Culturama May 2020

ENGLISH MONTHLY

14

MAY 2020 - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03

Namaste Forever, says COVID warrior

Dr. Anthony Fauci

80/-

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

EDITOR'S

NOTE I

t’s surreal, isn’t it? The complete lockdown and state of limbo we are in because of COVID-19? It’s unbelievable that the smallest organism, a virus, has outsmarted what we call the most advanced creature in the ecosystem “mankind”. So what do we do with this downtime we are “forced” to take?

Make the best of it.

Press the pause button – spend time with family, don’t indulge in vices and live in moderation. The world is in reset mode and is healing. It’s time for us to heal too – let’s remember that once this is all over, we should still respect and take care of Mother Nature. We never want to face her wrath again.

It’s our privilege and honour to feature on Culturama cover, Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), USA, advisor to six U.S. Presidents, a true blessing for mankind to have on our side as we fight this battle together, on behalf of the world. He advises to stop handshakes, so it’s truly Namaste forever!

Rohini Manian rohini@globaladjustments.com

CULTURAMA | May 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 | Madhura Visweswaran Antara Pandit | Anurima Das

The cover of Culturama for April was beautiful. In times like these, it was nice to see the world as one.

Lavanya S, 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

The story on Following Love was interesting. It is good to see India being promoted in such a unique way.

Ramesh Chandrasekhar, Bengaluru

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

Every month I look forward to the Holistic Living section. It is a calming read indeed.

Mumbai

Akshara, 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,

Share your views about the magazine with culturama@globaladjustments.com

Hyderabad – 500 084, Ph: +91 40 48687956 E-mail hyd@globaladjustments.com

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Editor: Rohini Manian

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

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CULTURAMA 2020 CULTURAMA || May May 2020

5 5

INSIDE

CULTURAMA 12

GA Foundation

18

Mother's Day Special

36

Big Picture

Kindness goes above and beyond

Mindfull to Mindful

Like mother, like daughter

40

Spotlight

Masked superheroes

20

Influencer's Corner

Championing a change

42

Ex-Camera

Little Guests of India

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

END-TO-END MARKETING SOLUTIONS WE BRING BIG IDEAS THAT DELIVER RESULTS DIGITAL and SOCIAL MEDIA

YEARS OF FOR CONTENT EXPERTS Development of Website and App PUBLISHING DIGITAL LEADING Social media marketing (Google ads, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Your business known EXPERIENCE LinkedIn and more) MULTINATIONAL anywhere.

Digital advertising strategy ( Google Adwords, PPC, e-mail, SEO) COMPANIES

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STRATEGY

Audience research for new products and services Marketing strategy and curation Online reputation management and PR for business leaders Event curation and execution

CONTENT and CREATIVES Branding, logo creation and stationery Content development for marketing collaterals (such as brochures, flyers, coffee table books, website content, key note speech drafting and more) Graphic design for digital and print media Presentation support for content and design Video and animation

Leverage the experience of our silver legacy and publishing expertise CULTURAMA | May 2020

7

SMS Food

Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Sherbet

Sherbet, shorbat, sharbat: Irrespective of how it is pronounced, it is an ideal antidote to the draining heat of Indian summers. Sherbets are refreshing, cool,

usually

sweet,

non-alcoholic

drinks

(as

opposed to sharab or liquor). The root is the Persian sharbat, meaning a drink of sugar and water.

The concept was introduced into India by the Moghuls in the 16th century, and popularised by Emperor Babur, who got ice from the Himalayas to chill the concoctions. The idea caught on, and India being home to hundreds of restorative herbs, fruits and other plant material, sherbets became popular as tasty pick-me-ups, digestive aids and healing

and rose petals are all popular bases for sherbets.

agents for many chronic ailments.

Some sherbets are specific to certain communities,

They can be made from readily available ingredients

like the Chandan jo Sherbet of the Sindhis, which has

as well as from exotic ones. Bael or wood apple, wild

sandalwood powder as the defining ingredient and

melon or Kachri, lime, Indian gooseberry, kokum,

is served garnished with silver leaf, or the Orchata

sarsaparilla (nannari), chia seeds, mangoes, yogurt

of Goa, with almonds as the base.

Tradition

Kalira

In the olden days, brides had to travel long distances to reach their bridegrooms’ homes, and two halves of coconuts were tied to their bangles so that they could snack on them along the way – or so the story goes! Later, dry coconut shells encrusted with seeds and flowers were used. These metamorphosed into umbrella-shaped ornaments of gold, silver or other metals, embellished with stones, strung from the traditional red-and-white bangles worn by Punjabi brides. They are known as kaliras and are integral to the Punjabi marriage ceremony.

On the wedding morning, the bride’s mother, sisters and friends tie the kaliras on to her bangles,

she will be the next to get married. The day after

symbolically wishing her a prosperous married life.

the wedding, the bride leaves one of her kaliras at a

The bride then shakes the kaliras over the heads of

temple to seek blessings. Its pair is preserved as a

her single female friends and relatives. If some part

memento. Today, kaliras are colour-coordinated to

of the kalira drops on any of them, it is believed that

match the bride’s ensemble.

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | May 2020

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Word

Athithi devo bhava

Athithi devo bhava is a dictum that India has always abided by. Athithi literally approximates to ‘without setting a date’, but the accepted meaning is ‘guest’; devo is ‘God’, and bhava is ‘to be’. The maxim, which is a part of the Taittiriya Upanishad, therefore means the guest is as God, and the implied instruction is, give utmost importance to visitors.

Adherence to this principle is most evident in the famed Indian hospitality. No visitor, invited or uninvited, to an Indian home, however humble, is allowed to leave without having at least a glass of

you leave, you’re most likely to have a goody bag

water. Refusal of refreshments is taken as a grave

pressed into your hands.

insult. ‘That’s enough for me’ is never taken at face

By extension, it has been easy for India to assimilate

value, and visitors are pressed to have ‘just one

many foreign influences and adapt quickly to the

more’ of this or ‘another spoonful’ of that. And when

modern concept of a global village.

Person

Azim Premji

Among the richest men in India, he uses a secondhand E-class Mercedes Benz bought from one of his own employees! He is Azim Premji, Chairman of Bangalore-based Wipro Ltd., one of the country’s largest traded companies.

Azim Hashim Premji was born into a Gujarati Muslim family in 1945. His family turned down a personal invitation from Mohammed Ali Jinnah to settle in Pakistan. He has business in his blood. His father started Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd. to make edible oil and soap. He himself is considered the Czar of India’s IT industry.

Premji’s contributions to the endowment of the

The young Premji was studying engineering at

Foundation have put it among the world’s largest

Stanford University in the United States, when, in

such entities. The Foundation and the Wipro Group

1966, his father unexpectedly passed away. He

have committed INR 1,125 crore to the COVID-19

returned to take charge of the family business.

battle.

In the 50-odd years since then, he shaped the

He has won several awards, including the Padma

vegetable oil firm into the IT, BPO and R&D-focused

Vibhushan, the Faraday Medal and the Carnegie

giant it is now, with a presence in 58 countries.

Medal of Philanthropy. Over the years, Time, Forbes,

The organisation operates in accordance with the

Fortune, Asia Week, Financial Times and others have

Chairman’s commitment to ethical and sustainable

listed him among the world’s most powerful.

business practices.

Premji and his wife Yasmeen maintain a simple

He has emerged as one of the world’s biggest

lifestyle. He keeps away from the limelight, and lives

philanthropists, up there with Warren Buffet and

out his belief that “those of us who are privileged

Bill Gates. He set up the Azim Premji Foundation

to have wealth should contribute significantly to try

in 2001, primarily to help spread education in India.

and create a better world for the millions who are far

It runs around 350,000 schools in seven states.

less privileged.”

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | May 2020

11

MINDFULL TO MINDFUL Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. – Pema Chodron Let us collectively take a pause!

Reset and refocus on where we put our time and energy that allow us space to slow down and reconnect with ourselves!

The realigned #ChampionwWoman team conducts ZOOM sessions on steady emotional well-being with mindfulness as a tool to help people and organisations focus on the present and remove all anxious/fearfilled thoughts slowly but definitely. When we take the time to tend to our inner world, we can then tackle our outer world with much more ease and stability.

Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it. – Sharon Salzberg #ChampionWoman mindfulness session for 400 employees of Pan India corporate Savex in four sessions.

We at Global Adjustments Foundation conduct free interactive ChampionWoman workshops for school and college girls and working women.

12

Call at +91 75502 21513 or e-mail championwoman@championwoman.org

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Mr. Anil Jagisa chose to share his happiness on his pan-India employees of Savex being provided the relevant learning, via LinkedIn.

https://youtu.be/U6mtfNdFMgg

https://youtu.be/5M6V6pnGQCY

Do get in touch with us at 7550221513 or write to lakshmi@championwoman.org for free 45-minute ZOOM sessions on mindful living.

Follow us:

/championwoman

/championawoman

www.championwoman.org

+91 75502 21513

CULTURAMA | May 2020

13

GA SPECIAL

THE INDOMITABLE

DR. FAUCI This issue Culturama pays tribute to the heathcare workers from across the globe who are fighting the Coronavirus pandemic every day, so that we stay safe. One such legend is our cover feature – Dr. Anthony Fauci Global Adjustments Co-Founder Joanne Grady Huskey recounts some of the personal insights into the personality her brother-in-law, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is currently a key member of U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House Coronavirus Task Force

T

oday, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci’s name is on everyone’s lips. As a world-class epidemiologist, he has become the voice of reason and

truth during this horrifying worldwide crisis. Dr. Fauci is working quite literally 24/7 to inform the public of the facts of the virus and the developing crisis by speaking on television programmes and via podcasts and through the print media.

At

the same time, he continues to lead his own cutting-edge epidemiological

laboratory

at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C., to develop a vaccine to protect us all from this fast burgeoning

and

frightening

disease. Dr. Fauci is a central member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, where he has been instrumental in guiding the U.S. Government to focus fully on the coronavirus pandemic. But to us, he has always been ‘Tony’ or ‘Uncle Tony’ to our children.

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

In 1985, my sister Christine met and married Dr. Fauci.

institutes worked closely with the Indian medical

The first time we met him, he was an impeccably

community to deal with the developing AIDS

dressed, studiously serious doctor, working at NIH

infection in India. In Washington, when AIDS activists

as the very young Director of the National Institute

demonstrated outside his institute demanding a

of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He

chance to try experimental drugs, Dr. Fauci surprised

had a stellar reputation even then, initially from his

the leaders by inviting them into his office. He

research that discovered a cure for the formerly

wound up working with them to develop new ways

fatal disease of granulomatosis. For almost 40

to expand access without compromising the clinical

years, Dr. Fauci has been at the medical forefront

trials that were urgently needed to determine the

of every one of the major epidemics of our time

efficacy of new drugs. Dr. Fauci has continued to

– HIV, MERS, H1N1, SARS, Zika, Ebola and, now,

conduct trials for an HIV-AIDS vaccine and was

COVID-19. At NIH, he mentored and trained many

instrumental in developing the highly successful

of the leading epidemiologists from nations around

medical protocols that now allow people to live with

the world, notably including India and China. Many

HIV without the fear of dying. In 2003, he was prime

of the leading epidemiologists in countries now

architect of the President’s Emergency Plan for

facing the COVID-19 crisis were actually trained and

AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under President George W.

mentored by Dr. Fauci in his laboratories.

Bush, designed to fight HIV globally. PEPFAR is now credited with having saved hundreds of thousands

In the 1980s, there was a strange new disease –

of lives around the world, especially in Africa. When

HIV-AIDS – which rapidly spread globally. Dr. Fauci

I asked him once whether he would ever retire, he

was one of the first medical scientists to dedicate

said, ‘First I want to cure AIDS’.

himself to addressing this global plague. During the years that my husband served at the U.S. Consulate

Dr. Fauci is also editor of Harrison’s Principles of

General in Chennai in the early 1990s, Tony and his

Internal Medicine, the premier medical textbook CULTURAMA | May 2020

15

Dr. Anthony Fauci – Man of the Hour For everyone who is currently hooked on to their phones and television screens for the latest news on COVID-19, Anthony Fauci’s name will seem more than familiar. Towards late January 2020, this 79-year-old doctor was made a key member of U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House Coronavirus Task Force to address the virus pandemic in the country. He has been a strict advocate of social distancing even in places with fewer cases. Antony Stephen Fauci, a famed epidemiologist, has served as the Director of in that field and is author/co-author of more than

the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

1,000 scientific publications. In 2003, the Institute

Diseases, USA, since 1984.

for Scientific Information stated that from 1983 to 2002, ‘Fauci was the 13th most-cited scientist

So what is a day like for a legend like him, one

among the 2.5 to 3 million authors in all disciplines

may wonder. A typical day for Dr. Anthony

throughout the world who published articles in

Fauci can sometimes last for 20 hours! In an

scientific journals’.

interview with a leading newspaper from the United States, he explained how he considers

Tony and my sister, Christine, who as Director of

himself lucky if he gets to go to bed by

Bioethics at NIH is one of the premier bioethicists in

midnight, and is again up by 4 in the morning.

the world, share a life dedicated to public service.

Christine works to address the myriad ethical issues

One of the appealing things that most people

facing this and many other medical dilemmas, and is

notice about him is his outspoken personality,

currently focused on the complicated and sensitive

the engrossing way he addresses science

ethical issues involving utilisation of testing and

and the ability to correct people gently, even

ventilators in the COVID-19 pandemic. Together,

Presidents, on his expertise. His attitude

they have raised three outstanding daughters –

has also got him high praise from famous

Jennifer, Megan and Alison – each of whom is making

celebrities, sportsmen and other well-known

important contributions to society. Their house

personalities from across the globe.

16

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

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33 17

has always been a gathering place for Thanksgiving,

A Remarkable Legacy

Christmas and birthday celebrations. Tony wakes up

• Dr. Anthony Fauci has advised six US

before crack of dawn, has his cup of espresso and

Presidents on many domestic and global

some bran cereal, and is at work at the NIH before any

health issues.

of his colleagues arrive. He has always built exercise

• Dr. Fauci was ranked as the 41st most highly

into his day, skipping lunch for a run around the NIH

cited researcher of all time by Google

campus. These days, however, he spends long hours

Scholar citations in an analaysis in 2019.

at the White House working on the Coronavirus Task

• According to the Web of Science, he ranked

Force, all the while overseeing his researchers in his

8th out of more than 2.2 million authors in

own laboratories at NIH working to develop a vaccine,

the field of immunology by total citation

and only arrives home near midnight. But Tony and

count between 1980 and January 2019.

Christine always sit down to dinner together and try to fit in some sleep before the next gruelling day begins.

• Dr. Fauci has been a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest honor given

These are trying times for all of us, but these two

to a civilian by the President of the United

members of my family are giving their all to save

States), the National Medal of Science, the

people’s lives. I am so proud to have them in our family

George M. Kober Medal of the Association

and thank them for their service to humanity.

of American Physicians, the Robert Koch Gold Medal, the Canada Gairdner Global

Joanne Grady Huskey is

Health Award and many more.

the Co-Founder of Global

• Dr. Fauci also has received 45 honorary

Adjustments and Culturama.

doctoral degrees from universities from

She lived in india and serves

around the world.

on GA advisory board. She

• Dr. Fauci was instrumental in developing

is Dr Anthony Fauci's sister-

treatments that enable people with HIV to

in-law.

live long and active lives.

(Courtesy: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/)

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

CULTURAMA | May 2020

19

INFLUENCER’S CORNER

CHAMPIONING A CHANGE A sports scientist, motivational speaker, EQ consultant and performance coach, Shayamal Vallabhji dons many hats and is a successful ‘coach and guide’ who motivates people to ‘unlock the champions in them’. Anurima Das catches up with the social media influencer about his remarkable work

S

hayamal Vallabhji is the author of four books on Sports Science and Motivation, a TEDx speaker, recipient of the INK and

the Australia India Youth Dialogue Fellowship, Men’s Health ‘Trainer of the Year 2014’, Global

Fitness Advisory Board Member to Herbalife and Organising Committee Member of the United Nations Changemakers Conference. He shoulders two decades of on-field experience with Olympians and championship winning teams. As a professional, Shayamal works with athletes and executives to unlock their potential, mentally, physically and emotionally. He is known to push his own physical and mental limits through ultramarathon running and mountaineering and that’s where he gains his strength from.

His journey started with a dream to be a professional cricketer in South Africa, but because of apartheid, the opportunities were limited. This forced Shayamal to study. Luckily, he was driven to want to make a difference in sports, so he studied sports science. He later lived in a temple in South Africa and this is where he learnt the importance of the mind and started to bridge the gap 20

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

between psychology and spirituality. Everything else

They know their stuff, which means you can’t beat

he does seems like a natural extension of his passion

around the bush or come across as unprepared.

and love for science and spirituality, Shayamal says.

Luckily for me, preparation and hard work have

Inspiring start When asked about his inspiration or the inspiring point, which made him walk this path, Shayamal says, ‘I was fascinated by the difference in psychology between leaders and followers. The more I spent time with high-performance athletes, the more I started to notice subtlety in the way they thought and acted.

I was convinced that these personality traits could be moulded to make a champion. From this point on, in everything I did, I tried to cultivate excellence.’

been my secret all my life. I love the challenge of working with people who are going to push me. We grow together.’

Journey as an influencer The podcast that Shayamal was working on has been put on hold because he took a year off to write his new book, Breathe, Believe Balance, which releases later in the year. The podcast was going to be on the psychology of healing and performance.

With case studies from his clients and patients. We

He further adds, ‘It isn’t easy to work with high

can’t really wait to get that rolling as well. However,

achievers, world travellers and voracious readers.

Shayamal does not shy away from influencing CULTURAMA | May 2020

21

people and when asks he says, ‘Audiences in India mostly prefer visual media, and that’s I why put the podcast on hold. My goal isn’t to cater to a niche audience but rather make the science of healing and psychology accessible to all. Video seems like a better medium right now. I simply love being a social media content creator, you have to love it. I am lucky in that I can see and feel the impact of my content in people’s love daily. I respond to more than 100 DMs daily because I see my work as more than content. I see myself as a guide to people who need help at a time when hope seems very distant. I also grow through the learning from my audience.’

When asked whether creating new content is a challenge, he says, ‘Not really. When you make content around your core expertise, it is quite easy.

You have to prepare and script, but finding the topics isn’t difficult.’

Building the balance ‘Balance by Shayamal is my brand. I needed to bring together a brand that encompassed all the aspects I work with and represent. Balance has four domains: body, mind, relationships and environment. These are the four verticals within which individuals can achieve anything they dream off. These are also the verticals that need healing to optimise performance,’ Shayamal highlights while talking about the other aspects of his work. However, he does not want to rush things and says, ‘I take things one day at time.

164 : ATP Tour Weeks

I plan and make sure I execute everything I plan.

20 : Grand Slams

But I don’t live too far in the distant future. Mindful

2 : Olympics Games

living with 120% dedication to every task I do is my

1 : Commonwealth Game

secret.’

He describes himself as mindful, adventurous, patient and compassionate and leaves us motivated by concluding, ‘I don’t sell myself or my services.

1 : Asian Games 9 : Years FC Cricket 18 : Professional Sports Teams

When someone wants to work with me, they find

10 : Sports Leagues

me. In spirituality, they say, when the student is

257 : Keynotes

ready, the master appears. I don’t think of myself

4 : Books

as a master, but what this saying is telling us, is that a mentor–mentee relationship is a willing coming

31 : Marathons

together of two parties.’

19341 : Ft. Highest Summit

22

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

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23

LOOK WHO'S IN TOWN

Finding the hidden gems of India For fun-loving Sanne Albertsen, from Denmark, India was a land of the unknown. When her husband, Ole Albertsen, came here on work, Sanne kept an open mind and an enthusiastic attitude to explore a new world. While she had to learn all the ups and downs of living in India, Sanne adapted to the Indian ways sooner than she thought! Meera J Pillai catches up with her on the journey in India so far.

24

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

What was your first point of contact with India – a

How does Indian cuisine/food compare to local

person, place or event?

favourites back home?

We initially came here eight years ago with a

Worlds apart! I must admit, I am not the biggest

different company. I have to admit I was scared

fan of Indian cuisine. I cannot eat too spicy food.

of coming to India. But I kept an open mind, and

However, I do enjoy a dosa once in a while and

the company had hired Global Adjustment to show

some butter chicken with naan bread. Luckily,

me around. They gave me a beautiful glimpse

Chennai has a great variety in internationals cuisine.

of Chennai, showed me gems hidden behind the

So I don’t find it a problem to have great food here.

chaotic and loud street life. Also, I was in contact

I don’t necessarily miss Danish food, but I do miss

with other expats, who told me about life in India.

liquorice!

What were the impressions of India before you

Have you taken part in any Indian festivals?

came here, and now?

We have done Ayudha Puja, Holi, Diwali and others.

I did not really have an understanding of India

It’s always a joy to participate. I consider the Puja at

before I came to this country. I knew India was a

our house special. All our vehicles are cleaned and

developing country, uncertain of how safe it would

decorated, and the full household participates. I try

be to live in, especially for a woman. But I must

to make sure we have guests that time of year, for

admit that I quickly put all these thoughts behind

them to enjoy as well.

me, as I found the country to be open and friendly.

It is a very different approach, opposite to where I come from. People are inviting me into their homes, to their weddings, for me to see their lives. I really enjoy living in India! We live a very different life here compared to that in Denmark, but it is a much less stressed life with time for the family. And I love how it is valued highly to take care of your family. The most important thing, I find.

What are some sources of entertainment in India?

There are different tours around Chennai, where locals show you the highlights. We drive around in rickshaws and wind up with traditional Indian food.

It’s a fun and nice way of seeing India. We also enjoy going out for Sunday brunches. Having a family with teens, we like to spend our free time doing fun-filled activities, such as surfing, go-karting, badminton and walks around our community. I walk a lot, CULTURAMA | May 2020

25

and have become quite familiar with local citizens

If you wanted one thing to change in India, what

including our local fisher village.

would that be?

Have you travelled to different parts of India?

Living here for many years, we’ve seen a lot of India. New Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Ladakh, Goa, Andaman, Kerala, to name a few. I enjoy seeing the nature and wildlife in India. Ladakh was stunningly beautiful and a contrast to the city where I live.

The garbage. I wish people would have a different approach to throwing away garbage. I live on the beach and I am shocked every day at how people come and enjoy the beach but then leave it like a dumpster! I don’t understand how you can feel ok with doing so.

While on safari in Ranthambore, we were lucky to witness amazing tigers in their natural habitat.

26

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Sanne at Global Adjustments India Living Awards 2020

A special memory from your time in India so far?

Last year my family and I visited the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. You are greeted with a horse carriage and have rose petals thrown at your feet.

Quick 5:

It was an overwhelming experience to stay there

Best Indian friend: Vidhu, she was my close

and be treated like royalty. I would like to visit more

friend here for 5 years. She has moved to the

palaces in India, which is something different from

United States, but we keep in touch!

life in Denmark.

Favourite Indian food: Masala Chai, with a lot of sugar in it.

If there was one thing you would take back to your

Favourite hang-out spot in India: Leela Hotel

home from India, what would that be?

Friday night for buffet. It’s the best!

Your friendliness and welcoming attitude. In India,

Intolerable India: Lack of discipline to stand in

you can talk to anybody and it’s ok. You might not

line…airports, supermarkets.

have close relations with everybody, but I like the

Loveable India: The weather, the people, no

small-talk and kindness of people. This is not usual

stress!

in Denmark; it takes a long time to connect with new people. Here it is so easy.

CULTURAMA | May 2020

27

INDIA INSIGHT

Vedic Wellness

Two of the more important elemets in Indian ancient medicine have been immunity and hygiene. Today, these are common words used in the fight against COVID-19. Susan Philip takes a look at some of the interesting medicinal aspects with Indian roots in this global pandemic The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. - Thomas Edison

A

ctually, that’s what Indian doctors of the

emerged as key are immunity and hygiene. In a

distant past did too! Ancient physicians,

situation where personal protective equipment

who evolved the indigenous system of

(PPE) is in alarmingly short supply, allopathic

medicine known as Ayurveda or the Science of

drugs and medical equipment to tide patients over

Life, were concerned not so much with curing

the worst are scarce, and sanitisation products are

specific ailments as with maintaining overall well-

being sold at a premium, it’s worth harking back

being, paying attention to diet, exercise, rest and

to what Ayurveda and traditional Indian practices

mental resilience, as a means of helping people to

teach us about preventive health care.

ideally stay safe from ailments, and, in the event of contracting an infection, to fight it effectively.

Today, while the world searches for preventives and cures for COVID-19, the two concepts that have 28

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Wellness, in the Ayurvedic scheme of things, is the sum of physical, mental and environmental well-being.

Fire and smoke Environmental health relates to respect for nature

In home pooja rooms, this purification by smoke is

and sustainable use of its bounties. It also refers to

conducted on a smaller scale, using incense sticks,

keeping the surroundings clean. Fire and smoke are

or dhoop sticks or agarbathis as they’re otherwise

integral to many rituals which have been followed

known. These sticks are made with various herbs,

in India down the ages. Havans or sacred fires were

such as sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli and myrrh,

part of largely attended poojas. The smoke from

and have a calming effect on the mind, apart from a

the ingredients fed into the fire, such as different

cleansing effect on the air around.

types of wood, herbs and spices, and, of course, ghee, played an important sanitisation role in a situation where chances of infections spreading were very high. The deeparadhanas or lamp ceremonies held on the banks of the River Ganga are significant in terms of health benefits for the same reason, especially during mass gatherings like the Kumbhmelas.

On a smaller scale, the ritual of aarthi – where a bit of camphor is lit – in daily temple rituals and for guests and family returning home from other places, has the same underlying purpose. As the platter containing the flaming camphor is circled around the person’s head, any harmful bacteria in the air around will be annihilated by the heat and the medicinal properties of camphor.

Incense holds a deity nigh…

The practice of burning frankincense in churches followed even today by some Christian denominations in India probably has fumigation as a tangential purpose.

Special incense containers are replenished throughout the worship service and are swung rhythmically, releasing medicinal smoke into the congregation as well as around the altar.

CULTURAMA | May 2020

29

A healthy mind in a healthy body A calm mind is also very important to wholistic wellness. Ancient Indian wisdom offers several ways to achieve this state. The benefits of Yoga, pranayama

and

meditation

are

well-known

throughout the world now. All three have a direct and an indirect bearing on the efficient functioning of all the organs of the body, and help keep them in optimal condition, with strong immunity.

While these are highly regulated and calibrated activities, there are behaviours incorporated into day-to-day life which are beneficial to general health. They were part of the lifestyle of the older generation of Indians – things they did without even realising their larger benefits. Walking barefoot, for example. Footwear was a luxury to most people in rural India even in the not so distant past. They walked without discomfort on rough, rocky and pebbled ground, and, in the process, From the soles to the soul M.F. Hussain was known as the ‘Barefoot Picasso of India’ because he preferred to not use footwear. He said he loved to feel the earth beneath his feet, and that he absorbed energy directly from the ground he walked barefoot on.

got themselves free, constant foot massages that one now has to pay heavily for in reflexology and acupressure clinics.

30

Virtual energy

Apart from these regimen, ancient Indian wisdom

In the present situation, when social distancing

also

is the norm, all religions are holding prayer and

thoughts for a positive outcome. The regular

worship sessions virtually, with participants

chanting of slokas or mantras for peace, health and

being connected over Skype, Zoom and

prosperity keep negativity at bay. The ringing of

the like, or simply agreeing to set apart a

temple bells, the perfectly pitched humming of the

prearranged time for prayer or participate

singing bowls in Buddhist worship, the sonorous

in a previously agreed upon sequence.

sound of the conch shells and the different raagas of

Whatever the form, it reflects the intention

Indian classical music are all carefully calibrated to

of ancient Indians – to keep up a sustained

create positive vibrations, and prime the mind and

stream of positivity and thereby create the

body to absorb positive energy, in order to either

right ambience for the battle against disease

remain healthy or regain health mentally, spiritually

and misfortune to take effect.

and physically.

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

emphasised

the

importance

of

positive

Food for health Of these three, physical health or the lack of it is

throughout the whole world, open thou your eyes,

the most easily identifiable. Ancient Indian wisdom

oh source of love’) and invoke the ancient Sanskrit

links physical well-being to proper diet, exercise

blessing – Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu

and rest in appropriate quantity. A lot of thought

niramayah, sarve bhadrani pashyantu, ma kashchid

went into drawing up an ideal diet chart. The aim

duhkha-bhag-bhavet – May all be happy, be healthy,

was to include things that would increase the

see good. May no one hold sorrow in the heart.

common man’s resistance to disease. The Immunity Superheroes – turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and pepper – are all used in everyday Indian cooking, individually or in different combinations. Vegetables spanning the ‘colour spectrum’, from the yellow-orange pumpkins to the maroon beetroots, from the dark green spinach to the pale green cabbage, from the bright red tomatoes to the white radish, all find a place on the Indian ‘thali’ at one point or another, supplying essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep immunity high.

There are also some lesser known condiments that are worth a closer look at in the current situation.

Among these are star anise (contains terpineol and anethole, used to treat cough and fever), amla or Indian gooseberry (high in vitamin C), kokum (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C), ghee (full of essential fatty acids which boost immunity) and papaya (immunity booster).

And if the body does succumb to illness, Ayurveda

Divine healing

and other indigenous systems of medicine like

Dhanvantari is the physician of the Hindu

Siddha make excellent use of the treasure trove of

pantheon, and is worshipped as the God

medicinal herbs in the country to cure and restore

of Medicine and the Father of Ayurveda.

it. One such ingredient is neem, known for its

According to mythology, he emerged from

anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, used

the Ocean of Milk holding the pot of Amrit,

in many indigenous medicines. The Kaphasuda

the holy nectar which the demigods and the

Kudeeneer, a Siddha concoction of medicinal

asuras or demons churning the ocean were

plants, has been recommended by the Tamil Nadu

seeking.

Government as an immunity booster and possible

Saint Agastya, one of the most revered

safeguard against the novel Coronavirus.

sages in Vedic times and a great proponent of environmental harmony, is believed to be

As we stand together in our fight against this

the Father of Siddha medicine. The Agastya

microscopic infectious agent that has brought the

Malai, a stretch of hills on the Kerala-Tamil

whole world to its knees, let us echo the opening

Nadu border, is so named because it is

line of an old Malayalam song – Lokam muzhuvan

believed that the sage planted medicinal

sukham pakaraanay snehadeepame mizhi thurakku

herbs there, including rare ones, which can

(loosely

still be found by the diligent seeker.

translated,

‘For

wellness

to

spread

CULTURAMA | May 2020

31

PARENTING

Parenting during COVID-19 Keeping a child occupied during the lockdown is one of the more challenging tasks for a parent.

Antara Pandit shares how she is decoding this ‘new normal’ that parents the world over are facing Adults thrive in the midst of routine and consistency.

When we wake up in the morning, the last thing we want is to face uncertainty from any angle. We like to know what to expect.

So do children.

An excerpt from the book ‘Conscious Parenting’

by Nuit says, ‘Be very attentive towards the child’s evolving World of Senses that needs stability, routine

situation that surrounds us all. During this time of social distancing and lockdown, paying attention to our children’s world of senses, emotions and thoughts is essential.

In times of uncertainty, a balanced routine and structure is crucial for children. For example, letting them know that mealtimes and bedtimes are fixed can work in their favour. Articles that have flooded social media and Google are advising us to disregard having any routine at all for children in the hope of reducing stress for parents during this time. While this is true in part and expecting to keep children occupied 24x7 is a bit of a stretch, neglecting structure completely will do more harm than good. It is time to slow down but not pause their routines completely.

& structure, World of Emotions that needs love,

Change, which is a constant in all our lives, has been

freedom & creativity, and World of Thoughts that

thrust upon us, forcing us to restructure the way

needs discrimination as an ability to choose right

we live. We have had to create and embrace the

thinking, emotions, behaviour.’ The message from

‘new normal’. As parents, we have been treading

this seemed extremely applicable to the current

unchartered territory with our children, but just

32

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

imagine the force with which they have been hit!

with phones in hand, setting up restaurants and

Their daily lives have suddenly been uprooted and

taking care of their baby (Elmo!). In this half hour

there is a lack of normal routine. School seems like

till dinner-time, the house ends up looking like a

another lifetime and any interaction with friends

tornado hit it. I have always considered myself to

is digital and not physical. According to me, our

be mildly OCD, so the training required on my part

children are superheroes!

to grit my teeth and not react to the mess has been

I started off the lockdown period with a schedule I had drafted in my notes, taped on to the walls of Dev and Shiv’s room. I was determined to fill up every minute of their day ahead of time. Within 2 days, I (not them) had ripped the schedule to shreds. I had filled their schedules with schoolwork and focused activities that I had left little room for free play and even less time for them to nurture their imagination and creativity. So, we moved things around.

After breakfast and baths, mornings are spent with Shiv’s schoolwork, followed by reading and building with Lego/colouring/painting/drawing. To reduce the amount of aimless running around and encourage one activity at a time, I make sure to give them two fun but educational activities to choose from and then sit down with it for a pre-determined amount of time. This also gives me time to work while they are in front of me playing. Even though I am not mentally present during this time, I have

tremendous! Two to three days in the week, post dinner is movie time. One of these days, we plan to go camping in our living room with a make-shift tent, mattresses, torch lights and hot chocolate!

It pays to get creative together, like with art. Art is powerful, helps you escape and pass the time quickly. It also creates a wonderful bond between you and your children.

This period of self-isolation has definitely been a period of adjustment. Our children have had to suddenly accept their parents as their teachers, which is even harder than us trying to take the place of teachers, who are angels in disguise, and create a similar learning environment. The hardest to have as students are always our own children! We have to be kind to each other and take it one step at a time. This is not going to be permanent and there is no quick fix. The positive aspect of this – we get to know our children more!

often seen comfort in the boys’ eyes by my physical presence. By the time they finish with the morning routine, lunchtime rolls around. Shiv who is now 3, naps in the afternoon like Kumbhakarna, because he will sleep through even a war going on outside.

I use this time to finish Dev’s schoolwork and play whatever games he likes, like Uno, memory games and Scrabble; I let him pick. Sometimes when he doesn’t want to play anything, he practices ‘the art of doing nothing’. Once Shiv wakes up, it’s terrace time! Even during lockdown, it is crucial for children to get fresh air every day for a few hours. The boys take their cars/bikes upstairs and release all their pent-up energy from the day, which usually gets exhausted during their normal routine at school and various classes. Post baths at 6 pm, they spend half hour with free play, which often includes pretend play. The ‘mummy-daddy’ game includes kitchen play and cooking, working on their ‘laptops’ CULTURAMA | May 2020

33

Remembering teachable moments during a crisis Madhura Visweswaran, Co-Founder of the Redwood Montessori School Llp, and the Redwood Montessori Foundation, pens a personal note on all the teachable moments that one should remember during these challenging days

L

ast night I spoke to an uncle of mine, who

At this moment in time, all of us are in the same

belongs to the generation that lived through

boat, navigating a stormy sea with no calm waters

the partition, has seen full-fledged wars,

in sight. Like me, do you too feel adrift? Are you

the Green Revolution, famines, ration queues and

worried about your children’s learning? Do you feel

so much more; a whole spectrum of life. However,

that you are not doing enough? Are you worried

he was clear that in all his 70-odd years, he had

about the health of your loved ones?

never witnessed something so disquieting. He said it was disconcerting for him because there is so little knowledge of what this virus is and what it can become. He is one of the strongest men I know, and to hear him say those words bothered me.

It was my conversation with him that led me to put down my thoughts on paper, thinking of all the teachable moments that can bring comfort during these immensely troubling times.

34

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

If you are asking yourselves these questions, I strongly believe you are doing right by your child.

Everything good that happens in the world begins with a good intention, and this is evident from the way you have been questioning yourself and worrying about the well-being of your loved ones.

Suddenly and abruptly, life as we know it has taken a 180-degree turn. We are in a better situation than a majority of people in our country are, but that

doesn’t mean we can’t feel their pain. If you are in a position to contribute to those less fortunate, I am sure you will, and that’s what I see happening around me. Many a time, people say ‘first, world problems’ to me and, yes, they may be, but that doesn’t make my fears and concerns invalid.

Schools are closed, but I would like to reiterate that it does not mean that your child’s learning is in any way compromised; instead, it has been enhanced.

I have never in my 40 years met a child who went to school and never learnt to read or do math. However, what I have witnessed is a lack of awareness and empathy in adults and young adults, and this leads us to the topic of teachable moments in everyday life.

Madhura Visweswaran

In these unprecedented times, by helping a neighbour, by standing in line in the supermarket, by practising social distancing and following the

children the unique ability to keep themselves

rules and regulations that have been laid out by the

occupied, content in their own company, a skill that

government, you are showing your child how to

many of us don’t have.

behave. You are embodying courage and showing them that no one is above the law of the land. By not snatching every piece of sanitiser and by respecting those who help us, such as our guards, health care and sanitation workers, people who cook for us and work for us. You are shaping them as human beings, showing them that we are all equal irrespective of caste, creed, socio-economic status or religion.

If you are tired from doing all the work and assign them chores, you are sending them a sign that they are more than capable of taking care of themselves and their environment. The subliminal message here is that no work is too dirty, beneath them or executed by a particular sex. This is fantastic at a time when gender equality and the pay gap are subjects being debated the world over.

At a time when everything we took for granted before, such as tight hugs, visiting our friends and venturing freely outside to buy provisions, is no longer an option. When you make the best of what

Yes, of course, you will feel angry, frustrated and go through many other such emotions. This is no holiday for the children too, their life has also been turned upside down; children are meant to run around, play tag and not have to wash their hands a million times!

The greatest learning we as parents can take away from this is that Math, English, and so on can be taught and your children will catch up in no time.

But qualities such as empathy, love, independence and resilience must be witnessed and cannot be taught. Here you have the opportunity to show your children these amazing life lessons they may never have the opportunity to learn again.

In the end when life resumes its new normal, we may forget what we went through, but your children will have all the qualities that make them superior human beings for life because children are but mirrors of our souls.

you have at home, it sends them a signal that this

Stay safe, stay positive and repeat with me: This too

too shall pass and we will all be fine. It also allows

shall pass.

CULTURAMA | May 2020

35

BIG PICTURE

Kindness rises above and beyond When the COVID-19 pandemic started creating confusion in the country, NGOs took it upon themselves to help the underprivileged. Team Culturama spoke to some of them about their untiring efforts

I

f the COVID-19 spread has taught something to the world, then it is that humanity will

ascend when the times are hard.

In his speech, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, encouraged citizens to help people in their communities during these trying times. And, needless to say, NGOs across the country have sprung into action. From helping daily wage workers and raising funds for the unprivileged, to feeding roadside animals, NGOs all over India are volunteering to take care of those who cannot support themselves during this pandemic.

One such group is the Chennai Task Force, which commenced operations

a

month

ago.

A

brainchild of Ishani Vellodi Reddy, a

well-known

wellness

coach

and lifestyle expert, the group, in association with the Kindness Foundation, an NGO dedicated to encouraging acts of kindness, has been reaching out to old age homes and daily wage workers 36

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Goonj's COVID 19 relief work in Ranchi

with weekly provisions. “We knew before the lockdown that this is going to be a difficult path.

The nature of the situation demands action from those who are in a position to extend support.”

The Chennai Task Force has helped over 60 old age homes and shelters for battered women, the homeless, and the HIV positive; served more than 50,000 meals in corporation shelters; 37,000

Bhoomika Trust COVID-19 relief initiatives

meals to those on the streets with the help of the police; and distributed over 7 lakh meals with

community kitchens in the cities and reaching dry

the Chennai Police and meals in Greater Chennai

ration and hygiene products kits to people, it has

Corporation shelters. She says that ever since they

also channelised over 70,000 cooked meals and

started this programme, they have got tremendous

over 15,000 ration kits so far. Goonj's centres have

response for fundraising, for which she is grateful.

also been able to churn out about 40,000 masks

“The attitude and response I have seen so far is a

and 25,000 cloth sanitary pads in the past few days

collaborative one. Our first need is to take care of

and are now increasing their work depending on

the vulnerable, and as we move forward, we are

the permissions during the lockdown.

also taking more initiatives to continue our work with the government’s blessings.”

“The

COVID-19

pandemic

in

India

has

also

translated into a displacement disaster for a big Goonj, a well-known NGO, is up and running

population of migrant workers. Many are stuck in

in 18 states and has activated a network of 92

cities, some are walking back to their villages, and

organisations till date to reach out to the farthest

a large population in the villages are struggling to

places. Apart from supporting a number of

sustain themselves in this lockdown phase. Goonj’s

Goonj's relief works in Rajasthan CULTURAMA | May 2020

37

pan-India network of teams and partner grassroots organisations across urban and rural India, built up over the past two decades, has helped us learn from the ground, reach material quickly, and review and adapt our strategies periodically. Our priority is to reach out to the most neglected communities such as migrant workers, the tribal population, tea garden workers, the physically challenged, sex workers, transgenders, and so on,” says Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner and Founder of Goonj.

Formed after the Bhuj earthquake in 2001, the Bhoomika Trust has been in the forefront of relief and rehabilitation, to the rescue and help of people affected by national disasters, across the country ever since. Rinku Mecheri, a Trustee, says that they started their work for COVID-19 even before the lockdown, by way of planning and sourcing from suppliers and warehouses. “Starting with NGOs that needed help, we soon got our operations going with a balance of online and on-field operatives. Structured, streamlined processes and in-depth research have been the cornerstone of all our initiatives. We have maintained a strict safety protocol and social distancing in all our efforts.”

One of their initiatives has been to start a helpline for senior citizens in Chennai; this was later extended to one that would source and supply medicines in Tiruvallur district. “We have distributed dry ration kits to over 32,000 migrants and daily wage earners, with supplies for another 20,000 in process. The need at present is around 1,00,000 kits and we are furiously working towards that. "Cooked meals for over 30,000 needy people have been provided through

worthwhile. We have helped over 50,000 migrant

a fully functional kitchen that starts functioning at 3

workers and daily wage earners by providing them

a.m. everyday. " she says. N95 masks, gowns, visors,

dry ration kits and cooked meals. This is apart from

sanitisation kits and protective gear are also being

the help to the frontline workers, be it the police

given to hospitals that are in need.

personnel with masks or health workers with PPEs.”

The response, Rinku Mercheri says, has been

It is the efforts of such amazing people that give the

overwhelming. “The need is ever-increasing as the

rest of the country hope to keep up their positivity

virus spreads and the lockdown gets extended. The

and remain standing even when things seem bleak.

innumerable stories of hunger, desperation and

Team Culturama salutes the volunteers who are

helplessness are the main reason behind our frenetic

working towards helping the country fight this

pace of work and their smile of fulfillment when they

pandemic day and night. Thank you.

thank us for the help is what makes the entire effort 38

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

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39

SPOT LIGHT

Masked superheroes of crisis Sitara and Tulasi Anantharamakrishnan believe that it is their social responsibility to give back to society with the resources they have. Team Culturama caught up with the incredible sisters who are distributing reusable homemade masks to those in need during this state of emergency

A

time of crisis is when the real heroes shine. For Sitara, 17, and Tulasi Anantharamakrishnan, 14, the need to give back to their community

comes easy. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create mayhem around the world, these sisters decided to do their part. “We wanted to contribute in some way. When we heard that homemade masks could play a role in preventing the spread of the virus, all it took was one afternoon for us to create goodquality, reusable homemade masks.”

Sitara and Tulasi, who are students of the American International School, Chennai, used household items to make the masks. From high-quality cotton, for

Sitara and Tulasi

which they used bedspreads and clothing materials, to shoelaces to fasten the masks, they ensured that

At first they distributed these masks to the Cancer

their sustainable approach was absolutely effective

Institute, Adyar, and the Hope Foundation, where

and thoroughly researched. “We used an elastic

they had previously done voluntary work. “Now we

support too. For the non-woven intermediate layer,

are in touch with a list of other organisations.”

we used kitchen towels.”

They plan to keep going, thanks to the amazing

To make the mask, all they needed was a sewing

encouragement and great response. “People are

machine, a pair of scissors and some cotton thread.

so grateful for any help being rendered in these

“We made a cardboard pattern, marked out the pleat

difficult times. Our masks are comfortable; people

positions and used it as a master for all our masks. It

have been appreciative of our efforts and find the

takes around 10 minutes to make a mask. So we could

masks useful.”

easily make about 100 per day from home!”

With this initiative, their goal has been simple, to

Sitara and Tulasi look up to their mother who has

spread awareness on how using masks can help

always been socially involved and introduced them

avoid the spread of COVID-19. “But now we feel

to voluntary work since the age of 10.

that our goal has evolved. With the help of our

40

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Sitara and Tulasi with their masks

very generous sponsors, we want to empower underprivileged women. We send them our video tutorials, our work instructions; maybe even supply them with sewing machines, and so on. We have already helped 10 women from J Rehab Centre in Madurai and Alwarkurichi, a village in Tenkasi District.�

So what are they up to when they are not volunteering?

They

both

love

sports.

Tulasi

represents school in tennis, volleyball and football, while Sitara is in the school swimming team.

Sitara distributes the masks at The Cancer Institute Adyar

While they have been spending a lot of their time in quarantine making the masks, they also ensure that they finish their school assignments and projects.

Though they do miss their friends, they know this is the need of the hour. “We are fortunate to have access to people with resources.

We can use this to help the underprivileged improve their lives.�

With their hands-on initiatives and desire to help the community in the best way they can, Sitara and Tulasi are inspirations not just for their peers but for adults as well.

Tulasi at work CULTURAMA | May 2020

41

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Like Mother, Like Daughter The bond between a mother and a daughter is precious. It is Mother’s Day on May 10 and Team Culturama is celebrating the joyous day with some of the remarkable and successful mother–daughter duos from India

Entertainment: Tanuja and Kajol While

Bollywood

has

several

mother–daughter duos, Tanuja and Kajol stand out amongst them all. Tanuja was a well-known name in the 1970s, with numerous successful movies to her credit.

When Kajol entered the industry in the 1990s, she was an instant success. Her fame even overtook her mother’s and she has been a sought-after actor for three decades now!

Politics: Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are perhaps the most famous mother– daughter duo in India today. Priyanka had kept away from politics for a long time, except for the occasional visits to her mother’s constituency, Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. It was only in 2019 that she decided to follow her mother’s path, and entered politics formally after being appointed the Congress General Secretary in charge of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.

42

May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Business: Nita Ambani and Isha Ambani Who can forget the extravagant wedding of Isha Ambani, which was in the news not just in Mumbai but across the globe! Nita Ambani is a philanthropist and owner of Mumbai Indians team. And Isha is one of the board members of the Reliance Jio Infocomm and Reliance Retail Ventures. Both Nita and Isha are also known for their fashion goals on the red carpet and are often a favourite of the paparazzi!

Music: Sujatha and Shweta Mohan Sujatha Mohan is a popular name in the South Indian music industry, credited with songs that are deemed as classics.

Her daughter Shweta Mohan is as gifted as her mother and has today made a name for herself in playback singing. Both mother and daughter have sung songs in several languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. They have been the recipients of many prestigious awards.

Dance: Mrinalini Sarabhai and Mallika Sarabhai

Athletics: Leena Sharma and Bhakti Sharma

Padma Bhushan recipient Mrinalini Sarabhai was

Leena Sharma, a swimmer, turned coach for her

a famous Bharatnatyam dancer. Her daughter

daughter Bhakti Sharma, an Indian open water

Mallika

mother’s

swimmer. They have won several accolades for

dancer

swimming. Bhakti Sharma has swum in all the

herself. She is an exponent of the Kuchipudi and

five oceans of the world. They also hold a unique

Bharatanatyam forms. Mallika Sarabhai, who is

record of being the first mother–daughter duo to

also a well-known activist, manages the Darpana

swim across the English Channel in 2008.

Sarabhai

footsteps

and

followed

became

an

in

her

eminent

Academy for Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, which was established by her mother.

CULTURAMA | May 2020

43

HOLISTIC LIVING

Light in the darkness F

In these difficult times, Eknath Easwaran's saying that humanity and spiritualty can bring in the much-needed comfort holds true. It is the strength that one finds during this time that helps in the long run

or thou wilt light my candle, says a Psalm of

In Indian mythology, this recurring saga is dramatised

David: ‘The Lord, my God, will enlighten my

vividly. When the suffering of the world becomes

darkness.’ To anyone in whom this candle is

unbearable, it is said that Mother Earth herself goes

lit, spiritual leadership comes — entirely through the

to the Lord and throws herself at his feet in an

grace of God.

appeal for help. The Lord responds by coming to life in a human being whose consciousness is ready

In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord promises that he will

for service as an instrument of peace.

rescue the world whenever righteousness declines and violence threatens to overpower us.

In my interpretation, the Lord’s promise to come to divine

our rescue can be understood in a third way too.

incarnation. But it applies equally to the miracle of

Little people like you and me may not be a Gandhi,

transformation, when some personal crisis turns an

a Saint Francis, or a Saint Teresa, but if we do

apparently ordinary person like Mohandas Gandhi or

everything we can to still our mind and subdue our

Francis Bernardone into a beacon figure who lights

self-will, the Lord can light the lamp of wisdom

a path back from the brink of self-destruction.

within so that we, too, can contribute a little light

Traditionally,

this

is

understood

as

instead of adding to the darkness of our times.

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Prayer from the depths In any human being, a profound personal crisis can — life forces that operate beneath our fragmented, open a channel into the depths of the unconscious. superficial, egocentric awareness — are touched and I would hazard a guess that this is what happens in moved and brought into action. These eternal laws, cases of serious addiction, when life becomes so which are as operative as the law of gravity, open unbearable that an ordinary man or woman suddenly their doors to those who have no personal irons in finds the strength to reverse the deep-seated self- the fire, who do not seek any profit or prestige but destructive habits of a lifetime.

depend entirely upon the Lord.

We see the same miraculous transformation on a Faith burns brightly grander scale in the lives of many great saints. In Gandhi tells us from his own bitterly tested personal spiritual terms, this is the Lord within responding to experience that there is no prayer from the heart a wholehearted appeal from the very depths of the that will not be answered. But the Lord will answer heart. Spiritual psychology would explain the myth it, he says, not on our terms — that is the heartbreak of the Lord coming to the rescue of Mother Earth — but on his. We cannot see more than a small in a very similar way. When the world is sick to the corner of the vast stage of the human drama, on heart with violence, that revulsion opens a channel which consequences already set in motion have deep into the collective unconscious, the race-old to be played out. But always, at the eleventh hour, consciousness of our common humanity. Little people rescue comes. ‘My faith is brightest,’ Gandhi says, ‘in all over begin to find the will to make deep changes in the midst of impenetrable darkness.’ I can assure you their lives to fulfill that longing for peace. Then, when that Gandhi knew intimately what it was like to stand a beacon figure comes to show a way out — Jesus in darkness and alone. This is how faith is tested. or the Buddha, Moses or Muhammad, Gandhi or Saint Francis — the ground is ready. Our hearts are open for them to teach.

The prayer of Mother Earth in this myth is the collective cry of countless ordinary people like you and me around the world.

When everything looks dark, when there is no silver lining on the horizon and the earth is pitch black from pole to pole, faith will burn brightly. That is the kind of faith that Gandhi had, that my grandmother had.

With that kind of faith, prayer of the heart can bring into operation those eternal laws which ensure that

Prayer from the heart really means prayer from the good prevails and evil disappears. May the Lord of depths of the unconscious — not oral prayer, but Love grant us all that faith which can never be put prayer without words. When prayer arises from the out by any storm that blows. depths of the unconscious like this, tremendous forces CULTURAMA | May 2020

45

Around the world in

5

Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow – John Lennon Summer is here and so are the beautiful blooms! Team Culturama looks at some of the most beautiful summer flowers from across the globe California Poppies Native to the United States and Mexico, California poppies are striking cup-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. They come in several vivid shades such as red, pale yellow and orange. They are known to open up beautifully only in sunlight. These flowers are also used as garnish in food.

Petunias Petunias are one of the more popular summer flowers in the world. These stunning bright flowers, native to South America, bloom until September. One of the best things about these delicate natural beauties is their unforgettable fragrance. There are believed to be more than a hundred varieties of the flower and it is considered to be one of the most easy-to-grow plants.

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Daylily A favourite among gardening aficionados and horticulturalists, daylily derives its name from Hemerocallis, a Greek word, which means ‘day-beautiful’.

Daylily finds its roots in Asia, mainly in Japan, Korea and China.

But even so, they are widely known across the world because of their prettiness. These flowers are also used as food garnish in some cuisines.

Marigold For those living in India, marigolds may seem too common. Native to Mexico, these flowers can be cultivated anywhere easily. These are especially widely cultivated in India and Thailand, as they are used for auspicious occasions in these countries. Also known as Tagetes, these belong to the sunflower family. These flowers can be found in a variety of brilliant shades such as yellow, orange, maroon and even white.

Hydrangea Nicknamed as ‘change rose’, hydrangeas are native to Asia and the Americas. While mostly shrubs, these are also widely cultivated to become small trees.

Faial Island, which is a small island in the middle of the Atlantic, is famous for beautiful blooms of hydrangeas every summer. The place is often referred to as the ‘Blue Island’. The name of the flower is derived from Greek, which means ‘water vessel’, owing to its unique shape.

CULTURAMA | May 2020

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EX CAMERA

Little friends of India Team Culturama takes a look at little guest moments, from those who have blended in with absolute ease, as they come with inclusive mindsets. Here are some best smiles and lasting memories ...

Doesn't Teddy get a garland too ?

Don't desert me, I am coming too

Photo: Erin Weller USA

Photo: Anita Wedick Singapore

When can I wear bangles?

Photo: Pierre Benichou France

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May 2020 | CULTURAMA

Can I eat this now?

Dad, this is how you do namaste

Photo: Michelle Klakulak USA

How pretty is this garlanded tuk-tuk?

Photo: David S. Nevill USA

Can we paint our faces everyday?

Photo: Diana Grieger Germany

Why can’t I be the captain always ?

Photo: Youngmi Kim Korea

Photo: Olya Morvan Ukraine CULTURAMA | May 2020

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