Priyanka Naik's Blog, page 14
June 14, 2015
A modern-day fairy tale
'Here is the other slipper," said Cinderella as she produced the glass slipper the prince had come searching for.
"But...but your hands are covered with soot, your hair is in a mess, you are wearing a tattered dress. The maiden I saw at the ball was wearing a diamond studded gown and arrived in a golden carriage. She was nothing less than a royal princess. And you..." the prince trailed off, refusing to meet her eyes, unable to hide his disappointment. Try as he might he could not deny the semblance between the two. But he refused to acknowledge it.
"That was me. My fairy godmother did all that," Cinderella explained the magic spell by her fairy godmother, how she had changed the field mice into coachmen, how she had provided for the shimmering gown, the tiara, the glass slippers.
"...and the golden carriage was actually this pumpkin," she said pointing to the plump orange vegetable sitting in one corner of the room.
The wise men who had accompanied the prince smirked. The prince's face turned red with embarrassment.
As if on cue, the wicked stepmother rushed out of the kitchen.
"Oh dear," she exclaimed. " The poor girl has forgotten to take her anti-psychotics again."
The prince breathed a sigh of relief.
"Stop the search party immediately," he ordered his minister. "It's not everyday that a wicked stepmother will rush to my rescue."
He then softly asked him to dispose off the glass slipper to a place where it can never be found again.
Back at the palace, the king chuckled on hearing his son's narrow escape.
"I'd told you the slipper was a bad idea," he exclaimed in an all knowing tone, wagging his finger at the prince.
"You should understand that compatibility is much more than silent ball-room dancing."
The Prince sighed. His father was right. It was too risky living in a fairytale.
(You can read more such stories and other updates on the facebook page dedicated to my debut novel. Here is the link http://facebook.com/TOFthenovel )
"But...but your hands are covered with soot, your hair is in a mess, you are wearing a tattered dress. The maiden I saw at the ball was wearing a diamond studded gown and arrived in a golden carriage. She was nothing less than a royal princess. And you..." the prince trailed off, refusing to meet her eyes, unable to hide his disappointment. Try as he might he could not deny the semblance between the two. But he refused to acknowledge it.
"That was me. My fairy godmother did all that," Cinderella explained the magic spell by her fairy godmother, how she had changed the field mice into coachmen, how she had provided for the shimmering gown, the tiara, the glass slippers.
"...and the golden carriage was actually this pumpkin," she said pointing to the plump orange vegetable sitting in one corner of the room.
The wise men who had accompanied the prince smirked. The prince's face turned red with embarrassment.
As if on cue, the wicked stepmother rushed out of the kitchen.
"Oh dear," she exclaimed. " The poor girl has forgotten to take her anti-psychotics again."
The prince breathed a sigh of relief.
"Stop the search party immediately," he ordered his minister. "It's not everyday that a wicked stepmother will rush to my rescue."
He then softly asked him to dispose off the glass slipper to a place where it can never be found again.
Back at the palace, the king chuckled on hearing his son's narrow escape.
"I'd told you the slipper was a bad idea," he exclaimed in an all knowing tone, wagging his finger at the prince.
"You should understand that compatibility is much more than silent ball-room dancing."
The Prince sighed. His father was right. It was too risky living in a fairytale.
(You can read more such stories and other updates on the facebook page dedicated to my debut novel. Here is the link http://facebook.com/TOFthenovel )
June 12, 2015
A closer look
"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of us all?"
No matter how much we pretend not to care, every woman, as a rule of thumb, is concerned about her appearance. Every single one of us desire smooth and spotless skin, a glowing complexion, and a radiant face. More importantly, a clean and clear face is not just a compliment-magnet but also an indicator of good health, and that is something we need to keep in mind.
How many times have you looked into the mirror and frowned? The angry pimples that somehow make an appearance every time you have an important board meeting or function to attend, the greasy skin that you need to constantly dab with a tissue all the time, the ugly blackheads that leave equally ugly marks when you try squeezing them out with that painful blackhead remover are issues most of us deal with. Well, all I'd say is stop torturing your face with synthetic products and harmful cosmetics. Concealing the problem isn't going to solve it. A cosmetic facial care regime will cause more harm to the skin than good, and hence the need of something totally natural and holistic in its approach like Ayurveda. After all, the perfect skin care should be done at both the intrinsic as well as extrinsic level.
Here are a few important tips towards attaining a naturally beautiful skin:
Intrinsic measures: Proper nutrition: This is the key to a healthy and glowing skin. Eating fresh and nutritious food items instead of preserved ones or those containing artificial sweeteners or flavors reduces the production of impurities in the body, enables easier digestion, repairs damaged tissues, regenerates skin cells, fights against skin problems thus leading to a smooth and glowing skin. Eating a lot of vegetables (especially lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and tender asparagus tips) and fresh fruits also provides vitamins and adequate nourishment leading to good health and hence good skin. Foods like coffee, chocolate, fried foods, direct sugars should be limited.Adequate hydration: Consumption of 3-4 liters of water every day is important to maintain a healthy system. Proper hydration is required for detoxification of the body. Accumulation of toxins can lead to skin problems, and consumption of water helps in cleansing the body of these toxins, thus preventing skin eruptions or breakouts. Green tea is rich in anti oxidants and helps in maintaining vitality of the skin.Adequate exercise and sleep: Brisk walking at least five times a week for half an hour every day is important. Sweating during exercise promotes circulation which is important for healthy skin. Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are known to help a great deal by improving blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as muscle tone. Also, one must have at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day for a younger and improved complexion. The growth hormone that is produced during sleep and exercise is responsible for promotion of fibroblast health which in turn promotes growth of collagen and elastin that is responsible for the skin to become firm. Essential vitamins and minerals: Taking a multivitamin every day will help the skin look younger and glowing. Calcium and Vit D (from exposure to sunlight) is also important. When it comes to skin care, extrinsic measures are equally important as compared to the intrinsic measures discussed above. I remember my grandmother telling me how they would use various home made methods to achieve a blemish free complexion in the good old days. I recall her asking me to boil neem leaves in my bath water to ward off pimples. She would ask me to slather a cream and turmeric paste on my skin. Some days it would be lime and honey, other days it would be gram flour and curd. I would cringe just imagining the messy affair, and luckily manage to give it a skip.
Here are the home remedies as I remember them from Aaji's kitchen:
Mix chickpea flour and milk powder in equal parts. Take two teaspoons of this mixture in the palm of your hand and add water to make a thin paste out of it. Scrub lightly over wet skin. Rinse off and pat dry. The chickpea flour acts as a natural exfoliant and the milk powder provides nourishment to the skin. Take two tbsps of natural raw honey. Add a few drops of lime. Slather on face. Wait until dry and then wash off in upward motion. (Warning: Can be messy. Err...stay away from ant hills.)Rinse face with water. Pat dry. Mash up the flesh of the papaya to a paste like consistency. Leave it on for 15 mins and then rinse off with warm water. This papaya pack is useful for acne prone skin.As I grew up, I developed my own skin care regime--simpler, less messier and something that wouldn't leave me stinking like a garbage truck.
The cleansing-scrubbing-toning-moisturizing regime: Rinse your face with water. This fattens the dead skin cells by soaking the water. Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of oat flour and one tablespoon of water. Apply it on your face with the tips of your index, middle and ringer finger so that it sticks. Scrub gently so that it removes the dead cells especially near the problem areas which are more prone for blackheads. This home-made scrub makes sure your skin is not stripped of its natural oils. Once the exfoliation is done, dab your skin with rose water to moisturize your face.
The only issue with this above regime is its time consuming nature, In today's busy world, we are forever searching for that quick fix that will not just save our time but also be equally effective. But fear not. Where there is a will, there will be a way. Say bye bye to greasy skin, pimples and blackheads, look in the looking glass and say 'Hello beautiful.'
Yes, it's time to come closer to radiant skin with VICCO Turmeric Cream .
We can now be totally tension free. This one-step method of skin care is complete in itself and entirely Ayurvedic. So we can safely put aside all our worries about the harmful effects of cosmetics and chemicals on our skin and reach out to the power of haldi and Ayurveda. A convenient preparation by VICCO, this cream makes use of not only the cosmetic benefits of turmeric to ward off acne, comedones and excess oil with every wash but also of the microbicidal properties that claim to prevent skin infections and stop bleeding from minor cuts and wounds.
Having said all this, I must mention that a proper balance of intrinsic and extrinsic measures is required to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. The hormone cortisol also called the stress hormone (released during stress) is responsible for a lot of health problems including poor skin. Hence it is very important to de-stress every once in a while. Smile, laugh, indulge in your favorite food (if it's unhealthy which it most probably is, then only once in a while please), dance, do what makes you happy. Spend time with people who make you laugh.
Love. Live. Learn to relax.
Life is full of chaos anyway. Learn to find a pattern you love. If you can't find it, create one.
Allow your skin to breathe. Open your pores to happiness. It shows.
So next time you are in self doubt, ask yourself if you are happy. If you are, then yes you are beautiful!
No matter how much we pretend not to care, every woman, as a rule of thumb, is concerned about her appearance. Every single one of us desire smooth and spotless skin, a glowing complexion, and a radiant face. More importantly, a clean and clear face is not just a compliment-magnet but also an indicator of good health, and that is something we need to keep in mind.
How many times have you looked into the mirror and frowned? The angry pimples that somehow make an appearance every time you have an important board meeting or function to attend, the greasy skin that you need to constantly dab with a tissue all the time, the ugly blackheads that leave equally ugly marks when you try squeezing them out with that painful blackhead remover are issues most of us deal with. Well, all I'd say is stop torturing your face with synthetic products and harmful cosmetics. Concealing the problem isn't going to solve it. A cosmetic facial care regime will cause more harm to the skin than good, and hence the need of something totally natural and holistic in its approach like Ayurveda. After all, the perfect skin care should be done at both the intrinsic as well as extrinsic level.
