Culturama June 2020

ENGLISH MONTHLY

12

JUNE 2020 - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04

Nature Resets

80/-

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

EDITOR'S

NOTE A

paradox is a statement which is seemingly absurd or contradictory.

The optimistic will fail, the pessimistic will also fail.

But someone with the right blend of both will succeed.

This paradoxical statement was made by U.S. Admiral James Stockdale. He was the seniormost U.S. Prisoner of War in the Vietnam war. He is probably the longest survivor of captivity in these camps.

He returned to the United States after seven years of intense torture. When asked how he survived, he said that he did so by being both an optimist and a pessimist.

He optimistically told himself that these difficult times would pass. He also pessimistically told himself that he did not know how long this unfortunate situation would last. He was thus prepared for and had the patience and courage to face adversity, but he was also confident that he would come out a winner.

The people who were just optimistic died because they expected to be released in a month or in three months or in a year. They could not handle the disappointment when this did not happen. The pessimists could not handle the stress and fear and died of broken hearts.

Rear Admiral Stockdale survived because he found both the patience and the courage to last through adversity.

He also had the belief that he would come out on top and finally prevail.

We can all learn a lesson from him in these hard times.

We need to understand that these difficult days are not in our control and hence we need to have patience, resilience and endurance.

We also need to know that we will come out victorious and that good times will come back.

As long as we have these two thoughts and as long as we have each other’s back, there is nothing that can harm us or stop us in our march forward.

God bless all of us.

Rohini Manian rohini@globaladjustments.com CULTURAMA | June 2020

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Rohini Manian Editor-in-Chief

INBOX

Meera J Pillai Deputy Editor Shobana Sairaj Business Head V. Kathiravan Creative Head S. Rajthilak Graphic Designer

Dear Editor,

Contributors Susan Philip | Elizabeth Mathew | Jeremy D’Cruz Antara Pandit | Anurima Das | Mitali Thakkar

It was really great to read about Dr. Anthony Fauci. Such a remarkable personality.

V. Balasubramanian, Chennai

Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram,

Dear Editor,

Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturama@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru No: 202, 2nd Floor, MILWAUKEE, 40 Promenade Road, Frazer

With everything that is happening in the world today, Eknath Easwaran’s words are absolutely healing.

Tripura Raman, Hyderabad

Town, Bangaluru – 560038 Tel +91-80-41267152, E-mail culturamablr@globaladjustments.com Delhi-NCR Level 4, Augusta Point, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurgaon –

Dear Editor,

E-mail del@globaladjustments.com

It is great to see youngsters like Sitara and Tulasi take it upon themselves to help society in these testing times.

Mumbai

Suraj Chandrasekar, Chennai

122002, Haryana Mobile +91 124 435 4224

#1102, 11th Floor, Peninsula Business Park, Tower B, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366 E-mail mum@globaladjustments.com Hyderabad Suite-18, 3rd Floor, Rajapushpa Business Centre, Stone Ridge Centre, Opp. Google, Hitec City – Kondapur Main Road,

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Editor: Rohini Manian

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

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CULTURAMA | June 2020

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INSIDE

CULTURAMA 8

SMS

12

Spotlight

30

Father’s Day Special

Talented and awesome, like dad

Short cultural snippets of India

Nature has hit the reset button

34

LWIT

Love for saris and biryani

26

Education Special

Set future goals with higher education

52

Influencer’s Corner

High on fashion

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA CULTURAMA || June June 2020 2020

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SMS Food

Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Aamras

It is summer, and the time to indulge in some Aamras. Literally, the juice of mangoes, this is a hugely popular part of Rajasthani, Gujarati and Marathi cuisine. It’s simple to make. The first step is to extract the juicy pulp of mangoes. Add sugar to taste, and you’re almost there. As the final step, you have several options – flavour with a pinch of dry ginger or cardamom powder; stir in plain or saffroninfused milk; drizzle with ghee; sprinkle dry fruits and top with a dollop of thick cream, or a combination of some of these options. Serve chilled. It can be a stand-alone dessert, but it is most relished as an accompaniment to crisp puris at breakfast or as a light dinner. It’s also part of festival menus. Yum! The Alphonso and Kesar varieties are the best for making Aamras, although other types can be used as well. Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and C and also in dietary fiber.

Tradition

Haldi Ceremony

There are lots of rituals associated with Indian weddings. Several of them are done before the actual marriage ceremony. Some are exclusively for the bride, others for the groom. The haldi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual which is performed for both the bride and groom.

Haldi (turmeric) is considered auspicious in India.

The haldi ceremony is aimed at both beauty and wellness. A mixture of haldi, oil and water (in some communities, also milk, rosewater and sandalwood) is applied on the face, neck, hands and feet of the bride and groom by older relatives at their respective homes, usually on the morning of the wedding. Turmeric is an exfoliator. After a bath, the

It has calming properties as well, and is believed to

skin is left glowing. It is proved to have antiseptic

soothe wedding nerves. In many communities, the

properties, so it adds an additional layer of

ceremony is performed to the accompaniment of

protection to the bride and groom on their big day.

song and dance, adding to the fun.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | June 2020

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June June 2020 2020 || CULTURAMA CULTURAMA

Meet Covid Warrior, Heath Minister K.K. Shailaja S he goes by the suffix ‘Teacher’. She is one of the most recognised faces in the Kerala Cabinet outside the state. In Kerala, which values

education highly, that’s no contradiction. Despite having resigned from her job as a school teacher in 2004 to devote herself to politics, the general public continues to accord her the deference of a ‘Teacher’ tag. She’s K.K Shailaja, Minister of Health.

She has caught the eye of the world media because of her outstanding handling of the Coronavirus crisis in Kerala.

So, how did this high school science teacher acquire such expertise in managing a state-wide health crisis that has brought developed nations and far more qualified people down? Shailaja Teacher is the first to acknowledge that she has no medical knowledge. But she has other compensating skills.

She has a scientific temper, not only by training but also because of her association with the communist movement, which emphasises rational thinking and eschews superstition; she is ever-alert; ready to learn and, above all, totally committed.

It was the 2018 Nipah crisis that prepared the minister and her team for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kerala learnt effective, practical ways to control the disease. Then, by chance, Shailaja Teacher read about a virus outbreak in Wuhan, China. Although the world took no notice, her antennae went up.

There were many students from Kerala studying in Wuhan. They could return any time. She and her team readied a contingency plan. Students who trickled in were sent straight to isolation wards. All

unflappable Health Minister, who is accessible to

arrangements were made. They could even attend

anyone, anytime, during this time of crisis.

online classes. Soon, the COVID-19 pandemic

Married to K. Bhaskaran and the mother of two

overtook the world, which stumbled. But Kerala

sons, this 63-year-old resident of the small town of

has things well in hand, thanks to its far-sighted,

Mattannur has justly become world famous.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

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SPOTLIGHT

Nature has hit the reset button

With many lockdowns around the world, nature seems to be repairing itself. It is World Environment Day on June 5 and Mitali Thakkar takes a look at how COVID-19 restrictions have played a part in helping the Earth heal

I

t’s a popular opinion now that every year we

activities on nature and understand how these will

should have a mandatory one-week lockdown

eventually impact us with stronger force, which we

throughout the world to help nature restore

may not always be equipped to withstand.

itself. We need everything that the Earth has to provide us, our future generations need it, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we take the necessary measures and actions. Our inaction today would also prove to be an action and thus, it is imperative to act.

COVID-19 is a stark reminder of how our assault on nature has its consequences. This pandemic should serve as a wake-up call to all of us alike. Unmitigated environmental crime has led to the degradation of nature, putting lives at risk and sending an alarm to businesses to start assessing the impact of their

It is World Environment Day on June 5, and we cannot help but bow down to nature and its ways.

Today, our planet is at a standstill, every country has had to hit pause, all work has stopped, crossborder travel has come to a halt, schools have gone digital and all businesses (without exception) have had to innovate and restructure.

Amidst the outbreak that has taken many lives around the globe, there has also been a positive outcome. Nature is occupying the space left empty by humans. The canals in Venice are much

People of Jalandhar got a view of the Himalayas after 30 years

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Thousands of flamingos turn a creek near Palm Beach, in Mumbai, pink.

clearer as the boat traffic has reduced, helping the

The air and water around the world are getting

sediment to settle and so the fish are now visible;

better, as people are forced to sit inside their

peacocks were spotted on the streets of Madrid;

homes. Countries around the world have stopped

India’s Himalayas are now visible from Punjab (200

the functioning of factories, air traffic has reduced

km away) with the drastic drop in the pollution

drastically, cars on the streets are not adding to the

levels; a school of dolphins were spotted playing in

air pollution, and you know this is true because when

the water in Mumbai; and deer were seen running

you look outside your window, you can actually see

on the streets of California in the United States.

a clearer blue sky.

Indian water bodies, the Ganga and the Yamuna, have seen significant improvement, as a result of which the water is believed to be now suitable for irrigation and other uses. Sambar deer were spotted strolling on the streets, olive ridley turtles came ashore a beach in Odisha and peacocks danced on the streets of Mumbai, because nature is in its real habitat now. This not the state just in India, but all across the world; wild turkeys were found in a school playground, a coyote was spotted on the roads of San Francisco while deer were seen in a town in Poland.

A video of two young leopards playing on the roadside shared by the Indian Forest Service (IFS) has gone viral CULTURAMA | June 2020

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A lone black panther was captured on camera for the first time in South Goa's Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

‘Regardless of its cause or origin, the emergence of

However, our global response to this pandemic

COVID-19 has underscored the mutually affective

demonstrates how we have the ability to collectively

relationship between people and nature. Now, we

work together. Now that we have identified this

must try to understand and appreciate the limits to

skill, we must continue to use it to work towards a

which humans can push nature, before the impact

healthier planet and ensure that we don’t end up in

is negative.

Those limits must be embraced by

such an adversity again. By together focusing on our

our consumption and production aspiration.’ –

planetary health, we will be much better prepared

UNEnvironment.org

to deal with unhealthy situations and hasten the process of bringing things under control. Global

Going further, post lockdown we will find a new

leadership by governments and significant bodies

world and we must embrace it with open arms and

such as the World Health Organization would need

take care of it. Only when each one of us learns to

to be highlighted and followed.

discipline and take care of ourselves and the habitat around us, will we be able to make a difference to

On a more personal level, we must ensure access

the world.

to and availability of water, sanitation and health facilities for all, failing which we shall not be able to

We have known nature and its fury for years, but

control the spread of pandemics such as COVID-19

none of us has ever seen something like this. Is this

and end up harming ourselves.

a signal that we must change our old habits and learn to respect nature? Even with all the best brains

Going forward, we have to adapt to a curative and

in the world, today we are at the mercy of nature,

preventive approach to health care for ourselves

which is the strongest force.

and those around us.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

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15

TECHIELA

Academic Cyberspace With social distancing norms in place, educational institutions are moving towards online platforms to continue the learning process. Jeremy D’Cruz looks into this inevitable transition from blackboards in classrooms to homeschool through gadgets

T

he year 2020 has gone down in the annals of

Real change takes place in deep crisis

history, a year when nations united to fight a common threat, an enemy invisible to the

naked eye that threatened the very existence of humanity. COVID-19 has mutated into a force that would alter the landscape of the 21st century, as we know it. The unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable human and economic impact. Generations to come will read about the

With more than 400 million students disrupted due to the spread of COVID-19, we are now experiencing a watershed moment for education systems around the

world.

Several

educational

experts

have

hypothesized that this time of emergency will speed up the adoption and embracing of online and other forms of technology-enabled learning platforms.

2020 ‘pandemic’ in their history classes and ‘social

As more schools move to hold remote classes

distancing’ in their civic lessons.

amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Zoho Classes, Zoom

COVID-19 has seen many transitions, from #tgif to #wfh trending on social media, medical personnel becoming the new super heroes and smartphones holistically being embraced by the academic fraternity.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Video Communications, Google Classrooms and Cisco Systems Inc. are among the few technology companies offering platforms to attract institutions looking to offer online lessons.

‘The very first thing that we understood was that

online learning environments; however, it has come

we need to respect the technology; there is no

with a fair share of learning challenges, especially

other go. We conduct weekly online sessions,

for teachers.

there are various platforms available, and we just needed to figure out the best tool that works for us. The teachers will have to use a mix and match of the technology out there,’ says Mrs. Cassandra Fernandez, Vice-Principal (Primary Division) Point Calimere International School, Tamil Nadu, and winner of the 2001 X-Seed Education national-

‘Right now, teachers are over working. Previously, teachers knew what would happen as they entered their classrooms, and we would write them down on the boards. But now students have to be informed well in advance, which means a lot of prior planning than ever before,’ says Mrs. Fernandez.

level Super Teacher Search, a first-of-its-kind talent

The coronavirus, in a way, has been a ‘black swan’

discovery programme to find India’s best teaching

moment, more of a catalyst for online education

professionals,

and other ed-tech tools than decades of chalk and

recently

in

which

over

10,000

teachers participated.

The prospect of hundreds of thousands of teachers and students venturing into academic cyberspace

talk. However, the transitions have had its fair share of challenges and brought to light the many blind spots in the academic infrastructure as well.

for the first time does create a certain amount

‘The journey has been difficult, hats off to the

of resistance; however, the resistance to online

teaching community, they have become IT experts

education is going to go away as a practical matter.

overnight. Handling IT-related queries from parents

While the spread of COVID-19 has led to the closure

and students alike, while also learning how to make

of educational institutions all over the world,

Zoom as safe as possible,’ says Mrs. Cassandra

e-learning ensures normality in education. Such

Fernandez as she manages a laugh.

closure has accelerated the development of the CULTURAMA | June 2020

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PARENTING

Teaching Children What Counts Parenting is not just about teaching children academics or how to behave but also to help them with tools that will prepare them better for their future. Antara Pandit explores the ways parents can help children understand finances It’s never too early to teach your children about the tool of money. Teach them how to work for it and they learn pride and self-respect. Teach them how to save it and they learn security and self-worth.

