Womens Era August (First) 2011

AndhraEBooks.com & Epustakalu.
com
AndhraEBooks.com & Epustakalu.com

CONTENTS
AUGUST (FIRST) 2011
womansera.com
Vol 38, Issue No. 904
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath

(1917-2002)
Pregnancy & Motherhood Special
11
34
PREGNANCY &
MOTHERHOOD WOMEN
CHERISH
THE PHANTOM OF
FIRST LABOUR
84
Smita Shenoy
BOMBAY FILMDOM
MATERNITY BAG
Shilpi Signodia
K. V. Venugopal
A LITTLE SCIENCE BEHIND CONCEIVING TWINS

Swetha Sundar
ARTICLES
BACKACHE DURING
PREGNANCY
Dr J. L. Agarwal
38
20 THE
JOY OF
MONSOON SKIN-CARE MOTHERHOOD

Suman Bajpai
Prasad M.
62 GOA BEYOND THE BEACHES

Our Correspondent
HUBBY IN THE
DELIVERY ROOM
90 A VOYAGE OF COLOURS
V. N. Mukundarajan
Chandrashekhar Srivastava
96 A TASTE OF ART
Maneka Gandhi
THE HABIT OF DIARY WRITING

Usha Hariprasad
WILL YOU VOTE THE PRESENT

GOVERNMENTS BACK TO
POWER IN 2014?
72
ORAL HYGIENE FOR
HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Swapna Mehendale
50 MONSOON DELIGHTS
FICTION
28 HOMECOMING
COOKERY
Vegetarian Loaf
Crispy Mini Balls
Chicken Loaf
Spicy Mutton
Curry
Monsoon Rabri
ts
Monsoon
MONSOON Deligh
Sandwiches
Monsoon Pasta
Brinjal Delicacy
Ice Cream Float
Bonanza
Hung Curd and
Veggies Salt and
Cucumber Cutlets
Pepper
Noodle and Spinach
Celery and Tomato
Crispy Fries
Soup
Corn, Peas Monsoon
Spinach with Omelette
Chaat
Delicious Toasts
Vegetarian
76 ANYTHING TO WIN!
Rajeev Tanwar
Kasturi Rangachari
44 BLOOD HAS NO
DIFFERENCE
IDYLL FOLLOWED
BY AGONY
Aswathi
Kumud Bhatnagar
I
CRISPY MIN
BALLS
cinnamon powder
2 tsp
powder
1 tsp oregano
2 tbsp oil
salt to taste
1/
:
For baking
loaf tin
the
METHOD
oil and cook heat
Heat the
on medium
chicken mincedtaste. Cook till all
to
adding salt
ted. Mix in
is evapora
the water
a further
and cook for
the spices
Allow the
on low fire.
ly. Run
2-3 minutes
cool complete
to
in a
mixture
minced chicken
the cooked
into a coarse
METHOD
and mashed mixer to grind it
cooked
the
bowl.
Place
Chicken loaf
in a mixing
paste.
bowl and add
sweet potatoes and lemon juice
Place in a mixing
nts. Mix
g ingredie
Add the spices . Mix well. Shape
the
the remainin
so that all
and the cornflour Coat each ball
with your fingers
togethe r.
balls.
into small
deep fry a ingredie nts blend
place the
crumbs and
and
tin
with bread
loaf
in a
Grease a
a time.
in it. Bake
INGREDIENTS:
few balls at
prepared mixtureat 160 degree C
kg mutton
oven
loaf 1
paste
the
pre heated
until
or
2 cups onion
for 12-14 minutes
brown on 1/ cup tomato puree
turn golden
2
arlic paste
begins to
allow the
2 tbsp ginger-g
the heat and
oven.
jeera powder
top. Put off
1 tsp roasted r powder
slightly in the
INGREDIENTS:chicken
loaf to cook
and serve.
3 tbsp coriande
500 gm minced
turmeric powder
Cut into slices
1/ tsp haldi
3 eggs - beaten bread crumbs
2
red chilli powder
11/ 2 cups fresh
1 tsp or more
1/ cup oil
2
balls
mango paste
Crispy mini
3 tsp green
salt to taste
INGREDIENTS:
peeled and
2 cups boiled, potatoes
mashed sweet r
3 tbsp cornflou
juice
2 tsp lemon
powder
1/ tsp all-spice
2
optional
1/ tsp agino moto
4
crumbs
1 cup bread
oil for frying
salt to taste
TON
SPICY MUT
CURRY
CHICKEN
ETARIAN
loaf
or
keep aside
water and vegetables till just
the
microwave
es in
tender.
vegetabl
Run the cookedthe vegetables
The rains set VEG F
grind
bowl
LOA
a mixer to
in a mixing
you into a mood INGREDIENTS:
coarsely. Placethe
remaini ng
es
add
fingers
and
to eat. Spicy 2 cups seasonal vegetabl
Mix with your blend
ingredients.
nts
the ingredie
potatoes
so that all
food, fried chopped
1 cup mashed bread crumbs
the
together.
1/ cups fresh
tin and place
Grease a loaf in it. Bake in a
delicacies, or 11/22tsp cinnamon powder
mixture
powder
prepared
degree C
continental 1 tsp oregano
oven at 160 the loaf
preheated
or until
2 tbsp oil
for 12-14 minutes
brown on
golden
dishes are a salt to taste
turn
begins to
baking:
the
top.
welcome treat For
heat and allow
Put off the
loaf tin
in the oven.
cook slightly
when it is METHOD
es in loaf to
serve.
the vegetabl
into slices and
e. Either steam drain
outsid
out all the Cut
g
rainin
salted water,
By Roma Ghosh
Womans Era
August (First)
2011
LOAF
in a
METHOD
mutton pieces
is
Place the
till all the waterthe
and
pan and heat
Add the salt
evaporated.
medium
and cook on
for 3-4
onion paste
all the time
mix
heat stirring
the heat and
minutes. Lower the ingredie nts
of
Keep
in the rest
oil at a time.
10-12
adding a little
cooking for
stirring and
few tbsp of
all adding a
in
e
minutes
to a pressur
water. Remove the mutton
once
brown.
cooker
looks dark
prepara tion water and cook in
of
Add 3 cups
FASHION
26
NEWS IN
PICTURES
74
FOR YOUR
CHOICE
HOW I WAS DUPED

CROSSWORD
GRATEFULLY YOURS
67
AS YOU SAY
88
PEAK OF FASHION
ENHANCING LOOKS
FEATURES
59 CHILD CHALLENGES
15 THERE IS HOPE STILL

(Poem)
65 PERSONAL PROBLEMS
18 TEENACHE
32 JOKES
82 STAND OUT
33 BEAUTY QUERIES
87 NEW LAUNCHES
36 FOR THE GRACE

OF WOMEN
93 YOUR BODY
42 THE SECRET SMILE
MONSOON MEMORIES
(Poem)
Editor, Publisher & Printer

PARESH NATH
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(Poem)
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94 THE COLOUR CONTRAST CLASSIFIEDS

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www.womansera.com
EDITORIAL
VICTIMISING RUPERT MURDOCH
here is no doubt that some of the tactics, like

hacking and bribing, that few journalists
employed by News of the World are alleged to
have used was in bad taste. But what about the
subsequent coverage! Is it in good taste to depict every
media outlet owned by Murdoch as untrustworthy?
There are thousands of journalists employed by
Murdochs companies, majority of them are not even
remotely associated with the UK-based tabloid News of
the World. It almost seems as a major section of the
international media has decided to gang up on
Murdoch. Instead of having a factual reporting of news,
we are having a campaign of vilification.
Murdoch is a successful man, and because he is
successful he is the most hated. He has built his media
empire by being fiercely competitive. Ever since he
arrived in the UK in 1968, he
completely revolutionised the media
in that country. His resourcefulness,
his grasp of the market, his capacity
to take all kinds of risks have driven
his competitors batty. Singlehandedly he obliterated the unions,
which had stymied the growth in
UKs print media. He brought in
modern technology and modernised
newspaper production in the UK. He
cut prices across the newspapers
and tabloids that he owns, forcing
his competitors to do the same.
Murdochs competitors hate him,
because they know that they dont
have the ability or the intrepidity to
compete against him in the free
market. During the parliamentary
hearing, which was televised live around the globe, MP
Jim Sheridan asked Murdoch, whom he blamed for the
closure of News of the World. Murdoch replied, A lot of
people had different agendas, I think, in trying to build
this hysteria. All our competitors in this country formally
announced a consortium to try and stop us. They
caught us with dirty hands and they built the hysteria
around it.
He does sound like a man who is paranoid about his
rivals, but he also has a point. His flagship company
News Corp. was on the verge of acquiring of 61 per
cent portion of satellite broadcaster BskyB that he does
not already own. A consortium of competitors has been
hard at work to thwart him from clinching that deal.
Murdoch also has powerful enemies in the government.
Last year, an undercover reporter had caught Vince
Cable, the regulator in charge of assessing if Murdoch
10
was fit to purchase the remainder of BskyB, on tape

saying that he had declared a war on Murdoch.
Subsequently Vince Cable was forced to resign.
It is outright dreadful that the News of the World had
hacked into the voice-mail account of a British
schoolgirl, Milly Dowler, who went missing in 2002 and
whose murdered body was discovered six months later.
To make matters worse, the journalists also deleted
some of the older messages after the voice mailbox
became full. This was done with the intention of making
space available for new ones, and listening to them in
turn. This confused investigators and gave false hope to
Millys relatives, who believed it showed she was still
alive and deleting the messages herself.
However, we need to keep in mind that the hacking
was done because the journalists employed by News of
the World were looking for a scoop. News of the World
made its mark and maintained its circulation on the
basis of scoops the more
salacious the better. The media as
an industry has become extremely
competitive, and there is always a
race to break a story before others
can.
Murdoch has already said that he
didnt know that journalists in his
paper were using such tactics. To
make amends, he has taken the
drastic step of closing down the
highly profitable newspaper, which
had been in existence for the last
168 years. It is rare for anyone in
the media industry to make such a
sacrifice.
The media must bring about a
reform in the way it gathers news,
but lets not fall in the trap of
blaming Murdoch for every journalistic sin. Every
tabloid, newspaper or TV station has at some point of
time compromised on ethics while getting hold of a
breaking news story.
During the 1890s, the tabloid tycoon William
Randolph Hearst grew his media empire by using every
dirty trick. He always managed to get hold of stories
before his competitors could.
At one point of time, Hearst is known to have offered
a whopping $1,000 reward to solve the crime, and even
formed a Murder Squad of reporters who were ready
to resort to flashing badges and pistols to make citizens
arrest.
Murdoch is not the villain that his rivals are making
him out to be, he is simply a very efficient vendor of
news.
Womans Era August (First) 2011
write to: letters@womansera.com We
IN POOR AND
DOWNTRODDEN
FAMILIES, THEY
WELCOME
PREGNANCY AND
MOTHERHOOD,
ESPECIALLY IN
REMOTE VILLAGES,
MORE THAN IN
AFFLUENT FAMILIES
IN CITIES AND
TOWNS.
decision to marry Sunil Dutt, who had
acted as her son in Mother India to
attain motherhood. Seldom, did many
realise that reality is altogether
different from cinema life.
Aishwarya is not the only case in
isolation. In the olden days, Holly wood popular heroine, Sophia Loren,
who married the famous director
Marcello Mastriani, as his second
wife, did not hesitate to bid a
goodbye to the tinsel world during her
pregnancy. Sophia, considered
attaining motherhood, was her prized
possession. Dimple Kapadia at the
height of her career, following her
successful debut in the hindi film
Bobby had left behind all the offers to
marry Rajesh Khanna to attain
motherhood. Another actor has a
12
child through the West Indies former

cricket captain Vivian Richards,
without getting married to him. Lily,
the 25-year-old Hollywood singer is
enjoying the road to motherhood,
despite the loss of her unborn baby,
six months into a previous
pregnancy. Jaya Bhaduri was
pregnant during Sholay shooting and
she did not make a fuss of it.
Likewise, the yesteryear dream girl
Hema Malini did not make a hot news
of it when she became pregnant and
attained motherhood later. Kajol
adopted a low-profile.
In poor and downtrodden families,
they welcome pregnancy and
motherhood, especially in remote
villages, more than in affluent families
in cities and towns. For instance,
many maidservants did not conceal
their preference for pregnancy and
motherhood over everything else, not
excluding hardships and financial
crunch in their day-to-day life. This is
the only pleasure we derive in our
life, asserted a servant, without
mincing words. In the olden days, it
was customary on the part of women
to deliver a minimum of six to eight
children to prove her capability to
attain motherhood time and again.
PREJUDICE AGAINST
THE ISSUELESS
A woman with one or two children
was looked at with suspicion and

motherless women were shunned
aside. What precautions did they take
during pregnancy? Nothing much,
except taking normal food and the
medicines suggested by the doctors.
Most importantly, we worked very
hard and maintained our residences
properly during our pregnancy and it
invariably avoided cesarean births.
avers an elderly woman, who is a
proud mother of 10 children.
Some doctors here agree with the
perception of the old woman and
regretted that the women now do not
attach importance to working hard
during their pregnancy and instead
indulge in buying cosmetic and other
unwanted items, which the women in
the yesteryear, would never have
dreamt of. A few psychiatrists, here
are of the opinion that fear haunts the
pregnant women now, despite all the
comforts provided by their families
about the delivery and they take
some
unwanted
precautionary
measures, and preferred to remain
idle for most of the time or engaged
in reading books and watching
movies on television, which results in
cesarean in most of the cases. It is
being stressed that mother-feeding is
advisable than of any other
alternative to feed their children.
The sources in the maternity ward
of a hospital say that most of the
women are having babies in their mid
to late twenties and the numbers of
older mothers are on the increase. A
42-year-old woman confessed that
she was 22-year-old, when she
became a mother and by the time
she reached 40 she had her fourth
child, especially when other women
of her age were choosing between
colleges, career and what not.
However, she proudly proclaimed
that the pregnancy did not affect her
at any stage and managed the
situation better than some women in
early 20s. A maternity doctor
revealed that in 2003, the birth rate
for women in the age of 35-39 rose
43.8 per one thousand births, and the
birth rate for women in early and midforties increased to 8.7 per one
thousand births.
The sources in the medical
fraternity are of the opinion that

women diagnosed with Gestational
Breast Cancer (GBC) facing problem
in adjusting to two different and
conflicting life events, as the threat
of their disease along with the news
of their pregnancy demoralises them,
considering the fact that the hapless
women are expected to make
decisions that impact on their life, the
life of their foetus or new baby and
that of their existing family. It is quite
natural, says a nurse in a nursing
home here, that woman, who
receives GBC diagnosis, suffers from
anxiety and stress, which pervaded
their GBC experience.
Most of the women, after attaining
the age of 40 or more, focus on their
A RECENT
RESEARCH INDICATED
THAT THE RATE
OF MISCARRIAGE
AND PREMATURE
BIRTH IS INCREASED
BY 25 TO 30 PER CENT
FOR PREGNANT
WOMEN, WHO
ATTAINED THE AGE
OF 40 AND ABOVE.
daily duties during pregnancy and

they emphasise more on nurturing
motherhood than the younger
women. The older women change
their priorities and their contentment
builds around the idea of fulfilling the
needs of their kids. Some women
even in advanced age, do not mind
opting for pregnancy even after
delivering four to five children, if their
husbands are of supporting nature
and encourage them with warmth
and affection during pregnancy. The
women in general confessed that
they would prefer their husbands to
be with them during the delivery time.
A recent research indicated that
the rate of miscarriage and premature
birth is increased by 25 to 30 per cent
for pregnant women, who attained the
age of 40 and above. A physician
suggested that it is imperative for
aged women to consult their doctors
for sonograms and tests to monitor
their conditions and to ensure that
their babies are in proper shape. The
research also states that, apart from
miscarriage, excessive weight,
gestational diabetes and high blood
sugar, among other complications,
might confront the pregnant women
and to opt for a stricter diet suggested
by their doctors, instead of getting
tempted to eat food of their choice
during pregnancy Moreover, it has
been medically proved that fertility
decreases for women, who attained
the age of 35 and it would be difficult
for them to conceive. Lack of
consistency with birth control is
another problem, says renowned
doctor Mallika Ramanan. According
to her, some women do not give gap
between one child to the next child
and it invariably affects their health
and their children. She is quite
right, as many aged-women fall
prey to this temptation.
OLDER WOMENS
FEAR
The grapevine in the medial
circle asserts that older mothers
are scared that since their eggs
are older, there is every
chance of a miscarriage.
Adding fuel to fire, women, who
crossed the age of 35, are at an

increased risk of having a foetus with
the
chromosomal
abnormality,
causing down syndrome. Moreover,
the incidence of spontaneous twins
increases with maternal age. It is
being stressed time and again that
increased maternal age after 35 has
been shown to be a significant risk
factor, inspite of the fact that
pregnancy-related death is at the
barest minimum.
Pregnancy is no longer a
challenging issue, argue some
physiotherapists. According to them,
with the advancing technology in
science and medicine, women need
not get scared during pregnancy.
What they stress is baby-care after
delivery, since many working women
leaving their children to their maidservants or creche and their
nourishments are not taken care of
properly. Some health conscious
women are afraid of going for
pregnancy, as the lurking fear haunts
them that motherhood would spoil
their young look and beauty. But
such women are less in number.
Medical bulletin advises them to
remain slim and avoid oily food stuff
and outside food to the maximum
extent possible. But unlike in the rich
families, women in poor families carry
on with their regular routine work
after attaining pregnancy and
becoming mother. They, as a
compounder in a medical shop
opined, do not worry much about the
delivery hassles and ponder about
the precautions to be taken after
attaining the motherhood, unlike their
counterparts in cities. With the
inclination of the poor women to work
hard during their pregnancy, it is
being apparent that normal delivery
welcomes them often.
In some families tension crops up
because of their failure to have
medical check-up before pregnancy.
Many doctors are of the view that
women expect their men to go for an
initial check-up to find out whether
their husbands are impotent or not.
In some cases, men hide their
shortcomings and by the time their
wives come to know about it and take
them to the doctors for medical
check-ups and further treatment,

before indulging in intercourse to
become pregnant, it becomes too
late. Adding salt to the wound, it
creates complications for aged
women. It is being medically
suggested that immediate check-up
after marriage is the need of the hour.
The sources in the Industry said that
some couples delay the pregnancy
and consume unwanted medicines to
enjoy their married life for a certain
period. But by the time the wife is
ready for pregnancy, the snowballing
effect of the medicine pillory her and
compounds problem during delivery
time. Under circumstances, there is
every chance of women delivering
physically-challenged babies. It is
also being noticed that some women
consume more medicines than taking
adequate food and water.
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Likewise, too many medical bulletins
and suggestions did upset the applecart of pregnant women. Suggestions
also vary in every bulletin with
IT IS BEING
MEDICALLY
SUGGESTED THAT
IMMEDIATE
CHECK-UP AFTER
MARRIAGE
IS THE NEED
OF THE HOUR.
precautions to extra-precautions to
no precaution at all, which confuses
some pregnant ladies. Worrying
constantly about their husbands and
in-laws also affects some women and
it reflects on their health during the
delivery time. In the olden days,
women were confident and had a
ready-made proverb to counter
whenever their relatives cynically
attacked them for having not less than
eight children, when their economic
plight is taking a worsening scenario,

Nature invented tree, but is it not
taking steps to provide water, too for
it. Fair enough, but in this
technological, globalised and computerised era, money is given top priority
and services relegated to the background and the medical profe ssion
also cannot be expected to remain as
a rare exception. But do they believe
in faith and destiny? Well, your guess
We
is as good as mine!
THERE IS HOPE STILL

As I wended my difficult way
through the busy, overcrowded street
I heard a faint, weak childs voice call
Amma but just then suddenly
a wave of humanity jostled my mind
in its quest to maintain my balance.
Then again I felt a hand at my waist
and a tug at my purse which had a lot of money.
As a reflex, I turned to grab the offender
but, startled, saw one little thin hand
thus drawing my attention, and the other hand
holding my smaller purse which had all the substantial
money I had withdrawn from the bank.
You dropped it, amma, smiled the innocent child.
Thanks. Wait. Take your reward, said I.
And the little perplexed face puckered
and sweetly asked, Why? What have I done?
And the next moment he had walked away casually.
The weak, poor and obviously needy child had left...
and left me...with a surge of genuinely ecstatic hope
inspired by the honest potential for the future of our country!
Rungeen Singh, Faridabad.
15
SEWING FOR FUN
How stitching and sewing gained importance.
here is an old saying a stitch

in time saves nine tells a lot
about the importance of
stitching and sewing. After
food, clothes are mens
second necessity. Over the
eons clothing has evolved to
such a level of refinement
that nowadays it has become
a luxury.
Whether luxury or necessity, one
cannot deny the importance of
clothes. And clothes are produced
from cloths that have to be cut and
stitched and sewed into required
shapes of mens, womans and
childrens garments. Thus sewing
and stitching are the base of garment
industry.
This apart; you can take up
sewing as a hobby also. You can
show your creativity in this field in
myriad ways. Advent of sewing
machines have rendered this job
much easier and less time
consuming. Machines give stronger
stitches too which are otherwise
difficult to get from hand sewing.
You can ask; if all the sewing task
is done by machine how can I show
my creativity? Dont worry. There are
available in the market a whole range
of sewing machines that perform
specific task like straight stitching,
16
embroidery, zigzag stitching, hole

sewing, etc. With some practice you
can master the operation of these
machines. Let us have an intro duction with these sewing machines.
Straight stitch machine: It is the
simplest version of sewing machine.
It does straight sewing in one
direction only and is commonly used
in household sewing purposes. With
a motor attachment it can be put in
commercial use also.
Embroidery machine: Intricate
and enchanting embroidery design
can be very tedious and time
consuming if done by hand. This
need has led to development of
embroidery machines that make the
job easy.
Zigzag machines: At some
places simple stitching is not
required. Here zigzag machines do
the job and make the garments
stunningly
attractive.
These
machines can perform works like
simple thread work, peeco, designing
with 2 threads and attaching fall to
your sari. But these are especially
useful for chain stitching, tripple
stretch stitching, zigzag and round
stitching.
Computerised sewing machine:

Connecting a sewing machine with a
computer system has revolutionised
designs and cloth lengths are fed in
the system and output is taken from
the sewing machine which auto matically produces clothes of same
pattern.
Remember these: Frequently
people complain about the jamming
of their machines, sewing machines,
too, require regular maintenance,
oiling and cleaning to prevent rusting
and other problems.
After working 8-9 hours with
machine, do its oiling and dont allow
the grime to deposit on its moving
parts.
Always use good quality threads.
Keep its shuttle clean. Fit the thread
properly.
Sewing as hobby: You can put
your spare time in acquiring the art of
sewing. It is the best way to show
your creative talent. You need not go
for a prolonged training. A 3 to 6
months course is sufficient.
In every town and locality you can
find such centres that provide sewing
training. Once you acquire this art, it
opens a whole new vista of
opportunities before you.
We
QA
&
Q&
A
I am a 14-year-old girl and my
brother is three years older. We
have a strong suspicion that our
father is carrying on with his female
secretary. We have seen them on
five occasions in a restaurant! My
mother is a simple, loving woman,
quite uneducated. My father is a
suave corporate man, who is very
kind to her but still, he should not be
cheating on her, isnt it?
It is not difficult to read wrong
meanings in harmless, innocent
situations, in these times where the
sanctity of marriage is taking a
beating.
Your
concern
is
understandable, but you should not
take any hasty decisions. Your
fathers actions may be perfectly
explainable. Speak to him about you
seeing him with his secretary...in your
mothers presence...and see what
explanation he will give you. But take
care not to seem accusatory in your
attitude but simply friendly and
curious. Your doubts can be laid to
rest or, if your fears are true, your
father may realise that it is best not to
carry on with the relationship. All
things considered, dont take any
hasty action. You can even talk about
your fears with a trusted older relative
like an aunt or uncle who can give
you support and guidance in this
delicate matter.
My older brother gets all the attention
in the house because he is the only
son among three daughters. I am his
older 15-year-old sister. I am tired of
my parents blatant neglect and this
is even affecting my studies.
18
TEEN
TEEN ACHE
CHE
A paternal aunt understands my
feelings very well and sympathises
with my situation. She is childless
and very fond of me. I want to be
adopted by her so that I can be away
from my indifferent parents. She
laughs when I suggest this. Is it
possible and how can I go about
getting this adoption process started?
Should I file a case for cruelty?
Your idea is possible but it may
not be easy. Clearly, your aunt
pampers you, perhaps because she
has no children of her own, and she
is fulfilling a need. Also, evidently she
is not keen to adopt you, which will
necessitate
being
completely
responsible for your welfare and
future. Also, she will not want to
upset her brothers family.
And your parents too will not like
to part with you even though you find
them neglectful. You will feel better if
you accept your family with all its
My problem is very small but very
difficult for me. I belong to a
slightly traditional family. Although
my parents are broad-minded in
many ways, they refuse to let me
cut my hair short in todays
fashion! I have very long hair
down to my knees and my
mother feels it is a shame to chop
it off. She also says it is against
our tradition. Such a small issue
but it is causing a lot of resentment
in me! I am a 15-year-old school
girl from Chennai. Help!
It does seem a shame to cut
such long tresses! Many will envy
your possession. Have you tried
to style your long hair in
fashionable styles in a beauty
parlour? You may change your
mind about cutting it! If you are
totally bent on wearing your hair
short, try getting your mother on
your side. Workout a compromise
by retaining an acceptable length.
faults. No family is perfect! Try

changing
your
attitude
and
perspective. Your parents apparent
neglect may not be intentional. Let
them know how much it hurts you
and they will surely make amends.
Do your sisters share your views?
Relax and enjoy your home and
family without
thinking about
escaping. Your aunts affection is
alienating you from your parents. In
all probability, if you stay with her,
you will definitely miss your own
home. There is nothing as correct
and suitable as living with your own
family members, however they are!
I am in a very strange situation. I am
an 18-year-old schoolgirl who is
deeply in love with a 22-year-old
college boy. He swears he loves me
and will marry me in five years time.
The problem is that he is
a big flirt and he has been
unfaithful to me at least
thrice in the last six
months.
Whenever
I
accuse him of infidelity and
threaten to leave him, he
tells me that he is suffering
from a disease called
sexual addiction.
He says, after marriage I should
not accuse him if he has affairs for
he is unable to control his urges, but
that I will always be his beloved wife
and he will love only me! I am
confused. Should I believe him or not?
He seems to be taking you for a
ride. He wants to have a free hand
in his flirting behaviour and is
seeking your support and consent.
Even if he is, indeed, suffering from
this addiction, you are advised not to
tie up your knot to him as it will bring
nothing but grief, despair and
frustration. Look for a more decent
boyfriend who will be faithful to only
you and committed to his home and
family.
or any child, the age of two to

five years is extremely crucial
for development. During this
period, the child not only
learns many new things but
also his or her brain is developing
very fast during these initial years.
According to researchers, about
90 per cent growth of childrens
brain takes place up to the age of
five. It then becomes necessary that
children are fed with sufficient
quantities of food that provide brain
nutrition. These nutritional
elements include vitamins,
minerals and essential fatty acids
like DHA.
DHA
FOR
COMPLETE
NUTRITION
EXPERTS OPINION
Child specialist RA Garg says
we cannot make a choice in case
of a small child to feed them either
with protein-rich food or vitaminrich foods. DHA, vitamins and
proteins all play vital role in
complete growth and development
of children, like:
VITAMIN
Vitamin A enhances a childs
eye power to see things clearly.
Vitamin B is necessary for the
development of the childs brain and
heart. Vitamin C makes the childs
gums strong and vitamin D is
required for stronger bones. Every
vitamin has a unique function;
hence we must add all the vitaminrich food items like carrots, green
vegetables, fruits, milk and fish oil to
a childs diet for the complete
growth and development of children.
PROTEIN
Protein must make an
indispensable part of a childs diet
because it makes the childs
muscles strong. Simultaneously, it
plays a vital role in brain
development. Children should be
fed with milk, egg white, soyabean,
grams, pulses, etc to meet the
protein requirement. If you like
meat, then red meat should be
added to the diet.
DHA
DHA or Omega-3 is an important nutrient for the

development of the brain and to enhance the eyes visual
powers. Experts opine that babies get Omega-3 fatty acid
from mothers milk up to the age of two. But after weaning
and switching over to packaged milk, DHA supply is cut off.
SOURCES OF DHA
Even after the age of
two, we can feed our
child with DHA through
food items. If you like
meat, then you can give
your child fish oil or
even fish meal. But
pure vegetarians can
add vegetable oils,
soya, sesame seeds or
walnut in their diet. But
children are messy
eaters and it is difficult
to feed them these
things, hence parents
should give their child
Bourn Vita Lil Champs
mixed in milk daily to
provide the necessary
DHA nutrition.
MONSOON
SKIN-CARE
Ways to sail through
this season smoothly.
By Suman Bajpai
ur skin may act strangely

during the monsoons.
Sometimes it may feel dry
and dehydrated and it may
feel oily at other times.
This happens because of
the alternating rain and
sun. The humidity in the
monsoon may cause your
skin to sweat and become
sticky. This will attract dust and dirt
that will stick to your face or arms
and cause breakouts.
While the monsoons bring a
welcome respite from summer heat,
they also pose a lot of challenges to
healthy skin. The heat-induced
rashes of summertime give way to
the humidity induced problems of
the rainy season. If you are healthconscious and take a few simple
precautions, you can save yourself a
lot of misery over bad skin.
20
The biggest skin complaint during

the monsoon has to be fungal
infections. A fungus thrives in
humidity wet skin folds rubbing
against each other gets macerated
easily, providing an easy entry to
fungi and yeast. As a result, you
develop itchy, circular, reddish,
flaking patches on the body,
especially in the skin folds at the
groin, underarms and around the
breast in women.
A COMPLETE GUIDE
Keep yourself hydrated: You
may not feel as thirsty as you did
during summer, but youll still need
to keep your skin hydrated from the
inside. Monsoons are a perfect time
to down those herbal teas and
nourishing soups. Down your usual
10-12 glasses of fresh water a day.
This is a pre-requisite for glowing
skin.
Be wary of skin-allergy: The
rains are an ideal time to offset skin
allergies. Keep your home free of
dust and avoid spraying airfresheners or chemical aerosols.
Sun-screen: You may tend to
think that just because there is very
little sunlight during a particularly
active monsoon, you can avoid
slathering on the sun-screen! This
can spell danger for effective skin
care. Though it may not be a
particularly bright, or hot, day, the
ultra-violet rays of the sun do play
havoc with the exposed parts of our
body.
Cleansing: The prevalence of
high humidity during the monsoon
months can cause sweat to run in
rivulets over your body. This can
create a build-up of dust, dirt, grime
and other toxins on the surface of

your skin. During these months, youll
need to adopt a gentle cleansing
routine, especially if you are
constantly exposed to wind and rain.
Use a natural face-scrub such as
gram powder and pat dry with a
towel. Apply a skin-toner and lotion
immediately to dry areas, and repeat
this cleansing-moisturising routine at
night before bed-time. Make sure you
carry face tissue or wet wipes so that
you can wipe your face clean once
you reach your destination.
freshly squeezed lime and mix this

with fresh cream and honey. This
face pack is good for all skin types.
Honey adds a healthy glow to the
skin, the fresh cream acts as a
moisturiser, while lime and turmeric
act as lightening agents, giving you
that fresh, cleansed look that is
appealing. Gram powder acts as an
anti-bacterial agent that can remove
the dirt from clogged pores, making
the skin soft and supple.