Here are a few important tips towards attaining a naturally beautiful skin:
Intrinsic measures: Proper nutrition: This is the key to a healthy and glowing skin. Eating fresh and nutritious food items instead of preserved ones or those containing artificial sweeteners or flavors reduces the production of impurities in the body, enables easier digestion, repairs damaged tissues, regenerates skin cells, fights against skin problems thus leading to a smooth and glowing skin. Eating a lot of vegetables (especially lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and tender asparagus tips) and fresh fruits also provides vitamins and adequate nourishment leading to good health and hence good skin. Foods like coffee, chocolate, fried foods, direct sugars should be limited.Adequate hydration: Consumption of 3-4 liters of water every day is important to maintain a healthy system. Proper hydration is required for detoxification of the body. Accumulation of toxins can lead to skin problems, and consumption of water helps in cleansing the body of these toxins, thus preventing skin eruptions or breakouts. Green tea is rich in anti oxidants and helps in maintaining vitality of the skin.Adequate exercise and sleep: Brisk walking at least five times a week for half an hour every day is important. Sweating during exercise promotes circulation which is important for healthy skin. Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are known to help a great deal by improving blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as muscle tone. Also, one must have at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day for a younger and improved complexion. The growth hormone that is produced during sleep and exercise is responsible for promotion of fibroblast health which in turn promotes growth of collagen and elastin that is responsible for the skin to become firm. Essential vitamins and minerals: Taking a multivitamin every day will help the skin look younger and glowing. Calcium and Vit D (from exposure to sunlight) is also important. When it comes to skin care, extrinsic measures are equally important as compared to the intrinsic measures discussed above. I remember my grandmother telling me how they would use various home made methods to achieve a blemish free complexion in the good old days. I recall her asking me to boil neem leaves in my bath water to ward off pimples. She would ask me to slather a cream and turmeric paste on my skin. Some days it would be lime and honey, other days it would be gram flour and curd. I would cringe just imagining the messy affair, and luckily manage to give it a skip.
Here are the home remedies as I remember them from Aaji's kitchen:
Mix chickpea flour and milk powder in equal parts. Take two teaspoons of this mixture in the palm of your hand and add water to make a thin paste out of it. Scrub lightly over wet skin. Rinse off and pat dry. The chickpea flour acts as a natural exfoliant and the milk powder provides nourishment to the skin. Take two tbsps of natural raw honey. Add a few drops of lime. Slather on face. Wait until dry and then wash off in upward motion. (Warning: Can be messy. Err...stay away from ant hills.)Rinse face with water. Pat dry. Mash up the flesh of the papaya to a paste like consistency. Leave it on for 15 mins and then rinse off with warm water. This papaya pack is useful for acne prone skin.As I grew up, I developed my own skin care regime--simpler, less messier and something that wouldn't leave me stinking like a garbage truck.
The cleansing-scrubbing-toning-moisturizing regime: Rinse your face with water. This fattens the dead skin cells by soaking the water. Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of oat flour and one tablespoon of water. Apply it on your face with the tips of your index, middle and ringer finger so that it sticks. Scrub gently so that it removes the dead cells especially near the problem areas which are more prone for blackheads. This home-made scrub makes sure your skin is not stripped of its natural oils. Once the exfoliation is done, dab your skin with rose water to moisturize your face.
The only issue with this above regime is its time consuming nature, In today's busy world, we are forever searching for that quick fix that will not just save our time but also be equally effective. But fear not. Where there is a will, there will be a way. Say bye bye to greasy skin, pimples and blackheads, look in the looking glass and say 'Hello beautiful.'
Yes, it's time to come closer to radiant skin with VICCO Turmeric Cream .
We can now be totally tension free. This one-step method of skin care is complete in itself and entirely Ayurvedic. So we can safely put aside all our worries about the harmful effects of cosmetics and chemicals on our skin and reach out to the power of haldi and Ayurveda. A convenient preparation by VICCO, this cream makes use of not only the cosmetic benefits of turmeric to ward off acne, comedones and excess oil with every wash but also of the microbicidal properties that claim to prevent skin infections and stop bleeding from minor cuts and wounds.
Having said all this, I must mention that a proper balance of intrinsic and extrinsic measures is required to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. The hormone cortisol also called the stress hormone (released during stress) is responsible for a lot of health problems including poor skin. Hence it is very important to de-stress every once in a while. Smile, laugh, indulge in your favorite food (if it's unhealthy which it most probably is, then only once in a while please), dance, do what makes you happy. Spend time with people who make you laugh.
Love. Live. Learn to relax.
Life is full of chaos anyway. Learn to find a pattern you love. If you can't find it, create one.
Allow your skin to breathe. Open your pores to happiness. It shows.
So next time you are in self doubt, ask yourself if you are happy. If you are, then yes you are beautiful!
Palm fiction--Combo pack
Hi folks,
Here I am presenting to you three short and totally unconnected pieces of fiction to make up for the irregularity in posting over the last one month. I hope to be more regular hereafter. So enjoy this combo pack till then.
Ciao!
THE FIRST TIME
"Will it hurt?" she asked him, jittery with nervousness and excitement. This was her first time.
"A little initially," he smiled and petted her trembling hand. Her palms were getting sweaty. She was only seventeen.She thought of her parents back home....what would they think? For a moment, she appeared unsure.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked slightly impatient now.
"Yes, never been surer," she mustered up all her courage and declared, and proceeded to lie on his couch.
It did hurt a little, but nothing she could not bear. She felt like a woman---strong, invincible. The experience was exhilarating...liberating...and at the end of it, she was so pleased that she was even ready to do it all over again.
That morning, she walked out of the tattoo parlor, beaming with joy, ready to flaunt her very first tattoo.
Yes, she'd finally got inked!
RINGED
He slid a ring into my finger; 24 carat with a french cut solitaire. As years went by, the ring on my finger started shrinking just like our relationship, until a point of utter discomfort.
Not many realized why we split over it. He had wanted me to wear it in a chain in my neck, while I was yearning to string it in a friendship bracelet on my wrist.
We had been searching for different things, and we had understood that a solitaire could not help us.
GROUNDED IN LOVE
It was an old habit of mine...one that I enjoyed since childhood. I loved building castles in the air. When I grew up, I studied architecture. My castles grew bigger, grander, more beautiful. They never failed to mystify people. Many would mistake them for strong structures of brick and stone. Some were even fooled into renting a room for a day or two. They enjoyed the view, and when they left, they did so with regret.
I kept building castles in the air..in mid suspension...at increasing heights. .Until one day, I met a girl who was perfect for me in every way...all except one, she had acrophobia..
Now I can no longer enjoy the view from the top. I have exchanged my dreams for a beautiful reality that is far more permanent.
People say love has made me a wiser man.
Here I am presenting to you three short and totally unconnected pieces of fiction to make up for the irregularity in posting over the last one month. I hope to be more regular hereafter. So enjoy this combo pack till then.
Ciao!
THE FIRST TIME
"Will it hurt?" she asked him, jittery with nervousness and excitement. This was her first time.
"A little initially," he smiled and petted her trembling hand. Her palms were getting sweaty. She was only seventeen.She thought of her parents back home....what would they think? For a moment, she appeared unsure.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked slightly impatient now.
"Yes, never been surer," she mustered up all her courage and declared, and proceeded to lie on his couch.
It did hurt a little, but nothing she could not bear. She felt like a woman---strong, invincible. The experience was exhilarating...liberating...and at the end of it, she was so pleased that she was even ready to do it all over again.
That morning, she walked out of the tattoo parlor, beaming with joy, ready to flaunt her very first tattoo.
Yes, she'd finally got inked!
RINGED
He slid a ring into my finger; 24 carat with a french cut solitaire. As years went by, the ring on my finger started shrinking just like our relationship, until a point of utter discomfort.Not many realized why we split over it. He had wanted me to wear it in a chain in my neck, while I was yearning to string it in a friendship bracelet on my wrist.
We had been searching for different things, and we had understood that a solitaire could not help us.
GROUNDED IN LOVE
It was an old habit of mine...one that I enjoyed since childhood. I loved building castles in the air. When I grew up, I studied architecture. My castles grew bigger, grander, more beautiful. They never failed to mystify people. Many would mistake them for strong structures of brick and stone. Some were even fooled into renting a room for a day or two. They enjoyed the view, and when they left, they did so with regret.
I kept building castles in the air..in mid suspension...at increasing heights. .Until one day, I met a girl who was perfect for me in every way...all except one, she had acrophobia..
Now I can no longer enjoy the view from the top. I have exchanged my dreams for a beautiful reality that is far more permanent.
People say love has made me a wiser man.
June 6, 2015
Woh beete din yaad hain...
Do you remember who you were before the world told you who you should really be?
Time...how quick it slips away like a fistful of sand from between your fingers. Days change to weeks, months, years and decades, and it feels as if it all happens in an instance. Behold! We are seen as another generation, the older generation...the generation from yester year...
Today, as I see teenagers moving around in funky branded apparels, carrying the latest versions of iPhones and iPads in hand, bragging to their friends about their latest possession back home-the new PlayStation, the new plasma flat screen TV, and sporting designer haircuts, I cannot help but reminisce about the good old days when life was adorned with simplicity and fun.
Those who grew up in the 80's and 90's will surely connect and enjoy the fragrance of nostalgia of these magical moments in this golden casket of memories. Let's have a quick peep inside, shall we? LLets take a long walk down that familiar memory lane...Do you remember our school days...when life revolved around homework, class work, report cards, and picnics. We didn't have to worry about salaries and pay checks. If we did not fare well one term, we would work harder the next. Our only worry then would be about getting our report cards signed. In today's busy struggle, where have those days of innocence disappeared? Now every waking moment is burdened with the thought of an upcoming deadline. Project reports have to be signed. There are hardly any picnics, and praying. Our prayers keep getting more and more selfish by the day. A better pay check, an increase in allowance, better job prospects...these expectations have caused our priceless memories to be buried under a thicket of stresses.Yet, the childhood innocence we once possessed does not fail to bring a smile on our lips.Do you recall those good old days?The grey and white school uniforms that would often turn a muddy brown after sports class as compared to the plump, lethargic kids in crisp white uniforms and PS2 clutched in hand.The neatly polished canvas shoes we took out time to polish every morning,
The plastic or steel tiffin box with the small triangular bread-jam sandwiches or roti sabji that we would share with our best friend, and the brightly colored 'Hello Kitty' water bottles (with the straw that we'd chew more than we'd sip on) that later progressed to 'Milton' water bottles in sober shades. The Camlin geometry set (the ruler and protractor from which we'd have a tough time safe guarding).
the green & white fragrant Chinese pencil erasers we used to take such great pride in, the tiny crayon box that usually had not more than seven crayons, those Apsara and Natraj (and special 'Pinky', 'Rainbow' and 'Turbo' pencils for exams.) Wearing plastic raincoats and gum boots and still reaching school half drenched, secretly hoping the teacher would tell us to go back home. Returning home everyday after school to watch our favorite soaps. (Remember 'Shanti', 'Swabhiman', 'Vikram aur Betaal'). How can we forget Sundays when we would sit glued to the TV set to watch the epic 'Mahabharat', and other favorites like 'Chandrakanta', 'Potli Baba ki', 'The Jungle Book' (Remember the title track? You are humming it right now, arn't you? Haww!).
Sometimes homework would be completed while sneaking a peek at on going commercials. The famous 'Humara Bajaj', 'Vicco Turmeric, 'Gold Spot, 'Titan', and last but not the least, the Parle G' ad ("humko pata hai jee,") had some of the most unforgettable tracks during our time.The untainted enthusiasm to write with an ink pen (the classic golden capped 'Hero' fountain pen). More than the calligraphy, it was the sucking ink in and out of the Camel inkpot with it (that we proudly referred to as 'filling ink') that interested us. We didn't mind our ink covered fingers, the occasional blots of smudged ink on our notebooks, and the fragile nibs that when pressed too hard were susceptible to snapping. We were young, bold and brash. We were ready for adventure, even if it meant getting our spotless white uniforms blue. No birthday party was ever complete without the latest Bollywood tracks being played on the tape recorder. Audio and video cassettes that have now been replaced by dvd's were a rage back then. Birthday gifts would be pretty predictable too-'Barbie' accessories for girls and He-man or a 'GI Joe' set for boys, until they were old or curious enough for a 'Tell me why' encyclopedia. With a 3kg school bag slumped over our shoulders, we traversed school life without complaining. There was the regular glass of Complan or Boost that provided us instant energy. But the real reason of our enthusiasm back then was we enjoyed everything we did. We did not brag about flashy cars and expensive games. Life was simple. We were happy with having similar accessories---matching book covers, labels, tiffins and water bags. There was no distinction amongst us. Today, as I see school kids sipping on Gatorade and Diet Coke, comparing cars their parents come to pick them up in, I can't help but smile at how things have changed.
It is said, that the taste of childhood is never forgotten. That is the precise reason why a lot of chefs and culinary experts strive to create the exact same magic their taste buds had once experienced.
The world is constantly changing. But how can we forget...
Toffees like Melody, Lacto King, Poppins, Kismi Toffee Bar. Tiger mint (the mint without the hole), phantom cigarettes,Mango Bite, Pan Pasand.
Drinks like Appy, Frooti, Gold Spot, Citra and Seven-Up (Remember Fido Dido, with the noodle hair?)
Those cream filled wafer biscuits (in strawberry, pineapple and chocolate flavors). Another fond memory of childhood is 'Pepsi'. I'm not sure how many of you have had this, but for me this was the case of the forbidden fruit. There would be a guy selling this 'pepsi' (that's what we'd call it) in different colors and flavors just outside my school. My mum had warned me against eating it, since I being a sickly kid back then was extremely susceptible to throat infections after having any kind of street food. So as the rules goes, if mom didn't want me to eat it, it HAD TO BE eaten. So I'd save up my pocket money and sneak out from school and indulge in every 'pepsi' possible....until the day Mum caught me red handed. (by that time, I was bored of it anyway.)
Rasna---the quintessential drink in every household. The Indianized version of 'Tang'. Of course, we all loved it.Ice creams by Kwality, Yummy and Joy which then got replaced by Vadilals and Dinshaws. I particularly remember loving this 'Push-Up' ice cream that was available in the 80's. Tutti Frutti was another favorite.
I could go on and on forever. The joys of childhood are so simple and yet so difficult to encapsulate in a single post (I plan to write more in this series). I am sure kids of today will look back at their own childhood some day and have their own sweet memories to cherish. Perhaps they as adults (just like us now) would find their childhood to be far less complicated too. Perhaps somewhere down the line, in another 20 years or so, someone would be writing a blog (hopefully blogging will continue even then) post about how obsolete ipads are, and how much fun their childhood was with them around then. I can imagine a hundred odd kids adults experiencing pangs of nostalgia on reading it. Life will go on...As for us, we will always miss that wonderful phase of life when we did whatever we wanted without the fear of being judged, when we didn't spend the entire day texting on phone, or updating messages on social networks, when we did not care about how we looked, when the only 'hurt' we knew was when we would graze our knee while playing tag, when friendship meant sharing your favorite chocolate with your buddy, when we believed in fairy tales......
However, these souvenirs---memories of a childhood long gone by will keep springing up from time to time gently reminding us of a life we once led...the simple life!May 15, 2015
The all-rounder App
In today's fast paced technologically advanced age, a 'good mobile service' has become the fourth important necessity after the mandatory 'Roti, Kapda aur Makaan'.
I have always been an Airtel loyalist. Their pocket friendly data packs and seamless 3G connectivity have never failed to impress. Being the first to launch 4G in India, Airtel offers a wide range of plans to choose from. Having been a satisfied Airtel customer for the past many years, I was only too happy to know that I could now avail all the Airtel services through my handset with a single app...MYAIRTEL APP
I have started using this app for a short while now, but I can be sure it's going to be a smooth journey. I can see my life turning more organized, bills getting paid on time, a lot of errands being scheduled and executed promptly, no more 'low balance' fall-outs and depressive episodes. I can already envision a happier me. .
The 3 features that best suit my lifestyle are:
1) I can now recharge my cell phone, and pay my bills with total guarantee of a safe and secure transaction. A PCIDSS certification ensures that. Also, real time bill tracking, storage of card details for a speedy checkout and a personalized user experience, leave no scope for any disappointment.
Also, I now get notified of low balance, low data, bill payments and due dates. No eleventh hour rushing about for me now, that's a relief. The perks are amazing. The free Airtel surprises that you receive after a recharge manage to add a smile to your day. These surprise coupons can be redeemed across categories like shopping, food, wellness, entertainment with popular brands like Flipkart.in, Amazon.in, Ebay.in, Myntra.com, Archies, PVR Cinemas, CCD, VLCC etc.
2) A feature that deserves special mention is the 'I want to' tab, under which I can save shortcuts to all my frequent tasks on the home screen. From bill payments, data consumed, recharge history, to order games, and record programs, I now have all my most frequented tasks in one place. This saves a whole lot of time.
Also there is a wide range of other services available like Airtel's one touch internet, which is the easiest way to learn internet for prepaid users, Wynk'ing' that allows you to browse, search, stream and download the latest songs, Airtel Live. You can surprise your friend by recharging his Airtel number (yes, it is possible to recharge any Airtel number), get news on cricket and other latest news, pay your bills, buy online products. Life made easy...now who wouldn't like that?
Once you download the app, all you got to do is shake up your cell phone for exclusive offers. The clinking sound of coins every time you shake your handset makes it even more enticing for the prepaid user to look forward to these money saving offers. (All features are presently available on Android. IOS release to be expected soon)
Cash backFull talktimeFree data Really...I'm not kidding!
3) MYAIRTEL APP has a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to use. It helps manage broadband, DTH, prepaid and postpaid services in one place. I find the recharging, tracking account usage and paying bills options most useful. Multitasking has become the need of the hour, and this app has been designed with exactly that in mind.
Convenient, helpful and reliable, this Airtel app surely gets my vote.
So, wake up and shake up...
Stay connected with everything you love!
I have always been an Airtel loyalist. Their pocket friendly data packs and seamless 3G connectivity have never failed to impress. Being the first to launch 4G in India, Airtel offers a wide range of plans to choose from. Having been a satisfied Airtel customer for the past many years, I was only too happy to know that I could now avail all the Airtel services through my handset with a single app...MYAIRTEL APP
I have started using this app for a short while now, but I can be sure it's going to be a smooth journey. I can see my life turning more organized, bills getting paid on time, a lot of errands being scheduled and executed promptly, no more 'low balance' fall-outs and depressive episodes. I can already envision a happier me. .
The 3 features that best suit my lifestyle are:
1) I can now recharge my cell phone, and pay my bills with total guarantee of a safe and secure transaction. A PCIDSS certification ensures that. Also, real time bill tracking, storage of card details for a speedy checkout and a personalized user experience, leave no scope for any disappointment.
Also, I now get notified of low balance, low data, bill payments and due dates. No eleventh hour rushing about for me now, that's a relief. The perks are amazing. The free Airtel surprises that you receive after a recharge manage to add a smile to your day. These surprise coupons can be redeemed across categories like shopping, food, wellness, entertainment with popular brands like Flipkart.in, Amazon.in, Ebay.in, Myntra.com, Archies, PVR Cinemas, CCD, VLCC etc.
2) A feature that deserves special mention is the 'I want to' tab, under which I can save shortcuts to all my frequent tasks on the home screen. From bill payments, data consumed, recharge history, to order games, and record programs, I now have all my most frequented tasks in one place. This saves a whole lot of time.
Also there is a wide range of other services available like Airtel's one touch internet, which is the easiest way to learn internet for prepaid users, Wynk'ing' that allows you to browse, search, stream and download the latest songs, Airtel Live. You can surprise your friend by recharging his Airtel number (yes, it is possible to recharge any Airtel number), get news on cricket and other latest news, pay your bills, buy online products. Life made easy...now who wouldn't like that?
Once you download the app, all you got to do is shake up your cell phone for exclusive offers. The clinking sound of coins every time you shake your handset makes it even more enticing for the prepaid user to look forward to these money saving offers. (All features are presently available on Android. IOS release to be expected soon)
Cash backFull talktimeFree data Really...I'm not kidding!
3) MYAIRTEL APP has a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to use. It helps manage broadband, DTH, prepaid and postpaid services in one place. I find the recharging, tracking account usage and paying bills options most useful. Multitasking has become the need of the hour, and this app has been designed with exactly that in mind.
Convenient, helpful and reliable, this Airtel app surely gets my vote.
So, wake up and shake up...
Stay connected with everything you love!
May 5, 2015
The anniversary gift
Pradeep Verma was sleeping soundly on his side of the bed, when suddenly the alarm went off. Sleepily, he extended his hand and hit the snooze button. "Five more minutes," he thought, his eyes still tightly shut. The rays of the morning sun peeped from between the blinds. It had hardly been a week since the neighborhood had got the news of his wife's sad demise.
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Shubha had mysteriously disappeared on the day of her wedding anniversary. A distraught Mr Verma had searched everywhere, but in vain. Eventually, a missing complaint had been lodged. After ten days of thorough investigation, the Delhi police had discovered a decapitated body in a burlap sack drowning in an isolated lake, a hundred odd miles away from the Verma house. The body had been identified as Shubha's based on the clothes and bangles she had been wearing. Pradeep had been inconsolable.
The Delhi police were baffled. It was the perfect murder. There had been no trace of any kind of evidence. It was probably that the face had been neatly carved out after the victim had stopped breathing---the planned work of an expert. Autopsy showed no drug consumption. The slightly raised carbon dioxide levels in the blood pointed towards asphyxiation, but this could be matched with other tell tale signs as the body had been decapitated. The cremation was carried out. Even the police felt sorry for Pradeep, who seemed in shock, and after a point, kept referring to Shubha as if she was still alive.
"Please have a cup of tea, Inspector. Shubha makes very good tea. She won't like it if you leave the house without eating anything," he said stone faced and expressionless. His relatives looked at each other sympathetically. The good man was losing his mind. After all, he loved his wife so much.
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Pradeep turned on one side. He slowly opened his eyes to Shubha's side of the bed. At the head end, was a pillow on which was placed something wrapped in cellophane. Pradeep smiled as he gazed at the frozen face. There was a putrid odour of formalin treated flesh in the cold and dark room. But Pradeep did not mind that. Her facial expressions had gone blank and rigid, the effects of rigor mortis. Her sharp features now seemed startled and stone cold. But it was still her...his Shubha.
He had practiced his move since the day he realized she was cheating on him. He had never liked her boss, Satish, but Shubha? How could she throw away five years of their marriage? He had loved her...trusted her.
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"Happy anniversary, love," she had said.
As she hugged him that morning, a small tear had rolled down his cheek. She looked so beautiful in the yellow sari he had gifted her. The gold bangles glittered on her slender wrists.
"Do you want to tell me something?" he had still offered her another chance, as he pulled her playfully in bed with him.
She had nodded. "I want something from you," she puckered her lips.
"A divorce?" he had wondered. A vein started throbbing on the right side of his head.
"I want my face to be the first thing you see when you wake up every morning," she had giggled. Her cell phone with all of Satish's messages was lying by her side. Hadn't she texted him the same last night?
The vein throbbed like it would burst. His anger surged. This woman was making a fool out of him.
He looked at her one last time...the face he had loved, the face that was cheating him.
"So be it then," he had screamed letting out all his anger in one go, as she gasped for breath under the pillow he forced tightly over her face...
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...the same face that he would now wake up to, every morning...
"Good morning, sweetheart. Rise and shineeee," Pradeep chuckled like a lunatic.
Holding the cellophane wrapped face in both his hands, he kissed it on the forehead...his perfect start to a beautiful day!
April 14, 2015
Smart choice
Stop a moment, and look around you. How many people do you see? Now how many of these people have their phones in hand? What is the first thing you reach out for when you wake up in the morning? Name one thing that you cannot imagine your life without?
In today's techno-savvy, gizmo-friendly, modern era, where a cell phone has become the most overused commodity in life, it becomes utmost important that we pay adequate time and attention in deciding what phone to buy. However, given the huge choice and variety of phones in the market, it is quite easy to make a not-so-smart decision while choosing a smart phone.
Around a year ago, I fell prey to one such 'Smart Phone' dilemma. I got myself a brand new shiny white smartphone. I did not have much time and patience to do much research back then. Looking back, it was rather foolish of me. But how much of problem could a smart phone cause, anyway, I thought. I did not delve too much into the features it provided. Cut to present day, I have to charge the same blasted phone thrice a day. Besides, I have had to get it seen by the 'Cell doctor' around 5-6 times in the preceeding months, for a new reason every single time. While someone explained that it was some manufacturing defect with the handpiece, another technician at their gallery suggested it was the charger (that came along with the set) that was faulty. Exasperated with the experience, I promised myself I would never again buy a phone without doing some detailed research about it. Thus started my smart quest for the perfect smart phone.
After a detailed online research, I finally discovered ASUS Zenfone 2, the perfect answer to the quintessential smart phone. For those who want to know more, here is what I discovered.
As the old dictum goes, never judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to phone, we would definitely give some amount of importance to its look, style, design. AZUS Zenfone 2 comes with an unique and luxurious ultra-thin design that echoes the spirit of Zen. It has a stunning brushed metal finish. Tapering to as thin as 3.9mm at the edges, this graceful ergonomic arc case sports a bold and elegant look. This phone has a spectacular 72% screen-to-body ratio (5.5 inch screen) that renders a maximized viewing experience. That means a bigger, brighter and more beautiful experience. ZenFone 2 is equipped with a high-resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS display that offers wide 178-degree viewing angles that provide crystal clear, sharp images that are a treat to the eyes. Isn't that incredible? Ever had problems with your phone cams? Grainy, low-resolution images that send your friends and relatives sulking? Family complaining that you take so much time clicking that they lose the pose and the mood? Well, ASUS Zenfone 2 has a solution to these problems. Equipped with a 13MP PixelMaster camera and 85% wide angle lens, it captures spectacular high resolution pictures with zero shutter lag. Also, the pixel merging technology allows it to capture 400% brighter pictures in low light and at night, without the need of a flash. It also ensures clarity through sun-light and shadows. Zenfone 2's 'Real tone flash' ensures warm skin tones and precise color along with natural illumination for indoor shots. That means no more complaints about unclear, faded out (due to too much flash) or delayed pics anymore. Say 'Yes' to awesome 140 degrees panoramic selfies and smart video chats. (Also special effects apps like 'ZenUI MiniMovie' and 'ASUS ZenCircle' inspire you to get creative, and maybe just maybe discover a hidden passion.) For all those cell phone addicts (including me) who just cannot understand how their phone gets drained of juice, there is good news for you. You don't need to carry your cell charger and keep searching for plug points every where you go, any longer. Get yourself an ASUS Zenfone 2. The ASUS BoostMaster technology charges much faster than traditional speeds, ie The 3000mAh battery is charged upto 60% in 39 minutes. Isn't that just great? No more waiting. No more missing calls while your cell is being charged somewhere in some corner. In addition, a super efficient LTE connectivity and a dual slim capacity will make sure you never miss a call. If you are on a call on Sim 1, and if someone tries to contact you on Sim 2, you can smoothly switch from one to another. All these features make sure that you are always connected, wherever you are, wherever you go.ZenFone 2 is powered by an up to 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel® Atom™ Z3580 processor. Equipped with a dual channel technology, it is the world's first GB RAM smartphone that enables its everyday performance to be manifold better and faster than its predecessor. Thus, one can enjoy slick web surfing, immersive uncompromising gaming experiences, exceptional video play-back, and efficient time-consuming multi-tasking. It's incredible SonicMaster Audio technology enables crystal clear audio (of amazing clarity), thus enriching the experience.The Zenfone can be accessorized in unique and innovative ways, with beautiful accessories to match your style and choice. So go right ahead. If you have it (ASUS Zenfone ), flaunt it!I am impressed. This is pretty much all I need in a smartphone. You are free to do your research. I have done mine, and I am convinced that ASUS Zenfone 2 is a smart choice. Simpler, smarter, faster, more convenient, and better in most ways, this truly seems promising of a refined luxury.
With all these exciting features, it seems like 'Incredible' has a new name. I can't wait to try it out now. I need a new phone anyway...
In today's techno-savvy, gizmo-friendly, modern era, where a cell phone has become the most overused commodity in life, it becomes utmost important that we pay adequate time and attention in deciding what phone to buy. However, given the huge choice and variety of phones in the market, it is quite easy to make a not-so-smart decision while choosing a smart phone.
Around a year ago, I fell prey to one such 'Smart Phone' dilemma. I got myself a brand new shiny white smartphone. I did not have much time and patience to do much research back then. Looking back, it was rather foolish of me. But how much of problem could a smart phone cause, anyway, I thought. I did not delve too much into the features it provided. Cut to present day, I have to charge the same blasted phone thrice a day. Besides, I have had to get it seen by the 'Cell doctor' around 5-6 times in the preceeding months, for a new reason every single time. While someone explained that it was some manufacturing defect with the handpiece, another technician at their gallery suggested it was the charger (that came along with the set) that was faulty. Exasperated with the experience, I promised myself I would never again buy a phone without doing some detailed research about it. Thus started my smart quest for the perfect smart phone.
After a detailed online research, I finally discovered ASUS Zenfone 2, the perfect answer to the quintessential smart phone. For those who want to know more, here is what I discovered.
As the old dictum goes, never judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to phone, we would definitely give some amount of importance to its look, style, design. AZUS Zenfone 2 comes with an unique and luxurious ultra-thin design that echoes the spirit of Zen. It has a stunning brushed metal finish. Tapering to as thin as 3.9mm at the edges, this graceful ergonomic arc case sports a bold and elegant look. This phone has a spectacular 72% screen-to-body ratio (5.5 inch screen) that renders a maximized viewing experience. That means a bigger, brighter and more beautiful experience. ZenFone 2 is equipped with a high-resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS display that offers wide 178-degree viewing angles that provide crystal clear, sharp images that are a treat to the eyes. Isn't that incredible? Ever had problems with your phone cams? Grainy, low-resolution images that send your friends and relatives sulking? Family complaining that you take so much time clicking that they lose the pose and the mood? Well, ASUS Zenfone 2 has a solution to these problems. Equipped with a 13MP PixelMaster camera and 85% wide angle lens, it captures spectacular high resolution pictures with zero shutter lag. Also, the pixel merging technology allows it to capture 400% brighter pictures in low light and at night, without the need of a flash. It also ensures clarity through sun-light and shadows. Zenfone 2's 'Real tone flash' ensures warm skin tones and precise color along with natural illumination for indoor shots. That means no more complaints about unclear, faded out (due to too much flash) or delayed pics anymore. Say 'Yes' to awesome 140 degrees panoramic selfies and smart video chats. (Also special effects apps like 'ZenUI MiniMovie' and 'ASUS ZenCircle' inspire you to get creative, and maybe just maybe discover a hidden passion.) For all those cell phone addicts (including me) who just cannot understand how their phone gets drained of juice, there is good news for you. You don't need to carry your cell charger and keep searching for plug points every where you go, any longer. Get yourself an ASUS Zenfone 2. The ASUS BoostMaster technology charges much faster than traditional speeds, ie The 3000mAh battery is charged upto 60% in 39 minutes. Isn't that just great? No more waiting. No more missing calls while your cell is being charged somewhere in some corner. In addition, a super efficient LTE connectivity and a dual slim capacity will make sure you never miss a call. If you are on a call on Sim 1, and if someone tries to contact you on Sim 2, you can smoothly switch from one to another. All these features make sure that you are always connected, wherever you are, wherever you go.ZenFone 2 is powered by an up to 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel® Atom™ Z3580 processor. Equipped with a dual channel technology, it is the world's first GB RAM smartphone that enables its everyday performance to be manifold better and faster than its predecessor. Thus, one can enjoy slick web surfing, immersive uncompromising gaming experiences, exceptional video play-back, and efficient time-consuming multi-tasking. It's incredible SonicMaster Audio technology enables crystal clear audio (of amazing clarity), thus enriching the experience.The Zenfone can be accessorized in unique and innovative ways, with beautiful accessories to match your style and choice. So go right ahead. If you have it (ASUS Zenfone ), flaunt it!I am impressed. This is pretty much all I need in a smartphone. You are free to do your research. I have done mine, and I am convinced that ASUS Zenfone 2 is a smart choice. Simpler, smarter, faster, more convenient, and better in most ways, this truly seems promising of a refined luxury.
With all these exciting features, it seems like 'Incredible' has a new name. I can't wait to try it out now. I need a new phone anyway...
April 1, 2015
Decoding empowerment
Question: What happens when 99 women from various walks of life come together to send out one powerful message?
Answer: Controversy!Recently, Homi Adajania directed a short film dedicated to #VogueEmpower, a social awareness initiative. The video was aptly titled 'My Choice' and was based on a piece by Kersi Khambatta. Also starring Nimrat Kaur, Adhuna Akhtar, Anupama Chopra and many others who have made a difference in their respective careers, this short film shows Deepika as a modern day woman talking about her right to be at par with the status that men have been designated (no/few questions asked) by a hypocritical society.
Going by the uproar the video has managed to create, I am pretty sure everyone has watched it by now. But for the few who might have not, here it is.
I first happened to come across this video on a quiet sultry afternoon. Having nothing better to do, I decided to watch it. I'm not a feminist or anything, but #VogueEmpower has always managed to catch my attention. First it was their 'Going home' short film starring Alia Bhat, then it was 'Start with the boys' that had Madhuri Dixit. While I was not too impressed with the former (I found it just okay-ish) the latter was something that hit home. So when I noticed the 'My Choice' video, I was only too keen to know what message it carried this time.
On watching it, I liked the way the message rolled out. The video showed a woman talking about her choices, and the need for equal rights. It spoke about empowerment, the freedom to do as you pleased without being questioned. It reflected satire by the subtle comparison between the freedom bestowed on a man and not a woman.
Personally, I think this video is definitely worth a share. However, the world is always divided into two opinions---yours and mine. While there are some people appreciating the video, there are many who seem to have taken it the wrong way.
It's all fine (freedom of expression et al. After all, the video is about choices.). However, I see a limit being crossed here. There are people frothing at the mouth, claiming that the video was 'oh so wannabe' and pretentious. Lines are picked up on. Parodies are uploaded. Open letters, jokes, hate posts are being written all over the net. Those starring in the video are being defamed. Creative expressions are turned inside out and thrashed, so much that some bloke has tweeted that the film promotes prostitution.
Now what do you say to a thing like this? Give a dog a bad name and hang him, eh?
While haters have gone ahead and searched for Deepika's dirty linen to wash in public, they keep forgetting that she is just the face that has been used to promote the video.
Things about her past are being brought up. Fingers are pointed at her character and abuses are hurled at her for being a hypocrite. Her previous endorsements are challenged. Personal issues as serious as depression are dragged in. Things are turning ugly.
I am apalled at the comments on social media, the hate tweets, the perverted jokes on her that were being circulated. Is this just another case of herd mentality? You got a problem with the video? Fine! You have a problem with the message too? That is also fine. But why shoot the messenger, is what I ask.
So let's see line by line what the video had to say. I am going to write about the points that were raised and argued about (wrt the film), and my counterargument as a viewer. In addition, I will also say what the other lines mean to me, just so that I am not misinterpreted in any other way. (If you throw too many brickbats, I might build myself a house with them, and make myself comfortable.)
My body, my mind, my choice.
To wear the clothes I like even as my spirit roams naked, my choice.
To be a size 0 or a size 15, they don't have a size for my spirit, they never will.
A few comments on the above lines pointed fingers towards Deepika's earlier choice of endorsements They accused that it was plain hypocrisy that a superstar endorsing 'weight loss' breakfast cereal was now claiming that being a size 15 is fine as a matter of choice.
What I would like to know is that? How many of our celebrities actually use the products that they endorse? Do you also think ShahRukh Khan MUST use Navratna Tel (Yes, Thanda thanda cool cool), Aamir MUST guzzle gallons of coke, Amitabh Bacchan MUST slurp insstant maggi noodles at meals, Kareena MUST bathe with Lux soap, just because they promote it?
Roping in a celebrity to endorse a product or advertise a campaign is an essential part of marketing strategies. Why? Because they are youth icons. They are popular among the masses. Would you watch a two minute video or TV commercial if it had some obcure run-of-the-mill nobody starring in it? Who are we kidding--of course you wouldn't!
Celebrities provide people the incentive to take notice. So when Deepika stars in a film about women choices, please accept that she is saying what needs to be said...doing what is asked of her. That's her job. If actors started expressing their views about every campaign or ad film they was offered, there would not be any need of scriptwriters, directors and the rest of the crew.
Now coming to what is implied in the above lines (or what I think it means): The 'woman' does not want to be told what to wear or what not to wear. Her spirit is free, unrestricted, and that is how she wants her choice to be. How many times have we flinched when we hear comments like 'She shouldn't have worn that dress' or 'Her clothes invited it' in cases of sexual molestation or rape.? How many times have we argued tooth and nail for the right of a woman to dress as she wants? Inner beauty...strength of character...woman's liberation--haven't we all voted for these before? Then why create a hue and cry when the video says the same thing (in literary expression)??!!!
To use cotton and silk to trap my soul is to believe you can halt the expansion of the universe or capture sunlight in the palm of your hand.
Your mind is caged, let it free. My body is not, let it be.
True, isn't it? Our clothes do not define us. Neither do they protect or limit us. What protects us is our thinking, that ironically seems caged at times. The writer wants to tell us to free our minds, rather than pay attention to our bodies. Our bodies are not caged. It is our mindset that needs to be liberated. Focus on what is more important.
My choice, to marry or not to marry.
To have sex before marriage, to have sex outside of marriage, to not have sex.
There seems to be a huge hullabaloo on this topic, especially the 'sex outside marriage' part. In my opinion, this video represents equal rights for women. Like I said before, this might just be the writer's way of challenging the existing situation, when (face it!) a man will not be questioned as much as a woman when it comes to preferences on sex.
Even our movies are evident of this mentality. A man who strays after marriage is most likely forgiven by all and sundry, if he gets on his knees and pleads for forgiveness. Flip side, show me one movie that shows a woman straying and the audience being empathic towards her. In reality, even if a woman cannot forgive her man for his infidelity, there will be a whole society asking her to consider...for the sake of her breaking marriage, for the sake of an unborn child, for the sake of the entire f***ing society. Who can promise mistakes will not be repeated, but chances..a man should get those. A cheating woman, on the other hand, will be labelled a whore, shamed by society, and not given a chance to reprieve her guilt even in hell.
My choice, to love temporarily or to lust forever.
Again, a woman lusting forever is just not acceptable, right? The first to go against this statement would be other women. Visions of a temptress trying to seduce poor innocent victims would come to mind. Mind, exactly! Love or lust are subjective choices. What might be lust for some might be love to others and vice versa. All of us experience it at some point or another. Sometimes its temporary, sometimes it's a little more than temporary. The permanence of any emotion is again a choice. Who are we to be the moral police when it comes to an individual's choice?
My choice, to love a man or a woman or both.
(Society should not have a role to play in individual decisions as long as they are not harming it in any way. Freedom to choose should be included in the Constitution of India as a fundamental right, eh?)
Remember you are my choice, I am not your privilege.
I simply fail to understand why a man should have a problem with this statement. He should be proud of the fact that his woman chose him because she wanted to and not because he wanted her to. Being someone's choice is always a matter of pride. We should learn to understand that. We should also learn to deserve that,
The bindi on my forehead, the ring on my finger, adding your surname to mine, they are ornaments. They can be replaced. My love for you cannot. So treasure that.
And don't ever forget it. Even when you are bubbling with rage on misunderstanding or misjudging a video woman. Love needs no evidence. When a man does not need to wear a mangalsutra, bindi or adopt a different surname after marriage, why should a woman? Now, isn't that a tad unfair?
My choice, to come home when I want. Don't be upset if I come home at 4am. Don't be fooled if I come home at 6pm.
This is for all those suspecting married men who have a curfew at home. This just goes to drive home the point that you can never be completely sure of your wife's integrity unless you love her completely and trust her. A wife might be busy working till the wee hours of the morning while her husband suspects that she's cheating on him with her boss. On the other hand, a wily female might plan her moves so well that her husband might never know of her adultery. The message here is, you can't curb her freedom just to make sure. All you can make sure is that you love her so much that she 'chooses' you till the end.
My choice, to have your baby or not, to pick you from 7 billion choices or not. So don't get caught.
For those who protested against this arguing that a baby should be a couple's decision, let's just get this right. You cannot break a line as you please, especially when it is in relevant continuity with the line(s) that follow. This part of the message might be written to emphasize how much a monogamous relationship means to a woman---She chooses one person from seven billion others to be the father of her baby.
Besides, try as we might want to justify equal partnership (between a man and a woman) in creating a baby, the truth is that a mother will always have the upper hand in the situation. 'Janani', the one who houses the foetus in her womb for nine months, right from conception to the delivery of a healthy child, is the heart of the home. Her responsibilities do not stop just there. Even during the growing up years, the mother's role is most crucial.(Of course, there are exceptions, and I'm not denying that.).
But think of those women who are forced to go to abortion clinics repeatedly, only because the family or husband does not want a girl child, those single mothers who have been dumped by the man they loved, only because he was not man enough to be a father or husband. You still thinking of those exceptions now?
My pleasure may be your pain.
My songs your noise.
My order your anarchy.
Your sins my virtues.
My choices are like my fingerprints. They make me unique.
This speaks of individual choices...independent ones. It goes to say no two people are alike. What may stand justified for one may be totally unreasonable to another. These are choices---they make us who we are...they make us unique.
I am the tree not the forest. I am the snowflake not the snowfall. You are the snowflake.
By 'snowflake' she means, each of us is a part of the whole. Every one of us is as miniscule as a snowflake...as insignificant when alone. But together, we constitute something beautiful.
Wake up. Get out of the shitstorm, or choose to empathize or to be indifferent.
I guess the writer knew exactly what he was getting into. Perhaps 'Vogue' was aware it wouldn't be easy pie too. This short film was bound to create controversy.