Teach them how to be generous with it and they learn love. – Judith Jamison

M

y 5.9-year-old son Dev first came into possession of his Hello Kitty piggy bank when he was 3. My husband Advait and

I had mutually agreed that this was a good age for him to start collecting small denominations, to slowly ease him into the concept of money, why it exists, how it is used and where he fits in. To inaugurate it we gave him Re. 1 coin and going forward, whenever we had any change, we kept filling his piggy bank.

Photo: Jennifer Green USA

After a few weeks he graduated to collecting Rs. 10

Kids are like sponges, and anything you teach

notes as well. He broke his front tooth when he was

them from the time they can communicate sets the

three-and-a-half, so the tooth fairy was kind enough

foundation for them to grow further. At that age,

to leave a Rs. 100 note for him. The excitement and

they are not going to know how to count and add,

wonder on a child’s face are enough to brighten up

but in the larger scheme of things and when it comes

a person’s entire day. Dev was awestruck with his

to helping them understand the concept of money,

gift from his new best friend, the tooth fairy.

One

it is not so crucial. Financial skills are of paramount

day the Hello Kitty piggy bank was full right to the

importance in navigating life. As parents, we should

very top, and coincidentally he received a house

teach our children financial lessons, even to kids

piggy bank as a return gift that very same day. This

as young as 3 years old. They are, indeed, able to

led to an absolutely thrilled and lucky toddler who

grasp the concept of saving and spending. Previous

was now in possession of two piggy banks!

generations did not place emphasis on imparting

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Photo: Ninna Høgedal Danish

financial skills and wisdom to young children, and

other one is the person at the counter ringing up

most people started to learn about money only as

items for different values. They also like to play the

they entered adulthood. But things are changing.

‘restaurant’ game, where they finish eating dinner

In order to live financially fit lives, children need

and pay the bill themselves. So, while enacting

to be taught essentials about money, in an age-

various scenarios like this, they are also learning the

appropriate manner.

roles that money plays.

Helping our children understand the end-to-end

When we are at a shop for a specific purpose with

process of money management is a great starting

our kids in tow, we have all experienced the ‘Mama,

point and encompasses many different life skills

I want to buy the red car, I only have a smaller

and values. Starting with working for the money

version of it!’ arguments. The lesson that you

yourself and earning it, to saving and spending

may have to wait to buy something you want is a

some of it wisely while also performing the act

hard but necessary concept for kids of all ages to

of giving with it, helps children derive immense

understand. This is where the value of saving can

happiness and satisfaction from the entire process.

be introduced. The ability to delay gratification is

It is also an opportunity to teach them about the

an extremely beneficial skill to possess. However

various uses of money. It develops character and

unrealistic it may sound at certain times, kids

helps them comprehend responsibility. This can be

between the ages of 3 and 5 years especially need

done in various age-appropriate ways.

to learn that sometimes they should save and wait

Since kids mimic the actions of their parents, mindful saving and spending on our part are great teachable moments for them. Pretend play is also a fantastic way to get children to start thinking about the various ways money plays a role in our lives. Dev

to buy it. The long-lasting impact of this even when they grow up will be a positive one. Money lessons at this age set the tone for later on; showing them that every time we go into a store is not an indication of buying something.

and my younger son Shiv spend hours every day in

As a millennial mother, I truly believe in empowering

pretend play; something that I encourage 100 per

kids with tools to prepare them for everything that

cent because this fosters creativity and imagination

life throws at them. One of the greatest gifts we

like no other. A large part of this consists of the

can give our kids is to empower them with being

‘shopkeeper’ game, where one of them is the

accountable and responsible, and prepare them to

customer picking up fruits and vegetables and the

become empowered adults around money.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

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BIG PICTURE

One World, One Emotion Even when things seem bleak, there will always be light; and as the world fights COVID-19, this light came in the form of health care workers, friendly neighbours, police officials and many other good Samaritans. Meera J Pillai looks at some of the heart-warming human stories from across the globe

W

ho knew that in a couple of months, the world will change to this magnitude? There now is a world before COVID-19, or BC19, as we may want to refer to it, and a world after, or AC19.

While everything seems new and uniquely strange, the one aspect that will stay common to

either side of the pandemic would be stories of humanity, bravery, never-ending sacrifice and, ultimately, the spread of love and hope. Whether it is a health worker in Italy, a police officer in the United States, a doctor in London, a neighbour in China or a grocery salesman in India, the whole world has come together to battle this virus as one.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Heroes in Hazmat suits Doctors, nurses, hospital employees and health care workers in various government offices have been working tirelessly, day and night to help the patients and their families. From doctors coming out of retirement to health professionals postponing their weddings, there is no dearth of heart-warming stories that have made the news.

Cheering on the patients: When the first COVID-19

ICU at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center,

patient was healthy enough to be taken off the

the health care workers would break into an

ventilator and moved to a regular facility, medical

impromptu dance.

staff lined the hallways at a hospital in Alabama, USA, to cheer the patient. This has now become a common way to greet them, to salute their fighting spirit.

Youngest and oldest to beat COVID-19: As of when this magazine comes out, 6-month-old Mason Atton and 7-week-old Ava de Silva Jules from the United

Hospital staff turn entertainers: A paediatrician in a

Kingdom are the youngest patients in the world

children’s hospital in Brazil, Emanuelle Jardim Queiroz,

to beat COVID-19. And at the other end, 107-year-

chose a picture of Disney princess ‘Ariel’, instead of

old Cornelia Ras from the Netherlands became the

hers, to put a smile on the faces of the young patients.

oldest known person to survive COVID-19.

In another instance, every time a patient came out of CULTURAMA | June 2020

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Musical concert: Artistes such as Taylor Swift, Lady

A tribute to health care workers: In the United

Gaga, Celine Dion and many more came together

Kingdom, several postboxes were painted blue

for an online event organised by Global Citizens

recently as a mark of gratitude towards the National

and the World Health Organization, titled One

Heath Service (NHS) staff for working tirelessly. The

World: Together at Home. The event raised 127.1

famous artist Banksy sent a canvas artwork titled

million dollars. Even the famed opera singer Andrea

'game changer' to the NHS Foundation Trust as a

Bocelli performed a free concert in Milan’s Duomo

tribute to the health care workers.

di Milano cathedral for YouTube.

With the banging of vessels, lighting of lamps, loud cheers, blasting music and thunderous claps, several cities across the world including India cheered the Covid warriors for their tireless efforts. At the time of writing this, the number of recovered cases stood at 2,430,603. That is incredible!

Now, as the world slowly starts to live in this new normal, let us take a moment to say a prayer and a thank-you to every hospital worker, grocery salesman, delivery person and everyone who decided to stay home to slow the spread of the virus. We shall overcome.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

The stars come together Turning into real life heroes: Hollywood legend Tom Hanks gave his beloved Corona brand typewriter to an 8-year-old boy in Australia because he was being bullied for having the name, Corona De Vries. And much closer home, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has offered his four-storey office building as a quarantine facility for treating COVID-19 patients in Mumbai.

And to spread cheer online, actor John Krasinski started a YouTube channel that put together a worldwide prom, a graduation and even a wedding ceremony, to audiences of more than 6 million tuning in every week, and special guests included Oprah Winfry, Steven Spielberg and Malala Yousafzai.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

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A colourful salute to the Covid warriors Varshini Ramakrishnan, a young and upcoming illustrator, recently did a mural artwork for Tambaram Railway station in Chennai. ‘The mural art works as a memory wall with a collage of scenes and events that occurred during the lockdown, which would remind us of the selfless work of the doctors, nurses, police, sanitary workers, delivery executives and even the small-time workers like the water can and newspaper delivery men,’ Varshini says.

Varshini took inspiration from unique incidents and happenings that she came across during the lockdown like the corona helmet, the Railways converting coaches into isolation wards, and so on. ‘I wanted to exude an optimistic and a happy feel throughout the artwork and picked hues which people usually associate with positivity, like rainbows, the colourful Tamil Nadu temple gopurams, and so on,’ she states.

The artwork, which was commissioned by the NalandaWay Foundation and Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India, was to give a big salute to the essential and frontline workers. Her work of art has been a huge hit online, and Varshini feels grateful for the opportunity. ‘The response has been amazing. This has been a very good chance for me to exhibit my work on a larger canvas, and it is lovely to see so many known and unknown people appreciating and taking pride in my work as this is the first Indian railway station to pay tribute to the Corona warriors through art as a medium,’ she concludes.

Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Government of India praises the artwork

Varshini Ramakrishnan had recently designed ‘A GA Story’ for Culturama’s special Silver Jubilee issue.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Rohan Mecheri hands over masks to Covid frontline workers / Tejas Narayan

‘mAsk’ing Around Rohan Mecheri and Tejas Narayan’s initiative titled ‘mAsk Around’ is helping to provide masks to those in need. Team Culturama catches up with the youngsters about their social initiative

I

nstead of turning to mobile games and binging

aim higher. ‘So far we have received over 35,000

on television during the lockdown, 15-year-olds

masks in donations and raised about INR 4 lakh

Rohan Mecheri from Sishya and Tejas Narayan

through our fundraiser. At the moment we are

from the American International School Chennai

hoping to distribute around 75,000 masks,’ Rohan

have come up with a socially aware initiative called

elaborates.

mAsk Around. They started the social initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide masks to vulnerable elders, children in NGO homes, frontline policemen and medical workers.

Rohan considers tennis player Roger Federer his role model for being a perfect example of what one can achieve with hard work, regardless of age. ‘I currently plan to take Science after my tenth grade

Rohan shares that this was an idea that came to

and maybe study Computer Science or Economics

them during the initial lockdown. ‘Because our

after school,’ he shares.

schools had been suspended indefinitely and exams postponed, Tejas and I found ourselves with a lot of free time. We discussed how we could use this period to help out in any way possible, so we started mAsk Around,’ he explains.

Regarding their work on mAsk Around, Rohan is highly optimistic, ‘We have received positive feedback regarding what we’re doing as well as very helpful advice on how we could further our reach and do more. This initiative has shown me the

Their initial goal was to distribute over 50,000

power of our community and how we can all come

masks, but the outpouring support has made them

together to do some good.”

CULTURAMA | June 2020

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EDUCATION SPECIAL

SET FUTURE GOALS WITH HIGHER EDUCATION

Colleges and various universities across India offer a plethora of courses these days. Team Culturama takes a look at some of these options that aspiring students can choose from

A

s educational institutions are adjusting to

Engineering – Engineering courses have been a

the new normal, colleges across India are

top choice for students for more than a decade

getting ready to offer students courses

now, which is not only for the varied options it

to prepare them for their future. While courses

offers within the courses but also for the assured

in engineering and medicine are still top priority

placement opportunity it comes with. Courses

among students, many are now looking at other

such

lucrative and offbeat career options that not only

Communications,

tickle their curiosity but are also rewarding. Let’s

Technology, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering

take a brief look at some of the courses to try this

and Aeronautical Engineering are some of the more

academic year.

important branches of Engineering, offered by

as

Computer

Science,

Mechanical

Electronics and

many universities across the country.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

and

Information

Medical – This is one field that is important to the

Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations

world more than ever. Doctors and nurses have

and Advertising are available in plenty. Most of

now become the superheroes that the world looks

the colleges also provide well-paid placement

up to during these testing times. Indian colleges

opportunities at the end of the course. Thanks to

offer several courses in medicine, such as Bachelor

the digital age!

of Medicine & Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences & Paramedical, B.Sc & GNM Nursing, and so on. A number of medical colleges are offering courses that will help students build a career in Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. In recent times, there has also been a growing trend whereby people have been turning to the traditional and ancient Indian practices such as Homeopathy and Ayurveda.

Arts and Sports – For many, arts and sports have been just an extension of their hobbies; however, with more lucrative jobs and roles available today, they have become hot commodities. Indian colleges offer a variety of courses in music and dance forms, film-making aspects such as editing, cinematography, direction, and so on. Even when it comes to sports, the increasing investment in sports business has made for more interest in courses that

Media – Whether it is advertising, public relations or

help students learn about sports managements,

journalism, media courses offer an opportunity to

coaching, sports science, and nutrition.

explore one’s creativity. Courses such as Bachelors in CULTURAMA | June 2020

27

Even for those who are unconventional route seekers, there are offbeat courses that can satisfy their appetite. Whether it is Food Processing and Technology, Rural Studies, Ethical Hacking or Fishery and Horticulture, as long as the student has the creativity and the will to work hard, courses today gives them a chance to not just make a living but be greatly satisfied with their career.

India Insight - Learning has always been central to the Indian ethos Paying the Price Traditionally, students gave a dakshina or offering to teachers in appreciation of the knowledge and skills imparted to them. In the Mahabharata, Dronacharya was the Guru of the Pandava and Kaurava princes. He taught them aspects of combat.

Young Ekalavya, who was not a Kshatriya, was fired by the determination to be a great archer. Since he couldn’t be Drona’s disciple, he made a statue of the Guru, worshipped it, and set out on a path of self-study. In course of time, he mastered the art.

Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, considered unrivalled in archery, was astounded to see the evidence of Ekalavya’s skill. When Dronacharya came to know how Ekalavya had become such a good archer, he demanded his right thumb as dakshina. Ekalavya unhesitatingly cut off his thumb and presented it

astronomy and medicine. Students from various

to his Guru and so became the epitome of a good

countries came to these universities and took back

shishya or disciple. He also went on to re-master

knowledge, which was further developed as it

archery sans his thumb!

spread across the globe.

Meeting of Minds

English Learning

Takshashila, in present-day Pakistan, was perhaps

Once the British established their hold on the

the world’s first University. Here, Panini wrote his

subcontinent, they changed many traditions in

treatise on Sanskrit grammar, and Kautilya, as

many fields. Education was no exception. In 1835,

Chanakya was also known, wrote his Arthashastra

Lord Macaulay introduced a policy to propagate

– on statecraft. Viharas, or small monasteries used

the English language and Western-style education.

by itinerant monks, became centres of learning,

In 1884, a comprehensive plan was formulated for

and subsequently evolved into centres of higher

spreading education in the subcontinent. A three-

learning. Nalanda, in what is Bihar now, developed

layer system was set up, with primary schools at

from a Vihara. The curriculums at these institutions

the bottom, followed by high schools, and colleges

covered religious and secular subjects, Indian

at the top. The Universities of Calcutta, Bombay

and foreign philosophy, logic and sciences like

and Madras were set up.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Talented and awesome, like dad It is Father’s Day on June 21 and Team Culturama takes a look at some of the famous father-son duos who have made a mark in their field with their amazing talent

Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan Film star Amitabh Bachchan ruled Bollywood through the 1970s and 1980s, and came back with a bang despite a real low in the 1990s, to be seen in meaty roles in movies, in advertisements and as the host of the game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. His son Abhishek Bachchan had a formidable role model to emulate. He made a good beginning with Refugee in the year 2000 and earned critical acclaim for his performances in several movies as well. He has won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film for his production of the comedy drama Paa.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

29

Amjad Ali Khan, and Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan Amjad Ali Khan is a sixth-generation sarod player in his family. He learnt from his father Haafiz Ali Khan, a court musician in Gwalior till 1947. Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Amjad Ali Khan taught his two sons Amaan and Ayaan, who went on to establish successful solo careers.

Dhirubai Ambani and Mukesh Ambani The story of Dhirubhai Ambani is the stuff of legends. He started with nothing, but at the time of his death in 2002, he was worth $6 billion. Son of a school teacher, he founded Reliance Industries

in

Bombay

(now

Mumbai). He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan. His son Mukesh inherited a part of his father’s large business and is the Chairman,

Managing

Director

and the largest shareholder of Reliance Industries.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Vece Paes and Leander Paes Vece Paes, a former Indian hockey player, represented the Indian team in the 1972 Munich Olympics, which went on to win the bronze medal. Following in his footsteps, his son Leander Peas also won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in 1996 for Men’s Singles Tennis. Leander Paes is considered one of the greatest doubles players in the history of tennis, with the most doubles wins in the Davis Cup – eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

Javed Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar Javed

Akhtar

reputation of

the

of

best

has

the

being

one

lyricists

and

screenwriters in the industry.

From classic movies such as Sholay and Mr. India, to recent hits such as Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy, Javed Akhtar has been associated with films that are not just critically acclaimed but are also people pleasers. His son Farhan Akhtar also inherited the writing talents of his father along with excelling in directing, acting, producing and even singing.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

31

Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain Alla Rakha, as Ustad Allarakha Qureshi was popularly known, earned a name as a leading Indian tabla player because of his strict regimen of practice and dedication. His career began as an accompanist in Lahore and he worked for All India Radio in Bombay. He played the station’s first-ever tabla solo and has composed music for a couple of Hindi films.

His son and disciple Zakir Hussain, deemed a child prodigy, has also been honoured with the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the United States National Endowment for the Arts and National Heritage Fellowship. Zakir too was instrumental in bringing the tabla to the limelight through his solo performances.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

LOOK WHO'S IN TOWN

LOVE FOR SARIS AND BIRIYANI A cheerful personality who will hug you the moment you greet her, Yolanda Amezcua Marin from Mexico is someone who believes in learning about cultures and welcoming changes with open arms. India is more than traditions and cultures, she says while sharing her experiences with Team Culturama

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Yolanda Amezcua Marin and her husband Alfredo Santillan Zamora CULTURAMA | June 2020 33

The impression of India before you came here and

my country, they are relatively similar in terms of

now

flavour, mixes and colours. I am trying to learn to

I am from from Mexico City and came to India with

make some dishes as well, for example, chicken

my husband, who is a pilot. We have been here for

biriyani, palak paneer, sambar, masala dosa, samosa,

almost six happy years. Initially, I had the impression

chapati, chicken tikka, rogan josh (lamb curry) and

of a mystical country, which is greatly attached to

many others.

its religions and culture. And once I came here, I can certainly say that these ancient cultures are worthy of being understood by everyone across the world.

I also find that people are kind and willing to serve you always.

Have you taken part in any Indian festival? How was your experience?

Yes, I have had the opportunity to attend various events such as Pongal, the Global Adjustments anniversary, Christmas and New Year functions,

How does Indian cuisine and food compare to

and more. Unfortunately, I have had to attend

favourites back home?

these alone because my husband is always at work.

I particularly enjoy a lot of the various condiments

But I enjoy wearing the traditional costumes and

and styles that people use to prepare their extensive

indulging in some fun dancing and singing.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

refer to my fascination for saris, whether it is the colours or designs to textures.

If there was one thing you would take back to your home from India, what would that be?

Of course, I would not hesitate to take a number of clothing items; kurtas, dupattas, and more. As well as various gifts to remember India by.

Yolanda's artwork

What are some sources of entertainment in India?

Here in India, I mainly spend time painting, and for this I use different techniques as well as different materials, such as cotton and silk fabrics. I even use paper and canvas, trying to capture my own imagination with designs of flowers, faces and landscapes. I like painting Indian flowers on my dresses and blouses. India has great clothing, which I like to buy, especially saris.

Have you travelled to different parts of India?

I have gone on several trips with my husband to various cities in this interesting country. And I can say that each city has different nuances. Museums, art galleries and ancient buildings such as temples particularly fascinate me. I find it extremely exciting to know the history of each city. I like to take a lot of pictures as memories. I have visited Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar, besides visiting the Taj Mahal, the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, and Mahabalipuram temple in Chennai, and many more.

Quick 5

If you wanted one thing to change in India, what would that be?

Well, this is a difficult question, but, to be honest, I would implement a better and more efficient cleaning system for both streets and lakes, which would increase the quality of the water.

• Best India friends: Friends that I have found in the Church NLAG, as well in Phoenix Mall.

• Favourite

Indian

food:

Chicken

biriyani,

paneer tikka, dosa • Favourite hang-out spot in India: I enjoy all five-star hotels and restaurants in the city

A special memory of your time in India so far

• Intolerable India: Messy traffic

Let us say that I will take with me from this country

• Loveable India: The simplicity and love of the

the enormous satisfaction of having dressed in

Indian people

enough diverse outfits and jewellery, in general. I

CULTURAMA | June 2020

35

INFLUENCERS COENER

High on fashion Sonam Babani is a prominent name in the Indian luxury fashion and travel circuit. Going by the name ‘Fashioneiress’, Sonam has been wearing the influencer sash for almost 6-plus years now and has a strong following of 106K-plus on her social media handles. Sonam is also a blogger and a style consultant to celebrities. Anurima Das caught up with her during the lockdown for a quick chat

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

A

rt and aesthetics run in her family’s DNA, and Sonam has grown up embracing the varied nuances of art and high fashion all

her life. Getting a degree in luxury management was the cherry on the icing for this Satguru’s (Indian yogi and author) family heiress. Haute couture takes the centrestage in Sonam’s life; and even while trotting around the world, she captures everything that is ‘aspirational’ through her stories and blogs.

The best part about her sojourns is that she does not portray the excruciatingly unaffordable, but always brings back something new, refreshing, unique and very not usually seen bits of lifestyle trends. While her blog and her Insta-stories were already focusing on newer aspects of lifestyle, with the lockdown in place she has also been posting recipes that have stolen the heart of her long list of followers. When she started luxury consultation in India or even her own blog, the concept was in its nascent stage. But her style helped her grab the right eyeballs.

Leading the life ‘aspired’ by many ‘Initially when I started blogging, I was actually working as a buyer with a luxury brand and doing my own thing. Slowly I realised that blogging is a full-time job; from planning, to shoots, to execution, it is like a journey that requires a lot of devotion.

That’s when I decided to take it up as a full-time gig. It has been a wonderful journey. Initial hiccups of convincing brands and making them pay for the collaborations was a task, because India was still new to the concept of blogging, especially within the high fashion domain,’ explains Sonam.

She also mentions that sometimes it is challenging to devote so much time, even though she is her own boss. Especially, when on holidays, dressing up for every occasion and getting ready for another story shoot takes its toll. Sometimes, giving a taste of her personal life to her audience also means for her to sacrifice a little of her personal time with friends and family.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

37

Planning the content Juggling between what to put out for her followers

her insights further with her followers; and in an

through the day, to taking a little while for herself in

effort to do that, she has been amping her webinar

her personal shell, Sonam shares that her follower

game. From luxury healthcare experts to skincare

strength is encouraging. She has people who are

experts, to nutritionists, and much more, she has

aspiring for luxury and want to know from her

been talking to the A-listers to help her followers

all about high fashion and luxury living. Today,

with varied lifestyle problems and how to handle

more than fashion and beauty, she has become a

those.

trendsetter and they love to mimic her steps.

When asked whether high fashion will take a In the days following the COVID-19 scare and the

backseat in the post-COVID world, she says, ‘I

lockdown, Sonam has been engaging in extending

think high street will take the bigger brunt. People

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

who cherish high fashion know that, rather than have a cupboard full of high streetwear, it is always good to hold on to the five most coveted high fashionwear. These are sustainable, timeless and spell luxury. So, in no way will high fashion not take the limelight in the months to follow.’

Keeping up with the times Sonam says her content showcases ‘genuine

love

for

luxury

and

luxurious lifestyle’ and that’s why given her positive attitude towards life, she prefers to keep her chin up at all times. ‘I let the trolls pass by.

Because, definitely, as influencers, we get a lot of love that surpasses the hate in every which way.’

When talking about her future plans, she said her wedding had been fixed for April 26 this year, but owing to the Corona outbreak, the plans had been put on hold. Sometime back, she was seen travelling with her mom, but that seems like ages back given the unprecedented times we are living in at present. But she is the same bubbly, luxury nomad who knows to count her blessings rather than shed tears over the negatives in life. She is filled with gratitude and is more than happy to cherish the time she is spending with her family and virtually with her followers at this juncture. ‘I will either start my own business or get married once we resume normal life post lockdown; you will have to wait to see what matures as a plan,’ Sonam signs off.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

39

GA SPECIAL

HOME AWAY FROM HOME With the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, expats in India are finding it difficult to navigate these testing times, but nonetheless they are staying positive. Team Culturama spoke to a few expats about their experience

Global Adjustments India Living Awards 2020

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

I

ndia is home to several expats who have made

The expat community has formed groups and that

this country their home. Through initiatives

became a source of great comfort.’

including launching WhatsApp support groups

in all major cities in India, Global Adjustments has proactively taken steps to help expats during these lockdowns. While many have been called back to their countries, some have decided to stay on in the

One of the countries that has been most affected

by COVID-19 is Italy, and India is home to several Italians. Isabella Ricci was looking forward to visiting her parents in Italy during the summer vacation, but her plans changed when the government cancelled

hope that this will pass soon.

international travel. Isabella and her family often Taking

following

talk about going home, but they plan to stay back

government rules has been a top priority for the

precautionary

steps

and

for now. By strictly following lockdown regulations,

expats. Amelie Dubois from France has been living

they feel safe. ‘We know that it's important to follow

in India for two years and is optimistic about the

the rules, because in our country the situation is

future. ‘My family is here and not in France, so I

very bad. My husband works from home, my eldest

feel better to have them around. We stay at home

daughter takes virtual lessons and my little one plays

all the time. We regularly wash our hands and use

or does some activities that I prepare for her. And we

masks when we go out for shopping. We are able

have wonderful support from Global Adjustments

to manage fine; therefore, this situation has not

too. In another country, it is not easy to find this

been challenging as it has been for many others,’

kind of support. After the COVID-19 situation eases

she says.

too, I hope this support will continue.’

Olivia Jones from the United Kingdom says the

One of the main fears that a number of expats have in

situation has been all right for her family and that she

India is the post COVID-19 situation where they feel

is not planning to go back to London immediately.

there could be discrimination towards foreigners.

‘The main issue we are facing currently is that

Elena Rivera from Spain comments, ‘Thankfully we

we don’t have a driver and have to rely mainly

do not have any problem up to this moment. We are

on deliveries. We are struggling to get groceries

not planning to go Spain now. I do sometimes feel

delivered, with very few places offering the service

discriminated by some of my neighbours because

and the timings being limited. Without a driver,

of being a foreigner, since they now associate the

getting to the shops is difficult. Post COVID-19, for

virus with foreigners. We are confident that it will

economic reasons, as companies are struggling

change with time.’

worldwide, there will likely be a reduction in the number of expats. Some may not return nor be replaced,’ she says.

Among the several expats who have gone back to their country is Sara I to from Japan. She had been living in India for eight months and just before the

While staying indoors all the time may seem like

second lockdown, their company requested them

a challenge for many, especially with children,

to head back home. ‘We came back to Japan by

several expats have taken to online classes to keep

a special flight. My husband’s company decided

themselves occupied. Linda Johnson from the

to send all expatriates back temporally until the

United States says that she has a routine to get over

pandemic settled down. I miss my friends back in

the boredom. ‘Our main challenge was to figure out

India and hope that we get back soon.’

where to get groceries or how to go to a doctor if we are sick. We wanted a better understanding of the rules and how things work from the government.

We too hope that our global friends will come back home soon and continue to find comfort in India like before.

CULTURAMA | June 2020

41

Adjusting to the new normal Devorah Felder, a Lithuanian/South African national who lives in Mumbai, shares her lockdown experience

42

June 2020 | CULTURAMA

A

bout two months ago, Steve and I

After a difficult start, our family is into a fairly

suspected that the situation in India

good daily routine (I say this with extreme

would start escalating, prompting us to

caution!). Our children – aged 4, 8 and 9 – have

cancel our spring trip to Dubai the night before

learnt to do all sorts of chores, such as collecting

we were due to leave. Instead, we travelled to

milk from the reception, making their beds, each

Goa; at the time, our bizarre priority was that

child is required to fold and pack away their own

we wanted a spring break holiday and this flu

laundry, once a week they strip their bed and

craziness was not going to stop us. Our week

put the linen in the washing machine, assisting

in Goa was fabulous – life seemed quite normal

with packing and unpacking the dishwasher

at the time. Whilst in Goa, we were notified that

and helping with the cooking. I am thoroughly

the children’s school would not reopen after

enjoying with all of them.

the spring break and that they would undergo virtual learning instead. I knew at that moment that my kids’ 2019–2020 school year would be completed by virtual learning. We will not be returning to school.

My daughter’s extracurricular activities have moved over to Zoom sessions. She is now continuing with her gymnastics and yoga classes.

They, however, miss interacting with their friends.

During their leisure time, they play interactive

Upon our return to Mumbai, our building

games with cousins and friends around the world,

management informed us that no part-time

who are all under lockdown in their respective

staff could enter the building. As we did not

countries. My husband has set up a home office

have a live-in maid or driver, we had to quickly

and spends most of the day on video conferences.

adjust to life without help. It has been a rude

He usually travels every week, and it has been a

awakening to realise how much our lives have

great adjustment for him and for us to have him

been accustomed to help for so many years.

at home for an extended period.

As my husband is an asthma sufferer and is

My brother in Australia is a physiotherapist, and

thus considered high-risk, we decided to isolate

my sister in South Africa is a healthcare worker;

ourselves in the building. I had never thought

therefore, both are considered part of essential

I would actually drive in Mumbai, but I can

services. We miss one another during this

officially say that it has been enjoyable, in fact a

challenging period. In keeping with the adage

pleasure, to drive around. Besides, I have been

‘never waste a good crisis’, I have decided to

able to find parking all the time. Personally, I have

use the time to acquire new skills and broaden

been battling with the two worlds I currently

my insights, and am keeping myself busy with

live in. On the one hand, I live in a bubble in an

webinars, exercise classes and online learning.

apartment block in Mount Mary; food deliveries

We celebrated Passover, and our friends ensured

in Bandra are readily available and we are

that we had the necessary provisions for the

able to purchase most products. However, on

holiday. We have definitely experienced a step-

checking in on our staff weekly, we realised that

change in the pace of life, and in spite of the

they are certainly not as fortunate. Only certain

constraints of this unprecedented lockdown, we

vegetables are available, that too at a premium,

are finding our way every day. At the moment,

and many staple foods are not delivered on a

our plans are just to live moment by moment, as

regular basis. It is heartbreaking to see this and

there is an old Yiddish saying: ‘Mann Tracht, Un

wonder how far the rice and dal I have given will

Gott Lacht’, which means ‘man makes plans and

stretch for such families.

God laughs.’

CULTURAMA | June 2020

43

EX CAMERA

Beat the heat

Flower girl on quest

With the sun scorching down on Earth, water brings in the muchneeded comfort. Team Culturama put together some stunning water images that can help one find relief during this summer Photo: Christelle Forby France

A picture to frame

Photo: Helen Ruth Taylor UK

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Cooling down

Taking a break

Photo: Michael Stroband Germany

Photo: Chirstophe Thibout France

Middle of paradise

Photo: Basia Kruzewska USA

Splashing around

Calming blues

Photo: Jean Michel Valade France

Photo: Sharath Kumar R G India CULTURAMA | June 2020

45

IN FOCUS

Education moves beyond classrooms Madhura Visweswaran, Co-Founder of the Redwood Montessori School Llp, and the Redwood Foundation shares insights into the changing educational landscape

O

f late, due to the situation we find ourselves in, online education has come to the forefront and is, in some instances, also

replacing the classroom experience. I recently read a report about high school students pursuing online Advanced Placement (AP) programmes or classes, which universities abroad require, even while they are in school to get admission into the school of their choice. These online classes provide an opportunity for children to school themselves – learn, assimilate knowledge and work, even in the physical absence of

Photo: Anke Bollen Netherlands

the traditional school of thought, we worry that our children may miss out on many lessons because of the absence of classroom experience.

a teacher. The basic component for this kind of self-

In our new role as parent-teacher, many of us might

schooling comes from intrinsic motivation based on

find ourselves under pressure – we want them up

a structure offered through coursework. But what’s

to speed with the next academic year’s syllabus,

even more significant and encouraging for a child is

learn a new skill, practice the piano, exercise, the

the parent and teacher’s faith in him/her.

list is endless. All these actions and expectations

Trust in our children, in their choices, and the right learning environment are the key to their happiness and success. This has to be preceded with information regarding the opportunities available to them, the

come only from a place of love, but the pressure during these Covid times might trigger fear, anxiety or other issues, which could be wide-ranging, according to mental health experts.

long-term effects of choices and an analysis of the

The question then is — why can’t we trust our

pros and cons. For all parents, the need to make

children and their abilities?

choices for children and sometimes a lack of of trust in their instincts can be their biggest roadblocks.

However, if our children had the aforementioned freedom, it must be accompanied by guidance and structure from parents.

Do we think that children and young adults, when left to themselves, are not capable of making informed choices? On the contrary, there is empirical evidence to prove that the best recipe to help a child attain goals should include a few tablespoons of intrinsic

Often, opportunities come in the form of adversities,

motivation, advice and structure, and dollops of

and the pandemic-induced lockdown has created a

faith in his/her ability after we have prepared them

new opportunity for parents and children to adapt to

to use this freedom effectively. This has precisely

online learning. The new platform, of course, comes

been Dr Montessori’s approach towards children.

with its own set of anxieties – as parents, coming from

She emphatically stated that each child is unique,

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

spare — showing self-motivation and the ability to make well-informed choices, balancing her studies and love for swimming. As parents, we were not involved in the decision-making process, and, in fact, didn’t want her to participate.

She ranked fourth at the nationals and took it well in her stride. Aware of the volume of classwork, my daughter told us that her efforts for the national meet were not up to the mark. She wasn’t interested in winning; her aim was to better her timing, for which she had worked out a plan along with her coach.

This is true self-realisation. Children have their own turning points when they learn to make informed choices coupled with parental guidance.

Parenting is the only occupation that doesn’t come with a handbook or coursework to prepare us. It is a journey, albeit tough and challenging, but the most joyful one.

So, place your faith in your children, discuss and explain the options to them and let them make their choices. You need not put your child in a and comparing children is like comparing apples and oranges. Each child is put on Earth with his/ her purpose and if everyone became doctors and engineers what happens to teachers, artisans, and people who work with their hands?

Montessori school to follow the philosophy, that is, freedom within boundaries and to follow the child.

Most importantly, watch for signs of emotional wellbeing. At this moment, their mental health is far more important than an online class. Always keep the channels of communication open, talk to them

Being a Montessori mom and teacher, I too have

and, most importantly, listen.

been questioning myself and have similar worries.

But after listening to my colleagues from different parts of the world, the voice is one — having faith in the child is the key to success.

Shown above is the jersey of my daughter who represented her school at a national swimming meet, competing against national-level swimmers.

But it is her approach to regional and nationallevel practice that made all the difference to us as parents. While practising for the regionals, she practised tirelessly as she wasn’t yet in the rigour of class 10. But for the nationals (when she was in class 10), she practised whenever she had a moment to

Madhura Visweswaran CULTURAMA | June 2020

47

HOLISTIC LIVING

Eating and the Mind What we eat can affect our mind and not just the body. Eknath Easwaran answers queries of food, health and how to train our senses

W

hy should we train the senses? I had a friend in the olden days who used to ask that. He would say, ‘I understand meditation, but why bring in all these other points? Isn’t meditation enough?’

In particular, he simply detested any reference to sense training.

Meditation yes, even mantram yes, but for heaven’s sake, don’t talk about sense training.

So I said, these all help each other. Sense training is not only necessary for health; sense training helps the mind be onepointed, just as a one-pointed mind helps train the senses. Both help govern negative passions, and transforming passions helps to

So where do we start?

Attacking the mind directly is extremely hard, but there is something you can attack directly to deepen your meditation, and that is eating. Through your eating habits –especially likes and dislikes in eating – you can get at the mind indirectly.

You can begin simply by ceasing to choose foods that don’t benefit your health and instead choosing foods that do. With this simple resolution, you’ll strengthen your will and deepen your meditation

–

and

please

your physician, too.

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June 2020 | CULTURAMA

Photo: Gemmarie Venkataramani Phillipines

still the mind, which is the goal of meditation.

Photo: Ninna Marie Hogedal Denmark

I first became interested in changing my diet for

Today, if I were to eat junk food, my body and palate

the better under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi,

would protest.

when he was writing weekly articles for his paper

I work every day from morning till night, every day

Young India. Diet was an important topic for him,

of the year, and the energy for this kind of work

and he experimented all his life to discover the very

comes partly from food. Eating what gives you

best. Indians can be quite traditional about food;

energy for selfless service, keeping your body

they always want the dishes that mother used to

healthy and light, is a matter of teaching your taste

make. But Gandhi put tradition aside in favour of

buds what to enjoy.

health, and his example appealed to me deeply.

As always, the purpose here is training the mind.

I too, of course, had been brought up on Indian

With training, your senses begin to listen to you, and

cuisine. And I had enjoyed it all thoroughly. It never

when your senses begin to listen to you, your mind

occurred to me to ask what the purpose of food

becomes calm and clear. Then you always have

is. Gandhi’s example prompted me to ask; and I

freedom of choice. On the other hand, far-reaching

concluded, to my great surprise, that food is meant

though these changes were, I don’t think I really

to strengthen the body.

understood what Gandhi was getting at until much

So I started changing. I began to eat fruits and vegetables that wouldn’t have appealed to me

later, when I began to meditate. It was then that I made what was for me a remarkable discovery.

in earlier days at all. As I began to focus more on

When I needed a lot of drive to go deeper in

health, I found that I enjoyed salads, and that highly

meditation – for example, if I had a problem to solve

spiced curries no longer seemed palatable. I was

that required more energy and creativity than usual

prepared now to agree with Gandhi’s dictum that

– I found that I had only to pick a strong sensory

taste lies in the mind.

urge and defy it. When you suddenly need cash, CULTURAMA | June 2020

49

don’t you go and shake the piggy bank? It was a

special occasion, whether it be Jewish or Christian,

little like that. I would look around intently to see

Hindu or Muslim, we really have a feast. And when

what kind of cravings I had, and then I would walk

someone comes in and puts a steaming platter

up to a really big one and say, ‘Come on, because I

of blintzes on the table, we don’t turn our eyes

am really broke.’ The desire would come on strong,

away and say, ‘We can’t eat blintzes; they’re not

and I would push it back and come out with both

mentioned in the scriptures.’ We sit down, repeat

my pockets loaded.

the mantram and polish them off.

My whole outlook on desire changed. Formerly,

On the other hand, you can’t expect Sri Krishna to

when a strong urge would come, I used to do what

be present in, say, Puerto Rican rum, which you

everybody does: yield to it, and not reluctantly

drink when you can’t solve a problem. There, the

either. Now I began to rub my hands with joy at the

way to celebrate is to ignore the rum and solve the

prospect of doing just the opposite. ‘Here’s another

problem; then, if you still want to celebrate, ask for

desire! It’s strong, so I’ll gain even more by defying

another problem and solve that one too.

it.’ I began to understand that any strong desire, when it is defied, generates a lot of power.

That sounds very hard!

Not every desire, I should say, is to be rejected out of hand. I distinguish very carefully between harmless desires and desires that are harmful to the body or mind – or, of course, to those around you. If the desire is for food that is wholesome, you may well be able to yield with full appreciation. But if it is a desire for something sweet that you don’t need, you will find you can get equal satisfaction out of refusing it. It’s a deceptively simple change in perspective. Your attitude towards the body becomes very different: you see it no longer as an instrument of pleasure, but as an instrument of loving service.

Isn’t it all a bit grim?

You don’t have to give up all desires to be strong; you just have to give up all selfish desires. For example, when you have food that strengthens the body, especially when it is cooked and served with love and eaten in the company of family or friends, you don’t need to pass it up just because you like the taste of it. The Lord would say, ‘Dig in; I am in that desire too.’

I am very much like my grandmother in this respect.

When there was a feast coming I don’t think she ever thought about the food before or after; but while she was eating I have never seen anyone enjoy a meal more. At our ashram, whenever there is a 50

June 2020 | CULTURAMA

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