Watch your feet: You could get
infections during the monsoon in
spite of wearing the right footwear.
Rain footwear does not necessarily
protect your feet from bacterial or
fungal infections. These infections
flourish in damp areas and even
though plastic shoes do protect your
feet they do not prevent infections
completely. Dermatologist Dr Mrigya
Jha says, Wearing open rain shoes
will keep your feet safe and infectionfree. This is because fungus and
bacteria breeds in moist, closed
places. So open shoes allow your
feet to get the air, breathe and even
dry easily.
If youve waded through mucky
water, make sure that you wash your
feet with antiseptic soap as soon as
you can. If you have wet your feet
with rain water, then dry your feet
thoroughly, especially the area
between your toes.
Spray some anti-fungal powder or
even talcum powder between your
toes as this will protect your feet from
profusely during the monsoon

months. Unfortunately, layering
yourself with talcum powder will clog
the sweat ducts, making you prone
to prickly heat and sweat rash.
Worsening of acne problem in hot,
humid weather afflicts some people.
They need to be particular in keeping
their skin dry and should use anti
acne preparation.
How to avoid fungal infections/

skin allergies?
Fungal infections are brought on
by humid weather, as the warm
moisture gets accumulate easily in
those areas where fungus grows
easily like in the armpits, between
your toes and groin. To get rid of this
issue, anti-fungal powder and antifungal soap can be applied. A
lukewarm water bath is recommen dable, though you should avoid your
skin getting wet for such a long time.
Fungal
infection:
Fungal
infections are out of control during
the monsoon due to the friction of
skin against damp clothing. Ensure
that all laundered clothes dry out fully
before you iron and wear them. Dust
your feet and underwear with antifungal powder at the first sign of
discomfort.
Face-pack: Mix one teaspoon of
gram powder with a pinch of turmeric
powder. Add a quarter teaspoon of
Excerpts from an interview with
Mandip Kaur, beauty manager.
What are the basic skin
problems we face during the
monsoon?
Because of the humidity and
moisture, the skin behaves a bit
strange.
Getting
caught
in
unexpected showers while going to
work, is one of the main reasons for
developing fungal infections in damp
body folds.
The vulnerable areas are armpits,
groin and the web between our toes.
Walking on wet roads and puddles
with a slight abrasion may put you
at a risk of catching a bacterial
infection.
Common skin infections are
ringworm or tinea ring-like lesions
a form of fungal infection. They
appear in the underarms or around
the waist as itchy, irregular round
patches that are reddish in colour.
Athletes foot is a bacterial-fungal
infection that erupts when feet are
wet for hours, especially after
exposure to dirty water. We sweat
What measures should be

adopted to avoid the skin blunders
during monsoon?
Keep your body dry. If caught in
unexpected showers, dry yourself as
soon as possible. Change wet
undergarments and switch to cotton
ones, as they allow your body to
breathe. Wear sandals if possible to
air your feet.
Allow damp hair to dry before you
tie pit up again. To circumvent
allergies from mosquito bites wear
full-sleeved clothes and use a
mosquito-repellent cream. Use hair
sprays and gels to a minimum. Bathe
twice a day.
What is the remedy to avoid the

greasy skin during the monsoon?
During the monsoon, the skin gets
irritable and it can alternatively
become oily or dry and dehydrated
due to changing temperature.
Therefore, cleanse your skin daily
using a soap free cleanser. Use a
gentle scrub at least once a week, to
get rid of dead cells.
For oily skin if you use a face
scrub of rice flour and rose water or
an amalgamation of besan and
channa powder mixed with rose
water, it would help to get rid of a

break-out of pores.
How to protect the make-up
from getting damaged during the
monsoon recommended makeup during the monsoon?
Avoid wearing heavy make-up
especially in the monsoon. Rubbing
your facial skin with a towel after
taking a bath can give rashes, so
please treat your skin softly to avoid
hyper-pigmentation (if you treat it
roughly). Avoid wearing an oily
foundation, cream-based colour
make-up and heavy moisturising
cream as it will attract dust and grime
to your face and give you a dull look.
Make-up for the monsoon should
be light. Use a light-weight
moisturiser and never miss a sunblock as sun in the rain affects your
skin very badly. Light pastel shades
of lip gloss would go, its better to
avoid a glossy touch rather opt for
the matte look.
What
tips
would
you
recommend in foot-care during the
monsoon if fungus grows between
the toes?
Your feet bear a lot during rainy
season. While bathing pay extra
attention to the web in your feet and
keep the area clean and dry to
reduce the chances of infections.
possible infections.
Home pedicure should be done
once a week. For a pedicure at
home, soak your feet in a
mixture of warm water,
lemon juice and liquid
hand-wash. Then
scrub your feet with
a foot scrubber
or pumice stone
or
exfoliating
scrub to remove
the dead skin.
Also, you can use
hydrogen peroxide
Avoid going out barefoot or in open

sandals in rain water-logged areas.
The single most common reason that
feet smell and are at a high level of
skin infection is that they get wet
(usually with sweat). Air out your feet
regularly by removing your shoes and
socks when you dont need them
Wear moisture-smart socks. There
are socks out there that are designed
specifically to help keep your feet dry.
Wash them with salt. Salt water can
dry out your skin, so if you wash your
feet in it, you can reduce the moisture
of your feet and that will reduce their
tendency to get stinky fast. When you
are done with your shower, soak your
feet in a solution of warm salt water.
Dont rinse it off; merely wipe it off
with a towel and let your feet dry fully
before putting on socks.
Use a foot scrub. In addition to
soaking your feet, you can scrub
them to reduce the problem of foot
odour. This is best done with natural
home remedy products that have a
strong smell. Ginger, radish and
lemon are all good products for
creating a foot scrub that will truly
cleanse your feet. Do this once or
twice a week.
to clean the nails. After that dry your

feet, trim your nails and push back
the cuticles. You have to rinse your
feet once again and pat them dry.
Afterwards, you can have a foot
massage with a light moisturiser as it
helps to stimulate the nerve endings.
Dry out your shoes as well. If you
dry out your feet but then stick them
inside sweaty shoes, youre just
Tips to reduce the foul smell of

sweat when there is high
humidity?
Be sure to shower or bathe daily.
Use proper body cleansing agents
such as soap or shower gel. Use an
antiperspirant/alcohol-free deodorant
which will help curb body odour.
Would you recommend any diet
to be followed during the monsoon
to keep the skin glowing and oilfree (non-sticky)?
Moong dal, especially the watery
kind, is easy to digest. Garlic, pepper,
ginger, asafoetida, sonth, turmeric,
coriander and jeera enhance your
bodys digestive power and improve
immunity. Vegetables recommended
during the rains: bhindi, dudhi,
parwal, suran, roasted baingan, and
karela. Non-vegetarians should go in
for lighter meat preparations like
soups and stews rather than heavy
curries. Go for an astringent, mildly
bitter and mildly pungent foods this
season.
Avoid eating food straight out of
the fridge. Fresh foods are the best
but, if you like to store cooked food in
the fridge, heat it gradually and
thoroughly before eating.
Drink only boiled and filtered
water. Drink plenty of water, even if
you dont feel thirsty. Dehydration is a
possibility during the monsoon too.
going to get smelly feet again right

away. Air out your shoes (preferably
outside so you dont stink up the
house) before wearing them again.
Try to find shoes that breathe. Youll
reduce a lot of the foot-odour
problem if youre wearing shoes that
breathe well instead of shoes that
hold all of that moisture in. Change
your shoes regularly.
Dont wear the same pair every
day because this worsens the
problem. Rotate the shoes that you
wear regularly so that you can dry
them out naturally between each
wearing.
Apply a foot-deodorising product
to your feet. The problem is often
taken care of when you purchase an
over-the-counter foot deodoriser We
to
apply regularly to your feet.
From surfing craze
In the land of communism
A rare sight
Two boys look at the body of a humpback whale at Toluca

beach, 50 km south from San Salvador on 4 July.
"Guo Meimei Baby", as she calls herself, claims to be the

general manager of a firm called "Red Cross Commerce" is
posing with one of her cars. The woman flaunted wealth online
which sparked huge controversy and stoked public suspicion
over how donations are used in China.
A cosy rehearsal
A young man jumps with his skateboard at Venice Beach

Skateboard Park on 4 July in Venice, California. The first
skateboards to reach public notice came out of the surfing
craze of the early 60s, developed to help surfers practise
when waves were unfavourable.
Children of the elementary Monclar school

perform during a rehearsal of a play on 5 July
in Avignon, southern France on the eve of the
opening of 65th Avignon Theater Festival.
Frances synchronised
swimming team
compete in the
preliminary round of the
technical team
synchronised swimming
competition in the FINA
World Championships
at the indoor stadium of
the Oriental Sports
Centre in Shanghai on
18 July.
Kick-off to best-known fiesta
This is Inca citadel of Machu Picchu at 2,350

metres above sea level in the heart of the
Urubamba Valley in southern Peru, 510
kilometres south of Lima. The citadel, voted one
of the wonders of the world, was discovered by
an American archaeologist. It was unknown to
the Spanish conquerors and is now visited yearly
by about 250,000 people.
The Giant skull
A wonder of the world

Synchronised swimming
This is the skull of a

Tyrannosaurus Rex
at the all-new 14,000
sq. ft Dinosaur Hall
permanent exhibition
at the Natural History
Museum of Los
Angeles which
opened on 16 July.
The new exhibition
houses more than
300 fossils and 20
complete dinosaur
skeleton mounts.
Mans best friend
Participants celebrate during the Chupinazo to mark the start at

noon sharp of the San Fermin Festival on 6 July in front of the
Town Hall of Pamplona, northern Spain. Tens of thousands of
people packed the streets for a drunken start to Spains bestknown nine-day festival.
A man poses on his horse during a show at the
Czech Wild West Theme Park in Boskovice,
central Moravia on 14 July.

Short Story
Homecoming
A wholly unexpected reception. By Rajeev Tanwar
ll passengers are requested to fasten their

seat belts, the air hostess announced in a
machine-like voice. We will be shortly
landing at Indira Gandhi International
Airport New Delhi. The temperature outside
is... The whole set of instructions was
delivered to the passengers in the most
uninteresting manner. The flurry of passengers
tightening their seat belts and the screechy
announcement woke me up from an episode of
uncomfortable sleep one can manage in a long-haul
flight of about 10 hours duration from New York to
New Delhi.
I stretched myself a little, fastened the seat belt
and peered outside from my window seat. The sight
of my country and my city after an interval of 15
years was refreshing and thrilling as well. I had the
same excitement of peering down as that of a small
kid clapping a hand beside the window on the seat
in front of me.
Vivid memories of the day papa had come to the
IGI airport to see me off for my first job assignment
in America, after graduating from IIT, are as fresh as
ever. In America you will meet lots of new people
with a variety of ideas and beliefs, but you should
not get easily influenced by all of them, try to
use your brains and choose whatever is good
for you and fits into our Indian middle-class
upbringing, papa gave his fatherly and
friendly advice. He cleared his throat,
probably his emotions were choking his
words which I could feel, and continued,
Amongst all our near and distant
relatives, you are the first one to go
abroad and we all have lots of hopes on
you. Now you will have to be street smart
as well apart from the academic smartness
which has landed you with this job offer.
In between, his hand, without any conscious
effort started moving on my head and his fingers
combed my hair, a gesture so full of love and
warmth and it was the first time in my life I could feel
how much he loved me.
I was the youngest, most pampered of the three
siblings and shortest as well, though I had the best
academic record among. It was never a topic of
discussion nor do I remember receiving back-patting
at any time. Papa was a government employee with
28
the railways and mother was a devoted housewife

whose world revolved around us. For all three of us,
our mother was the most easily mouldable, least
fearsome for getting all kinds of our demands
fulfilled, and the task of managing our father was
better left to her which she would do with full
conviction. Its not that our father would not agree to
our demands, but somehow we found talking to
mother easier and devoid of all inhibitions.
ith a sudden jerk the plane touched the

runway and it also jerked me out of my fond
memories into the present. The airport had
become pretty big and gave a modern look, unlike
what it was when I had left India. The progress
impressed me. I disembarked from the aircraft and
reached the arrival lounge to receive my luggage.
Papa, what should I get you from here? I had
asked him over the phone a few days back.
I just want to see you sitting close to me and
nothing else, he had replied. My persistent
pestering forced him to reply, I would like to hear
all your stories of America and your family, but these
days I have to strain my ears to listen,
even then I miss most of what is
said; the doctor says that the
hearing loss is because of
age get me a good
quality hearing aid so
that I will not miss even
a word of what my son
has to tell me after so
many years. I
could convince them to leave their egos and accept

Catherine as their daughter-in-law, but in vain. They
could never digest the fact that she was a Christian
and loved to eat non-vegetarian food that included
beef as well. I could not convince them that she was
the best choice for me as her help in my work was
an important pillar of my success; without her, none
of my work would ever make any sense.
Hmm, but sirji, why didnt you both visit them?
Maybe that would have softened them, he asked
without taking his eyes off the road even once. Had
my son done such a thing I would have gladly
accepted the mem as my daughter-in-law, at least
the grandchildren would speak in English by birth,
sirji, he commented and I couldnt help having a
hearty laugh at his comic ideas.
Yes, I was beginning to think on similar lines and
fter completing immigration formalities I hired
even Catherine was willing to accompany me to
a prepaid taxi. The burly Sikh was less of a
India when she started suffering from frequent
driver and more of a guide and philosopher.
headaches and dizzy spells not responding to
His description of the changing city and its moral
routine medications which prompted us to go in for
values as well as degradation of family structure
advanced medical tests that confirmed my worst
quickly endeared him to me and I became friendly
fears. She had a highly malignant astrocytoma brain
with him. He detailed all his family members to me
tumour. Though my world fell apart with the news,
and sought my opinion on his financial problems.
she was a brave girl who not only tried to give
Sirji! the Sikh driver addressed me in a
immense mental support to me but happily endured
popular Indian way of giving extra respect. Why
all those brain surgeries, radiotherapy and
did you not come to India even once in these 15
chemotherapy sessions as well. She lost the battle for
years? he asked me a piercing question which
her life three months ago and I lost her forever.
jolted me out of my senses.
Fifteen years just flew away and I could never
No, its not that I did not try, I replied coolly.
realise my dream of visiting India together with my
Trying to hide my embarrassment I continued, The
wife and seek the blessings of my parents.
circumstances did not allow me to take the trip,
Suddenly the taxi entered a very familiar
probably destiny willed it that way. I tried
lane of my house which had not changed
to answer his query , but instead he gave
Suddenly the
taxi entered a
much in all these years excepting that the
me a puzzled look and I could read the
very familiar
lane now had a tarred road and there
question still unanswered in his eyes. To
lane of my
were no overflowing sewage. The houses
elaborate, I continued, The initial three
house which
were also the same as I had left them.
years were of struggle to establish myself in
had not
Sirji, the lane is full of people and too
the company, then for two years I had to
changed much
many vehicles have been parked all over; it
change jobs because of unsuitable bosses.
in all these
will be difficult to take the taxi into the lane.
Afterwards I got married to an American
years excepting
Should I park it here? Ill carry your
girl working with me as my assistant
that the lane
luggage to the house if you so desire?
against the wishes of my parents.
now had a
Very well done, Sirji! This bit of
tarred road and
information cheered him up and he
there were no
continued, Then your parents must have
overflowing
come to bless you both?
sewage.
No, they didnt, I informed him. They
refused to accept her as their daughter-inlaw. Probably they had some plans of their own for
my marriage and they couldnt accept that I had
taken a decision of this magnitude without
consulting them.
Could you convince your parents?
The initial few years after
marriage passed in the hope that I
contacted one of my doctor friends and he arranged
a suitable hearing aid for me. I had even bought a
fur cap for papa to wear on the early morning
winter walks he was so fond of.
No sooner did my luggage arrive than I opened
my suitcase there itself and took out the hearing aid
to be put in my shirt pocket and the fur cap I put in
my hand bag. I will put the hearing aid right into his
ears and papa will not miss a single word of my
story that I was eager to share with him, I thought. I
had not informed anyone in my home of my arrival
because I wanted to give them the biggest surprise
of their lives and wash away all their grudges which
they had against me for not visiting them all these
years.
Gurinder Singh, my driver, said. I had gathered his

name during our conversations on the way, for he
often called himself by his name.
The taxi had suddenly reached the lane of my
house which was full of people and it was indeed
difficult for a taxi to enter the lane. I agreed to
Gurinders suggestion and got down from the taxi to
walk down the distance to my house instructing
Gurinder to follow me with the luggage. I quickly
checked the hearing aid in my pocket and wanted to
fit it in my fathers ears as soon as I saw him, but the
crowd gathered outside made me wonder why there
was such a big gathering.
had to elbow my way into my house and it

transpired that all of these people had collected
for something going on within my house. The
sombre mood of all the people and the faint crying
voices coming from inside the house indicated
something sinister. After having passed the drawing
room I caught a glimpse of my elder brother and,
before I could think of something, he ran to hug me
and started crying keeping his head on my shoulder.
He dragged me with him to papas bedroom
where mama was sobbing inconsolably on the body
of my papa lying on the floor. It seemed as if the
heavens had been lost and my legs refused to keep
me upright and I sank to the floor beside my papas
body. Mama on seeing me, rushed to kiss my
forehead before a frenzy of crying overtook her and
all I could do was place her head in my lap and

console her. My eyes were overflowing with tears
and nose was runny. The world seemed to have lost
its meaning for me. What sort of homecoming was it
for me? I quietly brought out the hearing aid from my
pocket and placed it into the ears of my dear papa,
hoping that perhaps he might return, to listen to me!
Yesterday evening, your papa expressed his
desire to meet you and felt sorry for having taken
such a stand on your marriage, my mama told me
in a sobbing voice in between her crying frenzy and
continued, this morning, he got up early and after
having his bath, was preparing to go to the travel
agent in the market to get tickets booked for both of
us to visit you in America when he suddenly felt
severe chest pain and before we could do something
for him he collapsed here in his room.
Probably he had thought it prudent to meet his
daughter-in-law before he met me, I thought, for
she needed his blessings the most.
I asked my brother to bring the luggage in and
pay the taxi fare to the driver. The suitcases and the
handbag are placed in the drawing room, but the
driver and his taxi, you mentioned are not anywhere
around, my brother informed me later. How could
an Indian driver with a golden heart have asked for
his fare in such a situation?
I still use the fur cap on my morning walks on the
walking track near my house in New York where I
stay with my mother.
We
JOKES
Sandhya: How is it your hair is black, while your
sisters is brown?
Ashok: Well, my sister was born after my mother
dyed her hair brown.
Kalyan (young doctor): Well, dad, now that I am

beginning my practice, can you give me some rules
for success.
Father: Always write your prescri ptions illegibly
and your bills clearly.
Manager: We need a dynamic man with the

capability to handle a variety of jobs.
Applicant: I am suitable, sir. I have had 16 jobs in
this year.
In a city bus:
Pavan: Pardon me, madam, would you like to share
my strap?
Divya: No thanks, I already have one.
32
Pavan: No you dont. It is my necktie, you are

hanging onto.
When asked to explain the meaning of the word

bachelor, Rani wrote, A very happy man.
Where did you get that idea? asked the teacher.
My daddy helped me with my homework, she
confessed.
Sagar met his friend Nandu and asked, You are
looking bright and happy this morning. What is the
matter?
I have cleared my debts, replied Nandu.
But where did you get the money from? asked Sagar.
I didnt get money, replied Nandu. My creditor
died last night.
Judge: Why do you want a divorce?
Satish: Because Im married.
Ram Babu, Hyderabad.
QA
&
Q&
A
I have recently begun to use

waterproof mascara and it is a
miracle. The problem occurs when I
have to remove it.
Even after a good wash there are
bits left and I feel this will clog my
pores around the lashes. What
should I do?
You do get specific formulations
in the market to remove waterproof
mascara and they work well.
However, just as effective is to
remove it with a few drops of either
olive oil or baby oil which has no
fragrance or additives. Do use clean
cotton wool and remove gently
without rubbing the skin too much.
Use motion from the outer eye
towards the inner tip of the eye until it
is all gone.
I am 28 and about two years ago a
wart appeared on my ring finger. I
tried homoeopathy but there was no
improvement and now it has also
appeared on two other fingers. What
should I do?
You need to consult a
dermatologist immediately. Warts as
you describe are normally a viral
infection that is contagious. A good
dermatologist would normally
cauterise it and give you some sort of
medication to curtail further spread.
What is shea butter. Can I use it on
my hair?
Shea butter or shea nut butter is
the naturally-occurring fat found in
the fruits of shea trees. The butter is
extracted with a process of crushing

or boiling.
This butter is an ingredient of
many medicines and cosmetics. Rich
in Vitamin E and A, it acts as a great
softener and emollient and is easily
absorbed too.
Several hair products like
shampoos and conditioners contain
this butter. It is an excellent remedy
for dandruff control as well. You can
definitely use hair products with this
butter on your hair.
My hair is dry and frizzy and on some
hot days, I look like a gollywog. I
would love to have softer and more
manageable hair. I am a 17-year-old
school girl. Please advise.
You have not mentioned whether
you undergo any beauty treatment
like perming or curling. Too many
hair treatments using chemicals can
make hair dry and frizzy.
A simple and effective way of
having smooth, soft hair is to use
conditioner...and lots of it! Firstly, use
a good, reputed brand. Spread
conditioner lavishly over damp hair
and work it in gently all over the
scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes
and then rinse it out. Avoid using the
hair dryer unless it is on the cold
mode.
A more intensive treatment is to
apply the conditioner and then wrap
your head in a towel. Wait for about
10 to 15 minutes and then wash off
gently.
There are several excellent rich
mousses in the market which can
also help you.
Frizzy hair is caused by extreme
dryness. Avoid overwashing, use
mild shampoos and always use a
conditioner at the end. Drink a lot of
water. Avoid harsh sunlight on your
hair by using a scarf.
I long to wear sleeveless dresses like
my friend but I am ashamed of my
dark underarms. My friends look so
fresh and clean. Why are my
underarms so ugly and what can I do
about them? I am a 22-year-old
working woman in Chennai.
The causes for dark underarms
can be several. Usually, dead skin
build-up is the culprit. Excessive

sweating, friction caused by tight
clothes, frequent shaving or simply
lack of proper hygiene can cause
dark armpits. The humid sticky
Chennai weather will not help matters
too!
Simple and effective remedies are
rubbing lemon slices regularly on this
area. Mix a tsp of lemon juice, a tsp
of cucumber juice and a pinch of
turmeric in a little coconut oil and
apply this and leave it for some time
before washing it off.
Gramflour mixed in curd too is a
good whitener. Some dermatologists
suggest the application of Vitamin E
cream or oil for this problem. These
are home remedies.
If you have no time for this, go to a
good beauty parlour where your
underarms will be treated with
bleaching and moisturising to lighten
the skin.
It helps to opt for waxing underarms instead of shaving them
because waxing not only removes
hair but also dead skin cells to keep
the skin clean and fresh. Avoid too
much use of deodorants; use absor bent, fragrant talcum powder instead.
I have natural curly hair. Every once
in six months I get my hair
straightened professionally paying a
lot of money. But the effect does not
last long. The smooth sleek look is
gone within a month although the hair
does remain more or less straight.
What can I do?
There are some points you must
keep in mind to retain the smooth ness of straightened hair. After the
treatment, do not wash hair for at
least a week. Dont get wet in the rain
either! Do not pull hair into a pony tail
or plaits for at least 5-6 days.
Later, avoid too much of
shampooing but condition your hair
often. You can use a flat iron to lightly
smooth your hair after a wash.
After any styling treatment, be
gentle with your hair. Avoid harsh
soaps, strong sunlight and roughness
in handling it. We should not forget
that the style is only temporaryand
the more care you take of it, the
longer will it last.
33
MATERNITY BAG
How to be well prepared for your delivery.
By Shilpi Signodia
ell now, when you are

ready to welcome the
new member in your
family, and you must
have made his room and
everything ready for him.
But there are a few other
things which you will
require for yourself and
the baby in the nearest
future, which is your maternity bag.
You should start preparing for your
maternity bag just after completion of
your seventh month, because its
difficult for anybody to prepare it in
emergency, you have to take care of
very small things for its preparation.
May be I can help you with the list of
items you need in your bag.
Firstly, you need two bags, one for
baby and one for yourself. For
yourself you need to do two kinds of
preparations, one for labour and
another for after delivery.
34
For labour you will need the

following things:
1. Bedsheets
2. Napkins
3. Flasks
4. Dressing gowns with front
openings
5. Slippers
6. Socks to avoid cold feet
7. Old nightdress or long T-shirt
to wear in labour
8. Toiletries
9. Massage oils or lotions
10. Lip balm
11. Things for relaxation like
books or music..
12. Snacks and drinks
13. A camera
14. Some disposable panties
15. Address book to inform
relatives and friends
Now, after delivery:
1. Night gowns
2. Hair brush
3. Going home outfit
4. Feeding bra
5. Breast pads
6. Sanitary napkins
7. Some plates and glasses
For baby:
1. Lots of nappies made of soft
cloth
2. Baby blanket
3. Soft unisexual clothes
4. Socks and caps
5. Two baby towels
6. 4-5 pieces of soft cloth to wrap
baby (made out of an old cotton sari)
7. 2-3 pieces of thick cloth to
place in cradle
8. Baby soap, oil and power
9. Calendula to clean babys
navel
10. A set of going home dresses.
Surely, there will be people with
you to take care at this period but if
you will take care of your maternity
bag, then things will be easier for
your partner.
The list may increase or decrease
according to the situation and always
seek help from your doctor or nurses
about things you will need, also
experienced friends and relatives
have lots of information.
Wish you all the best and happy
We
parenting.
FOR THE GRACE OF WOMEN

Not clothes
alone make up a
woman.
Obviously, there
are other things
of beauty that
are needed to
complete the
woman.
A trend-setting
spectacles.
The clothes that make you

someone special.
Have a pro
per mix of
clothes and
the beauty
accessorie
s. Be
selective o
f both in ord
er
to have the
effect.
An eye-fetching
hairband.
High-heeled sandals to
enhance the appearance.
A dress to keep hundreds of

hearts fluttering.
THE JOY OF
MOTHERHOOD
Becoming a
mother is a great
transformation for
any woman.
By Prasad M.
chose to write on the positive part

of the topic for two reasons. One
is, very primary, the reader
should feel good and light
reading the contents. Two, being
a part of the experience along
with my wife of 2 kids; probably I
got an opportunity to reflect and
introspect on my subconscious
feelings while collecting my
thoughts and putting them down in
writing. This doesn't mean I wanted
to escape from writing on the not so
positive part of the topic.
For people to get at the negativity,
plenty of sources are available. We
read them in abundance in news papers/ mags, we see them to our
eyes dissatisfaction and disgust on
our TV channels/soaps. Where is the
need then to extend the disgust to an
article?
Therefore I desisted from
depicting pessimism, negativity, and
distaste. Let us remember that
without the two beautiful offerings of
Nature pregnancy and motherhood;
none of us would have been here to
share and experience what life is all
about. Society has rightly placed the
woman on the highest pedestal. She
deserves all the respect and gratitude
for the kind of sacrifices she makes.
She is an epitome of value systems

and considerate qualities. That is why
it is said, mother is the first teacher.
Transformations the girl baby
undergoes: From the minute she is
born, is a potential mother. Undergoing different facets of her childhood
from the toddler stage to becoming a
matured girl, she undergoes physiological, psychological, and emotional
changes. Her mother is the mentor to
solace and clarify her anxieties on
personal and genetical transformations. The father on the other side
of the balance is always available to
supplement daughter's ambitions,
wishes thereby assisting the child to
take the right steps. The two parents
together form an in valuable team to
inculcate in the girl family values/traditions, respecting elders, taking on
responsibilities commensurate to
appropriate phases in her life.
The scene described in brief
above, I am not saying with certainty
is a universal phenomenon and that it
happens in all strata of our society.
For this to happen, in the first place
parents have to be mature, practical,
and demonstrate by example the
pros and cons of good, normal and
accepted behaviour against quixotic
behavior pattern. A distinction again
needs to be drawn between urban
and rural upbringing and going
further between rearing a girl and a
boy in the same family. Once most
of these basic formative stages is
taken care of reasonably well by the
parents; a feeling of contentment and
satisfaction can be evidenced by the
parents in responses/reactions of the
girl in varied circumstances the family
will be put into.
Changing
societal
norms:
Society is not static, it's dynamic, so
also the value systems (personal/society) keep on changing. Parents
wisdom lie in understanding,
accepting, and adapting to the
changes which often are not easy.
As the child grows, parents
are confronted with situations, as
not acceptable type. Emotions
play a part, words flow faster
than thoughts, regret and
pangs, meaning fertility tests and

what have you. There are instances
all of us are familiar with when even
the tests and treatment may not yield
the desired outcome. Debate starts
to adopt or not and consequences of
adoption.
It all starts from the stage where to
adopt from to revealing the baby the
background meaning that the parents
are
not
biological
parents,
Let me consider two scenes: maintaining confidentiality up to a
Scene 1 Married couple plan and point, and a variety of issues
associated with it.
time their first baby
All this will have a
and are successful. It
toll
on the couple and
is a simple natural
THE
the baby particularly if
happening for this
COMMONALITY the communication
couple.
Scene 2 Married
AND THE GOAL part and the timing is
not handled properly
couple plan and time
IN THE TWO
adds to the stress and
their first baby and the
woman in the context
SCENES IS THE emotional imbalance.
The commonality
doesn't conceive desSAME
and the goal in the two
pite several attempts.
scenes is the same
This couple unlike the
GETTING A
getting a baby. But
couple in scene 1, has
BABY. BUT
see the difference in
to go through a
the process and the
compli cated process
SEE THE
outcome.
and nature hasn't
DIFFERENCE IN
come to their rescue.
Changes, physical
One
couple
is
THE PROCESS
and emotional during
happy and the other
AND THE
pregnancy: Let me
has to go through the
delve briefly on the
OUTCOME.
feelings, changes that
occur in a woman who
is pregnant and heading towards
becoming a mother. A majority of
married women love to go through
this beautiful, natural gift of
procreation. Women invariably enjoy
this phase in their life as something
special and devote the required
attention and care.
The husband has an
important role to play during
this phase in terms of:
setting apart quality time
to be with the wife
partaking in her pain and
pleasure lovingly
taking cognisance of her

needs and satisfy them.
repentance follow.
Pregnancy and motherhood:
With the above narration as a
preamble, let me now touch upon the
main topic Pregnancy and
Motherhood.' Pregnancy inasmuch
as it looks simple to society at large
can itself become a challenge and
testing time to some couples and to
the extended family members.
The elders in the family if

the couple are lucky (since
nuclear families are on the rise)
supplement couple's efforts in
smooth transition at different stages according to

individual's needs and requirements.
The pregnant woman is a special woman from the
time pregnancy is confirmed till she attains the status of
motherhood.
The woman's taste buds change and the urge to eat
and drink also undergo a change the family caters to
the fresh demands of the woman with joy.
Progress of pregnancy and happy moments: As
the pregnancy progresses, the woman starts enjoying
the feel of the baby inside her and more so when the
babys movements are felt by the woman. The woman
starts exclaiming, see here, the little one is kicking me
inside!
It is not a pain, it is pure pleasure and enjoyment to
the woman. In ordinary circumstances, the woman will
react badly if she gets kicked; but here she loves it and
wants it to happen over and over again. No amount of
riches and money can bring this nature of happiness to a
woman which can happen only during pregnancy and
motherhood.
Taking things for granted and values we attach:
How true is the statement that we human beings take
many things in life for granted because it is made
available just like that. Take the case of a woman
delivering normally and the baby is hale and healthy in all
respects. It is news but doesn't get attached with strings
of stories. It is considered a normal event.
Imagine a similar situation, but the woman has to go
through a C-section and the baby born has some
deficiencies.
This will get attached with strings of stories the
mother didn't take adequate care, didn't follow
instructions of doctor/elders, so on and so forth. The
situation and circumstances are similar, but the nature of
outcome can lead to anxiety, misunderstanding and
avoidable stress.
Difference between a pregnant woman (homemaker and a working woman) and implications: We
can see a perceptible difference again between a
pregnant woman who is a homemaker and the other
who is working. Relatively, the home maker enjoys a
better support system and care.
The working woman has to carry out dual
responsibilities pregnancy and work. The govern ment
laws on the subject for working women is quite
progressive as regards the nature of work that can be
carried out by pregnant women leave of absence with
pay (prior to and post delivery), provision for the husband
to take off from work to be with his wife and render help
and assistance. The presence of the hubby under certain
circumstances during this phase adds to her confidence.
And the bonding that emerges during this period is a
firm foundation for the future of the family which has an
We
additional member to be loved and taken care of.
42
THE SECRET
SMILE
Hey, little lonely girl
Why are you afraid, holding on to the door knob
Tell your heart to open up a bit
Learn to see that the way is open for you too
Try walking a little faster
Sing along a song of your own.
Today as you see, something must be different
Try looking a little farther ahead
Well... you may see a forbidden garden
But dont be mistaken, little girl
Its been there for you, only for you.
I hope you see it before you run away
Its you who can bring it into your own sacred land
Where flowers of your choice bloom.
Little girl, there will be many wholl walk by your side
Some will say, Its totally useless.
Some will tell you to go where they had been.
Only a few will make you understand.
Even when they seem like your enemies
Never hold a grudge for long.
When you are told of what you did wrong
There will be only one or two
Who will try to see your point of view.
But, little girl, laugh as it may seem
Go on along with your hearts desires.
Never tell yourself to stop when you see the weeds
Allow yourself to step on them, just go on.
Tell me when you find your secret smile
The smile you have been yearning for
Since you left the doorknob behind...
Thounaojam Tamphasana, Shillong.

Short Story
Blood has no
Difference
Friendship blooms during communal riots.
By Aswathi
et up, Munna. Have this hot porridge before

you sleep. Your throat pain will vanish in a
trice... placing the pot of porridge on the
nearby teapoy, Rukhsana shook her little
son, Shukur. Soon, she was shocked to
realise that Shukur was running high fever
and that he was almost unconscious.
It was late evening. Darkness had already fallen
like a grey carpet outside. Due to the alarming
incidence of communal riots, let alone ladies, even
men hesitated to go out after dusk, unless it was
absolutely necessary. A deserted look prevailed
everywhere.
Rukhsanas husband, Rehman Khan was working
in a factory in Ghaziabad. It was Thursday. Rehman
would come only the next night. Rukhsana was
alarmed at the condition of Shukur. To keep him 24
hours without any medical aid would be disastrous,
she realised.
Watching her six-year-old unconscious Shukur,
Rukhsana gathered courage. Yes, she must get a
doctor, no matter what happened. She tucked the
boy in a blanket. Then, opening the front door, she
reached the street. The eerie silence in the street sent
a chill down her spine. But the anxious
mother in her goaded her into moving
ahead. She reached Hassan uncles
house in the opposite lane. Hassan
uncle was her family friend. She
decided to request him to fetch a
doctor urgently. She was sure he
would not deny her help in her
44
pressing need. Once, when her husband was

worried about leaving his family alone for the most
part of the week, Hassan uncle had said, Bhai jaan,
you are not leaving them in a jungle. What are we
all here for, except to help her in distress? You may
go peacefully.
he knocked on the door of Hassan uncle softly.

At first, there was no response. But she felt she
heard hushed voices from within. Perhaps, they
were frightened of the terrorists, she presumed.
When she knocked repeatedly, a female voice
asked, Who is it?
Presently, a window partially opened and
Rukhsana noticed Suleima Bivi peeping out
anxiously. Oh, is it you, Rukhsana? What do you
need in this dark hour? In the present circumstances,
it is dangerous for any young woman to roam about
in the streets...
But, Bhabhijaan, Munna is not well. He has high
fever... Is Hassan uncle there? A doctor is urgently
needed.
What! At this hour?! Are you mad?... You better
give the boy some ginger potion. It is best for fever
and cold. By divine, he will be all right... Hassan
uncle has gone out. Who knows when he will
return...
Disappointed, Rukhsana returned home.
Shukur mumbled something incoherent in his
coma. She realised that even the voice was
choked in his throat. The doctors house was in
the next street. She came to a quick
decision. Come what may, she would
go alone to fetch him. She could not
watch her beloved son die a slow
death. She locked the house and got
down to the street.
Hardly had she gone a few steps,
when she heard an auto-rickshaw
turning the corner. It came to a
halt beside her. Hey, lady,
where are you going alone? the
driver asked.
his vehicle, parked on the opposite side of the road.

store in the cross lane called Usman Street. It was
A few feet away he noticed some miscreants, armed
considered to be a Muslim- dominated area. In these
with sticks, knives and rods and such dangerous
days of mandir-masjid turmoil, a Hindu like Ramlal
weapons coming towards him. He jumped into his
entering the street, that too in such an odd hour, was
vehicle and gave the starter a vigourous kick. But
like going into the proverbial lions den. But Ramlal
unfortunately the engine refused to ignite. It the
was in no mood to ponder over his personal safety.
meantime, the unruly gang had almost surrounded
Saving the young Shukurs life at any cost was his
his vehicle and dragged him out. Though Ramlal
priority.
was a healthy six-footer, he was no match for the
Luckily, there was no movement in the Usman
mob of barbarians. Besides, he could use only one
Street. The medical store was situated in the middle
hand, the other holding the precious medicine. He
of the street. He showed the doctors prescription to
was determined to save it even at the cost of his own
the chemist. It is very urgent, sir. A small boy is
life. Silently, suffering all the blows, he fell on the
fighting for his life in the hospital.
road. He clutched the tiny ampoule box to his chest
Mitchelraj, the chemist, glanced at the doctors
and lay down as if dead.
prescription. This is a very costly
Arre! Seems the guy is gone! What
medicine. Can you afford to buy it?
It was a few
shall
we do?
How much?
hours before
Throw
the fellow in his gaadi. Take that
Nearly 250 or so...
dawn.
petrol tin, yaar.
Rukhsana felt
Sprinkle the holy water and light the
amlal fished out his purse. Only 50restless with
pyre. Finished.
odd backs the days earnings
the passing
But the tin is empty. The holy water is
were in it. Where could he get the
hours.
Nurse
over after our action in the last street.
balance 200? He had kept some amount
Sophia had
Then let us leave the body. Come on.
in reserve for the new licence for his
asked her for
Let us move.
vehicle. But that amount was in his house
the fourth time
Ramlal was semi-conscious but he
and his house was far away. What was
whether the
understood what transpired among the
the time? He turned his wrist and noticed
much-needed
goondas. He silently thanked goodness for
that it was 10.45 pm. Each moment was
medicine had
saving him from a scorching death.
valuable. A moment lost is a moments
nearness to death for the poor boy.
arrived.
itchelraj had seen the vandals from
Suddenly an idea struck him. The next
a distance. Before they could attack
moment, he removed his wrist-watch and put it on
his shop, he had closed the shutters
the table. Sir, kindly accept this watch for the price
and stayed inside with bated breath. After making
and give me the medicine quickly.
doubly sure that they had left, he slowly raised the
What! This is only a drug shop not a pawnshutters and tiptoed to the verandah. A few feet
shop. You may try to pawn it somewhere else.
away the body of a human being was lying beside
Please, sir. You know no pawnshop will be open
the rickshaw.
at this odd hour. If you do me this favour, you will be
Good heavens! Is it not Ramlal? Seems the gang
helping to save an innocent boys life. The doctor has
has murdered him. Poor chap! He seems to have
said that unless this life-saving drug is administered
sacrificed his life just to save somebodys kid. But he
by morning at the most, there wont be any hope of
had told me that if the drug is not administered
his survival. Please be kind enough, sir.
before morning that unknown boys life would be in
Is he your only son?
peril. Now, this man being blacked out, who would
No, sir. He is not my son. He is the only son of
help the boy? chemist Mitchelraj rubbed his chin
my close friend, Rehman Khan.
thoughtfully.
But you dont look like a Muslim.
Mitchelraj was in a dilemma. He could not go to
Im not. Im a Hindu. My name is Ramlal. Now,
the hospital leaving the unconscious man to his fate.
if you take the watch as a mere pledge for the price
of medicine, I assure you, Ill bring the amount in the But if the medicine was delayed, it would mean
danger for another life.
morning and retrieve my watch.
As if a solution to his predicament, the siren of a
Mitchelraj was touched by such sincere and
police Jeep was heard at the turn of the street. It
selfless love displayed by a man for a kid belonging
skidded to a halt on nearing the auto-rickshaw.
to an alien faith.
Inspector Kartar Singh and PC. Chandramouli got
Okay, let me have the watch. And here is the
down from it. After hearing the chemists statement,
medicine. Take it.
As soon as he got the medicine, Ramlal hurried to Mr Singh said, Please get into the Jeep. Let us first
46
admit this man in the hospital and prepare the FIR

later. Mr Raj, you should not go out of the place.
You will be needed as a witness in this case.
Okay, sir. Mitchelraj locked his shop and got
into the Jeep.
Ramlal was laid softly on the back seat. After the
policemen also got in, the Jeep sped to the hospital.
t was a few hours before dawn. Rukhsana felt

restless with the passing hours. Nurse Sophia had
asked her for the fourth time whether the muchneeded medicine had arrived. Without that drug,
there is no need to call the emergency doctor. But
why is your husband so delayed?
He is not my husband. He is a close friend of my
hubbys. He is a noble soul who offered to help us in
our distress.
Is that so? But did you give him the money for
the purchase of the medicine? It is a very costly
drug.
Oh, no! I forgot everything in my worry.
Now, I know why the man has not returned untill
now. Who will want to spend 250 for an
outsider?
Rukhsana did not think Ramlal to be a selfish
person. But, after all, he was a poor auto-rickshaw
driver. How could he produce a fat sum in no time?
With the last ray of hope being vanished, Rukhsana
slumped down helplessly on the floor.
Sister, is this the emergency ward? Who is the
person called Rukhsana Begum here?
The voice jolted her back to her senses. She
scrambled up, I am the person, sir.
Im Mitchelraj, the chemist. Ramlal had bought
the medicine from my store. But he was severely
beaten up by the hoodlums in the street. Before he
lost consciousness, he had requested me to hand
over this medicine to
you quickly.
Tears streamed
down Rukhsanas
cheeks. How is
Ramlal Bhai? Is he
all right now?
Hm, nothing can be sure of him now... But first

take care of your son. Ramlals sacrifice should not
go in vain.
An emergency surgery should be performed on
this man. He has received a severe blow on the
back of his head, due to which he has lost a lot of
blood. Also, he is in a state of acute shock. He
should be given blood transfusion immediately,
Doctor Hariharan observed after examining the
unconscious Ramlal.
My blood can be used, doctor. Im the universal
donor, having the O group blood, said Kartar
Singh, the SI.
Good. Then, please lie down on that bed, the
doctor got the equipment ready. Mr Singh, this is
the first time I have come across such a selfless
police officer who has come forward to donate his
blood to somebody alien to him, the doctor said
while inserting the needle in his vein.
Doctor, there are only two categories of human
beings, man and woman. Castes and creeds are the
absurd creations of mankind. Please dont think Im
only the custodian of law. Id like to be the custodian
of human relations.
A week later, Ramlals condition started
improving after the surgery, though he still had a big
bandage around his head.
Bhaiyya Ramlal, a voice called him. The visitors
were Rehman Khan, his wife Rukhsana and his son
Shukur. Shukur was carrying a beautiful bouquet of
flowers.
You are more than my brother, Ramlal.
Rukhsana, tie the rakhi on your brothers wrist.
Shukur, greet your uncle.
ukhsana tied the rakhi on Ramlals right

arm. Bhaiyya jaan , please bless me,
your sister.
Ramlal blessed her with all his heart. So
long as there will be life in me, Ill remain
your brother.
Shukur gave him the bouquet.
We had been to the drugstore of
brother Mitchelraj. Rukhsana has
made him also her rakhi brother.
But for both of you, my family
would have been ruined now...
Ive given the money and
retrieved your wrist-watch. Here it
is. He handed over the watch to
Ramlal. Relations are created not by
birth or caste or creed, but by our
approach to each other. Am I not
right, Ramlal Bhaiyya?
You are absolutely right,
nodded Ramlal.
We

Vegetarian loaf
MONSOON
Delights
The rains set VEGETARIAN

you into a mood LOAF
to eat. Spicy INGREDIENTS:
2 cups seasonal vegetables
food, fried chopped
mashed potatoes
delicacies, or 111cup
/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
cinnamon powder
continental 11/2tsptsporegano
powder
2
tbsp
oil
dishes are a
salt to taste
welcome treat For baking:
when it is loaf tin
raining outside. METHOD
Either steam the vegetables in
By Roma Ghosh
50
salted water, drain out all the

Womans Era
August (First) 2011
water and keep aside or

microwave the vegetables till just
tender.
Run the cooked vegetables in
a mixer to grind the vegetables
coarsely. Place in a mixing bowl
and
add
the
remaining
ingredients. Mix with your fingers
so that all the ingredients blend
together.
Grease a loaf tin and place the
prepared mixture in it. Bake in a
preheated oven at 160 degree C
for 12-14 minutes or until the loaf
begins to turn golden brown on
top.
Put off the heat and allow the
loaf to cook slightly in the oven.
Cut into slices and serve.
CRISPY MINI
BALLS
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups boiled, peeled and
mashed sweet potatoes
3 tbsp cornflour
2 tsp lemon juice
1/ tsp all-spice powder
2
1/ tsp agino moto optional
4
1 cup bread crumbs
oil for frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Place the cooked and mashed
sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl.
Add the spices and lemon juice
and the cornflour. Mix well. Shape
into small balls. Coat each ball
with bread crumbs and deep fry a
few balls at a time.
CHICKEN LOAF
INGREDIENTS:
500 gm minced chicken
3 eggs - beaten
11/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
Crispy mini balls
1/
2 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp oregano powder
2 tbsp oil
salt to taste
For baking:
loaf tin
METHOD
Heat the oil and cook the
chicken minced on medium heat
adding salt to taste. Cook till all
the water is evaporated. Mix in
the spices and cook for a further
2-3 minutes on low fire. Allow the
mixture to cool completely. Run
the cooked minced chicken in a
mixer to grind it into a coarse
paste.
Place in a mixing bowl and add
the remaining ingredients. Mix
with your fingers so that all the
ingredients blend together.
Grease a loaf tin and place the
prepared mixture in it. Bake in a
pre heated oven at 160 degree C
for 12-14 minutes or until the loaf
begins to turn golden brown on
top. Put off the heat and allow the
loaf to cook slightly in the oven.
Cut into slices and serve.
Chicken loaf
SPICY MUTTON
CURRY
INGREDIENTS:
1 kg mutton
2 cups onion paste
1/ cup tomato puree
2
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp roasted jeera powder
3 tbsp coriander powder
1/ tsp haldi turmeric powder
2
1 tsp or more red chilli powder
1/ cup oil
2
3 tsp green mango paste
salt to taste
METHOD
Place the mutton pieces in a
pan and heat till all the water is
evaporated. Add the salt and the
onion paste and cook on medium
heat stirring all the time for 3-4
minutes. Lower the heat and mix
in the rest of the ingredients
adding a little oil at a time. Keep
stirring and cooking for 10-12
minutes in all adding a few tbsp of
water. Remove to a pressure
cooker once the mutton
preparation looks dark brown.
Add 3 cups of water and cook in
Spicy mutton curry
the pressure cooker till the mutton

pieces are tender. Serve with
steamed rice.
MONSOON
RABRI
INGREDIENTS:
2 litres milk
1 cup sugar or more or less as
per taste
Monsoon sandwiches
1/
2 tsp cardamom powder

2 cups sweet mango pulp
1/ cup almonds chopped
2
METHOD
Heat the milk in a thick
bottomed pan.
Continue to cook and stir till the
milk reduces to one fourth of its
original quantity. Add sugar to
taste and stir gently. Put off the
heat and cool completely. Place
it in the fridge.
Monsoon rabri
Add the mango pulp when the

rabri is chilled and ready to serve.
Garnish with almonds and
serve chilled.
MONSOON
SANDWICHES
INGREDIENTS:
6 slice bread
For the spread:
3 tbsp hung curd
1/ tsp rosemary powder
2
coriander leaves chopped optional
3 tbsp sweet mango relish or
chutney or slices of aam papad
thin slices
METHOD
Mix the hung curd and
rosemary and chopped coriander.
Use this as a spread on one of
the slices. Cover with another
slice.
Spread the sweet mango
chutney or relish or aam papad
slice and cover with another slice
of bread.
Cut into halves and serve.
MONSOON
PASTA
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups boiled and cooked pasta
any variety
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano power
1/ tsp thyme powder
2
12-14 or more cherry tomatoes
12-14 olives
METHOD
Heat the oil and add the
cooked pasta. Stir-fry for 2-3
minutes. Add the spices. Garnish
with the cherry tomatoes and
olives and serve as a main dish
for a meal on a wet cool rainy day.
BRINJAL
DELICACY
INGREDIENTS:
400 gm big brinjal
1/ tsp turmeric haldi powder
2
1/ tsp red chilli powder
2
2 cups gramflour besan
Monsoon pasta
Brinjal delicacy
2 tsp sesame seeds

1/ tsp amchur powder
2
oil for deep frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Cut the brinjal into round circles
neither very thin nor very thick,
approximately quarter of an inch
in thickness. Sprinkle salt and
haldi and keep aside for 10
minutes.
Make a batter by mixing red
chilli powder and amchur powder
and salt to the besan and 1 and a
half cups of water and blend with
your fingers to make a thick
paste. Mix in the sesame seeds

in this besan batter. Heat oil for
deep frying. Dip each of the brinjal
pieces in the besan batter and
deep fry a few pieces at a time.
ICE CREAM
FLOAT
BONANZA
INGREDIENTS:
80 ml aerated drink
2 scoops ice cream any
flavour
METHOD
Place the aerated drink in a
glass. Top with the ice cream and
serve chilled.
Ice cream float bonanza
Spinach with omelette
Veggies salt and pepper
VEGGIES SALT
AND PEPPER
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups vegetables beans,
carrots and cauliflower cut into
small pieces
3 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp pepper powder
oil for frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the
vegetables and keep aside for 10
minutes. Drain out all the water
completely and place the
vegetables in a mixing bowl. Add

the cornflour powder and mix with
your fingers. Heat the oil in a pan.
Drop a few coated vegetables
into the hot oil and fry on both
sides. Fry all the vegetables till
crispy and golden brown. Serve
as an accompaniment to a main
meal or as a starter.
CELERY AND
TOMATO SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
400 gm tomatoes
Celery and
tomato soup
50 gm chopped celery with

leaves and stalk
pepper
salt to taste
METHOD
Cut the tomatoes and remove
the eyes. Place in a pressure
cooker with the celery and 2 cups
of water. Cook till soft and tender.
Cool completely to room
temperature. Once the tomatoes
are absolutely cooled run in a
mixer till a fine smooth pulp is
obtained. Strain this pulp through
a strainer. Add salt and pepper
and serve cold garnished with
celery. You could adjust the
thickness of the soup by adding
some water if you want it in a
thinner consistency.
SPINACH WITH
OMELETTE
INGREDIENTS:
300 gm spinach puree
1/ haldi powder
2
1 tbsp coriander powder
2 tsp jeera powder
1/ tsp red chilli powder
2
oil for frying the omelette

salt to taste
For the omelette:
4 eggs
2 tbsp onion chopped
1 tomato finely chopped
2 green chillies finely chopped
salt to taste
METHOD
To prepare the omelette:
Beat the eggs and add the
remaining ingredients for the
omelette and blend well. Heat oil
and prepare the omelette with all
the eggs. Cool and then cut the
omelettes into one inch pieces
and keep aside. Place the
spinach puree in a pan and add
the spices and bring to a light boil.
Add the omelette pieces and
serve taking care that the omelette
pieces do not dis-integrate.
3 slices cheese cut into halves

three pieces depending on the
size of the toasts
1/ cup mango chutney or relish
2
METHOD
Place the cheese slices on the
toast and top with a portion of the
mango chutney and serve as a
starter.
HUNG CURD
AND
CUCUMBER
CUTLETS
DELICIOUS
TOASTS
INGREDIENTS:
One cup grated cucumber
(do not discard the juice)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 cup hung curd
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/ tsp thyme powder
2
oil for frying
salt to taste
INGREDIENTS:
4-6 pieces toast
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients in a
Delicious toasts
Hung curd and

cucumber cutlets
mixing bowl and blend gently with

your fingers. Shape into round
tikkies and fry in hot oil a few at a
time till crispy and golden brown.
Corn, peas monsoon chaat

Noodle and spinach crispy fries
NOODLE AND
SPINACH
CRISPY FRIES
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cooked noodles
1 cup finely chopped spinach
pieces
3 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp maida
1 tsp pepper powder
oil for deep frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Place the noodles and spinach
in a mixing bowl. Add the
remaining ingredients and 2 tsp
of water. Mix with your fingers.
Heat oil in a pan. Drop small
portions of the mixture into the
pan and deep fry in oil on medium
heat. Turn once so that both sides
of the crispies are cooked and
crispy. Prepare all the crispies in
this way. Serve as a snack.
58
CORN, PEAS
MONSOON
CHAAT
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup corn niblets
2 tsp oil
1 tsp chaat masala
1/ tsp roasted jeera powder
2
1 tsp lime juice
1/ tsp oregano powder
2
1/ tsp pepper powder - optional
2
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
1 cup shelled peas

1 small musk melon
METHOD
Do not peel the musk melon.
Cut the top portion of the musk
melon and remove the seeds.
Heat the oil and fry the corn
niblets and the peas and add the
chaat masala and the rest of the
spices and mix gently and cook
for 1 minute.
Fill the musk melon with this
chaat and serve.
We
QA
&
Q&
A
Our son was born with the hole of the
penis not at the tip but on its
underside. The doctors say that it is a
congenital defect called hypospodias.
Kindly tell us if it will cause difficulty
in urination and problems in his
marital life later on and what is the
treatment.
Hypospodias is a rare abnormality
of the penis found in 1-3 out of 1000
baby boys. Treatment depends upon
the situation of the urethral opening.
First-degree hypospodias where the
opening is at the tip but not at the
right place is a minor defect that
requires no treatment. If the urethral
opening is on the undersurface of the
penis it is treated by plastic surgery.
Those cases with a severe degree of
hypospodias need a two-stage
operation; the second operation is
done after a period of time. It is
important to note that as the foreskin
is required to reconstruct the
defective urethra,
under no
circumstances should a circumcision
be performed. Your child is not
sexually abnormal and will have an
adequate sexual life once the defect
is corrected, so do not worry.
I have an infant child. Please tell me
what is the correct method of bathing
a baby?
It is important to collect all the
things necessary for a babys bath
before you begin bathing him. Keep
the nappy on and wrap him in a clean,
dry towel. Begin by washing his face
and head. Wipe each eye gently with
a cotton ball (a separate one for each
eye) dipped in clean water. Wash the
face, nose, behind the neck and ears
with a soft clean cloth. Support his

head with one hand and, taking a bit
of baby shampoo in your other hand,
massage it gently over his scalp.
Rinse off the shampoo and pat his
head dry with a soft, clean towel. Fill
one-third of the bath tub with water
and test its temperature with your
I have a threemonth-old baby
and live abroad.
My parents helped
me in the initial
days after delivery
but now they are
going back to
India. I will now have to fend for
myself.
Though I am not a working
woman I have to do all the chores
myself including going to the
supermarket etc. Please tell me
what is the right way of commuting
with a baby? It will not be always
possible to carry him in a pram as
I often travel by the tube.
Till the age of four months, one
should use baby carriers that are
attached in front since the baby
cannot support his head. After four
months, the baby can be carried in
backpacks. Prams should have a
sound frame, brakes and handles
of the right height. Cars should
have rear-facing infant restrains
held in place with adult seat belts.
If travelling a long distance, one
must carry adequate amounts of
diapers, wet wipes and formula
milk (if the baby is being bottle fed),
basic medicines, linen and clothes.
wrist. It should neither be too hot

nor too cold. Support your baby with
one hand and lather a mild soap
over his body with the other hand.
Lower him or her into the bath tub
and wash off the soap with water.
Clean his bottom last of all. Take
care to clean the creases of the
groin and do not pull back the boys
foreskin while cleaning his penis.
Pat the baby dry, moisturise the
skin with a bit of baby lotion and
clothe him or her in clothes
appropriate for the season. To
prevent mishaps, never leave the
baby unattended in the tub while you
rush off to attend the doorbell or the
telephone.
Whenever I punish or scold my son
for any fault of his he either goes into
a sulk or refuses to eat his food. I am
at my wits end and do not know how
to tackle him. I cannot allow him to
get away with his mistakes for then
he will grow up into an undisciplined
brat. Please tell me what to do. He is
10 years old.
When you both are in a good mood
draw him towards you and explain
calmly that you love him very much
and what you dont like is that
particular act of his. Explain to him
why he should not do certain things
and why certain things should be done
in a particular manner. Some children
respond best to reasoning. For
example, if he watches TV or goes out
to play before completing his homework he will be too tired and sleepy to
do it well later. This will result in poor
grades, despite his being an intelligent
boy which naturally will not be
acceptable to either of you. You could
ask him if he does not like your
scolding, what other method should
you adopt so that he grows up into a
decent human being.
If, despite all this, he does not
listen to you, do not get worked up
when he sulks. Ignore him. Do not
follow him around with the food if he
does not eat it. Just let him be. Steel
your mothers heart and do not give
him food after mealtime is over and
he demands it. He will soon learn to
respect his food and your words.
Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD.
59
GOA
BEYOND THE
BEACHES
Now, projected as an all-inclusive,

year-round tourist destination.
Our Correspondent
opular as a beach desti nation, Goa Tourism is

working to make the state a
year-round and an allinclusive destination with
diverse offerings covering
various segments like eco,
religious, heritage, culture,
adventure, wellness tourism
etc.
Located in south-west India, Goa
is among the leading tourism states
and a popular hot spot for beach
tourism. The palm-fringed 105-kmlong coastline of Goa dotted with
pristine beaches has attracted sun
worshippers from across the globe

for more than two decades. The lure
of the sun, sand and sea, coupled
with the laid-back atmosphere and
warm hospitality of Goans and a
vibrant nightlife has resulted in a
steady rise in the number of foreign
tourist arrivals.
Charters from western countries
have become a regular feature in
season and the number of charters
has kept increasing each year.
Germany, the UK, France and Italy
have been the main source markets
though in recent years tourist arrivals
from Russia have become sizeable
making it an important source market
for the state. Domestic traffic has
also picked up in the past decade
and has helped in providing revenue
for industry players during the
traditional low season of summer and
monsoon.
While the effects of the global
economic slowdown hit the state
quite hard in terms of foreign tourist
arrivals in 2008 and 2009, last year
the state witnessed a heartening
recovery by registering a substantial
increase in international tourists. The
state received about 22.01 lakh
domestic tourists and 4.41 lakh
international tourists last year
compared to 21.27 lakh domestic
tourists and 3.76 lakh international
tourists in 2009, registering an
increase of 3.5 per cent in
domestic arrivals and 17 per
cent in international tourists.
This year has begun on a
good note for Goa.
The recent crisis in Egypt has worked

in favour of Goa as European tourists
who were headed to Egypt and other
surrounding countries are now
visiting beach destinations in Asia
including Goa. According to Swapnil
Naik, director tourism, Government
of Goa, an increase of 15 per cent in
room occupancy is expected due to
the trouble in Egypt.
However, despite international
tourist arrivals picking up last year,
the effects of the global economic
slowdown on the tourism sector has
reinforced the line of thought
prevailing for a few years now within
the state tourism department and
also voiced by industry observers for
the need to diversify the tourism
product portfolio and the importance
of the domestic market. For too long
has Goa put its eggs in one basket
beach tourism and, while the
segment will continue to be a major
draw for first-time visitors and garner
traffic, it is in danger of losing its
charm.
Nerul, G
oa Touri
sm.
Fort A
guada.
NOT JUST BEACHES

Goa Tourism has been focusing
on promoting itself as a year-round
destination and embarked on a highly
successful campaign 'Go Goa 365
days' the latest campaign 'Go.aah!
The landmark created by nature is
aimed at showcasing the natural
beauty of the state and its potential
as a destination for various niche
tourism segments. With ITB Berlin
serving as the prefect platform for
promoting the destination in a brand
new way, Goa Tourism is leaving no
stone unturned in doing so.
It is aiming to change the
perception of people visiting Goa,
from the popular beach destination
to a state that has myriad tourism
offerings in segments such as
adventure, eco-tourism, hinterland
tourism, religious and heritage
tourism. These segments are still
relatively unexplored by tourists. And
with the latest trend of the increasing
number of demands of travellers
wanting to have a new experience
during their travels, Goa Tourism
seems to be headed in the right
FOR TOO LONG HAS

GOA PUT ITS EGGS IN
ONE BASKET
BEACH TOURISM
AND, WHILE THE
SEGMENT WILL
CONTINUE TO BE
A MAJOR DRAW FOR
FIRST-TIME VISITORS
AND GARNER
TRAFFIC, IT IS IN
DANGER OF LOSING
ITS CHARM.
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
direction of looking at promoting itself

as a perfect all-inclusive tourismoffering destination.
The state is now seriously
developing and promoting hinterland
tourism. In order to promote this
segment, river cruising jetties will be
set up on the Mandovi river at Divar,
Old Goa, Piligao and Khandpepar,
while on the Zuari river, jetties will be
set up at Loutolim, Rachol, Coratalim
and Panchwadi in Shiroda. Ministry
of tourism, New Delhi, has
sanctioned financial assistance of Rs
4309.91 lakh for this project. River
cruising is a popular draw and a
number of companies operate
63
Dudhsag
ar.
Manges
hi Temp
le.
sprawling coastline. The Western

Ghats and its eco-diversity of
waterfalls, lakes and rivers will be
equipped with engaging activities for
adventure and eco-tourism. The
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali
Bird Sanctuary and Ctigao Wildlife
Sanctuary are the main attractions
for wildlife tourism. Dudhsagar
waterfalls and Mayem lake are scenic
spots that attract nature lovers. There
are options for trekking and hiking as
well. Eco-tourism and adventure
tourism are also being promoted in a
big way. Facilities for various water
sports like water scooters, parasailing etc have been developed at
various beaches. Adventure activities
like para-gliding and trekking are also
gaining popularity. Spice plantation
visits and resorts with plantations are
also being developed giving a fillip to
eco-tourism.
ALL ABOUT LUXURY
vessels on the Mandovi River which

combine sightseeing, entertainment
and cruising experiences. River
cruising is also attracting good traffic
from the domestic MICE segment,
especially for events, product
launches and incentives.
The state tourism authorities will
develop infrastructure along the
coconut palm-lined Mandovi and
Zuari rivers, which flow into the
Arabian Sea, to ensure that beaches
are not the state's only big draw. The
state tourism department has
prepared a blueprint for developing
a backwater circuit each in North and
64
South Goa, along the two principal

rivers to add variety to its tourism
bouquet. As per the plans, jetties
were to be built along the river bank
at places like Britona, Divar and
Savoi Verem for tourists to alight and
visit nearby places of historic,
architectural, religious or scenic
interest. A similar project has also
been worked along the Zuari River in
South Goa. The cost of the entire
project has been pegged at Rs 15
crore.
The state has also been making
an attempt to tap other avenues
which are overshadowed by its
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
Other niche segments that are

emerging are wellness tourism and
monsoon tourism. A number of
stand-alone spa resorts have come
up in Goa and most five-star resorts
also have spas with various kinds of
rejuvenating therapies.
Monsoon tourism has been
promoted in the last couple of years
and has targeted the Gulf market
aggressively.
Last
year
the
department of tourism conducted a
campaign called Raindrop Tourism
showcasing the beauty of the state
during the rains.
Goa Tourism has been working on
Regional Plan 2021 and the blueprint
for it is ready and awaiting approval.
According to reliable industry
sources, about 51 village mansions
were to be converted into heritage
villas and the government had invited
homeowners to form a committee
which would overlook the details of
the project.
A high-powered task force under
the chief minister and including
leaders of all political parties , NGOs
and other stakeholders has been
formed to draw up the priorities and
We
path forward for Goa tourism.
I have been married for three years.

Mine was an arranged marriage
and I feel that I still do not know my
husband at all. This is because his
job requires him to travel for months
at a time. He then returns, stays
home for a maximum of a week and
then is off again.
I live with my in-laws and they
and my husband behave as if this is
normal, but I feel very lonely and
empty. I have asked my husband to
take me with him when he travels,
but he refuses to, saying that he
cannot afford to.
Recently I took up a job just to
keep myself occupied. My in-laws
are furious with me, even though I
finish all the household work before
I leave and hand over my pay
packet to them, unopened. They
We lost our six-year-old son in an

accident 10 years ago. We have a
daughter who is now 15, but I am
totally unable to forget my son or get
on with my life. I am depressed all
the time and feel that it is wrong for
my husband and me to be happy as
that would mean that we have
forgotten our son.
Initially, my husband was as sad
and depressed as I was, but in the
last five or six years he has changed.
He laughs, goes to parties, takes our
daughter out and generally behaves
as if that tragedy never happened.
I have begun to accuse him of
forgetting our son and he has begun
to warn me that if I go on like this he
will leave me, taking our daughter
with him because, if he stays, our
daughter will turn out to be an
unhappy person who feels guilty that
she is alive while her brother is dead.
Which of us is right?
Your husband is. I am sure that
he has not forgotten your son, but he
has understood that he has to go on
with life and ensure that your
daughter has a happy childhood and
youth.
This is what you too should try to
do. You could talk to a counsellor to
help you come to terms with your
sons death if you are unable to do
this on your own.
I am an unmarried 24-year-old man. I

have good qualifications and an
excellent job and I am living with my
parents. I have fallen deeply in love
with the maid working in our house
and want to marry her. She is an
uneducated 19-year-old who is pretty
and smart. I have not had the guts to
talk my parents about this, but the
maid recently announced that her
parents had settled her marriage to a
boy in their village and that my
mother should look out for another
maid. So I know that I dont have
much time.
Can I be happy with this maid as
my wife? Will my parents and the rest
of the family be able to accept her? I
havent yet talked to the maid, but I
am sure that she will agree to marry
me.
Why are you sure that this maid
will marry you? Because you belong
to a higher strata of society than she
does and are well off? Perhaps you
are right, but is such a reason a good
foundation for a successful marriage?
You have nothing in common with
this girl and in fact, would have
nothing to talk to her about if you
both were left alone for an hour. In
films they show such marriages
taking place turning out to be very
happy. But this is not very likely to
happen in real life.
QA
&
ask what will happen after I have a

baby, but frankly I dont see that
happening if my husband continues
to be away for such long periods of
time.
My in-laws are going to complain
to my husband when he returns
after his present trip and I am
scared. What should I do?
Do not be nervous. When your
in-laws complain stand up for
yourself. Tell them and your
husband that what you and your
husband have is not a marriage at
all. Tell them that since you are
apart most of the time, you are
bored, lonely and unhappy. Tell
them that if your husband cannot
change jobs or take you with him
when he travels, they should let you
work.
Your feelings for the girl are more
sexual than anything else. Think
about all this and if you still feel that
you cannot live without this girl, talk
to her. But do this in private and do
not say anything to your parents first.
It will be very difficult for your
parents and family to accept this girl
whole-heartedly.
My son (we are Hindus) has married

a Christian girl. My daughter-in-law
is very nice and I do not have any
problems with her even though I am
a widow and stay permanently with
them. But one day, shortly after we
found out that she was pregnant, she
casually said that she would ensure
that her children grew up as
Christians.
This shocked me as I had always
presumed that in an inter-religious
marriage the children would be
brought up to be good human beings
who respected the religions of both
their parents. I do not like this
fanatical streak in my daughter-inlaw. Can I do anything about this?
Talk to your son in private and find
out if the decision to raise their kids
as Christians was one taken jointly
by both of them. Then casually tell
him how you feel about this matter.
He is likely to agree with you or will at
65
QA
&
least think about what you have said.

He might then talk to his wife.
There is little else that you can do
about this matter if your daughter-inlaw is fanatical. Otherwise there is
the danger of your place in the house
becoming uncomfortable. Of course
as your grandchildren grow up, your
thinking will influence them.
I am a 14-year-old schoolgirl. I feel a

strong urge to have sex. I know
several boys who would be ready to
have sex with me. Is it okay for me to
have sex with them?
My friends (girls) are shocked
when I tell them how I feel and they
say that I am abnormal. Are they
right? How can I become normal?
You are not abnormal because
sex is a normal and natural instinct.
But you have matured early and
seem to be highly sexed and this is
why your friends who are maturing
slowly, find you strange. It would
perhaps be better if you do not
discuss sex with them.
Boys will definitely be ready to
have sex with you, but it is better that
you dont start having sex so early.
Sex is not just a physical activity. It
has emotional and psychological
implications which you are not yet
ready for.
You have probably already
discovered masturbation. There is
nothing wrong with that unless you
indulge in it so much that you lose
interest in your studies and other
activities that you should be
participating in at your age.
Try and turn your mind away from
sex by taking part in sports and
games. Also keep yourself busy with
studies, reading and hobbies so that
you do not brood on your sexual
needs.
I got married six months ago (it was

an arranged marriage) and a few
days after my wedding, my
husbands sister-in-law told me that
my husband had been in love with
someone two years earlier. The
woman however had not wanted to
marry him and had married someone
66
else. I did not get upset when I heard

this because I think that it is quite
normal to fall in love when one is
young. However I did get upset when
she mentioned that my husband is
still friends with that woman and that
he still visited her.
I confronted my husband and told
him that I did not like this, but he
adamantly said that he would not
stop seeing that woman.
He claimed that this was because
he would not give in to my nagging
and suspicions.
But I feel that he is still in love with
that woman. What should I do?
You were very mature when you
did not get upset over your husbands
crush, but you are not showing
maturity over the relationship he now
shares with that woman. After all, the
woman did not love him and refused
to marry him.
Why then would she put her
marriage at risk by continuing to see
your husband if she thought that he
still loved her? Their present
friendship seems to suggest that your
husband now thinks of her as a friend
and that she has realised this.
So stop creating problems for
yourself. Remember that you are
newly married and still have to build a
solid relationship with your husband.
So show him (or even tell him) that
you have no doubts about his
friendship. In fact you should make
friends with the woman yourself.
And beware of your husbands
sister-in-law! She appears to be a
trouble-maker.
My boyfriend claims to love me but

says that he cannot marry me
because he is disillusioned about
love. This is because he was in love
with another woman six years ago
and, after leading him on for a year,
she refused to marry him. I love this
man desperately and we have been
lovers for two years. What should I
do?
If being your lover for two years
and your being very much in love
with him havent convinced your
boyfriend that true love does exist
and that you are not like the woman
he earlier loved, nothing will. Either

this man was so deeply hurt that he
still hasnt recovered after six years
and after being in a loving
relationship for two years or he has
lost interest in you and just wants an
excuse to break up.
Confront him and ask him what his
intentions are. If he continues to say
that he is disillusioned about love and
will not marry you, break up with him.
Staying with him will only make you
feel that you are just being used.
I am a doctor and am in love with

another doctor who was three years
senior to me in medical college. He
too loves me and, four years ago, we
decided to get married when both of
us had completed our postgraduation. We also planned that
rather than start practise in a metro,
we would work in a rural area and
help the poor people there.
But now my boyfriend says that he
has changed his mind. He says that
he wants to work in a big hospital,
make a name for himself and then
start a lucrative private practice and
he wants me to do the same.
I have talked to my boyfriend but
now I realise that he will not go back
to being the idealistic young man he
was when we first met and fell in
love. But I continue to be as I was
then. Should I pursue my dreams or
be practical and do as my boyfriend
wants me to?
This is a decision that you will
have to take on your own after doing
some serious soul-searching. How
deep is your idealism in reality? Many
young people dream of helping the
poor and doing good rather than
thinking only about themselves. But
by the time they finish their education
they have forgotten all that and are
dreaming of luxury cars, premium
flats and big bank balances.
There is nothing wrong in wanting
to make money and lead a
comfortable life. In your case, you will
also be able to marry the man you
love. But if you idolise people who try
to make a difference rather than a
fortune, break up with your boyfriend
and go your way.
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ORAL HYGIENE FOR
HEALTHY
PREGNANCY
The health of your gums

may affect the health of your baby-to-be.
By Swapna Mehendale
ecent research suggests

that the hormones the body
releases to trigger labour
may be similar to those
released in response to an
infection. Pregnancy is the
time to take extra-special
care of your teeth and
gums. Your oral health can
affect the general and dental
health of your unborn child.
Any infection during pregnancy is
a matter of concern. A mouth
infection can lead to premature birth
and low birth weight, putting your
unborn baby at serious risk for
lifelong conditions such as cerebral
palsy, chronic lung disease, or even
death. In fact, pregnant women with
gum disease are six times more likely
to deliver their babies early than
women with healthy gums. It is
common for pregnant women to
develop gingivitis (an inflammation of
the gums) due to changes in
hormones during pregnancy.
72
Other researches suggests a link

between maternal oral health during
pregnancy and the development of
early childhood caries, also known as
baby bottle tooth decay, affecting up
to one in 10 children below the age of
six in the world according to the
National Centre for Health Statistics.
Since tooth decay is a communicable
disease that can be transmitted from
person to person, a reduction in
maternal cavity-causing bacteria may
diminish transmission of these
bacteria between mother and child.
It is important to have awareness on
the importance of maintaining good
oral health during pregnancy. While
good oral hygiene during pregnancy
is essential, it may be even more
important that a woman see a dentist
during her pregnancy.
Bleeding gums: Pregnancy can
cause sore, bleeding and swollen
gums because of hormonal changes.
Your gums are more susceptible to
irritation and may bleed more often
when you floss or brush your teeth.
Do check if you have this problem.
Your gums usually clear up by
themselves after the baby is born.
Incase if the problem becomes too
uncomfortable talk to your dentist.
You may notice a small nodule on
your gum. It is called a pregnancy
tumor or pyogenic granuloma and
may bleed when you brush your teeth
or eat. This condition usually clears
up after pregnancy, but don't ignore it
if it causes you problems. If you have
a dental trauma, such as an abscess
or a broken tooth, take care of it
immediately!
Here are some simple tips

suggested by Dr Shantanu Jaradi,
medical director, Dentzz Dental Care,
to help you keep your teeth in good
shape.
Brush your teeth after every
meal.
Floss teeth at least once a day.
Have at least one check-up
and
dental
cleaning
during
pregnancy, preferably after the first
trimester.
If you have morning sickness,
rinse teeth thoroughly after vomiting.
Nausea may lead to increased
snacking, and some women also
allow themselves more sweets. This
increases the risk of cavities. It is
therefore necessary to brush your
teeth more frequently than usual.
Chew a sugar-free gum for 10
minutes after eating a snack.
Avoid sweet and sticky foods that
tend to be high in refined sugars.
Grab more wholesome foods such
WHILE GOOD ORAL

HYGIENE DURING
PREGNANCY IS
ESSENTIAL, IT MAY BE
EVEN MORE
IMPORTANT THAT A
WOMAN SEE
A DENTIST DURING
HER PREGNANCY.
as cheese, fresh fruits or
vegetables as it is better for
your teeth. Eat all types of
fruits
and
vegetables,
preferably at every meal and
as snacks. Eat grain
products rich in fibre, such
as
breakfast
cereals,
oatmeal and whole grain
bread.
Drink lots of water.
Water and milk are the
best drinks for your teeth
during pregnancy.
Even if your gums bleed, it is
important to brush your teeth
frequently and on a regular basis with
a soft toothbrush and flouride
toothpaste.
Remember, good oral hygiene
now is important for the health of
We
your childs teeth in the future.
Antibiotic treatment: Before a

procedure such as a root canal, your
dentist may want you to take an
antibiotic medication to protect you
from infection. Discuss this situation
with both your dentist and your doctor
ahead of time. They will be able to
decide the best course of action.
Taking care of this kind of problem is
importantan infection you have
might possibly harm your baby.
Together, your dentist and doctor will
plan the safest course of treatment
for you and your baby.
73
For Your Choice
Spice up your life

with the finger-licking
food. Can you really
resist this temptation?
Tandoori murgh
Spiced chicken
roasted in oven.

Use comm
on
sense, not
y
sixth sense our
, while
trying unc
ommon
dishes.
Dil pasand Seekh kabab

A special preparation roasted on
direct heat after wrapping spiced
minced mutton on skewar.
Firdausi qorma
(Roghan Josh)
A rare Mughlai recipe for
mutton cooking.
Shahi murgh
Chicken cooked without water in
onions with curd and flavoury spices.
Bemisal shami kabab

Special minced mutton deep fried.
Courtesy: KARIMS
Faridabad. Ph: 0129-6522869

Short Story
Anything to Win!
...even cheating! By Kasturi Rangachari
he campus of the National College of Arts

The points tally. We must know the points tally!
and Sciences was a buzz with activity. Scores repeated Rashmi.
of students from various colleges in the city
Sriram cleared his throat. Actually, I know how
and from National College itself, roamed
we can get a look at the points charts, he said.
about obviously in high spirits, while
Rashmis eyes opened wide. How on earth can
periodically applause, roars, laughter and
you do that? she asked in surprise. The staff keeps
shouts would emanate from the three big halls
the tally chart such a secret!
the college had. Banners hung from trees and poles.
The marking process for the various events and
The National College Talent Fest was in its third and competitions held at inter-college fests was
last day! Today the last lot of competitions would be
complicated, with bonus marks being awarded
held and the winner of the fest shield decided!
according to the points gap between the top three
Sriram, secretary of the fest organising committee, winners in each event. When the results of a
hurried up to the four members of the college chess
competition were announced, only the names of the
team as they made their way out of the hall in which three winning colleges would be announced, not the
the fest chess competition had been held.
points they had scored so, students wouldnt know
What happened? he asked. Did you win?
how many points each college had won.
No, St Josephs did. But we played well, said
After a few college fests in the city had been
one of the members of the team. Sriram gave the
tainted by rumours of points manipulation, it had
group a murderous look that left them
been decided that in all inter-college
Sriram
crushed and hurried away to find Rashmi,
competitions, staff members would
the president of the organising committee.
tabulate the marks won by various
cleared his
He found her talking to a group of
colleges and announce the final results.
volunteers in the students union office.
So, in the National College Fest, as the
throat.
I must talk to you, he said sidling up
results of the various events came in, a
Actually, I
to her and whispering urgently in her ear.
group of college lecturers added the bonus
Rashmi darted a quick look in his
know how we points and tabulated the results on a chart.
direction and sent the volunteers on their
The tally would be kept secret until the
way with their instructions. What is it?
can get a look final winners of the fest were announced.
she asked once they were alone.
Come on, tell me! How can you find
at the points
The chess team lost, said Sriram. St
out the points tally? repeated Rashmi
Josephs won.
impatiently.
charts, he
Oh no! moaned Rashmi.
The lecturers use the principals office
said.
Yes.
to do the tallying but, between events, they
I wish we knew the exact points tally,
relax in the big lounge adjoining the
fretted Rashmi after a short pause. Then wed know office.
where colleges stand and exactly what we have to
I know that, Rashmi gave a restless skip. Tell
aim at to win the shield.
me how you think you can get a look at the points
And we must win, Rashmi! You know how much
tally and find out how we stand.
is at stake!
Sriram dug a key out of his pocket and held it up.
Rashmi nodded. She did not need to be told that
With the help of this key and the help of a frailNational College had last won its own inter-college
looking girl who will cooperate with us! he
talent fest five long years ago and that the college
announced.
was desperate for a win this year. Besides, this was
important for Sriram and Rashmi personally too. It
our lecturers were chatting in the lounge when
was their own last year as undergraduates entitled
they heard a commotion outside. What a
to take part and organise the fest and a win with
racket! exclaimed one of them crossly. The fest
them as president and secretary of the organising
sends all the kids crazy! But when the commotion
committee would look so good on their resumes!
continued, she reluctantly got up and strolled to the
76
door into the passage and opened it. A group of

students was bending over something and chattering
excitedly.
What is going on? asked the lecturer.
The group opened up and the lecturer saw the
crumpled figure of a girl lying on the ground. She
suddenly fainted, madam, said a boy.
And I think that she hurt her head when she fell,
added a girl.
Who is it? demanded the lecturer as she moved
towards the fallen girl.
Vatsala Singh from third year pol science.
Oh, that delicate girl. She fainted in class once.
The lecturer hurried forward to deal with the
crisis. She was followed by her three colleagues
who had trailed behind her to the door. It took the
four of them five minutes to revive the girl and hand
her over to her friends, asking them to see that she
rested and had something to eat.
ive minutes. Ample time for Sriram, who had

used the key he had to unlock the door to the
PAs room before Vatsala had pretended to
faint and had entered the principals office by
unbolting the door into the office from the PAs
room when the lecturers had been busy tending to
Vatsala to take a good look at the points chart
spread out on the table!
We are tied with St Josephs for the first place!
Sriram told Rashmi. We both have big leads over
S. N. College that is in third place. So no other
college matters. The competition is just between us
and St Josephs. And there are three events left.
And well have to win two of them to be sure of
winning the shield!
Yes! The three events are Debating, Art and Act
One
We have the best debating team. Adi, Vibha,
Dhiren and Soumitra have won every inter-college
competition they have taken part in this year. Well
definitely win the Debate.
But St Josephs has that girl,
Yamini Kelkar, who has won the
Shankars International Art
Competition last year. So they
are practically sure of winning the Art Comp.

That leaves the final result dependent on Act
One
Act One was an extempore skit competition. The
same topic was given to each team 10 minutes
before they were due to go on stage and they were
judged by the plot and dialogues they were able to
come up with on the spur of the moment.
But Act One is sosounpredictable! We have
a good team and on a good day they are able to
come up with interesting plots and effective oneliners the things that win such a competition. But
will today be a good day?
There was silence as the president and secretary
of the organising committee gave each other
measured looks.
It could be a good day for our team, said
Sriram finally. But that depends on what you are
ready to do to ensure that we win.
Anything that it takes! said Rashmi firmly.
Anything at all!
Well, the topic for Act One was selected by
Srivastava maam and its sure to be in the fest file in
the principals room. Lets go and get the topic for
Act One from the principals office! Weve got the
key to the door of the principals PAs room and,
after getting into that room, we only have to unbolt
the door to the principals office and go in and get
the topic from the fest file! So easy! Well then give
the topic to our team so that they can prepare a
good plot and script. Theyll definitely win then!
Rashmi didnt hesitate. Lets go right
away! she said. The debate is
taking place in the main hall
and the music competition,
in the upstairs hall. Act One
will be after the debate
competition.
How shall we do it?
Well have to get the
lecturers in the lounge out
of the way.
envelope she had found in the drawer. She then

wrote Act One on it. Meanwhile, Sriram had been
searching frantically for a tube of adhesive. When
he couldnt find it in any of the drawers of the
principals desk, he slapped his forehead in irritation
and darted into the PAs room. A moment later he
came back waving a tube triumphantly over his
head. A moment later, the envelope was sealed and
slipped back into the fest file on the principals desk.
Oh shit! I can hear people coming into the
lounge! hissed Rashmi in panic. Come on,
Sriram!
The two teenagers fled into the PAs room pulled
the door shut behind them and, after peeping out
cautiously to make sure that the corridor was empty,
slipped out of the door opening into the corridor.
We have to lock the door! hissed Sriram, but
Rashmi had fled, leaving him to lock the door with
his heart in his mouth. Seconds later, he turned and
uckily for them, they found that both the
was running after her! Safely back in the students
principals office and the lounge had big locks
union office, both collapsed into chairs, breathing
hanging from their doors.
hard. The room was empty except for a lone
I only hope that they havent bolted the door
volunteer seated at a desk and going
connecting the PAs room to the
through some papers.
principals, from inside the principals
Oh shit! I
Hey, guys, whats up? he asked
office, said Sriram nervously.
can hear
looking at them curiously. You look as if
Im keeping my fingers crossed!
The two students stood outside the PAs
people coming you have seen a ghost!
Nothings up, Atul. But we have a job
room and looked around. The corridor
into the
for you. Go and find the members of the
was empty. They quickly unlocked the
Act One team and send them here.
door, went in and shut the door behind
lounge!
Within a few minutes the eight boys
them. Sriram hurried across the room to
and girls in the Act One team were there.
the door leading to the principals room
hissed
Sriram gestured to them to come close.
and held his breath as he unbolted the
Rashmi in
Guys, you have to win Act One for the
door and tried to push it open. To his joy,
it swung open. A moment later, they had
panic. Come college to win the fest shield, he said in a
low voice. And we are going to help you
opened the fest file which lay on the table
win! He scribbled a few words on a
and pulled out an envelope with Act One
on, Sriram!
piece of paper and handed it to them.
written on it.
Heres a hot tip for the topic for the skit, right from
Oh shit! Its stuck! exclaimed Rashmi in
the horses mouth! Go and practise!
frustration turning the envelope over and over in her
hands. Sriram grabbed the cover from her and
inita Naval, economics lecturer in National
examined it. Its a college envelope. Well have to
College, walked from the lounge into the
tear it open and then put the paper inside it which
principals office, opened the fest file and
has the topic written in it, into another envelope, he
picked out the envelope with Act One written on it.
said. Lets find another college envelope, Rashmi.
She stood with it in her hand and looked around for
Rashmi pulled out an envelope with the college
a folder to put it into before handing it over to the
stamp from the second drawer of the principals
Act One judges. The judges would, she knew, first
table that she opened. Heres one, she said in an
hold a draw to determine the order in which the
urgent tone. Hurry, Sriram!
teams would perform. The team going on first would
Sriram ripped open the sealed envelope that he
then be given the topic and 10 minutes to discuss it
was holding and pulled out the sheet of paper that
and prepare. Then they would go on stage and put
was inside it. Walking the Talk, he read out.
on a skit on the topic. The skit had to be for 10
Thats the topic! Lets get out of here now.
But they had things to do before they could leave. minutes.
After the draw, the other teams would be
Rashmi took the slip of paper with the topic for Act
sequestered in a room so that they did not come to
One written on it and slipped it into the new
Another diversion like last time would raise
suspicions. The two made their way slowly in the
direction of the principals office which was some
distance from the main centres of fest activity. They
racked their brains to think up a ploy to get the
lecturers away from the lounge so that the coast was
clear for them, but no foolproof scheme occurred to
them. Their footsteps grew slower and slower and
then Rashmi grabbed hold of Srirams arm!
Its our lucky day! she crowed signalling with
her eyes towards where a group of lecturers was
walking from the direction of the lounge, towards the
staff room. They are the ones in charge of the
points chart! They must be going for lunch.
Come on! said Sriram in an urgent voice. We
dont have much time. But first we must check that
no one has stayed back in the lounge.
78
know the topic. But as soon as the first team went on

stage, the team that was to act second would be
given the topic and allowed to discuss it and
practise in a room. The process would be repeated
till all the teams had competed.
Let me have a look at that! said Sherry
Srivastava, physics lecturer, who had followed
Vinita Naval into the room. She had a frown on her
face as she stared at the envelope her colleague
was holding. Vinita looked surprised as she handed
it over. What is it? she asked.
Something odd here! said Sherry staring at the
envelope. I wrote the name of this competition on
the cover, but I wrote in a running hand and this is
printed in capitals! She took a closer look and
added, And this isnt the kind of envelope I used
either! I used one of the new ones and this is one of
the lot that the principal rejected because the
address of the college has Bombay on it, instead of
Mumbai.
The other lecturers gathered around and
examined the envelope. Could you be mistaken?
asked one of them in a worried tone.
No, Im sure, Sherry replied.
What about the topic? Perhaps the mischiefmaker changed it.
Sherry tore open the envelope. No, she said.
This is the same slip that I wrote. The topic hasnt
been changed.
That means that someone opened the envelope
to know the topic for the competition and then put
the slip into another envelope. Only he or she used
the wrong kind of envelope!
And that person has to be one of our students
because students from other colleges would not
know where to find either the fest file or the
envelope, added another lecturer. But how can

any student get in here? We locked the doors to
both this room and the lounge when we went for
lunch!
The lecturers all looked around and soon one of
them gave a small cry and went to the door leading
to the PAs room. It swung open to her touch! She
quickly crossed that room and went to the door
leading to the corridor and found it locked.
The door leading to the corridor is locked, she
said. But Im sure that the door to the PAs room
wasnt open all this time. That means
That some student or students have got a key to
the corridor door of the PAs room and that they got
in that way. They then came into the principals
room and opened the envelope, found out what the
topic was and replaced the slip in another envelope
but the wrong kind of envelope!
The lecturers discussed what they should do. How
could they find out if the topic had been leaked? If it
had, it could only be to the National College team
because, after all, no student of their college would
steal the topic and then hand the information over to
the team from any other college! But none of them
could go snooping around. Except for tallying the
points and keeping the fest file in their custody, the
staff had no part in running the fest.
We must send a student to find out one that
has nothing to do with organising the fest and
couldnt possibly know about any funny business or
trickery going on, said Vinita.
She went to the door of the lounge, opened it and
stood in the doorway looking down the corridor. A
few minutes later, she
beckoned a student in.
Parmeet, she said,
do we? And if we have a showdown with the

students now and delay the Act One results and the
prize distribution ceremony, therell be gossip and
that will harm the reputation of our college. There
was a murmur of voices supporting the lecturer.
The principal walked over to the window an
looked out. He stood there deep in thought for some
hat really didnt make much sense, but Parmeet
minutes. Finally, he turned round. The students who
was a sweet, simple girl and she was thrilled to
cheated cannot get away with this, he said firmly.
have been given a chore connected with the
They must learn that they cannot win by cheating.
fest. She nodded in excitement and ran off. She
That the college cannot take the fest shield by
returned ten minutes later.
cheating. We have to question the students and try
Act One is just beginning, maam, she panted.
to get to the bottom of this affair before we declare
The lots have been drawn and S. N. College is
the results of Act One which I understand will
going on first. The other teams are waiting in Hall
determine who wins the fest shield.
No. 2 with Khan-Sir and Deshpande-Sir, keeping
But which students do we question, sir?
watch outside.
The organising committee and the Act One
And our college team is with them?
team. The organising committee members are the
No, maam. They asked for permission to be by
ones passionately determined to see that
themselves in classroom No. 20, which is
The students the college wins and so they are the ones
next to the Hall No. 2. The judges gave
most likely to be ready to take a few risks
them permission because the sirs can keep
who cheated
to ensure that. And the members of the Act
an eye on classroom 20 as well as Hall
One team would also be desperate for a
No. 2 at the same time.
cannot get
win.
Vinita thanked Parmeet and the girl ran
away with
Actually, any student could have come
off. That settles it, said Sherry. Our
in here and torn open the envelope and
team knows the topic and is practising in
this. They
found out the topic for the Act One skit,
room No. 20.
pointed out a lecturer.
Well have to tell the principal, said
must learn
Yes. But even if some stray student
one of her colleagues and the other
that they
broke in here and got the topic, he or she
nodded.
would have told either a member of the
What? Principal Ramnath looked
cannot win
organising committee or a member of the
furious as he glared at members of his
by cheating. Act One team. So if we question the
staff who had just told him that some
organising committee and the skit team,
students of his college had cheated at their
we can get to the truth.
own fest. I can hardly believe that they could stoop
to such a level just to win a competition!
obody had anything to say to that and Vinita
To win the fest shield, sir, said Sherry in a sober
Naval and Sherry Srivastava went off to the
tone. If we win Act One, we win the fest shield.
hall in which Act One was being held. To
What shall we do, sir? asked Vinita. Confront
their relief they found that their college had already
the students and get to the bottom of the
performed and that there were three more colleges
affair?
who had yet to do so. Sherry Srivastava went and
Yes! said a
had a word with the judges and told them that there
number of voices.
was an emergency and that they should hold back
But, sir, said
the results till further notice, while Vinita Naval
another lecturer, I
rounded up the organising committee and the Act
think that we
should wait One team and instructed them to come to the
principals office.
till after
Sriram and Rashmi exchanged worried glances
the fest to
and so did the members of the skit team! It must be
do that.
about the Act One topic! whispered Rashmi to
We
Sriram. He nodded. Pass the word around! he
dont
whispered back urgently. No one should admit to
want a
scandal anything! The principal and staff cannot possibly
have any evidence that could nail us!
on our
Principal Ramnath glared at the students standing
hands,
could you do something for us? We want to know if
the Act One competition has started so that we know
when we can expect the fest prize distribution
ceremony to take place. We have to be ready with
the final points tally before that.
the frustrated look on his face told the students that

they just had to brazen things out for a little longer.
I know that the president of the organising
committee, Rashmi, the secretary, Sriram, and the
members of the skit team must know who came into
this room, tore open the envelope and found out
what the topic for the Act One competition was,
even if they didnt do it themselves, he said
sounding weary. But there is no way I can make
you do the right thing and confess.
So, I am forced to take this step. I shall tell the
judges that National College is disqualified from Act
One and so isnt eligible for any points, even if they
did well in it.
There was a stunned silence and then a babble of
oo many people had handled both for them to
voices broke out.
be in any danger of being found out.
Please, sir...
Several lecturers had shown them the
Rashmis
No, sir! Give us some other
bolt, touching it in the process and the
punishment!
envelope had been passed around too.
heart missed
That isnt fair on all the students who
Any prints of theirs would have been
a beat. She
worked so hard for the fest
completely obliterated by now.
The college is certain to win the fest
And Ill ask each of you to give us a
was the one
shield this year, sir, but if the Act One
sample of your handwriting and send all
points arent included we wont!
the samples to a handwriting expert to
who had
People will suspect that something
find out who wrote on the envelope!
written on
disgraceful happened if we are
continued the principal.
disqualified.
Rashmis heart missed a beat. She was
the new
The name of our college will suffer...
the one who had written on the new
envelope!
No! said the principal. The good
envelope! But the next moment, she
name of National College will not suffer! It
managed to control herself and look
will go up! After all, we are punishing
impassive. She remembered that she had
ourselves for the cheating that some of us did!
printed Act One in capitals on the envelope and
from the dozens of crime thriller movies she had
here was nothing further to be said and the
seen and the detective books she adored and
students filed out of the office in silence. But
devoured, she knew that capitals didnt show a
anger broke out once they were outside. One
persons handwriting.
of the organising committee members turned on
And, the principal went on, if any of you are
Rashmi. The principal was right! he said bitterly.
found guilty, youll be expelled! So, if any of you
There is no way you, Sriram and the Act One team
have any knowledge of this cheating, I suggest that
do not know who the cheat is!
you tell me now!
Yes. The 10 of you have cheated us out of the
Sriram and Rashmi stared anxiously at the Act
shield! We could have won it fair and square!
One team, hoping and praying that none of them
Without cheating!
would break under fear of expulsion. To their relief,
And now all the city colleges are going to sneer
no one did. The principal turned his attention to the
skit team. You lot must know who is guilty! he said at us!
Yes! You have let us down!
in an intimidating tone. Tell me, how did you get to
And the students walked away talking loudly and
know the topic? Which one of you told the others?
angrily among themselves leaving Sriram, Rashmi
But the students were cleverer than him. They all
and the Act One team standing there crestfallen.
shuffled their feet, stared at each other and claimed
One of the skit actors turned on Rashmi and
that they couldnt remember who exactly had
announced the topic. I dont remember who spread Sriram. Who asked you to cheat and do what you
thought was helping us? she demanded. We are
the word. Several people began to discuss this topic
good! We could have won the event without your
and then someone I dont remember who said
so-called help!
that it was a hot tip! said one of them and the rest
The skit team then walked off and Rashmi and
of them all nodded.
Sriram were left standing there alone.
We
The principal knew when he was defeated and
before him in total frustration. All the members of
both the organising committee and the Act One
team had stoutly denied any wrongdoing. He knew
that, while some of them could be innocent, others
among them must be lying through their teeth!
Worse still, they all pretended to be appalled at the
thought that they could be suspected of cheating!
Well call in a detective to check the fingerprints
on the bolt on the door leading from my PAs room
into mine and on the envelope! threatened the
principal, but the faces of both Sriram and Rashmi
remained expressionless. They knew that they
neednt be scared.
81
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W
hat
adds
to
Amitabhs
happiness is that the film has
everything drama, action and
music. He has sung three songs in
the film including a medley of songs
from some of his earlier films.
Abhishek also sings one song.
A
B O M B AY
F I L M D O M
amir Khan who has, of late, been

giving special attention to the
promotion of films is of the view that
every film needs a different kind of
promotion. Lets see if his promotion
of Delhi Belly helps the film which is
clashing with Amitabh Bachchan
starrer Buddah Hoga Tera Baap?
V
A
mitabh Bachchan has reason to

be mighty happy that his starrer,
Buddah Hoga Tera Baap of which he
is part producer with son Abhishek
and Viacom 18 has already covered
its cost 10.5 crore!. So what if the
profit is measly 3 crore or so, daal
roti toh chalegi. Right, Amitji?
Big B is happy that Buddah Hoga Tera
Baap has covered its cost.
ig B cannot deny the charge that

he is a stealer. But a stealer with
a difference. Proof? Aamir Khan sent
Amit a card to come and grace a
function organised to promote one of
his own films. And so, when the
function was in full swing and Aamir
was hogging all the attention as the
boss and the producer, Amitabh
Bachchan reached there in the getup of Buddah Hoga Tera Baap and
totally eclipsed Aamir Khan.
Thundering Buddah Hoga Tera Baap
in his impressive voice at the
instance of the media, he stole the
thunder from Aamir and in the latters
den to boot.
Moreover, Amitabh stole the thunder
from Aamir Khan in his own den.
ishal Bhardwaj has decided to

make a film with Ajay Devgan
first rather than make Two States
starring Shah Rukh as planned
earlier. The film will be an out-andout romantic comedy.
an proposes, God disposes.

Aishwarya Rais pregnancy has
put a spanner in the work of director
Madhur Bhandarkar who wanted to
do Heroine with her as the leading
lady. He needs at least six months to
complete the film. Now, he may have
to postpone or shelve the film.
alman may have an unenviable

past, but rather than brood over
the past, he is making ample
amends. When he was shooting for
an Atul Agnihotri film in Chandigarh
recently, he organised cataract
operations for the poor in the city and
paid from his own pocket. Wow.
Now, Salman Khan
has turned his
attention towards
social service.
Ash is in a family way

and will be making a
real-life debut as a
mother in November.

I
f Amitabh and Abhishek are happy

because of Buddah Hoga Tera
Baap, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has
another reason to be happy: shes in
a family way and will be making a
real life debut as a mother in
November this year. Good luck, Ash
our advance congrats to the
Bachchans.
f there is ton loads of money in the

promotion of brands, theres hardly
any surprise that superstars prefer
promotion of brands to films.
Reportedly Aamir Khan gets Rs 14
crore, Shah Rukh Rs 10 crore,
Amitabh Bachchan Rs 8 crore and
Salman Khan Rs 6 crore for backing
brands!
oming into spotlight with

Rajneeti, Katrina Kaif says she is
a very sensitive person and I choose
to protect myself by not talking or
explaining to the media constantly
about my personal relationships.
Fair enough.
e have had a glimpse of Hrithik

Roshans unusual competence
as a dancer, in his debut making
film Kaho Na Pyar Hai. His recent
appearance on the
reality show Just
Dance on Star
Plus took Bombay
Filmdom
by
Hrithik Roshan
has unusual
competence in
dancing.
storm. Shah Rukh describes his

dance as magic and Akshay Kumar
says he makes us envy his moves.
f a dictum says marry in haste,

repent at leisure, postponing
marriage infinitely in the interest of
career can also damage a relation ship. Reportedly, Kareena Kapoors
relationship with Saif Ali Khan is
under a strain and needs immediate
emotional repair. Hopefully, the lovers
will sail through the rough patch.
t speaks volumes for Sonam Kapoor

that she is one of the girls
shortlisted by legendary Kamal
Haasan for his film Viswaroopam.
She may also bag A.R. Murugadoss
next film with superstar of the South,
Vijay. Talented daughter of a talented
father, Anil Kapoor.
areena Kapoor and Shah Rukh

reportedly had a time of their life
while shooting for Shah Rukh starrer
Ra.one. Both had a hectic time
shooting during the day, but
compensated themselves with long
It is a credit for Sonam Kapoor that she
has been shortlisted by Kamal Haasan
for his film Viswaroopam.
Kareena an SRK had a time of their

life while shooting for Ra. one.
parties at night. There was hardly a

dull moment.
elhi Belly, an adult comedy is

predicted to chart a new territory
in Hindi films. Its a film entirely in
English with adult humour for
content. There are scenes in the film
which are not sex-scenes but
explicit in their suggestions. Imran
Khan plays a sailor whos a bundle
of vices he drinks, is foul-mouthed
and cheats on his girlfriend.
he latest to succumb to the

temptation of TV is none other
than the He-Man Dharmendra who
has made his debut on the small
screen with Indias Got Talent.
He says, I fell in love with the concept
the first time I heard it and since I
could connect with it, I took it up.
he Jat hero says it is a mere

coincidence that his son Sunny
Deol is also making his TV debut
almost
simultaneously
with
Jaanbaaz, and the latter is very
excited about it.

N
othing succeeds like success.

Bheja Fry did well at the box
office. No wonder, therefore, a sequel
was launched. At the music launch
of Bheja Fry 2 at a Mumbai lounge,
director Sagar Ballary said, Bheja
Fry was made on a shoestring
budget. But it was so successful that
we decided to make the sequel on a
larger scale. Catchy title must have
contributed to the success of the film.
sin says she does not care if

people call her a conservative, but
she had made it clear to the director of
the Housefull sequel, Sajid Khan, that
she wont be wearing a bikini in the
film. In fact, she has a no-bikini clause
written into her contract. Clear-headed
girl, one must say.
lobally acclaimed Indian film maker Mani Kaul who served on

several national and international film
juries has passed away. Its an
irreparable loss to Indian cinema.
May his soul rest in peace.
imple Kapadia (of Bobby fame)

who was recently seen in Patiala
House will now be seen in Daana
Paani wherein she plays a lonely
eccentric whose son lives in the US.
T
With the success of Bheja Fry its
sequel has been launched.
Asin has
refused to
wear a bikini
in Housefull
sequel.
heres always a place and scope

for talent, proven talent of artistes
like Raveena Tandon (of Dulhe Raja
fame). Raveena has put on dancing
shoes for a number titled Chandigarh
Ki Star in Amitabh Bachchan starrer
Buddha Hoga Tera Baap. She has
earlier worked with Amitabh in Bade
Miyan Chhote Miyan and Aks.
Dimple Kapadia now plays the role of an
eccentric in Daana Paani.
Shah Rukh is preparing well for the

release of his starrer Ra.one.
ow that Shah Rukh has decided

to release his starrer Ra.one, on
forthcoming Diwali, October 26,
2011, he has started making wild
plans to make sure that the film gets
good publicity and at the same time
he sets a sort of record: Killing two
birds with one stone.
ishesh Films (headed by Mahesh

Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt) have
done something Vishesh (extra ordinary). They have joined hands
with Fox star studios. The inter national studio and the Bhatts
production house will share profits
and 3D technology. Mahesh Bhatt
said, We are familiar with the palate
of the Indian audience while Fox has
a global vision. I am sure the
blending of the two will come up with
something more interesting.
sked if Indian cinema is evolving,

Rani Mukerji says, Cinema
evolves with every generation. With
No one killed Jessica, people have
started accepting a heroine whos like
a man. But many years ago they may
not have accepted this film.
Deepak Puri.
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A VOYAGE
OF
COLOURS
About the artist
Siraj Saxena
B.F.A. 1996, Govt. Institute of
Fine Arts, Indore
Exhibitions:
17 Solo shows, 76 Group shows in
India and abroad.
Participation:
Participated 18 camp shows in India
and abroad.
Scholarship:
Junior Scholarship by HRD Ministry
Government of India 1998-2000
Collections:
Many collections in India and
abroad.
Others:
Worked many workshops in India
from 1996 to 2010.
Auction:
India on Canvas organized by
Khushi New Delhi 2006
Art for Freedom organized by
Tehlka, London 2007
Phone: 91-120-2776329,
Mobile: 09868514534
Email: siirajsaxena@gmail.com
90
An artist of invisible reality.
By Chandrashekhar Shrivastava
aintings of artist Siraj Saxena

take you onto a visual
journey. It would be more apt
to call it a voyage. It is a
voyage of colours and of
simple subjects that have
unfathomable depth. Artists
ideologies are shaped by
Mahatma Gandhis principles.
In fact, he likes to be
associated with Gandhi or simply
everything that has a Gandhian touch
in it. He belongs to Mhow in Madhya
Pradesh and received his art
education from Indore. This son of an
army officer though lived a disciplined
life but preferred to pursue his passion
for art. His passion took him to far-off
places not only within the state but to
remote corners of the country also.
Then
he
enjoyed
a
prolonged association with
Bhopal and its famous art and
culture hub Bharat Bhavan.
During this period he came in
touch with the person who
conceived it, the renowned
Hindi poet, art critic and
administrator Ashok Vajpeyi.
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
Siraj has lived an intimate life

among the tribal people of Madhya
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which
was then part of Madhya Pradesh.
The purpose of his stay among the
tribal people was to absorb and
imbibe as much of tribal art as
possible. During this period, the artist
admits, he received much more from
these simple folk than he could have
given them. He even acquired some
attributes, which are typically tribal.
Even his art acquired the tribal
tinge and simplicity. The artist
acknowledges that this is the greatest
strength of his art, which is easily
perceived even by a layman. The
same simplicity then acts as a vehicle
to take the viewer onto a colourful
voyage. The end result is that the
viewer finds himself
totally spellbound.
Along with paint and
brush
Siraj
is
an
accomplished sculptor
too and loves to work in
ceramics. His ceramic
sculpts
grace
the
premises of National
Gandhi Museum in New
Rejoicing in the visual.
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
91
Delhi. These ceramic sculpts are

simply imposing, conveying the
message of Gandhi to the masses in
a simple way. According to the artist,
these sculptures are his humble
tribute to the Father of the Nation.
Not only this, the artist is equally
well versed with the pen also. His
writings appear regularly in reputed
newspapers and magazines and
reading them gives the reader an
experience of travelling with the
author.
Noted poet and art critic Prayag
Shukla has this to say about Sirajs
art: The artist has diversified
interests in multiple areas. He is
skilled in the ceramic medium,
creates drawings and excels in
abstracts too. He has an interest in
childrens literature and is a good
prose writer himself. He is deeply
involved with the environmental
issues also. He is familiar with
farming and rustic nature. His trips
between the village and city still
continue. He has also seen tribal life
closely. He is deeply interested in
theatre and music also. I hope he
continues to get such opportunities,
where he can continue to use his
creativity in the same manner.
About
Sirajs
devotion
to
92
Gandhian ideals, Prayag Shukla

says, There is a lot that has been
written, said and created in relation to
Gandhis ideas and deeds. We are
also familiar with his many life-sized
statues. Many efforts have been
made to put his memories together.
In Delhi itself, some Gandhi
images were crafted by
artists like KG Subramaniam
in Gandhi Darshan. And the
drawing series of Gandhis
portraits and Haripura
Posters made by Nandlal
Bose have rightly been
placed at the different level
in art history. In Shankho
Chaudharis statues also
Gandhi seems having come
alive. Right behind Sirajs art
work in Hridaya Kunj of
Sabaramati
Ashram,
Ahmedabad,
stands
a
statue created by sculptor
Balvir Singh Katt. We are
also familiar with Devi
Prasad Rai Chaudharis art
work. Siraj Saxena, the
name that has been added
to the tributes paid by artists
to Gandhi, will be welcomed
in many forms.
Observations of Lalit
Kala
Akademis
hon
chairman Ashok Vajpeyi
about Siraj Saxenas art go
like this: Art appears in the
realm of the visible and yet it
gives
us
constant
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
intimations
of
the
invisible.
Sometimes, it endeavours to push or
bring the invisible to the realm of
visibility. Most of the times, however,
it allows the invisible to lie concealed
behind or below the visible. While,
with some effort, the visible can be
described, the invisible remains
ineffable. Therefore, talking about art
is largely talking about the visible and
often suggesting or evoking the
invisible. It is almost always
inadequate primarily because nothing
much can be said or written about the
invisible.
In Siraj Saxenas art one can
discern a reality which is created or
painted on surface of something
which is deeply and unavoidably
invisible.
There
are
colours,
increasingly more assertive, brighter
and full of depth and expanse. One
could also find carefully and
meticulously structured textures
which provide sufficient room and
space for colours to emerge and
interplay with each other or
with space. There are
moments which are of
sheer beauty. And yet the
meanings
of
these
exquisite works do not get
contained in the visible.
The visible is excavating
the invisible and yet not
unearthing it completely.
Some rubble of this tender
excavation can be seen in
the works.
Indeed, all the attributes
of artist Siraj Saxena
cannot be rounded off in a
few words. However, to
sum it up, it can be said
that his art is not just about
some pre-existing reality;
here is art that creates its
own reality. This reality, full
of colourful vibrancy as well
as meditative solitude,
connects and celebrates,
explores and asserts the
visible inherent in the
invisible or the other way
round. The visible is the
veil of the invisible, yet
exposing it to some
We
perceivable degrees.
in the mucous membrane of the

mouth by which the AIDS virus can
enter. If in doubt avoid oral sex.
I am 28 years old and have

developed small greyish lesions on
my private parts. My doctor has
diagnosed them as genital warts.
Please help.
Genital warts are caused by the
human papilloma virus and are
transmitted by sexual contact. You
should get treated by your doctor
since, if left untreated, these warts
may spread to the inner side. The
warts are quite contagious and may
spread.
Q&
A
I am 30 years old and suffered from

herpes last year. Is there any chance
of its coming back again? Please
advise.
Once it develops in a person, the
herpes virus remains in ones body. It
may retreat and lie dormant in cells
lying close to the area affected
earlier. There are chance of
transmitting the infection by close
contact. But with the passage of time
this problem also diminishes. You
had herpes one year back, so the
chances of transmitting it are quite
minimal.
I am 35 years old and indulge in oral

sex. Is there any danger of my
contracting AIDS. Please advise.
It is a disputed fact. Though many
believe that nothing like this happens
during oral sex, still there are risks
involved. It is especially so if a
woman has got some bruises or tear
I am 35 years old and have got on

IUCD inserted for the last one year.
What type of protection shall I have?
Please advise.
Insertion of IUCD is only for
protection against childbirth though
its long stay may lead to the
harbouring of infection in the uterine
cavity leading to chronic pelvic
infection. There is a misconception
amongst many women that an IUCD
can prevent sexually transmitted
diseases. So beware. If your partner
is infected there are very high
chances of you also getting infected.
I am 30 years old. On my regular

self-examination I found a small lump
in my left breast. I am worried.
Please advise.
Your fears are well founded. You
should consult your doctor who, after
examining you, will decide the course
of action like ultrasound, a
mammogram and, if required, a
surgical biopsy. This test is essential
to set at rest any doubt you may have
as to the nature of the lesion.
I am 35 years old and married. Of

late I have noticed a discharge from
my left nipple. It is also coloured red
sometimes. I am worried. Please
advise.
You should not ignore your
problem. Consult your doctor
immediately. It is most likely a ductal

carcinoma for which immediate
treatment like surgery is required.
Check your armpits for any swelling
since it may mean that cancer has
spread.
I am 25 years old. Whenever I have

sex, I get a burning sensation in my
urine which lasts for a few days.
Please advise.
Probably, you get urinary tract
infection after the sex act. This is
more likely in women who do not
empty their bladders before sex.
Even after the sex act you must wash
your private parts since the female
urethra is short and there are
chances of getting infection into the
urinary bladder. Hygiene of your
parts and precautions taken will save
you from getting UT infection.
I am 25 years old and on the pill for

the last two years. Often, when I am
very busy I forget to take the pill. Is
there any harm in it? Please advise.
Missing a pill makes you more
liable to get pregnant if you do not
use
any
other
method
of
contraception. If this happens, then
you should not get panicky but go on
taking the pills regularly as per
schedule. But then you have to be
cautious about the regularity of taking
the pill.
I am 28 years old. My problem is that

I do not feel like having sex. This is a
problem which irritates my husband.
Please help.
I presume that you are not
overworked and stressed all the time
because of your job or household
chores. You should look into your
lifestyle and see that you maintain an
interest in all the good things of life.
Get yourself medically examined to
see that you are not suffering from
any ailment.
Maintain good nutrition since a
poor diet is also one cause of
exhausting a woman leading to lack
of interest in sex.
Dr S. N. Khosla, MD.
Colour
Contrast
The
As nature is colourful, women

naturally like to have a dash of
colour on their things. The aim is
to be ahead of times.
A set of modern
handbags.
Colourfully chequered.
Another admirable set.
Classy clutch purses.
A variety to choose from.
A briefcase to show
personality.
Transparent jewel boxes.

A compact travel bag.
A different pair.
Handy jewel boxes.
A huge haversack.
You will never go

wrong with these bags.
For all the stuff one
will need.
Bags: Bags gh Bags (Modern Palace)

New Delhi. Mob: 9313810300
aintings need not always be

on the wall or even on
canvas and paper. They can
be part of what you use
every day. You can have
your own unique collection of
art without having to pay
crores of rupees for one
painting. In fact PFA sees no
reason why art should be
confined to canvas, and limited to
museums or the homes and offices
of the super-rich. Art should be
accessible, affordable and enjoyable.
Every year, therefore, People For
Animals introduces a new and
exciting art concept. For people who
like surrounding themselves with
Razas and Souzas and Raja Ravi
Varmas, People For Animals
presents a limited edition of the finest
porcelain mugs. If last year, People
For Animals splashed art onto
carpets, this year it has innovated
another art collectible: a collection of
masterpieces by all-time greats, both
past and present, of Indian art
rendered onto the finest porcelain
gold and silver rimmed mugs.
Raja Ravi Varma.
KS Ku
lkarni.
A TASTE OF
ART
The Master Collection by People

For Animals. By Maneka Gandhi
The Master Collection features
works by 50 top artists ranging from
masters from the past, Raja Ravi
Varma, Jamini Roy, F. N. Souza and
Ramkinkar Baij to living legends like
Raza, Sabavala, Arpita Singh,
Paramjit Singh, Vaikuntam, Paresh
Maity, Nayanaa Kanodia, Farhad
Hussain, Binoy Varghese, G. R.
Iranna and Bose Krishnamachari.
Each design is produced in a
limited edition of 100 pieces only.
Each is offered in its own luxurious
box in an elegant assortment of
shapes and sizes at just 500 each.
Rohit Sharma.
96
Invented around 10,000 BC when

a handle was first stuck on a cup,
mugs have progressed from being
simply beverage containers to
ubiquitous often decorative desktop
items. Here for the first time, the mug
has been dramatically elevated to an
object dart and moved from the
kitchen and desk to the formal
drawing and dining area.
With audacious juxtaposition of
serious art with an everyday
household
item,
the
Master
Collection pushes the boundaries,
creating a whole new segment of
collectible art. Art ventures out of the
museum and enters the home to
become a part of life and living.
Like all PFA offerings, the
affordability of the collection ensures
that it may be acquired and enjoyed
by all those with a taste for stylish
homes and lifestyles. A first of its
kind, The Master Collection is a
distinctive offering for consumers and
connoisseurs alike.
Amit A
mbalal.
Raja R
avi Varm
MASTER
COLLECTION MUGS
PFAs Master Collection mugs
combine artistic and intrinsic value.
Each design is offered in a range of
differently contoured mugs to add
variety and versatility to this unique
10,000-mug collection. Elegantly
combined into beautifully packed sets
or individually available, there are
mugs to complement every style. Be
they in the kitchen or on a desk,
these extravagantly elegant creations
light up the home and are a tribute
to tasteful living.
Says originator of the concept,
PFA chairperson Maneka Gandhi,
There is no reason why art should
be confined to canvas, or limited to a
few. Every year, PFA introduces a
new and wonderful way to enjoy art.
Last year our carpets with art woven
on them simply flew off the walls at
sell out shows in Delhi and Mumbai. I
expect the same with our mugs. PFA
is grateful for the continuing support
of Indias artists, and to this years
sponsors for pitching in to help
Indias animals.
Says artist Manu Parekh, I have
WITH ITS
AUDACIOUS
JUXTAPOSITION
OF SERIOUS
ART WITH AN
EVERYDAY
HOUSEHOLD
ITEM, THE
MASTER
COLLECTION
PUSHES THE
BOUNDARIES.
Binoy Varghese.
97
a.
been with PFA since its inception and

continue to be amazed at the
creativity and class of its annual fund
raisers. It is a privilege to be part of
the Master Collection.
The Master Collection will be
launched on 19 August 2011 at a
glittering cocktail party at Delhis
luxury hotel, The Lalit, where the
exhibition will continue for the next
two days. As with previous PFA
events, the exhibition is expected to
attract a significant turn-out of the
citys elite including diplomats,
business leaders, young entre preneurs and executives as well as
Indias growing fraternity of art
patrons. Event proceeds will go
towards building an animal shelter in
Mysore and in Ghaziabad.
The collection has been curated
by Garima Jains Transmedia in
collaboration with Delhi Art Gallery.
Photographs have been shot by
Manish Manchanda.
List of Artists
Amit Ambalal, Anjum Singh,
Arpita Singh, Binoy Varghese,
Bose Krishnamachari, Chintan
Upadhyay, Farhad Hussain, F. N.
Souza, George Martin P. J., Gopi
Gajwani, Haren Das, G. R. Iranna,
Jamini Roy, Jayasri Burman,
Jehangir
Sabavala,
Jogen
Chowdhury, Kanwal Krishna, K. S.
Kulkarni, K. H. Ara, Laxman Pai,
Manu Parekh, Manish Pushkale,
Manjunath
Kamath,
Naresh
Kapuria,
Nayanaa
Kanodia,
Paramjit Singh, Paresh Maity,
Partha Pratim Deb, Prabhakar
Barwe, Prajjwal Chowdhury,
Prokash Karmakar, Ramesh
Gorjala, Rohit Sharma, Rahim
Mirza,
Raja
Ravi
Verma,
Ramkinkar Baij, Ranbir Kaleka,
Rekha Rodwittiya, Seema Kohli, S.
H. Raza, Sidharth, T. Vaikuntam,
TV. Santhosh, Trishla Jain.
(L) Sh
Raza
Partha
Pratim
Deb.
WHAT PFA IS
Arpita Singh.
98
People For Animals (PFA) is

Indias largest animal welfare
organisation with 2.5 lakh members
across the country. We set up and
run shelters, ambulance services,
dog sterilisation programmes, antirabies programmes, treatment camps
and disaster rescue missions for
animals. We conduct educational
programmes in schools, fight cases
in courts and lobby on animal issues
in Parliament. Every month we
rescue thousands of animals and

deal with poaching and cruelty cases.
We monitor zoos, catch wild life
poachers, stop animal sacrifices,
catch madaris. Most of the animal
laws in the country and the animal
infrastructure have evolved from the
work done by People for Animals. At
present we have a network of
165 units, 26 hospitals and
60 mobile units nation wide. It is our
aim to have an animal welfare
centre in each of Indias 600
districts. We have a website
www.peopleforanimalsindia.org which
is visited by three lakh people every
month. With the money from our fund
raiser last year we built a large
hospital in Yusuf Sarai, New Delhi,
and we are already half-way through
with the construction of one in
Mysore. This year we aim to complete
the Mysore project and one in
Ghaziabad. To achieve this, every
year we organise an event to raise
funds and awareness for animal
welfare. Each PFA fund raiser is
designed as a unique and spectacular
event. Each time it promotes a novel,
exciting art form and has become a
trendsetter in the art world.
Past PFA fund raisers included a
centenary exhibition of Raja Ravi
Varmas oleographs, a collection of
designer T-shirts by all of Indias top
designers and the Affordable Art
Show with over 1000 works by the
countrys top 15 artists. We marked
Indias 60th year of Independence
with a spectacular exhibition of 6000
British India lithographs dating back
to the 1700s. Two years ago we had
an exhibition of 10,000 antique tiles.
We had Indias first major photo graphy exhibition of 250 photo graphers and broke all sales records.
Last year we had another first: a
spec tacular show of paintings of
legendary artists made into a limited
edition of carpets. We sold out and
hand over 8000 people visit the exhibition in Delhi and as many in
Mumbai. We expect as many for our
Master Collection mugs. Planned as
a three-day event, the exhibition will
be held from 19 to 21 August 2011 at
The Lalit, Barakhamba Road, New
We
Delhi.
THE HABIT OF
DIARY WRITING
Your ongoing autobiography.
By Usha Hariprasad
ho can forget The Diary
of Anne Frank which is
frank and compelling to
read? A victim of the
holocaust, the diary was
her means of expre ssion during the times
she and her family hid
during German occu pation. It clearly describes her experiences during the Nazi
control of the Netherlands.
Even though Anne Frank died in
the concentration camps, her diary
was published by her father which
made her inter nationally famous.
That is the power of a diary which
remains long after we are gone.
W
100
Though our diaries need not be so

spectacular, diary writing plays a
significant role in our lives. Hows
that? You ask. Let us find out.
So what is a diary?
It is the place where you write
about your experiences. You can
record your experiences, goals, your
mistakes and successes in life.
What are its benefits?
A diary helps you keep
focused. You write about your goals
and aspirations, how you are striving
to achieve them. In this way, it helps
you keep track of your progress.
Encouraging kids to write their goals
in a diary helps them think with clarity
in the future as their thoughts are

focused. Goals may change but the
act of writing makes kids focused in
their lives.
It
helps you chalk out
solutions better. Angry words,
hurtful actions when seen in a diary
help you understand yourself better
and how you could have reacted.
Problems are easier to solve in
diaries.
Diary writing also sharpens
your memory. You and your kids will
benefit from this activity a lot as it
helps you recall things of the day and
gives your brain an exercise.
It inculcates the habit of
discipline. The act of writing a page
or two every day at the same time is

a discipline by itself.
The act of writing helps you to
introspect and see where things
have gone wrong. It helps you in the
inner voyage of life and makes you
feel more serene towards life
situations. Writing is very therapeutic,
you see.
For teenagers, it can solve
problems, act as their friends and
contribute to a reduction in stress. It
helps them deal with peer pressure
and encourages them to see things
with clarity. The art of writing helps
them express their feelings clearly
and frankly, helps them vent
frustrations and solves their personal
issues.
How to write a diary?
Simple, a diary is for your eyes
alone. So dont be too concerned
about grammar and vocabulary. Use
I and me in the sentences and use
symbols, sketches if you feel the
need to be very expressive.
What should you write about?
Most importantly, a diary should
record your personal experiences. So
you can write about the days
102
THE ACT OF
WRITING HELPS YOU
TO INTROSPECT AND
SEE WHERE THINGS
HAVE GONE
WRONG.
For a diary writing to be

successful your writing should be
consistent.
So always date your diary and set
a time to write your diary. Even
setting aside 10 minutes a day for
diary writing helps in making the diary
writing a habit.
experiences, your joys, sorrows, your

friendships, betrayal, your hateful
boss, about the job anything which
happens during the day. You can
also divide your diary into:
Personal diary which is all
about you, your goals, dreams, day
experiences, your hobbies, etc.
Nature dairy which can be your
explorations with nature like plants,
birds etc. It could also show your
gardening efforts, bird-watching
documentary, etc.
Travel diary which records
places you visit, your experiences
with people, cuisine etc.
Art diary which is about the
place where you practise drawing,
sketching, painting, etc.
Hobby diary which could be
about anything from cooking to
knitting and reading which you are
pursuing.
Tips to get started:

Get those nice colourful diaries
which make writing such fun. Hunt for
beautiful diaries with your kids.
Jewelled diaries, parchment diaries,
colourful kids diary will motivate you
to start writing.
Use colourful pens, sketching,
photographs and stickers to make
diary-writing activity fun. Both kids
and teenagers will love these.
If you are one of those forgetme types, then use online diaries.
You can create your own diary,
personalise it and start writing. Such
online sites also send you
remainders in case you forget to
update your diary. Some examples
of such sites are Livejournal, MyDiary, edailydiary.com.
Here is what a fine author like

John Irving has to say about diary
writing:
John
Irving
(an
American novelist and
Academy Award-winning
screenwriter):
When I was still in
prep school 14, 15 I
started keeping note books, journals. I started
writing,
almost
like
landscape drawing or life
drawing. I never kept a
diary, I never wrote about
my day and what
happened to me, but I
described things.
Hope this motivates
you to start writing a diary
and encourages you on
the path of self-discovery.
Let me write off by
quoting the words of
famous Hollywood star,
Mae West: Keep a diary
and one day it'll keep
We
you.
-year-old homemaker
Shweta was unsure
of how to react as
she held the home
pregnancy kit in her
hands. It showed two
red lines indicating
that the result was
positive. She was
pregnant with her
28
second baby.
Her joy was, however, overcome
by feelings of panic as she relived
her painful first labour. She was also
racked by guilt for feeling scared of
bearing a child. She silently bore her
distress and nervousness because
she did not want to come across as
an uncaring mom to be in the eyes of
her loved ones. Inevitably, her
second delivery was more painful
than the first and she took a long time
to recover from the mental and
physical trauma.
There are many Shwetas in this
world. Women who, for some reason
or the other, go through an excruciating time as a primigravida and are
put off by the thought of childbirth
forever. This need not be the case
with you. With a little care and help
you can make your second time
pleasant and memorable. Heres how:
THE PHANTOM OF
FIRST
LABOUR
Does the ghost of a painful

first delivery haunt the
second pregnancy too?
By Smita Shenoy
104
Introspect: Reflect on the trying

time you had all those months ago
and find out the cause and whether it
is preventable or not. Was your
choice of a gynaecologist incorrect?
Did you go to a nursing home without
state-of-the-art facilities? Did you
undertake a strenuous journey in
your last trimester which affected
your body basics?
Analyse: Once you identify the
causes, you have to work out how
not to let it happen again. For
instance, it is perfectly okay to
change your gynaec the second time
around. Often, ladies go to doctors
recommen ded by someone in their
social circle and stick to the same
doc even if they are not comfortable.
You need to understand that what
worked for someone else does not
have to work for you. Ask around and
visit two or three obstetricians till you

are happy and comfortable with your
chosen medico. Also find out which
hospital she is affiliated to.
Investigate on the Net about it. If you
are not satisfied with what you read
request your doctor if she can
supervise the labour in a maternity
home of your choice. Chances are
she will agree although your hubby
or guardian may have to do a bit of
running around to arrange things.
Strength of mind: Being mentally
strong is half the battle won. You
have got to forget the past and
concentrate on the future. Easier said
than done its true, but not impossible
to achieve.
Read spiritual literature for
boosting your holistic well being; join
pre-natal classes and pour out your
woes to the expert there. Let her
guide you on the path to relaxation.
She may introduce meditation,
nidrayoga or any other method which
will help you ease your nerves.
Do not scour for needless
information on Google about
concepts like labour pain, childbirth
etc. The data thrown up by the
search engine may be disturbing and
most of it will be untrue. You will be
fretting over some fictional account
and making yourself ill. Stay away
from anything unpleasant and
surround yourself with happy
thoughts, happy people, happy
moviesyou get the point.
Physically fit: Physical fitness is
an integral part of any pregnancy.
And if you had a complicated first one
it becomes mandatory to take extra
care of your body during the second.
Follow the simple exercise schedule
that your ante-natal expert or your
doctor recommends.
Eating right is also a part of
your fitness. Eating for two does
not mean doubling the amount
of food on your plate but having
the required amount of
nutrients.
Obesity can cause problems
so steer away from fats and
processed food. Eat natural and
drink plenty of fluids.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
IS AN INTEGRAL
PART OF ANY
PREGNANCY. AND
IF YOU HAD A
COMPLICATED FIRST
ONE IT BECOMES
MANDATORY TO TAKE
EXTRA CARE OF YOUR
BODY DURING
THE SECOND.
Control emotions: Having control

over your emotions is very difficult
during pregnancy as your hormones
go into overdrive. But whenever you
feel your feelings getting out of
control, look at your child. The labour
may have been tough on you but the
sweet baby you brought into this
world is worth all of it. And it will be
good if not better the second time
around because now you know what
to do and what not to do.
Confide your fears in any person
you trust. If you do not have any
confidante, then write in with your
doubts and questions to the agony
aunt column of your favourite
womens magazine. Dont bottle it up
like Shweta did or you will feel terrible
and terrified throughout. Once you
get the load off your chest you will
enjoy your pregnancy more.
Unnecessary tension is a big nono during pregnancy. First time or
second, do not take needless stress
on yourself. Delegate as much work
as possible and once you have
entrusted others with the respon sibility do not fret over whether they
are performing their duties
correctly or not. You have to stay
carefree and gay not only for
yourself but also for your
firstborns sake who is very tuned
into mommys feelings. She can
sense when you are irritable and
moody and this can affect her
psyche.
D-Day: When Labour Day arrives
lean on your gal pals, hubby and
mother for support. First put your
elder one in the care of a trusted
relative and assure the little one that
loves her. Also tell her that mom will
be gone for a few days but will be
back soon.
Accept the fact that you will feel a
little pain no matter what and then
give yourself in the care of the
medical team at the clinic. They will
do their best to reduce your
discomfort.
When you hold the bundle of joy
in your hands, you will appreciate
that this little miracle lying in your
hands is definitely worth all that
We
you have been through.

Short Story
Idyll followed
by Agony
How Jeet failed to manage the events of his life.
By Kumud Bhatnagar
n their friends circles Jeet and Samira were

known as the made-for-each-other couple.
While their other friends were always longing
for more, Jeet and Samira were happy with
whatever they had. They had two daughters
and didnt go for a third child in quest of a son.
Samira was a textile designer and Jeet was a
model coordinator. They had met in an ad
campaign of the textile mill Samira worked for. They
both claimed it to be love at first sight but Samiras
parents were quite against the match as being a
model coordinator, Jeet was always surrounded by
a bevy of beautiful girls and could desert Samira
any time.
Jeets pleadings couldnt convince her parents
that like the proverbial to confectioner who detested
sweets, he too was not interested in beautiful girls
exposing their bodies in lure of money and fame, his
name so far had not been linked with any of his
clients because he wanted a homely girl as a life
partner, whom he could love and respect for her
values.
But Samira had full faith in Jeet and defying her

parents, she married him and didnt regret her
decision. After the birth of her first daughter, her
parents thawed and Jeet won over them with his
winsome manners. Over the years with their
diligence, Samira and Jeet acquired all the comforts
of life. In their own words, Lifes an idyll.
Once in a while, Jeet used to organise fashion
shows as well and when event management
emerged as a lucrative business, Jeet started an
event management company Lasting Impacts. Not
as many as before, yet his office was swarmed with
many young girls manning the business.
anvir was his childhood friend and despite

opting for different professions, they had
maintained their friendship over the years.
Ranvir often ribbed him over his always choosing
the professions where he could be surrounded by
girls left, right and centre while, being a mechanical
engineer, he was destined to be surrounded by men
in blue overalls.
To me, these girls are nothing more than a
workforce. The only female presence I enjoy around
is that of Samira. To avoid close proximity to a girl, I
And Jeet, in spite of always being surrounded by

always employ a male secretary, was Jeets stoic
chicks, couldnt have a fling. Isnt it the proverbial
reply.
Since Jeet used to go to his office in the forenoon, case of water water everywhere, not a drop to
drink? Samira laughed.
one morning, Ranvir went to his house after the
Not couldnt but didnt, Samira, Jeet
breakfast. He was surprised to see Samira leisurely
corrected.
sitting on the verandah with Jeet.
Because Radhakrishnan and Ruby look alike to
How come, Samira, you havent gone to work
you, Samira added.
yet? Ranvir asked.
I work no more, I mean in an office, Samira
nstead of Radhakrishnan, a strikingly beautiful,
smiled. I remain at home to make Jeet
sophisticated lady in her early 30s was sitting in
comfortable.
the secretarys cabin. Ranvir formed his lips to
Means Jeet too has stopped going to the office?
whistle and whispered. What a surprise! How
Ranvir feigned surprise.
Oh no, I stay at home so that he can comfortably could you get over your obsession with
Radhakrishnan?
work in the office. I do have occasional bouts of
Radhakrishnan is still with me, managing
migraine, you know. Jeet was getting hypersensitive,
always worrying if I get an attack while driving or in administration. Ruby is equally efficient and what
matters most for me is efficiency, Jeet replied and
the lift whatll happen. With both the girls married
called Ruby.
and Jeets earning quite well, theres no
Ruby, meet my friend Ranvir, about
financial restraint either. So I decided to be
No function
whose daughters engagement I told you,
a housewife, Samira explained.
At the cost of foregoing the coveted
is small for me and Ranvir my right-hand girl Ruby will tell
position of the department head youre
and Ill charge you about our different packages. Feel free
to suggest if you want anything different.
sure to become? Ranvir remarked.
you for the
Ranvir was impressed by the matter of
Something has to be given to get
actuals only.
fact approach with which Ruby asked him
something. I mean the position of a
about Monas would be in-laws
contented homemaker, proud mother and
You just tell
background and social status so that the
happy wife, Jeet said. But how come
me your
function could be organised accordingly.
youre here during the factory hours?
budget and
He also observed, though feigning to be
You see, Monas marriage has been
Ill work
busy on his laptop, Jeet was constantly
fixed and lots of arrangements are to be
looking at rather ogling Ruby and also
made for the engagement, so I have taken
things out
watching him like a hawk.
an off today.
accordingly.
To give you an exact idea of the set-up,
Ill show you some photographs, sir, Ruby
fter congratulations etc, Jeet told
said getting up.
Ranvir not to bother about the preparations,
Jeet got panicky.
his staff would take care of everything.
Why should you go, Ruby? Tell Raghu to bring
Mine would be too small an affair for you,
whatever you want.
Ranvir said.
What I want to show him can be sorted out by
No function is small for me and Ill charge you
for the actuals only. You just tell me your budget and me alone from the assortment of photographs, were
having.
Ill work things out accordingly. But, for the
Ask Raghu to bring all the albums...
planning, you have to come to my office, Jeet said.
Since you want the best for Mona, something
I can accompany you right now.
special has to be created for her by picking up the
No, not right now. I have to tell your budget to
best from different set-ups. Ill be back in a jiffy, sir,
person the concerned to suggest different packages.
and flashing a smile Ruby was out of the room.
Let it be in the afternoon.
Jiffy, my foot! Jeet wailed. She cant be back
Okay, let the person be some young chick, not
even in 15 minutes.
your secretary Radhakrishnan, Ranvir said.
You look perturbed, buddy, Ranvir couldnt
Samira, look at an about-to-be pa-in-law
help remarking.
Casanova! Jeet remarked.
I am. I dont want her to rub shoulders with
Ranvir heaved a feigned long sigh.
others in the office.
Yeah, in a couple of years perhaps, Ill become
Means youre quite possessive about her?
a grandpa without enjoying any fling in life. Jeets
Yes, to the limit of obsession perhaps.
office is the only place where I can see young
Means youre in love with her?
chicks.
110
I am, to the limit of obsession once again, Jeet

admitted unabashedly.
Does she know it? I mean does she too love you
despite the age difference?
Jeet shrugged his shoulders.
I dont know but she gels quite well with me. I
mean, responds warmly rather hotly, Jeets face
flushed. The time spent in her apartment is sheer
bliss.
Without Samiras knowledge? Ranvir asked
with contempt.
Obviously. Whats not known doesnt hurt either.
She is complacent with her life and I with mine.
Since how long has it been going on?
Ever since I bought Lasting Impacts. Actually, this
company was owned by Ruby and her husband
Rueben and they used to organise our fashion
shows. From the very beginning I was smitten by
Rubys charm and when Rueben died in an accident,
I couldnt control myself. I offered to buy her
company at an exorbitant price, give her a job and
an apartment and car if she would yield to me. She
agreed after initial hesitation. Being a lonely widow,
she couldnt survive otherwise.
uby returned with some drawings and

photographs but Ranvir was no longer
interested in them. He was filled with a strange
sort of repulsion, a sort of depression. He told Ruby
that he would take the drawings and photographs
home to show to his family.
No problem, Ranvir. I can bring Ruby over to
discuss things with bhabiji, Jeet offered.
Ill let you know, Ranvir said and departed in a
hurry. He was feeling suffocated in company of Jeet
and Ruby. A bile was rising in his throat. The
enthusiasm with which he had gone to Jeets office
was missing and his wife Reena immediately
detected it. Ranvir told her everything.
Look, Reena, staking her career, Mona is
marrying Ranjeet just because of love. So far, I too
believed in the serenity and supremacy of love and
considered it worth sacrifices but after seeing the
debacle of Samiras love, I am quite disillusioned.

Isnt love a most glorified but fickle and fragile
emotion?
I am not being philosophical or quoting any
saint, Ranvir, but every emotion rather life itself
is fickle and fragile, yet we keep clinging to it. Jeets
behaviour, no doubt, is loathsome but for that we
cannot make our daughter unhappy by asking her
not to marry Ranjeet. We have to celebrate her
betrothal and marriage in style whether it is worth it
or not. If you dont want to give the contract to Jeet,
there is no dearth of other parties to do the job,
Reena argued. But as Jeet is giving us so much
concession, I dont think we must forego it just
because of his personal life.
Youre right, Reena. Jeets personal life should
not influence our life, Ranvir said resignedly.
ot only did Jeets company make excellent

arrangements for the betrothal function, both
he and Samira took care of the guests like one
of the family. After the engagement Reena asked
Ranvir if Jeet was not playing a fast one on him by
telling about his fling with Ruby.
Perhaps. He is a born prankster, you know,
Ranvir shrugged his shoulders. But he knew that it
was a fact. Jeets obsession with Ruby wasnt a mere
infatuation but a deep-rooted attachment. Though
Jeet was his friend not Samira, yet he didnt like Jeet
double-crossing her. To avoid going to Jeets office,
he celebrated Monas wedding in a hotel, though it
did overshoot his budget and Monas in-laws told
him point-blank that the betrothal party was better
than the wedding.
After nearly a year, one of Monas aunts-in-law
approached Ranvir to ask Jeet to organise a function
for her, on concession.
We cannot annoy Monas aunt-in-law. You have
to request Jeet to give her a concession and that is to
be done not over the phone but by meeting him
personally, Reena said firmly. Moreover, why
should Jeets having an extramarital fling with his
secretary come between your friendship?
Whatever Reena had said couldnt be refuted and
Ranvir went to Jeets office. The receptionist told
him that Jeet had so far not come. When he
would come or come at all was not known
either. He asked for Ruby. The receptionist
gave him a queer look and said that
Ruby had resigned a few
months back. Ranvir
understood the reason for
Jeets skiving. He came
to Jeets house. He was
shocked to see an
unkempt house and
MONSOON
MEMORIES
On baked earth, sweet nectar comes gushing!
In my minds eye monsoon memories, come rushing;
Pitter, patter and patter some more ye rain;
Tempt us to flood our souls, let an adult, a child remain!
Climbing atop a drenched guava tree;
As children we were soaked and free!
Whoa! What fun at noon time,
Luncheon parties atop, after a slippery climb!
Watching the naked leaves, a yarn each weaves! ,
We blossomed, caressed by the monsoon
Spread our wings and flew from our cocoon!
Tadpole ahoy! someone screamed;
Circling the creature, jackpot! What we see!
Dragonfly, beetle, glowworm all sharing space;
Till the watering hole was claimed by the tadpole!
We laughed so that it hurt;
A story for ears, that our tales heard!
The sun eavesdropping through the cloudy window!
Off with the downpour? Ha! Much more in store!
Splishing-splashing in sun and shade;
Red cheeked, to each other goodbye we bade!
Time for siesta musketeers! Off to bed;
Rain and sun together aha! A fox is to wed!
Swati Rai, Patiala Cantonment.
114
equally disturbed Jeet with an unshaven face, sunken

eyes and crumpled clothes.
I am finished, I am ruined, my friend, Jeet
sobbed clinging to him.
Just because Ruby deserted you? Ranvir
couldnt help taunting.
Not Ruby, but Samira, the love of my life, my
soul deserted me, my friend, Jeet sobbed. Once, I
happened to overhear Ruby talking over the phone.
To whom I dont know but she was talking about me,
calling me an old lecher, bigot and what not whose
very touch was repulsive like a crawling reptile on
her body. I feel ashamed to repeat what else she
talked about me but the most frightening part was
that she was tolerating it all this because both she
and Rueben had dreamt of making Lasting Impacts
the best event management company of the town
and she could easily fulfil Ruebens dream by fooling
around with me. But now that the company was well
established, she was thinking of some device to
physically cripple me.
I was petrified, Ranvir. Look, I feel, whether
youre a lonely or happily married family man, love
can overwhelm you at any age. Hence, I was not
ashamed of my involvement with Ruby but when I
heard the way, she described my overtures over the
phone I really felt ashamed of myself. Then and
there, I decided to part ways with Ruby. I asked her
to resign, collect her dues and as a goodwill
gesture, keep the car and the flat. She unabashedly
told me to hand back Lasting Impacts to her. She
would take a bank loan to buy it back from me. I
was not prepared for that not after what I had
heard her talking. But she was adamant, she said
she was tolerating me for the sake of her company
and wouldnt budge an inch without taking it back.
Since there was no legal clause which could refrain
me from sacking her nor legally could she take the
company back, I stuck to my guns. She threatened to
ruin me. I did not bother. Why should I? If Ruby was
gone, my Rock of Gibraltar, my Samira, was with
me.
But in my wildest of dreams, I did not imagine
that Ruby would tell everything to Samira who
would believe her and without giving me a chance
to explain, would walk out of my house and my
life.
Ranvir wanted to say, serves
you right, but asked instead, Where has Samira
gone?
Search me if I know. Neither my children nor
Samiras siblings are divulging anything. They all
refuse to talk to me. The life which once was an idyll
has become an agony now.
Ranvir couldnt think of anything which could
console Jeet.
We
QA
&
Q&
A
I am two months pregnant and have
a morbid fear of delivering an
abnormal baby. Please tell if there
are tests available to find out whether
the baby is normal or not.
All women have a 3 per cent
chance of having a baby with a birth
defect. Most of them are so minor
that they can either be ignored or
treated by surgical procedures. A lot
of abnormalities can be detected
during pregnancy with the help of
ultrasound and blood tests like
double marker/triple marker/quad test
but these are not foolproof. If an
abnormality is detected with the
above the doctor will discuss the pros
and cons, the necessity of
terminating the pregnancy if the
condition is life-threatening or you
need to just ignore it. As this is the
exception not the rule, just relax and
enjoy your pregnancy.
I am in the eighth month of my

pregnancy
and
the
babys
movements
have
decreased
considerably over the last week. Is
this a cause for concern?
It is indeed a cause for concern.
You should visit your doctor at the
earliest. She will perform a check-up,
hear the foetal heart and get an NST
done. NST is a simple, non-invasive
test that gives a fair idea about the
babys well-being. If this is normal
you will be sent home and asked to
116
keep a kick count. This entails

counting the babys movements for
one hour after every meal. If there
are 3-4 movements each time, all is
well. If the NST is abnormal or
inconclusive, further surveillance is
required. An ultrasound with a BPS
(biophysical score) will be done
where the baby gets a score out of
10. Sometimes you do not perceive
the movements but they are well
visualised on an ultrasound and you
may be sent home after being
reassured. On the other hand if the
BPS is poor, you will be admitted and
strict monitoring done if the baby is
premature so that it can grow big
enough to survive outside the womb
after which it is delivered.
I am 19 years old and have been

married for a year. My periods had
been irregular from the start and now
I have learnt that I have polycystic
ovaries. My weight is 53 kgs and my
thyroid function tests etc are normal.
My problem is that I have been trying
to conceive for the last six months
but have been unable to do so. I went
to a gynaecologist who advised
fertility medicines. I do not want to
take drugs at this point of time. Is
there anything else that will help?
You could try reducing your weight
by adopting a regular exercise and
diet schedule. A lot of patients with
polycystic disease do conceive after
weight reduction as the fat cells
contain hormones that distort the
normal delicate equation of the

female hormonal cycle. As the fat
cells shrivel up after weight reduction,
the volume of the disturbing
hormones produced is minimised
leading to a regular hormone pattern
and conception. If this too fails you
will need medicines to assist
conception.
I am 21 years old and am five months

pregnant but my stomach is barely
noticeable. Why is it so?
As this is the first time that you
have conceived, the muscle tone of
your abdominal wall is good and that
does not allow the enlarging uterus
to fall forward. Get yourself examined
by an obstetrician and if she says
that the pregnancy is growing
normally, you have no cause for
worry. On the other hand, if she finds
something amiss, she will get an
ultrasound done to clear her doubts.
HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS ISSUE?

Entertaining, WE is anxious to give
you good, interesting and useful material
in every issue.
It will help us a lot if you let us know
which features, stories and articles you
like from this issue and which you didn't.
Suggestions for new features and
topics are most welcome.
Please address your letters to:
WOMAN'S ERA
E-3 Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110055.
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 dont 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 who smoke is as bad since the nicotine
is passed on to the baby as carbon monoxides. The
risks of smoking to the baby include stillbirths,
prematurity, low birth-weight, asthma and sudden
infant death syndrome.
Ideally, you should have given up the habit before you got pregnant but,
if that has not occurred, do so now, no matter how irritable or moody you
become. Take professional help if needed to do so.
Dr A. K. Bajaj, MD.
regnancy is an important but

health-sensitive event for
every woman. During preg nancy due to the growing
foetus in the womb and
changes in hormonal levels
various physical, nutritious
and emotional changes occur
to somewhat inconvenience
and cause mild problems in
every woman during this period.
Nausea, (morning sickness)
during the early part of pregnancy is
thought to be a sign of pregnancy.
Backpain is very common too. As
women gain weight, walk, sit and
work in a new ways, various
hormones secreted during pregnancy
relax the muscles and tendons. All
these can lead to backpain. Backpain
usually occurs in the latter half of
pregnancy. It is normally mild and
bearable, but in about 10 to 15 per
cent cases it may be severe.
Who are likely to suffer from
severe backache:
In women suffering from back ache before getting pregnant, the
backache may become severe and
unbearable.
Women who have suffered
from backache in a previous pregnancy are also likely to suffer from
backache in a subsequent pregnancy
too.
BACKACHE
DURING
PREGNANCY
How to tackle a common problem.
By Dr J. L. Agarwal
PREGNANT
WOMEN SHOULD
KEEP A PROPER
POSTURE WHILE
LYING, SITTING,
STANDING
WALKING AND
DURING WORK.
THEY SHOULD SLEEP
ON ONE SIDE AND
GIVE SUPPORT TO
THEIR KNEES AND
ABDOMEN BY
PILLOWS.
It is more likely to occur in older

pregnant women and women with
many children.
Back pain may be more severe
in obese pregnant women.
Severe backache can occur if
deficiency of calcium and/or vitamin
D is present or the women are
suffering from anaemia.
Backpain may be severe in
women whose job requires tilting,
lifting weights or twisting too often.
Backache is more common if
they are tensed and worry too much.
It is also common in women
who smoke or consume tobacco.
Why backache during pre gnancy: Due to the growing foetus

in the womb, hormonal secretions
mechanical and structural changes
occur in the body, and the spine and
lower spine are pushed forward due
to increased body weight and
abdominal protuberance because of
the effect of hormones joint tendons

which become lax, and the
accumulation of water in the body
and joints that occurs. Veins in the
vertibial space (epidusal veins)
enlarge. All these factors lead to
backache during pregnancy.
How to get relief from back ache: Backpain is not a trivial
concern for many pregnant women. It
should be promptly dealt with at an
early stage.
Pregnant women should keep a
proper posture while lying, sitting,
standing walking and during work.
They should sleep on one side and
give support to their knees and
abdomen by pillows. When sitting
they must give support to their back
with proper chairs and can use a
small pillow for support. When
standing they must stand straight and
should stretch the back by keeping
both hands in at the back.
If supposed to stand for a long
time they should keep one leg slightly
raised and change the legs from time
to time. They must take frequent
breaks and rest. They should hold
their chest high, keep shoulders
straight and relaxed and not look
towards their knees. When standing
they must take a comfortably wide
stance for better support to their
bodies and when sitting, keep their
upper back and neck straight, and
legs on a low stool.
They should sleep on their side,
keeping one or both knees bent. One
can keep a thin pillow between two
knees and another under the
abdomen.
Such women must wear lowheeled shoes with good arch support.
Women suffering from backache can
wear maternity pants with low
supporters or wear a maternity
support belt.
When lifting a small object they
should squat and lift the object by
giving support with the legs. They
must not bend back or lift objects by
giving pressure on the back.
Pregnant women must be aware of
their limits, how much load they can
lift and carry very safely. They should
ask for support from others to carry

WHAT IS NEW IN
SCAR REMOVAL
Remove scars with skin resurfacing technology.

Scar removal: Scarring is part of
the skin's natural healing process.
Unfortunately, facial scarring can also
be a source of embarrassment and
low self-esteem. Today, new surgical
procedures,
skin
resurfacing
technologies, and other treatments
are making it possible for facial scars
and scar tissue to be successfully
erased or minimised, greatly
improving the skin's appearance.
Severe scarring caused by burns and
trauma, for example-often requires
surgery. But for more superficial
scarring-such as that caused by acne
and chicken pox-a variety of more
minimally invasive treatments are
now available. Most such scars are
the result of too much collagen
protein left behind in the skin after an
injury. Treatments include laser skin
resurfacing,
chemical
peels,
microdermabrasion
and
vibradermabrasion, and dermal
fillers.
Causes of Scars: Scarring can
result from virtually anything that
damages the skin, from chicken pox
to sports injuries and surgery. The
more severely the skin is damaged,
the longer it will take to heal and the
more likely it is that a noticeable scar
will develop. Fortunately, most scars
are highly treatable. The type of scar
treatment
your
dermatologist
recommends will depend on the
cause of the scar.
A common cause of facial scarring
is severe adolescent or adult acne.
How Scar Treatment Works
All of the non-invasive treatments
work, essentially, by removing part of
the upper layers of your skin, either
with pulses of light (lasers), rotating
"skin-polishing" equipment (micro dermabrasion and vibradermabrasion),
or chemical solutions (chemical
peels). As for dermal fillers, they're
used to fill in and "lift" the skin
depressions caused by scars.
Scar
Removal
Treatment:
Although complete scar removal is
not possible, most scars can be
significantly improved in appearance
through one or more cosmetic
techniques, including microder mabrasion, chemical peels, collagen
injections,
and
fat
transfer
procedures.
Laser Scar Removal: Laser scar
removal is another excellent option
for minimising the appearance of
scars caused by acne, surgery or
other factors. Using a high-energy
light, your doctor can remove or
reshape areas of the skin that are
affected by scar tissue.
There are several different types
of laser scar removal available, each
optimally suited for a specific type of
scar. Raised and reddened scars
can be treated using a pulsed dye
laser, while acne scars are best
treated using laser skin resurfacing.
Benefits:
Little to no recovery time
Scar removal with minimal
discomfort
Excellent aesthetic outcome
Patients must understand that the
best result may require multiple
treatments and that initially, little
improvement may be noticeable
relative to the pre-existing deformity.
Other
considerations
of
paramount
importance
when
considering scar revision include (1)
whether the scar is in a position that
compromises function and (2) if any
revision might result in decreased
function. As with any skin defect, the
quality and availability of surrounding
tissue must be assessed.
After
Before
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
Dr. Vijay Kakkar

M.S, M.ch, F.I.C.S
Types of Chemical peels

Superficial peels are the mildest
type of chemical peel and can be
used on all skin types. Superficial
peels usually use liquid containing a
mild (dilute) acid, most often glycolic
acid. Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is
sometimes used.
Medium peels penetrate the skin
more deeply than superficial peels and
cause a second-degree burn of the
skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the
main peeling agent used for medium
peels, though the peel may also be
done in several steps using a different
chemical solution followed by TCA.
SURGICAL THERAPY
Surgical interventions: For
longer-term
results,
surgical
intervention is often a better option.
Surgical treatments include fusiform
scar excision, shave excision, partial
or serial excisions, local flap
coverage, skin grafting, and pedicled
or free flaps. In all surgical closures
in the skin, care should be taken to
evert the skin edges slightly so that
upon healing and wound contracture,
the scar will be in level with the
surrounding skin. In closing the
wounds, tension should be avoided
and should not cross the joint line in
linear fashion. Laser resurfacing may
be slightly more precise than chemical
peeling or dermabrasion. However,
the choice of technique is based on
the site you want to treat, your skin
type and condition. Many times
different procedure are combined.
DR.VIJAY KAKKAR
M.S., M.Ch.
Sr.Consultant Plastic &
Cosmetic-Surgeon
Max Hospital, Saroj Hospital
Primus Hospital
Mata Chanan Devi Hospital
New Delhi-110058
M: 9811079483
Email: kakarclinic@hotmail.com
www.thecosmeticsurgerydelhi.in
123
QA
&
Q&
A
I have a problem with eating too
much I just eat all the time and
every diet I try fails and each failure
makes me more desperate. Where
do I start?
You start by looking at all your
other achievements and not by
focusing on your failure to keep up
with dieting. Then set yourself small
goals that you can reach and learn
to celebrate them. Instead of eating
less or dieting, try to eat healthy
reduce oils, sugars, etc and still treat
yourself to other things as achieve ment goals. We end up using food to
comfort and to reward ourselves, it is
the way our genetic make-up is and
you have reached the extremend of
it. If you are unable to deal with it still,
do consult a psychiatrist and reach
for deeper reasons for this behaviour
in your subconscious.
possible for best results. Make a

trend for shorter meetings and,
maybe once in a while, do things
together like vegetable shopping but
avoid having them in your house
when you cannot ask them to leave.
My husband and I recently moved to

a new neighbourhood and we are
both working and have busy weeks.
The other occupant on the same floor
are an old couple who are lonely and,
while I want to be a good neighbour, I
am unable to give her the attention
they need. How do I handle this?
Sometimes you have to be cruel
to be kind and you have to explain
your situation to the couple. Make
appointments with them and tell them
that you have advance plans for the
weekends. Yes, you have a difficult
task at hand and it will need skill but
you must try to deal with it as early as
I am an Indian but never lived here (I

lived in Finland) but am now marrying
an Indian man though we will live in
England after marriage. The big fat
Indian wedding scares me and that
is what my fiances mother wants.
What do I do?
It is a delicate matter that you have
to discuss in detail with your fiance.
He has to support you and take your
side with his mother about your
decision. You should be prepared to
meet her halfway, have a small
wedding but a big reception or
something like that. It is always a good
idea to start a new life on a good note
and try to keep the balance with your
MIL, especially as you will not be living
with her and the interference after
marriage should be minimal.
I have recently shifted

to Delhi for a new job.
I needed a good
accommodation as
the working girls
hostel was terrible.
But I cannot afford the
rentals elsewhere. However, two
boys and a girl of our office are
willing to share a two-bedroom
house. How can I ensure that I am
physically safe, though the girl
does not drink but one of the boys
drinks every weekend and that
worries me. What should I do?
Alcohol is not always the only
reason why a man would try to take
advantage of a woman. It is also
your conduct, your behaviour and
the general character of the other
three flatmates that decides their
behaviour. Address your worries
with the three and see if you agree
on little aspects like how to dress at
home, ability to lock your
respective rooms at night. If you do
not feel satisfied with the response
you get it is better not to take a
chance.
124
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
My husband died of lung cancer (being

a heavy smoker) at the age of 54 and I
was left with two sons. My older son is
very health conscious and cares about
what he eats and drinks but I just
discovered my 20-year-old son has
taken up smoking. I am worried. What
should I do?
Your worry will not solve the issue.
You have to face it and take some
action. Smoking is no longer even
fashionable and your son could have
begun for any of the silly reasons that
people begin smoking believing that
nothing wrong will happen to them. If
the brothers are close ask the older
one to speak to him, otherwise you
have to take the bull by the horns and
find out why he is doing it and guide
him to a healthier lifestyle. It will not
be easy because at 20 all children
think they know better than their
parents but you have to try.
I joined my office when I

was 23 and that was almost
20 years ago. My boss
remained the same and we
understood each other and
he was good to me and
appreciated my efforts
allowing me leave through
my difficult times. Now he is about to
retire and I am worried about the new
boss. What should I do?
You had a good job and equation
for 20 years and that is indeed very
lucky but change is inevitable. You
have two options one is to wait and
see how the new boss treats you and
the other is to change jobs right now.
Both are understandable as you will
be working with a new boss so you
have to see how you like the job
profile here and what else the market
has to offer you. Whatever you
decide to do, give your new boss a
fair chance as no two bosses are the
same.
A LITTLE SCIENCE BEHIND
CONCEIVING TWINS
Just a bit more care for double the joy!
By Swetha Sundar
There are two things in life for
which we are never truly prepared:
twins Josh Billings
ome factors contributing to
the increased rate of having
multiples
is
becoming
pregnant in the 30s or 40s
and/or assisted pregnancy.
Particularly the drug Clomid
has been linked to an
increase in the number of
twins and triplets. In order to
be able to conceive nonidentical twins naturally, there must
be the gene in a woman's body from
her father or mother. The ability to
conceive dizygotic twins is a femalerelated issue. On the other hand,
having identical twins has nothing to
S
126
do with the genes! There are

basically two types of conception that
can happen with twins:
1) A single egg is fertilised by a
single sperm and between three to
15 days after conception it splits and
the result is identical or monozygotic
twins. If the split happens by day five,
the twins will have two amniotic sacs,
two chorions, even two placentas. If
the split happens between day five
and nine, then the twins will have one
chorion, one placenta and two
amniotic sacs. If the split happens
nine days after conception, then the
twins will share one chorion, one
placenta and amniotic sac. If division
happens later on, then conjoined
twins are formed.
Identical twins normally share one
placenta, but each can have its own

amniotic sac. However, a small
percentage of identical twins have
two placentas. In that case you may
be under the impression that you will
have dizygotic twins and get a
surprise after birth.
The placenta's function is to
deliver nutrients to the babies. There
can be complications for babies who
share a placenta. Of course, identical
twins are the same gender and share
the same DNA. However, they will
have their own unique fingerprints!
2) Two eggs are fertilised by two
sperms and the result is fraternal,
non-identical or dizygotic twins.
Fraternal twins usually do not share
placentas. Each has its own placenta
and amniotic sac. They are basically
a) Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

Sperm----Egg-----
(Shared placenta)
womb neighbours. However, in some

cases, the two placentas can fuse
together and give the impression of
being one placenta. In all reality, you
can only be sure what type of twins
you are having after you give birth.
Some early indicators of a twin
pregnancy: With the advance in
technology and health system, it is
very rare these days to have a
surprise twin pregnancy. Most people
will know they are having twins from
the beginning or at least from week
16 when a routine ultrasound is
scheduled.
You may end up having an
ultrasound test earlier if your doctor
suspects twins, as it was in my case.
I believe when you do the blood test
to confirm your pregnancy and the
HCG levels (pregnancy hormones)
are too high, it can either indicate a
twin pregnancy, or you have been
pregnant longer than you anticipated.
Even if you do not have any
ultrasound test, at some point with
regular check-ups, your doctor will
hear two very distinct heart beats.
Also, your tummy size is a good
indicator of what you are carrying in
there, ladies! It seems funny to
mention this but mothers carrying
twins tend to look bigger than their
weeks. There are people who tend to
hide their pregnancies until the three
month thresh-hold is reached. Now
this would be difficult for most ladies
128
and fears to her. Never miss your

appointments and make sure you file
your records properly for quick
reference. Tell your doctor about any
chronic illnesses running in your
family like blood pressure, diabetes,
epilepsy, heart problems etc. There
are specific tests for each of them
and these help to ascertain the
general health of the mother and
child at all stages.
I developed gestational diabetes
and a condition called placenta
previa during my pregnancy.
Placenta previa is a complication of
pregnancy in which the placenta
grows in the lowest part of the womb
(Separate placentas)
(uterus) and covers all or part of the
opening to the cervix. During
pregnancy, the placenta moves as
pregnant with twins. I remember at the uterus stretches and grows. In
early pregnancy, a low-lying placenta
three months I looked like five!
Another possible indication of twin is very common. But, as the
pregnancy is that your morning pregnancy progresses, the growing
sickness and other early pregnancy uterus should "pull" the placenta
symptoms may be exaggerated like toward the top of the womb. By the
severe nausea and vomiting. This third trimester, the placenta should
didnt happen in my case and I was be near the top of the uterus, leaving
the opening of the cervix clear for the
as normal as could be!
delivery. If the placenta
is near the cervix or is
Preconception and
covering a portion of it,
pregnancy: It is of
WITH THE
you may need to
utmost importance to
ADVANCE IN reduce activities and
take care of yourself
bed rest.
during
your
twin
TECHNOLOGY stayIf on
there is bleeding,
pregnancy.
however, you will most
Every pregnancy is
AND HEALTH
likely be admitted to a
important but one with
SYSTEMS, IT IS hospital for careful
multiples is even more
monitoring as in my
so. Technically, before
VERY RARE
case. Women with
becoming pregnant you
placenta previa most
should take prenatal
THESE DAYS
likely need to deliver
vitamins. Even if you
TO HAVE
the baby by Cesarean
have not, as soon as
section. This helps
you learn that you are
A SURPRISE
prevent
death
or
pregnant you should
danger to the mother
start taking them.
TWIN
and baby.
Nutrition also plays
PREGNANCY.
Dont lose heart or
an important role. You
wallow in pity for the
should follow the food
doctors know their job
pyramid guide and
increase your calorie intake. This is and will do everything possible to
not the time to be concerned about protect you and your baby. Believe
dieting. That is part of the postpartum in them. For gestational diabetes, I
had to be on insulin injections and
fun.
When pregnant, always be free take a sugar-free diet. What is
and frank with your doctor and dont amazing is that when I was being
hesitate to communicate your worries wheeled into the operation theatre for
b) Fraternal (Dizygotic) Twins
Monozygotic (Monochorionic, Monoamniotic).
my delivery, my blood sugar returned

to normal, though during pregnancy it
used to be extremely high.
You may have the best pregnancy
possible, but you also have to be
prepared for the unseen and
complications. And with twin
pregnancies the chances of having
complications might just about be
doubled. It is a special time and you
will be treated differently even by
your doctor. You will see your doctor
more often, especially after week
28/30. You will also have more
ultrasound tests.
It
is
common
with
twin
pregnancies to do a non-stress test
toward the end. You are hooked to a
machine that will evaluate your
babies heart rates for about 40
minutes (20 minutes each). If all is
normal you may return for another
test in a few days. This tool gives
doctors an idea how well babies are
doing or maybe an induction is in
order.
Normally, twins are considered of
full term in 36.5 weeks. If you give
birth at any time after that would be
wonderful. I have heard of a mother
who made it to week 41. But that is
rare. It is normal for twins to show up
early especially around week 35-36. I
myself barely reached the 32 week,
when my daughters were born.
Many women are worried whether
they will have a C-section or natural
birth. The best thing to do is relax
130
and go with the flow and your

doctor's advice. If you have a natural
birth, good for you. Be proud. If you
end up with a C-section, still be proud
and congratulations are in order. It
is a major surgery and you need time
to recuperate, but it is the end result
that matters.
To me, the most important factor
was delivering healthy twins. There
are people who have their minds set
on having their babies naturally. But
sometimes it is necessary to have the
operation for your health and for the
health of your twins. So relax and
enjoy your destiny.
The arrival of the twins: After the
little ones arrive, you need to be
prepared for what feeding method
you want to use. Everyone agrees
that breast milk is the best option for
twin babies, specially the first milk
that comes out your breast called
colostrum.
It is lighter in colour and
apparently filled with antibodies.
Normally, nurses will urge mothers to
breastfeed for at least a year or even
two. It is really up to you how long
you would like to breastfeed.
Sometimes, if babies are in the
nursery, you may need to use a
pump to give milk to your twins. If
your twins are healthy, you may even
consider formulas or a combination
of both. The plus side of giving
formulas it that your husband or other
members can help with the feedings

from time to time. The only thing you
need to be careful about is the proper
sterilisation of the bottles, scoops for
putting the formula and the breast
pump (if youre using one).
It is very funny how rules can
bend when you are having twins.
This is the time that if you decided to
bottle-feed no one will look down on
you. Lets face it, breast-feeding two
babies is not very easy for some of
us. And breast-feeding is not for
everyone, so if you decide to bottlefeed, do not let guilt take over, and
just enjoy the process of getting to
know your twins. Trust me, bottlefeeding with love is a lot better than
breast-feeding with guilt. Some tips:
If you plan to breast-feed, you
may want to consider a twin nursing
pillow.
It helps if you get your baby
twins on the same schedule for
nursing or bottle-feeding.
When you bottle-feed your
twins, just feed them one after the
other. Even at night when one wakes
up crying, after feeding the hungry
one, feed the other baby even if you
have to wake her or him up. This will
make your life easier in the long or
even short run.
Where should the babies sleep?
Some say that twins should sleep
in the same crib because they have
been together for so many months
and feel safer.
As a matter of fact, in the hospital
they are placed in the same crib as
well. This may be true for twins who
shared one amniotic sac and
placenta, but I always considered my
twins as next door neighbours.
What worked for me was keeping
my twin babies together during
daytime. They shared the same bed
or play pen. When bedtime arrived,
they each had their own bassinet next
to each other.
They were so tiny that putting
them in a big bed seemed funny. As
babies grow they become so restless
and move so much that if they are
sharing a bed, they may wake each
other up. Remember what a luxury
We
sleep becomes!
ost-partum
depression
(PPD), maternity depression
or baby blues, call it what
you may, all signal towards
a general feeling of sadness
and depression a mother
faces after her baby comes
into the world. Common
sense says that giving birth
to a baby after nine long
months of changing body shape,
morning sickness and limited
physical mobility would be relieving
for the mother. But against the
common sense, the new mother is
often found to be sad, tearful, jittery
and sometimes hating the child that
caused the whole situation.
There are many different things a
mother faces after childbirth which
range from mild fatigue to more
severe clinical depression. The
causes are many, including hormonal
changes, physical changes, demands
of a new role and other environ mental causes. There are also
various facets of post delivery
problems including post-partum
exhaustion, depression and mood
swings.
As a new mum, theres a lot one
has to deal with than just changing
diapers. Being aware of the things
one might face or is facing is the first
DEALING WITH
BABY BLUES
Dealing with a
common phenomenon.
By Nandini Kumar
step in dealing with it and when one

knows what the diagnosis is, the cure
is not far away.
Getting the basics right: PPD is
a clinical depression, which needs
professional help. Although not hard
to treat, a good psychologist helps a
new mother adjust with her role, her
new life and all that is required to get
back to her normal self as soon as
possible.
Post-partum exhaustion (PPE), on
the other hand, is more of a physical
exhaustion or fatigue after the
delivery, which generally includes
sleep disturbances, fatigue and a
general tiredness.
Baby blues, the common name
of the general feeling of sadness just
after the baby is born, is a more
common and transitory phase which
is characterised by mood changes,
tearfulness, over emotionality, getting
irritated quite easily and sleep
disturbances.
overwhelming effects of childbirth.

The symptoms generally include a
feeling of sadness, irritability,
disturbance in eating; sleep distur bances, a sudden and unexplained
loss or gain in weight, social
withdrawal, decreased sex drive,
anxiety or panic attacks, hope lessness, guilt and emotional
outbursts.
Dealing with depression: If

youve dealt with the long ordeal of
pregnancy, rest assured, you can
deal
with
this
depressive phase too.
There are many things
THE MOST
you can do to help
COMMON
yourself get out of the
blues as quickly as
FEELINGS OF
possible and get back
RESENTING
to your new life. The
things that will help
THE CHILD
you in the course
YOU WANTED
include:
Why does it happen?

There are plenty of changes a
new mother goes through, including
physical, mental and social. These
changes can sometime be so
overwhelming, along with the fact of
giving birth to a child, that most
women get sad and resentful about
their new role. Fortunately, the body
and the mind adjust quickly to the
changes and the mother returns to
her normal self again, sometimes in a
few hours, sometimes in a matter of
days.
If however, the depression lasts
longer, continuing after months of
childbirth, only then is PPD
detected. The causes for the
depression are many including:
changes in the hormones, a
family history of depression or
mood disorder, profound changes
in the lifestyle (most commonly
cited reason), new responsibilities
involving caring for the newborn,
difficult marriage, low socio economic
status, etc.
Symptoms: PDP can be hard to
identify in the initial phase as the
symptoms are common with the
ptible to depression is an added

advantage when you get pregnant or
deliver the baby. The most common
feelings of resenting the child you
wanted so badly is a major factor in
the feelings of guilt that are common
in depression.
When you know that this feeling
is common and acceptable in this
phase, you can get over it more
quickly. Also, preparing your family
for what might come may ease the
situation at home, as the mood
outbursts are seen as a transitory
behavior rather than a
character flaw.
Preparation:
Knowing that new
mothers are susce -
SO BADLY IS
A MAJOR
FACTOR IN
THE FEELINGS
OF GUILT
THAT ARE
COMMON IN
DEPRESSION.
A good diet: Many

researches
have
emphasised on the lack
of nutrients in diet as a
factor for PPD. So, be
sure to consult a
dietician and get a good
diet that would not only
help with a healthy
pregnancy but also in
keeping away the post
pregnancy blues.
A
supportive
family: A good family for
a woman starts with a
supportive and under standing
husband.
Having a husband who
knows that situations as
this would arrive, and
that he would have to help as much
as he can, is a blessing in itself. So
you can prepare your spouse with
this information and tell him all the
weird mood situations you might
have and he might be facing.
Perk up: Its only natural
that youd not be in a really good
shape when your baby arrives. The
attention that suddenly shifts from
you to the child can sure be an
envious one as well.
If you refuse to come out of that
shabby appearance, chances are,
you would feel ignored even more.
On the other hand, if you groom your
hair, bathe, wear nice clothes and
smell good, youll automatically
redeem your glory.
A support system: This is

probably one of the most important
bits of advice youll get when you
become a mother. Keep your support
system close to you. The support
system, with a few exceptions, is an
all-girls team. It includes your mother,
your mother-in-law, sister/s and
friends (willing to help).
The experience of the older ladies
will help hone your mothering skills
while the accompanying tips from
girls like you will keep your mind
fresh.
Having one or more member from
your girl squad at hand will also let
you have some time for yourself and
ease off the pressure of dealing with
the demands of the newly born.
Talk it out: As a woman, you
probably know it already: talking is
therapeutic. You can have a
confidant with whom you can share
all that is going in your mind. Giving
words to thoughts also helps us see
them in new light and get an insight
into our lives. Discussing anything
that might be upsetting you or
planning out a routine with

someones help are things which are
stress relieving and help you get in
control of your life. If, however, you
dont have anyone who is willing to
listen or genuinely cannot listen, then
keep a diary.
Write daily, with all the details
about what happened during the day,
what things upset you, why they are
troublesome and your current
thoughts. This one habit, when
followed religiously, gives new
dimension to ones thinking and helps
to tackle problems more efficiently.
Seek professional help: If

nothing helps to alleviate the
symptoms and thoughts of suicide or
harming the baby are frequent then
professional intervention is the best
option.
A professional psychologist or a
psychiatrist is well trained to handle
such situations and ease your mental
pain to a great degree. Keep in mind
that these professionals are more
qualified to deal with things such as
depression, than the general
physician.
In the end, you must know that its
okay to get overwhelmed, its totally
fine if you cant control your tears at
smallest
of
things
and
its
understandable if youre sad and
even resentful about all the new
things that you have to do now.
The nine month long ordeal is
bound to bring changes and you are
allowed to express them. When dealt
with finesse, depression can be gone
before you know it, and when its
over, a more than eager mother
awaits in you to step into the next
We
stage of life.
THE STAGE
Life is a stage on which
We all perform they say,
Everything we say or do
Is an act every day!
Showers of blessings come

Pitter-patter around you,
Draw in the freshness and
Get hope and strength a new.
All around you is the audience

Even the animals and birds.
Yes, this is true
However much absurd.
These showers can cool

Even a blazing furnace,
They can bless you with courage and power
To stop injustice or menace.
If you did a good deed

Full of kindness and love,
Loud comes a thunderous applause
From goodness above.
Thus be the performer

On lifes every stage,
That all may remember your good deeds
Till eternal age.
Shrruti Patole, Pune.
PEHCHAAN
DRIVE BY
DELHI POLICE
To safeguard childhood.
By Ramesh Kumar Raja
angu Paswan, a factory worker, residing in a

slum in west Delhi, has still not forgotten the
Sunday of 2009 when he lost his six-year-old
daughter at New Delhi railway station while
returning from Bihar. He tried his best and
even the police ran from pillar to post in
search of the little girl, although in vein. But
now he is very cautious and confident of his
next daughter, Neha, who too has attained
the age of six. Thanks to the Delhi Police for
launching
a
unique
programme
Pehchaan:
Safeguarding the childhood Neha, too, feels secured
enough unlike her elder sister, who could not be traced
due to lack of her recent photographs. As a proof of
the fact, Nehas eyes went wide after she saw a digital
picture of herself on a computer screen during the
inauguration of the initiative.
With around 700 cases of missing children in the
capital this year so far, Pehchaan is a first of its kind
programme in India, with an aim to identify and create
photographic records of minors/children residing in
resettlement colonies, slums and belonging to the below
poverty line (BPL) category. The programme plans to
increase the awareness amongst these vulnerable

groups about the need to keep an eagle eye on their
children, suspicious persons visiting the area and to
regularly photograph their children, so that in the event
of any mishap and lost, widespread publicity and
dissemination of information can be done at the earliest
and through maximum possible mediums.
Needless to say, the availability of a recent
photograph of the victim greatly helps the police and all
those involved in the search and rescue.
Said additional commissioner of police (west Delhi) V
Renganathan, This initiative was taken considering
that many a time when missing of these children are
filed, the families are usually too poor to have taken
pictures of their children and are not able to provide
police with pictures, making it extremely difficult to track
them.
This is a part of the cops proactive policing measure
after the high court asked Delhi Police to be sensitive
while handling cases of missing children. In the first
phase, PS Ranhola was identified for the pilot project
and service of a school and other respectable of the
area were solicited to involve maximum number of
people, Renganathan added.
The photography camp was organised in this centre,
where the parents along with children were invited for a
briefing and their digital photographs were recorded on
the spot. These digital photographs would be burnt to a
CD and handed over to the parents for safe custody.
Interestingly, no record will be maintained by the police
in this regard. The images captured on the computer
will subsequently be deleted to prevent misuse of the
data.
The anti-human trafficking drive, started by the West
Delhi Police, may soon be replicated in other areas as
well. According to additional DCP (crime) Rajan Bhagat;
The innovative idea is to help kids of comparatively
underprivileged strata who are victimised later. The
scheme was the first such trial and we are in the
process of identifying other such vulnerable areas
where underprivileged sections of children dwell. We
will replicate the project to them also.
The police are also looking for assistance from likeminded instit utions, NGOs or corporate groups/ businesses that can sponsor this programme. In lieu
of which, the sponsoring companies would be offered
advertising space at the location where such camps
are held and on the covers of the CD, which would be
handed over to the parents. SHOs have been directed
to identify the locations for organising this pilot project in
their respective areas, Bhagat said.
The programme has been well received by people
and the children were enthralled by seeing their
pictures on big computer screens. They were regaled
by the short skit presentation by Jagran, a social outfit.
The skit conveyed the message of eternal vigil and
that the consequences of falling prey to exploitation
We
and felony.
A GIRL WITH AN
EXCEPTIONAL
PONYTAIL
A Guinness record holder.
By R. K. Raja
ey, gals, ever thought of

extinguishing a big candle
with your pigtail? It might
not be, because its a scary
exercise that may also leave
your tresses burned. But
hold on! Heres someone
who dared to brave it, by
extinguishing not one, not
two, but 26 candles at a
stretch, in a minute, and created a
new Guinness World Record.
Meet Anuradha Mandal, a greenbelt holder in karate, from the small
town Silchar in Assam, who brought
laurels to the country by breaking a
long-held world record of eight candles
(in a minute) by a Chinese girl.
22-year-old Anuradha accom plished this rare feat more recently
in the first episode of Guinness World
Records Ab India Todega, watched
by millions of people worldwide. Post
this attainment, Anuradha is
recognised as a tough martial arts
performer and a girl no less than a
boy, according to her instructor
Biswajit Sarkar. But beneath the
sketch of this tough girl, lie a playful,
hearty and awfully poignant soul set
to shed tears in a minute and giggle
at another.
H
140
So, when asked whom she would

like to show gratitude to for her
accomplishment, the confident yet
teary-eyed Anuradha replies, Sanjay
sir (owner of her karate school), my
guru Biswajit Sarkar, my parents,
grandparents and my entire family. If
my parents had not supported me, I
would have not been able to achieve
this.
And her very next sentence
shows up another side of hers,
Besides karate, there is just one
thing that I love masti (fun). My
naughtiness sometimes ends up with
my mother knocking her head on a
wall out of irritation, she giggles.
Smiling guiltily, she adds, I was one
of the most notorious kids in my
school and college.
Interestingly, she never ever
participated in any such celebrated
contest before. Fame is as new to
her as her performing on stage. She
explains, I had never thought of
performing on such a big platform,
and hence, breaking a world record
was completely out of the question.
But, one day, I received a call from
my sir who asked me to come to the
institute. I just saw the video-clip
once and thought to myself, Yes,
this is something I can do. But back
then, I did not know it would be such

a big deal. It was the first time I was
on the stage performing anything.
Though her lifestyle has not
changed much, for her family and
friends, it has been a tough time with
a storm of phone calls from different
people causing intervention in their
lives. Shares Anuradha, I was a
martial artist and still am, but my
family is now irritated by calls from
the media, a few long-lost relatives
and many other people and my
dadaji (grandfather) had to get rid of
the landline phone to avoid them.
What makes this small-town girl
more singular are her humility and
the aptitude to be on her own. She
was gifted a new Tata Nano car by
the founder of her Karate school but,
despite not being from a well-off
family, she presented it further to her
institute. Says she, I do want a car,
but from my own money not the
one gifted by somebody.
Besides, like any other girl,
Anuradha is delighted on meeting the
programmes charming hostess,
Preity Zinta. She signs off by saying,
I was enthralled when I saw her. I
did not even imagine in my dreams
that I would in reality be in front of
We
her some day.

Short Story
Same Time, Same Place,

Tomorrow?
I had been jilted by my fiance just two days before our wedding.
Why didnt my family understand that I could never get over that trauma?
That I could never trust a man again?
By Kasturi Rangachari
possibility of pain like that again. There was

glared at my elder sister Sweta and my elder
something wrong with me, something that made me
brother, Bijoy. Why couldnt they just leave me
unlovable and no, I didnt want to take the risk of
alone? Just because they were both happily
going through such agony again!
married, need they think that I could be happy
Both Sweta and Bijoy looked uncertain. I could
only if I got married too? Leave me alone, you
see that they were wondering if I was telling the
two! I snapped. Im not interested in meeting
truth.
this Arvind or any other man! Cant you both
Actually, this Arvind toohas had a tragedy in
just accept that?
No, we cant, said Sweta in a reasonable tone. his past, said Sweta.
A wave of rage swept through me, though I kept
And neither can mummy and daddy. Were all
my face impassive. So this Arvind had been dumped
worried about you.
too! And my family thought that two dumpees, two
And mom and dad have deputed you to knock
lame ducks, would be best paired off together!
some sense into your kid sister? But why on earth
But I kept quiet and Bijoy studied my
should you all be worried? Ive got an
Sweta and
face. All right, he said slowly. Well
excellent job that I enjoy. I make more
leave you alone on one condition. Meet
than enough to live on
Bijoy
this Arvind and well not harass you about
But are you happy, sis? asked Bijoy,
exchanged
marriage again.
a trifle uncomfortably.
wary looks. I
I could hardly believe that it was going
I gave a smile and tried to ensure that
to be so easy. Okay, I said at once. Ill
it wasnt a bitter one. Oh, thats it, is it?
could see that
meet this Arvind and after that my life is my
You think that Im still mourning over the
they were
own. Right?
fact that Nirad dumped me two days
wondering
But Sweta knew me too well. But, she
before we were supposed to get married?
said quickly, you cant get off with a halfWell, Im not! Ive realised that Nirad and
how to snare
hearted five-minute meeting. You have to
I are so different that wed have been
me into taking
meet Arvind properly. Spend time with him.
very unhappy if we had got married.
this Arvind
Talk to him.
Luckily, he realised it in time.
Oh, Ill talk to him all right, I said
I looked with limpid, wide eyes at my
seriously.
grimly. Will half an hour do?
siblings and hoped that I was a good
enough an actress to be convincing. The truth of the
weta and Bijoy exchanged wary looks. I could
matter was that the thought of that morning just 48
see that they were wondering how to snare me
hours before my wedding, when the final
into taking this Arvind seriously.
arrangements were under way and the house was
Three times, said Bijoy finally. Youll have to
full of excited, noisy relatives was still a nightmare
meet Arvind thrice and talk to him each time for half
that my mind compulsively replayed whenever I was
an hour. If after that, you honestly feel that you dont
alone. And each time I felt almost the same shock,
like him and you want to be left alone well leave
disbelief and pain that I had felt on that day nearly
you alone.
three years ago!
Sweta nodded in agreement and I made a face.
That had been the ultimate rejection and I had
Meeting this character, this fellow-dumpee, thrice
decided right then not to lay myself open to the
142
seemed a bit much, but I was ready to go through it,

if my family would leave me alone after that. All
right then, I said curtly. Ill meet this lame duck
thrice and then youll leave me alone!
Sweta and Bijoy nodded.
t took my siblings a week to set up my first

meeting with Arvind. I smiled grimly when I
overheard conversations that made it obvious that
he was as reluctant to meet me as I was to meet him!
Dumpees seemed to feel the same way! But this
Arvind had an elder sister who seemed to be as big
a nag as Sweta and Bijoy were and as determined
to see him married. Obviously, again like me, he
could stand up against her only so much. And so he
finally had to capitulate!
Hell meet you on Friday evening at 6 pm, Bijoy
told me in a relieved tone. After office hours which
will suit both of you. He wants you to decide
where.
He knows about the three meetings business? I
asked.
I was assured that his sister had made the process
clear to him and that hed agreed. Then Ill meet
him at restaurant Greenways in the middle of the
Gandhi Park, I said. If we have nothing to say to
each other, we can at least look at the greenery for
half an hour and then go our different ways!
Bijoy made a face and Sweta frowned but neither
of them said anything. Luckily, because I was in no
mood to take any nonsense from them!
On the stroke of 6 pm on Friday, I entered
Greenways and looked around. The restaurant
wasnt crowded and, anyway, after having glanced
at the photograph Sweta had held out to me and

which I had looked at though I hadnt taken it from
her, I was sure that I would recognise Arvind. There
couldnt be many men who looked as distant and
arrogant as the man in the photo did! Okay, he
looked intelligent and was okay looking too, but
what a pity that arrogance quite takes away the
attraction that pleasant looks and intelligence give a
person!
Yes, there he was, sitting at a table by a window
and looking out at the park. I walked over to him.
Arvind? I asked and when he nodded, I added,
Im Yogini.
Arvind turned and looked me up and down
before he got lazily to his feet. I shuffled my feet selfconsciously. How reluctant this arrogant man was to
even get up to greet me! But then he was probably
checking me out against the photograph of me that
his sister must have shown him. It wasnt a
particularly good photograph and showed me as
plumper than I actually am. Again, in it, I had a
touch-me-not look on my pleasant-enough features.
But I hadnt bothered to find a better photograph of
myself and give it to Sweta to send to the sister.
Hi, Yogini, he said, please sit down.
There was a supercilious twist to his lips as he
gestured at the chair opposite his. My lips tightened
as I nodded and sat down, but then I consciously
relaxed. I wasnt going to let this man increase my
stress levels! I glanced at my watch and then noticed
that Arvind too had looked at his watch as he sat
down. Our half hour countdown had begun!
Both of us were silent and then, as I wondered if I
should say something, Arvind spoke. Have you
been here before? he asked.
Yes, I said baldly and, when I didnt
elaborate, Arvind raised an eyebrow, but
remained silent.
The minutes began to crawl past and then
the waiter came and we both ordered cups
of coffee. I picked up the fork that lay in
front of me and doodled with it on the
red and white checked tablecloth.
Half and hour! How would it pass?
The answer was that it crawled
past! We both sat in silence,
sipping coffee disinterestedly,
glancing at our watches, looking
around occasionally
And then my watch showed
that half an hour had passed. I
stood up and Arvind promptly
did the same with unflattering
alacrity. Times up, he said
with the ghost of a grin.
Yes, I said distantly and
adjusted my dupatta and slung my handbag over my

shoulder, preparatory to leaving the restaurant.
Just one thing, Yogini, Arvind stopped me in my
tracks. I just want to make it clear that Im definitely
not interested in marriage Its just that my sister
pestered me into coming here and meeting you
I started. Hadnt my siblings made my feelings
clear to this abdominal mans sister? I knew that, I
said sharply. And Im not interested in marriage
either. I thought that my brother and sister had made
that clear to your sister. Im here only because they
bullied me into it
Arvind looked a trifle embarrassed but also
relieved. Thats okay then, he said. But there is
this three meetings business that we have to go
through. Same time, same place, tomorrow?
All right! And I walked out of the restaurant in a
hurry.
then. Who are your favourite artists?

The classical painters. The Old Masters. I prefer
them to modern artists.
My taste in art is very different. I love modern art,
especially abstracts, but art is art and soon we were
off on an animated discussion of the merits and
demerits of the various schools of art.
Have you been to London? Arvind asked me
after some time. Youd love the Tate Modern
gallery.
Oh Ive gone there virtually! I mean that Ive
explored the museums website!
Arvind laughed again and again a boyish,
pleasant side of him emerged. I smiled too, but just
then the waiter broke into our discussion. Anything
else, sir? Madam? he asked.
I quickly looked down at my watch and I noticed
that Arvind did so too. More than an hour had
passed! The smile at once disappeared from my
face and I withdrew into my shell. I hoped that this
he next day, I came to Greenways determined
to be so cool and formal that there would be no man should not think that I was so taken up by him
that I had lost track of time! I got up.
misunderstanding at all about my
Just one
Nothing else for me, I said crisply. Ill be
feelings about our meetings. We sat at
the same table and today I ordered tea.
thing, Yogini, getting along.
The waiter placed the bill before Arvind
Arvind did so too, but he added a plate
Arvind
and he got out his purse, extracted a credit
of pakoras to the order. I gave him a
stopped me in
card and placed it on the bill. I waited
questioning look but he looked distant
awkwardly for him to say something to me.
and closed up. However, to my surprise,
my tracks. I
The waiter walked away and Arvind got to
he spoke as soon as the waiter had left
just want to
his feet.
after taking our order.
make it clear
Same place, same time, tomorrow? he
This is crazy, he said a trifle
asked.
abruptly. We cant again sit in silence
that Im
I nodded, turned and walked away.
for half an hour! Lets talk civilly to each
definitely not
The next day, we arrived almost together.
other, even if we are both here against
We stood at the door and looked around.
our wishes!
interested in
Our table was empty. We walked across
I took a deep breath of relief. Yes,
marriage
to it what creatures of habit we humans
lets I said. Er my sister told me that
are!
you are a stock broker.
You know, I enjoyed talking to you yesterday,
Yes, and you are an architect, arent you? Do
Arvind said as soon as we sat down, an almost
you like your job?
surprised look on his face. The man seemed to find it
I love it! And do you like making money on the
strange that he had enjoyed my company! I bristled
Exchange?
with outrage, but kept quiet.
Arvind laughed and suddenly the arrogant man
Cant we just talk like that today too? he asked
almost disappeared. I gave an inward snigger. That
when it became clear that I wasnt going to speak.
arrogant man was Arvind, I told myself. This almost
I shrugged. I dont see why not, I said. Like
pleasant look on this man was a mask!
acquaintances
Im not addicted to making money and
He gave a twisted grin. Of course! he said
anyway its not that easy to make money on the
before I even finished speaking.
Exchange! he said. I have hobbies that Im
I shrugged again. All right, I said. What shall
passionate about too trekking, swimming, art I
dont paint or anything like that, but I am passionate we talk about? Art again?
Arvind hesitated. No, lets talk about ourselves,
about it.
he said. Tell me about yourself, Yogini.
I gave a start. Art was a passion of mine too,
I gave a slight frown. I didnt particularly like the
though I too didnt paint or sculpt or anything like
personal route Arvind was taking. Butwell, this
that.
was the last time Id be meeting the man!
Art? I asked. We have something in common
146
Theres nothing to tell, I said. Im a very

ordinary person. Theres nothing interesting about
me.
frown appeared on Arvinds face. Successful

people and I am told that you are a very
successful architect are usually very selfconfident and are only too eager to talk about
themselves, he observed. Why do you think that
you are ordinary and uninteresting?
I glared at the man. Who did he think he was? A
psychiatrist? You know, I said.
You mean because you were jilted? Arvind
asked me casually. Would you like to talk about
it?
I stared at him. Talk about my being jilted? Talk
about it to this man who was almost a stranger? But
a thought occurred to me. Wasnt a stranger the best
person to talk personal things over with? You
wouldnt see him or her again, after all!
I suddenly realised that I wanted to talk about
Nirad and what he had done to me. How strange
that was! I just couldnt understand myself. I hadnt
talked about Nirad and that awful day even to my
best friends or my sister and brother and now, I felt
like pouring out my heart to this man with whom I
was being forced to spend time! Butof course...
that was only because Arvind was a stranger and
talking to him would be therapeutic.
Im nowhere as attractive as my sister or as
intelligent as my brother, I said,
voicing thoughts that I had never
voiced before. Ive always
thought of myself as inferior to
them and Nirad proved it by
jilting me two days before the
wedding.
Arvind looked surprised. I
cant believe that you consider
yourself unattractive and
unintelligent, he said. Of
course I havent met your
brother or sister, but Id say
that youre crazy to feel that
way! Youre very pretty and
my sister tells me that you
topped the university when
you graduated. And youre
already a junior partner in
your firm. Thats quite an
achievement for a
Both of us stood
up. Goodbye, I
said. Bye Yogini,
he responded.
Andall the best!
148
26-year-old! Your sister may be beauty queen

material and your brother, brilliant, but youre
certainly not ordinary by any standards.
I suddenly felt like crying. Arvind sounded
sincere, but Nirad had wounded me so badly. I
looked down.
Arvind went on. Anyway, the point is that you
are you, Yogini! Dont compare yourself to anyone.
Thats a path only fools take!
I continued to look down and Arvind paused for a
moment and then went on. My sister told me that
your marriage to Nirad was an arranged one.
I cleared my throat. Yes, it was, I said.
Then why are you taking the break-up as a
personal rejection? he asked. The reason why
Nirad didnt want to marry you probably had
nothing to do with you. Perhaps there was another
girl, perhaps he was in some sort of trouble---there
are so many possible explanations for why he felt
that it was best that you both did not marry. Mind
you, Im not saying that the way he broke up was
right. But that shows him in a bad light and not you!
It shows him to be a selfish, insensitive, coward!
I looked up at Arvind. Perhaps I had made a fool
of myself by pouring out my innermost feelings to
this man, but... what he said as an uninvolved
neutral outsider made sense!
Arvind was glancing at his watch and I did
so too. I saw that we still had some time to
go!
Its your turn to talk about yourself, I
said. How did you feel when you were
dumped?
Arvind gave a wry smile. But I wasnt
dumped, he said. The woman I was to
have married died.
I felt terrible as I remembered that
Sweta had only said that Arvind
too had had a tragedy in his
past. It was I who had jumped
to the conclusion that he too
had been jilted. ImIm
sorry, I muttered.
I misunderstood...Im sorry I
raised the subject.
No, its okay, I dont mind
talking about it to you. Natasha
was the daughter of a childhood
friend of my mothers. The family
had lived abroad for many years
but came back to India around the
same time I came back from the States
after finishing my MBA. I met Natasha
and we got along well and so when our
families suggested that we marry, we
agreed.
because he felt that you were not good enough for

him!
Its a deal, I said smiling back.
Arvind looked down. You know, what you said
makes sense, he said thoughtfully after a minute or
two. I decided not to push it. Rather than hearing me
repeat what I had already said to him, Arvind
needed to think things over himself. He did not
deserve to go through life blaming himself for a
tragedy not of his making.
I left him to his thoughts and my own went to what
he said to me about Nirad. My family had told me
much the same things whenever they had got the
chance to, but I had dismissed what they had said,
sure that it was only their love that was speaking,
sure that Nirad had jilted me because I was
unattractive and did not deserve to be loved. But
when Arvind said the same things, I felt like
believing him because, after all, his reasoning would
had been listening horrified to Arvind and I gave
not be clouded by love for me.
a start at his final words. I listened even
I sat there lost in my thoughts, reliving
more horrified as he added, Ive spent
the last three years; reliving the pain, the
the two years since then, drowned in guilt.
Arvind
bitterness, the embarrassment and the way
Ive not only become a teetotaller, but Ive
continued
what had happened had destroyed my
also stopped attending parties or getto look at me
self-confidence and made me incapable of
togethers with friends. Ive become a loner
trusting life. Had all that really been
and my guilt has made me bitter and
and I held his
unnecessary? Had I wasted three years
unhappy...
gaze. Then
during which I could have enjoyed myself
But you werent responsible for
he took a deep
and not caused my family pain?
Natashas death, I said sharply as soon
Long moments later I looked down at my
as I found my voice. What happened
breath and
watch. Much more than an hour had
was terrible, but it wasnt your fault.
gave a
passed. I had kept my promise to Sweta
It was! I shouldnt have let her drive
slight smile.
and Bijoy. I had had three meetings with
any way!
Arvind and two of the three had been for
You didnt let her. You tried to stop
more than the half hour my siblings had
her, but you werent prepared for her
insisted on. I noticed that Arvind too was looking
sudden move. That isnt your fault! You couldnt
down at his watch. He too must be thinking the same
have anticipated what she did.
thing. He had kept his promise to his sister and he
I should have, said Arvind doggedly.
could now get up and leave just as I could.
For some reason, I felt that the next words I spoke
I cleared my throat. Our third meeting is over,
would be the most important words I would say to
Arvind, I said.
Arvind. I pulled myself together and spoke slowly
He nodded and both of us stood up. Goodbye,
and firmly.
I said Bye Yogini, he responded. Andall the
How could you have anticipated her action? I
best!
demanded. In the state she was in she could have
done anything. Unfortunately she chose to do the
nodded my thanks and we both smiled and then I
most dangerous thing of all and she killed herself.
walked out of the restaurant. I felt light and free. I
Its tragic, but it was not your fault. Do you
still did not want to marry Arvind or any other
understand? You were not to blame.
Arvind stared at me intently as if trying to read my man and the straightforward way he had wished me
all the best made it clear that he too had not
mind. Id like to believe you, he said finally. I
developed any feelings for me.
need to believe you
But I was glad that I had met him three times.
Then please believe me!
We would probably never meet again. We were
Arvind continued to look at me and I held his
like ships that had passed each other in the night,
gaze. Then he took a deep breath and gave a slight
but we had perhaps cast some healing light on each
smile. Ill try to believe you if youll try to get over
We
other!
the feeling that Nirad broke off your marriage
Natasha and I went out a lot after we were
engaged. I discovered that she had a wild streak in
her, but I didnt mind. In fact, I found it fun. I didnt
mind the fact that she drank either. I too had an
occasional drink at a party, after all.
One night, we went to a disco. I didnt drink
because I knew that I would be driving home, but
Natasha had a couple of drinks and was in a great
mood. When we came out, she said that she wanted
to drive. I told her that she wasnt in any state to and
she flew into a rage. She began to make a scene
and I became horribly embarrassed. Then she
suddenly snatched the car keys from me, jumped
into the car and took off like a bullet. Minutes later,
she had driven the car into a wall. She died on the
spot.
So, Natasha didnt dump me. I killed her!
150
FORESTALLING
FERTILITYS FALL
Making sex more fruitful seriously.
By Maharaaj K. Koul
We speak of fertility so much, yet

there is no word on infertility which
so many Indian women suffer from.
Mrinal Pande
(Media professional)
ecently, Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS), with more
than 90,000 employees on
its rolls, approached New
India Assurance Company
(NIAC) with a proposal. An
internal survey at TCS
revealed that about 15 per
cent of its employees, both
men and women, had
problems conceiving. Therefore, TCS
wanted NIAC to design an insurance
package for its people based out of
India, that would cover procedures
like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and
artificial insemination.
Does geometry matter in fertility?
Gentlemen may or may not prefer

blondes. But, in rich countries at
least, they do seem to prefer women
with hour-glass figures. There have
been various ideas about why this
is so. The politically correct suggest
that it is mere fashion and point to
evidence that tastes are sometimes
different in poorer societies. Those
of a more biologically deterministic
frame of mind suggest that wide
hips, relative to waist size, are good
for child bearing, and that large
breasts deliver more milk. What has
not been widely suggested is that
women with classic figures are
simply more fertile. But that is what
Grazyna Jasienska and her
colleagues at Harvard University
hypothesise in a study in the
Proceedings of the Royal Society.
TCS wanted NIAC to cover each
of its people for Rs 1 lakh. This was
meant to be over and above the
regular health insurance benefits the
company offered. On its part, NIAC
examined the proposal and
declined to design the package
TCS wanted. They argued
these
procedures
are
expensive, do not require
hospitali sation
but,
more
importantly, that infertility in
such cases is a condition
created, among others, by
factors like stress. It is not a
disease.
The workplace isnt the only
thing to blame. Professional
stress apart, fast lifestyles and
156
They have found that in women of

child-bearing age, the levels of two
hormones known to be associated
with fertility are, as it were,
geometry-dependent.
Dr Jasienska measured the vital
statics of 119 women, aged 24-37.
She also took saliva samples from
them over a whole menstrual cycle.
She then divided her sample into
four categories a combination of
narrow or broad waist-to-hip ratio
with small or large breast-size and
looked for significant differences
between them in the levels of
progesterone and 17-b-oestrodiol,
two hormones whose concentrations
are known to be related to the
womans fertility.
In the case of progesterone, both
groups of narrow-waisted women
had high hormone levels. In that of
17-b-oestrodiol, those with narrow
waists and large breasts had
elevated levels and that level was
particularly high at the time of
ovulation. Indeed, it was so high that
Dr Jasienska estimates such women
are three-times as likely as the
others to become pregnant on any
given occasion. In evolutionary
terms, that makes them desirable
mates. Why a womans shape
should reflect hormone levels is not
clear.
late marriages are taking their toll on
fertility. In India, the pressure to
settle down and start a family begins
early. By the time their son turns 25,
parents and members of the
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
extended family feel hes ready to tie

the knot. But the modern-day man
has been eschewing early marriage
to focus on a career.
BACHELORS
PREFERENCE
Todays bachelor prefers to enjoy
his eligibility to the hilt, working hard
and partying harder. He prefers to
have finished with all the toads before
he meets that perfect princess. But,
family and princess pressure apart,
there are some compelling reasons to
prove that the male biological clock
does exist. In June 2006, researchers
at the Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory,
California,
USA,
concluded that starting in their 20s,
men face steadily increasing chances
of infertility, fathering an unsuccessful
pregnancy and passing on to their
children a genetic mutation that
causes dwarfism.
Today, men produce around 50
per cent less sperm than their fathers
did, with 43 per cent experiencing
fertility problems according to
research published in the British
Medical Journal. In India, this figure
is even lower due to a lack of
nutrition and bad health standards.
Globally, this dramatic drop in fertility
has occurred over the past 10 years,
with a general trend towards men
suffering from an increasing number
of sperm abnormalities. These may
take the form of poor motility or the
sperm may be of the wrong shape to
penetrate the egg.
Male infertility worldwide could
rise faster because both quality and
quantity of sperm are on the decline.
Infertility is set to double in
Europe in the next 10 years,
warn reproductive scientists. In
fact, studies reveal that in UK
one in four couples take longer
than the normal six months to
conceive and in a third of these
cases, the reason is poor sperm
health. Furthermore, a shock
survey by Friends of the Earth,
as Far back as 1988, indicated
that a high number of birth
defects are caused by poor
quality sperm.
According to WHO, there are 60
to 80 million infertile couples
worldwide. One in six couples
worldwide has some kind of infertility
problem and the ratio could soon rise
to one in three. In India, 10 to 15 per
cent of couples in the reproductive
age group are estimated to be
infertile. An increasing number of
couples in our country want a
maximum of two children. This has
caused the fertility rate to drop from
2.9 (in 2000) to 2.7 (in 2006). And
fertility clinics worldwide are doing
booming business. In fact, Indian
fertility experts are being sought out
by patients from all over the world
not just for their skills but also
because services here are costeffective.
HIGH INFERTILITY
Documented evidence suggests
that in India right now, infertility
among couples is as high as one in
every six. Even a decade ago, the
ratio was slightly better at 18.
Kolkata, it seems, is the worst
affected among major metros with
infertility affecting one out of every
five couples. Precise statistics arent
available. But the trendline suggests
that Kolkata is followed by Mumbai,
158
Bangalore,
New
Delhi
and
Hyderabad, in that order, in so far as
infertility goes. India accounts for a
10th of total infertility cases
worldwide. Estimates suggest that
there are close to 28 to 30 million
couples in the country who are in the
fertile age bracket but do not beget
children.
Theres a sudden spurt in infertility
cases in India over the last couple of
years. We are witnessing most of
these cases among professionals
working in the IT, ITeS and financial
sectors and in dual income families,
says Dr Rohit Gutgutia, the IVF
coordinator of Genomee, a Kolkata-
ACCORDING TO
WHO, THERE ARE 60
TO 80 MILLION
INFERTILE COUPLES
WORLDWIDE. ONE IN
SIX COUPLES
WORLDWIDE HAS
SOME KIND OF
INFERTILITY PROBLEM
AND THE RATIO
COULD SOON RISE
TO ONE IN THREE.
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
based fertility clinic. Irregular working

hours and long distance of daily travel
due to official work result in lesser
sperm count and irregular ovulation.
Some professional couples are so
stressed out now that they hardly lead
a proper marital life, said Dr
Rishikesh Pai, an infertile specialist at
Mumbais Lilavati Hospital. Dr Pai
feels that career ambitions are also
taking a toll on the reproductive
systems of young women.
Many experts believe that our
modern, stressful lifestyle coupled
with old enemies such as poor diet,
smoking and excessive drinking, are
largely to blame. British fertility and
pregnancy expert Dr Zita West, who
advises a host of celebrities at her
practice in Harley Street, London,
says, Great emphasis is put on a
womans health and nutritional status
before and during pregnancy, but
people often dont realise that the
man plays an equally crucial role in
conception by providing an adequate
supply of properly formed, healthy
sperm.
However, Dr West finds many
men feel their pride is dented by their
wives failure to conceive, and are
reluctant to acknowledge they may
have a problem. Mumbai-based
andrologist Dr Rupin Shah concurs
that husbands contribute towards 50
per cent of the infertility causes in
India.
Scientists have found high levels
of a chemical, blamed for causing
infertility, in some of the best-known
perfumes and cosmetics. Christian
Diors Poison, Calvin Kleins Eternity
and Lancomes Tresor are among the
toiletries found to contain phthalates
a group of synthetic chemicals that
are linked to reproductive damage.
And, recent research into the fertility
of men who regularly use a cellphone
for more than four hours, suggests
they had a 25 per cent lower sperm
count than men who never use a
handset.
A book, Our Stolen Future by
Theo Colborn, Diane Dumanoski and
John Myers, was published in 1997.
It documented a wealth of scientific
evidence that certain man-made
chemicals could confuse or sabotage
THE WORLDS LARGEST

HOTEL CHAIN
the human endocrine system, which

produces hormones that regulate
sexual
development
and
reproduction.
Spending too much time surfing
the Web can also affect the sperm
count. And US fertility experts warn
teenagers to consider limiting the
time they use laptop computers
positioned on their laps since longterm use may affect their fertility. The
warning comes on the heels of the
increasing popularity of laptops
coupled with existing evidence that
elevated scrotal temperatures can
result in sperm damage.
WHAT ERODES
FERTILITY
A group of testosterone-blocking
chemicals, called anti-androgens, is
finding its way into rivers that can
erode virility and feminise males.
Recent British research has linked
water pollution to the rising incidence
of male infertility. And an Italian
study has come to the conclusion
that noise pollution can affect male
fertility by damaging the sperm.
There is also bad news for those
young men who like popping Viagra
to boost their bedroom performance
the anti-impotency drug can
damage your ability to father a child.
British scientists have found that
Viagra harms fertility, particularly in
young people who use the drug
recreationally and it could also impair
their ability to have families.
Beer bellies may take a toll on
men below the belt, not just around it.
Men who weigh too much are more
likely to have poor sperm quality,
says new Danish research. Women
dont get off the hook. Though its
long been known that very
overweight women have trouble
conceiving naturally, the new study
confirms they also are less likely to
become pregnant even when
embryos are fertilised in lab dishes
and placed in their wombs.
A new Finnish study suggests that
people having an elder brother are
more likely to have reduced fertility
as compared to individuals having an
elder sister. Researchers believe that
160
Ways to boost his fertility

For healthy sperms, Dr Zita West
suggests your man take the
following steps at least four months
before you plan to conceive:
Stop smoking: Cigarettes
contain chemicals that damage
sperm.
Keep alcohol intake to a
minimum: Alcohol reduces the
bodys ability to produce the
hormone testosterone, which is vital
for sperm production.
Avoid hot baths and tight
pants: The testicles operate at a
lower temperature than the bodys
normal 37 degrees C, so dont
expose the body to excess heat.
Get tested for genito-urinary
infections: If passed to a female
partner and left untreated, some,
such as chlamydia, can cause
infertility.
Learn
to relax: Stress
adversely affects general well-being
and therefore the quality and
quantity of sperm.
Cut out coffee: It stimulates
the adrenal gland, which has the
same effect on the body as stress.
Drink two litres of water
daily: It keeps the body hydrated
and is necessary for good quality
sperm (80 per cent of seminal fluid
is water).
Have regular sex: Sperm
quality decreases if stored in the
body too long, but dont do it it
takes about 48 hours to re-establish
sperm levels after sex.
Eat plenty of fish: Fish oils
are rich in essential fatty acids vital
for good health and, in turn, sperm
quality.
Increase intake of fruit and
veggies: This will boost sperm
count by improving health because
fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidant vitamins.
Flood up on folic acid-rich
foods: A deficiency can cause a 90
per cent fall in sperm count. Good
sources include green leafy veggies,
pulses and bread.
Eat a lot of foods containing
zinc: This mineral is thought to be
important for healthy sperm and is
found in meat, fish, eggs and milk.
it may be so because having a male

child takes more out of a mother,
effecting the care she may give to
further offspring. It was found that
people with an elder sister had 12 per
cent more children than individuals
with an elder brother. It has also
been found that men whose mothers
underwent fertility treatments to
conceive appear to have impaired
reproductive health.
Declining fertility rates everywhere
are being attributed to any of these
reasons: stress, smoking, obesity,
malnutrition, women postponing
marriage and motherhood because of
inflexible working hours and career
aspirations,
sexually-transmitted
infections,
drugs
or
alcohol
dependency, psychological factors
and exposure to radiation and

chemicals. Thats a huge basket of
reasons and so affects a large swathe
of the worlds population, impacting
every economic group. Ageing
population and sharply declining birth
rates are worrying Europe and the
US. India, with a one-billion-plus
population however, is not sweating
yet. With an estimated 35 per cent of
its total population under 15 years of
age, Indian youth is set to dominate
the world. Interestingly, China will
soon experience the effects of the
one-child norm that has restricted
family numbers and skewed gender
ratios for more than 20 years. Alls
well that ends well. By default, we will
soon find ourselves reaping the
benefit of multiplying like rabbits. We
Womans Era
August (First) 2011
SELF
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EMPLOYMENT COURSES
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Chocolate Making
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MONEY MATTERS
Q&
A
To know about groom's credentials,

can I file an RTI (Right to Information)
application, spending little money?
We have to find out whether the
prospective bridegroom has criminal
background and is he a suspect
polygamist.
Spend as little as ten bucks, to put
in a RTI application, enquiring about
potential groom. You would get
information about his character and
previous marriages, if any.
At beauty parlours, I am constantly
asked to buy shampoo, cream and
other cosmetics. What should be
done?
It is easy to wriggle out of the
situation. You can ask for samples of
the beauty products. Tell the parlour
that you would try them.
As I am retiring, can I get loan from
any bank against my pension?
No need to panic, at all, my friend.
There are certain banks, which grant
loans to retired persons, provided
pension is shown. The interest rate
would be 14 per cent and you would
have to repay the whole amount in
2-5 years.
Can chiffon clothes be rid of black
grease marks? I am anxious to know.
My outfit has been ruined.
Apply talcum powder to affected
chiffon garment. It gives results.
162
The shopkeepers offer freebies,

which are not always to my liking.
Can we ask for anything else? I dont
want to miss out on deals.
Enquire from the shop, whether
discounts are available, instead of
freebies. You can save money, the
smart way.
I want to make coconut oil, at home.
Is it possible?
Take a coconut, extract kernel and
heat it over a low flame, using a
hollow bottom pan. The oil would
collect in receptacle. It is simple and
easy.
I want to sell my car, but don't want
to be duped. The buyer is offering a
bank draft. What precautions must be
taken?
Where a bank draft is offered,
dont part with car, at once. Check
whether the money has entered your
bank account. Then only, give the
car. Dont sign any documents,
parting with car, also, unless the
bank draft is encashed.
As education loan from one bank is

not proving sufficient, for my
daughter's study, can we apply to two
banks?
No, I am afraid that's not possible.
However, you can take second loan
against property, for educating your
daughter.
The bank would advance such
loan, easily. Another way would be
to take a personal loan. But, except
education loans, others have to be
repaid, very quickly.
I use sponges to apply foundation
and moisturiser together, How can
they last long and remain fresh?
Try washing the sponge once
a week. It would give radiance for
long.
E-mail your queries to:
money@womansera.com
Meenakshi Subramaniam
is a former IRS officer, answering all
your money queries, right from income
tax to supermarket shopping.
Mail your queries to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
For how many days, do leftovers
remain edible, in a refrigerator?
Any leftover retains freshness, for
3-5 days, in fridge.
I want to know how much money can
be spent on beauty products. As a
salaried woman, my budget must not
go awry.
It would be prudent to allot 3 per
cent of monthly salary to cosmetics.
How do I know whether online shop
selling products like mobiles is
genuine ?
Look for landline number at the
website. Ring up and talk, confirming
that the shop exists. Then, enter into
transaction, not before.
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg,

New Delhi-110055.

you good, interesting and useful material
in every issue. It will help us a lot if you let
us know which features,
stories and articles you like from
this issue and which you didn't.
WOMAN'S ERA
New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
HUBBY IN THE
DELIVERYROOM
It creates a tripartite
bond between the mother,
father and child.
By V. N. Mukundarajan
onception and parentage
are collaborative efforts
between the spouses. But
nature has bestowed a
unique privilege on women
the life-creating and lifenurturing ability. It is widely
accepted
that,
during
pregnancy, the wife needs
emotional support and the
companionship of the husband. But
in non western countries, the wife is
mostly alone at the most important
moment, childbirth. Why should it be
so ? Why should the wife be denied
the presence of her husband during
delivery?
Before the advent of institutional
deliveries, women gave birth in their
homes under the supervision of
experienced midwives. Though the
husband was not near her side
during childbirth, the wife had the
psychological satisfaction of knowing
that the hubby was within calling
distance inside the home.
When deliveries shifted to
hospitals, relatives were banished
from the labour room. In the West,
perceptions about husband-assisted
childbirth began to change in the late
seventies and eighties. In 1974,
Robert Bradley published his bestselling book Husband Coached
Childbirth. This book prompted more
men to take an active part in the birth
of their children.
Gradually it began to be accepted
that women had the right to demand
that their husbands remain by their
side in the labour room during the
CHILDBIRTH CAN BE
BOTH EXCITING AND
TRAUMATISING FOR
WOMEN. IT IS AN
INTENSELY
EMOTIONAL AND
PHYSICALLY DRAINING
PROCESS WHICH A
WOMAN SHOULD
NOT BE EXPECTED TO
UNDERGO ALL
ALONE.
important hour. It was considered
beneficial for both the mother and the
father-to-be. What are the perceived
advantages for allowing the husband
near his wife during childbirth?
First, childbirth can be both
exciting and traumatising for women.
It is an intensely emotional and
physically draining process which a
woman should not be expected to
undergo all alone. The physical
166
presence of the spouse comforts the

wife and adds to her confidence. A
mere touch or caress can work
wonders in helping the wife to cope
with labour pain.
Second, the presence of the
husband can strengthen the bond
between partners. Marital harmony
draws
strength
from
shared
experiences.
Third, the father-to-be develops a
special feeling of affection and
kinship towards the child whose birth
he has witnessed. The seeds of
healthy and strong father-child
relationship are sown in the labour
room.
Fourth, the task of the medical
professionals is made easier as a
calm and reassured couple facilitates
a normal delivery.
Fifth, with the husband as witness,
the possibility of wrong accusations
for medical malpractice is minimised.
But there are downsides as well.
First, equanimity is not a strong
point with many men. A scary and
nervous husband can transfer his
negative feelings to the wife.
Second, an overanxious husband
can interfere with the procedure and

obstruct the medical staff from doing
their duty.
Third, some men are reported to
have developed sexual dysfunction
after witnessing the birth of their
children.
Fourth, the husband may not like
to have another child after seeing the
pain and trauma undergone by his
wife. This could lead to marital
discord.
The debate on the issue is yet to
be
settled.
Leading
French
obstetrician Dr Michael Odent is of
the view that fathers dont have a
place in the delivery room. According
to him, the presence of fathers often
makes the labouring mother anxious.
This will interrupt the production of a
hormone oxytocin critical to the birth
process. A normal delivery could end
up as a Caesarean section. Thus
much can be said for and against the
presence of the hubby in the delivery
room. But the bottom line is that it is
for the couple to decide whether the
father-to-be should be at the side of
his wife when his baby is born.
HUSBANDS ROLE
IS CRUCIAL
In India, medical practice is still in
the paternalistic mode. Doctors feel
that they can take care of everything
that the mother needs. Relatives are
generally discouraged from entering
the labour room. Natural birthing
centres run by foreign midwives in
Kerala and Goa encourage husbands
to be present during labour and birth.
But Indian husbands do not seem to
be too eager to be at the side of their
wives. Many are squeamish about
witnessing the birth of the baby.
Some are weighed down by
entrenched societal attitudes that
frown upon the hubbys physical
proximity with his wife during labour.
But winds of change are blowing.
Some private hospitals have started
allowing husbands to participate in
the births of their children. The
concept of husband-assisted child birth will gradually find acceptance.
What is required is perhaps a tipping
We
point.
CAMPUS RUMPUS
THE MOBILE FETISH
I recently undertook a journey with my classmates as a
school trip that required us to travel for 36 hours one
way. (And then the other way too!)
These chhattis (thirty-six) hours of the Chhattisgarh
express have dawned a realisation upon me: the mobile
fetish has gripped the human world. Every owner of a
pair of hands had a mobile in hand. Constant messaging,
chatting, gaming and listening to songs were all that was
going around me.
First, the continuous click-clacks of the never tired
texting hands and then the emotions related to the SMSs.
I know of one of my companions who was so attached to
her messages that she would burst out crying receiving a
reply and the situation was no different if she didnt! She
would at times not eat all together and at some rare
instances she would burst out laughing as if no one else
understood the joke! Yes, mobile had made some weird
effect on her!
The mobile was invented to bring the near ones closer,
but instead it has separated people. No one has any time
to look up and talk. The personal contacts were formed
and broken.
No one was ready to enjoy the tranquil twilight breeze
that blew outside the window; instead they seemed far
more interested in the Windows XP that worked on their
lofty models. A silent competition prevailed must have
that phone! The worst times were when the noiseless
competition grew into a violent war for the charging
booth.
I soon realised the implications they all missed the
beautiful scenery that went past my eyes but I pity
those who only saw the message pass into the other
phone. The chilly fog didnt make its way through their
hair, the beautiful patterns it made amidst the trees.
The pretty red flowers that bloomed in the dark green
bushes and the silvery dew that still slept on the
delicate petal bed...
All I can do is feel sorry!
Samyukta Shastri, Nagpur.
29
CONTEST
1
P
L
11
24
22
L
O
12
L
13
15
18
21
N
14
10
E
8
19
O
16
R
20
17
23
25
26
27
168
1. Strike (someone) with a hard blow (4)

2. The jargon or slang of a particular group
or class (5)
3. Pull or knock down a building (8)
4. A person or thing that is the centre of
attention or admiration (8)
5. The branch of biochemistry concerned
with enzymes (10)
6. Reluctance to work or make an effort;
laziness (5)
8. A state or feeling of active opposition or
hostility (6)
11. Heat a metal or glass and allow it to cool
slowly to remove internal stresses and
toughen it (6)
17. Be doomed to misfortune or failure (4)
19. Appropriate or suitable in the
circumstances (3)
22. Any of the regular occasions in a day
when a reasonably large amount of
food is eaten (4)
23. Small loose particles of stone or sand (4)
26. Chemical symbol for the element
Bromine (2)
Please accept my entry for the

crossword competition. I
subscribe to all the rules and
regulations of the competition.
Name
Down
1. Irrelevant or inappropriate messages sent

on the Internet to a large number of
users (4)
3. The wife or widow of a duke (7)
7. Try earnestly or persistently to persuade
(someone) to do something (4)
9. An establishment which maintains a
collection of wild animals, typically in a
park or gardens, for study, conservation,
or display to the public (3)
10. The branch of metaphysics dealing with
the nature of being (8)
11. Automated Teller Machine (3)
12. Abbreviation for Ministry of Health (3)
13. United Nations Organisation (3)
14. Make (a garment or other item) by
interlocking loops of wool or other yarn
with knitting needles or on a machine (4)
15. A polite or respectful word for addressing
a man, especially one in a position of
authority (3)
16. A removable or hinged cover for the top
of a container (3)
18. Yes (used in representations of British
upper-class speech) (3)
20. A person's sense of self-esteem or selfimportance (3)
21. A barrier constructed to hold back water
and raise its level, forming a reservoir
used to generate electricity or as a water
supply (3)
24. A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a
book or notes, from which someone,
typically a preacher or lecturer, can read
while standing up (7)
25. The basic monetary unit of Japan (3)
27. Assign an inferior rank or position to (8)
28. A piece of cloth or plastic fastened round
a child's neck to keep its clothes clean
while eating (3)
Address
City
Pin
Across
28
Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No. 29 Womans Era, Delhi Press, New Delhi-110 055.
w
Cross
r
d
WIN UP TO
Rs10,000
Winners of Crossword - 26
Shilpi Gulati,
IN CASH PRIZES
Dr Poonam C
houd
Visakhapatna hary,
m.
Agra.
bo, Mumbai.
Lizanne M. Lo
L. Christiane
Boinei, Imphal
Answers to Crossword-26
Across: 1. Anthropology,
7. Allegory, 8. Air, 10. Elan,
11. Ombudsman, 12. Decoy,
14. Maim, 16. Ale, 17. CU, 19. Roll,
22. Brook, 24. Add, 25. Aerial,
26. Obese, 27. Fir.
za, Mangalore
Sharon DSou
Jyoti Agarwal
, Nagpur.
Om Prakash
ior.
Kaushik, Gwal
lkback,
aconda, 2. Ta ral,
Down: 1. An
O
5.
,
rameter
3. Rigid, 4. Pa c, 10. Enamel,
bi
m
6. Yarn, 9. Ia
Crab,
. Murder, 18.
13. Yankee, 15 . LA, 23. Oas
20. Oval, 21
WIN WIN WIN

ON YOUR
Poonam Shar
ma, Bharatpu
Mukherjee,
r.
Dr Shakmila B.
New Delhi.
h,
Chandra Sing
Uttarakhand.
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169
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you good, interesting and useful
material in every issue. It will help us
a lot if you let us know which features,
stories and articles you like from
this issue and which you didn't.
WOMAN'S ERA
New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
Never go by appearances
In my college days, some guys regularly gathered at a
roadside magazine stall to ogle at the girls. One
particularly irritated me with his odd gestures. His
slender body in a loose shirt and tight jeans, hippy,
uncombed hair and dusky complexion compelled me to
call him Mr Celenterata (a species of earthworm).
One evening, I took my three-year-old nephew for a
ride at the deer park on the banks of the Mahanadi five
kms from my home. It suddenly became dark and I
started back on the lonely road. But my two-wheeler
developed engine trouble. It would not start despite my
best efforts and I became very nervous. I became more
nervous when my nephew started to cry. There was no
public phone booth nearby. I was looking around for
help when, from a nearby betel shop, somebody
approached me. It was none other than Mr Celenterata.
He just asked for my key and tried his best to start my
vehicle but failed. Then he went some distance and
brought back a rickshaw which I boarded with my
nephew. After that he took my key and followed me
with my vehicle to the nearest garage. While I was
chatting with the garage man, Mr Celenterata quietly
left without giving me a chance to thank him. Thank
Ms H. P. Dash, Odisha.
you, Mr Celenterata.
174
L/M. At times there may be ego

clashes in love marriages and this
leads to strained relations. Once these
takes root the charm of marriage is
lost. Mostly love marriages end in
disaster and also separation. Longlive
A/M. There is Romance of Life in
arranged marriages.
G. Bhuvaneswari, Chennai.
EDITORIA
beloved
killed our
many
has even
In its aftermath
This movement
in Punjab.
Indira Gandhi.in communa l violence.
Prime Minister were killed
spirit of sectoral
Sikhs
RISM
its original
it wont be
This innocentis again regaining
Amid these,
ON TERRO
terrorism.
prosperity. forgotten spooks.
Punjab
POLITICS
started on
Singh
peace and
out old,
politics has is Devinder Pal
tolerance,
move to dig
nce again
issue
ERMENT?
Force. President
an intelligent
time, politicians
Liberation
N EMPOW
petition,
Khalistan
his mercy
path towards
Bhullar of
and its
IS THIS WOME
already rejected nt in serial bomb
villages
through these
Patil has
land of
involveme
awarded
must pass
Pratibha
this long
ndia is
against his
he has been
declared
this
and prosperity
as charges been proved and
progress
Gandhi had
our govern
Court upheld
Mahatma
i
Supreme
of this notion,
blasts have
villages.
Even the
closed now.
on the spirit nce, established Panchayatto
should be begins from this
death sentence.
was
Working
the matter
purpose
Independe
in ago.
play
soon after the country. The
verdict. Thus
far away
ely political assembly elections
ment,
was
in
, which
But unfortunat
of Bhullar.
ensuing
Raj institution vast population
view of the are voicing in favourBadal has
Indias
point. In
nt.
parties
that merely
empower
Singh
developme
realised
Punjab, political minister Prakash the reversal of the
from the urban the governme nt
was not enough
for
and
States chiefthe Prime Minister
minister
Overtime,
ti Raj institution. Especially the
to
has
former chief
g Panchaya
appealed
population
and were
Even the
Singh too,
establishin
entire rural
the margin
of Bhullar
death sentence. Capt. Amarinder
to empower still remained on and rearing children.
leader
that execution
step
Congress
woman folk household chores
opinion fearing
in Punjab.
be
t took another cent
can
with
voiced similarthe Sikh community
governmen
per
burdened
So the
these leaders
of
about 50
in
would anger reaction of both
an ideology
SC and STs
. It may be
and introduced
Certainly
a large
n for women,
but dangerous of
reservatio Thanks to this, now
termed nothingto see a member
s.
are contesting
in
not
Panchayat
Dal
hanged
women
village
Akali
of
being
number
and becomingstate of
their communityIndia, as their
elections
l
nt
agricultura
Panchayat
in
supreme
Independe
the largest
made
women headshas
y
heads. In
there are
communit the freedom struggle.
But
in
are
Uttar Pradesh,
s out of 52,000.
ent?
sacrifices
empowerm
death sentences
17,300 Panchayat
But in India in rare of the rarest
led to womanmost of these
only
all this really
death
no. In
awarded
was awarded
only nominal
is a clear
are
cases. Bhullarhatching conspiracy
heads have
The answer
for
village councilsmale
Chief
Bureau
ts women
sentence
Vigilance
Panchaya
works of these
or other
Youth Congress
n. Official
other
to kill Punjab Singh Saini and
participatio
by their husbands
funds and
Dal nor
2001.
Even the
Chief Sumedh
are de
actually discharged
the Akali
on 25 August
women heads sort of
of their families.
years neither in favour of Bhullar.
MS Bitta
these
10
for
members
What
d
they
ts intended
During these ever campaigne
by their men.
innocence
emolumen
Singh
and utilised
really
e right then.
Amarinder convinced about Bhullars
facto received is this?
prominenc
politics is
ent
issue with was awarded death
If they were
empowerm of women in national level, women have
raised this
in
council
s made
that Bhullar
could have
almost
In
Position
village
advocates
ble. But at cognisable presence.
in
of his confession Delhi bomb
Akali Dal
commenda
increasing
on the basisan accused in 1993
on,
having a
heads is
the
sentence
Bhullar, later
He was
no say despitenumber of women are only serving
by
statement.
police custody.had killed nine people.
all the states But indirectly they The logic given
given any when he
which
having
ts.
only.
blasts
about
men
women are
Panchaya
raised right state is
the court
families and absurd that the
have been
refused in
have to
Now the
interest of
facts should
hence they
is also very
sentence.
issue has
All these
their men or slightly educated, women can change
the death
year. This Not only
d
Only
and
was awarded in February next
uneducate
elections.
polls
on their behalf. to take bold steps will
of assembly being made to the
going to
They
take command They will have
again in view
are also
is a Sikh
inated system. families
flared up
l appeals
this situation.in the male-dom
also, who
with their
this, sentimentaManmohan Singh corner the Congress.
make a dent up the natural affinityof the village heads,
how to
Congress
Prime Minister
their family.
have to give elected to the post
aim is clear political parties the
becomes
are
m We
himself. The
major
The Congress
when they
mansera.co
, both the
village population
this stand.
does
Thankfully
write to: letters@wo
for then entire
do not supportwhat personal motive
and the BJP
Singh
Amarinder
matter.
difficulty
must ask
great
serious
a
with
such
he have in movement has ended
(Second) 2011
Khalistani
Era June
Womans
A CASE AGAINST
CAPITAL
PUNISHMENT
This refers to your

editorial (June II)
Politics of Terrorism
and
the
politics
relating to death sentence of
Devinder Palsingh Bhuller of
Khalistan Liberation Force. I feel that
death sentence by itself is abhorrent
and this country gave birth to Buddha
and Gandhi, who preached nonviolence.
While the regional parties in
Punjab opposed the death sentence
on electoral considerations, they
dont oppose death sentence per se.
In countries where death sentence is
in force, it has been substantiated by
the human rights activists that death
sentence did not act as a deterrent
against crime in those societies.
K. S. Sundaram, Bengaluru.
OMEN
INDIAN WUA
L OF
AND THE RIT
ARRANGEDS
MARRIAGE
LONG LIVE A/M
In WE issue of June
II, 2011, I read with
T interest the article
Indian Woman and the
Ritual of Arranged
Marriages. There is
nothing like A/M. In Indian culture, for
a marriage, blessings of the elders
from the brides side and the grooms
side and consent from father and
mother are a must. Their blessings
have a lot of significance.
After getting married the husband
and wife can start lovemaking.
In a love marriage, the charm of
lovemaking is lost after marriage. In
arranged marriages since both the
boy and the girl are strangers,
anything will be new for them unlike
t
Are such ancien
nt to
practices releva
y?
the 21st centurSaha
By Barnali
of arranged
no
he institution
despite having the
to
marriages
according
legal status
Act of 1955
Hindu MarriageMarriage Act
or the Specialcontinues to be
mate
of 1954, still
mode of
the major
in the culturally
nt
selection
Indian subcontinethe
enriched
posing as
with India
of marital
of this kind
cent
90-95 per
vanguard
by
estimated
alliance. An in India are arranged
without
or
with
of marriages
guardians
girl
parents and of the boy and
the consent
of arranged
involved.
be
The institution proved to
has
forging aheadmarriages
ly robust
d develop
surprising
of widesprea
of the
regardless social scenario
the
media being
ment in
of popular
of
world. In spite in their celebration or
ous
marriages
overgener
not
love, love
choice are
romantic
by personal sensible and
marriages
as a
always regardedof union.
mode
upon the
desirable
s placed
restriction
and girls
The
of boys
free mingling parents vehement
with
should
together
children
al that
are two
disapprov
own partners
choose their
Womans
Era June
A TRIBUTE TO
INDIAN WOMEN
The feature Indian
Housewives a Make INDIAN IVES
over Story (June II)
HOUSEW
was a tribute to Indian
B
woman. Women are
playing a very significant role in the
evolution of the society. Many years
ago women opting for higher studies
were not common and they were not
allowed to pursue their education
beyond a certain level. That were
married off at the early age of 17 to
20 and expected to take care of the
household and the whole family
members single-handedly.
But now women are boldly coming
out of their shells to continue their
education as per her minds and
started going for jobs. Initially working
women had more stress physically as
the present day comforts were not
common in those days Gradually with
the advancement of technology
women have cleverly adapted themselves to modern comforts and
started making their own decisions in
managing money matters.
Indira Gopalan, Bangalore.
RY
KEOVER STO
A MA
position today.
Paul
Namrata
By
from an
verse quoted
A Sanskrit beautifully summari
,
a housewife
of both mundane eminent person,
conduct of
in matters
her
to adopt
the ideal
husband
hearted to
her duty
of the ses has to be opena woman and spiritual. Its
to his brothers
and sentiments
a She
y marriage,new status in
respectful
become
a
the traditions
to his mother,
she has
achieves
after husband,
devoted
family and family of which
Generally,
and sisters, towards his relations,
her husbands
demands full-fledged member.
te
enters her
smiling even
status
be
this
a woman a stranger affectiona e to servants,
to
of roles to
courteous
as a marriage
family as
different types
have considerat
co-wives,
by her
hateful to
husbands
members
his other
performed
friends and
and to
brides
the other
. The
because
her husbands
the traditions
housewife
to make
already imbibed ily
st duty is
Her
contact,
without physical
has
specific,
form is not
meant for sex is usually partner importantl y,
sex is not
and most
procreate
n humans,
alone. Fish
and intimacy
at its core.
the
procreation
laying eggsin the relationship
this is perhaps only
by females
sperms,
No wonder
are the
their
e
humans
males releasing
reason why perform sex face-to-fac y
animals have
certain
water. Many
or missionar
species who
releasing
traditional to the fact that
females
males
that attract cases is in their
All this points act of sex in
chemicals
in these
only. position.has made the
the mating
Nature
evolved species
mating season
during the between two steady humans the most of procreation
not
any
means
Also, it is
Else, where
nor is there the not just the
.
partners
of recreation
the issue
committed
plants too,
but a form
complicate
In most
when flowers was the need to
of pleasure
foreplay.
element
is seasonal
of
in them.
? The act
adding the
pollination
and nectar
are by
procreation
of
there
fragrance
act
entirely
the
have
no into
humans where
have been .
It is only the mating seasons,
sex would
eventuality
pertinent
are released instinctive in that
no specific
the
a few other
chemicals
females,
specific
There are
need answering
to attract
which
natural
too
only for
n in its
seasonally
questions
that sex is
procreatio
presume
process of
our ancients
if we still
n. Why wouldscriptures on
propagatio
way to write Kokashastra
go all the
Kama Sutra,
have
sex like the was the need to
acts,
sexual
etc? Where
and
kinds of
sculpted
various
and postures that too on
positions
And
as erotica?
places as
depicted
by
of such sacred
frequented
the walls
which are
age
the temples e of caste, creed,
such
all irrespectiv are a host of
Pradesh,
or sex. There
Orissa, MadhyaIndia the
temples in
and
and southern
Rajasthan
being Khajuraho
most notablethe obvious conclusion
women
Konark. So,
men and
between
is that sex pleasure too.
for
Wadia
has been
(Second) 2011
100
WOMEN NEED A
REASON FOR SEX
The portrait of a
curvaceous and semibare-breasted
lady
with face expressing
ecstasy and body
prostrated
sexually
with
an
expression of oozing oomph on the
page of the article Women Enjoy
Sex, More Than Men by Dr (Col)
Vijay Wadia (June I) spontaneously
reminded me of the famous quotation
of Zimmerman that reads as, Beauty
is worse than wine, because it
WOMENX
ENJOTHAY NSE
MEN
MOREHeres how.
By Dr (Col)
Vijay
Womans
Era June
(First) 2011
82
intoxicates both the holder and the

beholder.
Right from the dawn of civilisation,
women have been a superb reflection
of sex, sensuality, sublimity, sensitivity, maternity and all that jazz which
concerns homo sapiens on the Earth.
Indubitably, a woman is far superior
to a man from the perspective of
myriad genres of human endeavours
and conspicuously from the point of
view of biological anatomy and
genetic chemistry. They say that the
female of the species is more deadly
than the male. But at this stage an
important question arises: why does
the fair sex mesmerise men so
overwhelmingly? Is it only for the sex
appeal? Is it only for the oomph? Is it
only
for
the
blessed
and
extraordinarily designed, aesthetically
chiselled and artistically created
anatomical configuration of the
gorgeous female body?
However, the role of physical
pulchritude of the women in arousing
the lust of men and enticing the beast
in them cannot be rejected outright
yet it is a host of intrinsic catalysts
that make women relish the sex
sauce more palatably and seriously.
They say that when it comes to sex,
women need a reason, men need a
corner. This is what that exactly
makes a big difference when we talk
of enjoying sex.
Shreeprakash Sharma, Samastipur.
The prize is awarded to:
Shreeprakash Sharma, Samastipur
WOMAN'S ERA
invites readers
opinions and
reactions on
articles, short stories
and features published
in Womans Era. The best
letter will be given a prize of
Rs 500. Address your letters by
E-mail to: letters@womansera.com
or by post to:
AS YOU SAY
New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
Name:
Mobile:
E-mail:
175
CIRCLE
By Divesh Nath
THE WORLD OF PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS
t is natural that men should crave for being able to

work harder while suffering from least amount of
physical exhaustion or damage while doing so.
The idea of athletes or combatants being fed special
diets, supplements or even miraculous drugs is as old
as humanity itself. In mythological texts we have many
references to heroes or heroins who were able to
acquire great physical prowess by the way or receiving
some boon from a demigod or after being fed with a
miraculous potion. Since ancient times many people in
traditional communities have been using certain leaves
or roots to spend longer periods of time without feeling
hungry, thirsty or tired. In fact, there exists evidence to
suggest that for many millennia the use of laudanum,
or opium, has been quite common amongst athletes
competing in long-distance races.
Cutting-edge science is capable of creating drugs
that are especially targeted. For instance, the drug that
a long-distance athlete may use will be different from
the one that a sprinter may use. A swimmer needs to
focus on strengthening a special set of muscles and
hence he might try to dope himself with a speciality
drug. The popularity of such drugs is at an all-time
high. Whenever major sporting events are being held,
you cant do without hearing terms such as
amphetamines, anabolic steroids and much else.
The contemporary public opinion has accepted that
the usage of performance-enhancing drugs in sporting
events is unethical and hence it must also be illegal.
But on what basis have we reached this conclusion?
After all, performance enhancement is something that
mankind has been coveting since the dawn of
civilisation. The basis is this the athlete who uses
doping techniques will be able to easily beat the
athletes who are participating in their natural state. So
it is all about fairness. In that case, why not give such
drugs or medicines to each and every athlete. But this
will lead to the problem of a never-ending race
between different sporting nations to create better and
still better performance-enhancing drugs. Isnt that how
science works?
It is also believed that if the usage of performanceenhancing drugs is allowed then developed countries,
with their massive financial clout and their capabilities
in the field of genetics and medicine, will be able to
create steroid-packed athletes who will easily beat
athletes from Third World countries, where such
facilities cannot be available. But the fact is that even
with the ban on doping being in place, majority of the
178
Womans Era
medals go to the developed

countries. The truth is that the
standards for food, hygiene, medical
care, sports training, etc. are quite
high for almost everyone in
developed countries. Similar standards of living are
available only to a small elite in Third World countries.
An athlete who has been trained with proper food and
technology will even without doping turn out to be
better than one who has been forced to train in a poor
environment.
In any case, it is not possible for modern society to
ban performance-enhancing drugs. Such drugs are
now available everywhere. In the shopping malls, you
can find breakfast cereals, biscuits, etc. that are laced
with such drugs. Viagra is available across the counter
in most countries. All sections of society, and not just
athletes, have started taking such chemicals in one
form or the other. There are rumours that some
advanced countries have developed performanceenhancing drugs that cannot be detected through the
normal doping tests that are conducted at sporting
events. That is why majority of the athletes who get
caught in doping scandals are from Third World
countries like India. Indians are still using dopes that
are obsolete by international standards and can be
picked up easily in a normal urine sample test.
The most recent sporting star from the USA to be
caught in a doping scandal is Marion Jones. However,
she was not caught during the 2000 Olympics, where
she won three gold and two bronze medals. She was
caught almost seven years after her glorious
performance in Olympics. It was in 2007 that authorities
learned about her trysts with doping. It is very rare for
athletes from developed countries to be caught in the
act. Perhaps this is because they use the kind of drugs
that are virtually undetectable. The technology behind
performance enhancement has now become so
advanced that all kinds of drugs are commonly
available everywhere in the market. Hence a ban on
doping is as unworkable as a ban on the sale of
alcohol.
We are not saying that doping should be legalised.
That will lead to a situation where, instead of normal
human beings, X-men type of mutants will be
competing in sporting events. However, the authorities
will have to come up with better strategies to see to it
that only athletes from Third World countries are not
victimised.
divesh@womansera.com We
August (First) 2011

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AUGUST (FIRST) 2011

Vol 38, Issue No. 904

BUILDS HAPPY HOMES

Founder: Vishwa Nath

Pregnancy & Motherhood Special

A LITTLE SCIENCE BEHIND CONCEIVING TWINS

MONSOON SKIN-CARE MOTHERHOOD

62 GOA BEYOND THE BEACHES

THE HABIT OF DIARY WRITING

WILL YOU VOTE THE PRESENT

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HOW I WAS DUPED

15 THERE IS HOPE STILL

36 FOR THE GRACE

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here is no doubt that some of the tactics, like

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Womans Era August (First) 2011

write to: letters@womansera.com We

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child through the West Indies former

was looked at with suspicion and

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daily duties during pregnancy and

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THERE IS HOPE STILL

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SEWING FOR FUN

How stitching and sewing gained importance.

here is an old saying a stitch

embroidery, zigzag stitching, hole

Computerised sewing machine: