
Q U I Z
Win Jewellery
1 2
Some of your friends with whom you socially interact, look better than you.
a. You have faith that your relationship is not dependent only on looks. b. You get worried, when your friends interact with your partner.
Your partner meets his/her Ex in a party.

a. You join them and share the conversation without any thought of the past. b. You are worried and confront him/her with the letters.
Your Partner
Time to know you, the real.
e be published in th elected entries will omans era. Look out of W forthcoming issue August 2012 issue 15 for the
Do you have faith in
Answer the questions
&
win a grand prize...
L ast date for sending entries: 31 July 2012

A
r ur friend for a bette yo of ph ra og ot ph ttach a g in Womans era chance of featurin
You find some old love letters in his/her closet.

a. You dont care about them as they date before both of you even met. b. You are worried and confront him/her with the letters.
4 5 6
Your partner goes out of town for a business trip.

a. You suggest a few activities your partner can do after work to remain occupied. b. You are worried about what he/she does after work and call him/her every now and then.
Q Q
Do you allow your partner a free evening without asking or worrying about how he/she will be spending time?
a. Yes b. No
You have no secrets from him/her and expect the same in return.
a. Yes b. No
7 Q 8 Q 9 Q 10
Age
Are you spending more time on your partners hobbies rather than yours?
a. No b. Yes
Are you doing things for him/her, which you would never do otherwise?
a. No b. Yes
Do you always suppress your wishes to fulfil your partners?

a. No b. Yes
Do you have to ask him/her before spending on anything?

a. No b. Yes
Scoring Terms and Conditions:
Dont you hate those artificial quizzes that only have one obvious right answer? Jewellery and its lineage is fluid. So answer according to what you feel is best. Prove that you are aware of this trivia. Send us the coupon with your photo along with the correct answers.
Name
Winners of Jewellery Quiz Contest - 5
Address PIN Phone: Occupation E-mail
Neena 1089/44, SFS, Neheru Place, Kalkaji, New Delhi.
Dont forget to attach a photograph 1. Mark the answers and send us the cutting of this quiz along with this coupon. The last date is 31 July 2012. So hurry up and post it now. 2. The decision of the editor will be final. 3. Depict your true self only. 4. Send a photograph of your own. It may be printed in Womans Era, along with the results. Send to: Womans Era, Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewala, New Delhi-110 055.
An array of Indian ethnic assemblage to make you look apart.
ETHNIC
fair
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Short Story
The woman who wouldnt stop searching

What happened to a seven-year-old runaway.
By Kasturi Rangachari
lucky. For one thing, after her husband had died in an accident while working in the factory that produced small motors at Kharagpur, she had received a sizeable amount of compensation which she had invested wisely. The interest on this money and the money she earned from her tailoring classes, ensured that she had no financial problems. And then there was the fact that her elder sister Devi lived with her and that both of them provided support for each other. Padmapriya had been offered a job in the same company her husband had worked for, after his death, but she had only finished her matriculation before getting married and so was told that she could only get a peons job. But her elder sister Devi had graduated from college and was eligible for a better job with good promotion prospects. There was also the fact that a childhood accident had cost Devi her right leg besides leaving her with a scarred face. When we grew up, I was married off by my parents, but Devi akka decided not to marry. She wanted to work and be independent, but was finding it difficult to get a job. So I decided to ask the company to give her the job in my place, Padmapriya explained to me when I met her in Kharagpur. I stared at the short, rather dumpy-looking woman and nodded. What she had decided to do made sense. The GM agreed and also allotted Devi akka the same quarters in the company colony that had been allotted to my husband. Akka, my son Krishna
admapriya heated up milk, poured it into a tumbler, added sugar and stirred it. She then put it on the table next to a plate of biscuits. Seven-year-old Krishna was always in a hurry to go out to play after he got back from school and hed run off to play without eating anything if his milk and a snack werent already on the table when he came home. Next, Padmapriya tidied up the room which was strewn around with snippets of cloth and spools of thread around the four sewing machines her tailoring students had used during their afternoon class, along the wall. She glanced out. Krishna wasnt yet back. She sighed. It was difficult to bring up a boy alone, even when a woman had her sister living with her and helping. But she knew that she should consider herself
inspector asked Rohan. Did any teacher scold either of them? Did they do badly in some test? Did they say that they had been scolded at home? No. Then why did they decide to go to Chennai? Aise hi. Just like that! Aise hi? All right. How did they plan to go? By train. By the Coromandel Express. Which comes to Kharagpur and then goes to Chennai. And did they get on the train? Yes, they did. I went to the station with them and saw them get on. And why did you go to the station with them? Rohan cast a terrified glance at his mother. To see them off! he said. The inspector turned to Padmapriya. Has Pronoys mother been informed? he asked. No. I dont know her and Rohan doesnt know where Pronoy lives. Well have to get his address from the school. he sisters went in leaving the door open and Pronoys mother was as shocked and terrified as Padmapriya made tea. They sat and sipped it, Padmapriya and Devi had been to hear both glancing repeatedly at the gate. what had happened. Her husband was Suddenly Padmapriya stood up. Rohans quickly summoned from office and all of Rohans mother is bringing him here, mother them sat in the police station as the police she said, her tone anxious. Something hurried up questioned them and worked out what must have happened. She looks worried. steps to take. She rushed to the open door and Devi the pat After Kharagpur, the first big station followed more slowly on her crutches. from the for the Coromandel Express is Cuttack. Rohans mother hurried up the path from gate, Could the boys get off there? mused a the gate, dragging a terrified-looking dragging police officer. Rohan behind her. But they are headed for Chennai. Why Rohan is saying that Krishna has run a terrifiedwould they get off? asked another. away with his friend Pronoy! Rohans looking Suppose a TC in the train caught mother gasped. Rohan them? He could make them get off at the Runaway? What do you mean, behind her. next station. Rohan? exclaimed Padmapriya. That could be any station, not Rohan burst into tears. They went necessarily a major one. awayby train, aunty! he sobbed. The group of policemen talked on, and then Wentaway? Padmapriya asked blankly. Padmapriya interrupted them impatiently. We have Where? Why? to do something right away! she said resolutely, a Rohan looked even more terrified. To Chennai. burning intensity in her eyes. We cant just sit here Krishna said that he wanted to go to his mamas house and Pronoy said that he would go with him talking! But why? Padmapriya knew that Krishna was he senior policeman there looked affronted. very fond of his uncle, the only close relative that We will do all that is needed, he said stiffly. they had besides Devi, but why had he taken the We have a lot of experience in looking for sudden decision to go to see him? runaway kids! Rohan shrugged his shoulders. Aise hi, just like Butbutplease hurry! Something could that he said in a faltering voice. And he burst into happen to my boy! tears. Well contact the Railway office. Ask them to Padmapriya went with Devi, Rohan and his mother to the police station and there Rohan told the send a message to every station asking the station master to look out for two boys without tickets. police how Krishna and Pronoy had decided to get The police talked on and Padmapriya began to on a train and go to Chennai where Krishnas uncle feel more and more panicky. She got up and the lived. inspector looked at her. Yes, all of you should go But why did they decide to do that? the police and I lived there and life went on. Four years passedKrishna was then seven... The evening it all began, Padmapriya waited with growing impatience for Krishna to return. Devi came home. She used crutches and walked to and from work every day. What? Krishna hasnt come home as yet? she asked Padmapriya in surprise. No, he hasnt, said Padmapriya, her eyes on the gate. Krishnas friend Rohan was standing motionless there. Devi turned to see what her sister was staring at. Rohan! she called out. Wheres Krishna? Didnt you come home with him today? To the surprise of the two sisters, the boy turned and bolted towards his own home. They must have quarrelled, Padmapriya said to Devi, a frown on her face. But where is Krishna?
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Sir, the Coromandel will now be between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, said another, speaking to the DRM. Well ask the section controller to pass on messages to the station masters of each one of the stations between Kharagpur and where the train is now to find out if the two boys have been caught by any TC for travelling without tickets. The station masters should also ask station staff if boys answering to their description have been seen in the station since they could have alighted anywhere, said the DRM. And when the train reaches the next station it should be searched. If it is Bhubaneswar, there will be enough time for a good search. If it stops at a smaller station, the train should be detained and searched. And if any he sisters took an auto and went to the controller gets any news I should be informed divisional railway managers office. They knew immediately. that the DRM was the most senior Railway The DRM turned to the two women. Are you officer in Kharagpur. going home now? he asked. If you are, please We want to see the divisional railway leave your address so that you can be If it is manager, Padmapriya said to the office informed.. superintendent. Wed like to stay here and wait for Bhubaneswar, You wont be able to see him today. news, said Padmapriya at once. there will be Hes in an important meeting, the OS The DRM nodded and had her and Devi enough time replied. taken to a room near the control room. Ill for a good This is an emergency! The safety give you news as we get it, the OS search. If it perhaps the lives of two little boys is at assured them. stake! I have to see the DRM! In the next hour, news came in from one stops at a And, before the OS could prevent her, station after another. No, no TC in that smaller she strode over to the door of the DRMs section had caught two boys without station, the room, opened it and went in! Devi tickets. No, no member of the station staff train should followed her on her crutches. had seen any schoolboy in school uniform be detained The four men sitting there in animated wandering about the station. conversation turned in surprise. The man And then there was news from Cuttack! and searched. behind the desk, who was obviously the When the Coromandel had stopped there DRM, frowned. The OS spoke in a rattled tone from a TC had seen two schoolboys in an unreserved the door. I told them that you were busy, sir! he compartment. They had got off the train and begun exclaimed. to run as soon as they had seen him. But he had The DRM opened his mouth to speak, but chased them, collared one of them and taken him to Padmapriya spoke before he could. Sir, I am sorry the station master when it had become clear to him to barge in like this! But I am a terrified mother who that he was a runaway! needs your help. What was the name of the boy the TC caught The frown on the DRMs face disappeared and he and what about the other one? Padmapriya gestured to Padmapriya and Devi to sit down. Tell croaked, her stomach clenched so hard that she me what the matter is, he said. could hardly breathe. Padmapriya told him what Krishna and Pronoy The name of the boy who was caught is had done. As she spoke the tears flowed down her Pronoy Padmapriya and Devi both let out choked cheeks. Please, sir, help us! she said finally. The wails and the OS who had brought them the news boys are just seven years oldandanything could paused, looked down and then went on, We dont happen to them! have any news about the second boy and Pronoy The DRM rang for a peon and asked him to first doesnt know what has happened to him either. The bring water and then hot tea for the two women. DRM has arranged for Pronoy to be brought back Meanwhile, the other three men turned to them. luckily a train was coming right then in this direction. Madam, please give us a description of the two It will reach here in a couple of hours. You can wait boys, said one of them and Padmapriya described at the police station and can speak to him then. her son and Pronoy. The news that Pronoy had been found and would
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home, he said. Weve written down your complaint and now well do all that is necessary. Padmapriya, Devi, Pronoys parents and Rohan and his mother all left the police station. Pronoys mother was sobbing hysterically and her husband helped her into their car and drove away. Rohan and his mother left in an auto. Devi looked at her sister. Well take an auto, but were not going home, said Padmapriya in a determined voice. Were going to the Railway office. By the time the police get off their asses and make a move, the Coromandel would have left this Railway Division and it will be much more difficult for railwaymen here to trace the boys!
be back soon was given to his parents and they were there with Padmapriya and Devi at the police station when he was brought there by a Railway employee who had been entrusted with the task of escorting him back from Cuttack. Pronoys parents hugged their son and then Pronoys mother Meenakshi, her eyes red from weeping, came and hugged Padmapriya. Padmapriya did not cry. She looked haggard but determined. Krishna too will be found and hell come back to me, she said. Let us talk to Pronoy now. Pronoy, looking terrified, stammered out his story to Padmapriya and Devi. We got into a crowded unreserved compartment because we thought that there was less chance of the TC catching us there, Proloy told the two women who were hanging onto his every word. Krishna had no money with him. Did you have any? Padmapriya asked the boy. I had 10 rupees plan to find my brothers house? As far as I know Krishna didnt know his uncles address! He saidhe saidthat he could find his way to his mamas house. Sevi burst into tears. My goodness! Oh my God! she wept. Find his way to Gopis house without knowing the address? In crowded Chennai? Padmapriya did not cry or even look at her sister. What happened after you got into the train? she asked. The boys had been excited and had laughed and chatted. Then they had felt hungry and bought themselves groundnuts at a station. No TC had come to their compartment. But when the train came to Cuttack, they had seen one heading towards their compartment and had got off the train and begun to run. The TC had chased them and they had got separated. We had decided to get back on the train after the TC left the compartment but he caught me AndandKrishna? whispered Padmapriya. Pronoy began to cry. I dont know what happened to him! he sobbed. Padmapriya and Devi went first to the police
admapriya made a helpless movement with her hands. You both thought that you could get to Chennai with just 10 rupees? And how did you
station and then to the DRMs office. The DRM met them at once and they discussed the situation with him. He advised them to wait till the train reached Chennai later that day because Krishna would probably have got back on the train at Cuttack. Though the train would be searched at every station and station officials would keep a lookout for a scared lone boy, there was a chance that they would miss him and he would reach Chennai. Chennai itself again We must go to police stations and file complaints. And talk to as many people as possible. We must take copies of Krishnas photo with us. Another thing, we must print posters with a picture of Krishna and put them up at railway stations, police stations and in towns. Ill do that starting with places on the way from here to Chennai. Will you do it in Chennai and places near Chennai? Of course I will, akka. And Ill send you as much money as I can. Gopi was young and unmarried, but he had a good job and Padmapriya knew that she could rely on him as firmly as she relied on Devi Akka. You must, she now said. And remember that now we have to do all the searching ourselves because the Railways are no longer involved and the police cant be expected to do much more
he sisters rang up their younger brother, Krishnas Gopi mama. Gopi was shocked speechless when he heard what his nephew had done. My goodness! he said numbly. My goodness! Akka, the train wouldnt have reached Gudur as yet. Ill take a train and go thereno there wont be time! Ill drive down and search the train for him No, Gopi, you may not reach there in time and he search for Krishna began. Gopi returned to anyway, we have people searching the train at Chennai and, true to his word, took leave and every station. You be at the station when the train spent two weeks searching areas near Chennai reaches Chennai and the metro itself for Krishna. He had Yes, youre right. Hell probably still Devi gave posters printed and paid young boys to be on the train. Ill have my friends all put them up everywhere. He visited police along the platform and at every exit her as much andandwell find him! money as she stations, filed complaints and gave the police bundles of posters. The Coromandel Express reached could and He also talked to people and showed Chennai without anyone finding Krishna at Gopi too sent them Krishnas photo, but he soon began any intermediary station. And Gopi and money every to feel helpless, as if he were looking for a his friends, didnt find him at Central needle in a haystack. There were so many Station in Chennai either. month. So, what shall we do now? Gopi had Padmapriyas villages, towns and suburbs to be searched besides the metro and there spent the next day scouring nearby stations tailoring were so many people everywhere! How and Chennai for his nephew in vain and classes were could he possibly hope to find one small had then come to Kharagpur to find Devi now at boy who might not even be there? absolutely broken and Padmapriya looking an end. Gopi joined duty and life went on as as if she were possessed. Her eyes burned before. But he didnt give up. During the with an almost frightening intensity and she weekends, he walked endlessly searching the streets couldnt keep still. What do we do? We keep searching for Krishna of Chennai and also went to police stations and reminded them about little Krishna. But even as his of course! Padmapriya impatiently replied to eyes restlessly searched for the little boy, he was fast Gopis question. losing hope. Devi too went back to work. Of course! exclaimed Devi and Gopi together. As for Padmapriya, she was hardly at home and But what will be our plan of action? even the few days in the month that she was, she I will start from here and go to each and every looked as if she were under a spell. There was a station on the way from Kharagpur to Chennai. Ill scary intensity about her eyes. She hardly spoke, get off and search not just the station but also the unless it was about Krishna and her search in town! Ill spend as long as I think is necessary! various towns and cities; she hardly ate and never Ill come with you! declared Devi. seemed to sleep. During the nights Devi would hear No, akka. I can do it alone and besides, if you her pacing up and down on the verandah. come with me, you will use up all your leave and Whenever Padmapriya came back, Devi gave then have to take leave without pay. And we cannot her as much money as she could and Gopi too sent afford that because I will need money for my search money every month. Padmapriyas tailoring classes and you and Gopi must give it to me. were now at an end and money became tight, but We will! echoed her siblings and Gopi added, Ill search the stations and towns near Chennai and there was no question in any of their minds. Every
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paisa besides what they had to spend on their basic needs was for Krishna! When she came home, Padmapriya would stay a day or two, take the money Devi gave her and disappear again. She would come back after days or even weeks spent in Cuttack or Rajamandri or Gudur or some other city or small town on the way to Chennai, dishevelled, her clothes crumpled, her hair awry, looking drained and exhausted and in a few days she would be off again. As time passed, she began to not just search the streets and visit police stations wherever she went, but also to visit orphanages, slum areas, the dark, often criminal, underbelly that is in every city and anywhere else she could think of that a small, lost and terrified boy could possibly find himself. She talked endlessly to people, showing them Krishnas photograph, but as the days passed and peoples memory of that bygone day became faint, she began to rely more on her eyes than on her ears. Where do you stay? Sleep? Bathe? What do you eat? Devi asked her. I sleep anywhere I can. In smaller places, people are sometimes moved by my story and let me sleep on the verandah or the stone platform outside their houses. Or in their gardens. Otherwise I go and sleep outside a police station. The police know why I am there and so they allow me to. I use public toiletsbathe at street taps... And food? Food? Padmapriya wrinkled her forehead looking as if she didnt know what Devi was talking about and then replied vaguely, I eat something whenever I feel hungry. She looked sideways at
We will follow the police there tonight. Gopi had whishpered to his sister.
Devi and added, I dont buy train tickets you know. They are too expensive. But when they catch me, the TCs are usually understanding when I tell them my story and they do not throw me off the train though some occasionally do. Four months later, what Devi had been fearing for some time, happened. Back from one of her trips, Padmapriya developed a high fever and collapsed. Devi rushed her to the hospital and the doctors there pronounced her undernourished and on the verge of a breakdown. She cannot go on like this! they told Devi when she explained the situation. She has to accept Accept what? asked Devi sharply. That she wont ever find her son? Shell never accept that! Then we cannot guarantee that shell survive this kind of life much longer. But Padmapriya recovered. A few days of nutritious food and rest and she was up and raring to go. Taking what money Devi could spare and what Gopi had sent, she set off again. Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Vijaynagaram, Vishakapatnam, Rajamandri, Vijayawada, Nellore, Gudur she searched and re-searched them all and every small town or village in between. The months passed and then it was a year since Krishna had disappeared. I must branch out. Krishna might have got on another train and gone in another direction. Padmapriya spoke fretfully, as if she were not quite in control of herself. She looked adrift, as if she were sailing in strange seas she did not know how to navigate. Where will you go? asked Devi. Mumbai, first.
he very next day Padmapriya set off for Mumbai. It was after all Indias biggest metro and, more important, it was a city Krishna knew about. He knew that actor Akshay Kumar, whom he had seen in a movie and loved, lived there! Mumbai was a nightmare. The police was unhelpful because they had not got Krishna on their list of missing children and the city was so huge and crowded where did one begin to search? But Padmapriya roamed the streets and met a man who befriended her and took her to a social service organisation that worked with HIV positive women. The people there listened to her story and took the time off from their own work to get her a list of orphanages in the city.
Padmapriya then spent the next few weeks visiting each of the orphanages painfully finding her way to each of them only to find no trace of Krishna. I think Ill go to Bangalore next and then Hyderabad then Nagpur Padmapriya told Devi when she went back to Kharagpur. Devi nodded. She didnt say anything, but she wondered how Padmapriya could search the whole of India. For the first time, she wondered how long this obsession, this madness, would last. She shuddered and pulled herself together. What was she thinking? Obsession? Madness? This was what Padmapriya had to do and it was her duty to help her! After going to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Nagpur, Padmapriya went to a dozen other places and then told Devi that she was going about it all wrong. Krishna has to be in a city on the way to Chennai or in Chennai itself, she said. Hes a determined child and from childhood he always stuck to what he decided to do, didnt he? Padmapriya went back to following the path the Coromandel took. She revisited and re-searched each of the cities the train stopped at. And then there was Chennai which she scoured with Gopi. practically the whole day roaming around the crowded streets of that vast, congested Chennai shopping area staring into the faces of the urchins crowding the area. Some were begging, some were running around pleading with people to be allowed to carry their bags, others were obviously up to no good perhaps they were trainee pickpockets In the evening they had gone to the T-Nagar police station. It was not the first time they had gone there. In fact, during the last 21/2 odd years, they had become familiar faces at most of the important police stations in Chennai and that included the TNagar one. Now, armed as usual with photographs of Krishna, they went there again to ask the question they had asked the police so often. Had they found Krishna? Did they have any idea where he was? The police were sympathetic but had shaken their heads. But as the downcast pair left, they had overheard two constables talking about a police raid to be conducted later that night. Theres talk of antisocial and criminal activity going on in that house, one muttered to the other.Activity involving womenchildrenAnd its within a stones throw of this police station! What guts these law-breakers have! Padmapriya and Gopi had looked at each other as they had left the police station. Well follow the police there tonight, Gopi had whispered to his sister. Yes! Womenchildrencriminal activity anti-socials! And Padmapriya had shuddered.
wo years, seven months and three days had passed since Krishna had set off for Chennai. It was the wee hours of Sunday morning and Padmapriya and Gopi were in T-Nagar in Chennai. The streets were dark and deserted. They had spent
Will he complete school, learn a trade? I dont know. But an inner voice tells me that he just needs time and patience.
he brother and sister duo hung around busy T-Nagar till all the shops closed. Then they loitered near the police station periodically drinking tea from one of the tea stalls that remained open all night to sell tea to policemen, watchmen and the like. Finally, they saw a party of policemen get into two Jeeps and drive away. A van followed them. Gopi and Padmapriya jogged after them. Padmapriya was soon left behind but Gopi managed to keep the Jeeps in sight and both reached the place where the Jeeps had stopped. The Jeeps drew up with loud screeches in front of a decrepit house in a by-lane. Police constables jumped out and began to pound noisily on the door. Open up! the police shouted. Lights came on in the house but no one opened the door. Break the door down! shouted a police officer. A few kicks and blows and the door flew open, the bolt torn free of the worn-out door.
Policemen rushed in and Gopi and Padmapriya heard shouts and screams. Lights in nearby buildings came on. Doors opened and people began to drift cautiously into the street to see what was going on. The noise and the shouts grew louder and a policeman came out of the house dragging a man with him. Then came another hustling a few women in front of him. He pushed them into the van. The women were protesting loudly. As Padmapriya and Gopi watched, the procession speeded up and soon the van was nearly full. Children! Where are the children the police said were in the house? whispered Padmapriya twisting her hands in desperation. Her voice shook. Gopi gripped her arm. Wait! he said. And dont draw attention to us, akka! The next moment a shivering little waif made his way out of the house. A murmur rose from the crowd as a policeman took him gently by the arm and led him to the van. Some more children came out escorted by policemen and were shepherded to the van. There was a pause and all the policemen clustered around the van. Just then another figure emerged unsteadily from the house. A strangled cry emerged from Padmapriyas voice. Gopi focused on the figure. Could it be? Was it? Yes it was! Gopi clutched his sisters arm tightly. Dont make any noise! he murmured. Ill distract the policemen and you get Krishna and walk away towards the main road! We dont want to get involved with the police. There will be delays well have to go to court Padmapriya nodded, her hungry eyes devouring her son! Gopi ran over to the van. May I see the children? he asked. Im looking for my nephew! Heads turned and eyes focused on him as he pulled the vans doors wide open and peered in. A few minutes later he turned away shaking his head. A policeman who had recognised him patted him on the back sympathetically. Gopi walked away from the van and then turned and looked towards where he had left his sister. She wasnt there and neither was Krishna! him that the boy seemed traumatised and that he just stared silently when asked questions about the time he had been away from home, he had advised that the boy be taken to a psychiatrist. Padmapriya had done so and slowly parts of Krishnas story had emerged. But only parts. There was still much the boy silently refused to talk about. What they knew was that Krishna had finally reached Chennai after a long time and after going to many places in his own words. There he had fruitlessly searched for his uncle while living on the streets begging for food. Once, the police had taken him into custody but he had not told them where he was from and they had sent him to a home for runaway children. But why didnt he tell the police that he was from Kharagpur? Why didnt he give them my name? Padmapriya had cried when the psychiatrist told her this. He didnt tell me. But I think that by then he was hardly himself. He was traumatised. He ran away from that homebut then something worse happened to him! He fell into the hands ofpeople who tortured him and exploited him physically and I think sexually! How had those terrible days, weeks and months passed? What had he been forced to do? Had anyone been kind to him? Had the children there helped one another? Had he been starved? Krishna only stared blankly when asked these and other questions. I met Padmapriya when I went to talk to her as part of a study on runaway children sponsored by an NGO. She told me the whole story and then added, I dont think that well ever know the whole story of Krishnas adventures. We dont question him about that time and he does not talk about it either.
few hours later, Gopi, Padmapriya and Krishna were on a train to Kharagpur! Throughout the journey, Krishna sat huddled between his mother and uncle and hardly spoke. Six months had passed and they still did not know the whole story of what Krishna had gone through during the time he had been away from home. The doctor they had taken him to as soon as he was brought back to Kharagpur had found him weak but in fairly good health. When Padmapriya had told
rishna was back in school, but he was three years behind his earlier classmates and seemed to have forgotten much of what he had known earlier. Neither did he seem interested in studies. In fact, it seemed clear that that terrible period when he had been alone and terrified had changed him, if not for ever, certainly for a long time. Will he complete school, learn a trade? I dont know. But an inner voice tells me that he just needs time and patience. Hell have nightmares all his life! Ill have nightmares all my life, but I know that love can heal his wounds. And love he will get in plenty from me, my sister and my brother. Hell be all right! said Padmapriya. And I looked at the determined face and intense eyes of this mother and believed her! We
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A REAL
MEDITATOR
A highly rewarded versatile genius. By Suman Bajpai
mesh Saxena is among the leading contemporary artists of India who have earned respect for their work within and outside India. A professor of fine arts at the College of Arts in Lucknow, Umesh Kumar Saxena was born in Lucknow and completed his M.F.A. (Fine Arts) from the same city. He further honed his skills with an advanced study under Prof. B.N. Mukherjee, principal, College of Arts, New Delhi. He has delighted the art world with his creations on canvas using oil and acrylic. His versatility and genius has been awarded both regionally and nationally several times. The Lalit Kala Academy award is just one among the string of awards under his belt. A look at his creations and one is astounded by the finesse of his work; its a joy to behold and a feast for the senses. More than 30 Group shows in
almost every city that matters in India, and nearly a dozen solo shows in India and abroad are fair testimony to his exceptional accomplishments. Besides, he has participated in various art exhibitions, and has attended many painters camps throughout India. Other than India and Art Institutions, his works are found in the private collections in many countries. Umesh has indeed created his own window, looking at things beyond the visible. This seems to be his tribute to the force that created the universe with the aura around the natural figures merging the form gently into the environment. You can almost hear the music through the geometrical divisions in his sketches, as the leaves and birds leap out in perfect rhythm. There is no turbulence, no activity in Umeshs world to indicate disharmony. The beautifully etched forms, be it rounded mounds of stone, the edges eroded by the constant lashing of waves or the clouds in the sky moving in perfect synchrony, the love and affection with which he showers his frames is truly a delightful experience. His style evolved from shaded straight depictions to multi-layered and multihued projections on the canvas. Umesh is a blessed maestro in the landscape art form. He creates what may be termed poetry of colours. His horizon is wide, which combines his vision, aesthetics, and craft and is beyond what is visible to the eye in isolation. It is deeper than the colours he uses though they appeal even to
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Himalaya.
the untrained eyes. His creations are just not observations, they show his insight. Umesh has also curated group shows for galleries several times and commissioned work for the UP state government on the subject of Birsa Mundas life. The artists paintings form Himalaya series and they are acrylic on canvas. Excerpts from an interview: For the last 32 years you are in the field of art how did you develop the interest? I started painting when I was a
child. I dont really remember when. Although there is nobody in my family who has this interest. Mostly an IAS family, so to do something different and to reach their level, I took this medium. Your paintings reflect trans parency can you express your self through transparent images? I believe in transparency. All of my works are inspirations of my own conceiving. I am doing work in the four dimensions through my trans Womans Era July (First) 2012
parent images. Four dimensions are possible in sculpture only, but I had tried it in the paintings. How much importance do you give to imagination? Everything is imaginative. Even Shiva is imaginative; nobody has seen it. Likewise, according to me, every art is imaginative. When you talk about heaven, you only imagine about that because you have not seen it. In my paintings, there is a touch of spirituality also. I believe painting is a meditation. 91
who is beautiful and also nurtures life. How much importance do you give to colours? I think 30 per cent is drawing and the rest is colours which promote the thought of the painting. The impact of colours is immense, that is why an artist has to be a colourist. If he doesnt use colours he would not be able to convey his feelings. Without colours a complete painting cannot be achieved. I like using bright colours like yellow and blue as I feel that using black and white leaves a lot to be desired and does not do justice to the themes of nature, from which I derive my creativity. Nature can only be captured by colours used in various hues, and my images capture the surreal conceptions with a dark shade here, a subtle hue there and a few objects thrown in to complete the mesmerising effect. What is that one thing which is prominent in your paintings? Arrangements of shapes and compositional value are prominent in my paintings. I can feel the subtleness and softness in my paintings. What is your view on contemporary art? I feel there are two types of people. Those who are taking art as a mockery and making the way they want. The main reason for this is that todays youngsters are not taking it seriously as they dont understand the inner feelings which are required for a painting. They are doing art for the sake of money only. The other type of people are doing good work and that is the reason India has renowned artists. What is your advice to up-andcoming artists? Take art as a passion, not as a We fashion.
Who inspires you most? I am greatly inspired by nature and the myriad colours that nature has to exhibit as the sun and moon play their visual tricks all is vividly captured in my paintings. What is your preferred medium? I use acrylic, water colour and mixed media. In fact, I have not set any boundaries or limits as medium is only a technique, not a way of expression. You give stress to forms, why? Expertise comes from forms. Arrangement and display of forms are important and it has the power to change the meaning of depiction. Describe your technique. I like using acrylic like a water colour completely diluted and transparent. I like to play with the textures, shapes and area and hues of colour. How would you define your art? It is landscape-based paintings in which I have used hill spaces, different moods of the Himalayas. Tell us something about your next series? Next series would be Himalayas 92
again, on which I am working for the last 10 years. It is a subject which is never ending. Whenever I do it I find it different and challenging. As it is non-figurative, it is difficult because I have to keep in mind that it does not become monotonous. Presently, I am viewing the Himalayas as a mother Womans Era July (First) 2012
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VOICING BEAUTY NVAS

A narration of abstract values.
By Suman Bajpai
ON CA
Shubhra Chand Qualification: Diploma in painting from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh in 1996; M.A. in painting from Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, M.P. in 1998; Ph.D. in Visual Art at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh in 2008. Shows: Four solo shows, 38 group shows and eight camp shows in India Award & Honour: Honoured by Airy Art Gallery, Bilaspur - 2006; Rotary Club, Bilaspur 2005; Rang Sansar, Bilaspur 2005; Chhattisgarh State Award by Nehru art gallery, Bhilai - 2002; student society, Katni 1993 Phone - 09350325158, Email shubhradaschand@gmail.com
hubhra Chand was born in Katni, the lime city of central India, in Madhya Pradesh. Hers was a simple middleclass Bengali family. Her father was a serviceman and her mother was a housewife. From early childhood she has had a keen interest in the arts: dancing, acting, and especially painting. She considers her parents her first teachers. They showed her how to draw, told her stories which were full of morals, and taught her folk songs that turned her towards art and culture. Shubhra's grandfather was a respected craftsman and her elder brother is an artist in his own right. Their work and the natural surroundings of Katni inspired her to express her feelings on paper. She studied art in Jabalpur, where she learned painting and sculpture and obtained a masters degree in art. After that Shubhra went to the Womans Era July (First) 2012
Indira Art and Music University at Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh, a place that completely changed her perception of art. Here she completed her PhD on the topic The comparative study of folk and tribal art of Mandla and Kawardha region . Four solo exhibitions of Shubhras paintings have been held at Bhubaneswar, Bilaspur, and Delhi. She has participated in many group exhibitions. She has also taken part in many regional and national exhibitions and artists camps. After marriage, shifting to Delhi to be professional artist along with her artist husband was a risky decision but she just wanted to explore her creativity and establish herself. In her early 30s, Shubhras saga of success has all the ingredients to be an inspiration for several aspiring female artists. Excerpts from an interview How were you attracted to art? My father was in the Army and he
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and my brother decided that I should study science. But I was interested in the world of colours. There is nobody in my family who is an artist or had some sort of interest in this field. So there was no inspiration and guidance from anyone in my home and home town to be an artist but it was my mother who wrote poetry and established the Bengali culture association in Katni, and also supported my mission. Even my grandfather, who had a
habit of collecting waste material and making things out of it, inspired me a lot. I was good in making Alpana and was invited by the neighbours during puja time to draw it. That is how the interest developed and took a concrete shape as desired. How would you define your style of painting? It is completely abstract as I love to paint abstract. But recently I had Womans Era July (First) 2012
added gold foil which I paste with lacquer on the canvas. You are doing lots of installa tions also, tell us something about that. Yes, I am experimenting with the installations and using varied things for that purpose. Recently in one of my painting I have used cowdung. It gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction in using those things which we generally consider useless. 97
What is your preferred medium? It is acrylic as it dries very fast. What are the influences that are currently guiding your work? The journey of art is not limited. It is endless because it is always keen to do something, always ready to give birth or to create something new; it expresses the inner feelings of the creator or the sublimity of nature. In my paintings nature is deeply involved with abstract values and currently nature is my guiding force. To give a more definite name to the quality that distinguishes my paintings, I think it would be called The voice of beauty. Through that I express my inner feelings and psychological experience, which I achieve from the depths of nature. Apart from that the tribal wall paintings that I studied for my doctoral research and traditional art of Orissa have had a tremendous influence on my works of art. What can we see in your work? I listen to the sound of forms, discover the structure of inner music, and test the moulded space. One could call my works landscapes of a certain kind except that the land that is scaped is more an aspect of an inner geography rather than an external location. There is everything shapes, clements, winds, temper ature, vibrations, colours, perceptiveness, filling, attraction and the eyes traverse the whole surface as if on a journey. There is no representation, no objective reality in my work which is referred to or eluded. There is only presence, a presence that is my own form, its innate reality. What do your works remind the viewers? My work is to remind the viewers that art needs no other protection expect its own luminous presence. What are your other hobbies besides painting? Dancing and singing. Do you enjoy being a full-time artist? It is no doubt enjoyable. For me, life is like a rhythm. If you work in a planned manner things become easy and smooth. How do you take criticism? If there is no criticism, I feel that nobody has seen the work properly. Only through criticism do you get better ideas and the chance to improve yourself. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself? A successful artist like Anjoli Ela Menon. What are your views on the contemporary art scene? The art scene in India has gained tremendous internal momentum and I only see more and more people getting involved with the field of contemporary art. As the circumference of the Indian art grows, I hope the institutions museums and art schools as well as the media grow and operate in a more enlightened fashion. Why does Orissa have fewer women painters? We have scores of talented people who take up the study of art in colleges. But the conservative society here does not allow them to grow up as professional artists. A female artist needs freedom to go out for study and exhibitions but, unless the family supports the need, how We can she grow? Womans Era July (First) 2012
People get excited after seeing such things which I place so aesthetically. Now I am planning to install a birds nest, because I feel that our desires are like birds nests which took birth. For this thought I would be using thread, jute, shells, wires, etc. What are the colours you like to add in your work? All the brown shades, say earthy tones, which we use in murals. I feel that colours play an important role in human life as they have the power to change the mind and mood immediately. We see dots very prominently in your paintings any particular reason? I feel that when the eyes rotate, a dot can balance the painting. What is the peculiarity of your work? I use textures. Moreover, very rarely do I use a brush, with the hands and the help of a spatula. I use thick colours to get the texture. My paintings have a touch of relief and they are embossed. 98
HAPPY MARRIAGE
How not to let your husband drift away from you.
By Padmini Singh
hivani was very happy for the past five years with her married life. Her husband Shiva was very attentive to her needs and a caring and supportive person. During this time they became proud parents of two lovely children, the youngest being a year old. Lately, Shivani noticed that Anand either comes home late or after coming home goes away again telling different reasons each time. The heavens fell on her when one day when her cousin who is married into the same town told her that she had seen Anand with a woman walking hand in hand on the sea beach. Who was the woman and how long and why has Anand drifted towards her? Shivani felt hurt, angry and lost, all at the same time. Priya 33, was the darling of Prashant since their marriage 10 years ago. Two years ago Prashant was transferred to a distant town. Priya did not accompany him as she was not prepared to leave her teaching job in a high-profile public school where their two children were getting free education. Prashant was earning three times her salary, so he too did not want to leave his job and in the process they started living a separate life from each other which distanced them emotionally too. Prashant drifted towards a single woman at the new place and the couples married life went haywire.
There are many reasons for a man drifting away from his wife. Some are created by the wife and there are some due to husbands follies. The situations created by wives must be understood by every woman so that these can be corrected by them in order to keep their husbands faithful. The behaviour of a woman, her lifestyle, her dominant and overpossessive nature, her method of expression, the habit of nagging, the element of excessive jealousy, suspicion and greed are the negative qualities which distance a woman from her husband. Consequently in a few cases he drifts away from her to get solace from another woman. Mothers and grandmothers have always given guidelines to their daughters on how to keep their husbands glued to them. Those tips still hold true. Know them, practise them and reap their fruits. Keep a grip on him by keeping an eye on his activities without being too possessive or suspicious. Constant suspicion mars marriage. But be watchful even of your closest friends and relatives. It is not uncommon for these people to lure susceptible males. Always be supportive and nice to him. Do not nag over trifles. Discard the nagging and dominating habit, if you have it. If persisted, men then prefer to remain away from home for longest time of the day and may drift
SEVEN TIPS TO NOTE
Be caring. Look after his needs when he is at home despite your being preoccupied with something else. Constantly give him the feeling that you care. Praise him for his achievements and the domestic help. Boost his ego. The surest way to keep a man close to you is by feeding him dishes of his choice off and on. It is easy and simple to reach and rule a mans heart through his stomach. Do not overfeed him, but do cater to his taste. Try to remain near him. Distancing from each other leads to drifting apart. Jobs at distant places away from home and not being able to live together or long separations by overstaying at ones parents house are the sure ways of distancing your husband from you. Avoid these even if you have to sacrifice something.
THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR A MAN DRIFTING AWAY FROM HIS WIFE. SOME ARE CREATED BY THE WIFE AND THERE ARE SOME DUE TO HUSBANDS FOLLIES. THE SITUATIONS CREATED BY WIVES MUST BE UNDERSTOOD BY EVERY WOMAN SO THAT THESE CAN BE CORRECTED BY THEM IN ORDER TO KEEP THEIR HUSBANDS FAITHFUL.
towards some other women due to your neglect, lack of affection, harshness or too much of ego. Never say No to him. If you are busy, not in a good mood or not feeling well or too tired, or expect some disturbance or the likelihood of lack of privacy, say smilingly and coquettishly, Not now, later or some other time. Tease him and get him to you at the better opportunity by inviting him later by gestures and romantic manoeuvres so that he does not feel neglected on this score. Do not neglect your husband by orienting too much to the children, particularly when they are very young. Children should be looked after well and must get the full attention of their parents but not at the cost of each other. Keep the balance between your husband and children so that none is neglected. Lovingly involve the husband in childcare so that he starts understanding your childcare problems and then keeps his demands over you reasonable with consideration for time, space, your availability, workload and your physical and mental state.
Do not take these tips of yesteryear as being worthless in the present days. These do not make you a doormat but put you on a higher pedestal. The marriage becomes lifelong and lasting unlike the frequent divorces of the West. Modernisation does not mean forgetting the good values of our culture and blindly following Western culture. Happiest are the wives who are able to hold their husbands close to themselves sweetly and dearly. Even the jumpy husbands can be tamed. Both men and women need to adapt themselves to the present times, but remember that basic human nature remains the same. We
AAM IS REALLY KHAASS
THE
The tasteful fruit has reason to be our national fruit.