I choose to be different.
I am the universe, infinite in every direction.
Someone laughed on the validity of this statement by saying that the last three words 'in every direction' were totally uncalled for, as it was the universe that was being spoken about.
Well, to this, I'd just say. The human mind is akin to an universe. And as we all know it, we have witnessed many a minds (in the past few days) go infinitely unidirectional on this topic.
It is true that women all over India, especially rural India need to be empowered much more and over issues much more basic. It is also true that this topic has been done to death. And yet, 'Vogue' comes up with this new short film on empowerment.Think about it!
To empower someone is to hand over the reigns of their own life to them, to make them confident enough to claim their rights and control their own lives, to give them the power to do as they please so as to enable them to become secure strong individuals who do not need to feel threatened because of their vulnerability...who can make their own choices.
Do you really think that women in cities are all liberated and empowered? Don't these so called 'modern women' face issues of their own? Cases of suicide, female foeticide, depression, rapes, eve teasing, crime against women are seen as much in metros as in villages. What is evident is always just the tip of the iceberg. The problem lies concealed...silent...and in most cases, suppressed. Haven't you heard of the educated illiterates? Empowerment is necessary and of utmost importance for woman in all spheres of life. We have to start somewhere (and go on until it is acknowledged). Is it such a huge mistake that Homi Adajania has chosen to first address the Youtube watching, internet surfing milieu?
As an author, I can understand how painful it must be to have a mad mob dissect your creative expression...to have mass criticism flung at you for something you believe in. As a woman, I can imagine how harrowing it must be to silently witness a negative reaction to something you are part of, for no fault of yours. As a human who has learned to try and see things from another person's perspective, I can empathize with 'Vogue' who tried to pass on a strong social message and instead got castigated for hypocrisy.
So there! Having explained my interpretation of the video, I leave it up to you. You can choose to understand it from a different perspective or choose to stay hell bent on what you think is right (or wrong).
Who am I, you ask? And why am I defending this video?
I am just a woman who believes she still has choices...
Answer: Controversy!Recently, Homi Adajania directed a short film dedicated to #VogueEmpower, a social awareness initiative. The video was aptly titled 'My Choice' and was based on a piece by Kersi Khambatta. Also starring Nimrat Kaur, Adhuna Akhtar, Anupama Chopra and many others who have made a difference in their respective careers, this short film shows Deepika as a modern day woman talking about her right to be at par with the status that men have been designated (no/few questions asked) by a hypocritical society.
Going by the uproar the video has managed to create, I am pretty sure everyone has watched it by now. But for the few who might have not, here it is.
I first happened to come across this video on a quiet sultry afternoon. Having nothing better to do, I decided to watch it. I'm not a feminist or anything, but #VogueEmpower has always managed to catch my attention. First it was their 'Going home' short film starring Alia Bhat, then it was 'Start with the boys' that had Madhuri Dixit. While I was not too impressed with the former (I found it just okay-ish) the latter was something that hit home. So when I noticed the 'My Choice' video, I was only too keen to know what message it carried this time.
On watching it, I liked the way the message rolled out. The video showed a woman talking about her choices, and the need for equal rights. It spoke about empowerment, the freedom to do as you pleased without being questioned. It reflected satire by the subtle comparison between the freedom bestowed on a man and not a woman.
Personally, I think this video is definitely worth a share. However, the world is always divided into two opinions---yours and mine. While there are some people appreciating the video, there are many who seem to have taken it the wrong way.
It's all fine (freedom of expression et al. After all, the video is about choices.). However, I see a limit being crossed here. There are people frothing at the mouth, claiming that the video was 'oh so wannabe' and pretentious. Lines are picked up on. Parodies are uploaded. Open letters, jokes, hate posts are being written all over the net. Those starring in the video are being defamed. Creative expressions are turned inside out and thrashed, so much that some bloke has tweeted that the film promotes prostitution.
Now what do you say to a thing like this? Give a dog a bad name and hang him, eh?
While haters have gone ahead and searched for Deepika's dirty linen to wash in public, they keep forgetting that she is just the face that has been used to promote the video.
Things about her past are being brought up. Fingers are pointed at her character and abuses are hurled at her for being a hypocrite. Her previous endorsements are challenged. Personal issues as serious as depression are dragged in. Things are turning ugly.
I am apalled at the comments on social media, the hate tweets, the perverted jokes on her that were being circulated. Is this just another case of herd mentality? You got a problem with the video? Fine! You have a problem with the message too? That is also fine. But why shoot the messenger, is what I ask. So let's see line by line what the video had to say. I am going to write about the points that were raised and argued about (wrt the film), and my counterargument as a viewer. In addition, I will also say what the other lines mean to me, just so that I am not misinterpreted in any other way. (If you throw too many brickbats, I might build myself a house with them, and make myself comfortable.)
My body, my mind, my choice.
To wear the clothes I like even as my spirit roams naked, my choice.
To be a size 0 or a size 15, they don't have a size for my spirit, they never will.
A few comments on the above lines pointed fingers towards Deepika's earlier choice of endorsements They accused that it was plain hypocrisy that a superstar endorsing 'weight loss' breakfast cereal was now claiming that being a size 15 is fine as a matter of choice.
What I would like to know is that? How many of our celebrities actually use the products that they endorse? Do you also think ShahRukh Khan MUST use Navratna Tel (Yes, Thanda thanda cool cool), Aamir MUST guzzle gallons of coke, Amitabh Bacchan MUST slurp insstant maggi noodles at meals, Kareena MUST bathe with Lux soap, just because they promote it?
Roping in a celebrity to endorse a product or advertise a campaign is an essential part of marketing strategies. Why? Because they are youth icons. They are popular among the masses. Would you watch a two minute video or TV commercial if it had some obcure run-of-the-mill nobody starring in it? Who are we kidding--of course you wouldn't!
Celebrities provide people the incentive to take notice. So when Deepika stars in a film about women choices, please accept that she is saying what needs to be said...doing what is asked of her. That's her job. If actors started expressing their views about every campaign or ad film they was offered, there would not be any need of scriptwriters, directors and the rest of the crew.
Now coming to what is implied in the above lines (or what I think it means): The 'woman' does not want to be told what to wear or what not to wear. Her spirit is free, unrestricted, and that is how she wants her choice to be. How many times have we flinched when we hear comments like 'She shouldn't have worn that dress' or 'Her clothes invited it' in cases of sexual molestation or rape.? How many times have we argued tooth and nail for the right of a woman to dress as she wants? Inner beauty...strength of character...woman's liberation--haven't we all voted for these before? Then why create a hue and cry when the video says the same thing (in literary expression)??!!!
To use cotton and silk to trap my soul is to believe you can halt the expansion of the universe or capture sunlight in the palm of your hand.
Your mind is caged, let it free. My body is not, let it be.
True, isn't it? Our clothes do not define us. Neither do they protect or limit us. What protects us is our thinking, that ironically seems caged at times. The writer wants to tell us to free our minds, rather than pay attention to our bodies. Our bodies are not caged. It is our mindset that needs to be liberated. Focus on what is more important.
My choice, to marry or not to marry.
To have sex before marriage, to have sex outside of marriage, to not have sex.
There seems to be a huge hullabaloo on this topic, especially the 'sex outside marriage' part. In my opinion, this video represents equal rights for women. Like I said before, this might just be the writer's way of challenging the existing situation, when (face it!) a man will not be questioned as much as a woman when it comes to preferences on sex.
Even our movies are evident of this mentality. A man who strays after marriage is most likely forgiven by all and sundry, if he gets on his knees and pleads for forgiveness. Flip side, show me one movie that shows a woman straying and the audience being empathic towards her. In reality, even if a woman cannot forgive her man for his infidelity, there will be a whole society asking her to consider...for the sake of her breaking marriage, for the sake of an unborn child, for the sake of the entire f***ing society. Who can promise mistakes will not be repeated, but chances..a man should get those. A cheating woman, on the other hand, will be labelled a whore, shamed by society, and not given a chance to reprieve her guilt even in hell.
My choice, to love temporarily or to lust forever.
Again, a woman lusting forever is just not acceptable, right? The first to go against this statement would be other women. Visions of a temptress trying to seduce poor innocent victims would come to mind. Mind, exactly! Love or lust are subjective choices. What might be lust for some might be love to others and vice versa. All of us experience it at some point or another. Sometimes its temporary, sometimes it's a little more than temporary. The permanence of any emotion is again a choice. Who are we to be the moral police when it comes to an individual's choice?
My choice, to love a man or a woman or both.
(Society should not have a role to play in individual decisions as long as they are not harming it in any way. Freedom to choose should be included in the Constitution of India as a fundamental right, eh?)
Remember you are my choice, I am not your privilege.
I simply fail to understand why a man should have a problem with this statement. He should be proud of the fact that his woman chose him because she wanted to and not because he wanted her to. Being someone's choice is always a matter of pride. We should learn to understand that. We should also learn to deserve that,
The bindi on my forehead, the ring on my finger, adding your surname to mine, they are ornaments. They can be replaced. My love for you cannot. So treasure that.
And don't ever forget it. Even when you are bubbling with rage on misunderstanding or misjudging a video woman. Love needs no evidence. When a man does not need to wear a mangalsutra, bindi or adopt a different surname after marriage, why should a woman? Now, isn't that a tad unfair?
My choice, to come home when I want. Don't be upset if I come home at 4am. Don't be fooled if I come home at 6pm.
This is for all those suspecting married men who have a curfew at home. This just goes to drive home the point that you can never be completely sure of your wife's integrity unless you love her completely and trust her. A wife might be busy working till the wee hours of the morning while her husband suspects that she's cheating on him with her boss. On the other hand, a wily female might plan her moves so well that her husband might never know of her adultery. The message here is, you can't curb her freedom just to make sure. All you can make sure is that you love her so much that she 'chooses' you till the end.
My choice, to have your baby or not, to pick you from 7 billion choices or not. So don't get caught.
For those who protested against this arguing that a baby should be a couple's decision, let's just get this right. You cannot break a line as you please, especially when it is in relevant continuity with the line(s) that follow. This part of the message might be written to emphasize how much a monogamous relationship means to a woman---She chooses one person from seven billion others to be the father of her baby.
Besides, try as we might want to justify equal partnership (between a man and a woman) in creating a baby, the truth is that a mother will always have the upper hand in the situation. 'Janani', the one who houses the foetus in her womb for nine months, right from conception to the delivery of a healthy child, is the heart of the home. Her responsibilities do not stop just there. Even during the growing up years, the mother's role is most crucial.(Of course, there are exceptions, and I'm not denying that.).
But think of those women who are forced to go to abortion clinics repeatedly, only because the family or husband does not want a girl child, those single mothers who have been dumped by the man they loved, only because he was not man enough to be a father or husband. You still thinking of those exceptions now?
My pleasure may be your pain.
My songs your noise.
My order your anarchy.
Your sins my virtues.
My choices are like my fingerprints. They make me unique.
This speaks of individual choices...independent ones. It goes to say no two people are alike. What may stand justified for one may be totally unreasonable to another. These are choices---they make us who we are...they make us unique.
I am the tree not the forest. I am the snowflake not the snowfall. You are the snowflake.
By 'snowflake' she means, each of us is a part of the whole. Every one of us is as miniscule as a snowflake...as insignificant when alone. But together, we constitute something beautiful.
Wake up. Get out of the shitstorm, or choose to empathize or to be indifferent.
I guess the writer knew exactly what he was getting into. Perhaps 'Vogue' was aware it wouldn't be easy pie too. This short film was bound to create controversy.
I choose to be different.
I am the universe, infinite in every direction.
Someone laughed on the validity of this statement by saying that the last three words 'in every direction' were totally uncalled for, as it was the universe that was being spoken about.
Well, to this, I'd just say. The human mind is akin to an universe. And as we all know it, we have witnessed many a minds (in the past few days) go infinitely unidirectional on this topic.
It is true that women all over India, especially rural India need to be empowered much more and over issues much more basic. It is also true that this topic has been done to death. And yet, 'Vogue' comes up with this new short film on empowerment.Think about it!
To empower someone is to hand over the reigns of their own life to them, to make them confident enough to claim their rights and control their own lives, to give them the power to do as they please so as to enable them to become secure strong individuals who do not need to feel threatened because of their vulnerability...who can make their own choices.
Do you really think that women in cities are all liberated and empowered? Don't these so called 'modern women' face issues of their own? Cases of suicide, female foeticide, depression, rapes, eve teasing, crime against women are seen as much in metros as in villages. What is evident is always just the tip of the iceberg. The problem lies concealed...silent...and in most cases, suppressed. Haven't you heard of the educated illiterates? Empowerment is necessary and of utmost importance for woman in all spheres of life. We have to start somewhere (and go on until it is acknowledged). Is it such a huge mistake that Homi Adajania has chosen to first address the Youtube watching, internet surfing milieu?
As an author, I can understand how painful it must be to have a mad mob dissect your creative expression...to have mass criticism flung at you for something you believe in. As a woman, I can imagine how harrowing it must be to silently witness a negative reaction to something you are part of, for no fault of yours. As a human who has learned to try and see things from another person's perspective, I can empathize with 'Vogue' who tried to pass on a strong social message and instead got castigated for hypocrisy.
So there! Having explained my interpretation of the video, I leave it up to you. You can choose to understand it from a different perspective or choose to stay hell bent on what you think is right (or wrong).
Who am I, you ask? And why am I defending this video?
I am just a woman who believes she still has choices...
March 25, 2015
The change we needed...
As a child, I hated waking up early in the morning. It was lucky that my school was just a two minute distance from my home. That meant I could even wake up as late as 7:30am, brush my teeth, have a shower, eat my breakfast, pack my school bag, and yet be able to make it on time for the morning eight o'clock assembly. This was a boon during exam days. Being a last-minute person, I would be cramming up until the second I left the house. Higher secondary was not much different. Tutions and extra classes too were within a close radar, all of which made me quite used to this convenient and comfortable routine.
So when I had to travel a 65 mins journey from home to Medical school every single day, it was quite a brutal reality shock. For the first few days, I thought it was great fun. Spending a minimum two hours a day in commuting to Goa Medical College was quite a thrill. I would happily traverse the distance chatting non stop with a few colleagues. All this lasted until I experienced my first bout of motion sickness. I recall stopping to puke on the way. I had reached college looking like something the cat dragged in. From that day onwards, the 65 minutes to GMC would be spent with eyes closed, imagining all my favorite things, out of fear that I might puke if I stopped.
As the days went by, this phobia made me miserable. The 'last minute' studying habit had followed me to Medical school. But the motion sickness (or rather the fear of it) did not allow me to read while traveling. I was too afraid to open my eyes. Mr Vertigo could strike anytime. As the increasing syllabus and impending vivas threatened to cause a nervous breakdown, I realized the seriousness of the situation.
Wasting so much time in traveling could turn things ugly (for me). Besides, I would be exhausted by the time I reached home. The continuous lectures at college plus the daily traveling had started taking a toll. My back hurt. My neck strained. My legs cramped. Studying under so much physical and mental fatigue had almost started becoming impossible, and this had started affecting my grades as well.
The ultimate eyeopener, however, was when I flunked in Anatomy viva. That was when I decided I'd had enough. As I stood nervously stuttering in front of my professor, hoping for some divine intervention to whisper the 'nerve supply to all muscles of the upper and lower limbs' that I had not read a word of my ear, I had not read a word of, I had an epiphany. If this went on, I would royally flunk my exams. The syllabus had suddenly started to seem like an endless ocean of knowledge. I had not even finished reading half of it. There was hardly any time.
Clearly, I was doing something wrong here. All the problems narrowed down to one major issue. It was the journey that was killing me. I had to cut down my commute time and put in more study time. That also meant I had to make sure I wouldn't fall asleep as soon as I hit the bed (like would happen those days). That was when I had another epiphany---I decided to shift to the hostel.
Our hostel warden was a stubborn old woman who liked to play 'God'. She enjoyed designating rooms to students as per her whims and fancy. The girls who would get assigned rooms were usually the ones who threw a pity party (sobbed and wailed about their problems to her) or the ones who kissed her ass, neither of which I was. Hence, I was rudely brushed off, and my name was included in a super long waiting list of other candidates who had applied for a room but had no hope of getting one. That was when one of my best friends came to the rescue.
Apparently Tina had a relative who could help us search for a small studio apartment within close distance of GMC. Tina informed me that another of my colleagues, Jaya, was caught in a similar situation (No, not the motion sickness...the weak grades) and pooling in the rent seemed like a good idea to all three of us. Exams were just around the corner, and I did not have much time to waste on deciding. I plunged at the offer. Thus started our search for an apartment.
The ordeal continued for the whole of the next week. Tina's uncle put in a lot of effort to search around. We met a few brokers and tried to explain to them what we exactly wanted. Some managed to confuse us, some we managed to confuse.
A lot of disappointments (that involved high rent, space issues etc) and embarrassments later, we finally found a reasonable deal. Thinking back, had an online platform like Housing existed back then, it would have made our home search so much easier. With an amazing clarity in careful planning and execution, 'Housing' is said to be the new face of real estate today.
However, life was different back then. After a tiring search with a few frustrating encounters, we finally decided to make do with what was available. Due to constraints on time and patience, we had to compromise on the quality. But we reminded ourselves of the hot scorching heat outside and that beggars couldn't be choosers. The flat was a 1BHK, our best bet in that hour of need. Without wasting much time, Jaya, Tina, and me moved in. At least, we could hope to clear our semesters now.
The next one week was spent in adjusting to the flat and each other's company. Neither of us had lived away from home before. Gradually, we started getting acquainted to one another. Study patterns, eating habits, sleep timings got discussed and adjusted with. The chaos was slowly coming under control. Life was falling in place. The convenient location made sure we got ample time to study and make up for lost time.
Thinking back, the apartment was in no way perfect. But it did set many things right. I topped in Anatomy that semester. Jaya and Tina got excellent grades too. We became best buddies, discussing everything from past crushes to future responsibilities. Since the place was within close distance, we could go and observe deliveries being conducted in the labour room and cases being managed in Trauma & Casualty unit (something which is normally done only in year 3). The senior residents were only too amused (and maybe a little impressed too) to teach a bunch of enthusiastic freshers how to suture gaping wounds and take histories. We even assisted in a couple of normal deliveries.
That year we learned a lot of things. We learned the importance of time management. The unavailability of hostel rooms taught us not to give up on seeing a closed door but to instead look around for open windows. The time we spent together made us realize that friends are the family we are allowed to choose, and that compromises, adjustments and communication are most essential in any relationship. We realized that intrigue and enthusiasm together with sincere determination and hard work are a must for one to keep learning.
It was only in the next year that our application for hostel rooms were accepted. We bid farewell to that apartment and shifted to the privacy of our single rooms. By then we were strong enough to handle the pressures of medicine on our own. We got busy studying.
Days changed into weeks, and weeks to years. Time just flew by. We graduated from medical college, got our respective post graduation degrees, and are in different places. However, even today, every once in a while, we get together...to gossip, group study, or just remember those wonderful days as house-mates in that rented apartment that changed us for the best, the one that started our new life!
March 23, 2015
Thanks Wala Nashta
If we were asked to choose just one meal a day, which one would it be?
I am pretty sure most of us would opt for dinner. That is the one meal we think we can thoroughly enjoy. Having wrapped up for the day, we think we can sit back and relax with family and friends over a soulful dinner conversation and enjoy the flavor of the food we are eating until we are satiated and content enough for a good night's sleep. A good dinner and a undisturbed night's rest before we wake up and head for work tomorrow...what more do we 'want', right? Wrong! Have you ever wondered what more we actually need?
Breakfast, the most hurried meal of the day. Most of us would not even be able to recollect what we last had for breakfast. Bites of toast and gulps of coffee consumed between getting ready for work and stepping out of the house? No? Not even that?
Research says 'Breakfast' is the most important meal of the day. It not just kick starts your day on a happy note, but also provides energy for the brain and keeps you alert. Breakfast helps to improve our metabolism and reduces the body's glucose levels. An ideal breakfast should be packed with energy and vitamins in addition to proteins, fiber, iron that is essential for a healthy growth and development. Milk, fruit and cereal are the three essential components of a nutritious breakfast. It helps to keep the mind fresh and alert, and also assists in problem solving. It is said that breakfast-eaters can think faster and concentrate better than those who skip their morning nashta. Despite all these advantages, breakfast is still the least popular meal of the day. Why, you ask? Well, life, the rat race, the size zero craze, and everything. Different reasons for different people.
I am not exactly a morning person. By this I mean, I just cannot wake up in the morning and get all geared to prepare an elaborate breakfast, packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber. Already, I have a tough time getting my eyes open enough to hit the snooze button on my clanging alarm clock. (Yes, mine is the big fat steel alarm that goes on forever and shuts up only when it is flung on the floor by a grumpy me. Modern day cell phone alarms are too decent to wake me up..). So, proceeding into the kitchen to fix a nutritious meal after this early morning rush of madness is out of the question. Hence, when I first came across (Kellogg's wale) Gupta Ji (of the 'sunny disposition' fame) looking all fresh and cheerful early in the morning, I was intrigued beyond doubt. Who in this world could be caught smiling like a sunflower on a grumpy Monday morning?
It was known that everyone in the society kept asking Gupta Ji for a breakfast invite. Much to his children's (Ritu and Rohan) irritation, everybody had just a question to ask them "Nashte pe kab bula rahe ho?"
The reason was Mrs Shalu Gupta's amazing breakfast options. A quick neighborhood research told me that she had a recipe for almost every mood under the sun. The woman was a freaking superwoman, I thought. How could someone be so enthusiastic over making elaborate meals first thing in the morning? That was when curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to check out some recipes she had posted online here .
Voila! As I scrolled down one interesting recipe after another, I noticed a pattern. Most of them had one common ingredient---cereal. Being aware of the health benefits and nutrition quotient of Kellogg's, and enticed by pics of the delicious end product, I was tempted to read further. Kelloggs oats are rich in fibre that help reduce cholesterol. They help one feel fuller longer, and thus help control your weight. The soluble fibres in oats can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Corn is rich in antioxidants that help maintain eye health and keeps vision problems at bay. Barley can help reduce blood pressure. Kelloggs Muesli (Nuts delight) makes up for an nutrition packed breakfast that is needed to set your day in enthusiastic motion by generating the required energy boost. Corn is a star when it comes to overall goodness of whole grain and fibre. Sometimes oats, sometimes cornflakes, sometimes sweet, at other times spicy, Mrs Gupta and her original recipes make every healthy breakfast a treat to eat.
Shalu had posted some family videos on Youtube as well, where she and Chef Ajay Chopra whipped up breathtaking recipes, that were not just quick to fix but also yummy to eat. Besides as the age old saying goes, always trust the restaurant where the owner dines. Mr Gattu Gupta, one of the leading distributors of Kellogg's cornflakes, unwavering loyalty towards the product stands testimony to its quality and standard, and it being his family's favorite breakfast option is proof of its merit.
Mr Gattu Gupta and his family are aware of the health benefits that come with a nutritious breakfast, and Chef Ajay and Shalu make sure they embark on a magic carpet ride of gastronomic delights every single morning. Be it Kellogg's Tomato-Salsa oats or Power-Up poha, together, the family savors every flavor.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the recipes (especially the 'Fruity Yogurt Cup' and 'Cheesy Cornflakes', which I am sure is an instant hit with kids, and also the simple yet refreshing 'Peach Cornflakes' and 'Cornflakes Date Shake'). Hats off to Mrs Shalu Gupta for coming up with such spectacularly innovative ideas. I would love to meet her and her family someday, and tell her what a great example they are setting. Besides, it would be an honor to meet Chef Ajay and thank him for converting a healthy choice like Kelogg's into an irresistible one.
Being a general physician and diabetologist, I have a lot of patients coming in with issues like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, most of whom find it impossible to shift to healthy eating. They often come up with excuses not to stick to their diet plan. Most prefer to start their morning with just a cup of coffee, not realizing that they do themselves more harm than good by skipping breakfast. Having very limited choices to choose from, they prefer going hungry. But what they do not realize is skipping a meal causes them to lose essential nutrients as well. With Mrs Gupta's tasty recipes, I expect them to feel more motivated into eating healthy, eating regular and eating right.
I think I can take a little liberty and modify the age old dictum into
"A Kellogg's meal a day keeps the doctor away."
Coming back to the Guptas, there is much talk about Shalu's hospitality. I am hoping that meeting with her will manage to make me catch some of her infectious enthusiasm for cooking. (I so desperately need that...sigh!).
They say 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. Who better than good old Kellogg's Wale Gupta Ji can testify this? The chemistry between Shalu and him is really cute. Meeting the prankster Rohan and the rebellious Ritu would be a fun experience. Watching all their videos has made me feel like a part of their family already.
So lets take this seriously. Let us pledge that we are going to wake up and fix ourselves a power packed breakfast every day. It's simple really---milk, fruit and Kellogg's, that is all it takes.
So make the right choice. Believe in the goodness of grain. Have a positive attitude.
Stay healthy. Stay happy!
Toh bataiye Guptaji, nashte pe kab bula rahe ho? Arre bhai, 'Thank you' bolna hai...:) :) :)
I am pretty sure most of us would opt for dinner. That is the one meal we think we can thoroughly enjoy. Having wrapped up for the day, we think we can sit back and relax with family and friends over a soulful dinner conversation and enjoy the flavor of the food we are eating until we are satiated and content enough for a good night's sleep. A good dinner and a undisturbed night's rest before we wake up and head for work tomorrow...what more do we 'want', right? Wrong! Have you ever wondered what more we actually need?
Breakfast, the most hurried meal of the day. Most of us would not even be able to recollect what we last had for breakfast. Bites of toast and gulps of coffee consumed between getting ready for work and stepping out of the house? No? Not even that?
Research says 'Breakfast' is the most important meal of the day. It not just kick starts your day on a happy note, but also provides energy for the brain and keeps you alert. Breakfast helps to improve our metabolism and reduces the body's glucose levels. An ideal breakfast should be packed with energy and vitamins in addition to proteins, fiber, iron that is essential for a healthy growth and development. Milk, fruit and cereal are the three essential components of a nutritious breakfast. It helps to keep the mind fresh and alert, and also assists in problem solving. It is said that breakfast-eaters can think faster and concentrate better than those who skip their morning nashta. Despite all these advantages, breakfast is still the least popular meal of the day. Why, you ask? Well, life, the rat race, the size zero craze, and everything. Different reasons for different people.
I am not exactly a morning person. By this I mean, I just cannot wake up in the morning and get all geared to prepare an elaborate breakfast, packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber. Already, I have a tough time getting my eyes open enough to hit the snooze button on my clanging alarm clock. (Yes, mine is the big fat steel alarm that goes on forever and shuts up only when it is flung on the floor by a grumpy me. Modern day cell phone alarms are too decent to wake me up..). So, proceeding into the kitchen to fix a nutritious meal after this early morning rush of madness is out of the question. Hence, when I first came across (Kellogg's wale) Gupta Ji (of the 'sunny disposition' fame) looking all fresh and cheerful early in the morning, I was intrigued beyond doubt. Who in this world could be caught smiling like a sunflower on a grumpy Monday morning?
It was known that everyone in the society kept asking Gupta Ji for a breakfast invite. Much to his children's (Ritu and Rohan) irritation, everybody had just a question to ask them "Nashte pe kab bula rahe ho?"
The reason was Mrs Shalu Gupta's amazing breakfast options. A quick neighborhood research told me that she had a recipe for almost every mood under the sun. The woman was a freaking superwoman, I thought. How could someone be so enthusiastic over making elaborate meals first thing in the morning? That was when curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to check out some recipes she had posted online here .
Voila! As I scrolled down one interesting recipe after another, I noticed a pattern. Most of them had one common ingredient---cereal. Being aware of the health benefits and nutrition quotient of Kellogg's, and enticed by pics of the delicious end product, I was tempted to read further. Kelloggs oats are rich in fibre that help reduce cholesterol. They help one feel fuller longer, and thus help control your weight. The soluble fibres in oats can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Corn is rich in antioxidants that help maintain eye health and keeps vision problems at bay. Barley can help reduce blood pressure. Kelloggs Muesli (Nuts delight) makes up for an nutrition packed breakfast that is needed to set your day in enthusiastic motion by generating the required energy boost. Corn is a star when it comes to overall goodness of whole grain and fibre. Sometimes oats, sometimes cornflakes, sometimes sweet, at other times spicy, Mrs Gupta and her original recipes make every healthy breakfast a treat to eat.
Shalu had posted some family videos on Youtube as well, where she and Chef Ajay Chopra whipped up breathtaking recipes, that were not just quick to fix but also yummy to eat. Besides as the age old saying goes, always trust the restaurant where the owner dines. Mr Gattu Gupta, one of the leading distributors of Kellogg's cornflakes, unwavering loyalty towards the product stands testimony to its quality and standard, and it being his family's favorite breakfast option is proof of its merit.
Mr Gattu Gupta and his family are aware of the health benefits that come with a nutritious breakfast, and Chef Ajay and Shalu make sure they embark on a magic carpet ride of gastronomic delights every single morning. Be it Kellogg's Tomato-Salsa oats or Power-Up poha, together, the family savors every flavor.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the recipes (especially the 'Fruity Yogurt Cup' and 'Cheesy Cornflakes', which I am sure is an instant hit with kids, and also the simple yet refreshing 'Peach Cornflakes' and 'Cornflakes Date Shake'). Hats off to Mrs Shalu Gupta for coming up with such spectacularly innovative ideas. I would love to meet her and her family someday, and tell her what a great example they are setting. Besides, it would be an honor to meet Chef Ajay and thank him for converting a healthy choice like Kelogg's into an irresistible one.
Being a general physician and diabetologist, I have a lot of patients coming in with issues like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, most of whom find it impossible to shift to healthy eating. They often come up with excuses not to stick to their diet plan. Most prefer to start their morning with just a cup of coffee, not realizing that they do themselves more harm than good by skipping breakfast. Having very limited choices to choose from, they prefer going hungry. But what they do not realize is skipping a meal causes them to lose essential nutrients as well. With Mrs Gupta's tasty recipes, I expect them to feel more motivated into eating healthy, eating regular and eating right.
I think I can take a little liberty and modify the age old dictum into
"A Kellogg's meal a day keeps the doctor away."
Coming back to the Guptas, there is much talk about Shalu's hospitality. I am hoping that meeting with her will manage to make me catch some of her infectious enthusiasm for cooking. (I so desperately need that...sigh!).
They say 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. Who better than good old Kellogg's Wale Gupta Ji can testify this? The chemistry between Shalu and him is really cute. Meeting the prankster Rohan and the rebellious Ritu would be a fun experience. Watching all their videos has made me feel like a part of their family already.
So lets take this seriously. Let us pledge that we are going to wake up and fix ourselves a power packed breakfast every day. It's simple really---milk, fruit and Kellogg's, that is all it takes.
So make the right choice. Believe in the goodness of grain. Have a positive attitude.
Stay healthy. Stay happy!
Toh bataiye Guptaji, nashte pe kab bula rahe ho? Arre bhai, 'Thank you' bolna hai...:) :) :)
