Club No : 03373392 Area 33 Division J District 20
Reflections
Reflections
Area 33
Desert Divas’
Issue 1
November 2013
Reflections
Volume 1 1
November 2013
Reflections
From the Editor’s Desk
Contents
Sowmya Rangarajan The verve and restless energy of an enthusiastic albeit apprehensive group of home makers gave form to Desert Divas, a Toastmasters Club exclusively for women. Barely two months old we are still very much in the infant stage toddling and stumbling but steadily discovering and learning the art of expression. Learning itself has taken on a different meaning in the last few weeks. While it is certainly heartening to see the surge in eloquence, articulation and confidence levels in each one of us, what is more heartwarming is the parallel growth of sensitivity and understanding. Be it a song of love or a shout of joy, a quivering lip or a bashful walk, every gesture spoken or unspoken is an expression. Woven into a colourful fabric
with threads of fact, fiction and fantasy “Reflections” is Desert Divas’ valiant venture into another realm of expression. Adding adventure to our journey of discovery, “Reflections” is a mirror of our passions and interests. Hoping that you find the read enjoyable and looking forward to your feedback on our inaugural issue.
President’s Message
3
Mentor’s Message
3
VP ( Education) Speaks
4
Mentors and Sponsors
5
EXCOM Members
6
Potpourri - expat culture and traditions
7
Perspective - column by our guest writer
8
Kith and Kin - parenting views
10
Wanderlust - travel feature
11
Temptations - recipe corner
13
Wealthy Wise - money matters
15
Myriad Musings - mixed bag of thoughts and opinions
16
Picture Perfect - photography
21
Collage of the group
22
Caption Contest
9
Challenge - word puzzle
18
We would heartily welcome suggestions and feedback on our inaugural issue. Click away with your cameras and send in your photographs. The best picture will be selected for the cover of our next issue . Look out for our Caption Contest and Challenge section. All feedback , answers to contests and photographs may be sent to sowmya100863@yahoo.com 2
Reflections
President’s Message Usha Mohan It is indeed an honour to be elected as President of the Desert Divas Toastmasters Club. It is also a privilege to be a part of this unique ‘Ladies Only’ club in the U.A.E. Though we are a fledgling club & only five meetings old! We have a dynamic executive committee, committed to maintain the highest standard & bring in breathtaking ideas to make our club an outstanding one. With distinguished mentors like Dr Mallika Ramanathan, Anupama Parkar, Ranjani Jaidev & Sumita Narayan we are on the road to success.
our passion is the Desert Divas TM club!!! Toastmasters, is all about teamwork & we will continue in our efforts to ensure that each & every member has the opportunity to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. I would like to sign off with a quote by Henry Ford... “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
I do believe all of us have a choice on how we view & react to the world around us. I have a tendency to look forward to the events that are coming up & embrace them whole heartedly. I would like to encourage you all to find something you are passionate about & embrace it. I wouldn’t be wrong to assume that
Please remember to invite & bring your friends to our meetings.
Mentor’s Message Mallika Ramanathan Seeing the “Desert Divas” come into fruition has been a dream come true! It gives me great pride in being a part of this forum..... "a ladies only” Toastmasters club in the UAE. I believe that Toastmasters’ has helped me immensely in becoming a better leader and a better communicator and I felt it would be wonderful if more and more women experienced this. Mentoring and help form Desert Divas fulfilled this desire. Desert Divas ……is an idea……an experiment in excellence in which “stay at home” moms can discover and hone their traits as excellent communicators and leaders. Harvard professor of psychology Steven Pinker says that life would be more peaceful if women were in charge. So let’s prepare ourselves to take charge! Traditionally women are thought to be better than men when it comes to verbalizing what they think. Women look at problems differently and have the ability to think long-term. These 3
traits do not definitely need to be used only in the board-rooms……they can be used in every walk of life. From raising a family, being a good mother, wife, daughter or sister…..to being useful but significant member of the society, the country and the world! I would like to welcome you all aboard this wonderful journey of discovering ourselves and honing the latent talents that are within……to use them to make a difference to ourselves and to the world around us……. TOASTMASTERING IS CONTAGIOUS…..BE A CARRIER!
Reflections
VP ( Education) speaks... Vijaya Sukumar Desert Divas is the
Our journey is not going to be easy for as wom-
fruition of a dream
en we don several hats and have numerous re-
that a few of us had
sponsibilities but challenges are what make life
envisioned - To grow
more interesting. Each of us has our own fears
as a group, enrich
to deal with but with the support of our mentors
our
and fellow toastmasters we have set forth on
lives
with
the
this wonderful journey.
of
The educational pro-
invaluable
skills
listening,
analysing
gram of the Toastmasters is structured in such
and speaking and to
a manner that it is bound to tap our latent
acquire
leadership
strengths and empower us. We at Desert Divas
skills. Communication is the key to success
are enthused at the prospect of all the learning
in every aspect of our lives; be it social,
that is to be acquired!!
personal or commercial and we believe that by joining Toastmasters we are at the threshold of discovering new facets within ourselves.
Dr. A.P.J. Kalam’s words in particular are exceptionally inspirational “Each setback teaches us a new facet of life and something about our own personalities. When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had. And it is only when we are faced with failure do we realise that these resources were always there within us. We only need to find them and move on with our lives.”
4
Reflections
Mentors and Sponsors
Mallika Ramanathan
A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself -- Oprah Winfrey
Sumita Narayan
Anupama Parkar
Ranjani Jaidev
Toastmasters International Mission We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. 5
Reflections
EXCOM MEMBERS 2013-2014
CLUB MISSION Usha Mohan President
Sowmya Rangarajan VP Public Relations
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth
Vijaya Sukumar VP Education
Radha Hari VP Membership
Shedly Patrick
Anita Sambhus
Padma Ramji
Sergeant At Arms
Treasurer
Secretary
6
Reflections
Potpourri The Great Indian Gala Deepa Umashankar Culture is the foundation upon which we rebuild our lives on faraway shores. We find our identity unspooling itself in the customs, commemorations and celebration of our festivals, with relish. And this is so true of the immigrant nee ‘expat’ Indian population of the UAE, of which we are such an integral part.
Diwali lights to boot! Friends become extended family and kith, visiting each other and participating in the customs and rites with no compunctions about fluid culture. And our children who straddle two different worlds simply toe the line wearing traditional Indian attire and follow the customary pattern of festivity.
Every year, at the beginning of the festival calendar, we get sucked into the vortex of frenzied preparation and elaborate planning to establish who we are as a community. It is as if we try fervently to hold on to our ‘Indian-ness’ than even our kin back home. One wonders if this typically represents the angst of a diaspora to pass on its cultural legacy to its progeny lest it fades away into oblivion. From Onam to Navratri to Diwali…to many, many more…unique as we are from different parts of India, we transcend those gray shades of confusion to stand as one with unadulterated enthusiasm. All this is undoubtedly possible because of the pragmatism of the Rulers of this country.
Maybe because of the proximity to our homeland, there is no sense of ‘otherness’ amongst our younger generation. And the existent ‘reverse traffic’ of parents visiting their off springs who live and work here, on a regular basis, makes this transition all the more easier. Not to be left behind, the fifth session of Desert Divas Toastmasters Club, held during Diwali, had flowers and lights thrown in to add to the excitement. You may take an Indian out of India but it is difficult to take India out of an Indian.
And yet there are these wistful moments when we silently wonder if we could celebrate these festivals after completely comprehending the spirit behind them and not facetiously as a show of A walk down the old quarters of Dubai during one’s power and social standing. any of the Indian festivals is an eye opener of sorts. Suddenly one is aware of the Indian presence in sheer numbers and economics. The familiar sounds, smells and sights assault the senses and evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia- somewhere deep down, a memory of a Deepa is a freelance journalist past so sweet and sentimental. Strangely, and eco warrior. there is no twinge of regret nor a longing for HOME- for here we have created a niche we call home, with all its trappings- Garbha nights and 7
Reflections
Perspective We the Custodians
Chitra Ramaswamy We, its shepherds wonder if we are tending it enough, if right Or perhaps, smothering it with nutrients too much We walk a tightrope wondering how to balance it on our soil For we realize, if not entirely, it comes from grounds different to ours.
We wonder how to rid Pink of its discomfort Our action is a little tardy, for we weigh our options
The Red and Yellow, they are distinctive from the rest The Red, serene & adorable, yet a trifle wild
Is it the water, the soil, the manure – what is it that needs remedy
The Yellow, chirpy & lovable, a tad fiery though
Meanwhile, to our horror, cobwebs spread their labyrinthine veil around our Pink
The twosome is our garden’s buds most coveted.
Are we getting lost to each other for no good reason, We need to act right away, but how
Seasons go by and then the Orange enters our garden
We need to remove the veil between us, without our Pink suffering a tear, a wound
A gentle giant, he mesmerizes and mellows our blazing young Yellow
How do we face its gardeners and our failure to nurture it
A while later comes the sprightly but fragile Pink to grace our garden
We wonder where our green thumbs have gone
Planted next to our prized Red, it fills our garden with its fragrance.
We give one final purge, bring in all the resources we can muster
We, its keepers are happy and excited to receive Pink, in fact even a little nervous
A gentle push, the veil parts
That we should not fail in nurturing it, as did its gardeners in their home turf so long
Pink stands in all grandeur, lucid before us
And then one day we see signs of distress Pink’s appendages show up tinges of brown
The clouds dissipate, the browns are gone
We do not want it to wilt, to wither
8
Reflections
Pink blossoms, its confidence brimming, filling our garden once again with fragrance The gentle breeze carries our whisper to Pink We managed our way through this veil today to steady it on our soil But in the fading glow of dusk, we, its caretakers might falter We may no longer see or sense the cobweb And then we will need Pink to lend us a hand, not as payback But to extend its sturdy phalanges to its nowfeeble custodians
Chitra is a Bangalore based freelance journalist with a passion for photography and travel.
As a mark of that bond we forged and shared.
Caption Contest Don’t you dare mess with me ???
Send us your own witty snazzy caption for this picture. 9
Reflections
Kith and Kin
Teenage Parenting Shedly Patrick Based on day to day experiences with my own teenage daughter and pre-teen son, I wish to share my thoughts and views on how best to
advice too.
h a n d l e
Be
t e e n a g e r s .
there for them always, you never know
For both the parent and teenager these are the
when they might need you. Try to be available
most difficult years. It is a period of conflict and
when they get back from school/ college ,
confusion. As parents we feel hurt that they
that’s when they have lots to share.
confide less in us and more in their friends. While
them about their friends, their routine and
their friends become the most important people
always be connected, in whatever way you
in their life, we parents are treated like 'distant
can. Give them the privacy and independence
relatives'. It bothers us that they listen less and
they crave for, but with a few rules laid down.
talk more (that too only
They are bound to follow them quite happily.
when they wish) and
All said and done they may belong to the
invariably
modern
different almost
have opinion
anything
a on
are
but
undoubtedly
and
we
as
more
parents
are
experienced.
We need to explain the pros and cons when a
everything. These
era,
Talk to
situation demands it and inculcate in them our the
years
social and family values. With our firm yet
when seeking their own
gentle guidance, they will
identity teenagers become fiercely independent.
groomed
It is very important to them to look their best,
and
even if it means a complete wardrobe change.
storyteller Garrison Keillor,
individuals,
responsible.
turn into well confident
Says American author and
We appear too old fashioned for this modern era and they always have a feeling that we parents
" Nothing you do for children is
neither understand them nor their points of view.
ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering,
averting our eyes, and they
Despite the frustrations and irritations, I have
seldom offer thanks, but what we do for
come to an understanding that these are very
them is never wasted."
delicate years in which children need to be handled very patiently. The first step is in trying to be a friend first and parent next. Yes, I firmly believe that a parent can be a friend as well. There are times when they just need someone to listen to them and understand them. Do that and they will for sure appreciate you and take your 10
Shedly is a homemaker and trained language instructor who enjoys reading.
Reflections
Wanderlust Masai Mara
Vijaya Sukumar
MASAI MARA Miles of seemingly endless long swaying grass stretching up to the distant horizon, occasionally interspersed with a few scattered trees and shrubs – this is the landscape of one of the world’s most famous wildlife regions “The Masai Mara National Reserve.” Located in South West Kenya about a 270 kms from Nairobi this prolific reserve is home to the most amazing array of wildlife and the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
animal that belongs to the antelope family and sport beards as well as manes. Rhapsodizing over the beauty and majesty of each creature we soon sank into an awed mesmerised silence; revelling in the marvels of nature. Driving out in the wee hours of dawn the next day we watched the grassland coming alive bathed in the golden amber rays of the rising sun revealing a spectacular vista. Our minivan driver was in constant contact with other drivers trying to identify the exact location of a predator hunting down its prey. When the drivers’ radio crackled to life with the news of a ‘kill’ about to happen our pulses raced high with excited anticipation.
A game drive is the best way to see animals up close. Just minutes away from the gates of our lodge we squealed out in excitement as we spotted a zebra. The beauty of the black and white striped hide had us in raptures as we stumbled on dazzles of zebras. The next hour one felt as if one were part of a National Geographic wildlife show as we came across a whole gamut of animals from the dainty gazelles, blustering baboons, the stately giraffes, the dazzling zebras, the lazing rhinos to the imposing lions and lumbering elephants. Astounded we sighted the quaint wildebeest also known as the gnu an 11
Reflections
By the time we got there the lioness had done her job. The lions and their cubs were feasting on the unfortunate gnu that had fallen prey. The sight was unforgettable - fascinating in its savagery. Within seconds the scavengers – the jackals, the hyenas and the vultures circled around awaiting their share. It was an emotional experience as we had seen unfolding in front of our own eyes the oft-heard adage “Survival of the fittest”!
Maasai Mara Trivia
Location: approximately 280 kms west from Nairobi City. Nearest airport:
Nairobi
Travel time from Nairobi: By road 5 to 6 hours,
No visit to the Masai Mara Reserve is complete without a visit to the Maasai village. The Maasai people are semi-nomadic cattle rearing folks who live in simple huts constructed of sticks, a mixture of mud and cow dung. Men geared in their striking red robes and bright bead jewellery welcomed us by performing a captivating jumping dance known as the ‘adumu’. The women regaled us with some lovely songs. The kudu horn, a means of communication used in the past was displayed and their fire making techniques
By flight 40-45 minutes Best time to visit: December to March and July to October Annual migration : about 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles from the Serengeti in Tanzania during July to October. Get a bird’s eye view of the migration by taking a hot air balloon safari. The African big 5 ( lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard) The best way to enjoy the entire experience is to book a safari package that is inclusive of airport transfers, accommodation, safari drives with English speaking guides, park fees and meals.
were demonstrated. We wrapped up the tour with a purchase of vividly coloured Maasai bead crafts that make the perfect souvenirs!
Check www.maasaimara.com for details.
The brief trip to the village offers an insight into a world diametrically different to most urban societies. The whole Masai Mara trip is a surreal experience that brings home the fact that we are but one small speck in the whole spectacular universe. We return enriched yet humbled by the resplendent bounties of Vijaya is an avid travel nature and God’s creations. enthusiast with a passion for
writing, reading and music. 12
Reflections
Temptations
Sesame Pinwheels Vandana Jain
Ingredients
Method For the dough Mix all the ingredients and knead into a stiff dough with enough water. Keep aside for ½ an hour. For the stuffing Heat the oil in a non-stick pan, add sesame seeds, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves and sauté for a minute on low heat. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and potatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add amchur powder, garam masala powder and salt and sauté again for a minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool. How to proceed Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a large thin rectangle sheet. Spread the stuffing evenly on the sheet and roll it up tightly. Cut into round slices with sharp knife and sprinkle some more sesame seeds on each slice. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 25 minutes or deep fry in the medium hot oil till golden in colour. Serve hot with green chutney.
13
For the dough 2 cups plain flour 3 tbsp. oil ½ tsp. ajwain ½ tsp. salt For the stuffing 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed 2 tbsp. sesame seeds 1 inch ginger, grated 4 green chillies, finely chopped 10-12 curry leaves, chopped 1 tsp. red chilli powder ¼ tsp. turmeric powder ¼ tsp. amchur powder ¼ tsp. garam masala powder 3 tbsp. oil Salt to taste oil for deep frying
Reflections
Broccoli Cottage Cheese Balls Vandana Jain
Ingredients
Method
1 cup shredded broccoli ½ cup potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed ½ cup fresh grated paneer ( fresh Indian cheese) 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. crushed garlic 1 tsp. finely chopped green chillies 2 tbsp. oil 2 tbsp. corn flour Salt to taste 4 tbsp. bread crumbs oil for deep frying
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan. Add the onions, garlic and green chillies and sauté till light brown. Add the broccoli and sauté for 2 minutes. Finally add the potatoes and paneer and mix well. Remove from heat. Add corn flour, 2 tbsp. bread crumbs and salt. Mix well. Divide the mixture into small equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Coat all the balls with the remaining bread crumbs and deep fry in medium hot oil till they are golden in colour. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot
Vandana is a culinary expert whose recipe book “Vandana’s Veggie Creations” was awarded the “Best Indian Cuisine Book of the World” at the Gourmand World Cook Book Awards Ceremony in Paris.
14
Reflections
Wealthy Wise LIFE MADE EASY窶年o more loss in transmission FCA Nivedita Jain Transmission of securities including shares in Demat as well as physical form leads to hassles for the nominee or sometimes even the joint holders. There are various conditions that need to be followed during the transmission (transfer) of shares and a careful look at the details shows that proper understanding is essential. What is transmission of shares? Transmission of shares refers to a situation wherein on the death of the shareholder his/her shares are transferred to the account of joint holders or the nominee or the legal heir. What is DEMAT ACCOUNT? In India shares and securities are held electronically in a Dematerialized account, instead of the investor taking physical possession of certificates. A Dematerialized account is opened by the investor while registering with an investment broker. If the shares are in DEMAT FORM: If the shares are held in DEMAT mode in a single holder's name with a nominee then a simplified procedure should be followed. Nominee has to submit a share transfer form along with application and death certificate of shareholder. If the shares are held in DEMAT mode in a single holder's name without a nominee, then the question arises as to who would these be transferred to and the procedure involved. A simplified procedure can be followed; the legal heir (s) would have to make an application to the depository participant in the specified transmission form, along with mentioned documents1.Copy of death certificate, duly notarized. 2.Copy of the succession certificate, duly notarized. 3.Copy of probate or letter of administration, duly notarized. In case the succession copy or the probate cannot be produced, then they have to produce 15
some additional documents like, A) A letter of indemnity. B) Affidavit made on appropriate non-judicial stamp paper. C) No objection certificate from all the other legal heirs who do not object to the transfer. If the required documents are presented to the company the process can be completed quickly. If the shares are in PHYSICAL FORM: When it comes to a physical holding in a single holders name, with or without a nominee, of value not more than Rs. 2 lakhs per company then following documents should be submitted to the investors company: 1. Transmission form. 2. Copy of death certificate duly notarized. 3. Copy of succession certificate duly notarized (if nominee not mentioned). 4. Original share certificate. 5. Claim of legal ownership certificate from the other legal heirs on non-judicial stamp paper. (If the nominee not mentioned in the share certificate) In case the value of shares is more than Rs. 2 lakhs then the additional document would include a succession certificate. An element that would need to be clarified is that in the physical process for applying for the Rs.2 lakh limit, the value is to be considered per issuing company, not for the portfolio of the investor as a whole.
Nivedita is a practicing chartered accountant based in Dubai
Reflections
Myriad Musings
Faithfully Yours Sowmya Rangarajan Gene - I thought the word played a significant role in determining your appearance and intellect; basically all about inheriting brains and brawns. On an encouraging note it could mean that your sheer lineage endows you with strengths and aptitudes which others may give their right arm for. Call it a quirk of fate, but more often than not you end up with less of these and more of the maladies your parents and their parents suffered from. Maladies that are bequeathed to you, rather thrust upon you, as you don’t get to exercise the option of rejecting them. There’s no ‘take it or leave it’ option at all. You just have to live life with the inherited disorder or the diabetic condition.
know, but could there be a gene governing dialogues delivered? That’s rather spooky I’d say! Gene- intimidating though this word might be, it offers a great escape too. Great thing to fall back on. Your children’s fiery tempers and obstinate behaviour have nothing to do with your upbringing but entirely to do with your spouse’s genes. Should the son’s arrogance get remarked upon, you explain in a loud whisper, “Just like my mother-in-law, so difficult to handle,” but of course when your daughter gets complimented for her lovely eyes you enthuse with pride and quip in generously, “Oh yes she has inherited them from my mother!” Your children’s traits are always a bone of contention - laziness is most certainly from the brother-in-law but the caring nature is from your dad, selfishness is undoubtedly from the sister-in-law, but the gracious nature is just like your sister’s.
Chromosomes, DNA, Rh factor etc. are interesting enough as long as they remain within the confines of a biology book, but no - they insist on making inroads into every part of your life! They determine the way you speak, you walk, and you behave! Gene - the seemingly innocent little word appears to encompass just about everything – looks, attitudes and behaviour patterns. Realization dawns that nothing about you is really original not even a mannerism to call your own. You just happen to be an entity created by the almighty using permutations and combinations of various characteristics of your forefathers. If the sharp nose is your uncle’s, the flat feet are your grandma’s, the artist in you is great aunt’s contribution and the haughty attitude is dad’s input. Sorry to disillusion you but you can take credit neither for your irresistible charm nor for the cute dimple on your left cheek.
Hope – that’s another of those boons about genes. If you are bothered about your son’s height or rather lack of it there’s always a reassuring someone who says, “Don’t worry it runs in the family, all the boys shoot up after 16.” If your daughter’s shy and quiet nature is troubling there’s a comforting voice to say, “Don’t bother, she has taken after her aunt, watch how she changes after school”. Hey, talking of hope, my mother and sister took to writing after the age of 40. So is there hope for me, or do you think those genes completely skipped me?
Lately I have been more than a little worried, I seem to be echoing my mom’s words uttered several decades back. The same phrases, the same clichés – money doesn’t grow on trees, when we were young we were so responsible, we never had the comforts you have now…………….. I truly don’t
Sowmya is a math tutor fond of children, teaching and music. 16
Reflections
Reading - the Lost Habit ??? - Kamna Mohan
In this modern age of instant connectivity, it would seem that reading for pleasure has developed into an archaic pursuit. It is no longer a hobby that fits into a hectic lifestyle, or a conversation starter at social gatherings.
Reading statistics in the Middle East are at an alarming low, indicating that the average amount of pages read in a year is about half a page. Surveys also suggest that just 22% of the UAE population consider themselves to be regular readers. This is inclusive of the concept of reading for pleasure, reading to stimulate the senses and reading to captivate and fuel one’s imagination.
Could the internet be blamed for this? It could be a major reason, as people in the Middle East are heavy internet users and the region has a higher percentage of internet penetration (40%) compared with the world percentage (34.3%). It is a great temptation to get caught up in accessing all kinds of information, as well as the addictions of social media. This leaves people with less time to catch up on their reading, even if they enjoyed it prior to the internet. The art of multitasking also results in easily losing the concentration and focus that could be applied to reading a book.
However there are reasons to be positive. The UAE has
17
made significant efforts to replenish its cultural landscape, and this includes hosting events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the Sharjah Book Fair. These occasions provide great opportunities for people to celebrate the written word, while inspiring and reminding bibliophiles of their love for reading.
Perhaps it would make more of an impact if the benefits of reading were highlighted. Avid readers become better writers, and display greater analytical skills and cognitive thinking. They receive more exposure, and are thus able to punctuate their debates with different ideas. Reading encourages a healthy form of escapism, a chance to recharge the batteries while enhancing the powers of the mind. A reader is not only introduced to different worlds, but he is often inspired to change the world around him. When faced with this evidence, how could anyone even say that reading is a waste of time? Or that they have better things to do?
In order for reading to flourish, a helpful way would be to instill a community spirit into it again. Book clubs could be made more accessible and more libraries should be encouraged. Literature should be introduced
Reflections
Challenge as an enjoyable extra-curricular activity. We need younger minds to read more, so they can inspire future generations.
It is very easy for modern individuals to lose their identity in between juggling all their responsibilities. But every once in a while, it is okay to step back and take some time out to f i n d ourselves. It is alright to brew a strong coffee, settle down in a comfy armchair and read that book, before the film comes out and does all the imagining and discovering for you. As George R. R. Martin says,
The picture alongside depicts in literal terms the well-known phrase “Jump the Gun”. Find an apt phrase with the given number of words for each of the pictures below.
1. 4 words
2. 5 words “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
3. 4 words
(A post graduate in Marketing Communications Kamna is an avid reader & collecting books especially hard copies of first editions is her passion)
4. 2 words
5. 6 words
18
Reflections
Do Looks Really Matter ??? Radha Hari their advertisement of fairness creams. If one says ‘become fairer in 6 days’, another one says ‘get fairer overnight with our creams’! Unfortunately, most of these supposed miracle creams are endorsed by famous actors who are paid a fortune for the endorsements. Some advertisements even blatantly suggest that success and fame is determined by one’s fair complexion. What is surprising is that this fairness fixation is not assailing just women but men too !!
Although the famous saying does say that “Beauty is skin deep”, unfortunately there seems no truth left in this adage in today’s world where every teenager’s dream is to win a beauty pageant. A fortune is spent on advertisements of fairness creams and men still dream of fairy tale princesses as their life partners!
‘Wanted fair, pretty, beautiful brides’ is the most common line in any matrimonial column, seeking brides. What then happens to a ‘simple, plain looking or dusky bride’??? Such girls are convinced (thanks to society) that no Prince Charming is ever going to propose to them because they are not ‘fair and beautiful’.
We are in a superficial world where young girls are made to believe that the dark skinned are ugly ducklings and the fair skinned are beautiful swans!!!Even fairy tales with their ‘who is the fairest of them all’ suggestions associate beauty only with fairness.
It is a well-known fact that from the days of Cleopatra, looks have mattered…. I neither possess drop dead gorgeous looks nor do I believe in undergoing cosmetic surgery to enhance my looks. I am proud to be an ordinary woman if I am that, as I am what I am…..
While her contemporaries are busy endorsing beauty products, Nandita Das, a dusky beauty and a highly acclaimed actress of Bollywood is supporting a campaign called ‘Dark is beautiful’. Launched in 2009 by a group called ‘Women of Worth’, Das has joined the campaign this year and is taking a stance against this craze by lending her support. She herself being a perfect example of ‘beauty beyond colour’ is what is adding greater strength to her support. “Be yourself and be comfortable in your skin. Don’t let anybody rob you off your self-esteem,” says Nandita Das. The talented actress says she has faced several situa-
In particular why is Indian society so obsessed with fair skin I wonder ? The first comment made ( from maid to granny) when a baby girl is born in the family is about her complexion. She is compared not just to her immediate family, but to girls in the entire neighbourhood. Isn’t it ridiculous that even today in the 21 st century this happens in Indian society? Television channels compete with each other in 19
Reflections
tions in the film industry, when she was asked by directors and makeup artists to lighten her skin colour to suit the role of an upper class educated women.
Let us hope that the era of prejudice against dark complexion soon disappears and we enter into a new world where people can be more discerning.
Ever since she became the face of this ‘Dark is beautiful’ campaign her mail box has been inundated with mails from young girls who have been discriminated by their family and friends because of their skin colour. Thousands of people have signed this petition and the Facebook page of the campaign is receiving great response.
Radha is a staunch environmentalist who is also
c om m i tt ed t o community issues.
r e sol vi n g
Tackle Menopause Woes with Diet Ila Mohnot
Women are often troubled during menopause by various symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain and mood swings. Diet plays an important role at this stage and eating the right foods can reduce these symptoms . During menopause what you eat can have an effect on how your body deals with the changes it g o e s through. Women tend to put on a kilo or more each year during their mid 40's or 50's. This may be more due to the drop in their activity level rather than due to a change in hormones. Hormonal changes can shift the body composition, so one tends to gain weight around the abdomen. Here are some points and ideas on how to stay slim, reduce menopausal symptoms and cut the health risks that can arise after menopause. .
·
Eat more tofu and soy. Soy may give relief from hot flushes so drink soy milk. Add tofu to your salads. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fibre, vitamins and minerals in fruits and veggies help in reducing discomforts caused by 20
l ower estrogen level s du rin g menopause. The best fruits are plums,prunes,apple tomatoes, pear and grapes. The best veggies are beet, bell pepper, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, carrot, cucumber and lettuce. ·
Eat beans more often, they give lots of benefits in little packages. They slow down the absorption of glucose in the blood stream. They are full of fibre and have low fat protein.
·
Eat more of the right fats
·
Choose your beverages wisely
·
Eat calcium rich food.
·
Avoid high fat and high sugar food
·
Add flax seeds to your diet.
Along with diet changes do not forget to Exercise, exercise and exercise
Ila is a clinical chemist , an avid crafter and accomplished dancer.
Reflections
Picture Perfect Sunrise Spectrum (captured in Australia) Sumathi Hariharan
Nature’s art is always beautiful, but there is something spectacular about the sun when it rises in all its glory. The vibrant rays dispelling the darkness of the night breathe life into the new day and suffuse it with hope and cheer. A woman is like a sunrise trying to fill the lives of her family with radiance and happiness.
Sumathi is a homemaker with a keen interest in photography and cooking.
21
Reflections
22