By Maharaaj K. Koul
Great, who set out to conquer the world, was easily conquered by the mango. Even while on his expansion spree in the Indian sub-continent in 327 BC, he took time off to bite into this exotic Eastern Temptation. Mughal emperor Akbar was besotted with mango and could eat 15-20 mangoes at one sitting. And, in his biography Ain-e-Akbri , Abul Fazl mentions that Akbar used to distribute the best qualities of mangoes among his subjects and was himself so fond of it that he would preserve it in honey as slices to relish in the off-season. As a tribute to this fruit, he established the Lakh Bagh at Darbhanga, Bihar, where he planted one lakh mango saplings. And the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar shared poet Mirza Ghalibs sentiments when he said: I expect only two things from mangoes; they should be sweet and that they should come in abundance. Mango trees celebrate spring in style. Their dark-green foliage breaks
ne of the few things to look forward to in blistering Indian summers is the mango. This tasteful fruit has reasons to be our national fruit. It originated in India thousands of years ago and reached East Asia in 4th5th century. Mango, the king of fruits, has not been discovered in recent times. Its cultivation must have started at least some 4,000 years ago, judging by references to its exquisite beauty as well as flavour found in our ancient Sanskrit texts. One of them says: Amra pleases both the eye and the palate. The former never tires of its beauty, just as the latter never gets satisfied by its sweetness! Eulogised in verse by the 14th century poet Hazrat Amir Khusru as the Pride of Hindustan, the regal mango fruit has adorned the tables of Mughal emperors, kings and presidents alike. Alexander the Womans Era July (First) 2012
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into millions of lively cream-coloured flowers. The flowers are small but are arranged in massive bouquets and have a lovely fragrance. The flowering and fruiting season of the mango varies as we move from the south to the north of the country. Mango flowers in Kerala in the first week of January, in Gujarat and Central India in the first week of February and in Punjab and its adjoining areas in the first week of March. The fruits ripen in 4-5 months after flowering. By mid-August, the Indian mango season is over. However, there is a freak variety called the Baramaasi which flowers and fruits throughout the year. But it bears fruits of inferior quality and these are not regarded worth eating. Botanically called Magnifera indica , the mango belongs to the cashew-nut family. Interestingly, the word mango is derived from the Tamil word man-kay , where ma means huge. In Hindustani, aam is derived from Sanskrit word amra , where the root aam means plentiful. Thus, both its words actually indicate the abundant yield of a mango tree. And, believe it or not, there is a mango tree, named Chhapar in Ambala district, Haryana, which bears approximately 17,000 kg of mangoes every year! And, a mango tree may even live as long as 300 years! With over 2,500 varieties,
BOTANICALLY CALLED MAGNIFERA INDICA, THE MANGO BELONGS TO THE CASHEW-NUT FAMILY. INTERESTINGLY, THE WORD MANGO IS DERIVED FROM THE TAMIL WORD MANKAY, WHERE MA MEANS HUGE.
mangoes are the second most consumed fruit in the world today after grapes. The Alfonso from Maharashtras Ratnagiri district remains the most delicious variety. Be it the heaviest variety (Raja Ram, nearly 2 kg apiece) or the lightest variety ( moti dana , nearly 10 gm apiece), this sweet and flavourful tropical fruit has several valuable nutritional benefits. Other parts of the fruit and its tree, like the kernels, leaves and the bark are also used in traditional ayurvedic medicine. In its unripe green form, mango can be used as an astringent and against scurvy. The kernel of the seed works against worms. Powdered and dried green mango,
known as aamchoor is a popular condiment used as a souring agent in many preparations. Unripe mangoes make great chutneys and palatable pickles. Raw mangoes are lower in their carotene content. Being a good source of potassium, aam panna, a raw mango preparation, is useful in diarrhoea, heat strokes and dehydration.
SEVERAL USES
The mangoes are also used to make jams, preserves, juices, smoothies and yoghurt or enjoyed as Aam pappad . Mango juice and mango shakes are high in calories and a good energy source for sportspersons and under weights. They are also a useful food for convalescence after a severe illness. Mango provides roughly 70 calories per 100 gm, which is higher than most other fruits. Mangoes have almost double the calories than apples or oranges for the same quantity. The higher sugar content provides instant energy which mainly comes from carbohydrates (20 per cent) in the form of fructose and glucose. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and 100 gm of the fruit provides more than half the adult daily allowance of vitamin C.
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imagine mangoes is defined by their being locally, briefly abundant, at a time of year when you just cant store things for too long. It explains why we overeat. As Mirza Ghalib, who sweltered through more than his share of Delhi summers, used to say like clockwork every June, no doubt, causing his long-suffering wife to groan something in less-than-chaste Urdu under her breath in reply Aam meethey hon aur bahut sey hon! Among the most loved varieties of Indian mangoes are: Alphonso, Dasehri, Langra, Chausa, Safeda, Fazli, Zardalu, Bombai, Gulab Khas, Amaldah, Neelam, Amarpali, Malda, Mallika, Rajapuri, Banglora, Suvarnarekha, etc. It is because of the time at which mangoes ripen, perhaps, and the difficulty of transporting something so thinskinned and pulpy and sugar-rich across a large country in the middle Mangoes can boast of having the highest content of beta-carotene in any fruit even higher than that of carrots. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant vitamin which is converted to vitamin A in the animal body. It is necessary for membrane formation and vision. It also helps protect against cancer, coronary artery disease and premature ageing. In addition to beta-carotence and vitamin C, mangoes have an impressive polyphenol content, which helps in fighting oxidative stress and thus protecting the body from several degenerative problems. Mangoes also provide small amounts of iron, copper, calcium, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin B6, K and E. The fruit pulp is high in pre-biotic dietary fibre, which helps in gut health, digestion and immunity. Eating mangoes in the summer and oranges in the winter can ensure enough supply of vitamin A throughout the year. Excess mango consumption is not desirable and can lead to carotenemia yellowing of the palms and skin. Nothing is more a seasons fruit. Everything about how we eat and 108 of a hot summer, that these varieties have survived. Mangoes serve as ideal gifts, too. And, so theyve entered our national consciousness as something you share, rather than something you hoard and eat alone. Pandit Nehru took them all over the place. He sent them to his daughter and friends in jail. They were his going-away presents to the Mountbattens. He gave a box to George Bernard Shaw. He took a thousand to the erstwhile Soviet Union to be tasted by Nikita Khrushev and Leonid Brezhnev. Mangoes are for giving. As the summer peaks and the media speculation about the approaching south-west monsoon begins, there is a tang in the air as the local and global markets gear up to gorge on this gorgeous fruit. Fragrance, succulence, abundance and elegance are calling. And, the time is ripe for a mango feast!
A decrease in Mango exports!

A drop in production of mangoes by about 30 per cent this season has affected export orders of growers from Maharashtra. Production of Alphonso (locally called hapus), supposed to be the most superior variety of mangoes, has declined by around 50 per cent, pushing the export prices up. Exports to the US are likely to decline by about 10 per cent. Besides, there have been no orders from Japan this year, said officials of the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) and Pune-based exporters. The US had placed a demand for 150 metric tonnes of Alphonsos. But, due to less production (just 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare) we would be able to meet a demand for about 75 metric tonnes only. Japan, which had imported about 7,000 kg Alphonsos in 2011, has placed no orders this year because of last years tsunami, said an official of the MSAMB. Exports to the US have been on a decline too: Womans Era July (First) 2012 MASMBs mango exports to the US Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Quantity (in metric tonnes) 157.00 275.00 121.00 95.12 84.48
Sanjay Pansare, director, Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, Mumbai, confirmed that export orders have declined. Last year, per dozen Alphonsos were sold at an export cost of 700-1,000 per dozen. This time, the cost has gone up to 1,200 1,600 per dozen. Supply in the local retail market is also 10-15 per cent of what it was last year, says Mandar Desai, who owns a 700-acre mango plantation in Ratnagiri. A huge difference in the day and night temperatures affects flowering in mango trees adversely, and that is the main cause of fall in production, We contends Desai.
ost of us have faced a bout of heartburn or acidity. For some it may occur occasionally, but with many others it could be more often, and sometimes in even a regular part of life. Researchers have calculated that almost 70 per cent of the Indian population suffers from it. No wonder then that medicine shops do brisk business with drugs to relieve the distressing symptoms. Most of us tend to dismiss a bout of acidity as being due to the occasional indulgence maybe a little overeating, or extra spicy or oily food. Popping an antacid, or gulping down a fizzy drink, seems to be a sure way to get rid of the symptoms, at least until the next bout. This is not something we worry about. Most doctors too seem to take it lightly, mildly suggesting a course of acidblockers, aided by a bland diet whenever an attack occurs. However, new research is showing that acidity can be serious and especially if it occurs too frequently, it can be the forerunner not just of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, but also a cause of cancer. Symptoms: The pain of acidity
ACIDITY & HEARTBURN

Its prevention and cure.
By Mita Banerjee
sometimes feels like a burning sensation that radiates upwards (hence the name heartburn), and is often mistaken for cardiac pain (that is, pain immediately preceding a heart attack). Why it happens: Heartburn is
usually the result of gastric juices refluxing up into the oesophagus, above the stomach. The discomfort usually becomes worse when you lie down because this makes it easier for the gastric juices to back up into the throat. The reasons for the digestive juices flowing up where they dont belong could be many. Overeating, or eating too rapidly, or not chewing the food properly, can result in the production of excessive acid (hyper-acidity), causing the extra digestive juices to be forced up into the gullet, causing a sour taste. The habitual intake of spicy or oily foods, or too much high protein or food that is improperly cooked, can also cause belching and a burning sensation in the stomach. While heartburn is very uncomfortable, the added dangers are that it could also be the precursor of peptic and duodenal ulcers. Research shows that ulcers are caused by a bacterium called the heliobacter pylori which thrives only in an overly acidic environment. Treatment or avoidance: When you get a bout of acidity, it is usually considered effective and safe enough to take an over-the-counter antacid or digestive aid which helps by neutralising the excess acid in the stomach. The most popular brands which we consume contain a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide one of which constipates, while the other tends to cause diarrhoea, but when combined they counter each others negative sideeffects. If you suffer from chronic acidity you may be prescribed acid blockers by your doctors, since these help to inhibit the release of excess acid in the first place, and are taken even before the symptoms begin. Acid blockers take about an hour to start working, and a single dose lasts nine to 12 hours. For severe acidity, another option is to take an antacid with an acid blocker for longer relief. It must be noted, however, that there is a difference in the two types of medication. Antacids remain in the gastro-intestinal tract and are not absorbed into the body. Acid blockers, on the other hand, are systematically absorbed into the system and may sometimes result in side effects like headaches, confusion or depression, symptoms which are more common in elderly people. Prevention is better than cure, goes the popular adage. So try to avoid acidity in the first place, and this can be done by changing your eating patterns. Since spicy and fried foods are triggers, avoid those in place of more simple foods, and especially foods with plenty of fibre. Sometimes chronic constipation goes hand in hand with acidity. In that case, its also best to tackle that at the same time. Drink plenty of water; this will not only stimulate the bowels, but also help to dilute the acidic juices in the stomach. Abdominal mud packs are also found to be beneficial to acidity problems. These can be done by professionals, especially at centres which deal with holistic or naturopathy healing. Certain vegetable juices like raw cabbage and carrots can be taken separately or in conjunction to neutralise the effects of acidity. Grapefruit juice is helpful, and so are raisins because of their alkaline nature which help to balance the acidic balance of the body. Cases of chronic and extreme acidity can be neutralised by a regimen of juices such as orange, lemon (which prevent fermentation), carrots and cabbage and liquid foods for a few days a sort of stomach wash. For three to four days take buttermilk and juices. This will help to flush out the acidic residues. Follow this with a diet which has a predominance of raw foods. It is best to treat acidity as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious complications such as hyperacidity which can lead to peptic ulcers. Bananas are effective antidote since they not only contain vitamin U which is an anti-ulcer factor, they also have antiacidity properties, along with the fact that the mucilage on them coats the lining of the stomach, thus protecting them from the ulcerating effects of the hydrochloric acids secreted in the stomach. If left untreated acidity can also lead to acidosis because of the depletion of alkaline reserves. We
FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE

infertile couples, the problem lies in male partner in 40%-50% cases, in 30%-40% of cases female partner can have some cause and in 20%30 % cases both can suffer from some problem. 15% couples can have more than one cause of infertility, so series of tests and investigations are required and it may take a few months to find out the exact cause of infertility. And above all this, some couples suffer from unexplained infertility where no cause can be found out even after all investigations. During this time some people lose their patience and change their doctors frequently in order to get immediate results. How does infertility affect couples relationship. Strain on marriage is the greatest stress of infertility. These people mainly go through anger, isolation, depression and guilt. When anger is directed at one partner it can be especially destructive for the relationship. Stress during Infertility Researches have now begun to consider the hormonal changes that occur in human body during stress. There are studies which correlate stress with infertility. The prolonged and difficult period of treatment may result in stress that may have an adverse effect on fertility. Yoga or any other form of de-stressing exercises are very beneficial during infertility treatment. When do you need help of Professional Counsellor? Loss of interest in normal activities
EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF INFERTILITY

Depression that doesn't seem to go away, Suicidal thoughts Strained interpersonal relation ships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues) Not thinking about anything other than your infertility High levels of anxiety Change in sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual) Change in appetite or weight (increase or decrease) Increased use of drugs or alcohol Social isolation, persistent feeling of guilt, anger or worthlessness
esire to have a child is so deeply rooted in our society that inability to bear children burden the couple not only on the physical and financial aspect but also on emotional front. As if the diagnosis and the treatment werent difficult enough, the emotional turmoil surrounding infertility while perfectly normal is yet another source of anxiety and stress. Most couples experience the struggle in much the same way. Its a big challenge for the concerned physicians who are treating the couple as well as for relatives and friends to help them cope with their emotional problems during this difficult period. What is the definition of infertility? A couple can be considered as infertile only when after one year of regular, unprotected intercourses they fail to achieve pregnancy. Initial state of denial or shock Most couples have tried to conceive on their own over a period of months or even years, the ultimate diagnosis of infertility usually brings disbelief or shock for them. According to Dr (Mrs) Poonam Nayar, PhD, Consultant Psychologist at Akanksha IVF Centre in New Delhi, the first question that arises in their mind is How could I be infertile when there is no other health problem?. This is usually followed by feeling of anger and depression. They may feel angry at their partner, at friends and family members, at God or even at medical profession for not caring enough or not finding an immediate solution of their problem Many individuals and couples may find it exceedingly difficult to discuss their problem openly with others. Seeing other people conceiving effortlessly and moving on with their lives brings the sense of isolation. Who is to be blamed? In our Indian society, mostly the woman is blamed first but everyone should know the fact that infertility is a problem of a couple, not of an individual. In general population, infertility affects 20% couples. Among
What should be done Ideally the treatment should be done in a fully equipped infertility centre where along with thorough check-up, adequate counselling can be provided to the couples. The treating physician and staff must provide support to these couples, although the efforts can be quite time consuming but a patient conversation with such couple help them understand the magnitude of their problem and time required for the treatment. However, a Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor can help a couple when they are: Trying to decide between alternative treatment possibilities At a treatment crossroad Exploring other family-building options Considering third-party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy) Having difficulty communicating or if you are in conflict with others about what direction to take
New Rays of Hope With the advent of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) a new hope has arisen for many couples who had earlier limited parenting options. IUI, IVF, ICSI, Sperm & Egg donations, Surgical sperm recovery, Surrogacy services and Pre implantation genetic diagnosis has now opened new doors for them. But again the financial aspect, limited success rates, medical risks and many legal and ethical issues with different techniques, need to be discussed openly with patients.
Dr K. D. Nayar, M.D., D.G.O., DIP. OBST. (Ireland), Chief Consultant Infertility and IVF, Director Akanksha IVF Centre, Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, C-1, Janak Puri, New Delhi-110058, Ph: +91-11-45582205, 45682024, 25524951, Mob: +91-9810398765, www.akankshaivfcentre.com
THE HORRORS OF GELATIN
It turns you into a non-vegetarian.

By Maneka Gandhi
lime. The stench from the factory can be smelt for miles. After the hides are ripe they are put into vats of acid that disintegrates the cow hairs, skin, and cartilage. Acids and alkalines such as caustic lime or sodium carbonate are used. The gelatin obtained from acidtreated raw material has been called type-A gelatin, and the gelatin obtained from alkali-treated raw material is referred to as type-B gelatin. (In order to confuse buyers into thinking they are eating vege tarian alternatives, many food products put type B gelatin on their ingredients list.) This is washed in water and then cooked till it becomes a white goo or gel. The gelatin is then filtered, evaporated, dried, ground to separate the water from the gelatin solution and shipped off to different companies. By now the cows skin and bones have been transformed into a translucent, colourless, brittle, flavourless solid substance called gelatin. Commercially manufactured gelatin is packaged in 1/4-ounce envelopes of desiccated granules, paper-thin sheets, known as leaves,
ow many times a day do you eat a cow or a pig? In fact, every time you eat gelatin. You do not even see it so you have no idea how it is made. Gelatin is made from decaying animal hides, boiled crushed bones, connective tissues of cattle and pigs. Animal bones, skins, and tissue are obtained from slaughter houses. Gelatin processing plants are usually located near slaughterhouses and the owners of gelatin factories often have their own slaughterhouses where animals are killed just for their skin and bones. When the animal parts arrive at the food processing plant, they are supposed to be inspected for quality and the rotten parts discarded. But as a month of fact, there are no inspection systems in India, so you can rule this out. The bones and tissues are loaded into chopping machines that cut the parts into small pieces. A gelatin factory has cow skins piled to the ceiling. The skins are left to putrefy or "cure" for about a month in vats of
COSMETIC SURGERY
PROCEDURES
A comprehensive look.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Graft Dr Lalit Choudhary Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
osmetic surgery includes surgical C and nonsurgical procedures that
reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem of the patient. The number of people choosing to have plastic surgery has increased in recent years. Technological advances have increased the options you can consider. Make sure your goals are realistic. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and should be done for yourself, not to fulfil someone else`s desires or to try to fit an ideal image. Today, men and women of all ages and all walks of life are requesting for plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. Men's goals include a more balanced nose, a rejuvenated face, hair transplant male breast (gynaecomastia) and a trimmer waistline (Liposuction).
Before
After
Common cosmetic surgery procedures are: Liposuction ("suction lipectomy"): removal of fat deposits by traditional suction technique or ultrasonic energy to aid fat removal Abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck"): reshaping and firming of the abdomen Blepharoplasty ("eyelid surgery"): reshaping of the eyelids Mammoplasty: Breast augmentations ("breast implant" or "boob job"): Augmentation of the breasts by means of fat grafting, saline, or silicone gel prosthetics which was initially performed to women with micromastia Reduction mammoplasty ("breast reduction"): Removal of skin and glandular tissue which is done to reduce back and shoulder pain in women with gigantomastia and/or for
psychological benefit of men with gynecomastia Mastopexy ("breast lift"): Lifting or reshaping of breasts to make them less saggy, often after weight loss (after a pregnancy, for example). It involves removal of breast skin as opposed to glandular tissue Buttock augmentation ("butt implant"): enhancement of the buttocks using silicone implants or fat grafting ("Brazilian butt lift") and transfer from other areas of the body Buttock lift: Lifting, and tightening of the buttocks by excision of redundant skin
Hip Augmentation with Fat Graft
involve carbolic acid (Phenol), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), glycolic acid (AHA), or salicylic acid (BHA) as the active agent. Labiaplasty: surgical reduction and reshaping of the labia Lip enhancement: surgical improvement of lips' fullness through enlargement Rhinoplasty ("nose job"): reshaping of the nose Otoplasty ("ear surgery"/"ear pinning"): reshaping of the ear, most often done by pinning the protruding ear closer to the head. Rhytidectomy ("facelift"): removal of wrinkles and signs of ageing from the face Browplasty ("brow lift" or "forehead lift"): elevates eyebrows, smooths forehead skin Midface lift ("cheek lift"): tightening of the cheeks Chin augmentation ("chin implant"): augmentation of the chin with an implant, usually silicone by sliding genioplasty of the jawbone or by suture of the soft tissue Cheek augmentation ("cheek implant"): implants to the cheek Orthognathic Surgery: mani pulation of the facial bones through controlled fracturing Fillers injections: collagen, fat, and other tissue-filler injections, such as hyaluronic acid Laser-skin resurfacing In India due to media awareness and peer pressure there is increasing demand for cosmetic surgery and its no more limited to a specific socioeconomic class or nearmarriage procedure. As the younger population and women are getting financially and socially independent the demand for cosmetic surgery will keep rising.
Before
After
Chemical peel: minimising the appearance of acne, chickenpox, and other scars as well as wrinkles (depending on concentration and type of agent used, except for deep furrows), solar lentigines (age spots, freckles), and photodamage in general. Chemical peels commonly
Dr Lalit Choudhary, Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi,India, Mobile: +919711143897, +919312094136, Email: drlalitchoudhary@yahoo.co.in, drlalitchoudhary@gmail.com, www.cosmeticplasticsurgeondelhi.com
WHEN THE ANIMAL PARTS ARRIVE AT THE FOOD PROCESSING PLANT, THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE INSPECTED FOR QUALITY.
and meltable blocks. Sweeteners, flavourings, and colourings are added in the preparation of food gelatin. The worldwide production amount of gelatin is about 3,00,000 tons per year, about 660 million pounds. It is used in food, pharmaceuticals, photography and cosmetics. These four industries collectively consume over 95 per cent of gelatin globally. The balance five per cent is used in abrasive paper, textiles, matches and printer rollers. Common examples of foods that contain gelatin are gelatin desserts, jellies, trifles, aspic, marshmallows, yogurt, jelly babies, transparent sweets, jams, cream cheese, chewing gum, blancmange, char lottes, mousses, cake icing and frosting, Bavarian creams, sour cream, Turkish Delight, nougat, margarine, cake mixes, bakery glazes, meringues, ice-cream, coffee, and powdered milk.
fish, is still used as a refining agent for wine and beer. Yellow-coloured soft drinks contain gelatin as it makes betacarotene water-soluble. To name a few products that are available in the Indian market Mentos, Altoids, Trident gum, Mints, Skittles, Star bursts, M&Ms, cup cakes, Snicker bars, Kelloggs Rice Krispies, Ranch Salad dressing, Hersheys Cheetos, Twix bars, Kelloggs Marshmallow Froot Loops cereal, Kelloggs Smorz cereal, Kelloggs Frosted Pop-Tarts, Kelloggs Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal, Kelloggs Fruit-Flavored Snacks , Milky Way, Yoplait Yoghurt.
THE USES
It is used in jellied soups, aspic, sauces and gravies, canned ham and chicken, corned beef, sausage. It is also used in fat-reduced foods to simulate the feel of fat and to create volume without adding calories. It is used for the clarification of juices, such as apple juice and vinegar. Isinglass, from the swim bladders of 116 Womans Era July (First) 2012
Gelatin forms the shells of pharmaceutical capsules. It is also used as an ingredient in implantable medical devices, such as in some bone void fillers. It's also in lozenges, and ointments. Gelatin is closely related to bone glue and is used as a binder in matchheads and sandpaper It is used to hold silver halide crystals in an emulsion in virtually all photographic films and photographic papers. Cosmetics contain gelatin under the name of hydrolysed collagen. Gelatin is also used in nail-polish remover and make-up applications. The gelatin is often tinted in different colours to match a model's natural skin tone. Gelatin is found in some glossy printing papers, artistic papers and playing cards. It maintains the wrinkles in crepe paper. Blocks of ballistic gelatin simulate muscle tissue as a standardised medium for testing firearms ammunition. It is commonly used as a biological substrate to culture cells. Alternatives to gelatin include non-animal gel sources such as agar-agar (a seaweed), carra geenan, pectin, konjak, and guar gum but they will never be used unless you We demand them.
Short Story
A moment of strength
It came at the critical time from across the continents.
By Sarita Mathur
father has taken it all in true spirit stoically composed, never complaining and always cheerful. My mother has been taking care of him all by herself. She, too, is a strong woman, but circumstances have taken a toll on her health too. I feel helpless, so far away from them, able to offer nothing but empty words of encouragement. Last night, I made time to rehearse my presentation once the girls were in bed. Satisfied with the result, I calmed my nerves and went to bed feeling surprisingly relaxed and confident. Morning was a different story. My nanny called in sick, which meant that I had to take the girls to school. I dressed hurriedly and then woke up the girls. While spooning out the porridge, I sloppily spilled some on my blouse. We rushed out of the door as I tucked in the last bit of my new blouse into my skirt. We reached the bus stop only to find that I had left my laptop at home! Why do things always seem to go wrong when you need them to go right? he train stops. I am scooped out of the compartment along with a crowd of people. I hear my phone beep as I emerge from the underground station who is calling me so early in the morning? I screen lights up flashing three missed calls from my mother. I look at my watch again the meeting is in exactly half an hour. I still need to make the final edits to my presentation before setting up in the conference room. I decide to call her after I am done with the meeting, and continue to walk toward the enormous steel and glass building ahead of me. My feet are heavy and I have a nagging feeling something is not quite right. I dig deep into my purse, feel out my phone and call my mother. She answers on the first ring. Although she speaks slowly, I sense an urgency in her voice or is it a quivering? I stop walking. My hands tremble as I try to hold on to the phone tightly. My fathers condition has dramatically deteriorated. He is not being able to breathe and his condition is critical. The doctors are doing their best but he is not responding to the treatment. She breaks down as she says this. Through moist eyes, I look at a colleague who passes by and mouths a friendly Good morning!. In response, I haplessly mutter some incoherent
hurry down the steps to the underground station. I hear the screeching of the train as it slowly comes to a halt at the platform. I quicken my pace I cannot afford to miss it, the next train wont arrive for another 12 minutes! I manage to squeeze into the compartment just as the doors are closing, helped by several passengers just as eager to board the train. I glance at my watch nervously. Today is the big meeting with the regional head and all the industry leaders. I was both surprised and anxious when, two weeks ago, my boss asked me to present my work to the senior leadership. It is a great opportunity, especially since I joined the firm just recently. I have been meticulously planning and preparing my presentation. I enjoyed the work, but I found it hard to concentrate as my thoughts kept wandering back to my parents in India. My father was diagnosed for cancer three months ago. Both the illness and the treatment have dearly scarred his health. But my
words and turn away. I am numb. I hear my mother saying, I am not sure how much time he has, how soon can you come? Her question shakes me out of my trance. I tell her that I will call back. I want to tell her how much I love her and how proud I am of her, but words deceive me and I hang up. would do. He had raised me to value my education and my work. And, even now, he would expect me to do exactly that. With just a few minutes in hand, I hastily gather my things and head towards the conference room. I even manage a rushed trip to the powder room to fix my make-up. People are shuffling into the conference room as I arrive. After some quick nods and a handful of pleasantries, I stand in front of my audience. The murmur in the room subsides and I begin my presentation. Strange, but I sense my fathers presence in the room. An hour later, I am alone in the room. The presentation went off well and my superiors are impressed. I am exhilarated but dont feel it. I should be on cloud nine but I feel defeated. I cant seem to find the courage to pick up the phone and dial. I snap out of my stupor to find my phone buzzing in my pocket. Shakily, I answer. My mothers voice is hoarse, she has been crying. The medicines are working my father is able to breathe and his condition is stable, at least for now. We talk for a long time, or at least we attempt to talk between sobs and tears. I promise my mother that I will be with her soon. I go back to my desk, collect my bag and leave the office. I feel weak and drained. But I am thankful for the moment of strength when I needed it the most. Father, I hope I have made you proud. We
he meeting starts in 20 minutes. I feel lightheaded. As I walk towards the lifts, I decide to first speak to my boss and excuse myself from the meeting. Then I need to call my husband and let him know. Maybe, he can book the tickets? Will I be able to catch the night flight? The nanny is sick, so who will collect the kids? Are there enough groceries to last a week? There is a drama performance at school this week. My boss is not at his desk. I begin to edit my presentation, but I am distracted and uneasy. I think of my dear father, tired and weak, yet heroically battling the merciless disease. He endures the pain and suffering without complaint. He always manages a smile when I see him on Skype and never misses telling a joke when I speak to him on the phone. He never lets his feelings come in the way of what he has to do, or what makes others happy. What would make him happy right now? I knew the answer. I had to make the presentation. I had to put my emotions aside and focus on the job at hand that is what my father
May the softness of feet stay intact. With this sole object Hans Herbal Overseas, a leading herbal cosmetics manufacturing company since the past 38 years, has launched an excellent product Hans Herbal Foot Cream, based on the principles of Ayurveda. Products of Hans Herbal are unmatched in themselves because pure natural herbs and roots are used in manufacturing them. Hans Herbal Foot Cream is an extremely useful ointment for people suffering from cracked heels. Daily use of the cream for one week yields visible results. Companys manager Bharat Bhushan says about his products that our products are based on the formulae described in Ayurveda. And Hans Herbal Foot Cream made of natural ingredients like almond oil, mint essence, camphor, aloe vera, etc is no less than a panacea for the cracked heels. It is equally effective in treating minor cuts and burns. In entire northern India 20 gm pack of Hans Herbal Foot Cream has been priced at Rs 30/- only. 120
Hans Herbals New Foot Cream
Introducing McVities Fruit Bakes. A deliciously exotic biscuit that can be described in just two words awesomely fruity. Exotic imported Mediterranean fruit - lush, delicious, natural and juicy, encased in a light, flaky biscuit thats delicately sprinkled with sugar. Close your eyes and imagine how heavenly this must taste. The way it just melts in your mouth? How every piece of fruit just bursts with flavour? Thats what we call an awesomely fruity indulgence. And thats the magic of McVities Fruit Bakes. This indulgence comes to you from McVities, one of the worlds leading biscuit makers. Since 1830, McVities biscuits have been delighting people the world over-and today, UK and Europe loves them, and the whole world swears by them. In India, McVities biscuits have gained a lot of popularity since they entered the market in 2010, because they offer consumers the perfect combination of taste and health.
McVities Fruity Indulgence
pregnancy. This swells up in the intestines again and acts as a stool softener. In your case, the hardened stools have cut the delicate lining of the anus leading to fissure formation. The pain causes the anal sphincter to contract making even the passage of normal stools difficult for which medical management is required. Your doctor will prescribe laxatives and ask you to apply an ointment to the anal region to ease the pains and release the spasm of the local muscles. You will also be asked to take a setz bath i.e. sit for 15-20 minutes in a basin of lukewarm water to which a small amount of betadine solution has been added. The fissure will heal in a week or two after which you must avoid constipation to prevent recurrence. include inserting tablets/gels in the vagina that soften the cervix and make it amenable to induction. They can also stimulate uterine contractions. Intravenous infusion of oxytocin, a hormone that induces labour is another commonly used method of induction. Some doctors artificially rupture the bag of waters, allowing the fluid to leak as this leads to labour pains in quite a few cases. The pains are usually like normal labour pains provided the drugs given for induction are monitored rigorously. Occasionally induction of labour by the above methods fails or strong contractions lead to foetal distress for which a Caesarean section may have to be performed.
I have barely missed my periods for two weeks and the doctor has asked for an ultrasound. Why is it necessary to get one done so early? Will it not harm the pregnancy? An ultrasound at six-seven weeks of pregnancy gives a lot of useful information that is difficult to obtain later on. This includes confirmation of the pregnancy, viability whether heart beat is present or not number single or multiple, location inside the uterus or at abnormal sites like the tube and the presence of associated abnormalities like fibroids and cysts. Rest assured that it is a harmless procedure and you can go ahead with the procedure without fear.
I am two months pregnant and severely constipated. Sometimes, it is so bad that I have severe pain and bleeding at the time of defecation. The pain continues throughout the day making it difficult for me to even sit. Please help. Quite a few women suffer from constipation during pregnancy. It occurs because of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Constipation can be prevented by taking plenty of salads and green leafy vegetables. Eat fruits in place of juices as the fibre in fruits adds bulk to stools and making them softer. Take brown bread instead of white and eat whole grains and pulses. Drink plenty of fluids and go for regular walks. Intake of husks like isabgol with water is also safe during 122
I am in the last month of my pregnancy. I have developed high blood pressure and the doctor has told me that she will have to induce labour two weeks before the expected date of delivery. Why is this necessary and how is it done? Labour has to be induced in some pregnancies due to a variety of reasons. PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension), as in your case, is one of the commoner indications. Induction is usually done near term so that the foetus is mature enough to survive outside. The techniques commonly used
I am two-and-a-half months pregnant and the elders in my family insist that I eat for two. It is difficult to eat for one on account of the heartburn and nausea, how can I eat for two? Will it affect my pregnancy if I dont do as they advise? One needs only 300 calories extra per day during pregnancy (equivalent to two-and-a-half cups of toned milk), so the question of eating for two does not arise, especially if the second person is microscopic to begin with and grows to a maximum size of three-four kilograms. In fact, the quality of food you eat is more important than the quantity.
I am one-and-a-half months pregnant. I am passionate about gardening. In fact, it is a stress buster and has a calming effect on my nerves. Even the nausea of pregnancy decreases when I sit in my garden and breathe in the fresh, clean air. Please tell me if I can continue gardening during pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy is not a good time to indulge in your passion for gardening. Studies have shown that weed killers may cause developmental problems. If you are really keen to continue, wear rubber gloves while gardening in areas. As for sitting in the garden for relaxation you can continue doing so as long as an insecticide spray has not been used recently.
Dr A. K. Bajaj, MD.
T
By Dr Amrinder Bajaj
oday, women live longer than they did 50 years ago. While the life expectancy was 62 years at that time, these days, more and more women live for 80 years or more. This means that approximately 30 years are spent in the post-menopausal phase of life which makes it imperative that a high quality of life is ensured. Those of you in your mid-40s are standing on the threshold of an interesting new phase of life life after menopause. Menopause brings with it some of the most significant changes a woman faces in her life. It is an exciting time, free from the responsibilities of child-rearing, contraception and financial insecu rities. You are free to take up interests and hobbies that you did not have the time for before. Sexually too it can be a liberating period.
LIFE AFTER MENOPAUSE

...at the end of menstruation.
What is menopause? Meno month, pausis halt; hence, menopause means cessation of menstruation. This occurs due to the decreasing levels of female sex hormones in the body. It is a retrospective diagnosis, for a woman is said to have attained menopause only when she does not have periods for a year or more. It usually occurs between 44 and 52 years of age, though sometimes it is brought about abruptly by the surgical removal of ovaries during a hysterectomy. Menopause is preceded by perimenopause which occurs for a varying period of time before menstruation stops altogether. During this time, periods become irregular,
heavier or lighter than usual, infrequent with erratic gaps or stop altogether without warning. Keep a menstrual calendar and report to your gynaecologist if periods are unusually heavy/prolonged/frequent or if bleeding occurs after intercourse since these problems could be serious and need further evaluation. Menopause can be a trying period for some women as certain menopausal symptoms are distressing. These could occur in the immediate post-menopausal period or years after menopause. The latter are especially relevant in todays scenario on account of the increased life expectancy. What should a woman expect during menopause? A lot of women experience no symptoms whatsoever and the transition from the reproductive to the post-menopausal period is smooth. Others could have hot flushes and cold sweats, mood swings and weight gain despite eating the same amount of food. The skin becomes dry; hair thins out where it ought to be i.e., on the head though it may begin to grow on the chin and upper lip. Some have vaginal dryness that can affect sex life and urinary complaints like frequency, burning or leakage on coughing and sneezing. According to a nasty cartoon, a menopausal woman can be itchy, bitchy, sweaty, sleepy, bloated, forgetful or all dried up and I dont blame her, considering the fact that menopause affects almost every system in her body. But do not despair, for remedial measures are available. Hot flushes and cold sweats: Hot flushes and cold sweats are usually precipitated by stress, worry or excitement. Heat rises to the face and lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. It occurs once or several times during the day or night that may be followed by short spells of palpitations and a cold shivery feeling. Start breathing deeply when you feel a flush coming up or take a cold drink at the first sign of a flush. Meditation helps and a cool shower at bedtime decreases night sweats. Use cotton sheets and lingerie which absorb perspiration. Avoid situations that precipitate an attack stress, vigorous exercises, spicy foods or going out in the heat Dryness of vagina: After menopause, the vaginal lining becomes thin and less lubricated which leads to vaginal dryness, soreness, itching and pain, especially the above symptoms. Psychological symptoms: These could take the form of mood swings, fatigue, nervousness, headaches, depression, crying spells and an inability to sleep well. Management includes developing new hobbies and interests and doing some social work that helps others and takes your mind off your own problems. Avoid stress and worry and incorporate yoga and meditation in your daily routine. Sex and the menopausal woman: Your sex life does not end with menopause. In fact, some women have an increased libido as they are free from the worries of childbearing and contraception. This is also because of the fact that there is an unopposed action of testos terone. Testosterone is a male hormone that is present in small quantities in females too and is responsible for her sex drive. Now that the female hormones are no longer in circulation, it gets an upper hand leading to increased libido and/or growth of facial hair. Others may lose their desire for sex due to socio/cultural/religious reasons, vaginal dryness which causes pain during intercourse and repeated urinary tract infections. These can be treated, so there is no reason why you should not enjoy an active sex life after menopause. The above were the normal sideeffect of menopause. However, there are certain conditions that could be serious and one needs to be vigilant. These are: Post-menopausal bleeding Osteoporosis Heart disease This should never be ignored even if slight as it could be due to cancer or pre-cancerous conditions of the genital tract. These are confirmed or ruled out by a pap smear, cervical biopsy, D&C, hysteroscopy as advised by your doctor. Bleeding after intercourse could be due to cancer of the cervix or something as innocuous as vaginal atrophy/
THOSE OF YOU IN YOUR MID-40S ARE STANDING ON THE THRESHOLD OF AN INTERESTING NEW PHASE OF LIFE LIFE AFTER MENOPAUSE.
after intercourse. There is an increased frequency of urination, burning while passing urine and repeated urinary tract infections. The vagina becomes less resistant to invasive organisms. Use water-based lubricating creams while having intercourse. Consult your doctor regarding local application of female sex hormones that keep the vagina moist and elastic, thereby decreasing
HRT still has an important role to play in certain situations like surgical menopause when there is a sudden stoppage of hormone supply and in women with distressing menopausal symptoms. It is very useful in vaginal and urinary symptoms where local hormonal creams are preferable. Risks of HRT can be reduced by using a lower dose of oral oestrogen and vaginal creams instead of pills for local symptoms. Except for oestrogen, vaginal creams do not start HRT many years after menopause. It is important to go for regular general physical, breast and pelvic exams, pap smear, blood tests, mammograms. HRT should be taken only for a short period of time, the upper limit being five years. They are best avoided in women with a history of breast/uterine cancer, stroke, heart disease and blood clots in self or family However, one must remember that menopause is best managed by lifestyle changes such as: Avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods Dress lightly and in layers Eat soya foods Get adequate calcium and vitamin D in food or supplements Get plenty of exercise Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen vaginal muscles and prevent that embarrassing leakage of urine Remain sexually active; use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and weight in check Go for regular health checkups. Menopause is the end of menstruation and not the end of the world. It is the beginning of a new life where you can live not as the selfless wife, mother, daughter-in-law you have been all these years, but as an individual with personal needs and desires, so relax and enjoy the years We ahead. You deserve it.
polyps/infections, so do not worry unnecessarily, just visit your doctor as soon as possible. If the biopsy and pap smear are negative there is nothing to be done except for yearly gynaecological check-ups, pap smears and ultrasound. If a pre-cancerous condition (a condition that could become cancerous at a later stage) is diagnosed, the doctor will suggest removal of the uterus and ovaries. If cancer has already occurred depending upon the stage and location a more extensive surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy is planned. Most cancers are curable these days if detected at an early stage and this can be done only if you visit the doctor as soon as you have bleeding or even spotting after menopause. Osteoporosis: After menopause bones lose calcium rapidly and become fragile. This is a silent process that becomes apparent when bones break after the slightest mishap. Therefore, it is good idea to take milk, calcium and vitamin D 3 supplements from the age of 35 onwards. Perform regular exercises, especially eight-bearing ones to strengthen the bones and muscles. Once osteoporosis develops more vigorous treatment is required. Menopause and the heart: After menopause, the protective effect of oestrogen is lost and women become 128
as vulnerable as men to heart attacks and stroke. Physical inactivity and weight gain are contributory factors as are high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Detection of heart disease in women is difficult as only a few have the classic symptoms of an attack that most men have. In most others, the symptoms are often vague and could take the form of fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, jaw pain and general discomfort in the chest and abdominal area. Do not pass it off as acidity. To decrease the risks of heart attack adopt a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking, avoid passive smoking, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise at least thrice a week, maintain a healthy body weight and go for yearly preventive health checkups Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Some years ago, HRT came up in a big way as the panacea for all ills and the elixir of youth which is not entirely true. Further studies showed that it did not prevent the very conditions it was used for like heart disease and Alzheimers. Though it does prevent bone loss and alleviates debilitating menopausal symptoms, there are other options with less side effects available. In a small percentage of cases, HRT can even cause cancer of the breast and uterus, so use with caution under medical guidance. Womans Era July (First) 2012
him, he should either pay you or give you a small percentage in the profits you help him to make. If he does not agree, go on with your job in the dyeing unit. And in both circumstances you should start to plan about how you will earn your living in the months when you cannot work as a tourist guide. is very hurting. I feel like going away and living by myself. I know my sons would protest but I think I would be happier. Are you sure that you are not imagining things? Your loneliness is mainly because you are now without your partner and this could have made you extra sensitive in fact, rather prickly! Also remember that earlier you used to visit your sons but now you are living permanently with them. And one is more formal with visitors and more casual with people living as part of the family. So your daughters-inlaw could have become more casual without meaning anything insulting. Do not make the mistake of telling your sons that you want to leave them and certainly do not make the even worse mistake of telling them that you find the behaviour of their wives objectionable. You are lucky to have a loving and caring family and you would be foolish to give it up for imagined ills. Keep yourself busy and do not brood, and things will be all right.
I am a tourist guide at a place which attracts lots of tourists. I make an okay living for about six months in the year, but the other six months, I have no work because it is the offseason for tourists. I go to Delhi during these months as I have a sister whose husband runs a small business there and I help in the business. I stay with my sister and her family and so my board and lodging is looked after, but in return I work long, hard hours. The other day I overheard my brother-in-law talking to a friend about me. He was complaining about the cost of feeding and housing me and did not even mention the work that I do. I was so upset that I went and asked a neighbour who runs a small dyeing unit for a job. He at once took me on and also told me that I could stay in the dormitory in which his workers stay. Now my brother-in-law is upset and says that I have let him down by not working for him. My sister too is asking me to give up my job but I am thinking of the future when I will be married and have kids and will need to earn all the year around. What should I do? I do not want to antagonise my sister and her family. Did you tell your brother-in-law that you had overheard what he said about you? Whether you have or have not, have a serious talk with him now. Tell him how hurt you felt and also tell him that you think that you earn your keep by working for him. Then go on to talk about your future and tell him that if you work for 130
I am a 62-year-old woman living in turn with my two sons after my husband died a year ago. While he was alive we lived by ourselves but visited our sons and their families frequently. My sons are wonderful loving, caring and extremely attached to me and their concern for me has increased after the death of their father. My daughters-in-law are polite and caring too, but I see a change in their behaviour after the death of my husband. There is a certain nonchalance and carelessness about them that was not there earlier. They are not as respectful as they used to be either. I feel very lonely these days and so their changed conduct
I am an only daughter and the home I grew up in was a quiet, disciplined one. But I married (a love marriage) into a large and close family and though I live alone with my husband in a metro, my in-laws and my husbands other relatives drop in very often and with no notice. I am then expected to make them welcome, cook for them whatever the time of the day or night and put them up for as many days as they choose to stay. All these relatives are affectionate and help me with the housework that their visits entail. But I am not used to all this and find their visits very stressful. My husband does not understand this. He says that, since I am not working, such visits should not be a problem. But I am a reserved loner and want everything to be perfect for guests. So I would like to have notice about their coming. Is this wrong? I have been married for a year and am fed up. Of course you are not wrong and it would be considerate of your relatives-by-marriage to give you notice of their coming. But what are you going to do if they do not give you notice? If you are rude, if you sulk or make them feel unwelcome, they would get the message and stop dropping in. But they will also be hurt and would stop thinking of you as one of themselves. You would also embarrass and hurt your husband. We are very affected by the way we are brought up and your upbringing has made you a loner. But now you have to live in a very different environment one in which people are affectionate, helpful and think of you as one of themselves, but also one in which they also feel that your home is theirs. You would be the loser if you antagonised your new relatives. You would also make your husband unhappy and resentful. So make the effort to fall into the ways of the family you have married into. Womans Era July (First) 2012
ood swings, spells of depression, periods of gloom. What is eating you? Are 12-hour work days, umpteen cups of tea and snack binges taking their toll on your mental make-up? Feeling gru mpy? Order salmon. Suffering from loneliness? Have an avocado. Stressed out? Bite into a lemon cheesecake, advise nutritionists! Mood and food. Food and mood. Apart from the rhyming bit, theres also a scientific connection between the two. There are certain types of food that make us feel good about ourselves, cheer us up and even help us fall in love (why give chocolates to your lover otherwise?). Dont have them and you will fall into the depths of despair.
THE GOOD MOOD FOOD

Eating right for feeling right.
By Maharaaj K. Koul
Doctors, nutritionists and psychiatrists all say that eating patterns can impact on your mood in more ways than you can realise. With long work hours taking a heavy toll on sleep and diet, the first repercussion is the rise in stress levels. Improper eating habits often lead to nutritional imbalances as the diet fails to meet minimum nutritional requirements. Not only does it threaten general health and physical fitness, it also leads to physiological problems, says Ishi Khosla, director, Centre for Dietary Counselling, New Delhi. Dont eat so many chillies. They are hot so you may become hottempered... Eat an ice cream and cool your head... Feeling depressed and stressed out? Have a cup of coffee statements which are proverbially true yet under specul ation. Can food really influence your mental state and performance? Experts, for some time now, have tried to find an answer. You may have noticed a boost in your thinking ability after consuming a cup of tea, coffee or a cola. This is because of the presence of caffeine in these drinks which halts the depressive effect of adenosine, a neurotrans mitter in the brain. So your nervous system stays steadfast and you think clearly. immediately after a meal. Black pepper and ginger have similar effects. Generally, studies have shown that on average, a meal containing a spicy dish, like a bowl of chilli, can temporarily increase metabolism by about eight per cent over a persons normal rate, an amount considered fairly negligible. But besides a slight uptick in metabolism, spicy foods may also increase feelings of satiety. The connection between feelings and food is all about how the brain functions. The brain communicates through chemical substances passed from one nerve cell to the next. These chemicals, called neurotrans mitters, are made in the brain from the food we eat. The transmitters that are more sensitive to diet and influential in affecting moods are norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin among others. Dopamine and norepinephrine are chemicals that create alertness. When produced, we think and react more quickly, feel more motivated. Serotonin is a calming and relaxing chemical. It produces elevation mood. Its functions include sleep regulation and anxiety reduction. Catecholamines control the arousal and anxiety states. Another important neurotrans mitter is acetylcholine, essential in memory formation and maintenance. All the neurotrans mitters are manu factured from the amino acids that come from our diet. Therefore, the speculation that right foods can keep you motivated or
INDULGE IN FOOD
In frigid winter weather, theres a good reason to indulge in foods that carry some extra kick. But is it true, as has long been held, that spicy foods not only heat you up, but also speed up the metabolism? Over the years, various studies have examined the claim and suggested that certain spices can in fact increase meta bolism rate by raising the body temperature, though to what extent and for how long is unclear. Capsaicin, the compound that gives red chilli its powerful kick, creates the largest bump in heat generation, which helps burn more calories
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FEELINGS AND FOOD IS ALL ABOUT HOW THE BRAIN FUNCTIONS. THE BRAIN COMMUNICATES THROUGH CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES PASSED FROM ONE NERVE CELL TO THE NEXT.
reduce stress and place you in the best of your moods, is worth trying out. Foods that make you alert: Fish, shellfish, poultry (without skin), mutton, low-fat cottage cheese, skim or low-fat milk, dahi , dried peas and beans. They contain protein, are low in fat, and have limited carbo hydrates. During midday, your brains supply of dopamine and norepinephrine begins to wane. Protein replenishes it. Foods that make you calm: Low-glycemic carbohy -
drates like brown rice, dhalia , wholegrain, rye-bread, sourdough rye bread, roti , sweet potato, wheat pastas induce a calming effect, but do not drag you down. High-glycemic carbohydrates like sugar, rice, white bread, idli, wheat crackers, baked potato, pasta produce highperformance serotonin that really slows you down. Foods that make you smart: Eggs, milk, liver, pork, prunes, oatmeal. These contain choline that enhances the memory. If you have a presentation or exam in the morning, make yourself an omelette for breakfast. Prunes, which contain enormous quantities of antioxidants, can actually help treat memory loss. Foods that make you attentive: Lemons, apples, grape juice, avocados, broccoli. These contain boron, which is responsible for handeye coordination, attention and shortterm memory. The smell of lemons can induce a feeling of alertness. Food that make you energised: Oranges, apples, soya milk, yoghurt. These have slow-digesting carbohy drates and supply a steady source of fuel. Sunflower seeds contain magnesium which helps keep the heart steady and bones strong. Tuna contains the protein needed to repair muscles. Foods that make you happy: Salmon or any other cold-water fish contains the mood-elevating vitamin B12 as well as omega-3 fatty acids that may assist in preventing depression. Bananas, which contain vitamin B6, and chicken liver, high in folic acid, also make you feel good. Foods that make you sexy: An amino acid called L-arginine found in nuts and sesame seeds enhances blood flow in the genital areas. Eggs and meat also contain small amounts of L-arginine. Chocolate releases pleasure-enhancing endorphins into the brain and also contains phenylethylamine, a stimulant associated with love and sexual attraction. Says Mumbai-based neurologist Dr Atul Shah, Eating pleasure is related to endorphins, the natural painkillers in the brain. Also, certain pleasure is related to specific chemicals in the brain causing mood alterations. For example, chocolates or cocoa have been known to cause hyperactivity in children. Carbohydrates play a major role in determining your mood, asserts American research scientist Dr Judith Wurtman. She has found that a diet rich in carbohydrates can help you feel anxiety-free and relaxed. When you eat a protein-rich meal, she explains, the protein is broken down into components like trypotophan which is waiting to get into the brain. But when you eat a carbohydrate snack or meal, insulin rushes in and along with the carbohydrates the lingering amino acid also slips in. It is converted into serotonin in the brain and elevates mood. And, what about sugar? Does it really make you alert? Sugar produces a temporary high, says Dr Anar Shah, a Mumbai-based nutritionist. However, as soon as the levels of glucose plummet in the blood, one experiences fatigue and irritability. Even additives such as artificial food colours can give rise to mood swings. According to studies conducted at the Human Research Center on Aging, Boston, USA, confusion, depression and anxiety may result from dietary inadequacies. Even lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet can make you lethargic, opines Dr Susheel Sharangdhar, a Mumbaibased dietitian.The fall in protein and sodium levels in the body can lead to mood swings and depression, says Khosla. Several studies have confirmed that an imbalance in the ratio of essential fatty acids leads to depressive symptoms, she adds. You are what you eat. That remains the premise of macro biotics, which counts John Lennon and Yoko Ono amongst, perhaps, its most famous followers. Yet, this concept, insist practitioners, is neither a diet nor a fad. Macrobiotics is a machine to harness and nurture your mind, body and spirit. It enhances your health and helps you follow our dreams, says Tarika Ahuja, one of its few Delhi-based practitioners. According to Ahuja, macrobiotics is a holistic practice where you go beyond the nutrients in the food and decode it (food) on the basis of its energetics. the reasoning: What you eat affects your emotions and general well-being. Says Dr Vihang Vahia, a Mumbaibased psychiatrist, It is common knowledge that certain foods may influence your moods, or say, after a heavy meal, the blood flow is directed towards the digestive system. This increases peristalsis in the stomach making you feel restless. That is the reason why we advise light meals at night. There has been an intensified interest in the field of nutrition today. So far, though the effect of certain foods has been highlighted only in the case of nutritional deficiencies, the fact remains that diet may have a profound influence in how the brain handles its tasks, be it mood, We memory or motivation.
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Short Story
A Comic Tragedy
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The crash of a great plan!
By Shantha Nagarajan
radeeps annual homecoming is an eagerly awaited occasion for the family and the sober household gets recharged with the family get-togethers, parties and a sudden flurry of activity. Pradeep, who is an employee of a private company in Dubai, comes home once a year to spend a few weeks with his family consisting of his wife, Sarita, two kids and old parents. As soon as he arrives, a horde of relatives and, of course, his two sisters along with their kids would descend upon their posh, spacious apartment for a rumbustious family get-together. The three or four weeks packed with various engagements, visits and parties would flee before he could realise it and then it would be time for one more leave-taking... As the kids were having their terminal holidays, Pradeeps sister Reshma brought her two kids for a
longer stay and her younger sister Usha who was determined not to miss the fun followed suit. The usually quiet house turned into a noisy nest. There came a temporary lull to the bustle and tumult when Pradeep and his wife left for their home town to have a look at some land that was for sale. They might be away for two days and the sisters took charge of the domestic scene.
radeep and Sarita had to stretch their stay there for up to three days and, when they returned, they tried hard to convince the others of the inevitable circumstances that forced them to prolong the stay. Lo! A week after their return, Reshmas husband Sudaker arrived. Probably he missed his wife and kids. More surprises! Sudaker gave a pleasant surprise with the announcement that he was going to
Moving closer to her, Sudaker narrated to her an interesting and intriguing information he had heard from his cousin Mohan who was working in a bank in their home town as a cashier. It was when Sudaker had phoned to Mohan to get a clarification regarding some bank loan, that Mohan had suddenly said, By the way, yesterday, I saw your brother-in-law Pradeep and his wife on the udakers announcement surprised his wife the beach when I was passing that way. most. This was the first time he had ever shown On the beach? It cant be... They are now in our concern for the familys need for an outing. He was an indoor man content with his busy official and home town to find out about some plot in which he quiet domestic life and, when it was holiday time for wants to invest. They must have taken some time off to relax on the beach, Sudaker explained, though the kids, he would promptly pack off Reshma and baffled by the news. the kids to her brothers home. So it took some time No, no. They were staying in the beachside for this announcement to sink in and after getting lodge near my bank. I saw them twice coming out of over the impact of the pleasant surprise, she swung the lodge and sauntering along the beach road. into action getting the children dressed and packing Obviously their stay there was meant to be a the suitcases with bare essentials for the two-day getaway...they seemed an inseparable stay at Vilaspur. Both the sisters were thrilled to be part You blamed me couple very much in love ha! ha! The beach was three km from the town of the excursion party. Now, they wanted for not letting and a popular tourist spot. Sarita bhabi to accompany them but, to your bhabi join This piece of news passed on to him by everyones puzzlement, Sudaker firmly us for the Mohan made Sudaker reflective. Hmm! said that she must be at home so that outing, no? Its Pradeep comes home once a year and the Pradeep who had to attend to some precisely young couple find themselves surrounded pressing matters before leaving for by a horde of family members. The longDubai, wouldnt have to suffer for his because I separated couple are hardly left with any meals. As there was enough space in the wanted you all space for themselves and Pradeep must van to accomodate two more, Sudaker to get out and have wisely planned the getaway so as to insisted on his parents-in-law joining leave them alone snatch that very private and intimate space them. that I arranged that any couple in their place must be Reshma felt bad about excluding this trip. craving. Sarita bhabi from the family outing. If The plot inspection was just an excuse shes willing to come, let her come no? for a pleasure trip. A Why do you stop her? Reshma grumbled to her romantic getaway! husband. Sudaker reacted with a quiet smile as if to Deprived of their muchhint that he had a valid reason for it. The company craved intimate moments guest house and van were at their disposal and the in their own home, the kids as well as the oldies relished every moment of passionate couple had the two days spent in the picturesque spot. had to seek it outside Before leaving Vilaspur in the morning, the their home. Sudaker felt hungry family went to the big restaurant near the very bad about his guest house for their breakfast. As it was crowded thoughtlessness and his and only a couple of tables remained unoccupied, own share in causing the Reshma and Sudaker offered to wait asking the others to have their food. The couple moved to the lounge. Your brother and bhabi must thank me for the uninterrupted, peaceful private space they had these two days, Sudaker said to Reshma with a wide grin. Reshma raised her eyebrows at this riddle-like comment. You blamed me for not letting your bhabi join us for the outing, no? Its precisely because I wanted you all to get out and leave them alone that I arranged this trip. What do you mean? Reshma stared at him. take the children to Vilaspur which is famous for its waterfalls for a fun-filled holiday. The construction company in which Sudaker was a manager had a guest house in Vilaspur. We have a guest house there and theyll provide us the company van to take us around.
Womans Era July (First) 2012 139
inconvenience by sending his family there for a long holiday. He must make amends for this impropriety and the result was the family outing for the whole gang except, of course, the couple.
s he explained the facts behind the planning of the sudden and first-ever outing for the whole family, Reshma observed him silently. It was the silence of admiration. So considerate of you to take all these troubles in order to create a space for them. So, now I know why this sudden concern for taking the children out and why you dragged my old parents to Vilaspur, ha! ha! It was a pat as well as a dig at her boring husband. As the van carrying them sped homewards, Reshma and Sudaker expected to see a relaxed, contented and grateful Pradeep. Lo! When they reached home, the door was opened by a little girl and they could hear some female voices. Visitors? They got the answer when a lady poked her face out from behind the curtain. Mythili! Saritas brothers wife! Seeing the puzzled expressions of the picnickers entering home, Sarita herself rushed to tell them what happened after they all had left. Soon after they had left for Vilaspur, Sarita got a phone call from her brother Raju to inform that their father was rushed to the multi-speciality hospital near
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Saritas residence after he had suffered a stroke. Saritas brother lived in his company quarters which was hardly some 70 km from Saritas place. Her brother brought his wife, daughter and mother to stay at Saritas flat from where it was easy for them to visit the hospital. Pradeep and Raju are in the hospital with daddy, Ill go there to relieve them as its already late for their breakfast, explained a worried Sarita. The harried couple were freed from one gang and another gang had snatched their freedom! A crestfallen Sudaker slumped down in the sofa near him. Reshma who alone was privy to the sentiment and good intention that had forced her husband to arrange for a getaway for the family, nudged him as if to say, See the result of your well-planned strategy! You took us away and they took our place! Where is the romantic space you wanted to restore to the pining couple? Thank goodness! No one intruded into their happy moments at the beach lodge, Sudaker who was obviously stunned by the unforeseen development whispered. What a comedy! Reshma whispered with a wry smile. No, not comedy, a comic tragedy, he corrected her and both tried hard to suppress their laughter. We
MULTI-BENEFIT
T
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The wonder spice.
TURMERIC
By Pushpa Bhatia
tumours and helps our body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout. A study in biochemical pharmacology found that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs. It also prevents the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer. Turmeric is extremely good for those having skin ailments of any type. It helps to reduce irritation of tissues and stimulates the formation of new blood tissues characterised by its properties. It is considered best for rashes, itches, ringworms, blood boils and psoriasis. Evidence suggests that the spice is beneficial for promoting proper metabolism and correcting both excesses and deficiencies. This wonder drug improves the bodys ability to digest fats and the elimination of waste and toxins. This reduces gas and bloating also. External application: Turmeric volatile oils also have external bacterial action. As such they may help prevent bacterial wound infection and accelerate wound healing. Johnson and Johnson even sells a curcumin-containing BandAid in India. The therapeutic potential of turmeric and curcumin do not end
urmeric is a wonderful herb valued for its medicinal properties and warm peppery flavour. It comes from the root of the curecuma longa plant. Turmeric has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia. Turmeric contains curcuminaids (plant-basted nutrients) and curcumin that are anti-inflamatory ingredients and decrease risk of forming chronic diseases. It inhibits free radical damage of fats including cholesterol. Turmerics ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be beneficial for our heart. It inhibits tradition, including chromosome damage. Ancient ayurvedic scriptures mention the use of turmeric as a versatile medicine to increase bile flow, making it a liver cleanser. It rejuvenates liver cells and recharge their capability to break down and support formation of healthy tissue. Turmeric increases the bodys resistance and supports treatment of arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer's and relieve arthritis pain and stiffness. It is quite surprising that regular intake of turmeric inhibits the proliferation of cells from normal to Womans Era
July (First) 2012
there. Evidence suggests that the spice maybe beneficial for cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, chronic diseases, cataracts, gallstones, muscle regeneration and inflammatory bone disease. Cookery hints: In India, turmeric has been widely used for cooking such purposes as curry and pickles. It not only gives good taste but also enhances flavour. For best result, choose a pure turmeric powder rather than a curry powder because curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric is also available in supplement form and, for many, this is a more convenient method to obtain the health benefits discussed above, especially if they are from a high-quality organic source and if one doesnt particularly enjoy the taste of curry. In combination with other things: One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one cup of neem leaves juice does miracles for skin problems such as utcheria, eczema, pimples, etc. Apply directly on the skin and leave it on for half an hour. One teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with one teaspoon of rock salt and mustard does miracles for joints pains. Apply directly and massage smoothly on the affected area. Take 1/4 tea spoon of turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, add 1/2 teaspoon of pure honey in a cup of warm water. Drink it two to three times. A real medicine for sore throat. Turmeric is a herb that one should get to know and live with. It can filter up to two litres of blood per minute and easily break apart toxic molecules to reduce their toxcing. It is a good scrubber and exfoliates our skin. Mixed with gramflour, turmeric does miracles and bleaches our skin in a natural way. A housewife is cautioned to use pure and unadulterated turmeric. A microscopic study reveals that only pure turmeric is yellow, big and has an angular structure, while foreign-
added starches are colourless and small compared to pure turmeric starch. Some common adulterants found in turmeric powder are sawdust, starch of maize, wheat and We tapioca.
M
IM SEXY & I KNOW IT
By Yogitha
any women struggle to find the right kind of bra that fits them perfectly. Research shows that 70 per cent of women wear the wrong size bra. Having a solid support is essential for looking good on the outside. Do remember, lingerie has the capability to highlight your best features and camouflage the areas you prefer to hide. And, needless to say, a lot of medical issues arise if you do not wear the right kind of bra. Every time your bra isnt proper or giving you the right support, the skin tends to stretch causing back and shoulder issues.
Wear the right kind of bra for the right looks.
Here are few tips to know if your bra is the wrong size: Go up a cup size if you feel your cup seems to run over. Go down a cup size if you feel your cup seems a little hollow. If you find that there are wrinkles, either on the top or side of the cup, it means you have to go down a cup size. Be sure that it is level front to back. If it is higher, then you may need to go down a band size.
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The breasts should not be overflowing from the cups. This means you will have to increase the cup size. If you find that your straps are continuously falling down, it means your bra band is riding up and it is time to go down a band size. If you feel that your bra leaves any marks after wearing it for an extended period of time, you will want to consider going up a cup size. If you have back fat and you feel the bra is too tight, it is not. The actual fact is that the bra could be a bigger sized one. In that case, opt for one that has a small band-width and is lower on your back. You will be surprised to see how the back fat is completely minimised. If you are confused about what exactly is the cup size and band size, here is what you need to know:
the bra loses its firmness, you can tighten the bra to the second and third hooks. The seam at the centre of the chest (the space between the two cups) should be flat. If it protrudes, then it means you need to go up a cup size. Make sure that the band of the bra is not too tight for the ribs as it tends to wring the body. This causes fat rolls on the back which is unappealing. As for underwire bras, the underwire should lie flat against your rib cage and not come up on your breast tissue. Avoid too small or too loose bras: Some women choose bras that are too small so that it increases the
cleavage. But this can be drab, ugly and uncomfortable. Underwear that is small will form lumps and bumps creating an uneven silhouette. Hence, you can opt for some plunge bras that are designed especially to increase the cleavage. In addition, never wear ones that are too loose or too big and gaping. Avoid too-stretched-out bras; instead, go for ones that have good elasticity to give you the best support. If you have a small bust, opt for padded or underwired bras. If you have large breasts do not wear illfitting bras that make them sag. Do keep in mind, breasts should not be sagging to the waist. Bras with full cups are great for women with heavy busts. Pregnancy or nursing bras: Remember, the size of the breasts changes during pregnancy or nursing periods. Hence, do not wear the same size that you were using earlier. In fact, the bust size should be re-measured to find the right fit. Do opt for nursing bras as they are so much more convenient and easy to use. However, you need to wait until you finish your second trimester to change your size. Make sure the fit is as good as possible. Avoid tight ones at all costs as it can cause a lot of health-related issues during breast feeding. On the other hand, loose ones can result in a saggy and dowdy silhouette. Hence, concentrate on the fit and the get the one that fits you the best. Do not expect the nursing bras to look sexy and attractive. Remember to concentrate more on the comfort and functionality rather than looks in this category. Alternatively, to not to get discouraged or feel less confident, opt for at least one attractive nursing bra, just to make you feel good from the inside. It is advisable to go for darker colours like black and brown as the stains wont show much. Get a couple of them so that even if one is stained you have other clean ones to replace it.
To determine the band size: To determine the band size, measure around your body, right beneath the arms. Do not keep it too tight or too loose. This is supposed to be your band size. If the measurement is an odd number, say 33 for example, then do add 1 and round it up to 32. To determine the cup size: Measure around your body across the fullest part of your bust. Assure yourself that it isnt too tight or too loose. Subtract this measurement from the band size (the earlier step) and you get the cup size. To get the correct fit, do not wear a padded bra while you take the measurements. To ensure a good fit: Always try on a bra to find out if it fits well. They are like shoes; no two can be the same. Hence you WILL have to try them on. Women can have one breast bigger than the other. In that case, go for the measurements of the bigger breast and adjust the strap size of the smaller side for a proper fit. A tip when you buy a bra is to make sure that it fits you well in the outermost hook. Hence, as
DO MEASURE AROUND YOUR BODY ACROSS THE FULLEST PART OF YOUR BUST. BE SURE THAT IT ISNT TOO TIGHT OR TOO LOOSE.
You must be able to easily hook and unhook the flaps. In fact, you have to be sure that you can undo it with one hand. Go for ones that do NOT have an underwire. In addition, opt for nursing bras that stretch. Since it can get a little tricky to get the actual size, it is advisable to get several different sizes so that you can return them later. However, make sure of the return policies first. Do shop carefully as many shopkeepers do not have a return policy on bras. And do remember, this is one product that it is not advisable to buy online. A tip: When you realise that your usual bra fits you no longer, understand that its time to switch to a good-fitting nursing bra.
Points to remember: Opt for lingerie styles that suit your personality. If you are an enthusiast of the 50s, go for fuller pants and bras. If you love laces, opt for lacy bras and undergarments to add to your confidence. Clean your lingerie drawer
once every six months. Throw away anything that has lost its shape and no longer fits you well. In this way you will be able to save yourself from accidently wearing them in a hurry. Remember the support of the bra comes mainly from the cups and the bands, its just 20 per cent of the support that comes from the straps. If you find a bra of a perfect fit, it is advisable that you get more pieces of the same as you may never know if the manufacturer will continue the style. Do not wear the same bra at a stretch for two days as the elastic
tends to wear out. Make sure you change it every day. A main aspect that many women tend to ignore is the washcare instructions. For a bra to last longer, do follow the instructions carefully you sure dont want to have a shrunken or saggy bra even before its time. Many women own just a single style of bra. Its advisable to come out of the comfort zone and try a variety of styles. You will be surprised at the types and the confidence they brings in you. The white, black, flesh, sports and a strapless bra are a must-have in every womans wardrobe. Do not wear a sports bra unless and until you want to work out. Its said to be harmful for your breast tissues. A tip: Do remember, a womans bra size can change a number of times at different stages of her life. She may have gained or lost weight, changes occur at the post-pregnancy period too, hence a woman should basically keep track of her bra measurements every two years or so. We
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Whenever a jar of guacamole is opened, it turns brown after a few days. How can we prevent this? Guacamole is an avocado-based sauce. It is used as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient. It is traditionally made by mashing ripe avacados with a mortar and pestle with sea salt. Keep leftover guacamole from turning brown by coating the inside of the bowls cover with a non-stick cooking spray before sealing the bowl shut. Please give us a method to warm tortillas with ease. Warming tortillas is difficult as they are cooked on a skillet without oil. Place a dampened paper towel on a microwavable plate and layer four tortillas on top. Cover with another dampened paper towel, then microwave for 15 seconds on high. When making cookies at home, we find that they come out of all shapes and sizes. Please tell us how we can get all of the same shape and size ie. picture perfect. To make picture perfect cookies, try using a small ice-cream scoop. Just drop the dough onto the greased baking sheet or tray and your cookies will all bake up to be the same size. How can we enjoy the flavour of coffee in a cup of piping hot cappuccino? To get the flavour of coffee in a cup of piping hot cappuccino is just not possible. If you try to drink it hot you just burn your tongue and lips. If you wait for some time, it just gets cold and you still cannot enjoy it. So the simple way is not to opt for piping hot cappuccino if you wish to enjoy the true flavour of coffee. A nutmeg looks just like a nut. Do I have to remove its shell? There is no need to remove the shell from a nutmeg though it looks like a nut. Just rub it on a grater to get the fragrant spice. Use it in everything from waffles to pasta. If a recipe calls for coarse salt, can I just use table salt? No. Table salt grains, are a lot Womans Era July (First) 2012 smaller than coarse salt grains, so a teaspoon of table salt is a lot more potent than a teaspoon of coarse salt. Kosher salt is an affordable coarse type that works well in most recipes. If you have only table salt handy and the recipe calls for coarse, start by putting in half as much table salt, and taste the dish from there. How super is Popeyes super food spinach? Take it from Popeye: Spinach does wonders for your body. According to studies, the mild greens are packed with magnesium, which improves your response to stress, and carotenoid antioxidants that protect blood vessels. To get your fill, toss fresh leaves, into salads, omelets, pastas and other recipes. Or simply saute them, fittingly with a drizzle of olive oil. Please give us some helpful hints to keep in mind while freezing leftover soups. Always cool soup first, piping-hot soup will defrost other items in your freezer and affect their quality. For space-saving storage, ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe resealable plastic bags, in single and multiple portions. If freezing soup in a plastic container, leave less than an inch space between the soup and the lid. Dairy-based soups should only be frozen for two months. Broth- based soups will keep up for three months. To defrost, place the bags in a bowl and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Savita Bhargava
Last time when I visited a grocery store in a mall, I was surprised to see purple potatoes. Do tell us about its nutritional properties etc. Purple potatoes or Peruvian potatoes might look strange to us, as we dont usually get to see them. But they are nutritionally very friendly. Like blueberries, theyre rich in anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant. Purple potatoes rule for their delectable flavour, and one more good point about them is they can be consumed unpeeled. What is cilantro, and how can it be compared to the humble coriander? Cilantro is a must in Latin American and Asian cooking, where it is chopped into salsas or cooked into curries. Its fragrant leaves come from the same plant as coriander seeds, but their flavours are quite different. It is sold in bunches and will last longer if left uncut. So cut off only the amount you will need. Remember not to over-chop or the tender leaves will turn black. Removing the skin from tomatoes has always been difficult. Please give us a method to remove their skins effortlessly. A foolproof way to remove the skin from the tomatoes is to drop them into a bath of boiling water for about a minute, then quickly remove them into ice water until cooled. The skins will peel off effortlessly. 148
If you have any problem in cooking or kitchen, write to Womans Era. We shall try to help you sort it out. Address your queries to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg New Delhi-110 055 Click womansera.com to lodge your queries.
36 24 36
THE
nywhere in the world, a woman with 36-24-36 vital statistics (the metric 90-6090 sounds grotesque, isnt it?) the hour glass figure flaunting the latest lingerie in a fashion show, would elicit a Wow, what a figure! from the admiring males. Hardly anyone would notice the lingerie! A recent scientific study has revealed that watching women with hour-glass figures can activate the reward centres of a mans brain, much as drinking alcohol or taking drugs might. All three activities are equally intoxicating. It is only a corroboration of a phenomenon known for ages. The magic numbers of 36-24-36 have inspired artists, poets, sculptors and writers for ages to produce works to be admired by people all over the world. But why do men fall head over heels over such a figure? To know the answer, we have to go back deep into our past, some 40,000 to 50,000 years ago, to a time when our ancestors, the primitive Homo sapiens were struggling hard to
HOUR-GLASS FIGURE
Why its so attractive.
By Pradeep Kumar Basu
150
survive in this world a world which was tremendously hostile to them. They had to survive in the scorching, dry African savannah, where hordes of lions were ready to pounce on them. Or, in the dense jungles where even if they climbed up the trees for shelter at night, they were not safe from snakes or leopards; of course, there was also the danger of falling off in their sleep! Huge mastodons (ancestors of todays elephants), sabre-toothed tigers, ferocious crocodiles, poisonous snakes and so on: natures arsenal was loaded heavily against them. In physical strength, they were puny (a chimpanzee could take five of them!); they had no protective fur against the extreme colds of European climate: they were helpless like a modern newborn baby in Mother Natures lap. But they had a thinking brain, primitive communication skills, and the ability to make tools/armour with flint, bones and wood. And the ability to make fire. Armed with these skills they hunted even animals bigger than them, by strategy rather than by strength. And, as night fell, they retreated into their caves, which provided shelter against rain and storm and, more importantly, against predators. A fire at the entrance kept them at bay. ( Agni devata enjoys a privileged position even today!) Outside, the jungles came alive with creatures of the night, prowling for prey while our remote ancestors crouched in the caves waiting for dawn to break. It has been estimated that, in the whole world, the total human population would have been a few thousands only and they were fighting a tough battle for survival, in different geographical locations with different climates and different flora and fauna. Almost 50 per cent of the population died in their teens. If some rare individual reached 40, he would be considered the Grand Old Man of the clan! So, if you have been endowed with intelligence, what strategy would you adopt? Obviously, increase your numbers. An increase in numbers gave you better ability to hunt, greater capability of fighting off the natural predators, greater ability to survive even with a high rate of deaths. All these factors increased your chances of survival. But how do you do that?
FIGURES AND MEASURES

Obviously, you take the help of your womenfolk: they are the ones who would give you your offspring. As the primitive menfolk went about their business, they instinctively found that women with a particular type of figure which we call the hour-glass figure today were more productive than others. Their progenies were tougher, so they survived more and, in turn, gave birth to more such progenies.
THE MAGIC NUMBERS OF 36-24-36 HAS INSPIRED ARTISTS, POETS, SCULPTORS AND WRITERS FOR AGES TO PRODUCE WORKS TO BE ADMIRED BY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.
That was Darwins natural selection at work and, over the years, men started admiring and choosing their partners with more and more of that type of figure, which incidentally is the one we are discussing. That is the science behind the magic numbers. In recent times, scientists have indeed shown that the fertility rates of women with such figures are the highest, though the exact vital statistics of hour-glass figures slightly differs from culture to culture. So, when our forefathers were admiring hour-glass figures, they were only ensuring that you and I will be born and also survive, to admire their foresight (and hourglass figures). But evolution does not stop. Another recent study shows that, in some countries, fertile women are becoming shorter and plumper. It seems that in future generations, the ideal figure for art may change. Also, lingerie designers may have to start rethinking their design strategies. We
7 8
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15 18 16 17
14
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19
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21
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25
23
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Across
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1. A person who donates something, especially money to charity (5) 4. Pour a liquid over; drench (5) 7. A long and distinct period of history (3) 8. An apparatus utilising portable supply of compressed gas (as air) supplied at a regulated pressure and used for breathing while swimming underwater (5) 9. Producing or capable of producing much noise (4) 11. The amount of freedom to move or act that is available (6) 13. Produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation) (4) 14. The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen (3) 15. Help, typically of a practical nature (3) 16. The outside limit of an object, area, or surface (4) 19. The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history (9) 21. Amplitude Modulation (2) 23. Lacking in quantity or quality (6) 24. A tall, rounded vase with a stem and base, especially one used for storing the ashes of a cremated person (3) 25. State when a part of the body deprived of the power of physical sensation (4) 26. The fluid which circulates in the vascular system of a plant, consisting chiefly of water with dissolved sugars and mineral salts (3) 27. Very skilled or proficient at something (5)
1. The action of moving something from its place or position (12) 2. Of or denoting a gender of nouns in some languages, typically contrasting with masculine and feminine or common (6) 3. Objects and material from everyday life used as teaching aids (6) 4. An elderly or mature woman (4) 5. To unload a ship or cargo (6) 6. European Monetary Union (3) 10. Cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature (9) 12. The cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition (8) 17. Direct Current (2) 18. A single-celled animal which catches food and moves about by extending finger-like projections of protoplasm (6) 20. Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food (5) 22. Push oneself off a surface and into the air by using the muscles in ones legs and feet (4) 23. Abbreviation of a system that enables mobile phones to send and receive colour pictures and sound clips as well as text messages (3)
Please accept my entry for the crossword competition. I subscribe to all the rules and regulations of the competition. Name Address City Pin
Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No. 51 Womans Era, Delhi Press, New Delhi-110 055.
51
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CONTEST
1
Down
WIN UP TO
Winners of Crossword - 48
Rs10,000
IN CASH PRIZES
Varuni Vaidya
, Hathras.
Dr Manpreet
Kaur, Bathinda
Chandra Sing
h, Champawat
. Kanchan Sh ar
ma, Lucknow
Answers to Crossword-48
Across: 1. Bladder, 5. Acne, 7. Abstract, 10. Erect, 11. Acme, 13. Badam, 15. Empire, 16. Diary, 19. Anion, 20. Lobe, 23. Pub, 24. Dzo, 25. Yen, 26. UC, 28. Edit, 29. Ensure.
rd, kbody, 2. Absu Down: 1. Blac aceme, 6. Ent, R 3. dirham, 4. , 9. Acrimony, 8. Tremendous bat, 17. Alu, ro Ac 12. Pet, 14. ge, 22. Cng, 18. YB, 21. Ed . CU 23. Pod, 27
Ashok Sethi,
Gurgaon.
Sheetal, S. Ba
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Sushmita, Bh
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WIN WIN WIN ON YOUR

Kiran Rani Sh arm a, New Delhi.
Sumita Saha,
Surat.
Perpetoal B.
Nazar
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WO RD
A prize of 10,000 will be given to the person sending an all-correct solution. In case there are more than one sender of an all-correct solution, the prize amount will be divided among the first 10 competitors chosen by lot. The decision of the management will be final and binding. Entries must be on the crossword printed here. Photocopies will not be accepted. Entries must be sent so as to reach Womans Era by 31 July 2012, by ordinary post. No correspondence in this matter will be entertained. The contest is not open to the employees of Delhi Press. Every entry should be accompanied by the senders family photo. If you are declared a winner, your family picture may be printed in the oncoming issue. Please send a signed declaration that you have no objection to printing your family picture. Womans Era July (First) 2012
Rules and Regulations
POWER
153
MONEY MATTERS
Q & A
154
Is a woman permitted to carry more jewellery from abroad than a man? Yes, if a woman stays abroad for a year, she can bring jewellery amounting to 20,000, but a man is allowed to carry jewellery which is half the amount, that is 10,000 only. At first glance, how do we know whether a sari is pure silk or fake silk? In a pure silk sari, you can see warp (threads running along length) and weft ( threads running across width), whereas in fake silk, the material would be too tight. You wont see warp and weft, at all. A genuine silk sari is heavy, never light. This is the second test. I have heard about a kitchen apron being sold by all cooking gas companies. What is the speciality of this overall? Called Suraksha apron, this is sold by gas distributors for the safety of women. It is flame-retardant and protects from fire hazards. It is also stain-retardant and oil-retardant.
I got a toaster as a gift from my grandma. But it has a defect. Would the manufacturer repair it for free, if I ask? My grandma cant commute. By all means, the toaster has to be set right, if you tell the shop because, now you are the consumer. My friend, who is working, was able to get maternity leave, recently. But now, she is being pressurised to resign. Who would hear her plea? Your friend must file a complaint with the inspector appointed under the Maternity Service Act or ask the labour commissioner for help. How do I select the correct frame while buying spectacles? Stand before a mirror and use a marker to outline your face. You would know what is the exact shape of your face. It may be round, oval, rectangular. But while buying choose a frame that is just the opposite of your face. For example, opt for rectangular frame for a round face. I am getting rent from my tenant. Would service tax be levied? No, rent is one of 17 items exempt from service tax. Can a father-in-law be asked for maintenance? After losing her husband in an accident, my sister wants to know. Yes, she can seek maintenance from her father-in-law. But he is bound to give money from family property only. Womans Era July (First) 2012
Would my goods pertaining to business be subject to wealth tax? No, not all. I am getting married and my relatives want to give cash gifts to my parents. Would the amount be taxed? Your relatives should give cash gifts to you. In a recent case (Rajinder Mohan Lal vs Deputy CIT, Chandigarh) it was upheld that the father would be taxed if cash is received for the daughters marriage from known people. Hence get cash in your name only. E-mail your queries to: money@womansera.com Meenakshi Subramaniam is a former IRS officer, answering all your money queries, right from income tax to supermarket shopping. Mail your queries to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi-110055.
HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS ISSUE?

Entertaining, WE is anxious to give you good, interesting and useful material in every issue. It will help us a lot if you let us know which features, stories and articles you like from this issue and which you didn't. Suggestions for new features and topics are most welcome. Please address your letters to: WOMAN'S ERA E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com
I want to buy a child laptop which should not cost much. What activities would it perform? You would have to spend, something in the range of 2,000 for a kids laptop. It would allow your little one to learn vocabulary, mathe matics, spelling and music.
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LOOKING for healthy, educated married lady, below 30 years, with children, from a decent family, for egg donation to a doctor couple at Chennai for IVF treatment at a world-class hospital. Since the recipient mother is fair complexioned and good looking, the same would be desirable. Good compensation and confidentiality assured. Please contact Ph: 9487760314. e-mail: shravanthyvarma@yahoo.com 20-35 YEARS lady, beautiful, healthy, educated (having her children) required for egg donation. Full secrecy and decent reward. Contact, (m): 08009947360.
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GLORY
OF THE
ADVICE
MOON
The glory of the moon is heightened under the spell of dark night Trailing behind it are the little stars twinkling happily in the path of light Armoured by their mothers pride. Though so dark is the night yet the moon takes the pride to shine so bright and flood its light; Hiding behind the darkness of the sky, Radiating a smile so beautiful and charming Enhancing and enchanting The beauty of the night. Kalpana Shah, Ahmedabad.
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causes for driving couples to take impulsive decisions without fear of society when it comes to dealing with sensitive issues. All said and done, to sustain marriage, commitment and participation of both in every matter pertaining to family and children is essential. R. Srinivasan, Secunderabad.
EDITORIA L
MARITAL INFIDELITY
A view of a on. complete questi

By Deepala
ON THE
RISE
tha
a wedded hen Kalyani away from woman lived without her husband from a divorce obtaining illicit him developed the with intimacy and of Sailaja husband him to live also allowed The right with her. Sailaja eously aggrieved Kalyani against registered (adultery) had a case 497 of IPC of IPC section 341 under section and under nt). confineme Andhra (wrongful moved the When Kalyani
COMMITMENT NEEDED FOR LASTING MARRIAGE
DECORATIVE
This refers to the article Marital Infidelity on the Rise (May II 2012). As traditional perceptions of marital loyalty and fidelity are crumbling and on the deline due to the fact that men and women are finding solace outside marriage on account of various reasons like incompatibility and inability to satisfy the sexual desires of the partner fully. In particular many men are getting more intimate with their female colleagues due to special bonding, thus making them both emotionally dependent on each other. Similarly, long absence of men from their homes due to the nature of jobs and professions, more women have been daringly and boldly indulging in extra-marital relationships, unmindful of its consequences. This trend more among urban and educated men and women, is slowly turning dangerous leading to separation and divorce. In this context, it is a myth that only weak marriages are vulnerable because as seen even ideal couples after a certain period are biting the dust due to misunderstanding and developing differences over trivial issues. Sociolo gically also, times have changed with adults no longer seeing marriage as an absolute necessity, as they are convinced that marriage needs space to grow with something more fulfilling than merely living under one roof and meeting the family obligations. Besides low tolerance, worklife, ambitions and lifestyles greatly influenced by the west are also
Thanks for the editorial, Decorative Piece ( WE May II, 2012). Our eminent forefathers who wrote the Constitution expected that the provision to nominate members to the Rajya Sabha will help in getting eminent and experienced people into the Rajya Sabha who will dispassionately analyse issues. They had certainly visualised that the Lok Sabha is a place for elected representatives who will always be in a hurry to get their things done in their own way and the really needed persons may not fight the elections and get themselves dirty. That is why the Rajya Sabha is many times referred to as the House of Elders. In the past the Rajya Sabha nomi nation had also been used to get an experienced person into the cabinet. No doubt, Tendulkar is an inter nationally recognised batsman, Lata Magheshkar, the Melody Queen can melt hearts with her Ei, mere Watan ke logon. All the same they will be hard put to comment on the Lok Pal Bill or the Kudankulam imbroglio. It is a place for eminent economists, politicians and technocrats. You do not nominate a person there to avoid giving him a Bharat Ratna. G. Vasanthy, Mumbai.
C D
BOOMING
Court turned MP High Even the of her alleged marriage. be childhood pleas on the ground it her fault to Was her the down her in unlawful act. But denying nt of her involveme marriage? PIECES deprived in child done has been Sachin Tendulkar, engaged could have nt the country of cricketer ur Anu Aga servant she This decision has appointme ecent nomination and entreprenecontroversy. As a civil Rekha social evil. now to ban services. ed film actress created some to curb this trauma. It is time from Sabha has something have distinguish is for Rajya more children to her mental persons upper house to only added completely and save nominated n to the is said All these nominatio social evil. Anu Aga this tradition But their victim of this For example, chairperson. Film careers. doubt. becoming SAMITATION with UPA and being seen Gandhi, the short) has a long GLAMOURING nt Jairam Ramesh to Sonia are for or be close a (Rekha spicy tales rural developme brand ambassad So many of sharp inister for actress Bhanurekh Balan the of Nirmal film career. which has been full made Vidya dream concept has Congress chequered life, a his she is in each rural with her is to to promote at least one toilet insiders say associated they say, actress falls. Some made the Partys motive,There may be rises and which envisages one go has in fact it is an act of Jaya Bhaduri. Gram, move in But Sabha member. of Amitabh antidote for after her home. This in remote villages. SP Rajya rumours limelight And the embarrass words, as came into But it is beyond famous even to float. in these in its . Vidya Balan Picture. some truth again began made the succeeded iconisation film Dirty in to guess what Rekha romance seems to have Rekha arrived anybodys to pick films heroine Party xt day, when t The Congress the very ne her seat governmen social initiative. the its attempt, as Jaya got promote nt had banned Rajya Sabha, any closeness on a TV same governme s to avoid sometime nts of this movie reallotted Indeed, telecast governme outweigh Indeed, ng. with her. rivalries mismatchi channel. deeds are the personal does words and al relations. message profession not least is Sachin send across What the Last but nt want to cricket for governme Cant we find down-to. He plays many Tendulkar created the country? for popularising social and has then country their now and earth faces s released from But every n becomes records. But our scavenger connectio . In job better. if they Woman his Marathi spicy discussion can do this initiatives? s for that especially said profession the topic it can be more in icons, lutely President wretched n is abso nt believes President the final analysis nominatio be undone. off governme glamour too. BOYS it cannot Rajya Sabha see her have some Once done, in office. Let us y. ATION FOR moved a discretion. controvers RESERV months any has two her into It Stephen's has only college St. cent seats for boys. without dragging S gracefully elhis premier nated 40 per to reserve AGE VICTIM that in a male-domi But it goes proposal CHILD MARRI is an offence in India. all publicity rather awkward talks about reservation to sounds hild marriage in many states despite reputed institution states, is more awkward In some society some logic it gave boys. Thankfully good ts on unabated the government. Even the from governmen by girls and for males. against it Pradesh state under their ratio between college has refrained girls tly and Madhya correct the and the It is true that year like Rajasthan marriage inadverten n. Like, this was male students.to the college, but sense prevailed child quota for Kanyadaa promote in admission boys. It can implementing scheme named Tritiya, mass marriage of bering boys to promote promotery And many of Akshay are outnum no viable option missing out But is boys are on the occasion government auspices. in society case that were children. reservation under meet? anybodys discriminated against simply no wedded off, organised hardly be who were couples may these there are they are being these child the couples, trauma If girls are the reality, because what fate was to learn the That being e action for them. us applaud no one tells will suffice MP, a girl Ratnashri at large. let is An example for affirmativ of sheer merit, d. Now she in life. In grounds face on the basis out of by it. was just 14-year-ol m We children may two children beating boys be alarmed when she mansera.co even borne she continued her rather than write to: letters@wo wedded off the trend But 20s and has in her late against her wishes. services e xam. But this wedlock even qualified in civil nt because of her appointme studies and (First) 2012 was denied Era May then she Womans
NOT A BHARAT RATNA BUT AN RS MEMBERSHIP
informative and analytical piece of writing. As mentioned, medical tourism is to be regarded as an aspect of globalisation and the determining factor that lower costs play in driving medical tourism which is part and parcel of the process of globalisation. It has been reported that a heart bypass surgery in India costs $ 6,500 while in the USA it costs between $ 30,000 and $ 80,000. This is the simple economic logic that has resulted in the transfer of industry and services to regions where costs are the lowest. That underlies medical tourism as well. Often, it is said that medical tourism is a mixed blessing. As known, medical tourism is given importance in the National Health Policy, and treatment of foreign patients is declared as an export and therefore eligible for fiscal incentives on export earnings. According to CII-Mckinsey study estimates, medical tourism can contribute 5,000-10,000 crore additional revenue for up-market tertiary hospitals by 2012. Leaving aside these positive effects, there are some legitimate concerns that medical tourism may further exacerbate the tensions between the haves and the have-nots which will now include those with access to the best medical facilities and those whose lives will be tragically cut short because of continuing lack of access to basic preventable health care. One more thing, the government has to keep a strict regulatory role to prevent illegal organ trade like the kidney rackets. Beena Mathur, Pune.
t Story
The Patient
M
r well were doing By Amrinde job, her sons by a held a good no more tormented to that daughter and she was thoughts turned backlanded at diya in school My sponge kar she had for chai patients ko back when vengeful husband. khatam, ab wreck begging three years adamji, saare ka to kaam fateful day physical and mental hai. Ward a ko zaroorat my clinic, people in Haan, dono that the banau? there are kill herself but and smiled, poison to ritual to learn that to end their lives my I looked up had become a daily ly want I took off It was daunting was of the It who desperate to do so. And I hai, I said. her assistant both enjoyed. the . The the world and took I the courage of cowardice doctor and Ever since my eyes wearily do not have suicide was an act the nurse came to specs, rubbed of tea from her gratefully. to be .I when opinion that afternoon cup me afresh wing I seemed this woman steaming question smote s on a lazy Sunday of the AIDS , while took charge tired and depressed her healthy-looking call me downstair in ly to go. her death on of perpetual reluctant y?" was a smile the seed who carried worked tirelessly with "Is it an emergenc " I asked on a weekend? young body dying "No." has she come soothed the with love lips. only "Then why a calm that speak willingly will radiated sins them She her that she irritated. looked after as penance for She says peace begun patients. She "I don't know. She was at What had and care. way of life. why not? Her become a had now herself and and with the world
Joyful even
with a fatal
disease.
Bajaj
AN INSPIRATION TO LEAD LIFE
MEDICAL URISM TO IN INDIA

By Sudha
ys emerging The countr ry revealed. sunrise indust Chandrasekaran
THE LOGIC OF MEDICAL TOURISM

This refers to the article titled: Booming medical Tourism in India. (WE, May II, 2012). Thanks for the
of buzza number here are tourism todays words in tourism, rural industry adventure village tourism, m and eco-touris tourism, as well. tourism medical is also tourism or Medical medical travel known as While tourism health tourism. images of offers usually and some blue seas also white sands, people are now e x otic locale,the purpose of medical for travelling tourism is treatment. of medical in The concept is gaining term but not a new recent times. Medical in to an popularity travelling involves tourism
The story The Patient by Amrinder Bajaj (May I) is a very inspiring story for those who want to end their lives to get rid of pain, misery or any kind of unbearable suffering. A totally shattered and tortured woman with guilt feelings comes to the doctor to repeatedly ask for poison to embrace death. The wise and kindly doctor gives employment to this HIV positive woman in the wing of HIV
Womans Era May (First) 2012 128
161
patients as she wants to save her life. This employment changes the course of her life and she learns to live with her disease while rendering her utmost care to the suffering people. Learning to live with disease and suffering may not totally end it, but can definitely mitigate it by inspiring the patient to lead a meaningful life.
HOW TO FIGHT LONELINESS

This refers to the article titled: Is Loneliness Affecting your Well-being? (WE May I, 2012). it was Thomas Wolfe, who said that loneliness is and has always been the central and inevitable experience of everyone. People who lead a lonely life always have something on their minds that they are eager to talk about, according to Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov (1860-1904). As known, there are three types of loneliness, of isolation, alienation and separation. Research shows that loneliness can affect any age-group, be it a school-going person, a mother or even a granny. Nor does it take into account the social standing of its victim. Some of the loneliest people are most well off. Some keep dogs or cats. Others haunt the same locale, sit in the same corner in order to ward off a terrifying isolation. Some old people drink more than they should, and many teenagers turn to drugs because they are terrified of facing an inner void. The terror of loneliness comes not from outward circumstances, but from an inward state of emotion. This malady is called separation anxiety. To overcome these symptoms some practical steps are suggested. Practise relaxing every part of your body and then relax your mind; Actually, healthy excitements are better than morbid ones. Practise feeling cosy and comfortable. Accept that you are made for good feeling, love, relationship and companionship and to help others. Beena Mathur, Pune.
work in right earnest but only raise and drag the issues. It is now months together, the issue of spending 28 or 22 a day is occupying the public, eating into lakhs and crores of working hours. We keep on weeping, discussing, debating or planning for eradication of poverty but are not inclined to work, which is the only solution. The question arises as to why the majority is not inclined to work hard to change its status. I wonder in nation where lakhs of people are being fed in free kitchens (Langars) daily, how can there be shortage of resources to earn and live a luxurious life and how can the nation have a miraculous richness. Why does one remain idle and sulk over poverty? Even in the political arena, instead of tackling the menace of poverty diligently, the aspect is rather being treated mischievously for socio-political gains. I feel it is high time that each Indian, instead of just sulking over poverty, contributes his or her best to write a success story, so that even the erring leaders may not be able to exploit the masses on such basic issues. The poor are the persons whose thoughts and deeds are inferior, but we have to excel behaviourly and financially. MPS Chadha, Chandigarh.
The prize is awarded to:
MPS Chadha, Chandigarh

WOMAN'S ERA invites readers opinions and reactions on articles, short stories and features published in Womans Era. The best letter will be given a prize of Rs 500. Address your letters by E-mail to: letters@womansera.com or by post to: AS YOU SAY
E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com
Name: Mobile: E-mail:
WHO IS POOR?
The editorial, heading: Shameless Joke ( WE : April I, 2012), appro priately transcribes the manipulative poverty, haunting the nation for decades. The greatest misfortune is that we dont 162 Womans Era July (First) 2012

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JULY (FIRST) 2012 ` 35

HOW & WHY GREAT MIL

JULY (FIRST) 2012

BAGS FOR ALL

THE OTHER SIDE OF AN NGO

MAKE YOUR DIL FEEL AT HOME

35 TIPS FOR A HOTTER YOU!

FEAR OF FAILURE IN CHILDREN

44 PROTECT YOUR EYES

96 VOICING BEAUTY ON CANVAS

THE HOUR-GLASS FIGURE

THE AAM IS REALLY KHAASS

THE LAND OF LOVE & SURPRISE

THE HORRORS OF GELATIN

72 THE WOMAN WHO WOULDNT STOP SEARCHING

46 ALICE IN CYBERLAND (PART-20)

lemon juice 1 tsp more your taste salt to taste

IN CHICKEN MILK AND CASHEWS

and exciting food. touch to your

INGREDIENTS: paneer cottage 1 cup grated

INGREDIENTS: breasts cut into 500 gm chicken portions fairly large

I FRUITY KULF OR FROZEN MOULDS

Womans Era July (First) 2012

THE OTHER SIDE OF AN NGO

Where do the funds go?

July (First) 2012

For the smart, stylish woman of today.

July (First) 2012

July (First) 2012

FEAR OF FAILURE IN CHILDREN

July (First) 2012

Dancing Robot Dog

Three-seater electric vehicle

Shenzhou-9 takes off

LOVE & SURPRISE

July (First) 2012

July (First) 2012

The Nose Ring

It distracted him from the real thing. By Wyn Shetty

Womans Era July (First) 2012

Womans Era July (First) 2012

DIL FEEL AT HOME

Womans Era July (First) 2012

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Eyedrops need to be used with caution.

Womans Era July (First) 2012

Womans Era July (First) 2012

Womans Era July (First) 2012

A brown handbag in snake leather. Contrasting holders, make it a delight.

July (First) 2012

Fruity kulfi or frozen moulds

FRUITY KULFI OR FROZEN MOULDS

CHICKEN IN MILK AND CASHEWS

Chicken in milk and cashews

Idlis in curd and cucumber

RASGOLLAS WITH STEWED APRICOTS

IDLIS IN CURD AND CUCUMBER

Aam pana coconut milk kulfi

Stuffed stewed apples

STUFFED STEWED APPLES

AAM PANA COCONUT MILK KULFI

SOYA STICKS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES