HEALTH, BEAUTY & SEX SPECIAL MARCH (FIRST) 2010 ● Rs 30

WOMAN ’S ERA
MARCH (FIRST) 2010
 MARCH (FIRST) 2010
Vol 37, Issue No. 870
CONTENTS
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath
(1917-2002)

HEALTH, BEAUTY & SEX SPECIAL

womansera.com

84
48 BOMBAY

26 BEAUTY CONCERNS
32 STRESS & YOUR
SEX LIFE
Dr S. N. Khosla
FILMDOM

‘SPA’ CTACULAR ON DUTY

Gayatri T. Rao Payal Dasgupta

36 HAVE YOU DONE YOUR INFERTILITY

PAP TEST? Dr Amrinder Bajaj
Dr S. S. Fonseca
ALL YOU WANTED TO
70 LOOK OUT FOR THE KNOW ABOUT TEST
BUTTERFLY IN YOUR THROAT TUBE BABIES BEWARE
Dr S. Fonseca Neelkamal Kapoor OF QUACKS
ON SEX
PROBLEMS
ARTICLES Rajendra Kumar Rai

6
THE WISH TO LIVE AND AN
12 POWER OF HERBS
Shailja Mehta

IS HE YOUR DREAM MAN? URGE TO DIE

Praney Deb Jency Samuel
COOKERY
88 THE GAIETY &
COLOURS OF
HOLI
FICTION 56 FESTIVAL DELICACIES
● Asparagus Mini
Spring Rolls FESTIV AL
Brocoli pakoras
oil for frying
salt to taste
For the filling:
3-4 boiled
2
3-4 tsp of oil
mashed potatoes
1/ tsp of cinnamo

1/ tsp of ajwain
4
salt to taste
METHOD
Prepare the
n

– carom seeds
STUFFED
BRINJALS WIT
MUSHROOMS

filling by heating salt to

adding the
AND ONI
ONS
INGREDIENTS:
H

1 large brinjal
oil for deep

mashed For the filling:

taste
frying

22 SEXUAL FAVOURS
the oil and ms
with the spices. 200 gm of mushroo

DELICACIES
potatoes together and keep 1 cup of sliced onions
2-3 minutes
Stir-fry for
Holi is a time 3 tsp of oil

● Brocoli Pakoras BROCOLI

maida, salt 1/ 2 tsp of haldi powder
aside. the
when guests sauce - or Sift together with your 1 tsp of jeera powder

Deepali Nandwani
of red chilli the ghee
2 tsp and mix in
1/ r powder
PAKORAS
breadcrumbs. 1 tbsp of coriande
ASPARAGUS
taste
drop by more as per fingers to resemblewater to knead 1 large tomato – chopped
into

METHOD Add just enough

FOR A SIGNATURE
throughout the INGREDIENTS: florets
Cut the
MINI SPRING
dough
the filling: Divide the pieces
To prepare pieces and brocolli into a dough. Roll out each 2 green chillies
– chopped

Jelly with Crunchy

300 gm of

●
into 3 inch portions.
day. We bring ROLLS
asparagus
drop these
into boiling
water. Put
the
pepper powder
oil for deep
frying
into 12-14
portion into
a very thin
chapatti. salt to taste
from
you recipes
and allow broad strips D
off the heat the water salt to taste Cut 3 inches so as to get 2-3 METHO brinjal into two halves
INGREDIENTS: s to remain in Cut the portion
you roll wrapper asparagus Drain out all
the each chapatti up one strip at a out the centre
For the batter:
which allow 6-8 spring
oil for frying
for 3-4 minutes. asparagus into
2 cups of besan
such strips.
Pick and scoop
brinjals so
as to have
a

to be prepared

92 A
cut the the can be

Topping
and in of which
water
and keep aside. the 2 tsp of oil
time. of the filling -out brinjal

Varalotti Rengasamy For the filling: powder Place a portion

small pieces of red chilli roll over scooped Sprinkle salt and keep
with snacks,
asparagus oil and add 1 tsp or less the strip and all
3-4 sticks of Heat the for 1 minute. the centre of that the stuffed. 5 minutes. Drain out
cabbage stir-fry salt to taste 3-4 times so ar aside for fry the
main 1 cup grated mushrooms cabbage and of the vegetables the filling for and deep
sweets and
a triangul
1 cup chopped powder Mix in the
rest METHOD into final product is the water one at a
broccol i with various out brinjals
be 1 tsp of oregano Break the discard shaped samosa till both
course and powder and the spices. stir-fry for another
medium-sized
florets and from the scooped
Prepare samosa another time, turning
once or twice

Mini Crispy
1/ tsp of basil Continue to salt and pepper layers. Fry both

●
water fried well.
2
Once all the Roll out
popular with the stalk. Sprinkle for 10 minutes. different strips. the sides are
1/ tsp of soya
sauce Remove
2-3 minutes. ted from the cut into strips in this way.

FASCINATING
2 aside again
oil keep and the pieces
your guests.
2 tsp of olive onions chopped has
evapora and
the water. portion layered samosas and keep aside.
keep aside. Drain out all for the and prepare the and
2-3 tsp of spring portions vegetables, one of the ingredients Heat oil and a
on Heat the oil
Mix all the For the filling:

40 CONFIDENTIAL
- green and
white Carefull y remove cut this half cups in this way. onions and
By Roma Ghosh one and a fry the samosasare fry the mushroo ms,
rolls
mini spring wrappers and easily. batter. Add and mix medium heat till most of
the
Asparagus spring roll a little more that these
can handle

Samosas
into sizes you make small spring of water or your few at a time so tomatoes together ted. Add the
Mix well with brown.
It is good to these into the besan. a smooth flowing crispy and golden water is evapora fire for 2-3
you can serve into cook on low
rolls so that fingers to obtain for deep spices and the scooped
-out
having to cut enough oil minutes . Fill stuffing and then
whole without batter. Heat florets into samosas

ARTISTIC
each of the Mini crispy
brinjals with
this just
in frying. Dip fry in oil, a in the oven
pieces. of the filling and deep
Place a portion this batter are place the brinjals before you are

PVV Satyanarayana
and till the pakoras

Stuffed Brinjals
wrapper pieces heating just

●
each of the both the sides and few at a time for
and crispy.
first wrap from into a mini-siz ed golden brown ready to serve.
then roll over
O
spring roll. pan-fry the CAPPUCCIN
You can either pan or
on a non-stick Serve MINI CRISPY BADAM MILK
SAMOSAS

JOURNEY
spring rolls

with Mushrooms
in hot oil.
deep fry theseinto small pieces. IENTS:
INGRED
without cutting milk
You can keep and
the
INGREDIENTS: 100 ml of hot
Optiona l: 57

74 MAKING A MONKEY
long
to 3-4 inches 200 gm maida
asparagus roll
in every spring us ghee 2010
100 gm of March (First)
use one piece asparag Woman’s Era
●
cutting the
instead of

Subhra Majumdar and Onions into small pieces.

OUT OF A MILLIONAIRE ● Cappuccino Badam

96 THE MATTER OF J. Shankaranarayanan Milk
● Coconut Peanut Barfi ● Tulsi Tea and Cherry Mithai
COMMUNICATION THE RELATIONSHIP ● Pan Fried Spicy Pomfret ● Flavoured Indian Bread
IN ART ADVISER ● Dimsum Chaat (Makki Sarso Puris)
Our Correspondent Barnali Saha ● Litchie Strawberry ● Fish Nuggets
Supreme ● Coconut Sugary Mithai
● Mini Vegetable Uttapam ● Non-Vegetarian Salad
 68
FASHION NEWS IN
PICTURES

GRATEFULLY YOURS
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RIGHT JEWELLED
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44 38
THE STUNNING SARI COMBING NEATLY
FEATURES
20 BEAUTY QUERIES
51 TEENACHE
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www.womansera.com
 EDITORIAL
DRUGS ENGULFING YOUTH
O S
ver the years, work culture has changed
completely in Indian cities, especially in metros.
24x7 is the new work funda of the modern
corporate world. Needless to say, service sector has
grown substantially in terms of providing better services
and satisfaction to the customers.
But all this comes at a price – a price that our youth
have to pay with their time and health. 24x7 work
culture demands that the work is to be done in shifts.
As such, working late night and beyond physical
capacity has become the order of the day. After such a
tiring work schedules, it is but natural for the youth to
be indulged in partying and merry making in order to
relax their crying nerves.
There is nothing wrong in enjoying the
goodies of life earned through hard work.
But the problem arises when these same
hard-working youth begin to use narcotic
drugs in their parties unaware of their
serious consequences.
Recently, Hyderabad Police has
busted a drug racket in the city. The
police action has led to some startling
exposures. It reveals that narcotic drugs
have spread their tentacles among the
youth and are essential feature of youth
parties called rave parties. And it is just
the tip of the iceberg.
Arrest of Tollywood film producer K.V. Rao in
possession of a narcotic substance ephedrine shows
that even celebrities are being caught in drug nuisance.
Police raids on pubs and tents, venues of rave parties,
have led to recovery of some dangerous narcotics like
LSD, Speed and even Cocaine. Ravers disclose that
they procure these substances from Goa.
Such disclosures put a serious question mark on
the efficiency of our enforcement agencies, especially
the Narcotic Bureau, as narcotic substances travel a
long way within the country without any interruption.
Use of narcotic substances is a crime in the country.
But the present day youth have an easy access to
these drugs. They are caught for consuming them, but
the big fish always evade interrogation.
Increasing use of narcotics in rave parties is also an
indication that drug peddlers are having a good time
and a flourishing business in the country. Drugs very
soon make a person addict even if tried for once only.
But youth try these drugs regularly in rave parties. The
addiction will very soon drain out their mental and
physical capabilities. So the situation warrants strict
vigilance from enforcement agencies.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
RIGHT TO KILL
hashidhar Mishra of Begusarai, Bihar is the
second person after Satish Shetty of Pune to have
lost his life under Right to Information (RTI) Act.
His ‘crime’ was just that he had used this Right in order
to expose the deeds of corrupt officials. News of
threatening such persons, who are using RTI, are
common from all over the country. Often they are forced
into false legal cases. But Bihar has surpassed all other
states in this regard. Murder of two RTI activists
indicates that all is not well in Bihar – and in
Maharashtra also – which is bragging of achieving
unprecedented growth rate.
What is more alarming is the fact that even the
Police department is taking the matter
very lightly. They are terming this
murder a consequence of some old
feuds of the activist. Lately, Shashidhar
had come to be known as ‘Khabarilal’
because of his using RTI and thus
exposing the bureaucratic scams. As
such, he had become a bone of
contention for the players indulged in
the game of corruption. His murder also
indicates that all the tall claims made
by the State Government of providing
security to whistle blowers are hollow.
There is also news that the State
Government is mulling a proposal to
amend the RTI Act in the state. If the Government
succeeds in its intention, its move will render the RTI
ineffective. In the context of Bihar, it is a bitter reality
that corruption has spread at all levels and in all
spheres. RTI has provided a potent tool into the hands
of the whistle blowers to challenge the claims of the
government, which should have shown the courage to
provide all the relevant information under RTI and made
it stronger. But exactly opposite is happening and
people are being scared off or harassed in some other
ways.
Corruption is a serious malady in India. Funds
allocated for developmental works are diverted
elsewhere. Hardly five to ten percent money reaches to
the target audience. Panchayats and Block
Development Offices are the last rungs, which de facto
implement a scheme at ground level. Right to
Information, in such a scenario, can empower the
masses. But the recent developments prove that one
has to pay with his life if one wishes to use this Right.
Otherwise, it is anybody’s guess how much difficult it is
to fight corruption in this country despite having a potent
tool in hands. letters@womansera.com We
5
 S
o you've been dating a man
for a few months. You have
many things in common, you
love his company and, as
things begin to become
more serious, you might

HE YOUR
IS wonder if he is actually “the
one”. Is this him? Is this the
dream man you've been
waiting for all your life. Now,

DREAM MAN
nobody can tell you if someone is the
person you are to share the rest of
your life with, but here are the signs
that will tell you that he is your dream
man.
Measures of a man in a girl’s future... He respects women: Okay, this
By Praney Deb is a no-brainer, so it's best to get it
out of the way first. If he's respectful,
well mannered, polite and opens
doors for you and stands aside to let
you through first, he’s got class and
comes from a good family. If he talks
nicely to your mom, and speaks with
respect to his mom, chances are he’ll
treat you with respect as well. If he
orders his mother around, shouts at
his sister, swears at his ex, and
salivates at every passing skirt, give
him his marching orders.
He treats everyone nicely: Let's
face it; all of us are nice to our
superiors. But it takes someone
special to be nice to a person who is
below their station in life and to whom
they need not be nice. The guy who
considers himself above the taxi
driver or doorman may soon act like
he's better than you (or your
profession or your family). Plus, you’ll
always feel mortified about his bad
manners.
Google him: We don't encourage
spying but once you know his name it
is kind of hard not to google him,
admit it. Just typing in his name can
tell you a few things about him – the
school he passed out from, his
facebook friends, and whether he has
any harassment or stalking charges
against him. Do this early, so there
are no surprises later, but use your
own judgement and do not believe
everything you read on the Internet.
He keeps promises: If he keeps
appointments and keeps promises,
he’s a keeper. If he remembers what
he promised in the heat of the
moment, then he’s worth considering.
If he goes beyond and above the call
of duty to carry out a promise, then
book yourself into the nearest mental
hospital if you let him go.
He gets along with your friends:
If he enjoys your friends’ company, I
mean really enjoys their company,
with no pretence, then he’s the real
deal. There is nothing worse than
being with someone who always
finds excuses not to hang out with
you and your friends. Of course, if he
showers too much attention on your
hottie friends and ignores your
nottie friends, then it’s probably
better to let him go. And because
your friends know you so well
they will gauge him on
their own and pass their
own judgement, whether
you like it or not.
He knows how to dress: Every
woman knows that a man who can
dress is a man who is looking to
impress. If your man knows how to
dress without you interfering, you
must keep him. There is nothing
worse in the world than having to
dress your man and yourself for a
night out. If he can coordinate his
outfit and look great next to you – is
that a dream or what?
He loves being with you: Every
woman needs a man who actually
enjoys her presence. If your man only
requests you to sit in the same room
with him while he reads or finishes
work just because you brighten his
day, it is a good sign that he's a
definite keeper. If he simply lights up
the moment he sees you or hears
your voice, he truly enjoys you as a
person and as a mate. This is truly
one of the best things you can ever
have in a relationship.
FINDING A MAN
WHO HAS A
GREAT
RELATIONSHIP
WITH HIS FAMILY
IS PRICELESS. A
MAN WHO HAS
A GREAT
RELATIONSHIP
WITH HIS FAMILY
IS A MAN WHO
HAS GREAT
FAMILY VALUES.
He really wants to be with you to
share time and experiences with you,
even if that means heading to the
mall to ponder the sales. He is happy
to hear your voice, get an e-mail from
you when he’s at work, and his face
lights up when he sees you. It’s great
to be wanted and he can’t hide how
he feels about you. Lucky you!
He has a solid relationship with
his family: Finding a man who has a
great relationship with his family is
priceless. A man who has a great
relationship with his family is a man
who has great family values. His
relationship with his family can clue
you into what family life would be like
with him in the future.
Ever heard the saying that if you
see how a man treats his mother you
will know how he will treat you? Well,
it’s true. A man who has a sound
relationship with his family and
friends reveals he has good family
values and the potential to be an
excellent husband and father. And
while every family has ups and
downs, seeing your man stand tall
and be supportive of his family is a
good sign he’s one to hang on to,
because he will do the same for you.
He is not a show-off: He doesn’t
mention that his watch is a
Rolex. Or that he made a
killing in the real-estate
market. Or how much his
Mercedes set him back.
Guys who talk
about how much
things cost,
especially to a

virtual stranger, are basically
insecure. They use money as a hook
to catch women. But you’re not
landed that easily, right? Just
because a guy spends a lot of money
on himself, doesn’t mean he’ll lavish
it on his girlfriend. In fact, people who
have to tell you the price of
everything are often cheap. Guys
who price-drop and name-drop are
shallow, insecure and definitely not
dream men.
He is confident: If you have a
confident man, there is no reason
you should give him the boot. If your
man is confident enough to not get
upset if you mention a celebrity is
good looking or sexy, he is a good
man.
If your man can understand that
you can "see and not touch" another
man, he is a definite dream. He
knows that you say these things
because you are honest and he’s
confident of your love for him.
He’s not afraid to tell you exactly
how he feels. A man who is
confident in his own skin and who
can express who he is and how he
feels without worrying about what
anyone thinks, is a great catch.
He will be emotionally available to
you because he trusts you and he
loves you. He won’t get upset if you
tell him you think Salman Khan is
sexy (and you shouldn’t when he
says he thinks Sonam Kapoor is
sexy!). He knows you love him and is
manage finances, and basically stay
out of trouble. If your man can do this
without your help, you have found a
great man.
If he’s not the type to blame
others, or circumstances for life
situations, if he accepts
accountability for his actions and is
willing to self-examine, take
responsibility, grow personally and if
you can trust him with your dog for a
weekend while you are out of town
with your girlfriends, girl, he is a
dream not to be woken up from.
He has a life of his own:
Although you would love him to be
available for each of your fancies it
will get boring if all he does is hang
confident about the strength of your about you all the time. Work he's
relationship. Now, that’s a real dream passionate about, hobbies that keep
man! him engaged, friends and family he
cares about make him an interesting,
He is responsible: While every well-rounded person who will be
man has a bit of the "boy" in him, he more interesting to hang out with. A
is all man when it really counts. Most dream man with a dream personality
good men know how to keep a job, – who's complaining?
He is a good loser: Of course
you don't want a loser, nobody
IF YOU HAVE A does. That's not what we mean. But
CONFIDENT MAN, he shouldn't get all grumpy when he
loses a game of caromboard, say.
THERE IS NO C'mon, you want a man with spirit, a
REASON YOU man who will fight against all odds.
A man who loves winning but
SHOULD GIVE HIM doesn't mind losing sometimes too.
THE BOOT. This shows he has the character and
ability to handle emergencies like
paying the massive shopping bills
you're about to surprise him with.
He makes you feel fabulous:
Finally, all said and done, he has to
make you feel like a million bucks,
like a princess even in your saggy
sweatpants.
If he's still picking you up at the
airport after two years, if he is the
one who arranges the dreamy
romantic date and if he is the one
who always makes up, then this is
the dream man you've been waiting
for all your life.
He is your prince charming, your
knight in shining armour. Believe it,
because you are the luckiest girl in
the world! We
 LIVE I
was nine years old when
Sumathi, a teenaged neighbour,
had immolated herself for the
simple reason that her father had

THE WISH TO
scolded her. The next day I
remember narrating the incident
at school (where our medium of
instruction was Tamil), repeating
the word ‘suicide’ as many times
as I could, sort of showing off that

DIE
I had learnt a new word. Young as I
was, I did not realise the seriousness

AND of the situation till we heard of

Sumathi’s death. This happened in
Devakottai, a small town in Tamil

AN URGE TO Nadu in the’70.

Whenever I read about suicides in
the dailies, I think of the suicide
deaths of people whom I know. A
neighbour’s son had hanged himself
It’s a huge internal in a thatched shed on the terrace of
their house. And they had been
conflict of the depressed. searching for him throughout the
locality for three days. Then I learnt
By Jency Samuel of the death of a disabled person
whom I had interviewed for an article.

12 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

He had the spirit to achieve in spite of
his lack of education and his
disability. He kept in touch asking for
advice once in a while. Then I did not
hear from him. Later, I learnt that he
had taken his life because of a failed
relationship. There have been
countless others. But the most
disturbing had been the death of a
colleague’s husband. I still remember
the way my colleague and her
husband joked and laughed at my
wedding reception, a few months
after theirs. It was a simple argument
that resulted in his death.
Most of us have had to face
suicidal deaths in our families or that
of acquaintances. And thoughts of
suicide would have crossed the
minds of many of us, at some point
while feeling low. Why do people feel
suicidal?
Serotonin is a chemical messen-
ger that transmits signals between
nerve cells. The level of serotonin is
responsible for our mood swings, say
doctors. Lower serotonin levels lead
to depression. The doctors give that
as the reason why one needs to get
medical attention as soon as one
gets depressed. The antidepressants
prescribed by doctors regulate the
serotonin levels.
SUICIDE
PREVENTION DAY
In 2003, the World Health
Organisation declared 10 September
as Suicide Prevention Day.
According to WHO and the Inter -
national Association for Suicide
Prevention (IASP), the suicide rate
worldwide has increased by 60 per
cent in the last 45 years. While the
worldwide suicide rate is 16, in India
it hovers between 10 and 11. The
rate is the number of suicides that
take place in a population of 100,000.
Though the rate in India remains
almost the same, the number of
suicides is on the rise. There is
nothing that is common to those who
commit suicide. Encompassing a
broad spectrum of society, it includes
the educated and the uneducated.
But suicide is a problem that can
be prevented, emphasise experts.
Words or the lack of them appear
to be the reason for many a suicide.
P. V. Sankaranarayanan, former
Director of SNEHA, a suicide
prevention centre in Chennai,
attributes most of the problems to
lack of communication. "Those with
suicidal thoughts want someone to
listen. They are ambivalent during
that critical period of time when they
are depressed. They have the wish to
live and also an urge to die. When
there is a conflict, they opt either for
life or death, according to whichever
feeling is predominant at that
moment.”
When U. Jagadeeswari's mother
scolded her because she had
dropped out of college and also did
not want to work, she consumed
acid. The insensitive words (which
are too harsh and insensitive to be
printed) of his father had Narendra-
THE REASONS FOR
SUICIDES ARE AS
VARIED AS CAN BE:
FAILURE IN EXAMS,
ANGRY WORDS
FROM PARENTS,
TEACHERS OR
SPOUSE, TERMINAL
ILLNESSES,
FINANCIAL
DIFFICULTIES AND
FAILED LOVE BEING
THE MOST
COMMON ONES.
kumar, a student of standard ten,
picking up the acid bottle.
The reasons for suicides are as
varied as can be: failure in exams,
angry words from parents, teachers
or spouse, terminal illnesses,
financial difficulties and failed love
being the most common ones. A
diamond merchant and his family
resorted to the extreme step, fearing
conviction, as they had been booked
for driving his parents to suicide. A
newly-married girl committed suicide
because her visa application to join
her husband was rejected. There has
also been the strange case of a
Chennai astrologer committing
suicide after predicting his death for
the following day.
But, according to experts, it is
usually not just a single reason that
drives people to suicide. They say
the thought process is something
like: “My boss finds faults with me.
My siblings fare better than me. And
now even my spouse is angry with
me.” Or, in the case of students, “I
can't measure up to the expectations
of my teachers. I'm never allowed to
relax. Even my mother calls me
useless.” The reasons pile on one
another leading to depression.
"When you feel depressed or
angry, go out and do something.
Read a book. Go to a place of
meditation and pour out your trouble
to a good listener. Talk to friends or
family members. Talking will iron out
most of the problems.” Those are not
the words of advice of a counseller,
but that of Jagadeeswari. The 22-
year-old has come to this realisation
during her recuperation.
After Sanjay's brother committed
suicide, Sanjay learnt that his brother
had been telling a colleague that
nothing was worth living for. "Though
suicide is an impulsive decision taken
on the spur of the moment, the
suicidal thought would have persisted
for a while. And generally through
their words or actions, they indicate
that they are depressed,” says
Sankaranarayanan.
Dr D. S. Somasekar, former
superintendent of Royapettah
Government Hospital, says that they
get patients who have survived
poisoning, partial hanging and self-
immolation. While those in the lower
economic strata consume acid or
immolate themselves, those at the
other end of the social spectrum
resort to an overdose of pills or
hanging, he adds.
And what kind of an effect does
suicide have on family and friends,
especially of those 'completed'
suicides? The list of survivors are not
just the ones who attempted to take
their lives. It includes the family
members who have to grapple with
the death of a loved one. Or the
unconnected ones like an engine
driver when someone chooses a
railway track to take away his or her
life.
Sathish went into depression after
his neighbour’s suicide. Sathish had
been talking to his neighbour till
11.30 pm at night. When the
neighbour suddenly woke up at 3 am
and looked out of the window, he
could see the same person hanging
from the fan.
In most cases the surviving family
is left with a feeling of guilt. Raman,
always shows those who visit him,
the place where his brother breathed
his last. "He died just because the
girl's parents did not agree to the
match. Had they found a good match
for her, I'd have been consoled to
some extent. That was not to be. The
girl is not at all happy.” Even after 20
years, his brother's suicide rankles
him. Sumathy is still haunted by guilt
and at times anger, since her
husband took his life after the two
had an argument.
Unlike other survivors who
attempted suicide, Jagadeeswari and
Narendra Kumar would suffer for a
long time. "The acid damages the
food pipe badly. Any ulcer leaves a
scar. Here, when the scarring
process starts, the food pipe gets
constricted and at one point of time
they are even unable to swallow
saliva. This can only be remedied by
reconstructive surgery,” says
Dr Chandramohan, gastroen -
terologist of Royapettah Government
Hospital.
CAUSES OF SUICIDES
Rajan of Zeal, well known for his
personality development training
programmes is a survivor in both
senses. He had attempted to take his
life as a student because of a
relationship which had gone sour.
"Anger spurs you on. 'You made me
feel miserable; I'll make you feel the
same through my death,’ was the
thought at that moment,” he recalls.
"Work towards your purpose and not
towards your problems, to banish
suicidal thoughts,” he advises.
Though he had come to this
realisation, he could not prevent his
mother and brother from taking the
extreme step. "I felt very guilty when
my mother took her life. Once when
she confessed that she had made a
mistake, I went all out at her instead
of consoling her. Having been
AND WHAT KIND
OF AN EFFECT
DOES SUICIDE HAVE
ON FAMILY AND
FRIENDS,
ESPECIALLY OF
THOSE
'COMPLETED'
SUICIDES?
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
widowed young, I was her only
emotional support and she could not
take my angry words. If I'd accepted
her, had told her that it was human to
err, she might not have resorted to
it. Her confession was a sign that she
was on the brink and I failed to
realise it.”
While there are support groups
abroad to help and counsel survivors,
the idea has not caught on here.
Though SNEHA played a role in
forming three such self-help groups
in 2004, it is not known if they still
function. The reason is that suicide
is perceived as a personal problem;
as an escape route of the cowardly,
hence having a stigma attached to it.
Sankaranarayanan, who presently
contributes his time to Befrienders
India as well, counters all of them.
He says, "Suicide is a multi-
dimensional problem. Of all suicides,
23 per cent are due to family
problems and family problems are
social problems. Depressed people
see it as an option and not as a
solution. The most important thing is
that it takes a lot of courage to do
away with your life. It is neither a
courageous act nor a cowardly act,
but an emotional cry for help.”
Jagadeeswari breaks down when
she talks of the pain she caused
herself and her parents, but recovers
quickly. She had shared her story as
a sort of 'thank you' to Dr
Chandramohan, who helped her heal
not only physically but
psychologically as well. When he told
her of the purpose of the interview
and asked if her name could be used
she boldly says, "Please use my
name. Let my story serve as an eye-
opener for at least a few people.”
"Accept people as they are," says
Rajan as a solution to the problem.
One can help others by watching for
the symptoms, say experts. These
include the person being withdrawn
or talking of loneliness,
worthlessness and death. Or if we
undergo the symptoms, we can seek
help. (see box). "If you Care, then
there won't be any need for
organisations like SNEHA,” says
Sankaranarayanan. In other words:
Care, accept, respect and empathise.
15
 SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNSELLING CENTRES
MAITREYI
255 Thyagumudali Street
Pondicherry – 605001
Phone: 91-413-233 9999
Website: www.maitreyi.org.in
ROSHNI
1-8-303/48/21 Kalavathy Nivas,
Sindhi Colony, S. P. Road
Secunderabad – 500003
Andhra Pradesh
Phone: 9166202000
e-mail: help@roshnihyd.org
SAATH
B12 Nilamber Complex
H. L. Commerce College Road
Navrangpura – 380 006
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Phone: 91 79 2630 5544 and
91 79 2630 0222
MAITHRI – Cochin
ICTA - Santigram
Changampuzha Nagar (P.O.)
Kalamassery, Ernakulam
PIN – 682033
Kochi, Kerala
Phone: 91 (0)484 2540530
Website: www.maithrikochi.org
10 ways to keep the Healthy Body Weight without Diet
M
aybe you have no problem
maintaining your ideal body
weight or you belong to the
larger group of women who struggle
every day to keep the extra weight
off. Maybe you have tried many
diets but they didn't work or they
worked to some extent but, when
you went back to your previous
eating habits, you gained weight
back. The following living and
eating practices will help you to
maintain a healthy body weight.
● Eat small meals every two to
three hours. In that way you keep
your metabolism working and
prevent overeating at the next meal.
● Do some kind of exercise for
at least 30 minutes every day. That
could be as simple as walking with
moderate pace, preferably shortly
18
THE SAMARITANS
C/o Lowjee Wadia Trust
Riddhi Siddhi CHS, Next to Lal
Baug Police Chowky
Dr B. Ambedkar Road, Parel
Mumbai - 400 012
Maharashtra
Phone: +91-22-32473267
Website: www. mumbainet. com/ -
health/samarita.htm
AASRA
104, Sunrise Arcade
Plot 100, Sector 16
Koparkhairane
Navi Mumbai - 400 701
Maharashtra
Phone: 91 22 2754 6669
Website: www.aasra.info
SNEHA
11 Park View Road
(Near Chennai Kaliappa Hospital)
R. A. Puram
Chennai – 600 028
Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91 (0) 44 2464 0050 and
91 (0) 44 2464 0060
Website: www.snehaindia.org
Email: help@snehaindia.org
after a main meal of the day.
● Eat slowly. It takes about 20
minutes for the satiety impulse to
arrive in the brain. Chewing the food
well will also help digestion.
● Never go grocery shopping
hungry. It is the best to go buying
foods after a meal. Then you are
more likely to buy exactly what you
need, and make the healthier food
choices and buy foods with less
sugar and fat content.
● Drink plenty of water
throughout the day, between meals.
That will maintain proper nutrient
exchange and also a faster cleaning
of harmful by-products of cell
metabolism out of the body. Go for
six to eight glasses a day.
● Don't skip meals as you are
about to overeat at the next meal.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
SUMAITRI
1 Bhagwandas Lane
Aradhana Hostel Complex
Basement
New Delhi – 110 001
Website: www.sumaitri.org
LIFELINE FOUNDATION
17/1A Alipore Road
Sarat Bose Road
Kolkata – 700 027
West Bengal
Phone: 91 33 24637401/7432 and
91 33 2474 5886 and 2474 5255
Website: www.lifelinekolkata.org
Email :reach@lifelinekolkata.org
SAHAI
47 Pottery Road
Frazer Town, Bangalore – 560 005
Karnataka
Phone: 2549 7777
Website: www.mpa.org.in
JEEVAN
C/o Maharashtra
Hithari Mandal,
K Road, Bistupur,
Jamshedpur – 831 001
Phone: 0657-6453841 We
● Try to start the main meal of
the day with a heart-healthy
vegetable soup. In this way the
nutrients in the soup will help with
digestion, and the consumed
amount of liquid will satisfy a part
of your stomach, so you will feel full
sooner with less food eaten.
● Always start the day with
breakfast. That will give your brain
and body much-needed energy for
starting with the day’s activities and
get your metabolism running. Active
metabolism means burning more
calories.
● Have your last meal of the
day at least three hours before
going to bed.
● And, last but not least, don't
cut on your sleep to finish other
things. – Alma Letic.
 QA &
Q&
My question is about what cream
producers say about method of using
exfoliators. Is there a simple list of
how to use them for maximum
benefit?
When using the ready-made
variety, do check out the instructions.
Generally, it is best to wet your face
before exfoliating. Use a loofah or
exfoliating gloves while using the
facial exfoliator. With circular motions
use the facial exfoliator. Avoid the
eye area. After using the exfoliator,
rinse with warm water. Apply a
A
moisturiser afterwards. When
exfoliating your face, use an
exfoliator that is specifically designed
for the face and not a body scrub,
and that it is not for a specific skin
type which is not yours.
My beautician says she uses
essential oil in anti-wrinkle treatment.
Can I do this at home?
In principle, yes, most self-made
treatments that are not from a known
company can be made at home but
fine-tuning the ratio might take some
time and practice. Some essential
oils that can reduce lines and
wrinkles are sandalwood, geranium,
rosewood, rose jasmine, neroli and
frankincense.
Mix these oils with evening
primrose oil or another base to make
your own natural anti-wrinkle lotion.
To make a natural anti-wrinkle cream
for the eyes, use a base of cocoa
butter and add neroli.
20
I want to get Botox fillers to get a
fuller lip-look. Who will guide me
about the best results and where to
get it done?
Botox fillers seem to become
more and more popular but two
things you must know are that it is
not a permanent solution and it would
need to be redone within 4 to 6
months time. Secondly, the person
doing it must be qualified to do it and
must inform you of the effect you can
expect. You cannot expect Angelina
Jolie mouth if you have very thin lips.
Whatever I do my kajal bleeds and
comes onto my cheeks. I love
wearing the natural kajal in the eyes
and don’t understand why this is
happening, I used to do it when I
lived in Canada and it was not a
problem. What should I do?
If you have always used the same
product which is now bleeding it must
be the weather change. Maybe your
kajal pencil is oil-based. There are
some lighter formulations available in
the market. Try a more dry version.
Or opt for surma which is powder-
based. Alternatively, you could even
seal it in with eyeliner.
My lipstick tends to fade in no time.
What can I do to make my lipstick
last longer?
You might benefit from selecting
the longer lasting lipstick – these are
often matte and not glossy. Another
trick that works most of the time is
powdering and layering – draw the
outline with a liner, fill in with strokes
of lip pencil. Apply lipstick, blot gently.
Apply a very light dusting powder and
apply a final coat of lipstick. Do
remember that when it fades, the
whole thing needs to be reapplied, not
just touched up in the centre.
We are a group of five friends and
we meet once a week. I want to
prepare a suitable face pack. For all
skin types, so we can all enjoy the
same thing when we meet at my
house.
Yes, there are face packs which
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
are good for all skin types. For five
faces, take five tablespoons of fuller’s
earth (multani mitti). Add five table-
spoons of honey and five table -
spoons of mashed papaya. Alter -
natively, you could even use mashed
banana. Apply on the face for 20
minutes and wash with cool water. If
there is any leftover you could use it
on the neck.
What is the difference between
glimm er/ shimmer powder and
bronzing powder and how to use it
on the cheeks?
The difference is in the light-
reflecting shine of the products. Also,
bronzing powder is used to give a
defined sculpted look to the apples
of the cheeks and the shimmer
powder should only be used on top of
the cheekbones.
I have ugly blackheads on my nose
and on the side of the nose. I get
them steamed in a salon but they
appear in no time. What can I do to
appear better?
Blackheads are largely dirt that
accumulates in our pores which is not
removed. So regular exfoliation
should reduce the occurrence and
remove the surface grime. Take rice
and oatmeal powder in equal
quantity, add water and rub over the
affected area daily.
Adding buttermilk rather than
water should give you better results.
Also, you could wipe your nose with
ice-cold water before going out and
that should minimise your pores.
BEAUTY QUERIES
Readers are invited to send their
beauty problems and questions
regarding face, complexion,
hair, skin, eyes etc to this column.
Address your letters, written
legibly or typed on white paper, to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
STORY
SHORT

Sexual Favours for

a Signature
A TV director’s real-life drama. By Varalotti Rengasamy

A
bout your children, Mr Durai?” a young
reporter asked the celebrity furtively. The
celebrity who was answering all the earlier
questions with a kind of extreme confidence
bordering on arrogance, now lowered his
voice and told her softly, “Only a daughter.
Name, Kunthavai. She is everything to me.
She is doing her doctorate in clinical psychology.”
The celebrity, Durai, was an acclaimed director of impatience was obvious. He had one eye on the
TV serials. His serials enjoyed the highest TRP rating
in the State.
He was an expert in making people cry with his
fast asleep. Why can’t you discuss that tomorrow
morning? Hope you do not have an early morning
shooting schedule.”
“I do. But it can wait. I will talk to her first and
then go out.”
Durai punched some numbers on his mobile and
started issuing commands to his deputies.
It was just seven in the morning. Durai’s
newspaper and another on the door of Kunthavai’s
room.

W
family soaps, a much-wanted man in the industry hen he saw his tall, beautiful daughter
who commanded a reputation and had earnings walking out of the room, he was all smiles.
which were the envy of his counterparts in the cine Kunthavai too reciprocated his smile.
field. “You wanted to talk with your dad, darling? Is it
A private TV channel had organised a felicitation about the Honda car I promised you last month? Or
for Durai and he was attending a press meet shall we go ahead and buy that diamond jewellery
immediately afterwards. which we saw in Prince Jewellery two days back?”
Once thoughts about his only daughter came Kunthavai’s face fell. Durai’s heart skipped a
flowing in, he did not have the mind to continue with beat.
that bland press meet. After answering another “No, dad. This is something serious. Dad...
insipid question, he ended the meet. dad... I am in a ... kind of... a trap. I am being
“Kunthavai... Kunthavai...” threatened... dad...!”
In response to Durai’s frantic call his wife came “What happened, my dear?” Durai tossed the
from the kitchen. newspaper to the floor and stood up.
“What’s she doing?” “Ush!” Kunthavai placed her finger on her
That was his usual question whenever Without lips, with her eyes pointing to the kitchen.
he came home from work every day. waiting for “Not so loud, dad. Mom need not know
There was a marked concern in his her father’s about it. Why don’t we go to the garden and
wife’s voice. consent she talk?”
“Sleeping. She was restlessly waiting walked into Without waiting for her father’s consent
for you till now. Was telling that she had the garden she walked into the garden through the large
to discuss something so badly with you. through the French window in the drawing room. Durai
She tried to reach you in your mobile. large French followed his daughter.
But...” window in the Kunthavai started to talk in a whisper.
“Cut that stuff. Come, let’s go and find drawing “Dad, you have to control yourself. Don’t
out what she wants.” room. Durai get worked up on this. Okay?”
“No, not now. She has been telling me followed his Kunthavai’s prelude served only to get him
that she is damn tired. Did not even eat daughter. worked up faster.
her dinner. Has gone to bed and is now “Dad, in another two months I will finish

22 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

my studies. Then they will examine that, interview
me and award me the doctorate.”
“Good news. I am very proud of you, my dear.
What’s the problem?”
“Please wait, dad. You know the academic
system. My guide should read my thesis and should
write a few good words about it and sign it. Then
only will it be taken up for assessment.”
“So what?”
“Cool it, dad, cool it, please. Professor
Balakrishnan is my guide. His guidance has been
really valuable. He helped me in the choice of the
subject.
“He guided me on how I should do the research.
And whenever I got stuck, he was there to help.
But... but... But... now... he... is...”
“Come on. Make it fast, girl. You drag for one
more minute, I will spit my heart out.”
“But now he has named a price for endorsing my
thesis.”
“Phew! That’s nothing to worry about, my dear.
When in Rome do as the Romans do! How much
does he expect? I will pay him double, why, three
times the amount he normally gets from the other
students. Will a hundred thousand be okay,
darling?”
“Oh, dad! It’s not the money. It is something
else.”
Durai froze in his place.
“What the hell does he want?”
“He wants me... wants me... to stay... with him...
at a hotel in... Mahabalipuram... for a night.”
“Bastard! Scoundrel! Loafer! Leave him to me,
dear. I will tear him to pieces. I will kill him right
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
away. What the hell is he thinking?
“I don’t even need to go. With just one call I can
have my men finish him in no time. Kunthavai, this is
pretty serious. I am going to make a petition to the
DIG of police, the CM’s special cell, the CBCID...”
D
urai was picking up bits and pieces from the
dialogues he wrote for the last episode of his
popular serial.
Kunthavai was too shocked to respond. After
what seemed to be an eternity, a shivering
Kunthavai almost whispered to her father.
“Dad, let’s not get into any kind of violence. Then
you will be caught in a criminal case. Will you just
listen to me?
“Please come with me to that rascal’s house. In
my presence you lift that fellow up by his shirt collar
and ask him how dare he talk like that to your
daughter.
“That’s more than enough for me, dad. Even if I
don’t get my PhD, it does not matter.”
“Give me a minute to change my dress.”
Kunthavai also went to change.
The moment Durai was alone he went to his iron
safe hidden inside his wardrobe and pulled out a
revolver. He opened it to check if it had enough
bullets in it.
He clicked it closed and put it inside his jacket.
He did not tell Kunthavai about his carrying a
weapon.
Both the father and the daughter came out to the
portico at the same time. A driver who was standing
nearby, came running to them.
Durai waved him aside and jumped into the
largest of the cars parked in his driveway,
a Honda Accord.
Kunthavai got into the passenger seat
and soon they were on the main road.
“His house is at Velachery,” she said.
Durai was going at breakneck speed.
“What do you think, dad? What that
fellow has done is wrong, isn’t it?”
“Why should you have doubt on that,
Kunthavai? You should be his daughter’s
age. And if he is trying to misbehave with
you... Well, if he had done something
similar in an Arab country, his punishment
would be...”
Durai checked himself mid-sentence.
“If he asks a student like this and if the
student’s parents come to know, what kind
of torture will it be for them? As a
professor, should he not know that?”
Kunthavai was now fanning the fire in
her father’s heart. Durai impulsively felt the
weapon in his jacket.
23
 Kunthavai continued to inflame him even more.
“In my view, dad, the correct punishment for that
rascal is, that someone should ask the same question
to his daughter. And his daughter should come
crying to him as I have come to you.”
For the first time, Durai wore a puzzled look.
“Does he have a daughter?”
“Yes, dad. She is exactly my age.”
“Oh.”
“And you know the irony of the situation?” she
paused.
“This man has got his punishment even before he
committed the crime.”
D
“What are you saying, Kunthavai?”
“Yes, dad. It’s true. A rogue has asked his
daughter the same question. And that rogue put that
question to his daughter even before he asked me. Is
it not funny, dad?”
D
urai was shocked. The car skidded to a halt.
The vehicles in the rear started to sound their
horns. Durai swerved the car to the left and
looked askance at his daughter.
“What the hell are you talking, Kunthavai?”
“Truth, dad, nothing but the bitter, harsh truth.
Professor Balakrishnan’s daughter wanted to act in
TV serials.
“She went for an audition
yesterday. The director shot her
from various angles and finally
told her that she was not
good enough. She was sad
and was about to leave the
place.
“One of the director’s
assistants came running to her.
He told her in so many words that
if she was prepared to sleep with
the director that afternoon, she
would get a role in the next
serial. She ran away from the
scene in tears.”
“But you know, dad, her
father did not jump in anger
like you did. He calmly told
his daughter that she had to
keep away from those places
if she wanted to be good.
“He did not show his
emotions, dad. But he should
have suffered a real hell inside.
And you know better, because
you have been suffering the same
hell for the past one hour.
“Yes, dad. I told my friend
Gayathri that the scoundrel who
24 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
demanded sexual favours for an acting role was
none other than my wonderful father. You know
what I did, dad? I fell at her feet and at her parents’
feet and begged their forgiveness.”
“Dad, that Professor Balakrishnan has a heart of
gold. He has been treating me like his daughter. On
many nights we have been alone in his room
working on my thesis.
“Never has he crossed his limits. He did not see
me any different from his daughter Gayathri. I just
lied to make you understand the gravity of your
crime.”
urai did not have the heart to lift his head and
see his daughter’s face. He was focussing on
a dust particle in the floor mat of the car.
Uncomfortable silence reigned for a while.
Durai started the vehicle and attempted to make a
U-turn to go back to their house.
“What are you doing, dad?”
“I am sorry, Kunthavai. I won’t let this happen
again.”
“Dad, this is not the TV serial you are directing,
where the villain gets reformed in a single line of
dialogue and some pleasant background music.
This is real life, dad. Listen to me. We are going
to Professor Balakrishnan’s house. You
should apologise to the entire family in my
presence.
“And you should promise on your
only daughter that this will not happen
again. If you do not agree to this, have a
good look at me. This will be the last time
you will be seeing your only
daughter. Goodbye.”
Kunthavai tried to get down
from the car. Durai stopped her.
Kunthavai looked at her dad’s
face. The famous TV director
who used to teach his
actors and actresses
how to cry, the popular
TV director who had
made millions of
viewers cry every
week, was now
weeping shamefully.
He was too
emotional to speak. He
held Kunthavai’s hand
tight. He signalled to her
that he would do as
bidden.
The Accord resumed its
journey to the Professor’s
house at Velachery. We
 A
h! In these times of stress
what if someone helps you
de-stress by giving
massages? That would be
a perfect day. And you are
rejuvenated at the end of a
session! That’s what you
can expect at a spa. But, it
is not known how and
where the word spa came
about. There are two theories
prevalent. One says that spa is short
for the Latin phrase, “salus per
aquae,” or “health through water”.
The other theory is that the word is
derived from the Belgian town of Spa,
which is famous since Roman times
for its baths. It is said that the town
became so important that the
meaning of the word spa became a
place where you are restored and
pampered.
Modern spas take off from their
roots in ancient towns famous for the
healing powers of their mineral
waters and hot springs. Travellers
would visit these places to
rejuvenate.
History has it that Babylonians
and Greeks bathed in hot springs and
mineral waters. 19th century Europe
was a great spa destination for the
wealthy, who went there to “take the
waters”. Water treatments are still a
popular spa experience in Europe.
Today, massages and facials are the
most popular spa treatments in
America.
Traditionally, in India the champi
and other massages have been

‘SPA’CTACULAR
famous but done in a crude way.
Today, India among the Asian
countries is becoming a popular
place to get de-stressed, rejuvenated
and beautified with the new
A great, passive way treatments discovered from all over
the globe.
to refresh and rejuvenate. And these traditional treatments
are being rediscovered and brought
By Gayatri T Rao to you in a scientific way.

What are Spa Treatments?

The services provided by a spa
are called spa treatments. The most
popular being massages, other
popular spa treatments are facials
and body treatments like salt glows
and body wraps.

26 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

 Many spas include a nail
salon offering spa manicures
and spa pedicures and salons
offering hair cutting and styling
services.
Other than basic spa
treatments, different types of
massages like Thai massage,
hot stone massage or
reflexology are becoming
popular. The aesthetician
reviews your skin type to decide the
appropriate type of facial services or
body treatments.
Spa treatments are refreshing
besides having many health fitness
benefits. Since people are becoming
aware of the health benefits, spa
massages are becoming popular in
India also. When you are being
treated, you are transported to a
fantasy world. The treatment room
boasts of a peaceful atmosphere,
where your mind and body relaxes
completely. Depending on the guests’
requirement the spas are of many MODERN SPAS
types including destination spas,
medical spas, health spas, resort
TAKE OFF FROM
spas and day spas. THEIR ROOTS IN
Types of spas:
ANCIENT TOWNS Health spa: Health spas basically
Destination spa: Here, you can FAMOUS FOR THE focus on ensuring the overall well-
have something called a holistic being of a person. Usually located at
experience. It helps you to rejuvenate HEALING POWERS very peaceful places, they provide
yourself at all levels. There is mind OF THEIR MINERAL you with expert advice from health
and body fitness while you indulge in practitioners.
healthy eating, ensuring complete WATERS AND HOT
relaxation. It's not a one-day
experience. It gives you a chance to
SPRINGS. Medical spa: A medical spa offers
cosmetic treatments like lippo-suction
lose yourself in a new beautiful world and Botox injections and may give
for two to three nights, where no package deals like bridal packages, spa treatments as well. All the
troubles and tensions are permitted during seasons, which go on for one treatments are supervised by a
to chase you. Some spas give month at least. doctor.

Resort spa: Tourists can enjoy Ayurvedic spas: This is not a

spa treatments in their hotel itself in
something called a resort spa.
Usually, the resort may offer spa
services with fitness classes and
typical spa cuisine and this is good
for business travellers and families.
Day spa: A day spa offers spa
treatments on a one-day basis.
People can indulge in it every day. A
day spa offers manicures and
pedicures, besides facials and body
massages.
new concept in India. Kerala already
has many such spas, they call it
Kerala Vaidyashala. Today, Kerala
Vaidyashala has 30 therapy centres
which are a combination of resorts,
clinics and franchisee treatment
centres across India in Kolkata,
Shirdi, Alibagh, Mumbai, Goa,
Nashik, Panchagani, Pondicherry,
Fort Kochi, Aluva and Cherai. They
have a holistic approach to treating
health conditions. It comprises total
health orientation with a living

28 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

experience of being in harmony with
nature. One can just lean back and
relax in the ethnic surroundings and
soak in the ambience to get back
enthusiasm and vigour. Kerala
Vaidyashala has its roots in Calicut
district in Kerala. The centres offer
ayurvedic therapies from the ancient
texts.
Some spa treatments: Most
popular spa treatments include the
hot stone therapy, which sells like hot
cakes during the rainy season. In big
spas, like in Iosis Medispa, a
dermatologist is always consulted
before this therapy is given. Usually
basalt (hot) and marble (cold) stones
are used, but in Iosis hot and cold
basalt stones are used to massage
the whole body.
VLCC day spa consultant
introduce fusion therapy. She
explains that it is a carefully crafted
blend of traditional Chinese
Acupressure, along with more
modern refinements like Japanese
Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do, Thai-yoga
massage, Indian chakra balancing
and breathing techniques. Fusion
therapy weaves many different
treatment options into a gentle and
effective tapestry of touch, treating
many common problems that plague
our everyday lives.
On the ayurvedic side, the most
30
popular treatments in Birla Kerala
Vaidyashala include sarvakaya
abhyangam. Sarvakaya abhyangam
(therapeutic ayurvedic massage) is a
therapy to ease the muscular pains
and cramps of daily life. It consists
of a medicated oil therapy in which
therapists gently apply oil in
synchronised rhythmic strokes.
This is a massage that removes
fatigue from muscle tissues and
eases your body and is considered
to be the best treatment to pacify
aggravated vata dosha, the causative
factor, many neurological disorders
and neuromuscular disorders.
Abhyanga also helps delay ageing,
sharpens eye sight and provides
flexibility of joints and improves
mental clarity.
Contraindications and
disadvantages: It is always good to
first consult the in-house
dermatologist or ayurvedic doctor in
ayurvedic spas before taking the
service. This is because many
treatments have contraindications or
indications that these treatments are
not suitable for certain people. Dr
Prashanth CP from the Birla
Ayurvedic Vaidyashala says that
people are either eligible or non-
eligible for treatments. Basically the
health condition is to be considered.
As innocuous as a massage may
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
seem, he says, there are still times
when you should refrain from giving
one because it may adversely affect
a health condition of the person, who
receives it.
Contraindication is the medical
term for these conditions. “Contra”
means against, as in contrary, and
indications are things that tell you
what to do one way or the other.
Therefore, contraindi cations are
things that are telling you not to do
something.
Radha Shetty, the spa executive
from Bodyscape Spa, The Resort,
Mumbai, says, “The list of
contraindications for massage may
be longer than you expect, and it
includes some conditions that at first
glance don't seem like massage
would affect at all, like: fever, high
blood pressure, infectious diseases,
broken bones and skin problems. If
you're not sure about a particular
condition, don't take the massage.
Foreigners may be sensitive to Indian
oils and herbs, so extra caution is
required.”
At certain places the interiors may
make the person taking the service
uncomfortable. Though Bodyscape
has separate areas for men and
women, the changing room and the
shower room are only covered by a
curtain. There is no door. Some
people may feel a lack of privacy
there.
Tips for a good spa experience:
● Arrive at least 15 minutes
before your scheduled appointment
time to become comfortable. You get
time to change into your robe and
relax. If your spa has facilities like a
sauna, steam bath or hot tub, it is
better to arrive even earlier.
● Pregnant women should inform
the doctor about their condition
before going for the massage since
there are special massages for such
conditions and most other massages
are contraindicated for them.
● If at any time during the
treatment you become uncom -
fortable, you can ask your therapist to
stop the treatment.
● You can repeat the treatment
every two weeks to one month. We
 BEAUTY
CONCERNS
ON DUTY
A common-sense
approach to a pleasing
personality.
By Payal Dasgupta
T
hose after-office surprise
parties are a nightmare,
aren’t they? After all the boss
doesn’t understand that even
the concealer fails to
camouflage those dark
circles after a hard day. And
that tiny pimple popping up
on the right cheek is scary.
Actually it’s really difficult to
be a diva, after nine hours of those
acrobatic stunts with files,
presentations and tetchy clients.
Our busy lifestyles, demanding
schedules, weird working hours and
stress are taking a toll on our internal
health, which is manifested through
different beauty issues like dark
circles, skin tanning, pimples, etc.
externally. But you could still be a
epitome of grace and gorgeousness
in spite of that busy schedule by
following some simple steps:
Tanning: A very common problem
with women who are in jobs that
needs one to stay outdoors for long
hours is the tanning. This is a skin
problem often caused by over-
exposure to the sun which causes
severe damage to the skin. The skin
32
through its natural process tries to
protect itself from the ultra violet rays
by producing more melanin, a
pigment that determines the colour
of our skin. Women who do not
expose themselves to the sun very
often may also get a tan.
Remedy: Dermatologists opine
that it is necessary to use a good
quality sunscreen lotion before
stepping into the sun. There are a
wide variety of products available in
the market giving you a scope to
choose the right product to suit your
pocket and your skin type. But before
buying a sunscreen lotion or a cream,
always remember to check the
ingredients and the SPF. You can
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
choose from creams having SPF15
to SPF50 or even more. It is
generally advisable to buy products
having at least SPF25 and above if
you are frequently exposed to the
harsh rays.
Another essential element that
has to be kept in mind is that you
must know your skin type before
buying a sunscreen lotion. Water-
based or gel-based products are
always better for oily skin, as they do
not give a blotchy look whereas
cream-based products are
recommended for dry skin types.
How to use: It is said that the
ideal duration for application of
sunscreen must be at least 20
minutes before going out and should
be repeated every four hours even
though you are mostly inside. You
must apply the lotion on your face
and other exposed parts of your body
and even on the eyelids with gentle
strokes as they are among the most
sensitive areas.
Home remedies: Although there
are various products that prevent sun
tanning it is really difficult to reverse
the tanning effect once the damage is
done. Certain home remedies really
help a lot in removing the tanning
effect. One of the age-old remedies is
milk which works wonders in
removing the tan when applied all
over the affected areas. Sandalwood
paste is another great remedy for
tanning. This could be mixed with
rose water for oily skin and with milk
and honey for dry skin applied on the
affected parts.
Dry skin: This is another skin
condition which is caused when the
skin loses its natural moisture due to
environmental pollution, imbalanced
diet and other such factors. Women
who work in corporate offices which
have air-conditioned rooms for long
hours often have a very dry skin and
hair as the overexposure to air
conditioners often robs the skin of its
natural moisture levels. Excessively
dry skin may lead to the appearance
of wrinkles at a much younger age. It
also makes the skin lifeless and dull.
Remedy: To maintain a healthy
and glowing skin in spite of the long
exposure to air conditioners it is
important to follow a simple regime
involving cleansing, toning and
moisturising. You must apply an
effective moisturiser after cleansing
your face and neck twice daily. If you
still get that dry and itchy feel,
reapply the moisturiser as frequently
as required. Choose a moisturiser
that suits you best – there are
34
numerous options available in the
market, from the economic Indian
products to the expensive imported
ones. If you are using a toner, it’s
always better to use one that is
alcohol-free, as alcohol dries the skin
further.
You must go for a nourishing
facial at least once a month. Regular
facials help in restoring your natural
glow and make your skin look
younger. But choose an experienced
beauty expert who understands your
skin and suggests solutions
accordingly.
How to use: Cleanse your face
and neck and wait for five minutes
before applying the toner followed by
the moisturiser. Apply it generously
over the face and neck before going
to bed, with gentle upward strokes to
avoid skin sagging.
Home remedy: Honey is a natural
moisturiser which helps in keeping
the skin smooth and supple. But
applying honey could be a little
messy, so you can mix equal
quantities of rose water and glycerin
to make your natural moisturiser that
can be applied throughout the year
by just altering the ratio depending
on the seasons.
Acne and pimples: This is
probably one of most common and
difficult of all skin problems.
With the great transition in
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
their social and economic roles,
women today find it very difficult to
maintain a healthy lifestyle and
balanced eating habits. They have
hectic schedules, demanding working
hours, lack of sleep, night-outs,
instant fast-foods, etc. which often
result in constipation and pimples.
Acne is a skin condition which occurs
due to the blocking of the sebaceous
glands (sweat glands) because of
dust or other impurities under the top
layers of our skin. It is also a proof of
our faulty lifestyle and imbalanced
eating practices. Avoiding fried and
greasy food often helps in minimising
the occurrence of acne. Acne, if not
treated in time, might lead to more
severe skin infections which are far
more difficult and expensive to treat.
Remedy: It is always advisable to
take an expert opinion or consult a
dermatologist before planning a
regime for treating acne. People with
such problems generally have an
extremely sensitive skin which reacts
to most of the cosmetic products and
needs to be treated with medicated
products. You have to be very strict
about your diet and skin care regime.
It is important to keep the skin clean
since the pores get blocked in this
skin condition. Once a regime is
decided upon you have to stick to it
and don’t change the product without
prior consultation, as that might
aggravate the condition. There are
several options in the market to
choose from and more effective
products are being launched to give
you that smooth skin that you had
always desired to have. And for those
special occasions, you can use those
instant acne removal pens that
shrivel them up within hours of
application to make you feel better
and more confident to face the world.
How to use: Once you have a
regime to follow, you must clean your
face with an anti-pimple face wash
followed by the application of an anti-
pimple cream or lotion of your choice.
People with this problem must keep
the skin clean, so it is wise to carry
your face wash in your hand bag to
the workplace as well.
 Home remedy: Fresh mint juice
is very effective in treating acne and
other skin infections. Rubbing garlic
on and around makes pimples
disappear faster with leaving those
ugly marks. Raw papaya is another
effective remedy for the ailment.
Dark circles: A woman’s eyes are
the most beautiful part of her face,
but our extensive dependency on the
computer and television has left us
with poor vision and dark circles,
undereye puffiness. The eyes are
one of the most delicate and
extensively used organs, so utmost
care is needed to keep them healthy
and bright. Computer professionals
and other women who spend hours
staring at the monitor have sunken
eyes, dark circles, crow’s feet and
undereye puffiness that is a difficult
problem to treat. While we cannot
avoid computers, since they are an
indispensable part of our lives, we
can definitely pamper those two
precious gifts to admire the world
around. You can start by splashing
cold water into your eyes at frequent
intervals during the work hours. You
must drink loads of water and have
adequate sleep to have bright eyes.
Eye creams also help to some extent
in removing dark circles if applied
regularly.
How to use: Many new
revolutionary products are being
launched that claim to be quite
effective in treating dark circles.
Some are definitely worth trying,
especially the eye roll-on creams. If
nothing else, these will at least
accelerate the blood circulation
around the eyes. Any undereye
cream must be applied around the
eyes in gentle circular motions before
using a sunscreen or a moisturiser. It
should be applied before going out
and at night.
Home remedy: Application of
cucumber and potato juice helps in
soothing the eyes and reducing dark
circles. Apply a mixture of lemon and
tomato juice to treat dark circles.
Cold used-tea bags also help
smoothing the eyes.
Body odour: In a hot and humid
country like ours, body odour is real
problem for most of us. For most of
the working women who spend eight
and more hours a day in cramped
chambers of their workplace, body
odour could often cause a lot of
discomfiture with people around. But
against the age-old myth that
perspiration is the primary cause of
the foul smell, the culprit is the
bacteria growing on our skin surface
that causes the odour. Perspiration
just allows the bacteria by releasing
an unpleasant smelling chemical to
multiply rapidly. While using
deodorants and perfumes does help
to some extent, the results are
temporary. Sometimes the various
toxic chemicals in deodorants further
aggravate the condition. So
maintaining personal hygiene is the
only answer. Always try to keep the
underarms clean by waxing,
depilating or any other means
convenient for you.
Home remedy: It’s always better
to use body talc instead of a
deodorant during the summers. Put
a few drops of rose water in the bath
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
tub, for a long-lasting freshness
throughout the day. You can prepare
a home-made deodorant with the
juice of about two dozen radish and
half a teaspoon glycerin stored in the
refrigerator for using later. Use
alcohol or vinegar to rinse the armpits
and applying baking soda to armpits
and feet also helps preventing body
odour.
Bad breath: This is a serious
trouble when you are in a job
involving frequent social interactions,
as prolonged hours of work often
cause bad breath without even our
realising it, especially after the meals.
You should be very particular about
your oral hygiene. With regular
brushing, a dental floss is necessary
to remove the plaque and deposits
of food that get stuck between the
teeth causing bacterial growth in the
mouth. It’s always advisable to have
a mouth freshener handy; you never
know when you might need it. You
could also carry an antiseptic or
plaque reducing mouthwash for
instant help and consult a dentist
regularly to rule out other serious
problems. Sugar-free chewing gums
may also help you during those
sudden presentations post-lunch.
Home remedy: Drinking
fenugreek tea is great remedy for bad
breath. Chewing a clove after your
major meals helps. Drinking a hot
cup of unsweetened tea also reduces
bad breath. Squeeze lemon in a
glass of water and gargle frequently
to keep bad breath at bay. Most
importantly, believe in yourself
because that’s the real mantra for
being the woman of substance. We
35
 HAVE YOU DONE
YOUR PAP TEST?
A painless procedure that could detect a woman’s
M
disease early. By Dr S. S. Fonseca
ost women spend a lot of
time and money on their
outer appearance but
forget that the well-being
of the unexposed female
organs is equally
important. The Pap test
provides an easy way of
knowing what’s happening
to the hidden cervix and
vagina. The test evaluates the
changes in appearance of cells lining
these female parts. Invented by
Greek doctor, Dr Georgios Papani-
colaou, and his co-workers in 1948,
the Pap test is still accepted
worldwide for being very informative
and inexpensive and is routinely used
as a screening system. The Pap
smear is meant especially for women
with no gynaecological symptoms or
complaints, after 35 years of age.
The collection of a Pap smear is
simple, quick and painless.
It is done in the outpatient
clinic, commonly after a
gynaecological examination.
A pathologist or gynaecolo-
gist collects it. The qualified
doctor gently rubs a sterile
cotton swab or wooden
spatula over the cervix and
vaginal lining. The invisible
cells collected on the swab
are spread on a couple of
clean glass slides. The
slides are then sprayed over
with alcohol. When dry, they
are dropped into an
envelope and sent to the
laboratory for examination.
In the laboratory, the
slides are stained and
36
examined under a microscope by a
pathologist who reports on the
changes of the uterine cervix and
vaginal lining cells. The Pap test
results are reported as a grade.
● Grade I – everything is fine.
● Grade II – something is mildly
wrong. It may be an infection or
inflammation that also affects the
appearance of the lining cells.
● Grade III – the lining cells are
definitely disturbed. Patients in grade
III must receive more aggressive
treatment, so that the changes are
arrested and not allowed to progress
to the next grade. The Pap test
should be repeated after adequate
treatment.
● Grade IV – rings loud alarm
bells. It indicates the great possibility
of malignant changes in the cells.
● Grade V – confirms the
presence of malignant changes in the
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
gynaecological system.
Worldwide, Pap smears have
played an extremely important and
successful role in minimising the
incidence of cervical cancer. In a
German study, it was found that 20-
25 per cent of the women with no
complaints already had some silent
gynaecological disease. It is now a
universally accepted fact that a
woman may be suffering from
changes to the lining of the uterine
cervix, with no complaints. It is also a
recognised fact that the success of
cervical cancer therapy depends very
much on the early detection of the
cancer. Since cancer of the cervix
may take about 10 years to become
full blown, early detection and
treatment of cervical cancer has a
very good outcome.
It is therefore recommended that
women without gynaecological
symptoms take the first Pap
test at the age of 35 years.
If no pathology is found
(grade I), it should be
repeated yearly. In case
there is any cell disturbance
or inflammation, the test
must be repeated following
treatment or after six
months. With a regular Pap
smear to monitor the status
of her gynaecological
health, a woman can
protect herself from
immense suffering. The Pap
smear test helps a woman
live a long and healthy life,
thus enabling her to
continue showering her love
on her dear ones. We
 A leisure combing
Combing the
hair is great
art. If you
can master it
you will have
gorgeous

Combing
hairdo.

neatly
 a lot of
It is evident that to these
in
thought has gone et there is
hair makeovers. Yerimentation
exp
always room for vement
and impro

Focal combing

An Afro look

Occidental combing

A bob cut
Curls and waves

Oriental combing
Throw back combing
STORY
SHORT

Confidential
What happened behind the boss’ closed doors?
By PVV Satyanarayana

O
urs was a small marketing branch office with be asked to close the door. He had further added
a strength of 25. Our branch manager, that the boss had followed his advice in a number of
though a good man, was a terror. He was a cases; and to strengthen his contention, he had
taskmaster and would tolerate no nonsense in reeled off several examples too.
the office work. Being a perfectionist, even a With this new revelation, our regard for Ramana
small mistake invited his wrath. He would Rao had soared to new heights, and his image
give a thorough dressing down and spared doubled, I should say. Now that it became apparent
no one. He threatened the staff with dismissal if they that Ramana Rao was very close to the manager,
did not perform well. However, he was never known everyone vied with one another to woo him, hoping
to resorting to this extreme step. All the same, to get into the good books of the boss through him.
everyone at the branch was damn scared of him. They threw drink parties collectively and individually
The only exception, however, was Ramana Rao, to Ramana Rao, on some pretext or other, trying to
the seniormost staff of the branch. The 50- please him. He seemed to enjoy all this
plus man was tall and thin. Sporting the special attention.
French-cut moustache, he looked somewhat All of us at But I was the odd man out, as I had
funny. He had joined the branch at its the branch neither the inclination nor push to follow in
inception 20 years ago. respected him the footsteps of my other colleagues. I was
All of us at the branch respected him for for his the juniormost of all, having joined the
his seniority and long experience. We seniority and branch as a computer operator just a year
addressed him as guruji, as we took his long before. I had every respect and regard for
advice and guidance in our day-to-day experience. my seniors and never crossed my own
work. We held him in high esteem, We addressed limits. I always concentrated on my work
especially for his uncanny ability to emerge him guruji, as and never joined the others in their idle
from the boss’s chamber with a smiling we took his chatter.
face every time! We often gathered advice and Apparently this was the reason for
around Ramana Rao to listen to the stories guidance in Ramana Rao evincing special interest in
of his long experience. He was good at our day-to- me. As I mentioned this casually to a
narrating tales evoking interest in the day work. colleague, he had burst into laughter, and
listeners. said, “It’s not the love for you. You are an
It had been the practice of the manager to keep eligible bachelor and guruji has an Elizabethan
the door of his chamber a little ajar so that he could daughter to marry off. He must be having an eye on
check the staff from gossiping during working hours. you as his prospective son-in-law.”
Whenever Ramana Rao entered the chamber, he

E
would shut the door a couple of minutes later. This
was puzzling to all of us. So, one day, we had
expressed our curiosity to him.
Ramana Rao had smiled and explained thus: The
manager often consulted him on the marketing
strategies to be adopted, as the latter was working
there since the beginning. And whenever certain
confidential matters were to be discussed, he would
ven as I looked puzzled, he had elaborated,
“My dear dude, Ramana Rao’s daughter is as
old as Queen Elizabeth. And she is still a
spinster.” Poking fun at the girl, he had let out peal
of derisive laughter again.
I did not like the gibe. I hated others’
weaknesses or haplessness being a cause for the
butt of jokes. I made a grave face, expressing my

40 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

disapproval.
“Be careful, man, lest guruji thrust his over-aged
daughter on you...”
Even as he was teasingly delivering the
unsolicited advice to me, I had left the place quietly.
O
ne day, the manager had assigned me the
task of locating some old files from the
cupboards in his anteroom. This was a room
made of plywood partitions and curtains and used
by the boss for taking his lunch and rest. Even as I
was on the job, I heard the boss summoning
Ramana Rao, and the latter entering a few minutes
later.
I was startled to hear our boss flaring up as soon
as Ramana Rao entered. Unable to believe it, I
peeped through the curtain. Even as the boss was
shouting at him, I could see Ramana Rao excusing
himself, returning to the entrance and shutting the
door quietly.
As the boss scolded him right and left using all the
expletives he could recollect, Ramana Rao stood
silently before him as would a most obedient student
before the teacher, with his hands folded and head
hung. He received the banging meekly. After
playing ‘football’ with him non-stop – hitting the ball
from both sides himself – for quite a time, the boss
had now got tired, and gulped the water from the
glass tumbler that was offered by none other than
Ramana Rao himself.
“I have been admonishing you day in and day
out, even drawing out a time table. Yet, you don’t
seem to mend your ways. Of what use is your long
service if you can’t do a thing properly? You are
only fit for rearing donkeys, I should say. Even
though I am fed up with scolding you every day, you
are hardly moved and ashamed. How I wish I got
rid of you... if only the compassion factor was not
coming in the way! Do you realise what would
happen to your family if you lose the job... that too
at this advanced age!” He drank another glass of
water, again handed over by Ramana Rao.
“You are mistaking my leniency for weakness, I
suppose,” the boss continued the firing. “Ours is a
marketing branch, mind you! If I continue with a
waste fellow like you, I’m sure to be ousted from the
job myself! So, I have decided...”
Even before the boss could complete the
sentence, there came to be heard a thudding sound.
I had instantly peeped in to know what had
happened.
Ramana Rao was lying flat at the feet of the boss.
Even as he was trying to hold the latter’s feet, the
boss hurriedly withdrew them as though he feared
being pulled down by his subordinate as revenge.
“Please, sir. Take pity on me. I have three over-
aged daughters to marry off,” Ramana Rao was
pleading, clutching the feet of the boss. “I promise
you, sir, I shall be more careful in my work. Kindly
do not dismiss me from service.”
T
he boss seemed to be pacified a little.” Okay,
okay. Now, you leave my feet. You seem to
have mastered the technique of falling at my
feet every time, like the leg-break in cricket. If I show
mercy to you for the sake of your children, my
children would be on the streets,” he chided him.
“Mind you, this is the last and final warning! Next
time, you commit a blunder in your work... I shall not
make my feet accessible to you, any more. Do you
understand?”
“Yes, sir,” Ramana Rao got up happily. “Thank
you very much, sir. I shall keep your photo in my
puja room and worship it.”
“What? You want me to die, eh?” the boss
jumped in his seat.
Ramana Rao was quick to add, “No, sir. Not at
all! You are my saviour. What I mean is... I shall not
garland your photograph, but worship it with
flowers daily.”
“Okay, okay. Take care!”
“Yes, sir!”
I was so stunned and obfuscated by the whole
episode that I could come to my senses only at the
second call of the boss. Shaken a little at the
unexpected unfolding of events, I walked slowly into
the chamber.
Ramana Rao was so startled at seeing me that he
almost fell to the ground but for holding on to the
edge of the table. For he would not have expected
me – or, for that matter, anyone else – there at that
‘odd’ moment. I felt quite uneasy at the situation. I
did not dare look at him.
The boss asked me to tell the driver to keep the
vehicle ready as he wanted to go out on official
work in a few minutes. That gave me a respite, and
an excuse to get out of the embarrassing situation. I
almost ran out, carefully avoiding meeting the eyes
of Ramana Rao.
I found the driver sitting in the shade of the
banyan tree in the compound smoking and chatting
with somebody. I walked up to him and conveyed
the message. As I was returning, I saw Ramana Rao
emerging from the manager’s room. I hid myself
from his view.
S
traightening his tie and sporting a broad smile,
as if nothing had happened, Ramana Rao
nonchalantly walked out of the chamber. One
of the staff had approached him and asked, “The
meeting seems to have taken a long time, Guruji. Is
there anything special?”
Ramana Rao looked around carefully, apparently
for me. Not finding me in the vicinity, he seemed to
have mustered courage. He replied with a broad
smile, “Yeah. We were discussing an important task,
which is very confidential. Now the boss is going
out on that mission.”
I was flabbergasted at what I had heard, and
could not help musing, ‘Oh, what a great actor he is!’
Soon after the manager had left, Ramana Rao
rushed to me even as I continued with my task in the
anteroom. I could hear him closing the chamber’s
door behind him.
Suddenly he caught hold of both my hands and
pleaded with me, “Please, Rambabu. Promise me
not to tell anybody about whatever had happened
here earlier.”
I eyed him silently for a few seconds. He looked
pitiable. I assured him that I would
never reveal it to anyone.
He squatted on the floor as if
he had lost all his energy, and
held his face in his hands sadly. I
did not know what to say.
He had abruptly raised his
head and looked at me.
“Rambabu, I think I should
share my problem with
you, frankly...”
I looked into his
eyes expectantly. I
listened silently and
intently as he spoke with emotion... Ramana He was the A terrible shroud of pity engulfed me
Rao was once an efficient worker and had seniormost on learning the truth.
received appreciation from all his bosses. Of staff member “Sorry, Rambabu. All these days, I
late, however, the situation had changed. He in the branch, have been fooling all of of you
had three over-aged marriageable daughters after all; and if pretending to be close to the boss. If our
now. In spite of his best efforts he could not the others colleagues come to know of the truth, no
marry them off, as he was unable to meet the came to know one would care for me, not even for my
demands for huge dowries. This had invited that he was long experience. I would become a
the ridicule and rebukes from his wife, as also being scolded laughing stock. So please have pity on
taunts from his neighbours. This had severely by the boss, he me and bury the secret within yourself,”
upset his mental peace, and seriously was sure to pleaded Ramana Rao again, with folded
affected his concentration and efficiency in lose their hands.
his office work. As a result, he was inviting respect and I held his hands trying to soothe his
the wrath of the boss quite often... regard. emotions. “Don’t you worry about it,
He was the seniormost staff member in the guruji. I can very well understand your
branch, after all; and if the others came to problem. Even if you suffer from a bad
know that he was being scolded by the boss, he was patch at present, you will surely come out of it soon.
sure to lose their respect and regard. So, whenever You are still our valued senior colleague. Who else
the boss was to scold him, he would close the door has got the kind of long, rich experience as you
so that the shouts of the boss were not heard have, at this branch? You are always a guruji for all
outside. He would tell the colleagues that the boss of us,” said I, wholeheartedly.
was discussing confidential matters with him, only to Light-hearted and ebullient at my reassuring
save his own face. He would sport a smile even words, Ramana Rao embraced me with affection
while weeping inside! and apparent gratitude. We
Sari, the Indian
attire looks
enthralling from
any angle you look
at the wearer. It is
no surprise that it
has found wide
acceptance in the
west too.

The
Stunning Sari
This superb and stylish
sari can be your prized
possession.
It is the way of wearing the
sari which has enhanced the
wearer’s looks.
The wearer has
worn the sari in
quite a novel
way. It leaves
nothing that can’t
be admired.
There is
imagination and
innovation in the
style of draping
the sari around
the person.

Designed by: Reena Aggarwal

Mob: 09871916663
 S
tress in modern living has
become a part of life and
there are a number of
people who fall victims to it.
Stress is one aspect of
human existence which
cannot be dispensed with.
Every person from birth
goes under some or other
form of stress. From a very
young age one comes under form of
stress and strain. It may be in the
form of studies, proper settlement in
life, job satisfaction, ambition to go
higher on the ladder of life, the stress
of family life and as one grows up,
the stress of one’s very existence vis-
a-vis daily chores of life may come
into the picture. In fact, stress is
something which becomes an
integral part of one’s existence.
Those who fail to stand this
normal stress fail to lead a normal life
and fall an easy victim to many ills,
both physical and mental. Stress
involves all the major organs of the
body like the heart, G.I. tract and
nervous system. There is one
important aspect affected by stress
which is generally not taken care of
and that is the sex life of the person.

STRESS
&
YOUR
SEX LIFE
Methods to
tranquillity to solve a
major modern problem.
By Dr S.N. Khosla
 There is a big distinctive
difference between stress and strain.
Stress is what is going on in our
environment, the difficulties and
frustrations of daily life, unwelcome
surroundings, the rat race to go up
in the hierarchy and, for some, the
struggle to fight for their very
existence. In contrast to this, strain
is a reaction inside the victim who is
crying, fighting with his or her normal
body processes and in the bargain
gets various physical and mental ills.
It is living under this constant state
of tension whether physical or mental
which has its own hazards.
The human body has great
capabilities of adapting itself to
environmental situations and states
of stress. It increases its capacity to
withstand various forms of pressures,
whether external or internal. When
put under stress, certain
physiological changes in the form of
an increased liberation of hormones
takes place and if the body
withstands the stress, the whole
strain is absorbed but in case the
tissues fail to respond to the stressful
stimuli, the damage varying from mild
to irreparable may occur.
Stress may be a source of anxiety,
tension worry and fear when an
individual is unable to adjust
successfully to the unpleasant
situations and it has been rightly said,
“when this happens, there is anarchy
in the body and mind, instead of
forming a coherent and harmonious
whole, it is like soldiers in the same
regiment who set about killing each
other.”
Most of the time we cope with
stress and strains of everyday living
but when the pressure mounts too
high or the stress or strain lasts too
long, it takes a heavy toll in its wake.
A person under stress may be
anxious, irritable and tense. The daily
chores of life become a constant
effort and rather disagreeable. There
is lack of concentration, attention,
loss of memory and sleeplessness.
Anxiety and lack of well-being may
be the index of a person’s response
to external stress. In fact, absolute
tranquillity in the face of stressful
situations is neither desirable nor
conducive to good health. A small
degree of anxiety induces a person to
react in a way he or she can adjust.
Those who fail to react, carry an
unnecessary burden of undesirable
situations which produce nothing but
poor health and an ill-adjusted
individual. But stress for one person
may not be stress for another.
There are certain professions
which mean more stress and these
include high executives and
professional people like doctors,
lawyers and people holding senior
jobs. No wonder such people are
always more prone to getting ulcers,
heart attacks and high blood
pressure, etc. But let us not get away
with the notion that it is only the
higher-income group or rich people
who suffer from tension. Poverty has
its own hazards and probably it may
be the single biggest cause of
physical and mental ailments in our
country.
Hardly any system in the body
escapes from the ill-effects of stress.
Emotions and stress have a great
role to play in the causation of a
number of ailments. We may respond
differently to various stresses
depending on our build and genetic
predispositions. There is often
general irritability, weakening of
activity, excessive fatigue or often
hyper excitability.
MANIFESTATIONS OF
STRESS
Irritability, sleeplessness,
palpitation, headaches, lack of
concentration, loss of vigour of life,
pain in neck or back, excessive
fatigue, premenstrual tension in
women — all are some of the
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
common manifestations of stress and
strain. A very important aspect of
stress which is often ignored is the
deleterious effect of stress upon sex
life. The earliest casualty may be a
decrease in the sex urge and both
men and women may start having
hardly any urge left for normal sexual
activity. Often, this leads to tension
in the minds of people as if some
major catastrophe is going to
happen. A decrease in the sex urge
develops because of an imbalance
developing in a person’s sympathetic
system due to heightened tension
and anxiety. In fact, it is a vicious
circle. Stress may be responsible for
a decrease in the sex urge (libido)
while the couple is unaware of it and
may start blaming each other as
impotent or frigid.
The most prominent part of your
personality is your face. Therefore you
should keep it shinning like the moon. You
must cleanse it with a nice cleanser. Do it
daily. It is a good way to smooth your face.
Take note that good diet means good
health and consequently a soft, smooth
and shining skin. Eat fresh vegetables and
fruits. That’s the best way to ensure good
health and silky skin.
Needless to say, you must be a foundation
user. It is but natural. But select a light-
weight one.
Cosmetics and beauty go together. Now is
the time to choose the best. There is a lot of
cosmetics available. Use good cosmetics
as many times as you wish during the day.
Vitamin E oil works wonders to the skin.
You should get habituated to the oil. Use it
every night before retiring. Keep it on the
skin for half an hour and give it a vigorous
rubbing in.
49
 Take here the example of A, a
healthy young male. Whenever he
wanted to have sex with his wife a
certain degree of stress would engulf
him and he would suddenly go limp.
The result was that he headed for
divorce soon. Psychiatric help
unravelled the cause and the
problem was solved.
Similarly, many women are
worried about having orgasms and
attach too much importance to it. In
fact, so much is being talked about
orgasm being the end of sexual
fulfilment that couples are always
under stress about whether they are
having it. Normal fulfilment in sexual
relationships is not easy to define
and unnecessary stress worsens the
condition. Many couples worry
whether both of them are having
orgasms at the same time. This may
or may not be possible. It is the
reciprocation of each other’s feelings
that makes sex life enjoyable.
Sex problems like impotence and
premature ejaculation are to a large
extent precipitated by acute stress
and they often start a chain reaction.
The malady produces acute anxiety
and stress and these in themselves
start a cycle.
One of the important causes of
impotence is emotional or
psychological factors. Often,
psychological factors in the absence
of organic disease act as trigger
mechanisms for the cause. There may
be hidden frustration, guilt feelings
and a sense of anxiety. In times of
great stress like natural calamities,
wars, etc. not only does the sex desire
decrease but some people are also
likely to develop temporary impotence.
Premature ejaculation is another
red herring which results because of
acute anxiety and stress and the
individual often fails to perform the
sex act. In a survey conducted by
Forum it was found that impotence in
nearly 80 per cent of the cases was
due to psychological factors while
regarding premature ejaculation, 70
per cent felt that anxiety and stress
was a significant cause of their
problem.
Recognition of stress and anxiety
as important factors in the causation
50
of sexual disorders is very important
since, in such cases, treatment has
to be instituted first managing these
conditions by explanation,
reassurance, use of antianxiety
drugs, explanation of the whole
problem, giving psychotherapy,
holding various sessions regarding
sexual life and habits of the partners.
Stress is something which occurs
overtly. People can adapt stress and
anxiety-causing irritability,
sleeplessness, exhaustion, at work
but will find it hard to believe that it
can in any way cause sexual
dysfunction like impotence, premature
ejaculation, etc. Such people require
listening to. A sympathetic ear and
understanding of their complaints
regarding sex problem goes a long
way in alleviating their symptom. All
people have sex desire and in a great
percentage this is fulfilled by normal
sexual activity. Some sublimate their
desires while there are some who
can neither fulfil their sexual desire
nor sublimate it and the result is
development of frustration, anxiety
and stress.
Management of a healthy sex life
free from hassle is interrelated to the
general management of stress.
TAKE HOLIDAY FROM
YOUR WORK AT
LEAST ONCE IN A
YEAR. BUT DO NOT
TAKE YOUR CARES,
WORRIES AND
PREOCCUPATIONS
WITH YOU.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Thus, in any such person, the
general principles are:
● Do not let the tensions and
strains be bottled up. Work them out.
Find methods to channelise your
energy in useful physical activity or
sports. Do not brood over your sex
problems. Take your mind away from
them by physical workouts, yoga, etc.
● Release your mind. This may
be achieved by meditation, prayer
and devoting adequate time to things
like listening to good music, reading a
book or even listening to the sounds
of nature.
● Have adequate sleep. Sleep is
one bliss which acts as an antidote to
excessive stress and strain. Six-eight
hours of undisturbed sleep at night is
a panacea against stress and strain.
Do not buy sleep with pills.
● Take part in physical exercises
and games. They are very good for
relieving pent-up energies and
tensions. Walking, swimming, cycling
and outdoor games like tennis,
hockey, etc. are really good sports
activities and can be selected
according to one’s age and taste.
● Develop a system of mental
isometrics. Picture in your mind the
future images of your problems and
how you can solve it. Do this
methodically and soon you will
appreciate the value of solving your
problems by cool thinking. Biofeed
back training, transcendental
meditation, yoga and autosuggestion
are helpful aids in relieving mental
tension.
● Take holiday from your work at
least once in a year. But do not take
your cares, worries and preoccupa-
tions with you. Even a short weekend
outing with one’s family goes a long
way in relieving tensions.
● Lead a hassle-free sex life. Do
not brood over minor sex problems. It
may not be possible to get free from
mental tension and stress but evolve
methods by which you can outgrow
your problems.
Learn to live with tension and
stress but in a balanced form. It has
been rightly said, “There is only one
time when you will be free from
stress and the technical form for that
is death.” We
 QA &
Q&
My boyfriend and I are both 19 years
old and are planning to get married in
a couple of years when he starts
earning. My problem is that his
parents do not approve of me and
are trying to scuttle our plans. They
do not want him to marry for at least
10 years more, and preferably to a
better-suited girl than I am! I know
my boyfriend cares a lot for his
parents. Do you think I will be happy
with him, when he will surely take
their side more than mine, when we
are married?
You have seen the risks of this
relationship quite rationally. If he is
still tied to his parents’ apron strings,
you may have to be very tolerant and
forgiving in this marriage. Are you
willing to do this?
His parents’ reluctance to an early
A
marriage is understandable. Unless
a man is fully capable of looking after
family and home, he should not think
of marriage. Does he think both of
you can stay with his parents? This
may be difficult considering their
antagonism. It is definitely advisable
to wait before taking the plunge. At
the present, do not make any
promises or commitment. You are
both very young by today’s norms to
enter matrimony. Both of you could
find more suitable partners with the
passage of time.
Whenever I get angry and frustrated
with life, I find that I get relief by
causing hurt to myself...by inflicting
cuts on my arms and thighs. Nobody
knows this because the cuts are
hidden by my clothing. I am a high-
strung, 14-year-old girl who is beset
with depression and anger. What can
TEEN ACHE
TEEN CHE
I do to become okay? My parents,
A
both high-ups in the corporate world,
do not even know I exist! I have no
siblings.
Your habit of cutting is a common,
recognised behaviour pattern of
disturbed youngsters. Since these
persons feel impotent rage and
frustration against the whole world,
they direct the attacks on to their own
persons. Some even show excessive
aggressiveness...like kicking and
punching the wall or furniture. It
seems evident that you are full of
unexpressed rage and sad with your
parents’ neglect. It will be good to
I am really at the end of my tether!
I am an only child of my parents.
The two of them do not see eye to
eye over any matter and are
always quarreling. I think they are
thinking of divorce too. My problem
is that each fills my ears with
complaints about the other. All the
time. I hate this for I do not want to
take sides. I love both of them.
Help!
Parents often think only about
themselves and do not see how
their children are affected by their
quarrels. In your case, you do not
have siblings either to lessen your
distress. Your views are indeed
mature and considerate. You must,
however, talk to your parents
frankly and tell them not to
badmouth each other to you. Let
them know how disturbed you are.
This could be a wake-up call for
them to take up their child-rearing
responsibility more realistically.
In the meanwhile, try not to be
unhappy with their self-centred
behaviour. Enjoy your life in the
company of good friends without
being overwhelmed by this
situation.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
have talks with sympathetic school
counsellors or a kindly understanding
relative, friend or psychiatrist who will
help you unload your emotions, and
take stock of them. Experienced
persons will help you relax, unwind
and start enjoying life. In fact, when
you are taught the right attitude,you
will find that no external element can
upset you unless you let it do so.
I am a 15-year-old girl in a very
difficult situation. My friends and I
attended a party last week where we
tried some alcohol for the very first
time. I felt very dizzy and disoriented
and had to be helped to a bedroom to
rest. I fell asleep. When my friends
came to wake me up, they found me
naked, covered by a sheet. It was very
clear that someone had molested or
even raped me. I remember nothing
at all. We decided to keep this a
secret to protect my character. Please
tell me what to do. Should I just put it
aside like a bad dream?
First of all, you should consult a
lady doctor to find out whether you
have been raped, and whether you
have become pregnant. This is a very
real risk. The doctor can also treat
you for infection and bruising if any. If
pregnant, you should consider an
abortion.
You should confide in your mother
and surely you will not be scolded or
blamed for the incident, although you
may have to face the music for
imbibing drinks. As you are very
young, you need adult help and
support. This is a very grievous
crime.
Your parents will decide whether
to suppress the matter or report it. If
you keep it to yourself, your molester
could blackmail you after some time.
All things considered, do not waste
much time, especially in consulting a
doctor.
51
Now you can make restaurant like food

Punjabi Chana Masala

at home

Step 1: In a pressure cooker add ¾ cup soaked

chana(soaked for 6-7 hours), 1 ½ cup fresh water, 1 tsp
oil and 1 pack Knorr Ready to Cook Punjabi Chana Masala.
Step 2: Put the cooker on high flame. After 2 whistles,
lower the flame and allow to cook for 30 min.
Serves 2

Hyderabadi Biryani
Step 1: Boil 3 ½ cup rice in 1 litre water with 2 tbsp oil
and 1 tbsp lemon juice till ¾th done. Drain excess
water and keep aside.
Step 2: In a deep pan cook 350g chicken/ 350g
chopped vegetables with 2 tbsp oil, 1 ½ cups water and
1 pack Knorr Ready to Cook Hyderabadi Biryani till the
chicken/vegetables are cooked and gravy is reduced to
half.
Step 3: In the same pan spread the boiled rice and mint
leaves on the chicken/vegetables. Then spread a mix of
hot ghee and ½ tsp turmeric.
Step 4: Seal the pan with heavy lid, place on a hot tawa
and cook further till steam begins to come out from the
sides of the lid.
Serves 4
 Paneer Butter Masala

Step 1: In a pan melt 30g butter

Step 2: Add 2 cups water and 1 pack Knorr Ready to
Cook Paneer Butter Masala.
Step 3: Cook for 2 min, add fresh paneer or fried paneer
and 1 tbsp chopped coriander. Cook till gravy is thick.
Serves 4
 Holi is a time FESTIVAL
when guests
drop by
DELICACIES
ASPARAGUS
1/
throughout the 2 tsp of red chilli sauce - or
more as per taste
day. We bring MINI SPRING METHOD
To prepare the filling: Cut the
you recipes ROLLS asparagus into 3 inch pieces and
which allow you INGREDIENTS: drop these into boiling water. Put
6-8 spring roll wrappers off the heat and allow the
to be prepared oil for frying asparagus to remain in the water
for 3-4 minutes. Drain out all the
with snacks, For the filling:
water and cut the asparagus into
3-4 sticks of asparagus
sweets and main 1 cup grated cabbage
small pieces and keep aside.
Heat the oil and add the
course and be 1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 tsp of oregano powder
cabbage and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Mix in the rest of the vegetables
popular with 1/ tsp of basil powder
2 and the spices.
1/ tsp of soya sauce
your guests. 2
2 tsp of olive oil
Continue to stir-fry for another
2-3 minutes. Once all the water
By Roma Ghosh 2-3 tsp of spring onions chopped has evaporated from the
- green and white portions vegetables, keep aside.
Asparagus mini spring rolls Carefully remove one of the
spring roll wrappers and cut this
into sizes you can handle easily.
It is good to make small spring
rolls so that you can serve these
whole without having to cut into
pieces.
Place a portion of the filling in
each of the wrapper pieces and
first wrap from both the sides and
then roll over into a mini-sized
spring roll.
You can either pan-fry the
spring rolls on a non-stick pan or
deep fry these in hot oil. Serve
without cutting into small pieces.
Optional: You can keep the
asparagus to 3-4 inches long and
use one piece in every spring roll
instead of cutting the asparagus
into small pieces.

Brocoli pakoras
BROCOLI
PAKORAS
INGREDIENTS:
300 gm of brocolli florets
pepper powder
oil for deep frying
salt to taste
For the batter:
2 cups of besan
2 tsp of oil
1 tsp or less of red chilli powder
salt to taste
METHOD
Break the broccoli into
medium-sized florets and discard
the stalk. Sprinkle salt and pepper
and keep aside for 10 minutes.
Drain out all the water.
Mix all the ingredients for the
batter. Add one and a half cups
of water or a little more and mix
into the besan. Mix well with your
fingers to obtain a smooth flowing
batter. Heat enough oil for deep
frying. Dip each of the florets into
this batter and deep fry in oil, a
few at a time till the pakoras are
golden brown and crispy.
MINI CRISPY
SAMOSAS
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm maida
100 gm of ghee
oil for frying
salt to taste STUFFED
For the filling:
3-4 boiled mashed potatoes
BRINJALS WITH
1/ tsp of cinnamon
2
MUSHROOMS
3-4 tsp of oil
1/ tsp of ajwain – carom seeds
4
AND ONIONS
salt to taste INGREDIENTS:
1 large brinjal
METHOD
oil for deep frying
Prepare the filling by heating
salt to taste
the oil and adding the mashed
potatoes together with the spices. For the filling:
Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes and keep 200 gm of mushrooms
aside.
Sift together the maida, salt
and mix in the ghee with your
fingers to resemble breadcrumbs.
Add just enough water to knead
into a dough. Divide the dough
into 12-14 portions. Roll out each
portion into a very thin chapatti.
Cut 3 inches broad strips from
each chapatti so as to get 2-3
such strips. Pick up one strip at a
time.
Place a portion of the filling in
the centre of the strip and roll over
the filling for 3-4 times so that the
final product is a triangular
shaped samosa with various
layers. Prepare samosa from the
different strips. Roll out another
portion and again cut into strips
and prepare the layered samosas
in this way. Heat oil and on
medium heat fry the samosas a
few at a time so that these are
crispy and golden brown.
Mini crispy samosas
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 57

Stuffed brinjals with
mushrooms and onions
1 cup of sliced onions
3 tsp of oil
1/ tsp of haldi powder
2
1 tsp of jeera powder
1 tbsp of coriander powder
1 large tomato – chopped into
pieces
2 green chillies – chopped
salt to taste
METHOD
Cut the brinjal into two halves
and scoop out the centre portion
of the brinjals so as to have a
scooped-out brinjal which can be
stuffed. Sprinkle salt and keep
aside for 5 minutes. Drain out all
the water and deep fry the
scooped out brinjals one at a
time, turning once or twice till both
the sides are fried well. Fry both
the pieces in this way. Remove
and keep aside.
For the filling: Heat the oil and
fry the mushrooms, onions and
tomatoes together till most of the
water is evaporated. Add the
spices and cook on low fire for 2-3
minutes. Fill the scooped-out
brinjals with this stuffing and then
place the brinjals in the oven just
for heating just before you are
ready to serve.
CAPPUCCINO
BADAM MILK
INGREDIENTS:
100 ml of hot milk
58
100 ml of hot water
2 tsp of crushed blanched
almonds
1 drop of almond essence –
optional
1 sachet of cappuccino coffee
METHOD
Mix the water and the milk.
Place the contents of the coffee
pouch into a large glass cup or
glass. Mix the crushed almonds.
Now, add the milk and water
mixture and stir gently and serve
at once.
COCONUT
PEANUT BARFI
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm of desiccated coconut
100 gm of coarsely crushed
peanuts
80-100 gm of sugar as per taste
2-3 tbsp of ghee
METHOD
Dry-roast the coconut till it is
golden brown in colour. Add the
crushed peanuts and on low heat
mix in the sugar and keep stirring
till the sugar melts. Continue to
cook on low heat adding a little
ghee at a time and cook till the
mixture is almost dry. Pour the
Cappuccino badam milk
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Coconut peanut barfi
contents of the coconut barfi on
the plate and allow to set. Cut into
shapes and serve.
PAN FRIED
SPICY POMFRET
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium-sized black pomfret
fish
oil for pan frying
salt to taste
For the marinade:
3 tbsp of tomato puree
1 tsp of red chilli powder
1 tsp of green chilli paste
1/ tsp of amchur powder
2
2 tsp of oil
salt to taste
METHOD
Make deep insertions on the
fish. Sprinkle salt all over the fish
and keep aside for 30 minutes.
Mix all the ingredients for the
marinade and rub the fish with
this marinade and keep aside for
30 minutes again.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan –
2 tbsp or so and place the
marinated fish on the hot oil and
cover with a lid. Allow the fish to
cook on medium heat till one side
is cooked, this should take around
4-5 minutes. Turn over gently and
cook the other side. Serve hot
with boiled veggies or potato
wedges.

Pan fired spicy pomfret
DIMSUM
CHAAT
INGREDIENTS:
8-10 dimsums or momos
1/ cup of chopped spring onions
2 10-12 circles or half circles of
– white and green portion
1 chopped tomato
3-4 tsp chopped coriander
leaves
green chillies chopped
3 tsp of oil
1 tsp of red chilli paste
8-10 small pakoras prepared
with besan or dal or rice
For garnishing:
peanuts and bhujia
METHOD
Heat the oil and fry the spring
onions for 1-2 minutes. Add the
tomatoes and green chillies and
chilli paste. Now, mix in the
pakoras and lastly the dimsums
and toss gently. Garnish with
coriander leaves
bhujia/peanuts
Dimsum chaat
60
LITCHIE
STRAWBERRY
SUPREME
INGREDIENTS:
1 packet of strawberry or litchie
jelly
For the topping:
1 box of red strawberries
100 gm of sugar
1 tsp of cinnamon powder
METHOD
To prepare the topping: If the
strawberries are small in size than
leave these whole, otherwise cut
into half. Boil 200 ml of water and
add the sugar and the cinnamon
powder and stir till the sugar
melts.
Add the strawberries and allow
these to cook in the sugar syrup
on low fire for 6-7 minutes. Put off
the fire and allow the strawberries
to remain in the syrup. Prepare
the jelly and pour the jelly into
small glasses only half way
and
Litchie
Strawberry
supreme
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
through, leaving space to add the
strawberries.
Allow the jelly to set in the
glasses and place a strawberry or
two with a bit of the syrup on each
of the set jelly and serve chilled.
MINI
VEGETABLE
UTTAPAM
(rice patties with
veggies)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of dosa batter
10-12 slices of tomatoes
mushrooms
2 tsp of coarsely crushed red
chilli powder
2 tsp of melon seeds
oil for frying the rice patties
METHOD
Heat a non-stick pan and ladle
small portions of the dosa batter
on the non-stick pan.
Sprinkle some red chilli
powder.
Place circles or tomatoes and
mushrooms over each of mini
uttapam. Cover with a lid and
cook on low fire.
Turn over very gently and cook
the side with the vegetables.
Serve piping hot once both the
sides are cooked.
Mini vegetable uttapam

TULSI TEA Flavoured Indian bread
AND CHERRY
MITHAI
INGREDIENTS:
3 tulsi tea bags
100 gm of petha
100 gm of cherries
100 gm of broken cashew
nuts
2 tbsp of sugar
1/ tsp of cinnamon powder
2
METHOD
Boil 200 ml of water and drop
the tulsi tea bags into the boiling
water.
Allow the tea bags to remain in
the water for 15 minutes and then
remove these.
Bring the tea to boil and mix in
the cashew pieces, petha and
cherries and cook on medium
heat, adding sugar.
Cook and stir till the mixture
begins to thicken.
Once only a little syrup
remains, pour spoonfuls of the
prepared mixture into small
glasses.
Fill only half the glasses and
allow the mixture to cool and set.
Serve topped with icecream.
Tulsi tea and cherry mithai
62
fish into one inch pieces
with a thickness of almost
half an inch. Sprinkle salt
and rub the ginger, garlic,
chilli paste and keep aside
for 10 minutes. Dip each of
the pieces in beaten egg
and roll in the
breadcrumbs.
Dip each of the fish
pieces in egg and roll each
in breadcrumbs to form
nuggets. Keep aside.
FLAVOURED Heat enough oil for deep frying
and fry a few nuggets at a time
INDIAN BREAD on medium heat.
(Makki sarso puris)
This is a combination of makki
and sarso saag and goes good as
a starter.
COCONUT
INGREDIENTS:
SUGARY
2 cups of makki ka atta MITHAI
1 cup of prepared sarso ka saag
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp of ghee or oil
200 gm of freshly grated coconut
oil for deep frying
400 ml of milk
METHOD 150 gm of sugar
Mix the sarso saag into the
METHOD
makki atta and knead into a
Grind the freshly grated
dough. Sprinkle and rub in the
coconut in a mixer so that the end
ghee as well. Divide the dough
product is really smooth and
into small portions. Roll out each
without any granular pieces.
portion into a small puri and fry in
You could use a few tbsp of
hot oil till the puris puff up. Serve
milk when you are grinding the
hot with green chutney.
coconut.
Heat the milk and cook the
FISH NUGGETS coconut mixture in the milk and
cook on low fire stirring from time
INGREDIENTS:
400 gm of boneless fish Fish nuggets
2 tsp of ginger-
garlic paste
1 tsp of green
chilli paste
2 beaten eggs
3 cups of bread
crumbs
oil for deep frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Cut the boneless
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
 Coconut sugary mithai
to time. When most of the milk
has evaporated, mix in the sugar
and stir so that the sugar melts.
Allow the sugar and coconut
mixture to cook on low fire till
most of the sugar has been
incorporated into the coconut
mixture.
Oil an aluminium sheet and
spread out the prepared mixture
JOKES
Patient: We like you better than the
last nurse.
New Nurse: (Flattered). Why is
that?
Patient: You seem more like one of
us.
* * * Jyothi: I know an author, who took
Wife: You are extremely impolite.
All the time I was talking to you, you
kept yawning.
Hubby: I was not yawning. I was
trying to say something.
* * * *
“Daddy,” said the son, “Why do
people call the language they speak
their mother tongue?”
“Because,” replied his dad, “Fathers
never get a chance to use.”
* * * Boss: “It becomes effective as soon
Customer: (on the phone): The
apples I bought from you yesterday
have turned out to be rotten. I am
bringing them back.
Shopowner: There is no need to.
64
on the foil in a thin sheet. Allow
the mithai to set.
Once it has set and is hard
cut into pieces and store in
airtight containers.
NON
VEGETARIAN
SALAD Non vegetarian salad
INGREDIENTS: 2 tsp of vinegar
12-14 pieces of chicken salami 2 tsp of tomato ketchup
10-12 olives METHOD
3 tsp of cherries chopped or Lay out the salami, egg pieces,
keep these whole cherries and olives on the lettuce
5 boiled eggs leaves.
lettuce leaves Mix the ingredients for the
For dressing: dressing and pour over only
4 tsp of olive oil when you are ready to serve the
1 tsp of pepper sauce salad. We
Your word is just as good as the Wife: Then where has the business
apples. gone?
* * * * * *
Candidate: Do you think I came Judge: You have been arrested for
here to be insulted? driving at 70 miles an hour. What have
Employer: Oh, where do you you to say?
usually go? Convict: It was an emergency, your
honour.
* * * Judge: What sort of emergency?
Convict: It was a stolen car.
10 years to write a novel.
Latha: That is nothing. I know a * * *
man who was just released from prison Patient: Doctor, You’ve got to do
the other day who took 15 years to something to help me. I snore
finish a sentence. so loudly that I keep waking myself
up.
* * Doctor: In that case, sleep in
The boss called an unproductive another room.
employee into his cabin and – Ram Babu, Vijayawada.
announced: “You have got an Jailor to a prisoner: Tomorrow
increment.” you will be freed from this jail. What
Employee: “That is good. When will you do?
does it start?” Prisoner: Sir, I will open a jewellery
shop.
as you begin to work.” Jailor: Jewellery shop? But it
requires lakhs of rupees.
* * * Prisoner: Sir, for me it is a question
Wife: You don’t believe in hell? of only to hammer throws.
Husband: No – P. P. Mehta, Anjar.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
 1
Q U I Z

Win
Prize

What do you prefer to eat as

Q
1
a snack?
a. Granola and juice
b. Apples or fruit and water
c. Chips and soda

How many water bottles do

Q
2
you drink a day?
a. I drink juice instead
b. 2
c. 1

HOW Q How many servings of fruit are

3
you supposed to eat each day?

Healthy Are You a. Five

b. Seven
c. Three

Do you think you’re really

healthy? Well you’re
about to find out how
healthy you are!
Answer the questions
& win a grand prize...

e
be published in th
S elected entries will oman’s era. Look out
of W
forthcoming issue April 2010 issue
for th e 15
Last date for sending entries: 31 March 2010
r
ph of yo ur friend for a bette
A ttach a ph ot og ra
chance of featurin
g in Woman’s era
 Do you read the ingredients If you eat a lot, what do you do
Q Q
4 12
before you eat the food? afterwards?
a. Of course a. Exercise until you have fully burned
b. Why should I it off, or fast the next day.
c. Not usually b. Go to sleep
c. Purge
d. Nothing
What do you eat for lunch?
Q
5
a. I don’t eat lunch How many calories do you eat
b. Home-cooked meals
Q
13
c. Fast food per day?
a. As little as possible
b. Around 1200
Do you eat healthy food because you c. I don’t know

Q d. Around 500

6
want to or your parents force you to?
a. I don’t eat healthy food
b. It’s my own choice
Q If you were 5’8’‘, what weight

14
c. My parents force me would you want to close to be?
a. 95
b. Whatever is healthy
A candy bar is healthier than fruit. c. 115

Q d. 105

7
a. True
b. False

Scoring Terms and Conditions:

Q Eating healthier food helps you

8
Don’t you hate those artificial quizzes that
mentally and physically? only have one obvious right answer? Health food makes healthy
a. True body. So answer according to what you feel is best.
b. False
Prove that you are aware
of this trivia. Send us the coupon with your
photo along with the correct answers.
Do you exercise almost every day?
Q
9
Name
a. True
Age
b. False
Address

PIN
Effective exercise has to be for
Q
Phone: E-mail

10
Occupation
one hour.
a. True
b. False
Donʼt 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 March 2010. So hurry up and post it now.
You are supposed to have
Q 2. The decision of the editor will be final. 3. Depict

11
eight servings of fruits and your true self only. 4. Send a photograph of your
vegetables a day. own. It may be printed in Womanʼs Era, along with
the results. Send to: Woman’s Era, Delhi Press,
a. True E-3, Jhandewala, New Delhi-110 055.
b. False
 Anne Julia
Hagen poses for
photographers
after winning the
Miss Germany
Beauty
competition in the
Southern German

The winner
city of Rust.

Zero yau Man-hong (L) and Rain Siu Wang-Shan (2L)

wearing traditional Chinese costume and Gigi Hui
Sin-Chi (2 R) and Ken Cheng Chi-kin (R) in Western
wedding attire kiss after their wedding ceremonies
outside a shopping centre in Hong Kong’s Causeway
Bay district on 14 February, Valentine Day. For the first
time in 50 years Chinese Lunar New Year, the most
important holiday on the Chinese calendar, coincided
with the Lovers’ Day.
Day of love

Toshiba displayed a
prototype model of a
head set used to Sri Lanka’s legendary
analyse a person’s doorman Kottarapattu
brainwaves which Chattu Kuttan (89) shows
connects to a off his souvenir lapel pins
computer using from different countries,
bluetooth wireless standing outside the
communication at a Island’s historic 146-year-
symosium of old Galle Face Hotel in
Continua health-care Colombo. Hailing from
devices and Kerala, Kuttan turned 90
The phenomen Communication on 15 February. He has
on of electron Alliance in Tokyo. no plans to retire, and is
ics the world’s oldest
employee in the
hospitality business.
Japanese toy
manufacturer company
Tomy displayed a toy
robot called
“Transformers Disney
span

Label, Donald Duck

holiday vehicle” which
changes shape from a
Remarkable life

small vehicle to a
Donald Duck-shaped
robot on a surf board
at the company’s
headquarters in Tokyo.

nology
Thrust of tech
 lpture
A man works on a Citrus fruit scu
“Melies” sculpture
made with citrus fruit in
Menton on the French
Riviera, ahead of the
start of the “Fete du
Citron” (Lemon
carnival). The theme of
the 77th edition,
running from
10 February to
3 March, is “Menton
does its cinema”. In the
next picture a man
places citrus fruit on an
installation.

The Stad
Amsterdam, a 60-
metre, three-mast
clipper ship passes
the Sydney Opera
House after entering
Sydney Harbour on
13 February. The
Dutch Tall Ship is
retracing charles
Darwin’s famous
journey on the HMS
Beagle that led to
his Theory of
Evolution.
Darwin’s journ
ey Re-enacted

China’s Dan Zhang and Hao

Zhang perform during the figure
skating pairs free programme at
the 2010 Winter Olympics at the
Pacific Colosseum in Vancouver Quite an
on 15 February. astounding mobile
phone series
named “Wave” by
me

Samsung is
displayed at the
ating program

Mobile World
Congress in
Barcelona on
15 February. The
2010 Mobile
World Congress
was held in
Barcelona for four
days. In the next
Free figure sk

picture a man at
his mobile phone.
What a cellpho
ne!
 LOOK OUT FOR THE
BUTTERFLY IN YOUR THROAT
Thyroid therapy demystified.
M
ona put down the receiver,
thinking pensively, ‘I’m
getting lazy and forgetful. I
don’t feel like doing
anything most of the time.
I’m falling apart. I wonder
if it’s something to do with
my completing 45 years.
Aunty was very
concerned. Maybe she’s
right. I must go to my doctor
immediately.’
That evening, while Mona got
herself ready to visit her old family
doctor, she gazed at the mirror and
mused, ‘My hair has thinned and my
face looks puffy. In spite of all that
walking exercise, just look at the
weight I’ve put on.’
Later, after his usual greeting, her
doctor came straight to the point,
“How can I help you?”
He watched her silently while she
recounted her woes.
“I’m so fuzzy-headed and forget-
ful. I can feel myself slowing down. I
get nervous and irritable easily and
haven’t you noticed how fat I’ve
become, doctor? Just look at my
puffed face. Even my lips and
nose are thickening. My legs also
pain so much. Now walking as an
exercise is a real challenge. Is it
because of my age? Can’t
something be done?”
Her trusted doctor smiled. “It
must be the butterfly in your
throat,” he said. Mona’s hand
reached for her neck. “Where’s
the butterfly? There’s none here.
Did you see one, doctor?”
“You can’t see it,” he laughed
gently and explained. “There’s a
very important butterfly-shaped
gland called the thyroid. It rests
70
By Dr S. Fonseca
against your voice box in your neck.
When it doesn’t function properly,
you may get such symptoms as you
have. It can happen at any age but is
more common in middle-aged
women.”
“How can we find out if it is not
functioning properly?” Mona asked
quickly.
“First, I must check your pulse and
pressure and see if we can feel any
bumps on the gland.”
Having done that, the doctor
scribbled on his prescription pad,
saying, “Nothing definite on
examination but go for this blood test
in any reputed laboratory and get
back to me with the reports.”
Mona looked at the paper which
he handed her, “What’s this, doctor?
T3, T4, TSH? Some doctors’ code?”
He smiled patiently. “The thyroid
gland is very small but it does very
important work. T3, T4 are hormones
or substances produced and
released into the blood by the thyroid
gland. These hormones help the
body to remain in top form. They’re
essential for practically all the body
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
functions in very tiny quantities. If
they aren’t present in the right
amounts, the body processes slow
down or accelerate.”
“Tell me more, doctor. You mean
that if there are less of these
hormones the body slows down. But
if they are increased the body will
work faster? How can this be?”
“By accelerate, I mean, yes, the
body works faster in that the heart
beats faster and there are symptoms
like palpitations and tremors. In your
case, the hormones may be less,
therefore you have such symptoms.”
A couple of days later, Mona was
back at her doctor’s clinic with her
blood report. “You were absolutely
correct, doctor. The butterfly in my
throat is not working properly. The T3
and T4 are less but the TSH is high.
What does that mean?”
“This condition is called
hypothyroidism. It simply means that
the thyroid is not able to cope and is
not producing enough T3 and T4.
The TSH is released by the brain to
stimulate or remind the thyroid to
produce more T3 and T4 to meet the
body’s requirement. When the T3
and T4 are in sufficient quantity,
the TSH will also come to normal.”
“Oh. How simple you make it
all sound, doctor.”
Mona’s doctor handed her a
prescription. “These tablets will
replace the T3 and T4. Take the
dose once a day and come back
after a month to tell me how you
are feeling.”
Mona left her doctor’s clinic
smiling. It had been all so simple
and she had wasted so much time
unnecessarily struggling with her
doubts and fears. We
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STORY
SHORT
Making a Monkey
out of a Millionaire
It was the classic choice for Neha – a middle-class
or high-society suitor. By J. Shankaranarayanan
eha Banerjee had just won the May Queen Come now or we will be late to the Sapphire Club.
beauty contest at the elite Army Club in Hurry up, yaar!”
Mumbai for the third year, and it was a hat The voice came from the arrogant mouth of a hep
trick too. It had to be. She was one of the 26-year-old. The dude in the left-hand-drive vehicle
prettiest girls in the city. Countless young was also bespectacled, but with Rs 15,000 Ray-Ban
guys swooned over her, no doubt. But the Aviator goggles, pierced all over the face, donning
two main youths seriously wanting to marry a custom-made French suit, with gelled hair, and
her were, of course, Ashok Chaudhari and Ajitesh weighed down by pure gold jewellery.
Banker of Diamond Colony, a posh locality near the “Yeah, Ajitesh! Coming, handsome! Ashok, that’s
Borivali National Park in the city. why I said no. I’ve got to hurry now. See you later.
One day, as Neha was watering the plants in her Bye!” said Neha hurriedly, jumping into the car. By
garden, a usual visitor arrived. Ashok was the time Ashok’s jaw dropped in
the nerd of the colony, skinny, disappointment the other two were gone.
bespectacled and assumed by all to be Ajitesh Ajitesh easily outgunned Ashok in
having an intelligence quotient of a easily material wealth, though it was the opposite
whopping 179 points. He knew computer outgunned when it came to brainpower. His father
programming like the back of his hand and Ashok in was an engineering-goods manufacturer,
was not far from becoming a civil service material while both Ashok’s parents were civil
officer, having topped the main exams. He servants. This was precisely why the
was peculiar too, being a good friend of
wealth, balance of affection in Neha’s mind was
the local monkeys, even feeding them with though it tilted in Ajitesh’s favour. She had a whale
his own hands, despite those animals was the of a time accompanying him to costly
being considered a nuisance by other opposite nightclubs and high-society parties, eating
colony residents. when it at exotic restaurants, playing video games
“Hi, Neha! Would you like a ticket to came to in his Playstation, hanging out with cool
next month’s annual dance in the locality? friends and above all, proudly cruising the
Everyone nearby is coming. I’m selling the
brainpower. streets in a Bentley or a snazzy Jeep.
tickets. Rs 200 each,” said Ashok, like a Neha’s parents preferred Ashok and his
polite salesman. clean ways, but Neha was not interested in what
“Give me one. Count me in,” replied Neha, they said.
cheerfully, and completed the transaction.

T
Before leaving, Ashok asked with a smile, “You
won’t dance with me there, Neha?”
“Oooh! Please! I consider you a friend and will
always do so. But I gave you a polite NO last year.
The same applies this year too. Sorry,” sighed the
girl in a friendly, exasperated tone.
As if to bolster the firmness of her ‘No’, a British-
made Bentley two-seater car screeched to a halt just
eight metres away.
“Nehaa! Nehaaa...!” called an arrogant voice.
“Wasting your time with this computer geek, eh?
hat night, outside Neha’s house, a usual scene
occurred inside the Bentley. Ajitesh had his
usual share of pub brawls and was sozzled.
“Can’t you ever be normal when we go out?”
complained Neha.
“I will be what I am. It was that guy who tried to
talk to you. I showed him the consequences,”
growled Ajitesh.
“I have my own life, give me some breathing
space, will you?”
Ajitesh replied, first by slapping her and then by

74 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

burning her shoulder with a cigarette butt.
“Get out,” barked the brute.
Neha stood shocked as the car sped away. But
this was not the first such incident. Ajitesh was out-
and-out abusive with most people, and in this case
with Neha. But Neha was not intellectually
developed enough to firmly reject such behaviour,
used as she was to living in her boyfriend’s golden
cage.
Two weeks later, Neha’s father’s Swedish boss
paid a visit to her home with his wife and two
children. The two kids’ names were Adam, nine,
and Gunnar, seven years old. The family had
arrived in India just two months earlier. The children,
being told by friends and relatives that India was an
exotic land of elephant, fakirs and maharajas
wanted to see some local wildlife. But their busy
parents had no time to visit any wildlife sanctuary.
They were quite disappointed as a result.
A
fter the guests settled down and downed some
coffee and snacks, the kids started pestering
their parents.
“Papa, I want to see some elephants,” said little
Gunnar.
“Papa, I want to see a monkey,” pleaded the
older Adam.
“We can’t see them now, darlings. Papa has
work,” the boys’ mother replied.
Neha’s father saw this as a means to get his long
overdue promotion.
“Beta, why don’t you take the kids to see the
monkeys at Road No. 33? There is a large troop of
bonnet macaques there,” he suggested.
Neha got the idea and said, “Adam and Gunnar,
we’ll see some monkeys now, all right?”
Neha’s mother intervened, “But they have already
bitten 11 people over the past several weeks.”
“That’s not a problem. Ashok is friendly with
them. Take him along,” replied Neha’s father.
Neha immediately retorted,
clearly sounding irritated,
“But he’s preparing for the
civil services exams most of
the time. Who knows? He
may have gone to his study circle.”
She wanted to avoid the geek at all costs.
“The kids will be disappointed if they don’t see
the animals. Take Ashok along. It will only take two
or three hours,” said her father, sounding a bit
irritated, thinking of his promotion all the time.
Neha finally gave in, and said, “All right kids,
come, and we’ll see monkeys.”
“Yaaay! We’ll see the monkeys!” cried Gunnar
triumphantly.
“Be careful, all of you.” said Neha’s father as
they left.
T
he doorbell rang unexpectedly at Ashok’s
house. Visitors were few for the past several
months as no one wanted to disturb his
preparations for the grand exams.
It was Ashok who opened the door. To his
amazement, outside was a smiling Neha with two
European kids.
“Hi! What a surprise! Come in! Come in!” said
Ashok, who could not believe the pleasant surprise.
But Neha came to the point and said while gesturing
to the children, pretending to sound cheerful,
“Ashok, these are my dad’s boss’ children from
Sweden, and they want to see monkeys. So, I
thought I would take you along to show them the
monkeys at Road No. 33, really closely. They would
like to see you feed them. Please, my dad has to
impress his boss.”
For Ashok, this was a situation that had fallen
straight from heaven. “Right ho!” he said happily,
and went into the kitchen, and returned in a jiffy
with a large packet of salted cashew nuts.
“Where to now?” smiled Ashok.
“Road No. 33,” chirped Neha. And they all
went, much to the surprise of local residents, who
had till now only seen Neha with the richie-rich
dude.
They walked for half an hour. Ashok tried to chat
with Neha en route, but she initially replied to his
questions in monosyllables. However, as Ashok’s
warm and friendly nature came out, she began
opening up. After a few minutes she asked Ashok
what his latest essay was about. Ashok replied
that he was writing to a woman’s journal on
wife battering. Neha began listening with rapt
attention. Ashok went on to say how wife-
battering takes various forms, like physical
assault and the burning of the body with
cigarette butts, and verbal abuse. And he
spoke at length about the problem, as how it
was a violation of a woman’s rights and self-
respect. Finally, he concluded by saying
how it sometimes ends up in murder.
Ashok’s enlightening lecture sent
a chill down Neha’s spine, and she wondered
whether her own life was going in such a direction.
She in turn asked Ashok what should be done in
such circumstances. He replied that it was safest for
the woman to simply break off such a relationship.
Neha was also impressed by his knowledge of
feminism.
At last, the group reached Road No. 33. The
instructor at the local gym, a friend of Ashok, was
a complaint against him in the local police station
under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Some religious organisations also put pressure for
action as monkeys are considered sacred.
Subsequently, Ajitesh was arrested from his home by
the police. But he was bailed out by his father’s
lawyers after spending three hours in the police lock-
up with other common criminals.

N
standing there with a plastic bag full of bananas, eha was horrified. She had begun to like the
feeding the simians. Ashok greeted him cheerfully, hyperactive monkeys. After all, they gave her
“Guruji, namaste!” He took a dozen bananas from father his promotion. And, following Ajitesh’s
the instructor and proceeded to feed the monkeys arrest, her father asked her what she would do if he
himself. The animals surrounded Ashok and began were arrested for even bigger offences. Neha
to eat from his hands, stuffing their huge cheek- instantly remembered all the assaults and cigarette
pouches in the process. Ashok beckoned Neha and burns she had received from Ajitesh. She then
the two children to join him in feeding the monkeys. remembered Ashok’s talk on abusive relationships
He told the kids not to irritate or tease the animals and the need for women to be assertive. She thought
if they wanted to avoid getting bitten. The children and thought, and changed her mind.
were on cloud nine, not only seeing, but also One evening, Ajitesh’s Bentley screeched to a
playing with and feeding an exotic halt outside the gate of Neha’s house.
animal. Neha wondered how Ashok could Ajitesh told Neha came out.
be on such friendly terms with these her, “Hey, Ajitesh told her, “Hey, Neha! Let’s go to
irritable and unpredictable animals that Neha! Let’s go TGIF for dinner tonight!”
had bitten a dozen people over the last to TGIF for Neha replied quietly, “Go away,
several months. Her mind also began to dinner Ajitesh, it’s all over. I cannot love a monster
wonder who could care for her better, an tonight!” like you any more.”
intelligent and gentle guy with limited Neha replied “What?”
means, or a human monster with all the quietly, “Go “If you could kill those harmless creatures
money in the world. today, you could kill me tomorrow. And,
away, Ajitesh,
besides, there is something called self-

A
it’s all over. I
fter about half an hour, the kids were respect, which was getting damaged each
cannot love a
joyful and had seen Indian monkeys time you hit me. I could put you behind bars
from close quarters to their heart’s
monster like by this evening for assaulting me repeatedly
content. They were ready to return. The
you any in the past. I now love Ashok who respects
four of them began to return to Neha’s
more.” women.”
home, with Ashok enlightening the girl Ajitesh raised his hand and slapped
further on various current issues. On reaching home, Neha across her face.
the Swedish kids joyfully told their father about their “Stop it, Ajitesh! Get away from here before we
Indian experience, pleasing everyone in the house. call the police,” it was Neha’s father, and next to
A week later, Neha’s father got his long-overdue him was Ashok.
promotion. “But, uncle!” Ajitesh protested.
Neha happened to tell Ajitesh about her “No one wants you here. Don’t return here for
experience and her father’s subsequent promotion. your own good,” said Ashok.
He immediately slapped her and walked away in a Ajitesh conceded defeat. He hung his head in
huff. shame and went back to his car without uttering a
Consumed by jealousy and rage, Ajitesh took an word.
air-rifle and a boxful of metal pellets and drove Neha then turned back to her father and Ashok,
down to Road No. 33. On reaching the ridge there, and said, “I am sorry it took me so long to realise
he immediately began shooting at the monkeys with the love both of you have for me. But it was better
deadly accuracy. By the time the pellets in the box late than never.”
got exhausted, nine monkeys lay dead and dozens Neha’s father watched as he put her hand in Ashok’s.
were injured. “So, when is the engagement?” he asked.
The next day, the news of Ajitesh’s cruel deed “In a week, definitely,” said Neha.
spread throughout Diamond Colony. That evening All three of them smiled and went into Neha’s
the gym instructor and a couple of nature lovers filed home in bliss. We

78 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

Fashionista
opens two
centres
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School of Fashion
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the launch of its
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Jesse Randhawa, Neetu Pavan Manikatalia, Managing
Director and emceed by famous Vandana Vadhera.
The show exhibited works of the very talented
Fashionista Students from Fashion Design Department.
They worked on various themes like Punk, Street Wear
and Red Carpet under the Guidance of Abdul Halder.
In the panel of Fashionista’s Celeb Faculties, it was a
wonderful gesture by Abdul, to extend his hand of help
to guide our students for materialising their concepts.
Punk Collection, designed for men, is experimental in
its style. Vanica, Ankush and Chandni, were the designer
students behind it. Another collection Street Wear was
designed by very talented students namely Abhay
Malhotra, Pallavi Agarwal, Meetu Jain and Mukesh
Sharma. The kitsch look that models were given added
the oomph factor to the runway.
Fashionista came up with this Fashion Show, to
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 QA &
Q&
I find that my daughter is always
comparing our home with that of her
friends and ours is never good
enough. I want her to understand the
concept of living within means. How
can I do that without sermonising all
the time?
Although you have not written the
age of your daughter, presuming that
she is over 15 years of age, try to
make her participate in prioritising of
expenses. Only by respecting the
process of selecting the manner in
which money is spent can she under-
stand the concept of spending and
saving from one’s income. It will be
difficult but it is achievable.
My children are very fond of reading
and have a good command of
A
English. Recently when their grand-
parents visited I realised that they
can barely converse in Hindi. I feel
guilty, what should I do?
Quite simple really – ask your
parents and those of your husband to
spend more time with your children.
There are some Hindi publications as
well – select the ones right for their
age. Command of the mother tongue
is desirable and they will be as fluent in
Hindi as they are in English.
I find that my brother’s wife pushes
her young children to be great
achievers and recently told my
brother that my way of bringing up
children is wrong. I am very upset,
should I confront her?
There is nothing to be gained by
confrontation except maybe losing
your brother’s confidence and
82
support. We all do parenting in the
way we believe and you are doing
what you believe is best for your child
as surely your sister-in-law is doing.
Extremity of any kind, pushing the
child or not controlling their
behaviour, can be equally wrong.
My sister is married into a very rich
business family whereas my husband
is not doing well. I feel my sister looks
down on me and our lifestyle. How do
I tell her that I am happy?
Your sister is probably equating
money with happiness. You have to
clear the air if you feel that she is
looking down on you for lack of
money. But before talking to her,
ensure that you are not imagining
something which is not there. Ask
yourself and ask her a few leading
questions and you will know.
We have been
married for eight
years. I used to surf
the porn sites but it
meant nothing. When
my wife confronted me, I told her
that it was exciting but not
perverting. She asked me to stop
and I totally stopped. I now find
that my wife is addicted to these
sites and that’s what she does all
day, neglecting our children and
her work.
You will have to speak to your
wife just as she confronted you.
There can be no secrets between
a husband and wife. Communi-
cation is the only key. Maybe she
is lacking something in her sex life
and is trying to fulfil that space.
Together you can overcome this
malaise of modern society.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
My husband and I got
divorced because he was
a bisexual. We decided
not to tell our son who
was three at the time.
Now he is 10 and we
have still not told him. He
thinks his father lives in
another city, so that is why they meet
once a month. What is the right
course of action? How do I tell him?
At the age of 10 he is still too
young to comprehend the details of
bisexuality. However, not telling him
about your divorce is not right. Yet
you have to follow your heart when it
comes to the right time to tell such
news to the child.
I never had a girlfriend and got
married to somebody my age,
selected by my parents. She also had
no experience of sex but says I have
no sexual skills and that I cannot
even kiss properly. What do I do and
how can she be so sure I am wrong
when she knows no better?
You are obviously stressed by the
situation. Maybe you lack some tricks
but they are easily learnt. Of course,
it is possible that your wife’s perce-
ption is wrong and she is imaging
lovemaking as seen in Hindi films.
You can watch blue films together or
read an instruction guide (foreign
ones are much better).
My husband is like two
men in one body. He is a
per fect gentleman in
public but the moment we
are alone, he taunts and
harasses me. Nobody
believes me. What can I
do?
Your efforts should be focused on
making him see his ways and not to
make people believe how bad he is
when you are alone with him. A split
personality like that implies that he
wants to be accepted by people and
relatives but there is some reason
that he gets sadistic pleasure in
torturing you.
You have to take some sort of
stand before it gets worse and you
could consult a psychiatrist if you are
unable to handle it.
 Vidya Balan won Best Actress

B O M B A Y F I L M D O M
Award in Paa.
films with Vidya Balan (of Lage Raho
Munabhai fame) in mind, this writer
had wondered if this relative
newcomer was really so talented. But
she has proved that she is. She won
the Best Actress Award for her
performance in Paa at the function
mentioned above. Congrats Vidya.

A believer in taking up challenges,

67-year-old Amitabh Bachchan
has done full justice to the character
of a 13-year-old Auro in Paa. No
wonder, therefore he walked away
with the Best Actor Award of the 16th
Annual Screen awards at a lavish
programme in Mumbai.

A t the same function, several other

awards were also announced.
Three Idiots directed by Raj Kumar
Hirani was adjudged the best film.
Aamir Khan plays one of the key
roles.

A
fter the grievances of hockey
players of India that they were
not being paid their well-deserved
dues, Shah Rukh Khan expressed
his sympathy with them. You may
wonder what’s the connection
between hockey players and Shah
Rukh? He had played a hockey
coach in Chak De India, a super hit
film. Meanwhile hockey players’
complaint has been taken care of.
Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots.
T hanks to growing friendly relations
between them and their families,
reportedly Shah Rukh Khan has
agreed to play a brief, but important,
negative role in a sequal to Krish
planned by Rakesh Roshan. Dipika
Padukone has already been finalised
for the female lead. It hardly needs
any reaffirmation that Krish was a
super-hit.

W hen director Sujoy Ghosh said

recently that he wrote his next
Amitabh Bachchan got Best Actor Award
for his role in Paa.
S hahid Kapoor who took a few
giant steps ahead in his film
career with his performance in
Kaminey is mentally prepared to tie

84 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

the knot. He gave a hint of this in a
programme given as a reality show
titled Lift Karade.
Z aayed Khan is playing a brief but
important role in Sajid
Nadiadwala’s film titled Anjana
Anjani. Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka
Chopra are already shooting for the
film in America. It’s Zaayad’s role
which gives the crucial twist in the
climax of the film.
O ne cannot help wondering what
prompted Salman Khan to issue
a statement reaffirming that while he
cannot guarantee that he would be a
good husband, he is sure of being a
good father, and that he considers
marriage an important duty. Good to
know that from Salman himself.
S ome duos (twosomes) like Salim-
Javed (as writers) and Shankar
Jaikishen (as music directors) have
done extremely well in Bombay
filmdom. Now it seems to be the turn
of Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj (as a
lyricist and music director). Proof?
The songs of Ishqia are becoming
very popular. The title of the film may
well be the brainwave of Gulzar, a
good poet himself.
A bhishek Bachchan’s debut as a
producer with Paa has been well
worth it. Directed by R. Balki, the film
was completed with a budget of
approximately Rs 15 crore, has got
his dad, Amitabh, yet another Best
Actor Award.
Salman Khan.
A bhishek plays a politician in Paa
and politicians generally wear
spotless khadi clothes (never mind if
some of them are not spotless
themselves). Believe it or not, to
make sure that Abhishek donned
spotless white attire, the director, R.
Balki, ordered as many as ten sets
of the same costume!
Producer Abhishek with dad in Paa.
A n adage says, ‘act in haste and
repent at leisure’. Probably that’s
what Nandita Das (actor-turned
director with Firaq) did when she
plunged into her first marriage, which
turned out to be a sour experience.
She has got married again. We
earnestly hope (and pray) that this
time it turns out to be a sweet
experience.
P oliticians knocked at the door of
film industry once again asking
for ‘star-power’ to woo voters in the
Ellenabad constituency in Sirsa.
While Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty
canvassed for INLD candidate, Raj
Babbar supported the Congress
candidate. Dutt was heard shouting
Ellenabad niwasion ko Munnabhai ka
salaam. Let’s see who wins?
I n a free and democratic
country like India, everyone is
entitled to express his or her
opinion on anything. While the
jury for the 16th Screen Awards
has selected 3 Idiots as the best
film, an army officer considers it
‘outrageous rubbish’. Of course,
cinegoers are the ultimate judges.
Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra
in Anjana Anjani.
W hile former ‘Dream Girl’ Hema
Malini reigned supreme for
almost a decade, her daughter
Esha’s career just refuses to move
ahead. What can you say except
Naseeb Apna Apna? Remember a
film was also made with this title
almost a decade ago.
A jay Devgon is not only a
successful actor today, he has
turned a producer too! Producer
Dinesh Patil told this writer that when
he decided to give a break to Ajay,
some prophets of doom told me that I
was backing the wrong horse, but
going by instinct that he would make
it, I gave him a break and he did
make it. All The Best produced by
Ajay has been well received.
D ame Luck’s darling Deepika
Padukone who started her film
career with a hit film Om Shanti Om
has just started shooting for Ashutosh
Gowarikar’s film Khelein Hum Jee
Jaan Se with Abhishek Bachchan.
D amn good news for beautiful
young girls, including actresses
who want to get married: two
handsome actors – Shahid Kapoor
(of Jab We Met and Kaminey fame)
and Vivek Oberoi have decided to tie
the knot.
W hile promoting their starrer 3
Idiots, Aamir Khan and
his team used every gimmick
to attract cinegoers to cinema
houses: they pasted unique
Amitabh Bachchan with Dharmendra
at the Lions Gold Awards function.
stickers on rickshaws plying on
streets that read: “Capacity: 3 Idiots”!
I magine what a wonderful feeling of
joy Shah Rukh Khan must have had
to read that he is one of the most
influential muslim in the world today
alongwith music director A. R.
Rehman!
W hile talking of Aamir Khan and
Shah Rukh Khan, let’s not
forget the first Khan, Yusuf Khan i.e.
Dilip Kumar. Guess how does the
thespian spend his time in the
evening of life? He reads a good
deal, plays tennis and enjoys an
evening walk with a friend or two.
Esha’s
stagnant
career.
Deepika
Padukone
with
Abhishek
in ‘Khelein
Hum Jee
Jaan Se’!
K atrina Kaif’s decision to work
hereafter with heroes on the ‘A’
list only is uncalled for. It can mean
denial of opportunity to relatively new
but talented young actors. After all,
she was also a new entrant at one
time and heroes on the ‘A’ list, like
Akshay Kumar, agreed to work with
her in Namaste London. What do you
say, Kat?
G ood old memories and nostalgia
marked the recent meeting of
Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra
at the Lions Gold Awards function in
Mumbai. When Sholay was being
planned, Dharmendra was finalised
first and reportedly, Amitabh went to
the jat hero to put in a word for him to
Ramesh Sippy for the second male
lead. Both gave an excellent account
of themselves in the black buster film.
T
here is no exaggeration
whatsoever if we say that the
Bachchans will always cherish the
moments when Amitabh passed on
the trophy to son Abhishek for
making a splendid debut as a
producer with Paa (as part of 16th
Screen Awards), the film which got
for him yet another Best Actor Award!
D estiny has its own strange ways
of dealing with us mortals. While
Rajendra Kumar was nicknamed
Jubilee Kumar because many of his
starrers turned out to be jubilee hits,
his son Bunty remained one film
wonder. – Deepak Puri
Katrina Kaif’s
decision is
uncalled for not
working with
newcomers.

H
The festival of colour across India. By Deepali Nandwani
oli, the most spectacular
festival celebrated in India,
makes its grand entry in the
month of Phagun heralding
the entry of the beautiful,
balmy spring season and an
effective exit of the dry and
cold winter season. As this
colourful festival signifies a
triumph of good over evil,
people of all communities come
together to rejoice, trying to leave
behind all their in-between enmities.
Zealous children and elders are seen
roaming around, looking as
unrecognisable as ever with
unbelievable variety of colours of
pink, violet, maybe orange and
green, smudged on their faces, arms,
neck, feet and – surprise surprise,
the teeth too.
Everybody can be seen running
around or trying to hide from the
colourful water squirts, in their
clothes blotched with patches of dry
and wet colours that were splashed
on to them. The culprits may have
been our very lovable pichkaris or the
small water balloons available in
delightful colours. Ouch! Mind you,
they really do hit hard. Shop vendors
have a gala time as they display the
plenty of colours and gulal and also
the pichkaris of various shapes and
sizes. May it be a gun or a huge
dolphin or any others, they are seen
hanging in abundance at the
entrances of the shops to attract
attention.
As the trees show off their new
formed lush, green leaves and look
88
THE GAIETY
& COLOURS
OF HOLI
splendid with freshly-blossomed,
beautifully – coloured flowers,
spreading a distinctive air of romance
all around. The woman nationwide
show their skills in an attempt to join
hands with nature, by decorating the
entrances to their homes with richly
varied patterns of rangoli in bright
colours.
Come, let us take a look at some
of the exciting ways in different states
of India as they celebrate this
colourfully-spirited festival.
UTTAR PRADESH
Mathura aur Vrindavan ki holi:
As one thinks of holi, the first place
that comes to mind is of course the
Vraj bhoomi, the place where Krishna
is believed to have spent his
childhood. Immediately, one is
reminded of the divine love between
the playful chitchor Kanha and his
consort Radharani. The story that
goes around here is that, Kanaha
always complained to his mother
Yashoda about his dark complexion
whereas the gopis and Radha were
fair. She laughed at him and one day
asked him to colour her face with any
colour, just in fun.
Since then, this festival has been
celebrated here as the symbol of
love. The Holi here goes on for
around two weeks till the day of
rangpanchami arrives. People go
around singing Radha-Krishna
bhajans in full masti and enthusiasm
colouring everyone around.
We, of course, cannot miss the
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
mention of the boisterous lathmaar
holi that is celebrated with a lot of
cheer and joy at Barsana, the birth
place of Radharani. Women here are
seen in big groups with large
ghunghats on their faces carrying big
sticks, to hit the men as they try and
shield themselves and also throw
colour on them. All this is in a spirit of
pure fun and joy as side by side they
sing bhajans in the typical Braj
language and punish the men who
retaliate by making them wear female
clothes and dance around. Then,
there is the flower Holi too in which
the whole of Vrindavan’s population
is seen showering everyone around
with flowers. To be seen here other
than the Holi of all temples, is the
gulal kund Holi at Braj where Holi
goes on for almost the full year with
small children enacting the scenes of
Kanha and his pastimes.
Saade Punjab di holi: One day
ahead is celebrated here as the
chhoti Holi and days ahead the kids
are seen roaming around with water
pistols in their hands wetting the
place wherever they go, as
sheepishly they call aloud “holi hai”.
The houses emit the fragrance of
yummy carrot halwa or kheer or
sweetmeats made with mava. Some
houses make the ghujias too. Big
glasses of lassi are gulped down by
people, sometimes laced with bhang
too.
Sikhs here celebrate the special
ʻHolla mohallaʼ. Dressed in long,
deep-blue tunics and turbans they go
around as a spectacular affair
showing their skills in martial arts,
wrestling, swords and shields and
spears, impressing everyone around.
Holi in Bengal: Lovingly known
here as the basant utsav or the
dolyatra, this marks the last festival of
the Bengali year. One can hear loud
bhajans dedicated to Radhe and
Krishna. People put abeer (colour) on
all around and there is a distribution
of prasadam in extravagance.
Kolkata’s streets are thronged with
large numbers of people, seen
amidst different colours flying in the
air.
Dol purnima or the swing festival
is celebrated here with great joy as
the images of Radha and Krishna
are seated in decorated swings and
are made to roam around the
streets with people singing the
bhajans aloud. As the women
dance around swings, people
surrounding them throw colours on
them. Dishes, which may spread
their mouthwatering fragrance all
around, may be malpoas, basanti
sandesh or the kheer sandesh.
Holi in Gujarat: Celebrations here
start with the lighting of the bonfire
of Holika and offerings of khoya,
sugar toys, coconut and corn. Then
people apply tilak and hug each other
on this very lively festival. Images of
goddess Gauri are made out of the
leftover ashes from the bonfire by the
unmarried girls. It is a custom here
to break earthen pots filled with
buttermilk. Big huge human pyramids
are made to reach the handi even as
people surrounding them throw huge
amounts of coloured water on them
to hinder their smooth performance.
The Bhogorian festival here,
celebrated in some tribal-dominated
areas also attracts a lot of tourists as
it is celebrated with sheer joy and
cheer.
Holi in Rajasthan: Here, the
celebrations match the excitement of
that of Vrindavan, as there are a
large number of people whose
devotion is to Radha and Krishna.
Gulal and kumkum can be seen flying
around or scattered on the road in
patches as people in multicoloured
attire, go around dancing and singing
giving performances of the raslila,
reminding one of the immortal love
shared between the Radha and
Krishna. The royals also come out in
the open these days to celebrate the
lovely spirit of colour.
One famous Holi here is dolchi collected dry leaves and the wood of
holi of Bikaner which some the araad and the redi tree and cakes
communities have been celebrating made out of cow dung (pathiyan).
for several years by throwing water There are loud sounds of the dhol
on each other’s backs from specially vibrating in the air as people sing folk
designed vessels know as dolchi. songs intoxicating themselves with
bhang and bhang pakoras or
thandai, a tasty preparation of milk.
Manipur: The flavour of Holi
here is enjoyed with people seen
toying with gulal and dancing
around in Lord Krishna’s temples,
in traditional white and yellow
turbans. Cultural programmes take
the lead, even as huge
processions are taken out to Lord
Krishna’s temple.
Maharashtra: Burning of Holika
is the main custom here and is
Orissa holi: Here also, dol known as the shimga. The dish puran
purnima is celebrated with Lord poli wins hands down on this day,
Jagannatha’s images being taken in with children screaming in glee Holi
palanquins and people singing re holi, puranachi Holi. In Mumbai,
bhajans aloud and throwing colour on the Bollywood holi is a different affair
each other. Lord Jagannath’s temple altogether with various types of
is heavily decorated and looks parties with huge tubs of colour laid
beautiful. out in the lawns and all celebrities
roaming around sprawled in a variety
Bihar ma holi: It is known as of colours and clearly enjoying
phagwa here and is celebrated with themselves amidst the loud music
great gusto. The bonfire is lit with being played. We
Statement of ownership and other particulars about
WOMAN’S ERA
FORM IV, See Rule 8
1. Place of publication: New Delhi. 2. Periodicity of publication:
Fortnightly. 3, 4, & 5 Printer’s, Publisher’s, and Editor’s Name: Paresh
Nath. Nationality: Indian, Address: E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-55.
6. Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners
or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital: Delhi
Press Patra Prakashan Pte. Ltd., E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-55.
I, Paresh Nath, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to
the best of my knowledge and belief.
Sd. Paresh Nath, Publisher.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 89
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Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 91

 A FASCINATING
ARTISTIC JOURNEY
“Mini pots in a heap means that everything on this earth will
return to earth in the cycle of life,” says the artist.
T
he art journey of this shy,
soft-spoken and committed
artist spans the three cities
of Delhi , Jodhpur and Leh,
in the Ladakh district of the
state of Jammu and
Kashmir. Inspired by the
works of the miniature
painters of his home state of
Rajasthan, Meghwal took to
painting like a devotee to his Lord.
On that circuit, he met a Dutch
traveller who influenced him to try his
hand at painting the landscape of the
Ladakh region and thus Meghwal
included it in his painting journey.
When in need of materials and a
gallery to display his art, he came to
Delhi and to Rang Art Gallery , from
where the unusual but fascinating
journey into art began for him.
Despite your liking for miniature
art, you have not been doing work
in that style. Why?
I am by and large a self-taught
artist who has picked up skills from
studying the great masters of Europe.
I have also studied several other
books on Indian art with the aim of
acquiring knowledge on art and
painting. I also observed people at
work, depended on my memories of
artists and works and began to
discover my talents. Finally, I
received formal training in Tibetan
folk art painting, also known as Druk
art, when I went to Ladakh.
How did the Druk style of
painting affect your own art style?
Besides the style of using the
92
By Subhra Majumdar
moulded for his needs. The
household pot, I felt, held in its centre
so many household stories because
it has been witness to so many
generations of life amidst us. I felt
that this was the ideal way to depict a
symbolic concept and ever since
then, I have been painting pots in
various forms, settings and ideations.
What was the reception of the
galleries and viewers when they
first saw your works?
It was at Rang Art gallery of Delhi
(www.rangartgallery.com), Ph No.
9811078742 that I got the most
heartening response. Thereafter, I
have painted more than 200 works
with this theme and Rang Gallery’s
brush and paints, I also imbibed the patrons are very satisfied with my art
philosophy of Buddhism. I realised hung on their walls. Also, the owner
the tremendous power of Silence, not Kapil, has gone out of his way to
as an empty space but as a span of promote my artistry and on my part, I
life filled with serenity, peace and the have made sure that I work at the
higher thoughts. It influenced my
paintings and instead of going
outdoors and capturing the beauty of
the rocky scenery of Ladakh, my
mind began to conceive art works
depicting the form of Shunya.
How did you depict this concept
through art?
I was drawn to the idea of the
earthen pot. The
shape of the pot
suggests a circle
or shunya. It is
also made of
primeval earth, the
oldest material
that mankind
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 93

orders he procures with single-minded
devotion. I sometimes spend 14 hours
without a break to work on a painting
and even forget hunger, thirst and rest
when I am working on one of the
works for him. His interaction creates
a sense of positivism in me and I
thrive on it.
Which is the most popular work
on matkas that you have done?
The work entitled Kumbh Snaan(
Bathing at the Kumbh) is my best
work. It depicts a collection of small
pots in an unbaked bleached mud
colour, as if waiting to go into the fire.
The pots lie in different directions in
an untidy heap, as if they signify a
new life emerging from the earth.
Above this heap are an arrangement
of life-size matkas that are reaching
towards a clear blue sky. The pots
are perfectly created and are the
embodiment of the Shunya concept.
94
They rise above the mundane heap
at the bottom and symbolise the state
of oblivion achieved through intense
meditation, dedication and service.
They are the highest state of human
thought and action and their floating
in the air is because they have no
pressures to pull them down to basic
living and its concerns.
Why are mini pots placed in a
heap usually in your paintings?
This is to show that
the miniature pot is what
conceals the central
point of energy. As yet
it is struggling to climb
out of the everyday
existence and climb to
higher goals. It also
means that everything
on this earth will return
to earth in the cycle of
life. Their character is
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
still unformulated unlike the larger
well-baked pots, that are bursting
to break all bonds, and explode in
that state of shunya or Non-Being.
What kind of colour palette
do you prefer?
Although I paint pots, I do not
always stick to a rigid realistic
colour scheme. My paintings also
have a non-real aspect and so my
colours are made to evoke the
power of energy rather than imitate
nature. The blue surroundings in
the work are positivism and they
appear in all my works because I
like my viewer to vibe with my art.
Which painter has inspired you
the most?
Although I am inspired by the
Masters of the Renaissance in
Europe , my inspiration is from the
artist Satish Gujral. I have learnt a lot
from him, and followed his works
through the various stages. I often
study his works in books and never
tire of seeing the paintings images
over and over again. For me this
artist is the true
Vishwakarma because
he can paint, sculpt and
make installations with
equal ease and each
exhibition of his art
means a new phase in
his art career.
What is the next
thing you will paint?
Perhaps after this
series, I will paint a
series of Buddhist icons in the
Tibetan style. I may also concentrate
on the idea of the release of the
supreme Energy within us and paint
a series of pots set in a dry terrain
where a seed pod will be emerging
from a pot, in that arid landscape.
All this is something that I still
spend nights thinking over and
nothing has yet materialised…in the
meantime I continue to struggle,
making sure that I never paint the
same thing again and strive to come
out with a new feeling from my pots
at every new exhibition I display my
works. We

Q&
I am 28 years old and married. My
problem is that I get recurrent pelvic
infections. I am afraid I may get
cancer. Please advise.
Your fears are well founded.
Repeated infections of the pelvis is
one of the factors responsible for
causing carcinoma of the genitalia in
females. I see no reason why your
pelvic infection cannot be treated
properly.
A
If you follow the advice of your
doctor correctly there is no reason
why you should not be cured.
I am 25 years old and suffer from
attacks of allergy. I have tried many
methods but to no avail. Please
help.
Allergy is one problem which is
very difficult to manage. A person
may be allergic to the food he or she
takes (e.g. egg, fish, bananas)
perfume, clothes – especially
synthetic) household dust, flowers
and hair from pet animals
In fact the list is endless. You can
be allergic to anything on this earth.
Best would be to maintain a diary in
which you record your daily activities
and see what is responsible for
causing allergy.
I am 35 years old, obese and mother
of two kids. I have suffered from
diabetes for the last five years. My
problem is that I get repeated skin
infections. Any injury also takes a
long time to recover. Please help.
Diabetics are notorious for getting
repeated infections. Sometimes it
occurs when diabetes is not under
control. You have to be very careful
about getting infections. Any mild
infection must be treated promptly
under medical guidance. Poor
diabetes control always worsens the
Q
condition. So be careful.
I am 35 years old. My breasts are of
average size. I consulted a surgeon
who advised me to go in for surgery
which I do not want. Please help.
There are many artificial ways by
which a women’s breasts can be
made to look bigger. Nature helps
only to some extent. Best for you
would be to take good nutritious food
(high-class proteins, milk, fish, eggs,
poultry etc.) and do exercises which
strengthen your pectoral muscles on
which the breasts rest. A slight
Q
massage will also be helpful.
I am 25 years and unmarried. Sadly I
have to admit that I indulge in sex
with my boyfriend. Recently I got
infected and was diagnosed to be
suffering from the papilloma virus
infection. Please help.
What you have got is as a result of
sexual contact. I presume it was an
unprotected sex act. Best for you
would be to take adequate treatment
and avoid any future source of
infection. Women who repeatedly
suffer from this type of infection are
more liable to suffer from carcinoma
Q
of the cervix.
I am 22 years old and employed in a
multinational. My problem is that I
have too many boyfriends. I also
indulge in sex with them. But
sometimes I get afraid about whether
I may get some deadly disease.
Please help.
Your are treading on a very
dangerous path. Sex with too many
people at this age is nothing short of
promiscuous behaviour. You are
liable to get infected with many
sexually transmitted diseases.
Even AIDS and HIV infection can
also occur. So desist from your
wayward ways. Get yourself
examined by your doctor and if there
is any infection you should get it
Q
treated promptly.
I am 40 years old and mother of two
kids. Five years ago a swelling
appeared on my left breast which on
biopsy turned out to be a benign
growth. Now another swelling
has appeared on my breast. On
biopsy it again turned out to be a
benign growth. I am worried. Please
help.
Appearance of swellings on your
breasts requires special attention. It
would be better if you go for
mammography to exclude any other
lesion in your breast. Moreover a
regular check-up will be required at
frequent intervals to detect the
Q
appearance of any untoward growth.
I am 28 years old and had a
miscarriage last year. I am getting
repeated attacks of acute pain in the
upper part of my abdomen
accompanied by vomiting. Whenever
I get the attack, my limbs become
very cold. Please help.
From the description given in
your letter it appears that you are
getting attacks of acute pancreatitis
affecting a small organ situated in
the upper part of the abdomen. I
presume that you are not fat and
also not suffering from inflammation
of the gall bladder, the two conditions
which predispose a woman to suffer
from this disease. What you suffer
from cannot be ignored. I am sure
your doctor is taking care of your
problem by proper investigations.
— Dr S. N. Khosla, MD.
Readers are invited to send in any health
and medical queries they would like to be
answered. Woman’s Era will provide
answers to your questions and offer
solutions to your problems. Individual
replies cannot be sent. Address your letters
(neatly written on white paper) to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com
 “Revelation is not
just for unfolding the
hidden things but to
educate and inform
us,” says the artist.
Our Correspondent

THE MATTER OF
COMMUNICATION IN ART

A
n unorthodox is the most society’s entire life and later the
mum person in this chaotic society gets the healing, poured by
world as he finds no one to those – labelled out of track persons
listen to his words that of that time.
show the mirror of man and A conscious person close to heart
society. Society frames understands meaning and purpose of
rules that become tradition life well. Artist Bijan Paul is too
and puts restrictions – what feeling the heat due to speaking his
to do and what not to do, heart rather than mind. Proving his
although the rules or talent and uniqueness in the field of
restrictions are introduced by the art for more than 30 years hasn’t
same mind of people – unorthodox. been easy. He went through many
They feel the heat of apartness in ups and downs in his work-time but
never compromised on the matters
he wanted to communicate.
Bijan Paul Paul says, “There are many
Birth: 1st January 1958 in Calcutta precious and important matters that
Ph: 09871182009 require to be discussed for settling
Solo shows: down outcomes of
1981: Paris, 1986: London, miscommunication, misunder -
1981: Home Stores (Art Division) standing or non-understanding. But
(Telok Karau, Singapore) we don’t talk about the problem and it
2007: Art in CANAN Road, has become a secret in our lives. So
New Mexico, we ought to reveal this secret and
Group shows: understand how it affects us.”
1980: London, 1982: Canada, Secrecy is like an invisible worm
1983: Japan, 1985: Germany. that grows up inside us and bugs
2000-2008: First International silently, gradually. Truth must not be
Conference South Asian Artist, hidden whether it is with good or bad
focusing on “Capacity Building of face. Bijan utilises canvas as the
Marginalised Women and widows platform to reveal the secrecy of life
in February 2002. which we don’t ponder upon. He
unfolds his experience and
 At nature’s doorstep.

Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 97

experiments on canvas and the
canvas unfolds the same with various
colours for communicators.
Revelations inform, educate, and
open doors to look beyond the
boundaries of trends and
commonness. Every discovery
throws new outcome but it is we who
are responsible for the outcome for
good or bad purpose. Revelations of
secrecy is a discovery that lets us
mull over the hidden matters. If we
haven’t opened our heart to others in
true sense yet then it is now a duty of
our conscious mind to mull over the
matter and endeavour to see the
hidden soft world of ourselves. The
soft and hard both entities are in
everyone. The need is to look and
open our soft world that has plenty
of energy and kindness. Through this
vision we can look inwards and open
for humanity.
Bijan Paul starts doing the new
after the completion of the last. After
a long and successful series of
realism works on ‘Banjaras’, Paul
now began a new journey of abstract
art on ‘Secrecy of life’ theme.
An excerpt from talk with Bijan
Paul on his long experience in art
world:
How has been your art journey?
It’s long and will end never
98
because it dictates me to
do more and more. Art
world is an ocean and a
human mind can’t cover
the stretch of the world.
Since childhood I am in
this world with mind and
soul and will be till the
end. I don’t know where I
would be after five years
but one thing is sure that
I will be in the same
world because art has given different
understandings that let me see the
surroundings with different
connotations. I am satisfied with my
art passion and profession.
What are the changes and
developments you see in your
recent works in comparison to 10
year-old works?
It’s you not me to point the
changes. But I know on what
parameters I have developed my
standard of art. Actually practice
makes one perfect. I have been
practising and still not perfect. I
worked on Banjaras and made
realistic paintings on them depicting
their simple and pure lifestyle. Now, I
am doing abstracts and working on
secrecy of life theme. So by this way
I have been living in different forms of
art and technically improving by the
time. But the senses that see the
matter with different angles are intact
in me. However the pictures I used
to realise at tender age was more
clear and pure.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
What about latest of works?
Secrecy of life is the theme I am
working on present time. In more
than 50 years of my life many
experiences are stored in my bag of
memory. I have seen people ignoring
or not taking the matters that do
matter. I have felt too in my life that I
couldn’t tell the things that can be
sorted out in communication. But I
didn’t communicate and now feeling
the absence of that. So I chose
colours, brush, finger and canvas to
unveil the secrecy what are common
in society.
What is the significance of
revelations of secrecy?
Revelation is not just for
unfolding the hidden things
but it is to educate and
inform us. At least if one
knows what matter haunts
in hidden form the guy will
try to get rid of that.
A developed mind
requires knowing all things
including bad and good but
not wrong.
If one’s gratitude
towards another is taken in wrong
sense then the first must understand
it however expressing gratitude
continuously.
What is difference between
Bijan in tender and Bijan in
matured age?
Bijan was very happy as he hadn’t
known what is around in true sense
but now he tries to get happiness by
ignoring the material nature in true
sense. However some moments
were really very unforgettable in my
life like seeing Picasso in real time
at the age of seven in London and
my grandparents’ lulls.
Your message to budding
artists?
Let the things come in your mind
naturally. Don’t try to bend the things
that emerge in heart and keep
working; then you will know the
technique well to present your pure
ideas in pure form. After all,
continuous practice leads towards
perfection. We
 THE moment a man breathes his

R. S. Prakash
last, his body weight is expected to
be less by 21 gm. Hence, the weight
of the athma is said to be only 21 gm!
E. L. Indranath has assumed
responsibility for the story,
screenplay, music and direction
besides appearing in the lead role in
Uriyin Vilai 21 gm. He is a former
student of the Film Institute. Veteran
Malayalam actor Thilagan is playing
a vital role in the film. The theme
sketches the lifestyles of those who
lead an endangered life. Manian
Pradeep is the music scorer. Raj
Selva is the cinematographer.

SOME personalities associated with

the artworld – both the screen and
the stage – have always exhibited a
unique passion for education-related
purposes. The Calibre Academy
Education Foundation started by
Madhuvanthi Arun (who is the
NATIONAL award-winning director daughter of the popular stage and
Bala is currently busy with Avan- screen actor, Y. G. Mahendra) has in
Evan which has Vishal and Arya in its history, forged some dynamic
the lead roles. Newcomer Janani Iyer partnerships, both on the national
is the heroine. Ambika, Jayaprabha and international front. The
and Ananda Vaidyanathan are also forerunner to all these has been its
in the main cast. Yuvan Shankar partnership with Edward Richardson
KALAIGNAR TV has always willingly Raja is the music scorer. Arthur A. Primary School at Lincolnshire in the
come forward to showcase serials Wilson is handling the camera. While U. K. The partnership was first
that have a realistic setting and feel. renowned writer, S. Ramakrishnan encouraged by the British Council
Vaadagai Veedu presented by Sri has penned the dialogue. Bala through the exchange grant and
Kamakshi Vision is the channel’s handles the story, screenplay and support by the council through the
latest offering, the theme of which direction. curriculum grant as a part of the
revolves around the problems of
middle-class people who mostly
dream about happiness but suffer in
reality. This serials speaks about 10
families that live inside a compound
in Chennai. The owner of the house
is living in Singapore. Reddiar who
lives there, make everyone believe
that he is the owner! Afsar, Murali,
Deepa Venkat, Santhoshi and others
have a lot of problems. The story
sketches their plight and their
courage to overcome them. The
serial which is aired between 12 noon
and 12.30 p.m. has music by S.P.
Venkatesh and veteran playback
singer S. P. Balasubramaniyam has
rendered the title song. M.
Venkatesh, who has directed several
serials for several channels, has
handled the screenplay and direction.

100 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010


Global School Project. Thanks to the
support and dedication of the
teachers from both the countries, it
has reached a rewarding third year
and is ready to set and achieve loftier
goals. Says Madhuvanthi, “We have
been working on forging partnerships
in specialised fields and will soon be
announcing our partners in the fields
of technology and design as well as
arts and art-education.”
SAYS director Madhumita who is
back with a comic caper Kola Kolaya
Mundhirika, this movie will be on the
lines of Bunty Aur Bubli and Mr and
Mrs Smith, not adapted from any.
Nariya Nariya Sutti Vaa is a game
which we played as children.
When people come to watch my
movie, I want them to remember
their childhood and have a smile
on their lips. Also, this movie is
about the hero, heroine and three
villains searching for a treasure.
So, Kola Kolaya is an apt title for
the comic movie.
THOUGH her first film in Tamil this
year, Kutty hasn’t exactly set the
boxoffice on fire, Shriya Sharan
seems to be moving on steadily in
her chosen career path and in
Jaggubhai which has just hit the
screens, she plays Sarath Kumar’s
102
daughter and the narration has been
set in Australia. Says Shriya,
“Jaggubhai is a movie that is very
close to my heart as it deals with
dad-daughter relationships. I have
played Monisha in the film, who is a
spoiled brat, a bit too loud bordering
on the obnoxious and who is a also
onto drugs, etc. As I know nobody
around who has these characteristics
doing the role was a challenge and it
was a journey of exploration with
destination unknown!”
JUST like commercial pot boilers,
offbeat flicks too seem to have
caught the fancy of Tamil film-goers.
Kathai, a recent release is one such
attempt, written and directed by
Abishek, the television actor-turned-
filmmaker. The story sketches the
plight of a celebrated writer who
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
possesses psychic characteristics.
After wooing and marrying a girl who
is a violinist by profession, he makes
her a character in his stories and
turns all his marital experiences into
runaway sellers by getting them
published.
FOLLOWING the success of his
Malai Malai, Arun Vijay commenced
his project Maanja Velu and the actor
is happy about the way it’s shaping
up. Dhanshika of Peraanmai fame is
cast opposite him. A. Venkatesh
directs the film. Veteran actor Karthik
returns to the silver screen after a
gap of five years and he plays Arun’s
brother in the film. Explains Arun,
“Karthik was everyone’s first choice
for that powerful role. When the
director narrated the script to him, he
loved the character and gladly
agreed to do the role.” Prabhu who
teamed up with Arun in Malai Malai is
also cast in an important role. Two
songs of the film have been shot in
picturesque locations in Bangkok.
NARAYAN, a former deputy of
veteran filmmaker Mysskin, is making
his debut though Maalai Pozhudin
Mayakkathile which is being jointly
produced by about 10 assistant
directors, the banner carrying the
name, Team AD Productions (AD -
assistant directors) the entire cast is
new and the screenplay is set around
the happenings on an evening,
justifying the title! Achu is the scorer
and Gopi Amarnath is the
cameraman.
NANDA – Nandhitha has
been produced by the first-
timer banner, Super Team
Cinema Megha. Sundar is
the heroine. She had played
the female lead in the
Kannada remake of the
Dhanush starrer,
Polladhavan. Meghna is the
heroine of Kavithalayaa’s
Krishna Leelai too. Kannada
scorer Ezhil has composed
the music. Ajay Kumar has
penned the story. Ram Shiva
has handled the screenplay,
dialogue and direction. We
TAMIL STARS S P E A K !
OVER THE TOP!
R
egardless of the language,
films that showcase themes on
intimacy attract and arrest the
attention of the viewers instantly.
Stories that sketch the plight of sex-
workers, that too with a sizzling
screenplay, strike a chord
immediately in the minds of film –
goers. K. town’s latest offering is
Andharangam which means intimacy
that deliberates on the life of an
innocent young girl, who after having
been taken for a royal ride by her
lover gets embroiled in the flesh
trade, owing to the force of the
circumstances.
Kamalika, who has acted in a
couple of Bengali and Hindi flicks,
plays the protagonist in this, who are
really and literally dared to bare!
Reveals a source from the unit,
according to whom, the film features
a couple of semi-nude scenes, in
accordance with the demands of the
script (!)
It is understood that the film’s
leading lady did a topless scene
which was canned within the confines
of a posh bungalow in the city,
obviously with a skeleton crew!
THE SCRIPT CALLS THE SHOTS!
T
wo incidents that took place
recently at Kollywood, clearly
proves this point. Film-maker
Vikram Kumar who stunned the Tamil
audience with his sweeping success
story Yaavarum Nalam was
supposed to direct actor Vikram in a
project tentatively titled 24, the
producer being Mohan Natarajan,
who is an actor too. With great
difficulty Ileana was roped in, but the
104
R. Prakash
Initially Kamalika was a bit
reluctant to do the scene but once
the director explained the necessity
of having such a scene in the film,
she agreed to do it and did it,
remarks the source.
J. V. Rakmangadhan, a well-
known Tamil film-maker with about
recent buzz is that as now, Vikram
Kumar has been replaced by
Bhoopathi Pandian, who made
successful films as Devadaiyai
Kandein Thiruvilayadal Arambam
(both with Dhanush) and Malai Kottai
(with Vishal). When probed further it
was learnt that apart from the one-
line theme which Vikram Kumar
narrated, he is yet to come up with a
proper script and Vikram’s call-sheet
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
seven films to his credit as a director
has assumed responsibility for the
story, screenplay, dialogue, music
and direction too. He has also
distributed over 350 films in Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and
Karnataka.
With nearly three decades of
experience in the distribution and
production of films, Rakmangadhan
is presently the president of the Film
and Television Producers Guild of
South India as well as a committee
member in the South Indian Film
Chamber of Commerce. He has
already produced and directed two
films Aval and Avanum Avalum and
both were dubbed into Telugu, Hindi
and Malayalam following their
successful run in Tamil. He is also
an importer of foreign films and has
also marketed them throughout the
country.
He is making this movie in four
languages – Tamil, Telugu,
Malayalam and Hindi.
“Such themes have a global
appeal and language is no barrier,”
says Rakmangadhan who struck gold
with one such earlier venture titled
Ilamai Thudippugal. He is also
contemplating on taking this movie
overseas with suitable sub-titles!
was getting wasted, so now it has
been decided to replace Vikram
Kumar with Bhoopathi Pandian who
rose to the occasion and came up
with a good story idea that was liked
by the team, the schedules are to
start soon.
In the second incident the parting
of ways between director K. V. Anand
(who is credited with 2009’s biggest
hit Ayan) and actor Simbu, owing to
creative difference between them
both regarding the script as well as
the choice of the heroine, has
created a big flutter in the
Tamil industry.
Going by some past
precedent, Simbu has
always exhibited a Karthika, despite the fact that
tendency to interfere in the
work of the director, not
only with reference to the
manner in which the film
has to be made but also in
matter of casting.
Bowled over by Anand’s
script for the project that
was tentatively titled Ko,
Simbu had in fact given him
bulk dates and the
schedules were to
commence in Macau in
China, the location where Harris
Jayaraj the composer, had gone to
create tunes. Initially Tamannaah
was the choice to play the female
lead (Tamannaah had acted in Ayan
along with Suriya, which catapulted
her to big stardom!) but as she has
reportedly demanded a big salary,
she couldn’t be zeroed in and hence
Karthika, the daughter of yesteryear
heroine was roped in.
Simbu, who was reportedly
looking forward to act with
Tamannaah was
disappointed (!) at that. Also,
he was not in favour of
the photo shoot had come up
well! Sources state that Nag
Chaitanya (Nagarjuna’s son)
had an influence on this
decision of Simbu as his film
Josh in which Karthika played
the female lead was a flop.
Nag is doing Simbu’s role in
the Telugu version of
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya.
More so, Simbu had also
reportedly suggested some
changes in the script much to
the displeasure of Anand, who was
so sure of his script that he didn’t
welcome it. Now, Jiiva has come in
place of Simbu and the shooting is
expected to start as scheduled in
China on the scheduled dates!

TAKING THINGS IN STRIDE!
H
aving branched off from a
branch of engineering degree,
to be paired opposite superstar
Rajnikanth in S P Muthuramna’s
Guru Sishyan Gauthami has come
a long way. One interesting feature
that is quite obvious with respect to
her film career is that though she
started it off with Rajnikanth, she
soon turned an all-time favourite of
Kamal Hassan after co-starring with
him in Aboorva Sahodarargal, Devar
Magan, Kurudipunal and Nammavar.
Her special relationship with Kamal
Hassan before and after, the Sarika
era is only too well known.
But then, Gauthami’s inner mental
strength has been truly phenomenal
and not only has she been able to go
ahead with her life despite
shortcomings on her health side but
has also been able to stand out as a
LEARNING TO LAUGH AT ONESELF!
T
amil cinema has certainly come
of age – Tamizh Padam (which
means a Tamil film) released
recently is truly a trend – setting
movie that has dared to do something
which no film-maker has ventured so
far! The film talks elaborately and in
detail about the cliches that are
usually associated with the
screenplay of Tamil films. Also, it
takes a dig at the phenomenon and
process of hero-worship that the
Tamil tinsel town is famous for.
Venkat Prabhu’s Goa too, to a
reasonable extent, could be
categorised in the same genre, as it
also takes a dig at some regular and
oft-repeated cliches of Tamil cinema
that have been in existence since
time immemorial.
C. S. Amudhan, the ad man-
turned-film-maker of Tamizh Padam
can certainly be credited for dishing
out a creditable screenplay that is
nothing but a mirch masala of several
other screenplays that run on
predicable lines, right from the
moment go.
To quote a few anecdotes the
106
source of support not only to Kamal
Hassan but also to his daughters.
Prod her about her best films and
you would find them mostly to be
Kamal films in which she co-starred
besides films as Rudra, Nee Pathi
Naan Paathi, Su Krutham
(Malayalam), etc. Recently, she has
made a foray into the small screen.
When quizzed about the response,
she gets excited. “It has been a
tremendous experience and I have
hero being projected as the sole
savior of the masses, the heroine
falling, head in heels in love with him
by virtue of the fact that she was a
major eyewitness of his noble act of
championing the cause of the needy,
the reel-life friends of the heroes,
who are college-students, whereas in
real-life they belong to an age-group
that would be well beyond that of
retired college professors!
Conversations suddenly breaking into
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
been receiving encomiums from
several quarters for my serial Abirami
aired on Kalaignar TV,” she exclaims.
“As a matter of fact, I used to get
offers from the small screen even
when I was busy with the big screen.
But then time has come just now with
factors like the producers of the serial
being Abirami Ramanathan (of the
Abirami group of theatres) and the
channel making it happen,” she
elaborates.
What draws her to project – big or
small screen?
The script, my character, and the
crew are the factors I consider before
I take up a project.
When it comes to taking things in
stride, Gauthami has always
remained firmly rooted to the ground.
“I have gone through ups and downs
and life keeps on changing, presently, I
am on workouts regularly as I have
realised what it is like to maintain
fitness, she turns philosophical.
duets, taking the challenge of the
heroine and turning into a versatile
dancer overnight (courtesy a book
titled Learn dancing in one night!) the
hero turning into a prince from being a
pauper at the stroke of a finger, all at
the instance of his lover’s dad and
eventually becoming a undercover cop
(after being suspended!) and standing
out as the commissioner at the
penultimate reel... so on and so forth.
No hero of the contemporary
times has been spared, including
character artistes and scenes from
their films have been ripped off and
recycled! Sources state that even the
legends – MGR and Sivaji were not
spared but the seniors in the family of
the makers advised the makers to
remove those scenes! (The film has
been produced by Dayanidhi
Azhagiri, son of Azhagiri who is the
son of Sri M. K. Karunanidhi, the
C. M. of the state!)
But for this fact, the film would not
have been ever released!
Yet, it is no doubt a daring attempt
by the first-time film-maker who has
facilitated Tamil cinema to move on
to the next level. After all, Tamil film-
goers need to learn to laugh at
themselves!

A MESMERISING MUSICAL ALBUM
M
usic is divine-whether it is
from the east or west. Music
has always been one form of
art that transcends all geographical
barriers. East Coast Audio
Entertainers, that is primarily based
in Trivandrum, Kerala, has been
associated with the music industry
since long and has been responsible
for the release of several soul-stirring
albums that have simply stolen the
hearts of millions! East Coast can
boast of a repertorie of songs and
albums of a evergreen nature such
as the romantic series. As a part of
their series, they have presented the
first ever five languages romantic album
“FOREVER”... Ennennum, Entrentrum,
Endendhu, Ennadiki, Sadaa.
The project, a fabulous collection
of melodies, sung in five languages is
the first of its kind in India. It captures
you by its versatility, style and
universal appeal. Thirty eminent
singers of India from different
languages have participated in this
grand musical fiesta.
As is always the East Coast way,
this mega-project has also offered a
platform to many young talents and
prodigies, to sing along with
accomplished singers of repute.
Another distinctive feature which
sets these songs apart is its
wonderful adaptability as caller tunes.
Vijayan East Coast, the refined
and tasteful mind behind all the
success stories of the audio
company, is the lyricist of all the
mellifluous melodies. Ennennum, a
departure from the set of patterns is a
multilingual collection of melodies
tuned by the music director, Vijay
Karun in which each song is sung in
five different languages. The languages
that feature in this pioneer venture
are Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and
Kannada apart from Hindi. The
melodies have been meticulously
crafted to perfection without losing its
charm, feel and emotions in
translation. Even while sticking to
regional styles, all the songs are
marked by its amazing uniformity of
composition and rendition. The use
of simple yet precise words with
profound meanings and insight add
to the sublime effect. The theme
Ennennum is envisaged to transcend
barriers created by regionalism to
reaffirm the universality of music and
love. The strong sublime and flexible
lyrics are so ingeniously coined that
they can adapt to any language. The
five language project is the result of
the relentless pursuit of the East
Coast crew which has taken more
than 15 months for completion.
No doubt, the five-language
romantic album stands out as a
special gem as far as music lovers
are concerned! We
 ‘BABY-PROOF’
YOUR HOME
Got an infant? Take these precautions.
E
ight-month old Chandran
burnt the entire skin of his
palms when he reached out
to touch a hot iron left on a
low table by his mother.
Apart from the pain, anguish
and expensive medicines
needed to treat him, he still
bears the scars even three
years after the accident.
Accidents involving little children,
happen much more often than we
think. We may consider our home to
be a safe haven. But to a little
baby who is just learning to
crawl or walk, who is only 12 to
24 inches above the floor, and
who is busy exploring new
activities every day, it can
present a 101 accident traps.
They can fall into a bucket of
water, splatter themselves with a
pan of hot food left at the edge of a
kitchen counter, get an electric
shock when they poke their finger
into a plug point which is too near the
By Mita Banerjee
floor, cut themselves on sharp
instruments or even on bric-a-brac
decorating a coffee table. A baby
learning to roll over, may just fall off
the bed.
Everything around us can become
a potential hazard and the little one is
unaware of the danger surrounding
her or him. To see the world from
their point of view, it is essential that
you get down on all fours and look
around with the eyes of a curious
baby. The next step would be to
‘baby-proof’ your home to guard
against all these accidents just
waiting to happen.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
● Keep away all heavy bric-a-
brac, crystal and glass curios. A baby
may not only break them but cause
cuts and injuries to himself or herself
in the bargain.
● Cover all unused electrical
outlets with safety caps or tape.
● Don’t leave electrical cords
from TVs and lamps hanging. Unplug
wherever possible. The baby might
just give it a tug.
● Position the TV or video in
such a way that baby cannot fiddle
with the back, which may cause
electric shocks.
● It is better to remove small
rugs as it may cause you to
trip while carrying a baby.
 ● Empty all ashtrays immediately
and never keep burning cigarettes
lying around. The baby might swallow
one.
● Keep all alcoholic drinks safely
locked away.
IN THE BEDROOM
● Don’t keep cosmetics and
perfumes where your toddler can get
to them.
● Remove all medicines from the
baby’s reach.
● Never keep coins or any small
objects on low dressing tables. If
baby swallows anything, they might
cause choking. Or the baby might
just stick into up his or her nose.
● Disconnect any electrical
appliances like hair dryers, shavers
etc.
● Never leave a hot iron where a
baby can reach it.
● Ensure that cupboard
doors can be opened from
the inside, in case the baby
gets stuck inside.
● If you have low drawers
ensure that there are no
small objects inside because
the baby can easily open the
drawer and fiddle inside.
● Try to do away with a
pillow for the baby, as it can
accidentally cause suffo -
cation.
● Be careful while buying
toys and keep a close watch
on them even later. Sharp
edges, toxic paints, small
buttons for eyes or stuffed
sawdust and foam can be
harmful.
IN THE KITCHEN
A kitchen with its fire,
many electrical gadgets, and
umpteen utensils like knives
and forks is a danger zone
and one has to be especially
careful here.
● Turn saucepan handles
inwards or the baby might
reach up and pull them down.
Very dangerous if it is full of hot
stuff.
● Keep all hot dishes out of
the reach of the baby.
● Keep all knives, forks,
spoons, matches and lighters
out of the reach of the baby.
● Don’t allow your baby to
ever fiddle with the knobs of
the stove or oven.
● Make sure that no
electrical gadgets or their wires
are within reach. Keep the
refrigerator locked or the baby
might easily pull it open.
● Keep away all
detergents, pesticides, etc.
● Keep your dustbin out of
the reach of the baby.
● If anything spills on the
floor, mop it up immediately.
IN THE BATHROOM
As far as possible, keep
the bathroom door bolted
from the outside, so that the
baby cannot get in.
An immersion rod
plugged into a bucket of
water is a potential hazard
with a baby around.
Keep the lid of the toilet
seat down. There have been
cases when babies have
leaned and toppled in or
have splashed and even
drunk that water.
Never keep buckets filled
with water, unguarded.
Never leave a baby
unguarded even for a
moment when bathing in a
bathtub (to answer the
doorbell or phone). Babies
have been known to drown
in a few inches of water.
We
 THE
BEAUTY OF
JABALPUR
An absorbing
view of a

J
unpublicised city abalpur is a beautiful city in
rich in history, Madhya Pradesh, not much
known to many. Many a time
geography and it is confused with Jodhpur in
Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh
tourist attractions in general is known to all as
the central part of India but
– right at the not many know about its
historical background and the
centre of the tourist spots worth visiting.
Geographically, being the centre of
country. India, tourists covering other places
can have a break-journey and
By Sheela complete their sightseeing and then
proceed.
Ramakrishnan Mostly a high plateau, Madhya
Pradesh is India's largest state with
very dry and hot summers going up
to a maximum 48oC and cold winters

110 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

touching a low of 4 oC. It has the
highest percentage of forest in India,
sheltering a wide variety of wildlife
including 22 per cent of the world's
tiger population. Historically known
as Malwa, Madhya Pradesh still has
many pre-Aryan Gond and Bhil
Adivasis (tribals) but the state is
predominantly Indo-Aryan.
The "Heart of India" is famed not
only because of its location in central
India, but also because it portrays the
cultural heritage of Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.
Innumerable monuments, exquisitely
carved temples, stupas, forts and
palaces are found all over the state. It
is a land of beauty and variety with
Bhopal as its capital.
Although signs of habitation date
back to some 12,000 years with the
rock cave paintings at Bhimbetka
near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh's
history can be traced back to the 3rd
century BC when the great Buddhist
Emperor Ashoka controlled the
Mauryan Empire in Malwa. The
Mauryans were followed by the
Sungas and then the Guptas before
the Huns swept across the state.
Around a thousand years ago the
Paramaras ruled in southwest
Madhya Pradesh. They are chiefly
remembered for Raja Bhoj, who gave
his name to the city of Bhopal and
also ruled over Indore and Mandu.
From 950 to 1050 AD, the Chandelas
constructed the fantastic series of
temples at Khajuraho in the north of
the state. Between the 12th and 16th
centuries, the region saw continuing Jabalpur, whether capital city or not,
struggles between Hindu and Muslim has a fascinating rustic splendour
rulers or invaders. The fortified city and a number of interesting places
of Mandu in the southwest was on a platter for you.
frequently the scene for these battles, “A thing of beauty is a joy for
but the Mughals finally overcame ever,” said John Keats – so is
Hindu resistance and controlled the Jabalpur. It is a place with many
region. The Mughals, however, met beautiful spots. It gives an out of this
their doom at the hands of the world experience to tourists, making
Marathas, who in turn fell to the their visit memorable. Many are not
British. aware of nature’s beauty in India and
In this central state of the country, spend lots to experience the same
Jabalpur is exactly the central point abroad. Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh
of India through which the Tropic of is one such place, packed with
Cancer passes. Jabalpur is an nature’s beauty.
important historical and cultural city
of Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur was
earlier known as Jabalipuram, Jauli
Pattala, Jubbulpore. It is 1348 feet
above sea level.
Jabalpur, the place crafted in
marble, had been the cherished
pleasure resort of the 12th century
Gond rulers. The British enamoured
by the scenic beauty, developed it as
a major cantonment during their rule
over India. The
central location of
the city of Jabalpur
was once
instrumental in it
being considered
for the capital of the
Mughals. The place
surrounded by hills
grant an inherent
protection from
being run over by
marauding armies.
The city of
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 111

Tourists coming to Kanha National
Park and Bandhavgarh National
Park, land up in Jabalpur by default.
People who proceed on a religious
pilgrimage to Allahabad and Varanasi
can also break journey at Jabalpur to
have a glimpse of nature’s beauty.
Here are some facts of the place to
arouse interest in people who are
unaware of them. Jabalpur is a
central district of Madhya Pradesh,
nestling in the valley between the
Vindhyanchal, Satpura and Bhitrigarh
mountain ranges of central India.
This city is in the process of
seeking second-capital status of the
state. The state judiciary operates
from this city. Its diversity, history,
divinity, wild life, art and architecture
in combination render a rich and
fascinating experience to the visitors.
One of the best parts about
Jabalpur is its accessibility on
account of its central location.
Whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai or Kolkata, you're never
very far. A step into the city takes you
several hundred years back, giving
you a sense of great past stories of
empires and kingdoms, warriors,
builders, poets, musicians, saints and
philosophers. The city resounds with
various memories of the city-state of
Tripuri, Emperor Ashoka, the
Satavahanas, the Guptas, the
kalchuris, the Gonds, and the
memory of the famous and valiant
queen Durgavati who took on the
112
might of the great Moghul Emperor
Akbar. This was followed by the
Maratha domination under the
Bhonsles of Nagpur and later in the
British period, the notorious 'thugs'
and the phenomenon of thugee
and the brave Maj Ge. William
Henry. Sleeman who vanquished
them. The city also played a
prominent role in the freedom
movement of the country.
(Jabalpur was occupied by the
British in December 1817 and in
course of time, the military rule was
replaced by civilian officers.)
Jabalpur, also named
“Sanskardhani” by Acharya Vinoba
Bhave, is a land of saints, warriors,
political leaders, playwrights, legal
luminaries, educationists, sports
personalities and journalists who
have contributed to the rich legacy of
cultural, educational, political and
social life of the state and the
country.
The city is steeped in divinity and
has been an eminent centre of
learning. Through the ages, there has
been a mingling of diverse religions.
Vedic sages have blessed the soil,
notably Rishi Jabali from whom the
city is supposed to have got its name.
Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Muslim
saints and their teachings have given
a spiritual aura to the place. In more
recent times, this city has been
associated with the activities of the
great Osho (Acharya Rajneesh who
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
was a professor of philosophy at the
University of Jabalpur) and Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi.
Jabalpur is a city of natural
splendour. Its vast plateau is broken
up by the mighty Vindhya and
Satpura ranges and is streaked by
the meandering Narmada, Vanganga
and Hiran rivers, three of the more
prominent ones in this area. These
intersections of plateau, hills and the
rivers have provided spectacular
scenic splendour. Jabalpur is a town
for the pleasure seekers as well as
for those who are looking for solitude
and tranquillity. Jabalpur is packed
with many beautiful spots for outings
and picnics. Some of the prominent
ones are :
Bhedaghat: This is a small town
and a Nagar Panchayat on the banks
of Narmada and is famous for its
marble rocks. It is at a distance of
about 20 kms from Jabalpur by road.
The river Narmada, passes through
the marble rocks.
One can also have a view of the
best spot by doing a mini-trek
through a narrow but breathtaking
passage behind the Madhya Pradesh
Tourism Development Corporation
guesthouse. There is a rock
formation that has the face of Shiva
and another a crocodile face. But the
real beauty is that of the marble rocks
glowing in multicolour on a full moon
night.
Soaring in glittering splendour, the
marble rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a
hundred feet on either side of the
Narmada. The serene loveliness of
the scene is one of cool quiet, the
sunlight sparkling on the marble-
white pinnacles and casting dappled
shadows on the placed waters.
These white rocks with views of black
and dark green volcanic seams, are
truly majestic and produce a magical
effect on moonlit nights. The rocks
have recently been floodlit, adding
new dimension to their beauty.
Ropeways, made operational
recently, allow a person to have a
glimpse of the beauty aerially.
Boating facilities are available
between November and May. A
boating trip during the day takes a
person through the marble pinnacles
on either side of the river in different
colours – pink, blue, black and white.
Boating on a moonlit night, when the
whole stretch of water is transformed
into a sheet of liquid silver, is
absolutely magical. In the narrow
channel of the mighty river, there is a
place approached so closely from the
opposite banks that the local people
have aptly named it the "monkey's
leap”. (It is said that the gap between
the marble pinnacles was earlier so
narrow that monkeys used to jump
from one cliff to the other.)
The Poornima night which falls
after Dusserra is most sought after
inviting huge crowd. Cultural
programmes titled Narmada Darshan
,are also organised during the season
giving the city a more festive look.
Dhuandhar Falls : Dhuandhar,
the Narmada making its way through
the Marble Rocks, narrows down and
then plunges in a waterfall known as
Dhuandhar the smoke cascade. So
powerful is the plunge that its roar is
heard from far away. The falls and
the breaking of the volume of water
at the crest present an awesome
spectacle of Nature's power
unleashed. On a bright sunny day, it
is absolutely magical to see the
waterfall change into a rainbow.
Rudrakunt: Very close to
Bhedaghat is Rudrakunt where it is
said that during Threthayugh, 125
lakh Shiv lingas were dropped into
the river Narmada. It is believed that
any stone picked within one km
radius will be a linga so dropped
during that period.
Chausat Yogini Temple :
Situated atop a hillock and
approached by a long flight of steps,
the Chausat Yogini Temple
commands a singularly beautiful view
of the whole area around and also of
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
the river Narmada flowing through
the jagged Marble Rocks. Chausat
Yogini is the oldest surviving temple
in the group dating to 900 AD. It is
the sole granite temple dedicated to
the goddess Kali and the only one
not aligned east to west. Chausath
means 64 and the temple once had
64 cells for figures of the 64 yoginis
who attended Kali.
This 10th-century temple has 64
exquisitely carved sixty four stone
figures of deities belonging to the
Kalchuri period. Some of the idols
belong to even the 2nd century.
Legend says that the Mughals
demolished almost all the idols. In
almost all the idols, some amount of
demolition by way of a chopped limb
or defacement is obvious.
But for the main deity and few
others in the garbha gruha, all other
deities are in a ravaged shape. The
main deity is a very rare sculpture
where Shiva is seen seated with
Parvathi. There is a naga nagin idol
in the garbha gruha that once was
said to be itchadhari naga nagins
(meaning – they can change to
whatever form they wish – even
human form). The local priests say
that even today, the naga nagins
either come together or alone to offer
prayers to Shiva and Parvathi on
specific days. According to a local
legend, this ancient temple is
connected to the Gond queen
Durgavati's palace through an
underground passage.
Bargi Dam: It is a multipurpose
project on the river Narmada and
also a tourist spot. Recently the local
authorities have started a cruise boat
which runs on the reservoir of the
dam.
Madan Mahal Fort: This fort was
built in the 11th century by the Gond
king Raja Madan Shah, and hence
the name. The fort dominates the
skyline and provides a panoramic
view of the city and area around it.
The famous balancing rock, a natural
geological wonder, is located slightly
off the path that leads to this palace.
Today, it is a ramshackle structure
with crumbling walls.
113
 Rani Durgavati Museum :
Dedicated to the memory of the great
Gond queen Durgavati, who is
revered by the people of Jabalpur for
her valour and sacrifice, this is one of
the more famous museums of
Madhya Pradesh. A vast collection of
sculptures, inscriptions and other
artefacts of great historical and
cultural importance are preserved in
this museum. It has section
dedicated to artefacts and photos
related to Mahatma Gandhi also.
Bandhavgarh Fort: This fort is
believed to be nearly 2000 years old.
It lies right in the middle of the
wilderness on the highest point of
Bandhavgarh Hill. There are
references of this fort in the ancient
books, the Narad Panch-Ratna and
the Shiva Puran.
Kanha Kisli National Park:
Jabalpur is the nearest big city to the
Kanha Kisli national park which is
one of the biggest national parks in
India and has the distinction of
having successfully imple- of the park. The saddest
mented the “Project Tiger”, Kanha Kisli part is that not much
as tiger conservation publicity is given to this park
programme in India.
National and no effort is being made
The park is also the Park has the to care for and preserving
birthplace of the Jungle this amazing treasure chest
Book by Rudyard Kipling. distinction of from our past.
Jabalpur also has Everyone travelling from
'Bandhavgarh' and Pench
having Bandhavgarh to Kanha
national reserve forests successfully should take this route. It
very close by, and well might not be as comfortable
connected by road. implemented a journey as the other
alternatives but just seeing
Fossil Park: The fossil
the “Project this park more than makes
park, less than two hours Tiger”. up for it. It is a place worth
drive from Jabalpur is experiencing and also
ranked second in the world with a worth trying to get someone to
huge collection of trees, leaf protect.
impressions and seeds turned into Jabalpur has an airstrip called
stones. A visit to this park gives a Dumna Airport capable of landing
different experience to visitors from most of the aircraft. The city is also
their usual visits to wildlife reserves. well connected by road and needless
It is close to the Bandhavgarh to mention that train routes are in
National Park. The entire park could plenty.
be covered on foot in about an hour’s Are these glimpses not arousing
time. an interest in you? So, pack up and
Fascinating fossils strewn all over start off on your trip to enjoy nature at
the place speaks about the richness Jabalpur. We
I am one-and-a-half months pregnant
and have developed breast soreness.
Is this normal and what should I do
about it?
Many women experience breast
tenderness during the first three
months of pregnancy. This usually
goes away during the second trime-
ster. Till then a properly fitting bra
with good support will help relieve the
soreness.
When should a
pregnant woman
visit a doctor?
As soon as she
misses her periods
and pregnancy is
confirmed by a swelling as well. As with all things,
home pregnancy kit.
Thereafter according
to WHO (World
Health Organization) a woman
should visit her doctor every month
for the first seven months, fortnightly
between the 7th and 8th months and
every week in the last month.
I am in the 7th month of my first
pregnancy. Recently I noticed that
my feet have begun to swell. There is
no pain or discomfort. Is this a cause
for concern? Please advise.
Swelling, or oedema, is common
in pregnancy. 75 per cent of women
will experience accumulation of fluid
around the legs and ankles at some
point during pregnancy. It is
aggravated by warm weather,
standing for a while, or at the end of
your day. In general the swelling is
nothing to be alarmed about. Most
I smoked till I was three
months pregnant as I did
not know that I was
pregnant. Now, I have tried
stopping but when I don’t
smoke I become very
irritable and moody which
makes things unpleasant at
home. I take a few drugs
now and then but do not
smoke as I used to. Will
this affect my baby?
Not only is smoking harmful to
your baby, but being around people
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
women report that the swelling
subsides after a good night's rest, or
after several hours lying down.
There are a couple of things you
can do to help relieve the symptoms.
The first is to drink a lot of water.
Though it doesn't seem to make
sense to get rid of fluids by taking in
more, the extra fluids will help flush
out your system of waste products,
which may have increased the
swelling. You need at least eight
glasses of water a day. Regarding
salt intake, people believe that the
swelling is caused by excessive
amounts of salt in the diet though
the opposite is also true. Limiting the
amount of salt you take in can cause
moderation is the key to balance.
The commonest cause of swelling is
the weight of the enlarging uterus
on the blood vessels.
Basic tips to help reduce swelling
are:
● Avoid wearing elastic topped
socks
● Wear comfortable shoes. Slip-
ons work best.
● Put your feet up when possible.
● If you stand at work, try to
move around slightly or get a stool to
prop a foot up on.
● Try support stockings
You have reason to worry if the
swelling does not subside after a
rest, if it is sudden or extreme, or has
extended from the legs and feet to
the face and hands. Report to your
doctor immediately, for you are at risk
for a complication - PIH (pregnancy
induced hypertension).
who smoke is as bad, for the
nicotine is passed on to the baby
as carbon monoxide. The risks of
smoking to the baby include
stillbirths, pre maturity, low birth
weight, asthma and sudden infant
death syndrome. Ideally you should
give up the habit before you get
pregnant but if that has not
occurred, do so now, no matter how
irritable or moody you have
become. Take professional help if
needed to do so.
– Dr A. K. Bajaj, MD.
115

A
satisfying sex life is the
foundation of overall well-
being of a healthy
individual. But unlike the
West, our social set-up
does not allow us to openly
debate issues related to
lovemaking – an art and
way of style mastered by
our ancestors who created
the centuries-old Kamasutra.
Myths and stigma have made all
discussions on sex a taboo. Though
the picture is changing fast in some
urban areas, in large chunks of the
country sexual ignorance and lack of
knowledge continues to force millions
of Indians – both men and women –
into unhappy sex life.
Even today, sexual impotence is
perhaps the most poorly understood
and mismanaged condition among
men as compared to other medical
disorders. Two factors are
116
BEWARE OF
QUACKS ON
SEX PROBLEMS The cause of impotence
is in the body and not the mind.
responsible for this unfortunate state
of affairs.
One, ignorance, superstition, guilt
and taboo attached to anything
sexual in the minds of the people.
Two, quacks who serve as the first
point of contact for abysmally ill-
informed patients who end up
endangering their lives by falling in
their trap.
Self-styled “sexologists” or quacks
tend to thrive on a patient’s ignorance
and compulsion to maintain secrecy
about his problems like erectile
dysfunction (ED).
Impotence or erectile dysfunction
(ED), as andrologists prefer to call it,
has always been and continues to
remain an extremely common
disorder. It is said to afflict as much
as 10 per cent of the male
population. Above the age of 40,
nearly 52 per cent of men are
affected.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
By Rajendra Kumar Rai
“Despite this staggering incidence,
few cases come to light as ignorant
and shy patients tend to consult a
quack than a specialist on issues
related to sex,” said Dr Ashok Gupta
of Ashok Clinic in Delhi.
“A man’s ego often does not
permit him to admit that there is
something wrong with his manhood.
This is unfortunate because most
cases of impotence are curable as
long as they land before a trained
and qualified medical practitioner,”
said Dr Gupta, who has personally
helped thousands of patients over the
last few decades.
Talking about myths and
ignorance surrounding sex and
problems related to performance in
bed, the founder of Ashok Clinic said
andrological research over the past
few years have conclusively
established that physical exercise
and aerobics can improve sexual
prowess of men and can tackle minor
irritants in enjoying a happy married
life. However, quacks are the last
persons to share this information or
guide patients properly.
An ignorant and shy man who
seeks remedy for his disturbed sex
life from a quack is made to believe
that impotence is something that is
largely psychological in origin. Where
as in 80 to 90 per cent of chronic
impotence cases, the cause is not in
the mind but the body, said Dr
Chandra Bhushan, a homoeopath.
“Perhaps, it is due to the
abundance of quacks that consulting
them appears to be the easiest,
fastest and the most confidential
option available to most men
suffering from sex-related problems,”
he said.
QUACKS AROUND
According to a study conducted by
Association of Medical Consultants
(AMC) in 1998, there are around 1.5
million quacks in India, with Mumbai
having as many as 10,000. Over the
last decade, this figure has crossed
2.5 million mark and it would not be
wrong to say that almost 80 per cent
of these are in the business of selling
wonder drugs for sex-related
problems.
Interestingly, reports said at that
time there were 95,000 quacks in
Maharashtra as against 90,000
registered doctors in the state. “A
survey conducted by IMA showed
that the number of quacks in our
country exceeds the number of
doctors. Even if one quack causes
the death of one patient in one year
due to wrong diagnosis and
treatment, nearly 95,000 silent
murders take place across the
country,” said an AMC office bearer.
Sex therapist Rahul Gupta said
although erectile dysfunction
(impotence) can afflict anyone from
13 to 90 years old and is associated
with a wide variety of clinical
conditions and disease states –
including diabetes, hypertension,
heart disease, renal failure,
neurological disorders, sudden and
slow injuries and medication – the
basic mechanisms causing
impotence are only a few.
A major cause of ED among
young adults and college going-
students are injuries which cause a
POLICY MAKERS
ARE ALSO
CONCERNED
ABOUT FAKE
SEXOLOGISTS’
POPULARITY
DESPITE
GOVERNMENT
HOSPITALS
PROVIDING MUCH
BETTER SERVICE.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
block in the artery to the penis. The
injury can be major and sudden as
after a vehicular accident causing a
fracture of the pelvis or pubic bones.
“In many cases, an old injury or a
childhood accident turns out to be a
reason for ED later in life,” says Dr
Rahul Gupta.
For those in whose case
impotency is linked to the mind and
not the body, counselling and sex
therapy are very effective. Minor
sexual problems, especially when
these are caused by sexual
ignorance and psychological factors,
need a trained counsellor more than
a quack, he said.
Policy makers are also concerned
about fake sexologists’ popularity
despite government hospitals
providing much better service. Mr R
S Shukla, in his capacity as Special
Secretary of West Bengal health
department, had once observed
“People are not turning up at
government clinics in expected
numbers. The vast majority of people
suffering from sexual maladies go to
private doctors, faith healers, quacks
or under-qualified practitioners.”
Planners have all along felt a
strong need for gathering more
information about the patients who
visit such fake and semi-qualified
sexologists. West Bengal was among
the first few states in the country
which have been trying since 2007
to map the patients who visit quacks
and use the data for spreading
awareness on STD and HIV.
The problem is there for everyone
to see but, perhaps, government
machinery is somewhat helpless in
weeding out fake sexologists who are
a creation of the demand for their
services.
But the clock is ticking fast for the
officials to come up with solutions -
like increasing the proliferation of
government clinics – to counter the
huge threat posed by imposters and
quacks who pose a threat to millions
of people looking for cures for sex-
related problems. Like condoms and
HIV messages, ED could also be
brought to the forefront of public
campaigns to remove the stigma
around discussing this issue. We
117
 If you are infertile,
remember there is a
vast range of
treatment options.
By Dr Amrinder Bajaj
N
ext to the instinct for
survival, the urge to
procreate is strongest in all
living beings. Though most
people fulfil this desire to
reproduce and raise
offspring there are an
unfortunate few that are
unable to do so. Such
couples suffer from great
emotional stress, more so because
of the social stigma attached to
infertility. It is important not to lose
heart, for rapid progress had been
made in this branch of science, and
medical aid is available to most of
infertile couples.
DEFINITION
● The couple has not conceived
after 12 months of contraceptive-free
regular intercourse if the female is
under the age of 34.
● The couple has not conceived
after six months of contraceptive-free
intercourse if the female is over the
age of 35 (declining egg quality of
females over the age of 35 account
for the age-based discrepancy).
● The female is incapable of
carrying a pregnancy to term.
Infertility can be further divided
118
into primary and secondary. Couples
with primary infertility have never
been able to conceive while, those
with secondary infertility have
difficulty in conceiving after already
having conceived before, irrespective
of whether the previous pregnancy
had ended in a delivery or a
miscarriage.
Some people with conditions like
endometrisis, polycystic ovarian
disease are subfertile which means
that they have lower chances of
conceiving than an average couple.
Prevalence: About 15 per cent of
all married couples are infertile. Of
these about a third are due to female
causes, another third due to male
causes and in the remaining third
both partners have problems that
make them incapable of having a
child. Due to various reasons like
increasing age of marriage, planned
delay in conception, and
environmental factors, the number of
infertile couples have been
increasing worldwide.
Conception: To understand the
causes of infertility it is important to
understand the process of
conception. The internal female
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
genitalias comprises two ovaries that
are responsible for the production of
female hormones and eggs (ova).
There is a uterus in a pyriform
structure of about 3” x 2” x 1” with a
fallopian tube attached on either side.
The vagina connects the uterus with
the external genitalia. The vagina is
the organ for intercourse, the
receptacle for semen, and forms the
birth canal during delivery.
A single egg is released during
each menstrual cycle usually around
the 14th day before the next period is
due – this works out to be midcycle in
women with a normal, 28-day cycle.
One must remember to count the first
day of the period as day one. The
egg is picked up by the fingerlike
processes at the loose end of each
tube called fimbria and is transported
towards the uterus. If intercourse
occurs during this fertile period the
sperms swim up and fertilise the
ovum in the proximal part of the tube.
The fertilised egg is transferred to the
uterus where it gets attached to the
uterine wall and remains lodged there
for the nine months of pregnancy.
Causes: Infertility may be due to a
single cause in either the woman or
her partner, or a combination of
TO UNDERSTAND
THE CAUSES
OF INFERTILITY IT IS
IMPRTANT TO
UNDERSTAND THE
PROCESS OF
CONCEPTION.

factors that may prevent a pregnancy
from occurring or continuing till term.
Common causes are:
● Ovulation problems
● Tubal blockage
● Male-associated infertility
● Hormonal imbalance
● Uterine problems
● Previous sterilisation operation
on the male/female
● Tuberculosis (TB) of the genital
tract – a common cause in India
● Anatomical defects in either
partner
● Medical conditions like thyroid
disease, diabetes.
Therefore, it is seen that for a
woman to conceive, intercourse must
take place around the time when an
egg is released from her ovary. There
should be adequate amounts of
healthy sperms, her tubes must be
patent, her uterus prepared to
receive the fertilised egg and her
hormones must be balanced.
Fertilized ovum
(4 days)
Fertilization
Ovulation
Other factors contributing to infertility. Lifestyle pattern is taken
infertility are: into account since the intake of
● Advanced maternal age – fertility alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise
declines sharply after 35 years of age can affect fertility. Men working in
due to decreased quality of eggs high temperatures expose their
● Weight – over or underweight testicles to heat that can affect
● Genital infections fertility. A thorough general physical
● Endometriosis examination is followed by a battery
● Environmental toxin-like of tests. Basic investigations include
pesticides sperm count, ultrasound, ovulation
● Genetic causes studies and testing for tubal patency.
Treatment depends upon the
Unexplained infertility: In about diagnosis.
15 per cent of cases the infertility
investigation will show no Treatment: If tests do not reveal
abnormalities. In these cases abnormalities the couple is asked to
abnormalities are likely to be present make lifestyle changes. Abstinence
but are not detected by current from alcohol, smoking, drug abuse
available methods. and maintenance of optimal weight
for height is required. Those with
Assessment: Once a couple diabetes or thyroid diseases need to
visits a hospital for infertility a have these issues addressed before
detailed general, medical sexual contemplating pregnancy. Hyperpro-
history is taken. Obstetric history is lac tinemia is a condition in which
of import in women with secondary there are secretions from breasts
without the presence of a
pregnancy/ delivery. This is due to
Fertilized ovum
(5 days) raised levels of a pituitary hormone
called prolactin which interferes with
conception and can be normalised
with drugs. Tuberculosis of the
genital tract if present, need to be
treated with long-term antitubercular
drugs before conception is
attempted.
implanting fertilized Low sperm counts and motility in
ovum (6 days) males can be improved with drugs.
Males with varicocele, hernia,
hydrocele, phimosis, undescend
Endometrium testes, blocked vas (the tube that
carries the sperms from the testes to
the penis) need to have surgical

Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 119

treatment to improve their fertility.
Sometimes antibodies are produced
against sperms which may hamper
conception. This issue needs to be
addressed.
Couples with sexual dysfunction
need counselling. Those with a
healthy sex life are taught to time
intercourse according to ovulation.
Those with ovulation failure are given
ovarian stimulation medication.
Patients with polycystic disease may
not respond to the usual oral drugs
for ovulation induction and need
injectable hormones that could have
side effects. If tubes are blocked they
can be opened up surgically or
bypassed altogether by resorting to
in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Other methods to enhance
conception rates include IUI –
intrauterine insemination wherein the
good quality sperms are segregated
in the laboratory, collected in a
syringe and inserted directly inside
the uterus with the help of a fine
plastic tube. This is usually done for
low sperm count, unexplained
infertility or a hostile cervix with thick
mucous that decreases sperm
penetrability.
An affectionate disciplinarian
The incident relates to the days
when I was studying in primary
school. While a student of Class-II,
the doctor advised my parents to get
me operated upon for tonsolitis. The
operation took place successfully and
I had to abstain from school for few
days. My uncle and family, residing
in Jalandhar, had visited and stayed
with us for help during my hospital
days and his having a car, a rare
prestigious facility in those days, was
really helpful.
The day I rejoined school post-
operation, I was thrilled when uncle
120
The ultimate diagnostic tool in the
armoury of an infertility specialist is
laparoscopy/hysteroscopy. This is a
minimally invasive procedure done
under general anaesthesia that can,
in the same sitting, diagnose and
treat conditions that interfere with
fertility. The inside of the uterus is
viewed with the help of a
hysteroscope. Adhesion if present
can be broken; polyps and fibroids
removed; tissue samples can be
taken for histopathology and for the
diagnosis of genital tuberculosis.
Falloposcopy views the inside of the
fallopian tubes from the uterine end
and can open up proximal
obstruction.
offered me to take to school in his car.
Our school had a very big area,
surrounded by a long boundary wall
and the building was far from the main
gate, in between being katcha grounds.
For upgrading the ground, a lot of soil,
etc. was being unloaded by trucks,
hence heaps of soil was scattered
everywhere, restricting the car from
going inside up to the building.
The classes had already begun
when our car stopped near the main
gate. My class teacher, a strict
disciplinarian lady of around 35,
perhaps seeing us from the window of
the classroom, came up quickly and
reached us in no time, had a few words
with my uncle asking about my
operation and well-being. With smiling
face and kissing me on cheeks, she
picked me up from the car seat and
took me up to my class, walking
through the long stretch of rough
ground. I wondered how the always-
strict disciplinarian, whom we were
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Laparoscopy views the inside of
the abdominal cavity and is a useful
tool in infertility. Adhesions can be
broken, ovarian cysts removed and
blocked tubes recanalised.
Endometriosis is a condition wherein
the endometrium (the internal lining
of the uterus) is disseminated inside
the abdomen where it bleeds during
menstruation leading to adhesions,
chocolate cysts of the ovaries and
subfertility. These too can be treated
by laporoscopic cauterisation of the
endometriotic tissue and removal of
the chocolate cysts.
If the above treatment modalities
fail there are artificial reproductive
techniques (ART) like in vitro
fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer
(ET) that can help a majority of
infertile couples. For the remaining
unfortunate few there is always the
option of an adoption.
Though infertile couples are under
immense emotional stress and social
pressure they need not lose heart.
There is a vast array of treatment
options that can help them have their
heart’s desire. All they need is
perseverance and a positive
approach to life. We
usually afraid, had such a caring
heart. Her affectionate behaviour left
an unforgettable impact on my mind.
– M.P.S. Chadha, Chandigarh.
Every one of us has,
sometime or other in
one’s life, received help,
guidance, sympathy, understanding
and love from some fellow human
being. Can you recall any such event
or occasion in your life, when you
received such consideration and for
which you are grateful? Each
published anecdote will be awarded a
prize of Rs 200. Send your
contribution to:
GRATEFULLY YOURS
E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
Name:
Mobile:
E-mail:
 POWER OF HERBS
S
Tips for whitening your skin.
hreya avoids birthday
bashes, college gatherings
and for that matter any
social event. She does not
want to go in the crowd with
her blemishes. She suffered
acute acne problem as a
teenager. Her acne left
behind small brown spots on
her face and she hates them
the most. She wants a beauty
product that will hide her blemishes
by making them lighter. She wants to
feel comfortable among others. She
too desires a good complexioned
skin. Will good skin bleach rescue
her?
“Excess or unwanted hair growth
was irritating and downright
122
By Shailja Mehta
embarrassing problem for me,” says
Shama. I spent countless hours and
a good fortune putting myself through
torturous hair removal techniques,
only to watch the hair reappear. This
was frustrating.
Whether your issue like mine was
a few random chin hairs, widespread
body hair or a female “mustache,” it
was important to hide those excess
hairs. Since most hair removal
methods are temporary and painful, I
choose to make my body and facial
hair less noticeable by bleaching it.
Everybody in the world is fond of
white skin and is ready to do anything
to get the skin whiter. Even fairer skin
people put their best efforts to keep
their skin tone whiter. Especially
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Asians are fonder to get a whiter skin
and do lots of things to get the skin
whiter and lighter than the natural
shade.
The facial bleach packs available
at chemist shops consist of a cream
and powder. The cream and powder
should be mixed using a plastic
spatula provided. The mixture is then
applied on the hair for ten to fifteen
minutes according to the manu -
facturer’s instruction. The mixture is
then washed away. Along with the
hair, the skin will also become lighter.
The skin will revert to the original
colour within a few days. As new dark
hair grows in one or two weeks, it
may again need to be bleached.
The effectiveness of bleaching
varies from person to person. If a
person has coarse hair, the bleached
hair will still be noticeable, but it may
not be obvious for a person with fine
facial hair. Persons with sensitive
skin may experience a burning
sensation and may wash away the
bleach after a very short time.
Bleaching helps the skin to remove
scars, reduce sun tan and pigmen-
tation and clears the skin to make it
look lighter in shade. But it should be
done carefully as if the ingredients
have not mixed in proper proportion
or you put it more than the applicable
time, it might burn your skin. Beauty
is truth and truth is beauty. Looking
good and feeling great is the
enduring ambition worldwide.
MANY WAYS
There are many ways to whiten
the skin. There are plenty of bleaches
available for skin whitening, which
are meant not only for those who
have darker complexion but also
even for those who gets darker
complexion because of sun tan, age
or pollution. What is important is to
choose the right one for your skin.
Why use chemical to bleach your
skin when you can use the power of
herbs to bleach naturally?
These days' herbal bleaches are
available in the market for sensitive
skin, so people who have sensitive
skin should choose them.
A herbal face bleach not only
bleaches the skin but also nourishes
it with the goodness of nature’s
wonders like Haldi (turmeric),
Chandan, Nimbu (Lemon) and Aloe
Vera. While Haldi (Turmeric) protects
the skin from inflammation and works
as an antioxidant, Nimbu (Lemon)
acts as an effective antiseptic.
Aloe Vera adds life to the skin and
Chandan (Sandalwood) soothes and
adds glow to it.
Herbal bleach is a good option.
One can learn applying bleach in a
right way on the face and body from
a professional beautician and then
can do it oneself. There are many
herbal preparations that are available
to balance your skin tone. The herbal
facial bleach now available in the
market now make you naturally fair
with herbs like keshar, Chandan,
Lodhra, Patang, Raktachandan,
Agru,Walaa, Manjistha, Jesthmadh,
LIME AND LEMONY
Lemon is a very versatile fruit full
of vitamin C. Tasty by itself, it also
enhances the taste of food and
drinks it is added to. So use plenty of
lemons in your daily diet.
You can make lemon-based
health drinks.
Squeeze a lemon, add a tsp of
honey to a glass of warm water and
drink it first thing in the morning. It
keeps you fresh and healthy and
keeps your weight in check.
Use lemons as refreshing face
masks.
Make lemon squash – mix two
cups of sugar in a cup of water and
boil it to 1/3 consistency syrup. Add
one cup of lemon juice while the water
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Temaalpatra, Padmakastha, Kamal,
Kosth Kolinjan, Halad, Laakh and
Daruhalad, which make Kumkumadi
Thilam, many ancient Ayurvedic
formulation for fairness.
Natural and Safe, Herbal
Bleaches are a blend of nature's
best. This makes it perfectly safe for
all skin types, especially sensitive
skin. Primarily, you need to
remember that with fairer skin comes
less resistance to the sun. The sun’s
rays are the primary cause of skin
damage for all of us and a good
herbal sunscreen and wearing a hat
whenever you are outside, even on
overcast day will go a long way in
preserving your skin.
Once or twice a week, you can
use an oatmeal scrub to remove the
dead skin cells and stimulate the
skin’s circulation. Over time, the effort
will pay off with a balanced skin tone
and healthier clearer skin.
Internally, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
and a quality B complex will help to
reduce the environmental effects on
your skin.
Remember that your skin reflects
your inner health, and a diet that is
high in fibre, such as brown rice,
wholegrain breads and pastas, lean
proteins such as chicken and deep-
sea fish, leafy green vege tables,
including salads and steamed
vegetables and fresh fruit will help
your skin look its best. We
is still warm. Stir well and bottle it.
Wash your face with warm water
in which a few drops of lemon juice
are added. Dry up and use lemon-
based face masks, which are easy
to make at home.
Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice
with one tsp of milk cream and apply
on your face. It helps to reduce
pimples, blackheads or other
blemishes.
One tsp of lime juice mixed with
honey leaves your skin glowing
brightly.
One tsp of lime juice, one tsp of
rose water and one tsp of papaya pulp
makes your skin soft and smooth.
– Urmilla Ramrakhiani, Pune.
123
STORY
SHORT
The Relationship
Adviser
It was an exciting new job that took Shelby

S
to a devastating revelation. By Barnali Saha
helby Watson was a paragon of virtuous magic page for her reading all the problems on
human relationships. She lived a classic life in earth and comparing them to her life – devoid of
her quintessential New York home with her marital clashes, money woes, unhappy in-laws. It
quintessential husband, Robert, a well-known was a measure-your-happiness page for her which
Wall Street figure, in perfect bliss. Life was inevitably lifted her spirits. You know, a great many
devoid of pain and she was more than happy people on earth can seldom say, “We are happy
to the extent that she would cry while watching with our lives” but Shelby knew how to count her
the daily soaps on television. She had been married happy stars. She was not one of the morose New
for three years now and, as expected, she was now York women who had everything and still felt like a
thinking of getting a job. fiasco. After careful consideration Shelby decided to
"I need a job, Robert," Shelby said one night over go for the interview.
dinner. Robert, who was munching on a "Robert, you are perfect. It is just that I
perfect steak, looked up from his plate. He love this idea of being a relationship
sipped a little red wine and put the fork "Why, adviser. I am going for the interview
down. Shelby was waiting for his honey?" he tomorrow," Shelby said.
response. said, looking Robert smiled at her and raised his glass
"Why, honey?" he said, looking quite to toast his wife's decision. "I wish you all
surprised. "Aren't you happy at home? Do
quite the luck, honey, and I hope you get the job.
you want me to spend more time with surprised. Are you nervous?" he asked.
you?" "Aren't you "No, not that," said Shelby as she did
Quite frankly, Shelby herself found no happy at the dishes."You see, I have nothing to lose
reason for getting out of her fabulous glass home? Do if I don’t get the job. Since I am not a
house; she thought she would miss looking you want careerist, it really doesn’t matter."
out of the big window of the living room at me to spend Robert rose from his chair and walked to
the busy Manhattan street filled with more time his wife in the kitchen and put his hand
people, most of them carrying glossy bags around her slender waist and kissed her. At
full of designer stuff. She would miss
with you?" that moment of passion, Shelby felt her
listening to the radio murmur, see the whole being melting like ice and she heard
beautiful sunset, Martha Stewart and Food networks. herself saying, " l love you."
But life to Shelby meant a little more than being a

T
home-maker. She felt an innate urge that told her
that it was time for her to get a job and fortunately,
she had already found the dream job that had to be
hers.
While lazily turning the pages of Her, Shelby's
eyes fell on a hiring ad. Her had been Shelby's
favourite magazine for ages, partly because of the
fabulous coupons and the line of events in the city
that they wrote about in great detail and partly
because of their Personal Woes column and the
unique solutions to the problems they provided.
Shelby read those solutions intently. It was like a
he next morning, as Shelby put on her Louis
Vuitton navy-blue pencil skirt and white blouse
from Christian Dior, she was filled with
confidence. She looked at herself in the mirror and
complimented her features. She had put on minimal
make-up and accented her dark brown eyes with a
coat of lush black mascara. Her face had a healthy
glow from the tinted moisturiser and the little sweep
of the blush that made her cheek bones prominent. "I
can do this," she said to herself, then took a deep
breath and left the apartment.
The office of the Her magazine in the Twentieth

124 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

Street was buzzing with morning activity. A group of
smart young men and women in designer skirts and
pin-striped suits was working in their cubicles. Her
was a comparatively young magazine that was
started by a New York fashionist, Laura Warren,
who had learnt the definition of prada from her
career as a model, which she later gave up after her
marriage to Tim Smith, a famous billionaire from
London, and then she started her own fashion
magazine. Her was an instant success among young
women aged between 15 and 30 but then, it began
including such features as political discussions and
health to broaden the spectrum of the magazine.
T
hey now owned two floors of a building in
Twentieth Street and were doing pretty well. Of
late, they had been looking for a new face to
work with them. Becky Snider, who worked as the
relationship adviser in the magazine's Personal
Woes section, had met with an accident and would
be bedridden for quite some time. Becky didn’t like
her job and wanted to work in a more scholastic
magazine, thus Her was now looking for a fresh,
young face to guide the mortal millions. They had
interviewed a number of women for the job but
Laura Warren wasn’t satisfied; she was looking for a
confident woman just like she was, someone who
was mature and sincere.
Most of the women she had interviewed were
young college girls or up-and-coming models who
had no idea about real life. One of them had acute
OCD and was on medication. On Monday morning
Laura was to meet Shelby Watson, a woman who
had phoned her on Friday about the details of the
job interview. Laura had liked her tone – calm and
composed and the fact that she had a degree in
clinical psychology made her a positive candidate.
"Hello, Shelby," Laura said.
Shelby replied with a smile as she looked at Laura
Warren sitting behind the chic table with a flawless
glass top and fancy wrought-iron legs. Laura
Warren was simple. Unlike the models that Shelby
saw on the covers of the various magazines, Laura
had a round face and her cheeks were definitely
chubby, while her hair was cut in layers and fell
loosely on her shoulder. Shelby noticed her fabulous
Giorgio Armani black striped jacket and her Cartier
watch, glistening in the morning sun. The room was
spacious and airy and Shelby sat comfortably in the
black leather chair and smiled again.
"Well, Shelby," Laura said, "how are you doing
today?"
"Pretty good, thanks," she replied.
"I read your resume early this morning and I must
say I am impressed by your previous experience as
a clinical psychologist," Laura said with a grin.
Shelby felt a burst of confidence inside and she
knew there was hope for her.
"So tell me, Shelby," Laura asked as she took out
Shelby's resume from a file and looked at it. "have
you ever tried a new way of doing things? Did you
succeed? And why do you think you are suitable for
this job?”
S
helby thought for a minute before saying, "In
my previous job as a clinical psychologist intern
at St Peter’s Hospital, New Jersey, I
encountered a gamut of challenging situations where
I had to think out of the box and combine my
theoretical knowledge with my sagacity and find out
solutions. My job involved dealing with patients who
were on medication due to psychological
problems. I had to be careful in
dealing with them. Since each case
was unique in itself I had to talk
to my patients and, fortunately,
in most cases, my therapy
helped them cater to their
personal development. I
guess my previous
knowledge will help me in
this job as this job
involves dealing with
personal problems and
finding solutions to them."
"Then why did you
give up your job, keeping
in mind that you did so
well?" Laura asked.
"I wanted to get
married and have a family. After my college, I
realised that I wanted a family life more than
anything else, thus, I intended to become a home-
maker."
"Then, why are you applying for a job now?"
asked Laura.
"Because I think I am suitable for this job. I like
talking with people and I love reading your
magazine and, more than anything else, I now want was thinking of having an extramarital affair with a
to have a new career," replied Shelby.
"Well then," Laura said with a smile and rose to
offer her hand in a handshake. "The job is all yours.
Congratulations, Mrs Watson, you are now part of
our magazine and I wish you all the best. You will
begin your work from next Monday.”
Laura took Shelby to the office and introduced her
to the staff, which included Janice, the co-editor,
Sheila, the photographer, and the other staff.
Everyone applauded and Shelby was happy to see
her future as a relationship adviser to the Her
magazine.
Shelby began her journey with the magazine on
the following Monday morning. Everybody in office
congratulated her on her first day and Shelby
Watson was confident and cool. She was
given a line of printed letters and e-mails
and each declared in bold one problem or
another which she had to answer. She felt
a tad nervousness in her gut as she looked
at the first e-mail but then she realised that it
was not rocket science and, besides, she
had the brains to debate her own ideas so
she could definitely find out healthy
solutions to all private anguishes.
I
n a month Shelby was a well-recognised
figure in the Her magazine. The readers'
eyes loved Shelby's solutions and
debating techniques; the magazine now
saw a deluge of e-mails and letters and
Shelby had a facebook community to her
name. Laura Warren was happy with her selection
and so was Robert, Shelby's husband, with his
wife's success.
Shelby enjoyed every moment of her newly
acquired job and felt that her happy life was
happier now. She would receive all kinds of
questions from people. Apparently, people had a lot she saw around. One such e-mail came from a girl
of problems these days, but Shelby Watson had all
the solutions – be it personal problems or problems
with one's boss or difficulty in dealing with one's
colleagues or in-laws, Shelby knew the answers to
all. She had a unique approach while providing
remedies. She would read each problem and place
herself in the situation of the writer and think how
she would deal with it but, every time she did that,
126 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
she always compared the happiness in her life with
the unfortunate one.
One night Shelby was working from home when
she got an e-mail. It was pretty late, around 12.30,
and she was about to shut her laptop when the
'New Message' icon popped up. Unwillingly, she
opened the page and found an e-mail from one
Paula Sexton. It was an interesting mail – the woman
"happily married man" who had lately been
showing her enough interest to make her feel
wanted in a special way. She knew it was unethical
on her part but she couldn’t forget the man.
S
helby wanted to laugh but decided to write a
serious note to solve her dilemma. She looked
at Robert, he was fast asleep. Shelby detested
the e-mail and the way the woman put her questions,
but she wanted to write a good answer. Maybe the
woman was not happy with her husband, maybe the
husband wasn’t good in bed, or maybe he was an
unfeeling rogue who didn’t give her enough time or
attention. If that was the case, then definitely the
woman needed a break-up with her husband and go
for the new man, but then, what would
happen to the wife of the man? She was
Shelby innocent. Shelby thought over the issue
wanted to and finally decided to help Paula. She
laugh but wrote a note where she asked Paula
decided to several questions about her marital life and
write a her job, and why she was interested in
serious note another man.
The reply came the following evening
to solve her and Shelby was amazed at what she saw.
dilemma. Paula was evidently a successful
She looked businesswoman with a happy family and
at Robert, her husband had no idea about her
he was fast whereabouts. She had met the new man at
asleep. a business meeting and was drawn by his
handsome features and, since then, she
couldn’t concentrate on work. Recently,
she had tried to express her interest and the man
had reciprocated to her feelings. They saw each
other a couple of times outside office and one such
meeting was fateful.
Shelby had received such clueless queries before
which made her laugh over the psyche of people
who spied on her husband for no reason; another
one came from a woman who was a compulsive
liar. But Shelby decided not to involve her emotions
in this case, as she often did, but wanted to do her
job. So she replied to Paula with a two-lined e-mail
and asked her to follow her heart. Since the woman
had already developed feelings for the man and the
man had also reciprocated, Shelby thought there
was no point in stopping them. Within a span of a
week, Shelby received a number of e-mails from
Paula; each of them updated her regarding the
status of her relation with the "new-man", as she
called him. Shelby had shared Paula's story with her
colleagues and with Laura, and they had a whole
afternoon's laugh over Paula's crazy love life.
It had been two and a half months now and
Shelby was well versed in Paula Sexton's love life.
S
helby was thinking about Paula's latest e-mail
for over an hour now. It was probably the
strangest e-mail she had got. The e-mail read,
"Dear Shelby, I hope you are doing fine. I am in a
fix, need your advice ASAP. The man I love
proposed to me over lunch yesterday and I am
ecstatic. He said he wants to leave his boring wife
and start a new life with me. You know my story. I
am also thinking of divorcing my husband before we
start over. So, do you think it would be a good idea
to live together right now? We looked up a good
apartment yesterday evening and he seems to be
excited too. His wife doesn’t have any idea, and so
does my husband. Would it look absurd if we
suddenly vanish from their lives to live with each
other? I am so excited about my new life. We are
getting new stuff for the home and we talked with
each other the whole day today. I am waiting for
your advice. The lost traveller in a new road –
Paula."
Shelby read it over again and clicked on the
reply option. She was worried about the people who
were still in the dark. For some reasons, she missed
Robert now and wanted to head back home as soon
as possible. She had decided not to receive Paula's
e-mail any more and so she wanted to compose the
final entry with more thought than usual. "Dear
Paula," Shelby typed, "I really do
not have an advice to give
you, since you two
have decided
everything already;
you have even seen
an apartment.
There is no point
in replying to
you with any
negative ideas.
Rather, I wish you
all the happiness in
future and I want
you to enjoy your
new life. I think,
since you two
love each other, it
is a great idea to
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
start living together and get to know each other
better. It is time you thought about your happiness
and forgot about the spouse who doesn’t evoke any
passion in you. I guess you have your answer. Wish
you two all the best – Shelby Watson."
S
helby left her office that evening with a strange
feeling in her gut. She didn’t know what it was
but she wanted to be home. She rushed to the
parking lot. There was heavy traffic on the Fifteenth
Street; nonetheless, Shelby reached home in half an
hour. She opened the door and called out to Robert.
There was no answer, he wasn’t home yet. She
looked at her watch, it was only 7.15, and so
Shelby changed and decided to make a good
dinner for Robert. By 9 o’clock the pasta and the
garlic bread was ready. Still, there was no sign of
Robert. Shelby called him on his mobile but it went
straight to his voicemail. She didn’t know what to
do, so she switched on her computer. There were a
couple of new messages in her folder; Shelby
thought it might be Robert who had the habit of
leaving quick instant messages. Shelby excitedly
opened her AOL account. She had two unread
messages from Paula, the person whom she least
wanted to encounter at that moment. Unwillingly,
she opened the letter, it said, "Dear Shelby, thanks
so much for your advice. We have taken the
decision of living together from today. We are on
our way to our new apartment now. Thanks so much
honey for your support. Love – Paula." Shelby
deleted the e-mail and opened the other unread one,
this one said, "I am attaching a picture of myself
and my Prince Charming, and I hope you like him."
Shelby scrolled down and found an attached file,
which said 'we took your advice.' She opened the
picture. In a moment, she felt like throwing
up. The whole world had stopped
and Shelby felt like a cold
corpse. In the picture with
Paula, a sultry blonde
woman, was a man.
He was somebody
Shelby knew for
ages — it was
Robert. She
dropped the
laptop and threw
away the dinner
plates and began to
cry. Outside the
glass window of the
apartment, the
romantic New York
City evening was
setting in. We
127
 Now, advances in medical
science have come to the aid of
childless couples and help find
cure to impotency.
By Dr Neelkamal Kapoor

ALL YOU WANTED TO

KNOW ABOUT
TEST TUBE BABIES

I
nfertility has always been an
issue which has brought forth
many social and psychological
traumas in the society. A
childless woman was considered
a bad omen on happy occasions
in the family. Advances in
medical science have come to
the aid of such childless couples
with the development of various
new assisted-reproduction techni -
ques. This was a revelation for
Sunanda when she took her childless
daughter-in-law Pooja to doctor for
consultation. Doctor discussed the
matter in detail starting from the story
of the initial test tube babies of the
world who are now young women
and men. These medical methods
are technically called as assisted
reproduction. Assistance in repro -
duction could be done in various
ways.
Ovulation induction: Ovulation,
which is the release of an egg from
the ovary, is not always a regular and
predictable event. In fact, nearly 30
per cent of infertility problems are
due to defective or absent ovulation.
The commonest cause of this is a
condition called polycystic ovary
syndrome where there is a major
hormone imbalance which prevents
the normal maturing of eggs.
In most cases, by using fertility
drugs such as clomifen, it can be
relatively easy to stimulate eggs to
grow to maturity and to ovulate.
Various hormone injections are also
utilised for ovulation induction. The
maturation of ova and ovulation is
monitored by ultrasound and couples
are encouraged to have sex at an
appropriate time. These hormones
also help in making the cervical
mucus of a better consistency so that
sperms can pass through with ease.
Intrauterine insemination:
Sperms are deposited in the vagina
at intercourse, the majority are
normally lost because the sperm
either trickle out or are destroyed by
vaginal acidity. Sperm loss may be a
factor when infertility is otherwise
truly unexplained. Sometimes, the
mucus of the cervix (neck of the
uterus or womb) can be hostile or
very thick and unfavourable. Some
men may have problems such as
impotence, premature ejaculation or
an abnormality of penile anatomy
which may make it difficult or may be
impossible for sperm to be deposited
in the vagina. It is quite common to
find that the seminal fluid containing
the sperms do not liquefy or remain
very like glue. This is likely to be a
significant cause of infertility.
In these situations, successful
pregnancy can sometimes result if
especially treated sperms are placed
into the uterus above the level of
cervix at the time of ovulation. This
treatment is called Intra Uterine
Insemination (IUI). Semen contains
many other biological entities besides
sperms, hence prior to putting the
sperms into uterus they are prepared
by certain washing and treatment
techniques. IUI is not a very good
technique when the sperm count or
quality is very poor. For the success
of this technique the fallopian tubes
of the woman partner should also be
open and undamaged.

128 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

 Donor Insemination: Sometimes,
the male partner is completely unable
to produce any sperm and the female
partner is medically problem-free to
conceive and produce a child. In
such a case sperms from some other
anonymous donor male can be used.
This is a simple and safe technique
medically but involves lot of
psychological, legal and ethical
issues. Hence this should be a very
considered activity in consultation
with various experts.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF is

medically a very complex technique
based on a very simple principle, but
its advent has blessed thousands of
childless couples with children.
In vitro means “in glass” and is the
laboratory term used for any
biological process that
occurs outside the body.
It was the media who
popularised the term “test
tube baby”. In fact, test
tubes are used nowhere
in the actual IVF process.
IVF is used in cases
where the fallopian tubes
of a woman are blocked
or sperm count in a male
is very low. It is
sometimes used in
certain cases of infertility
due to unknown cause.
Before starting the procedure of IVF
counselling of the husband and wife
and complete medical examination
and pathological examination of both
the partners are done.
For a normal pregnancy the body
creates such a hormonal secretion
and profile that one ovum finally
matures and ovulates. If the
fertilisation occurs by union with a
sperm then a further set and levels
of hormones help in its transport and
implantation in the uterus. In IVF the
hormones are utilised in the same
way to produce a large number of
matured ova. These multiple mature
eggs are then taken out of the ovary
and the body through vaginal route
and made to mix with the sperms in a
dish outside the body, in the
laboratory. This union is called
fertilisation and this fertilised ovum is
the year 2006 out of all women
undergoing IVF only 31 per cent
women (under the age 35 years)
succeeded in having a child and this
success percentage became less
and less with advancing age of the
mother to the extent that in women
below 44 years of age it was only 4
per cent.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm
IVF IS MEDICALLY A Injection (ICSI): In an IVF technique
VERY COMPLEX at least 100000 (specially treated)
sperms are put in contact with one
TECHNIQUE BASED ovum. However, some men have so
ON A VERY SIMPLE low sperm count that it is not possible
to do a successful IVF. In such cases
PRINCIPLE, BUT ITS an effort is made to retrieve the
ADVENT HAS sperm by using various methods like
BLESSED PESA (Per Cutaneous Epidedymal
Sperm Aspiration, TESA (Testicular
THOUSANDS OF Sperm Aspiration), TESE (Testicular
CHILDLESS Sperm Extraction).
In ICSI a prepared ova is held
COUPLES WITH while a single sperm is injected into
CHILDREN. it, thereby placing the genetic
material within the sperm inside the
now put back in the uterus. egg. This does not mean that the egg
This entire procedure requires is fertilised but at least now there is a
very skilled team of doctors and chance for this complex process to
technicians and high-class hospital commence. It is a very time-
facilities, still the success rate is not consuming and skill-intensive
very high. In the United kingdom in procedure.

Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 129

 Assisted Hatching: Failure of IVF
is mostly due to failure of
implantation. Even if good quality
embryos are replaced back in the
uterus a pregnancy may still not
occur. In order for implantation to
take place the embryo must first
hatch through outer covering of the
embryo known as Zona Pellucida. It
is thought that a thickened or
hardened Zona Pellucida may be a
factor in preventing implantation and
pregnancy.
To overcome this Zona Pellucida
is breached mechanically with the
help of needle or other such
implements just before the embryo
transferred to the womb.
Assisted hatching is usually
needed in those IVF requiring
patients who are above 35 years of
age because it is thought that age
hardens Zona Pellucida. It is also
done if three previous IVF cycles with
good quality embryo has failed or at
the time of egg collection Zona
appears to be thickened.
Joint family
Fifteen years ago, I was on the
look-out for a suitable bride for my
bank-employed son. I never wanted
any dowry or cash from the girl’s
party, but wanted a good, accommo-
dating girl from a respectable family.
An alliance came through. The
girl belonged to a joint family. Two
brothers, their wives, children —
each one had two — their old parents
and also an old unmarried uncle were
staying together, all under one roof
for the last 40 years.
They seemed to be living without
any quarrels or misunderstandings.
The proposed girl was the daughter
of the elder brother. Though the girl
was very, very ordinary, and an
unemployed graduate, I thought this
was the girl for my son and went
130
Frozen Embryo Transfer: Some-
times after doing an IVF extra
embryos are frozen. Later the uterine
endometrium either matures by itself
or is hormonally prepared to accept
implantation. The embryo is thawed
and implanted in the womb. The
ahead with the marriage arrangements.
Now, for the last 15 years, we are
also living as a joint family. Though I
have asked my son and family to move
upstairs as it is constructed for them
by taking a bank loan, they are not
inclined to shift and stay with us.
A discourtesy
A distant relative of mine lost her
husband some years ago. As is the
custom in Brahmin communities, the
first 13 days were spent in doing all
the religious ceremonies, obsequies,
etc., etc.
According to the custom, the
widow is presented with a sari on the
10th day by her brothers. The brother
of the lady was not well-to-do but he
still purchased an ordinary sari and
presented it to his sister.
Now, after a year or so, the sister
returned the sari to her brother’s wife
with the comment, “Babby, I don’t like
the sari given to me by my brother.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
woman is given hormonal treatment
to support this procedure.
Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer
(GIFT): This is a method which may
be used for unexplained infertility. It
is also used for older age group
patients in whom several attempts at
IVF have failed. In the GIFT
technique, gametes (egg and sperm)
are transferred together into the
fallopian tube where it is hoped that
fertilisation would occur naturally.
The embryo that is then formed will
pass along the tubes and enter the
uterus at the correct phase of the
cycle so that it may implant naturally.
So GIFT is in a way an attempt to
assist the nature and is akin to an
arranged marriage with the doctor
playing the matchmaker.
Well, after knowing all the
possibilities Pooja has already fixed
second appointment with the doctor
so that she can bring Ranjan, her
husband, to meet and discuss
everything in detail with the doctor. We
You may please hand it over to your
servant.” You could imagine the
feelings of the poor sister-in-law.
– Savithri Viswanathan, Chennai.
If you have had
an encounter with any
of your in-laws, let our
readers know it. Whether it is
pleasant or sour, it does not matter
so long as it is interesting and
illustrates human strengths and
weaknesses. All accepted
contributions will be paid Rs 200
each. Send you contributions. duly
typed or written in neat hand writing
to.
IN-LAWS/OUT-LAWS
E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
Name:
Mobile:
E-mail:
 NEW WAY TO EYESIGHT
Freedom from glasses – all you ever wanted to know about
L
blade free Lasik. By Dr Mahipal Sachdev, Centre for Sight
asik has brought about a
revolution in the field of eye
care. People who hid behind
thick glasses or had to put up
with the discomfort and
inconvenience of contact
lenses during their entire life
can now gain a new lease of
life with Lasik. People who
underwent Lasik Vision
Correction felt more confident,
reassured and were ready to take on
the challenges of life. Professionals
ranging from pilots, military and navy
personnel, sports people e.g.
athletes, golfers, scuba divers,
models and air hostesses and even
people working in offices and at
home have benefited from the
various advantages that Lasik has
offered them.
What is Lasik?
Lasik is a surgical procedure for
correcting near sightedness
(myopia), far sightedness (hyperopia)
and cylindrical (astigmatic) refractive
errors. LASIK stands for Laser-
Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It
has been available across the world
for nearly 15 years and millions of
people have undergone this Laser
vision correction procedure.
How is Lasik done?
Lasik is a simple procedure which
takes less than15 minutes to perform.
Eye drops are used to numb the eye
and a thin flap of cornea is raised
using a fine micro-keratome blade.
The flap is everted and a laser is
used to reshape the cornea. The flap
is replaced and the reshaped eye
curvature helps you to see clearly.
What is blade free Lasik?
It is a 100 per cent blade free
technology for laser vision correction.
A femto-second laser is used to
create a flap instead of the
microkeratome blade. This is
followed by customised ablation of
corneal surface to correct the
curvature of the eye. This is the most
advanced technology for Lasik and
has been found to be extremely safe.
NASA has recommended the
Intralase with Customised Excimer
laser correction for its astronauts as
this can withstand high gravitational
forces and has been found to be
stable and secure even in extreme
environmental conditions.
How is blade free Lasik different
from Lasik?
● Personalised Lasik Treatment
for any kind of refractive error
● 100 per cent Blade Free
● Uses a laser to create the
corneal flap
● Highly advanced computer-
controlled technology
● Better night vision and contrast
● Improved quality of vision –
crisp vision
How safe are the Lasik
procedures?
Millions of people across the world
have used Lasik for their vision
correction and have found it gave
them a safe, accurate and stable
result. Visual recovery is quick with
little or no post-operative discomfort.
They are able to pursue the lifestyle
and profession of their choice without
the inconvenience of glasses or
contact lenses.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Are the procedures painful?
Lasik is almost painless procedure
performed under topical drop
anesthesia. You can walk in and walk
out of the operation theatre in less
than 15 minutes. Few eye drops have
to be used for a couple of weeks to
allow a smooth healing.
What are the restrictions
following surgery?
You can return to your daily
routine the very next day. There are
no dietary restrictions. Sun glasses
should be worn outdoors. Avoid
splashing water or rubbing your eyes
for a few weeks. You can watch TV
or work on the computer as and
when you feel comfortable.
Do I need to wear glasses after
my eyes have healed from the
procedure?
No glasses are required for
routine daily activities. People over
the age of 40-45 years may need
reading glasses as that is a normal
ageing change called presbyopia.
Can I wear contact lenses after
the Lasik?
Yes, you can wear glasses or
contact lenses after Lasik. Even an
enhancement for any post-lasik
residual power is usually possible.
If Iʼm unsuitable for Lasik is
there any other option available for
me.
People found unfit for Lasik have
no reasons to lose hope. They have
several options at their disposal:
Implantable contact lenses (ICLs),
surface ablation procedures, INTACS
or intrastromal ring implants, clear
lens extraction with multifocal IOL
implantation, etc. Get yourself
examined and seek the best advice
for your eyes.
Email: drmahipal@gmail.com
131
 POWER OF HERBS
S
Tips for whitening your skin.
hreya avoids birthday
bashes, college gatherings
and for that matter any
social event. She does not
want to go in the crowd with
her blemishes. She suffered
acute acne problem as a
teenager. Her acne left
behind small brown spots on
her face and she hates them
the most. She wants a beauty
product that will hide her blemishes
by making them lighter. She wants to
feel comfortable among others. She
too desires a good complexioned
skin. Will good skin bleach rescue
her?
“Excess or unwanted hair growth
was irritating and downright
132
By Shailja Mehta
embarrassing problem for me,” says
Shama. I spent countless hours and
a good fortune putting myself through
torturous hair removal techniques,
only to watch the hair reappear. This
was frustrating.
Whether your issue like mine was
a few random chin hairs, widespread
body hair or a female “mustache,” it
was important to hide those excess
hairs. Since most hair removal
methods are temporary and painful, I
choose to make my body and facial
hair less noticeable by bleaching it.
Everybody in the world is fond of
white skin and is ready to do anything
to get the skin whiter. Even fairer skin
people put their best efforts to keep
their skin tone whiter. Especially
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Asians are fonder to get a whiter skin
and do lots of things to get the skin
whiter and lighter than the natural
shade.
The facial bleach packs available
at chemist shops consist of a cream
and powder. The cream and powder
should be mixed using a plastic
spatula provided. The mixture is then
applied on the hair for ten to fifteen
minutes according to the manu -
facturer’s instruction. The mixture is
then washed away. Along with the
hair, the skin will also become lighter.
The skin will revert to the original
colour within a few days. As new dark
hair grows in one or two weeks, it
may again need to be bleached.
The effectiveness of bleaching
varies from person to person. If a
person has coarse hair, the bleached
hair will still be noticeable, but it may
not be obvious for a person with fine
facial hair. Persons with sensitive
skin may experience a burning
sensation and may wash away the
bleach after a very short time.
Bleaching helps the skin to remove
scars, reduce sun tan and pigmen-
tation and clears the skin to make it
look lighter in shade. But it should be
done carefully as if the ingredients
have not mixed in proper proportion
or you put it more than the applicable
time, it might burn your skin. Beauty
is truth and truth is beauty. Looking
good and feeling great is the
enduring ambition worldwide.
MANY WAYS
There are many ways to whiten
the skin. There are plenty of bleaches
available for skin whitening, which
are meant not only for those who
have darker complexion but also
even for those who gets darker
complexion because of sun tan, age
or pollution. What is important is to
choose the right one for your skin.
Why use chemical to bleach your
skin when you can use the power of
herbs to bleach naturally?
These days' herbal bleaches are
available in the market for sensitive
skin, so people who have sensitive
skin should choose them.
A herbal face bleach not only
bleaches the skin but also nourishes
it with the goodness of nature’s
wonders like Haldi (turmeric),
Chandan, Nimbu (Lemon) and Aloe
Vera. While Haldi (Turmeric) protects
the skin from inflammation and works
as an antioxidant, Nimbu (Lemon)
acts as an effective antiseptic.
Aloe Vera adds life to the skin and
Chandan (Sandalwood) soothes and
adds glow to it.
Herbal bleach is a good option.
One can learn applying bleach in a
right way on the face and body from
a professional beautician and then
can do it oneself. There are many
herbal preparations that are available
to balance your skin tone. The herbal
facial bleach now available in the
134
market now make you naturally fair
with herbs like keshar, Chandan,
Lodhra, Patang, Raktachandan,
Agru,Walaa, Manjistha, Jesthmadh,
LIME AND LEMONY
Lemon is a very versatile fruit full
of vitamin C. Tasty by itself, it also
enhances the taste of food and
drinks it is added to. So use plenty of
lemons in your daily diet.
You can make lemon-based
health drinks.
Squeeze a lemon, add a tsp of
honey to a glass of warm water and
drink it first thing in the morning. It
keeps you fresh and healthy and
keeps your weight in check.
Use lemons as refreshing face
masks.
Make lemon squash – mix two
cups of sugar in a cup of water and
boil it to 1/3 consistency syrup. Add
one cup of lemon juice while the water
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Temaalpatra, Padmakastha, Kamal,
Kosth Kolinjan, Halad, Laakh and
Daruhalad, which make Kumkumadi
Thilam, many ancient Ayurvedic
formulation for fairness.
Natural and Safe, Herbal
Bleaches are a blend of nature's
best. This makes it perfectly safe for
all skin types, especially sensitive
skin. Primarily, you need to
remember that with fairer skin comes
less resistance to the sun. The sun’s
rays are the primary cause of skin
damage for all of us and a good
herbal sunscreen and wearing a hat
whenever you are outside, even on
overcast day will go a long way in
preserving your skin.
Once or twice a week, you can
use an oatmeal scrub to remove the
dead skin cells and stimulate the
skin’s circulation. Over time, the effort
will pay off with a balanced skin tone
and healthier clearer skin.
Internally, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
and a quality B complex will help to
reduce the environmental effects on
your skin.
Remember that your skin reflects
your inner health, and a diet that is
high in fibre, such as brown rice,
wholegrain breads and pastas, lean
proteins such as chicken and deep-
sea fish, leafy green vege tables,
including salads and steamed
vegetables and fresh fruit will help
your skin look its best. We
is still warm. Stir well and bottle it.
Wash your face with warm water
in which a few drops of lemon juice
are added. Dry up and use lemon-
based face masks, which are easy
to make at home.
Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice
with one tsp of milk cream and apply
on your face. It helps to reduce
pimples, blackheads or other
blemishes.
One tsp of lime juice mixed with
honey leaves your skin glowing
brightly.
One tsp of lime juice, one tsp of
rose water and one tsp of papaya pulp
makes your skin soft and smooth.
– Urmilla Ramrakhiani, Pune.

SELECTING THE RIGHT
GYM
B
Five basic eing physically fit has
become such an integral
gym rules you need part of everyday life that
more and more people are
to follow. enrolling in gyms to get
By Renuka Vishwanathan regular exercise. The
popularity of gyms is on an
upward rise. This has also
led to the mushrooming of
gyms at every nook and
corner.
It would be wonderful to be able to
afford a home gym, but space and
money constraints will limit that
luxury to a select few. For the
majority, enrolling in a gym is the
better alternative to get rid of the flab
and to get fit.
136 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
Once you have decided to join a
gym, the next important step is to
choose the right gym. How will you
tell a good gym from a bad gym?
Also, how will you know that the gym
you have chosen is right?
Here, compatibility is the key
word. You should feel akin with the
gym, and then only will you reap
benefits. So, it is not correct to blindly
go and enrol yourself in any gym just
because your friend or someone else
has recommended it.
Follow the tips below to ensure
that you are on the right fitness track.
Location: The location of the gym
is of prime importance. An ideal gym
will be near your residence or your
workplace. Otherwise you will waste a
lot of precious time in commuting and
undergoing a lot of inconvenience. A
nearby gym at a slightly higher rate
may be worth signing up for rather
than a further away gym at a lower
rate, as you will waste time, money
and energy in commuting.
Decide fitness goals: Amritha,
who was in her late forties, just
wanted to get rid of her excess body
fat. She selected a high-end gym, but
found that she did not use most of
the equipment whereas she was
charged for it!
So first decide your fitness goals.
Do you want to tone or contour your
body? Do you just want exercise to
stay healthy? Do you want to lose
weight? Are you aiming for that eight-
pack abdomen? Whatever your aim
is, not every gym is going to meet the
needs of every person.
So, select a gym that meets your
specific needs. For just using
weights, you need not choose an
elaborate gym, which includes
charges for sauna, swimming pool,
cardio and high-end equipment that
you may not use at all!
Check out the Gym Facilities:
When you go hunting for a gym, you
will be offered a tour of the centre.
Make sure that you check it out
thoroughly and assess it for yourself,
and not go by word of mouth. In
particular, check out:
 ● Whether the equipment is well-
maintained. You don’t want to work
out on poor equipment which may fall
apart and harm you grievously in the
bargain. This can include looking for
frayed cables in machines and also
loose plates and rust in other
equipment.
● Check if the gym is clean and
well maintained.
● Do check out the cardio
machines for wear and tear, and
especially for any strange noises.
● Ensure that the gym does not
have too much equipment nor too
little. Both situations are quite
confusing. But make sure that the
equipment you plan to use is
available at the gym.
The Timings: Jayanthi had
recently joined a gym and found to
her horror that it was packed when
she went there. She had to wait to
use the equipment, and the noise
and crowd completely put her off
exercising. She had other members
breathing down her neck to use the
equipment. The result was that she
ran out of the gym as fast as she
could.
It is essential to check how many
people will be around in the gym
when you plan to be there. Having to
wait for equipment and working out
in a crowded atmosphere is definitely
not enjoyable. So, check out the
times when the gym is not crowded,
and if it is not suitable, opt for another
gym.
Also, check out the timings of the
gym. Select one which has timings
suitable to you, depending on
whether you want early timings or
late. Most gyms offer separate
timings for ladies, and the rest are
unisex timings. Make sure that you
are comfortable with what timing is
offered. Otherwise you will be too
conscious of the people around to
exercise properly.
The Trainers: It is necessary to
check out the credentials of the
trainers in the gym. It is easy for
people to wear a T-shirt and track
pants and proclaim themselves as
trainers. The result is that you may
end up badly hurt or not realising
your health goal. Qualified trainers
will assess you and train you
according to your needs. So, don’t be
afraid to ask for the qualifications of
trainers before you enrol in a gym.
Clarify whether the trainer will work
with you on a one-to-one basis or in a
group. Choose whatever you are
comfortable with.
Also, make sure that the trainers
are cheerful and friendly. Working
with grouchy and morose trainers is a
sure put-off, and will make your gym
visits painful and dreadful. You may
not want to come at all! Check out
the nature of the trainers with other
members.
Changing Facilities: Make sure
that the gym you select has spacious
and clean changing facilities. You
don’t want to dress and undress in a
cramped closet! The changing rooms
should also be well ventilated and
lighted. Some gyms offer locker
facilities as well for keeping your
valuables and other stuff. Separate
changing facilities for men and
women are a must. If there are
shower facilities also, ensure that
they are clean and there is water
supply at all times.
The Price: Last but not least,
don’t select a gym because it is
cheap and affordable, or because it is
highly priced. High costs do not mean
good quality. As pointed out earlier,
the high costs may include charges
for things you are not even using!
Remember that some of the best
gyms are reasonably priced and
affordable. Do not fall for the trap of
glitz, shine and glamour. Look for
utility and what you will be using!
Also, lower rates may mean that
the hours you can work out may be
less. Satisfy yourself on all these
matters, before selecting a gym.
Suresh, a busy sales executive,
took a 10-year membership on a new
gym in his neighborhood, under a
promotional scheme for Rs 40, 000.
Although his intentions were good,
he found that he never found time to
visit the gym and neither did his
family members. The amount was
literally money down the drain, and
could have been invested elsewhere.
A monthly membership, though a
bit costly may be the best choice
initially, especially as you may not be
sure whether you can commit
yourself to the gym for a year or
more. Test out the waters of the gym
for a month or so, and then you can
opt for a longer membership if you
are satisfied with the gym and its
facilities and find that you have
the time!
Before you sign the
membership contract, read
carefully for any hidden costs.
Some gyms will slap annual
maintenance fees whereas the
maintenance may not really be
done or satisfactory. Check out
any “liability” clauses too.
Now that you have finally
decided to join a gym, a
few lines about gym etiquette.
Gyms today are the new social
hubs of modern life. They are so
popular that they have become
social gathering places akin to
coffee shops and malls. To make the
gym experience pleasant, the basic
rules of group politeness,
consideration and etiquette should
apply there as well. So mind your
gym manners or you may be labelled
as the Bad Gym Guy, who hogs all
the gym equipment, who barges in
out of turn, who talks loudly on his
cellphone while exercising and
leaves the changing room a mess!
Follow these basic rules and
contribute to making the gym
experience pleasant for both for you
and other gym members.
● Silence is Golden: Maintain
silence in the gym. Using cellphones
in a gym is a major infringement of
gym etiquette. When everyone is
working out hard and focused on
achieving their fitness goals, they do
not want to be disturbed by loud
conversations. Neither do they want
to be subjected to annoying ring
tones. Keep the cellphone on silent
mode or, better still leave it behind
at home or in the locker! In case you
can’t bear to be parted from your
precious cellphone, it may be better
for you to consider other ways of
getting fit! Also, if working out
together in a group exercise class,
and ensured there is no crowd in the
gym at the time you come to train.
However, at times there may be more
members around, and the equipment
and machines will become limited. Be
patient and share equipment. This
give-and-take is necessary if you
don’t want to waste time at the gym
just waiting!
Regarding cardio equipment,
many gyms have time limits for their
usage during peak hours. So, do
remember that others are waiting and
strictly adhere to the time rules so
that everyone can benefit from the
equipment.
● Keep Machines Clean:
Always wipe off any machine you use
in a gym, like handles, seats,
weights, etc. Just as you would not
like to sit on someone’s sweat,
neither would anyone else like to sit
IT IS NECESSARY
TO CHECK OUT THE
CREDENTIALS OF
THE TRAINERS IN
THE GYM. IT IS EASY
FOR PEOPLE TO
on yours. The best way to avoid this
problem is to cover the seats or
benches with a towel beforehand.
This reduces the problem of sweat
and grime. In gyms, cleanliness is
definitely next to godliness!
● Do not drop things: The
dropping of dumbbells or barbells is
one of the most jarring, annoying and
disturbing noises in a gym. Also,
slamming down the weights or any
equipment is a definite no-no. Apart
from the noise it makes, such
dropping and slamming of equipment
is liable to damage them, and you
may end up having to pay for the
damages! Also, it indicates your
inability to control them, and you may
end up with a pulled muscle or
tendon or even more. Handle
equipment carefully and with kid
gloves!
● Put Things Back: The cardinal
rule in a gym while using weights is
always to put them back in their
places when you have finished with
them. If you leave them lying around,
they may cause mishaps and
accidents. So spare a thought and
place equipment back properly in
pace.

avoid talking and whispering to other WEAR A T-SHIRT ● Smell good: The smell of
members. It is not only disturbing, but
is plain rudeness to the instructor.
AND TRACK PANTS sweat is definitely not attractive! Just
as you abhor the smell of sweat on
Grow up, please! AND PROCLAIM others after a workout, other do too!

● Donʼt be an Equipment Hog:

THEMSELVES AS Do change out of your sweaty gym
clothes before you go home if you do
You may have checked the timings TRAINERS. not want to offend people on the way.
If the gym offers shower facilities, it is

Winners of DBS Quiz Contest - 70 a good idea to take a shower to

remove any offensive smells.
Avoid wearing the same clothes
to the gym again the next day and
wear a fresh set. Never spray
yourself with cologne and perfume to
disguise the sweaty smell. That
makes it worse! By following this
basic hygiene, the air in the gym will
Shilpi Sharma Sukanta Poddar Meera Sharma be pure and odour-free and
C/o D. K. Gupta, Rambandh 321, Phase-II, PLEASANT!
4/213 Siddhj Mangal (Near Friends’ Club) Dugri, Ludhiana. Follow these five basic rules, and
Appt., Near Cricket P.O. Burnpur Pin: 141003 you have taken the first step to
Ground, Mahatma (Via: Asansol) becoming the ideal gym-user, a
Nagar, Nasik. Dt: Burdwan (W/B)
Pin: 422007 pleasure to gym with and a pleasure
Pin: 713315
for the gym too! We

140 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

 I am one-and-a-half months pregnant
and have developed breast soreness.
Is this normal and what should I do
about it?
Many women experience breast
tenderness during the first three
months of pregnancy. This usually
goes away during the second trime-
ster. Till then a properly fitting bra
with good support will help relieve the
soreness.
When should a
pregnant woman
visit a doctor?
As soon as she
misses her periods
and pregnancy is
confirmed by a swelling as well. As with all things,
home pregnancy kit.
Thereafter according
to WHO (World
Health Organization) a woman
should visit her doctor every month
for the first seven months, fortnightly
between the 7th and 8th months and
every week in the last month.
I am in the 7th month of my first
pregnancy. Recently I noticed that
my feet have begun to swell. There is
no pain or discomfort. Is this a cause
for concern? Please advise.
Swelling, or oedema, is common
in pregnancy. 75 per cent of women
will experience accumulation of fluid
around the legs and ankles at some
point during pregnancy. It is
aggravated by warm weather,
standing for a while, or at the end of
your day. In general the swelling is
nothing to be alarmed about. Most
I smoked till I was three
months pregnant as I did
not know that I was
pregnant. Now, I have tried
stopping but when I don’t
smoke I become very
irritable and moody which
makes things unpleasant at
home. I take a few drugs
now and then but do not
smoke as I used to. Will
this affect my baby?
Not only is smoking harmful to
your baby, but being around people
142 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
women report that the swelling
subsides after a good night's rest, or
after several hours lying down.
There are a couple of things you
can do to help relieve the symptoms.
The first is to drink a lot of water.
Though it doesn't seem to make
sense to get rid of fluids by taking in
more, the extra fluids will help flush
out your system of waste products,
which may have increased the
swelling. You need at least eight
glasses of water a day. Regarding
salt intake, people believe that the
swelling is caused by excessive
amounts of salt in the diet though
the opposite is also true. Limiting the
amount of salt you take in can cause
moderation is the key to balance.
The commonest cause of swelling is
the weight of the enlarging uterus
on the blood vessels.
Basic tips to help reduce swelling
are:
● Avoid wearing elastic topped
socks
● Wear comfortable shoes. Slip-
ons work best.
● Put your feet up when possible.
● If you stand at work, try to
move around slightly or get a stool to
prop a foot up on.
● Try support stockings
You have reason to worry if the
swelling does not subside after a
rest, if it is sudden or extreme, or has
extended from the legs and feet to
the face and hands. Report to your
doctor immediately, for you are at risk
for a complication - PIH (pregnancy
induced hypertension).
who smoke is as bad, for the
nicotine is passed on to the baby
as carbon monoxide. The risks of
smoking to the baby include
stillbirths, pre maturity, low birth
weight, asthma and sudden infant
death syndrome. Ideally you should
give up the habit before you get
pregnant but if that has not
occurred, do so now, no matter how
irritable or moody you have
become. Take professional help if
needed to do so.
– Dr A. K. Bajaj, MD.

B
acterial infection of the
urinary tract is quite
common among women;
next only to respiratory
infection. The danger of
developing UTI looms large
throughout the life of a
female right from infancy to
old age and it has been
estimated that about 50 per
cent of women suffer from symptoms
of UTI sometime during their adult
lives. Whenever given a proper
understanding of this disease and
taken adequate preventive measures
many of its complications and
recurrences can be avoided.
The urinary tract consists of the
kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and
urethra as shown in Fig. 1. The
kidneys produce urine drop by drop
which is propelled through ureters to
the urinary bladder which acts as a
reservoir. When filled to its capacity
the bladder contracts; its sphincter is
opened and urine is allowed to pass
out through a slit-like passage called
urethra.
The normal structure and
functions of urinary tract are such as
to discourage and inhibit the entry
and multiplication of bacteria from
outside through the external urethral
opening. The urethral orifice as well
as a wide surface area of the body
144
URINARY TRACT
INFECTION
A typically female problem
all women should be aware of.
By B. L. Nagpal
surrounding it is contaminated and
crowded with a variety of a large
number of micro-organisms which
are normal harmless inhabitants of
the large intestine and are passed
but with faeces/wind through the
anus.
VULNERABLE TO
INFECTION
The body area includes the vulva,
vagina and the whole area of the
perineum. Even the undergarments
carry these bacteria, although the
number may vary with the degree of
personal hygiene. The close
proximity of the external urethral
meets to the anus which is a source
of infection, makes the urinary tract
most vulnerable to infection.
The organisms, when they enter
the body tissue other than the large
intestines, become harmful and
disease producing. Normally, a
delicate balance is maintained
between the defence mechanism of
the urinary tract and the invasiveness
of bacteria and if any factor disturbs it
in favour of bacteria, UTI will easily
result.
From the urethral opening, the
organisms ascend into the urethra
and urinary bladder and are carried
on to the ureters and kidneys up to a
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
varying height producing a varying
degree of illness.
If the infection with subsequent
inflammation and tissue damage is
restricted to the urethra, it is called
as urethritis; if the bladder is involved
it is termed as cystitis and if the
kidneys are infected, the disease is
known as pyelonephritis. This
ascending mode of infection is the
most common but the infection may
occasionally start from the kidneys
through the bloodstream and
descend to the ureters, bladder and
urethra along with the urine.
UTI is far more common in
females as compared to males
because of certain anatomical,
physiological and pathological factors
seen exclusively in females. The
short length of female urethra (4 cm
to 20 cm in males) facilitates the
entry of bacteria from the urethral
orifice to the urinary bladder. A mild
trauma to the urethra received during
sexual intercourse forces the
organisms into the urinary bladder
resulting in a disease called
“honeymoon cystitis.”
The cells lining the female
urogenital region are rich in
oestrogen receptors, and certain
bacteria like E. coli have a special
affinity for adhering to these
receptors. The micro-organisms
multiply and colonise the vulva,
vaginal orifice and anterior urethra
where they eagerly wait for a chance
to get entry deep into the urinary
system.
Even the ‘mechanics’ of urine
outflow stream formation in females
differs from that in males. In a healthy
male the urine stream during
micturition is a forceful, forward,
projectile and complete in
circumference whereby throwing out
any bacteria which might have
attempted to enter the urethra.
In contrast, the urine stream in
females is weak and split; partly
forward and partly backward in a
semicircle and the latter portion
pushing the bacteria into the anterior
urethra from the meatus.
Enlargement of the uterus during
pregnancy and pelvic masses formed
by disease of the uterus and ovaries,
which are not uncommon, press upon
the ureters causing obstruction and
stagnation of urine which gets easily
infected because urine acts as a
good culture medium for the growth
of bacteria.
BACTERIOLOGICAL
EXAMINATION
Certain other conditions like a
weak pelvic floor, prolapse of the
uterus, cancer cervix, atrophic
urethritis and atrophic vaginitis of
menopause, greatly enhance the risk
of getting UTI. Catheterisation during
childbirth and gynaecological
operations as well as instrumentation
directly carry the bacteria into the
urethra and bladder.
The risk factors for UTI common
to both sexes are diabetes mellitus,
congenital abnormalities in the
urinary tract, stones in the urinary
tract, tumours, paralysis of the
bladder, prolonged bed rest, spinal
injury and suppressed immunity.
Enlargement of the prostate gland is
the most common predisposing factor
in men above the age of 50.
UTI may be asymptomatic or
symptomatic. During the
asymptomatic stage, there is no
tissue damage and if left uncared for,
it may progress to the symptomatic
146
stage. When symptoms appear,
these are increased frequency of
micturition, urgency and pain. In
urethritis, the pain or burning
sensation is felt in the urethra during
and immediately after the act of
urination. In cystitis, the pain is felt
in the lower abdomen and in
pyelonephritis, it is felt in the back
lumber region.
Along with these there may be
fever, chills, muscular pain, nausea
and vomiting. Urine may be cloudy
with an unpleasant odour and even
blood. Diagnosis is established on
bacteriological examination of urine.
Preventive measures
● After defecation, clean the
anus with paper from front to rear
followed by washing with soap and
water preferably using some
antiseptic soap like Savlon or Dettol.
● While bathing, wash the uro-
genital region, groins, inner side of
thighs, lower abdomen, back,
gluteal region, anus and perineal
region with soap and water.
● Change underwears daily
twice a day during the summer
months. Do not use tight, synthetic
underwears and tight jeans.
● Take plenty of fluids,
particularly during the summer
months and see that the urine
passed is always colourless and not
yellow.
● Empty the bladder at regular
intervals before retiring, before and
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
It is important to note that mere
presence of the organisms in urine
does not mean infection.
UTI is associated with the growth
of bacteria in the urinary tract and
examination of a midstream urine
samples should demonstrate more
than a hundred thousand
organisms/ml of urine for diagnosis.
Culture and sensitivity tests are done
to find out the specific causative
organism and the antibiotic to which
infection would respond.
Sometimes, urine does not show
micro-organisms in an otherwise
obvious case of UTI.
after sexual intercourse and again
after 10-15 minutes of urination if
there is residual urine (double-
micturition).
● Avoid excessive use of
deodorants, disinfectants, toilet
preparations, vaginal spermicides
and diaphragm contraceptives.
● Boost your body’s immunity
by healthy food, regular exercise
and avoiding drugs, stress,
pollution, smoking, alcohol and
over-indulgence in sex.
● Keep on changing the reaction
of urine from acidic to alkaline to
acidic either by diet or by drugs.
For good health always
remember: keep your genitalia more
clean than your face and keep your
latrine more clean than your
kitchen. We
 LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN
CATARACT SURGERY
MICRO-PHACO
O
f the 1.2 crore blind people
in India, 62.6% are due to
cataract. The blindness
caused by cataract can be
avoided by timely
intervention. Once cataract
develops, surgery is the
only treatment. With the
advent of newer
technologies and modern
innovations, cataract surgery has
come a long way.
Today, a cataract surgery which
provides faster recovery enabling the
patient to get back to work the next
day is the need of the hour. MICRO-
PHACO does just that. Here, an
incision as small as 1.8-2.2 mm is
made and a Phaco needle is
inserted. The natural opaque lens is
dissolved and aspirated and an ultra-
soft intraocular lens is placed through
the same incision. This procedure
takes hardly 10 minutes. This
technique is designed to speed the
recovery of vision, improve visual
outcome and reduce restriction of
activities after surgery. Micro-Phaco
has come as a boon for cataract
patients at a cost just 15-20% more
than normal Phacoemulsification
surgery.
This technique requires the
combination of a highly skilled
surgeon and a highly advanced
machine.
In India, only 2 companies have
launched these machines, INFINITI
by Alcon and Stellaris by Bausch &
Lomb. The ultra soft intraocular lens
which is used in this technique are –
Acrysof IQ by Alcon and MIL by
Bausch & Lomb.
Dr Sanjay Chaudhary who
pioneered Micro-Phaco Surgery in
Delhi on the INFINITI system at
Chaudhary Eye Centre, Darya Ganj
says, “Ever Since Micro- intraocular lens was then
Phaco has come it has implanted and the wound
revolutionised cataract was closed by stitches.
surgery. The patient can go Such a surgery would put
back to work the very next the patients off their daily
day and one cannot even routine for a month or so.
make out if a surgery has Such techniques are now
been done.” outdated. The quick,
Alcon-USA, one of the virtually painless and a
biggest manufacturers of walk-in, walk-out cataract
cataract related products in surgery, Micro-Phaco, is a
the world, and owner of the breakthrough innovation in
INFINITI Phaco machine cataract surgery making life
INFINITI – the
have launched the Micro- machine for
a lot simpler, comfortable
Phaco kit “Propak” which Micro-Phaco and safer for cataract
has all the world class patients.
consumables for cataract surgery in
one bag including the lens. Why Micro-Phaco?
The routine Phaco-emulsification (Incision on the eye 1.8 to 2 mm)
which was the most accepted • Micro-incision
technique of cataract removal till now • No stitch
requires an incision of around 3 mm. • Walk-in Walk-out surgery
A foldable intra-ocular lens is injected • Faster recovery
through the same incision. The • Premium Lens
smallest incision in this technique • Reduced need for glasses
could be as large as 2.8 mm. These
incisions are usually self sealing with Dr Sanjay Chaudhary is a leading
good recovery. cataract and refractive surgeon of
The earlier techniques of cataract Delhi. He is one of the pioneers of
removal required a large incision of phaco and Micro-phaco in Delhi. He
around 8-12 mm. A hard artificial is also a pioneer of Lasik surgery for
vision correction. With over 25 years
Dr Sanjay Chaudhary performing of experience in the field of
Micro-Phaco ophthalmology, he has been in the
forefront of all latest technologies and
innovations in the field like the use
of accommodative, multi-focal and
toric intra-ocular lenses in cataract
surgery and C-Lasik, SBK (Sub
Bowman Keratomileusis) and ICL in
the field of refractive surgery.
Dr Sanjay Chaudhary is also Director-
Eye7 Group of Hospitals
Email: drchaudhary@eye7.in
(www.eye7.in)
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 147
 BEGGING
FOR A POOR
REFLECTION
Will Delhi be free of beggars during the
Commonwealth Games? By K.M. Sharma
T
he Delhi government has got
elaborate plans to rid Delhi
of beggars before the
Commonwealth Games this
year. But the track record of
the government so far casts
a shadow of doubt on its
efforts to wipe out beggary
from the city. The beggar
population in Delhi at present
is more than 60,000 which is likely to
go up to more than one lakh well
before the games. Beggars have
their own plans. The entire picture
seems to be gloomy according to a
report.
The beggar problem has over a
period of time assumed menacing
proportions and government has
miserably failed to eradicate this
social evil due to poor
implementation of its laws by its
corrupt and disloyal authorities. In
fact, the government itself is
confused whether the Bombay
Prevention of Begging Act or Juvenile
Justice Act should be used to tackle
this chronic problem.
Two agencies, the Delhi School of
Social Studies and the Delhi
Commission for the Protection of
Child Rights, are closely connected
with this problem. If you desire to see
how beggars are preparing for the
Commonwealth Games, we suggest
that you pay a visit to Katputli Colony
in the Shadipur Depot area and Lal
Quarters area in Rohini. Beggars live
in these two colonies. Their activities
start right from 6 a.m. when beggars
148
in different groups leave for their
allotted begging places for a fixed
period. Vijay Babli is the beggar
leader at Lal Quarters who regulates
the working hours of the beggars who
are constantly rotated at different
spots where they earn Rs 150 to 200
per day.
Beggars from Rajasthan belong to
the Dom and Sansi tribes. Doms are
worshippers of Shani Dev, so collect
Shani dues on Saturdays and act as
pujaris at shani temples. The Sansi is
a criminal tribe and notorious for
killing people in cold blood. They
usually beg through tricks. At a red
light, if you happen to see two, three
women carrying a so-called pregnant
woman asking for alms, they are
definitely from the Sansi tribe. It is
they who pick purses, bags and other
articles from cars if the side glass is
open. These beggars donate their
begging places in dowry. It is not the
prerogative of a beggar to choose a
place for begging. Bosses control
them.
The begging business is well
organised and proper training for
begging is imparted to new entrants.
They are taught all possible tricks to
get the full sympathy of the client who
is compelled out of compassion to
donate something. But the training
involves torturous methods similar to
those applied to animals such as less
food to eat only once a day. This
training system can be easily seen in
Lal Quarters. Training courses are
designed taking in view the emerging
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
trends and opportunities – e.g.
preparation for the Commonwealth
Games. Foreign language tutorials
are being arranged not to prepare
them for taking any degree or
diploma but enabling the beggar to
talk to foreigners, with a tooti phooti
knowledge of that language. It has
been observed that many boys and
girls amongst the beggars are really
intelligent enough to pick up the
rudimentary knowledge of the
language taught to him or her, be it
English, Spanish, German, French,
etc. in phrases like “I am a destitute”,
“No place to go,” “Mother ill,” “No
money for treatment,” etc.
BEGGARS BEING
CHOOSERS
In fact, beggar mafias/controllers
are expecting huge earnings from
foreigners who may be visiting India
in lakhs during games. To avoid or
detect the possibility of cheating
foreigners, the beggar trainees are
made conversant with all the
denominations of the currencies of
many countries. Their estimate is that
each beggar will earn at least Rs 200
to 300 per day. A conservative
estimate of about 1,500 such
beggars will be on the prowl during
the games. The responsibility of
eradicating begging depends upon
multi-agencies. The Department of
Social Welfare of Delhi Government
is primarily responsible for making
the national capital beggar-free when
the Commonwealth Games
commence. But this department
always bemoans the shortage of
officials, so its anti-begging campaign
had to be discontinued. Is it not a
mockery of such an important
campaign? If shortage of staff is a
real problem then why has the
government not made arrangements
on a war footing to provide additional
staff who can be put on the job.
Otherwise how will Delhi government
remove beggars from the streets of
Delhi and out of the full view of the
foreigners visiting the city?
My survey reveals that most of the
beggars in Delhi belong to that
floating population who migrate to
Delhi from adjoining states as
begging is comparatively more
lucrative in Delhi since Delhiwallas
give alms generously. Another
problem is that there is no retirement
plan in the begging profession. On
the contrary, the older the beggar the
greater is his or her earning capacity
as he or she can arouse optimum
public sympathy. Recently, it was
found that several dozen graduates
and postgraduates have resorted to
begging as it fetches them from Rs
200 to Rs 500 per day, which means
Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per month
and that too in tax-free income.
In September 2002, an ordinance
was issued directing Delhi Traffic
150
Police to prosecute drivers who offer
alms or buy anything from vendors
at traffic lights as these actions are
punishable with a fine of Rs 100 for
the first offence and Rs 300 for
subsequent offences under rule 22
(a) of the Rules of the Road
Regulations, 1989, punishable under
Sec. 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act,
1988. But police hardly prosecute
motorists under these sections nor
round up beggars found begging at
such intersections. It is certain that if
motorists do not patronise them,
beggars or vendors they won’t
survive.
MAFIA
Of late, a mafia has come to
control the beggars and has turned
their pursuit into an organised racket
with enormous dimensions. I talked
to many beggars about the presence
of the mafia in the begging trade. All
the beggars unhesitatingly confirmed
that begging rights + 50 to 60 per
cent of the earnings of each beggar
are taken by a man called “boss of
beggars” who comes and collects the
percentage of the day’s earnings
from the beggars. Some mafia
bosses never come on collection
rounds but the beggars have to go
and tender their percentages to the
boss at his place. These bosses are
very brutal and
normally operate
singly. In case of a
default, they beat
up beggars very
cruelly and don’t
allow the beggar to
beg at a particular
spot where ear -
nings are compara-
tively quite sub -
stantial.
The ITO red
light, where the
traffic light stays
red for a longer
time, is controlled
by the mafia. One
Ram Parvez is the
boss of this area. A
woman beggar
Jugni and a dozen
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
others are allowed to beg at India
Gate. She was grumbling against
police and the boss. The police, she
says, do not allow them to beg unless
hafta is regularly given to them.
Ramesh, a beggar in tattered clothes,
begs at Mool Chand crossing from 9
a.m. to 11 a.m. and earns from Rs
100 to Rs 200 within this short time.
Beggars all over adopt an almost
identical modus operandi to make
their earning and accumulate wealth.
They are good earners but have also
learned the art of investment to
multiply their earnings. In fact, the
world of beggars is a typical
wonderland which provides a very
fascinating reading. Gradually they
are being organised and have formed
a formidable beggars’ unions.
But the irony is that such unions
are in a majority of cases controlled
by the mafia of the respective area.
Their siblings do not necessarily
follow their parents’ profession but
have now been seeking placement in
diversified portfolios. But a survey
has also revealed that some siblings
do follow their parents’ profession.
Kochi-based NGO Sishu Kshema
Council, Mumbai-based Social
Development Centre, Shyam
Bandopadhyay of Kolkata’s Beggars
Research Bureaus have carried out a
deep study and surveys of the
beggar problem and have given very
interesting revelations.
Prime haunts of beggars: 1.
Temples and other religious places
2. Railway stations and bus stops 3.
Tourist spots 4. Busy market areas
and malls. 5. Red-light signals.
Beggarsʼ earning profile: 1.
Mother with a rented newborn 2.
Destitute children 3. Leprosy patients
and some with mutilated limbs 4.
Disabled man/woman made or born
with infirmities 5. Poverty driven
Beggars earnings and invest -
ments: 1. Some beggars possess
PAN cards 2. They invest in shares
and mutual funds 3. Beggars
generally take a Money Plus LIC
policy which provides Rs 20 lakh in
16 years on a deposit of Rs 30,000.
 The surveys conducted by the
aforesaid NGOs covered Kolkata,
Ludhiana, Varanasi, Indore, Ujjain,
Kashmir, Chennai and Kerala.
BEGGING DYNAMICS
Though begging is banned in
Kerala, its implementation is
lamentably very poor, so begging is
going on unabated. In
Thiruvananthapuram, 60 beggars
earn Rs two lakh on a daily basis.
In Mumbai, the beggar population
is estimated at three lakh and their
yearly earnings are approximately Rs
100 crore.
In Kolkata there are 35,000
beggars and earn approximately Rs
35 lakh a day.
In Ludhiana 2,000 beggars earn
Rs 10 crore every year.
In Hyderabad a woman beggar
earns Rs 300 to 400 a day. Her
children are studying in a convent
school and her husband owns a
scooter and three acres of cultivable
land. He drops her at the begging
point and picks her up in the evening
on his scooter.
In Ayodhya, being a religious city,
there are 1,000 beggars who earn Rs
200 each daily. One-third of the
beggar population is women and
children.
In Bhubaneswar the government
is strictly prohibiting begging near the
Jagannath temple but still beggars
earn Rs 30 to 40 per day.
In Varanasi beggars earn Rs
3,000 to 4,000 per month.
In Chandigarh they earn Rs 100
to 150 per day.
In Tamil Nadu a beggar earns Rs
700 daily during the Sabariwala
pilgrimage season. Surprisingly, a
152
resident of Kovilpaltti has
recently launched his
seven-year-old daughter
in begging with the same
zeal as is shown by the
film personalities while
launching their sons or
daughters in acting.
Generally, it is seen
that the minimum earning
of a beggar is Rs 100 a
day. In some places it
was also seen that in
case a beggar fell short of his or her
earnings he or she would try to steal
another beggar’s money, which leads
to violent scenes.
In Kashmir, they say begging is a
traditional profession and residents
of various villages are engaged in
begging to keep ancestral traditions
alive in spite of the fact that their
economic status is far better than in
previous times.
They, however, earn Rs 200 to Rs
500 daily. It has also been reported
that militants snatch beggars’
earnings and from some of the
beggars they could find 10 gold coins
and more than Rs 40,000 in cash.
Another very interes ting and
amusing report has come that a
beggar husband gave his wife FDs
worth Rs one lakh as settlement
amount after divorce. There is a full
communal divide in this begging
sphere also. There is absolutely no
scope for secularism. Hindus give
alms only to Hindu beggars who
usually flock at Hindu religious places
and traffic signals, while Muslims give
alms to Muslims who throng the
mosques and mazars.
The beggar mafia’s criminal wing
uses beggars to accomplish their
nefarious designs. One beggar who
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
usually sits near the Jain
temple and Gauri Shanker
temple in Chandni Chowk
was used by them to
encash cheques with
forged signatures and the
ring leader used to stand
and watch him at Red
Fort, and the cash of the
cheques was to be
handed over to him in lieu
of some commission. But,
one day, as luck would
have it, that beggar was caught by
the alertness of the bank employees
who became suspicious about this
beggar withdrawing a big amount of
five figures. In police investigations
he revealed the whole game plan of
the mafia using beggars for criminal
activities and that the mastermind is
seldom caught.
Now, Delhi High Court and various
sports bodies have persistently asked
Delhi Government to rid the city of
beggars before the Commonwealth
Games 2010. But the government is
clueless as usual about how to do it.
But it is certain that the government
has to perform a balancing act
between legal and humanitarian
angles of this problem. The complete
eradication of this problem is
impossible unless the government
comes out with a comprehensive
social security scheme ensuring all
its citizens the basic minimum social
security especially to the old, sick
and destitutes who have absolutely
no source of any assistance. Don’t
forget that the beggar problem is a
stigma on the government as it has
failed to provide generous help to
genuine citizens. The attitude of the
government in such matters
demonstrates its altitude. We
STORY
SHORT
Destined to be a Mother
Why was Abhi’s mother shocked to see his sweetheart for
the first time? A stunning revelation. By Renuka Vishwanathan
I
needed to lie down desperately. The events of
the last few hours had completely upset me and
I felt as if my head was being pounded by a
hammer from inside. I went to my bedroom,
drew the curtains and lay down in the dark,
trying to calm my agitated mind. But I couldn’t
relax. Things were in such a turmoil.
Abhishek had gone to drop Kamna home.
Kamna, the girl I had been eagerly waiting to
welcome as my daughter-in-law. What must she
have thought of my behaviour and the way I had
reacted to her?
“Mom, what’s wrong with you?” Abhishek had
hissed at me, as I had stared open-mouthed at
Kamna. I couldn’t reply as I had been numbed by
his words. I just couldn’t believe it. What cruel twist
of fate had brought her back into my life?
I knew that I had a lot of explaining to do to
Abhishek and I began to panic. Would he
understand why I had done such a thing? And
would he understand why I had behaved as I had?
The most important question was: should I tell him?
I must have fallen asleep, exhausted by the events
because I woke up with a jerk, when Abhishek
opened the door of the room to enter. “Are you
okay, mom?” he asked in a whisper, coming and
sitting on my bedside.
I sat up and looked at my only son, the only
reason that had kept me going on throughout my
life. I nodded at him. “Open the curtains and
windows,” I said and he obeyed.
The late evening breeze came in through the
windows and the dim light duly lit up the room.
“Don’t put on the lights,” I said sharply, as he
went to switch on the lamp. I decided I had to come
clean. It was a burden I had carried for many years
and now providence was giving me a chance to
share it with my son. What I had to tell him needed
a soothing atmosphere, subdued and calm, not lit up
by the harsh light of an electric lamp.
He sat down again, this time on a chair, not
knowing how to broach the topic. I sensed his
discomfort. I had to take the bull by the horns. I took
a deep breath.
“Abhi, you must be wondering why I reacted like
that to Kamna when she mentioned her parents.”
His pained eyes looked at me, and he nodded his
head. He would not question me, our relationship
was too deep for that. But I desperately needed him
to understand why I had done such a thing. He had
to understand the past, as it was linked to the
present.
“I know Kamna’s parents,” I began.
“You do?” he asked a bit shocked. “Then how
come you don’t know Kamna? I had told you about
her.”
I
sighed. Abhi had mentioned he had met a girl he
liked. She was a software engineer, working in
his firm. She was his junior, but they had worked
on a project for six months together in the USA and
had become very close friends. That friendship had
slowly blossomed into love.
“She is wonderful, mom,” he had gushed to me.
“She is the only daughter of her parents and they
are very well off. Her father owns a manufacturing
unit in Jabalpur and exports a lot. His mother is a
well-known social worker in that area. They were
very nice to me and they have no objection to my
relationship with Kamna. Now, we need only you to
approve.”
“Let me meet her first,” I had laughingly told him.
And I had meant to approve. I could never break
the heart of my only son. I was ready to welcome
Kamna into my home and heart, as the daughter I
never had. But the mention of Jabalpur had raised my
hackles.
I had been lucky to land a job in a government
hospital, a few miles away from the city. There I had
been allotted a small room, which Abhi and I had
called home. The pay had been just enough to
manage our food but I was lucky to have a
wonderful boss, Dr Mathur, who was chief of the
hospital. He was an enterprising person and a keen
researcher and headed the hospital’s fertility centre.
He was investigating some new technique which
was still in the nascent stage.
And that is how I was roped in by him into his
plans. I was talking with him when he had invited
me to join him for a cup of tea. That is what I liked
about Dr Mathur. He was friendly, casual and had
no airs. I opened up and told him about my
concerns for Abhi.
“I want to give him the best education. I want to
make him an engineer. He is so brilliant, but there is
just not enough money,” I had sighed.
That is when Dr Mathur had put forward his
proposition.
I had initially been shocked.
“I can’t do such a thing. It’s immoral.”
“There is nothing wrong with it,” he had soothed
me. “It is just that it is not so common in our country,
but in a few years it is sure to catch on. You are
young, healthy and you are at no risk at all. And the
money involved is considerable.”
T
he amount he mentioned took my breath away.
I could give Abhi whatever his heart desired.
We could buy a small house of our own. Our
future would be secure. And that is what set me
thinking.
“You will have to decide soon,” Dr Mathur had
said gently. “The procedure is quite complicated
and there may be success immediately or may be
not. So it takes time.”
“I agree,” I told Dr Mathur finally. “But there is
one condition. They should not know my identity.”
“But how is that possible?” Dr Mathur had asked
me, annoyed.
“That is my condition. I don’t think I have to come
in contact with them, do I?”
“I will talk to them,” said the doctor, a bit
stumped by my demand. But I was adamant.
“I need anonymity,” I insisted.
Dr Mathur managed to convince the couple and
the whole operation went through successfully.
I
came back to the present and saw Abhi waiting
eagerly for me to continue with my explanations
on how I knew Kamna’s parents. Actually, I had
done a bit of spying. I had been quite curious about
the couple who had required my services so many
years ago. I had secretly peeped into a file of Dr
Mathur’s and got to know their names and address.
I still remembered it after so many years. And
Kamna was the right age.
“What is Kamna’s date of birth?” I asked Abhi
suddenly.
“12 December 1980,” he replied.
That was proof enough. That was the day it had
actually happened. That was the day I had sold
myself for Abhi’s future, in a way.
“Mom, I am waiting for explanations,” he urged me.
I knew I could no longer hide things from him.
“We used to live in Jabalpur between 1977 and
1980. You were an infant. Your father was not
killed in a road accident, as I had told you. He had
abandoned you and me and left with all my money
and jewellery.”
Abhi gaped at me in shock.
“All this money we now have and had is not your
father’s legacy to you, but because of me or rather
what I did. I told you lies because I did not want you
to feel upset and humiliated on having a good-for-
nothing father and be ashamed of what I did.”
“What did you do?” he asked horrified.
“Hear me out patiently,” I said. “And don’t
interrupt. Science was not as advanced as it is
today. Fertility techniques now have made it so easy
for infertile men and women to have children. But in
1979, it was quite difficult. An infertile couple was
desperate to have their own child. They had all the
money in the world, so they approached a doctor
known to them who was a pioneer in the field of a
new fertility technique. He in turn approached a
young, healthy woman, to take part in the project.
Desperate for money and the future of her son, the
young woman agreed.”
 “It was you!” exclaimed Abhi, with both
astonishment and horror in his voice. I held up my
hand to silence him.
“Yes, it was me. The project went through
successfully and the couple went home happily with
a child, and the young woman with the promised
money. She immediately left the place and made a
new life for herself and her son,” I paused. I knew
that the next words would shock Abhi. I bent
forward and took his hands firmly in mine.
“Kamna was that child born to the couple. The
couple are her parents and I was the surrogate
mother who bore Kamna.”
and stared at me as if I had gone mad.
“We pretend that we don’t know about Kamna’s
origins. Her parents don’t know me. Kamna is their
child biologically and genetically. She does not
have my blood or genes. I have just been a mother
to her when she was in the womb. And fate has
given me another chance to be a mother to her for
the rest of my life. Isn’t it wonderful? She is really my
daughter, isn’t she?”
Abhi broke into a huge grin after absorbing my
words and hugged me.
“I love you, mom,” he said. “I know you always do right.”
But suddenly his face clouded.
“But what about your husband, I mean my

A
bhi’s face showed no expression on hearing father?” he stammered at the unfamiliar words. “Is
my words. He seemed to be in a sort of he still alive?”
stupour. He shook his hands free from mine “That scoundrel” I exclaimed in scorn. “He was
and went and stood near the window, looking out killed in a drunken brawl about 10 years after he left
into the darkness. I waited quietly as long as I could, us. I met one of his friends by chance after I had left
then I felt I had to say something to break the silence Jabalpur and he gave me the news.”
and to justify myself. A great sense of relief flooded over Abhi’s face.
“Abhi, Kamna’s parents don’t know me at all. It “And remember, Kamna is not to know any of
was my condition that I would maintain my this. If she knows the truth and ever reveals
anonymity. But I got to know their names it to you, act surprised. And I am sure she
and they are embedded in my mind. I also
It would be will not know about me. Her parents
learnt that the child I had given birth to was wrong to anyway would not bother about the poor
a girl. There can be no mistake. That child deny that I woman who helped them have a child.
is Kamna.” had never Besides, today surrogacy, IV fertilisation,
It would be wrong to deny that I had thought babies from donor eggs and donor sperms
never thought about the child. After all, I about the are all so common, it is not such an issue
had nurtured her in my womb for nine that it was years ago.”
months. And wasn’t motherhood about child. After I stretched myself, feeling better than I
nurturing? But I knew that to forget the past all, I had had in the last few hours.
was best for the future and so I had tried not nurtured her “Now go and tell Kamna that I was not
to think of her. Maybe I would never have in my womb feeling well. Call her and I’ll talk to her.
revealed the truth to Abhi if Kamna had not for nine We’ll lunch together tomorrow. It’s the
entered our lives in such a fateful way. months. weekend, so you’ll both be free.”
“What happens now?” demanded Abhi Abhi jumped up and ran out of the
suddenly, facing me with anger and room and I followed him. With the way
anguish writ large on his face. “How could you have science was progressing, it is possible that in the
done such a thing? How can you keep such a thing future, a person would not be sure if a stranger he
hidden from me?” meets is genetically related to him or her or not. But
He collapsed in the chair, burying his face in his hands. now, I had to talk to my daughter, Kamna. We
“We do nothing,” I said as calmly as I could.
Abhi jerked his head abruptly out of his hands

158 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010


CONJOINED TWINS
The wonders of modern surgery.
A
team of 16 surgeons and
nurses at the Royal
Children’s Hospital,
Melbourne, Australia,
successfully separated
joined-at-the-head, three-
year-old Bangladeshi twins
– Krishna and Trishna –
after more than 50 hours of
complicated surgery on 17
November 2009. The surgeons
described the moment as ‘surreal’.
The twins, rescued from certain
death in a Dhaka orphanage, had
been flown to Australia by the
Children First Foundation Trust, an
aid organisation, in November 2007.
With medical experts opining that the
twins had only a 25 per cent chance
of survival, the doctors, who operated
on the orphans, say such a surgery is
a ‘once in a lifetime experience’.
160
SEPARATING
By Maharaaj K. Koul
Speaking to reporters, visibly
jubilant hospital chief Dr Leo Donnan
said, “The teams managed to
separate their brains and they are
both very well. Now we have the long
task of reconstructive surgery, which
will go on for many hours.” Plastic
surgeons, headed by
Dr Tory Holmes
finished reconstructing
the girls’ skulls using
a combination of their
own skin, bone grafts
and artificial materials
about five hours after
the separation surgery
ended.
Moira Kelly, the
girls’ legal guardian,
who brought them to
Australia from
Bangladesh, was
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
overcome by these dramatic
developments. The twins shared
parts of their skull, brain tissue and
blood flow. Working through the
night, the specialists took occasional
food and rest breaks and listened to
pop music in the operation theatre to
stay alert as the operation
ran hours past its
scheduled midnight finish.
“Everyone has known
these girls as one with their
individual personalities, so
to see them as separate
human beings is a pretty
amazing moment,” said Dr
Donnan.
But they were nursed
back to health developing a
unique system of crawling
on their backs as they
underwent a series of
preparatory operations. One of the
separated twins, Trishna, woke up on
19 November from the induced coma
to cuddle her caretaker Kelly,
triggering jubilation among the
surgeons as she showed signs of
normalcy. Krishna, the weaker of the
two, who was close to death when
they arrived in Australia, woke up
fully from her medically-induced
coma on 21 November. As her life-
support tubes were lowered, Krishna
started reaching out for Trishna.
Dr Wirginia Maixner, head of
neurosurgery, said that it was a sign
of total recovery of the twins. The
separated twins came out of the ICU
on 23 November to share a common
room, merrily eating and watching
television.
TRICKY SURGERY
Separating conjoined twins is a
notoriously difficult procedure with
attempts elsewhere failing over the
last some years. Head surgeries in
any case are rare. In 2003, doctors in
Singapore failed to separate two
adult Iranian twins who died from
severe blood loss after a 52-hour-
long-operation.
Several different kinds of human
twins are recognised, among them
the most important are identical
twins, non-identical twins and
ONE BODY, TWO VOTES!
The voting exercise had just
entered its second hour in May
2009 in the tiny Keshabpur village
in Basirhat, North 24-Parganas,
West Bengal, when a pair of legs
walked into the lone polling station
there and, having right of way, beat
the long queue to cast not one but
two votes. Both presses of the
button on the EVM were perfectly
legal. That’s because Jeheratun
and Akheratun are inseparable –
not just for their love for each
other, but the physical bond they
share.
The 41-year-old sisters became conjoined or the so-called Siamese
the country’s oldest living twins. Twins are formed by the
conjoined twins to vote, a record fertilisation of two ovums or the
made possible by a medical division of a single fertilised ovum.
miracle and a dogged desire to The latter is known as monozygotic
live. It was a strange picture when, twins, usually the division is complete
hunched on a wooden chair on a and each member of the twin is born
porch in front of their single-storey separate from the other.
house, the twins held up their voter The biological error causing the
IDs for the world to see. While appearance of a conjoined twin is
Jeheratun Necha Tannaccha, as thought to happen during the early
the name on the ID read, was all stages of development after
smiles and more than eager on a conception. The fertilised egg
soundbite, the more media-shy somehow fails to divide fully as it
Akheratun Necha Tannaccha begins the process of cell
preferred to look away and would multiplication, causing two balls of
reply with ‘haan’ and ‘naa’ after cells to develop as separate
much persuation! individuals but permanently joined
together.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 161
 Why are Siamese twins so called?
The term ‘Siamese twins’ probably
dates back to the famous pair of
conjoined twins, Chang and Eng
Bunker born in Siam (now Thailand)
in 1811. The two were joined
together at the sternum by a thick,
muscular ligament and remained
united throughout their lives.
But that didn’t stop them from
settling down in the US, earning their
living as ‘freaks’ in the famous
Barnum and Baily Circus, getting
married to two different women,
fathering 21 children and leading
otherwise normal lives for 63 long
years. The reason doctors couldn’t
use the scalpel on them was because
a part of Eng’s liver was inside
Chang’s body. And, at that time,
surgery wasn’t developed enough to
handle it. It was also the reason why
Chang died minutes after Eng’s
death even though he himself was
healthy. The actual incidence of
162
conjoined twins is about one in
200,000 births.
SUCCESSFUL
SEPARATION
A team of senior doctors, led by
paediatric surgeon Dr Yogesh Sarin,
at the Christian Medical College,
Ludhiana, Punjab, separated a set of
Siamese twin girls, joined at the
abdominal region, after surgery
lasting over 10 hours in August
1996. This was the second case in
India. The first such operation was
conducted in Kolkata by Dr S.
Chatterjee in 1986. He also operated
on twin girls, but he performed his
surgery in two phases, over four
months. Till then only 12 cases of
attempted separation had been
recorded in the world, but half of them
hand died soon after the operation.
Nepal-born 11-month-old
conjoined twins, Ganga and Jamuna
Shrestha, who were joined at the
head were separated at the
Singapore General Hospital in April
2001 after a marathon 91-hour
operation by a team of doctors led by
neurosurgeon Dr Keith Yu-Ching.
Their brains had become enmeshed
where they shared the same cavity.
In the fourth such surgery in India
and the first in Chhattisgarh, a team
of surgeons led by Dr Ashok Sharma,
successfully conducted a rare
operation to separate 10-month-old
conjoined twins Ram and Lakshman,
at the government-run Dr Ambedkar
Hospital. The twins shared a
common liver and pancreas along
with some other parts of the body.
But their hearts and urinary organs
were separate.
And, believe it or not, a pair of
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
conjoined barn swallows, attached at
the hip by skin and muscle tissue,
was found by a man in White County,
Arakanas, US. The birds first
appeared to have only three legs, but
further examination found a fourth leg
tucked up underneath the skin was
connecting the pair!
With advances in medicine,
conjoined twins, who may even be
cranially attached to each other, can
now be separated successfully. And
clinicians are merely marking time to
the day when they will be able to
disengage even more seriously
fused Siamese twins without major
hassle.
However, some medical
visionaries are contemplating the
exact opposite – a day when
surgeons might have to artificially
create Siamese twins in order to save
lives. They point out that in Chang
and Eng’s case two individuals lived
off one organ for over 60 healthy
years and say that there is no reason
why any person with a damaged
organ cannot be temporarily ‘hooked
up’ to another person instead of a
machine while waiting for a donor or
artificial organ.
Their answer to objections such
as who would be willing to go through
such a procedure is simple: use
people who have reached a
permanent vegetative state. These
are the unfortunate few who have
suffered irreversible brain damage
with no hope of recovery – the very
cases that frequently end up in ethics
courts wrangling over issues of
euthanasia. Relatives of such people
should also have no objections. After
all, they could always reckon that
even in such a condition, their loved
one had helped save a life. We
173 Crossword
F A M I L Y P H O T O

✂
CONTEST
1 2 3 4 5
N B
6

Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No. 173 Womanʼs Era, Delhi Press, New Delhi-110 055.
D
7 8
E E

9 10
G T
11 12
I
13 14
A
15 16
F I
17 18
E
19 20
O
21
R N
22
E

Across
1. A situation which cannot be
avoided (10)
6. A cover over a container that can
be removed or opened by turning
it or lifting it (3)
7. A bitter taste made from malt (= a
type of grain) or wine, used to
add flavour to food or to
preserve it (7)
9. Facts or information, especially
when examined and used to find
out things or to make
Decisions (4)
11. To drink something, especially
alcohol (6)
13. A person who is very large,
strong, intelligent or important (5)
15. A fight or violent behaviour in a
public place (6)
1. A person appointed to watch people
while they are taking an exam to
make sure that they have everything
they need, that they keep to the
rules, etc. (11)
2. Abbreviation for English Place-Name
Society (4)
3. Having a strong, bitter smell or tase
that is unpleasant (5)
4. Attractive and showing a good Please accept my entry for the
sense of style (7) crossword competition. I
5. To draw or bring out; elicit (5)
8. Using words that are clever, but are subscribe to all the rules and
not sincere, and do not show much regulations of the competition.
thought (4)
10. A substance that enters the body and
starts a process that can cause Name
disease (7)
12. To confuse somebody completely; to
Down

17. A list of items to be discussed at be too difficult or strange for

a meeting (6)
19. To appear as a large shape that
is not clear, especially in a
frightening or threatening
way (4)
21. A word that refers to a person,
(such as Ann or doctor), a place
(such as Paris or city) or a thing,
a quality or an activity (4)
22. Animals, birds, etc., not afraid of
people, and used to living with
somebody to understand or explain (6)
Address
14. A very slight difference in meaning,
sound, colour or somebody’s
feelings that is not usually very City Pin
obvious (6)
16. A very slight difference in meaning,
sound, colour or sb’s feelings that is
not usually very obvious (5)
18. A star that suddenly becomes much
brighter for a short period (4)
20. Chemical symbol for the element
✂

them (4) Molybdenum (2)

166 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

 WIN UP TO
Winners of Crossword - 170
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES

Shailaja More, Dombivli. Naresh Sah, Faridabad. Sunder Singh, Champawal.

Vinod N. Nam UMA. D, Bang

biar, Ahmedab Krithi Sandeep, Mangalore. alore.
ad.

Rosalin Saho Pragyanshree

o, Bhubanesw Dipsikha Jayant, Bangalore. Rout, Cuttack
ar. .

Nihar Lenka, Kabita Mohan

Amritsar. Babita Sharma, Bihar. ta, Hyderabad
.

Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 167

173 Crossword
F A M
CWinners
I
O Nof Crossword
TES - 170
T
L Y P H O T O

.
shedpur. Seema Mahajan, Agra. Sharma, Noida
N. Pooja, Jam Krishna Gopal

hal, Meerut. Rachna Bhatnagar Chawdhary, Bareilly.

Vinita Singh,
Satna.
Kumkum Sing

New Delhi. Salima Malik, Angul.

Ruchi Shivan
i, Pune.
Ashok Sethi,

Delhi. utt, New Delhi.

Nanda Devi, Sana Soni, Jaipur. Shailender D

168 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010

 WIN UP TO
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Winners of Crossword - 170 Rules and Regulations

A prize of Rs 15,000 will
b e g i v e n to the person
sending an all-correct
solution. In case there are
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, Jodhpur.

Answers to Crossword-170

n w in
Across: 1. Piston, 5. Lycra,
8. Beau, 9. Satin, 10. XML,
w i o rd
11. Odd, 13. Ova, 14. Axle,
16. Trident, 17. FE, 18. Gamul,
n
i ur w
W yo wer
21. Minister, 24. Index, 25. Sect,
26. MMS, 27. RUT

Down: 1. Pist
3. Obnox ious ,
ol, 2. Satiate,

bl
4. NE, 5. Lux,
e, 12. Dredge, o n p o
6. Calyx,7. Am sy, 19.
. Lilt, 17. Flim
14. Atom, 15 . Inch, 23. Exit
er, 22
Aries, 20. Udd

Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010 169


Can you tell us a simple and practical
way in which we can preserve
potatoes for a longer period.
To solve this problem you do not
have to go out of your house, or
kitchen for that matter for the
solution, as the solution lies in the
neighbourhood – i.e. in the onion and
garlic basket. Just store the potatoes
with garlic.
Our kitchen scissors and knives tend
to get rusted sooner or later however
careful we are with them. Please
help.
To remove rust from scissors and
knives, soak them in a bowl filled with
water and vinegar for some time. The
rust will do a disappearing act.
When we grate cheese especially in
the winter season, some gets stuck
on the grater. How can we avoid
wasting it?
To dislodge the cheese that gets
stuck on the grater, grate a small
piece of bread (preferably the crust).
170
The grater will become totally clean
and you can use all your cheese.
Please tell us a simple way to slice
mushrooms.
The egg slicer in your kitchen can
be used to slice mushrooms and that
too in no time.
The kitchen dusters reek of oil even
after washing them with hot water
and detergent. Please advise.
Soak soiled dusters in a mixture
of hot water and gram flour (the old
gram flour comes handy here) for
some time before washing. The
duster will not have the oily smell.
When we have to measure honey or
some other sticky liquid for any
recipe, there is wastage and cleaning
the measuring cup is also messy.
How can we avoid this?
This is a very common problem
We are always
getting to hear that
pistachio nuts are
the best among all
nuts. Is it true and
why?
Pistachios are the
best because they
have the lowest
calorie, lowest fat and highest fibre
content. They make us feel full for
a long time even if eaten in a small
quantity, so they make a perfect
snack. They have zero sodium but
contain potassium and other
minerals that help maintain blood
pressure.
Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010
which has a very simple solution.
Grease the measuring cup before
pouring the honey. The honey will
slide out easily without any of the
messy scraping that needs to be
done.
When we make rice
pudding or what we call
‘kheer’ in a saucepan
even a very heavy-
bottomed one, the milk
tends to stick to the
bottom. This imparts a
burnt smell to the kheer.
How can we avoid this?
Take a clean and
thoroughly dry saucepan for the
purpose, grease the bottom and
sides with a little desi ghee, and then
proceed in the normal way.
How can we whip the white of an egg
more quickly?
If a teaspoon of cold water is
added to the white of an egg, it will
whip more quickly.
– Savita Bhargava
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problem in cooking or
kitchen, write to Woman’s Era.
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 this disease is on a steady rise. Level Rangachari. Liberalisation has led to
of awareness of breast cancer in the fall in the traditions of family
India is “worse” than other countries, value, arranged marriages are
particularly in rural areas that are forgotten and the educated singles
more “orthodox and conservative” prefer to select their own life
and where people do not feel partners. The present scenario for
comfortable talking about breast employment of women has vastly
cancer. changed. The trend is that women
To prevent a disease, one needs prefer to work in apparel manage -
to mitigate the risk factors that may ment, fashion technology and call
lead to breast disease and breast centres. They were working in
cancer. Here is a simple message for insurance, banking and service
A TIMELY ADVICE women to keep in mind “If you love sectors a decade ago, now changing
THERE IS
LIFE AFTER
ON BREAST your life, you can save your life their outlook.
BREAST
CANCER er
CANCER through early detection.” Women in apparel or call centres
A breast-canc
woman

– Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad.

alert every

By Sudha
Thanks for your
should read. sekaran
Chandra who is a
breast
also at risk.
Hormones
cases
seem to play
but are not
role in severald. Tall women with

do not have a restricted dress code,

W
Devika Bhojwani, ent of a to
and vice-presid Tata fully understoo are likely
breast cancer, cancer survivor dense bones be
orldwide, Cancer Initiative, heavy and oestrogen levels and
as breast Women’s often wonders have higher
also known is the fifth the cancer.
, Memorial
Hospital, y: “I had risk of breast
carcinoma cause of she got the
malignanc no at greater d with
most common There was
after how everything right. concerne
cancer
deaths done cancer in
my family. Risk factors who have not had
liver and of breast my kids for
a Women child

nice, informative article thus they opt for western wears. The
lung, stomach, Even historybreastfeed both lifestyles: their first
or who had a slightly
colon cancers. cancer I had be children, years of age, have what
each.” that cannot
though breast ly year after 30 still not clear
rates are
traditional Risk factors family history, age higher risk. It is play in
pills might
countries, include proven and part birth control found that
low in Asian cancer in changed The most getting it has been birth control
genetics.
of breast rate and and risk factors for and this, but are using
incidence
the at an alarming most significant being female per women who of getting
India is rising cancer are five to 10 greater chances have never
the second Indian breast pills have
has become older. About are thought to women who studies have

There is a Life After

cancer affecting a getting cancers this than of
common it is primarilyper cent of breast changes in certain used them. A numberhigher risk in
Although a
one linked to history taking

mushrooming of malls, multiplexes

women. now reported
women, almost in men be g the family women
disease of cancers occuryet fully genes.
Considerin among pausal nt therapy,
risk is higher postmeno
cent of breast not of a woman, close blood relatives hormone replaceme use and
causes are of risk who y with prolonged
also. The a number women whose Women particularl containing
both
known although Women this disease. (before the with formulatio ns

IN STEP WITH
been identified. factors have menstruating early t and progestin.
factors have risk underwen
one or more and those startedof 12) or who are oestrogen
who have
breast cancer, risk age age of 55
never get it do not have any e after the
menopaus
who do get Isn’t it strange? (First) 2010

Breast Cancer
T
factors at
all. Era ● January
Woman’s
loving is
said that

has made people wild, and people

hough it is all,
and knowingeven
telling all years or
one can spendin each other’s
life
an entire and

THE TIMES
as husband
company knowing
still not
wife, and There is
much
the person. reveal about
spouses that
s and much
themselve knows
back. One
they hold reveal
wishes to

(January II). The incidence of breast seek solace in rave partying and
the other give away.
only what and words features
or what actions
most important ps is
One of the l couple relationshi
share
of successfu friendship they
of know about
the quality do they
— how much what pleases
particularly are
each other, and what
annoys them
and what
of each.
the dreams Viveka are now married
Rahul and met each

cancer in India is on the rise and is This refers to

The couple

drugs. Better bonding with the family

and
for 10 years. common friends
other through ip gradually
relationsh
their and culminated
d to love courtship.
progresse
after a year’s
in marriage

KNOW AND
rapidly becoming the number one YOU SPOU
Womanʼs Era (January
ND
UNRDERSTASE and resorting to meditation and
cancer in females, pushing the II) 2010 issue. The spirituality will keep the society sober
An ideal
way to keep
ge
your marria
going.
i Singh
By Padmin

cervical cancer to the second spot. magazine presents and the Indian heritage and culture
The cancer survivors have rightly article according to the will be preserved.
said that “courage is all that is changing needs of the readers. It – S. Boomija, Bangalore.
needed.” The task of spreading the tries to incorporate the best and the
awareness about the prevalence of most, for which it needs applause. HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS ISSUE?
this cancer and advising women on “Men of Substance” illustrates how Entertaining, WE is anxious to give you
good, interesting and useful material in
undertaking self-breast examination much Womenʼs Era cares for men. every issue. It will help us a lot if you let us
comes into the picture. The tip for fighting recession was of know which features, stories and articles
you like from this issue and which you
My Bua (Father’s sister) in million dollar. didn't. Suggestions for new features and
Vadodara is suffering from breast The article Know and Under - topics are most welcome.
standing Your Spouse is incompar- Please address your letters to:
cancer that was diagnosed as intra-
ductal breast cancer on one side and able as regards relationships. Time WOMAN'S ERA
E-3 Jhandewala Estate,
is doing fine. Thanks to mammo - comes when differences arise New Delhi-110055.
graphy and early detection. between spouses and timely write – Womansera.com
According to the health experts ups of Womenʼs Era work during The prize is awarded to:
lack of awareness is the reason why these testing times. S. Boomija, Bangalore.
The art of India has been well
SHOPPING INFORMATION
depicted in pages of Womenʼs Era. WOMAN'S ERA
THE STUNNING SARI The beauty of paintings of India is invites readers’
Designed by: Reena Aggarwal opinions and
Mob: 09871916663 beyond compare and needs exposure
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TREND TODAY articles, short stories
Designed by: Deepak Singh police medals” is an apt editorial for
No: 09899595195 and features published
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FOR RIGHT STEPS AS YOU SAY
Courtesy: Adonia
Ph: 0120-2457132 GIVE A THOUGHT
W
are very proud
e Indians and our
of our heritage

E-3 Jhandewala Estate,

frequently
culture. We on how
preen ourselves
our traditions
ancient and
of life are
and way they

TO VALUES
how well-suited deal
still are to
were and

Cover Courtesy:
social
with various

New Delhi-110055.
of
– the care
problems
etc. But the
facing adversity, is
the old, that our culture
matter is among
fact of the especially
ng fast – and
disappeari our towns
class in one
the middle that too in just about
metros. And

Designed & Styling:

! e,

Womansera.com
generation everywher
classes,
The upper still do what they like,
and
always did or anybody.
of anything always had
not afraid e,
everywher
The poor, on its hands
has enough of keeping
and still
with the nitty-gritty to think of

Apropos the article

dealing
soul together, class has

Sonna Bhatia
body and
But the middle that is
much else. the bastion of all ss
always been middle-cla
. So, when it is time to
traditional to change,
values begin notice.
take
sit up and

IN JUST
ONEN!In Just One Generation
Model: Meghna Naidu Name:
Make-up: GENERATIO Mobile:
Virendra Narvekar As a New
at the social
Year dawns
changes broug
our countr
, let us look

y... By Kasturi
ht about i
Rangachari
in the January I, issue
Hair: Sonu written by Kasturi E-mail:

182 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2010