December 2014 | ParentCircle 1
2 ParentCircle | December 2014
contents
dec 2014
7 parenting
10
8 10 14 16
SPECIAL Friendship, beyond Boundaries VALUEs From Sachin Tendulkar REvIEW The Year That Was QUErIEs Ask the Expert
17 wellness 18 20 24 26 28
48
FEATUrE Habit of Washing Hands SPECIAL A Promising Tomorrow TIPs Winter Care for Kids FITNEss Dance and be Fit UPCLOsE Story of a Braveheart
29 learning 30 34 36 38
EXCLUsIvE The IIT Superman PrOfILE Margazhi Special SPECIAL Top Mobile Apps HANDs ON Tinted Lamps
39 lifestyle
on the cover Friendship beyond Boundaries 8 Top Mobile Apps 36 Interview: The IIT Superman 30 10 Values To Learn From Sachin 10 Winter Care For Your Child 24 Why Children Should Wash Hands 18 COVER PHOTOGRAPH RAHUL VALLAMBER | COVER MODEL ABHINAV
40 44 48 50 52 54 56
2 4 6 58
FEATUrE Is Santa for Real? TrAvEL Go Go Goa SPECIAL Café with a Difference INsIGhTs A Clean Sweep PArENT ChEf Little Sugary Delights OUr PICKs 5 Christmas Classics sNAPshOTs Kids in the Rain
in every issue EDITOr’s NOTE MAILBOX NEWS YOU CAN USE PC EvENTs December 2014 | ParentCircle 3
editor’s note
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Nalina Ramalakshmi Chief Operating Officer Prem Prakash
SPIRIT REMAINS
free
Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life. – Emma Thompson, British actress
S
ome months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Aravind Foundation, which is dedicated to helping children with special needs. Sitting by himself on a wheelchair and watching the activities around him was Aravind, a 13-year-old special needs boy, whose parents run the Foundation. I walked up to him and said ‘Hello’. A wide smile spread across his face as he reached out to me, and gave me a hug I will never forget.
EDITORIAL VP Content & Strategy Rajesh Viswanathan Associate Editor Virgina Jacob Senior Editors Anusha Vincent, Gokul Chandrasekar Senior Copy Editor Malini Gopalakrishnan Copy Editors Akshaya Ganesh, Kannalmozhi Kabilan, Christine Machado, Poorvisha Ravi CLIENT SERVICING Head Rangashree Srinivas Chief Designer Thiagarajan R Graphic Designers M Ravisankar, Dhivya Gopal Assistant Designer Bhavana Balakrishnan STUDIO & PRODUCTION Head S Venkataraaman
Special needs children may be limited by their bodies and their minds, but their spirit remains free, filled with love and joy. We need to provide opportunities to bring out the best in them. As a part of this month’s ‘disability’ special, we explore this very subject through several articles across sections.
Business Development VP Krishnamoorthy Venkataraman Sr. Manager- Ad. Sales G Ganesh Sr. Manager - Marketing Vidhi Vakil
We also meet Super 30’s Anand Kumar, who has dedicated his life to the educational requirements of the under-privileged. In his conversation with us, Anand talks about the four important traits necessary for a student’s success, how parents can play a role in shaping their child’s career and more.
TO Advertise Call: 98406 71024 EMAIL: contact@parentcircle.in
Sachin Tendulkar has just released his autobiography. What values can you learn from the Little Master? Read on to find out. December is when children get gifts from jolly old Santa who knows if they’ve been good or bad. Is this fantasy sprinkled with magical powers for children? We explore. Also, tasty treats await you this Christmas. One more reason to celebrate. It is the 1st anniversary of Chellamey, our very own Tamil magazine for parents. A special thanks to all our Chellamey readers for making our first year a grand success! I wish you all a season of joy and giving. Merry Christmas!
Would love to hear your feedback. Mail me at nalinar@parentcircle.in FIND US ON 4 ParentCircle | December 2014
Nalina Ramalakshmi, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Published by Nalina Ramalakshmi, Director, Shri Harini Media Ltd., (A Ramco Group Associate), 8/14, First Cross Street, Karpagam Gardens, Adyar, Chennai 600020 Printed by Canara Traders and Printers Pvt. Ltd., Type II/33, V.S.I. Estate, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041 ParentCircle is published by Nalina Ramalakshmi, Director, Shri Harini Media Ltd. All editorial material including editorial comments, opinions and statement of facts appearing in this publication, represent the views of its respective authors and does not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishers. Information carried in ParentCircle is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. The publication of any advertisements or listings is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. Entire contents Copyright @ Shri Harini Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be addressed in written form to Shri Harini Media.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 5
mailbox Good things about TV? My first reaction was how can there ever be anything good about TV. Not just an idiot box changed that perception somewhat. I think if parents can regulate the programs children watch, it can help mitigate the damaging effects of TV. Having said that, TV is still an idiot box!
- Mahesh Sharma, Raipur
Kailash is truly special The interview with Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi in the story Children should become their own voices touched a chord in my heart. As a father of a school-going son, I could imagine the pain of having to see a child going through a sad life. I could also relate to the emotions Kailash felt while helping the cobbler-son duo. I was aware of his work, but it was inspiring to read about it on print. Thank you for this experience.
- Anuj Mukerji, Kolkata
Good to see Nisha Millet I have been sending both my children to swimming classes for the past five years and I can assert that this has not only let them build stamina, but also served as an excellent stress-buster. My son never skips going to the pool, not even when exams are around. Different Strokes with Nisha Millet’s tips reassured me about what I was already doing.
- Shanthi Lakshman, Bengaluru
Rallies with Ruskin I grew up reading Ruskin Bond and his story The Night Train at Deoli, which was a part of my school curriculum. I have a sizeable collection of Ruskin Bond’s books at home and now, my 12-year-old daughter reads them with passion too. Rallies with Ruskin made for a very interesting read for me and my daughter. It made us feel very close to our subject and love. Keep up the good work ParentCircle.
- Amruta Pillai, Chennai First 3 letters receive a gift voucher worth `500 from
GIRI TRADING AGENCY ‘for indian culture & tradition’ W: www.giri.in | E: sales@giri.in
6 ParentCircle | December 2014
ONTHEWEB Famous people on parenting Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence. Plato Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk. Carl Jung Hugs can do great amounts of good - especially for children. Princess Diana If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do matters very much. Jackie Kennedy Every cliché about kids is true; they grow up so quickly, you blink and they're gone, and you have to spend the time with them now. But that's a joy. Liam Neeson Parentage is a very important profession, but no test of fitness for it is ever imposed in the interest of the children. George Bernard Shaw
Trending on Twitter Deborah Gilboa, MD@AskDocG “When your child says 'I want that!' Say 'Can you afford it?’” http://buff.ly/1A1WR7l #parenting #finance Yossarian@BollingBinx Just do your best, honey! And when you realize that's not even remotely close to good enough, you'll know real life has started. #parenting tedlowe@tedlowe "Your parenting is only as strong as your marriage." @DougFields @Married_People #orangetour Ben White@morningmoneyben The fact that it's only 10:45am is a crime against humanity. Been parenting for like 100 hours already. Jason Elsom@JasonElsom If you plant a rose in poisoned soil you do not blame it when it does not flower. #education #parenting
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December 2014 | ParentCircle 7
news you can use Bullies to pay heavily Following a series of bullying incidents at schools, the government of India is all set to crack the whip with a series of measures. An expert panel headed by the Chairman of CBSE has identified bullying in schools as a critical problem, and submitted a report that is being seriously deliberated by the government. This comes in the wake of a phone video circulated on social media, showing some students from a well-known Delhi school physically and verbally abusing a kid of another class from the same school. The committee has proposed stringent punishments ranging from warnings to suspensions to withholding of exam results. The committee has also recommended that schools set up anti-bullying cells and appoint full-time counsellors with a national helpline to help the victims. Time for bullies to run for cover?
Joy of early learning AECED (Association for Early Childhood Education & Development) in collaboration with TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) and UNICEF conducted a two-day National conference on Concerted Action for Enhancing Childhood in Mumbai recently. The conference dwelled on significant themes that have emerged in the context of child rights and education. Experts from across professions and fields discussed on issues related to the holistic
development of the child. Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy, Founder & Medical Director of Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai said, “the first 1000 days, from conception onwards, is when most of the brain development takes place. The importance of maternal, infant nutrition, role of responsive care giving in development was illustrated with research examples.” The thematic Concerted Action for Enhancing Childhood was catalysed to build a research consortium.
Here’s why your teen is addicted to junk food Guess who’s to blame for your child’s poor eating habits? Facebook! Not many parents in the current context would be surprised by this. A recent study has concluded that social media sites are significantly responsible for luring teenagers towards junk food. Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia found that companies selling food with low nutrient content and high energy were popular among teenagers on social media sites. Such content was shared by Facebook users who had high engagement with unhealthy food firms. 8 ParentCircle | December 2014
A comic series to teach children their rights Ahmedabad-based sisters, Kelly, 27, and Kana Dhru, 30, have come up with a unique comic series Lawtoons. The interactive website explains basic laws and rights related to children, environment and women in simple language, enough for a 10-year-old to understand. The sisters, who conduct workshops on subjects like constitution, fundamental rights and democracy in schools across Ahmedabad, expressed hope that this initiative will help kids learn the basics of legal jargon early in their lives. The duo now plans to take this content to a wider audience. Work on the second volume has already begun. Efforts are on to come out with a book series soon. Visit www.lawtoons.com for more information.
KNOW UNDERSTAND CONNECT
8 special
10 values
14 review
16 queries
"The best thing for parents is to allow kids to chase their own dreams. That’s what I did and it’s what I want my daughter to do as well" | ParentCircle Sachin2014 Tendulkar, Cricketer December 9
parenting special
Friendship transcends boundaries and welcomes everyone with open arms. Or does it? Is it easy for children with special needs to make friends? ParentCircle finds out.
A
friend in need is a friend indeed is possibly the most-loved phrase. Friends aren’t family by birth, but become one by virtue of the bond you share with them. They are an important part of a person’s life. For the differently abled, the need for friends is even more. Research in the past has shown that children with special needs, who make friends during primary school, go on to do exceptionally well in life - both academically and socially. Making friends, thus, becomes a crucial part of their life and growth. It isn’t difficult to make friends, but sometimes, your child’s disability can act as a barrier. 10 ParentCircle | December 2014
Friendship,
BEYOND BOUNDARIEs
SPECIAL, NOT DIFFERENT Special children can be at a risk of being socially insulated or isolated because of their disability, and that makes it hard for them to move ahead in life. Kumaran Kumanan, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, recollects his turbulent childhood days when he was forced to opt out of school. “I was depressed during the end of my teenage years because I had no friends. I had to drop out of school and had no option but to study from home. This made it even more difficult for me to make friends,” says Kumaran, who is now a renowned counselling psychologist. Kumaran believes things haven’t changed much in recent years, and is
by
Akshaya Ganesh
worried many parents do not expose their special children to the outside world. That, he adds, is never a good thing to do. A special child is just like any other child, and that’s why he deserves to make friends like everyone else. Delhi-based counsellor, Aparna Balasundaram says, “Our world is full of diversity, and people with disability are a part of it. We should be able to enjoy and appreciate this diversity and not condemn them.” Aparna adds that friendship looks beyond borders, does not segregate on the basis of ability, and that children learn a lot more when they make friends with special children.
HOW TO BE SAFE ONLINE The Adult Facilitation of Social Integration Study (AFSIS), conducted by University of Michigan, and funded by the US Department of Education, found that children, regardless of disability, feel the same way about most things. When they were asked what makes their life good, children listed factors involving family, friends and physical play. Simply put, the basic needs of a special child is the same as that of any other.
YOU, YOUR CHILD, AND FRIENDs You, as a parent can play a crucial role in helping your child make friends. Remember, you are the first friend in your child’s life, and he trusts you to do what’s best for him. Your support is all he needs. Kumaran, who used social networking to make friends, says, “My parents were always with me. They were scared at first as they thought I might be exploited, but I was clear that I wanted to make friends on Facebook. I was hesitant to reveal my details at first, but as I started making friends, I started revealing my details. The first thing I did was to put up a profile picture of me on a wheelchair.” He adds, “Thanks to social media, I have a good mix of friends. They’re not just online friends, I know them personally too, as we often meet outside.” For Kumaran, life has been a journey, from CP to CP (Cerebral Palsy to Counselling Psychologist).
EssENCE OF FRIENDsHIP LIEs IN sHARING Never let your child feel he is different. “Help your child make friends just like a normal child. Don’t differentiate. We are all humans and our needs are similar. As a special child, your child should not think that he is different from others,” adds Aparna. The essence of friendship lies in sharing, caring, loving and giving. It does not restrict itself to boundaries, and it certainly does not know to differentiate. Friendship is beyond that; it is for a lifetime. Encourage your child to make friends, and watch him grow.
You have the right to be scared for your child’s safety online, but social media is also a great platform for your special child to make friends. Here’s how you can protect your special child online, according to AbilityPath, an online forum and hub for people with special needs.
1 2 3
Tell your child to never reveal personal information. Set firm rules on how long your child can stay online.
Explain to your child what inappropriate content is, and how he should report it to you.
4
Do not discourage your child from using technology, as youth today communicate using social media and text messages.
5
Research on screening programs that will let you “see” all the conversations your child has online.
6 7 8 9 10
If your child receives inappropriate messages, teach him not to respond.
Check text messages regularly to be sure there are no derogatory texts. Review security settings on your child’s social media accounts.
Observe your child’s actions on social media.
Use resources like www.safetyweb.com to know of information available online about your child.
A parent can play the role of a great facilitator here. You can arrange outings for your child with a group of children. According to AFSIS, children with difficulties tend to report less conflict in their friendships when parents arrange outings with other children. You can also involve your extended family and plan activities for your child with them. This way, you will slowly but surely help your child understand the value of having a social life. December 2014 | ParentCircle 11
parenting values
10 values
to learn from Sachin
S
achin Tendulkar’s father once told him that he would be happier to hear people talk about Sachin as a great human being than a great cricketer. And how well the Little Master has lived up to that dream. Sachin’s autobiography, Playing It My Way has given fans a sizeable insight into the cricketer’s career and personal life. ParentCircle looks at 10 values children can learn from Sachin:
1Humility
Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest modern-day cricketer, yet he finds his feet firmly on the ground. He was strongly influenced by his father, Ramesh Tendulkar’s style of living and thoughts. About the role of his parents, Sachin writes in his book, “Humility and modesty were their hallmarks and I owe a lot of my personality to my upbringing.” Vemparala Venkata Subrahmaniam, a renowned sports journalist, has fond memories of interviewing Sachin back in 1990. “A few days after he returned from England, where he scored his maiden Test hundred, Sachin was playing a local tournament in Hyderabad. I had approached him for an interview and his response was, ‘I need my captain’s permission’. That was stunning from someone who just
12 ParentCircle | December 2014
Sachin Tendulkar is a role model for millions of kids. While his cricketing feats make him a superstar, his simplicity and values make him a real-life hero. by
rajesh viswanathan
grabbed worldwide headlines, and just showed why he was an epitome of discipline. That hasn’t changed over the years. I met him last year during the IPL and I still feel like I am meeting the same humble soul.”
For me personally there is nothing that compares to playing for India. Someone who is determined to play for his country will inevitably strive towards his goal.
Lesson: No matter how successful you are, it is important to be down to earth and humble, always.
2Devotion
Sachin may have enjoyed tremendous success in his cricketing career but he always remembers his roots. He had a routine before every series and that remained constant for a good 24 years. “Throughout my career, before each tour and each series for India, I would make four visits that were very important for me: to two temples in Mumbai, the Ganesh temple in Shivaji Park and the Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi; my aunt and uncle; and to Achrekar Sir,” writes Sachin in his book. “Had it not been for Sir, I would not be the cricketer I turned out to be,” he adds.
Lesson: Always remember to appreciate the role of God and people who have helped shape your life.
of responsibility 3Sense
Sachin understood the need to take care of his belongings from a very young age. The Little Master writes in his book, “As a child I had only one set of cricket clothes and the routine was to wash them as soon as I’d returned from the morning session. While I had my lunch, the clothes would dry out in the sun and I would wear them again in the afternoon. The pattern was repeated in the evening, so I could use the same set of clothes the following morning.”
Sachin Tendulkar with his first coach Ramakant Achrekar and daughter Sara Tendulkar
Lesson: You should always know to value your belongings. Be responsible and not reckless.
& dedication 4Focus
Sachin was a symbol of focus and dedication throughout his career. He never allowed issues to distract him, which is why he not only holds the record for the most runs scored but also for the most time spent in the middle by a cricketer. The worldrecord holder writes in his book, “Sir would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and if I managed to avoid getting out, the coin was mine. Winning the one-rupee coin used to give me immense satisfaction and taught me how to concentrate even when physically drained.” The legend was always hailed for his steady approach in every aspect of life. Shishir Hattangadi, a former Ranji cricketer for Mumbai, who also knew Sachin from a very young age, opines, “Sachin was very meticulous in his approach. He loved doing what he wanted to do and that was to play cricket. Everything else was secondary. That speaks volumes about his strong upbringing.”
Lesson: If you remain focussed
and dedicated, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals.
5No pain, no gain
Sachin may well be owning a fleet of cars at home, including his favourite Ferrari, but he remembers the fun he had commuting in public transport when he was a child. He writes in his book, “I used to travel on crowded buses and trains four times a day during my first year at Shardashram. And from a very young age I used to do it alone. It was a great learning experience.”
Lesson: Success doesn’t get
delivered in a basket. Only when you work hard, will you taste success.
Handling 6pressure
During the HERO Cup semi-final against South Africa in 1993, Sachin was suddenly tossed the ball to December 2014 | ParentCircle 13
parenting values
that things would surely get better in the months to come. Looking back, it was just frustration getting the better of me.” Sachin eventually went on to break many cricketing records
Lesson: Failures are the stepping
stones to success. Remember to take them in your stride.
the little gestures 9It's
Sachin Tendulkar (centre) with his brother Ajit Tendulkar (left) and wife Anjali Tendulkar (right)
bowl the final over, something he was so unaccustomed to. Instead of succumbing to pressure, he accepted the responsibility, and the result followed. He remembers that great day in his book and asserts why handling pressure is not a difficult job, after all. “The key to handling pressure situations like these is to keep yourself steady, follow your instincts and think clearly,” says Sachin.
Lesson: Pressure is bound to
be there in everything you do. It depends on how you handle it.
7
Promoting healthy habits
On more than one occasion in his career, Sachin turned down a mega endorsement deal from a top liquor brand. The legend has openly stated that he would never endorse tobacco or alcohol to youngsters as he felt it was very inappropriate to do so. During the 1996 World Cup, Sachin decided to play without a sticker on his bat simply because the team’s bat sponsor was a leading tobacco brand. “Most players had
14 ParentCircle | December 2014
‘Four Square’ or ‘Wills’ on their bats, but my determination not to endorse a tobacco brand meant I was playing without a bat sticker,” remembers Sachin in his book.
Lesson: Always stay away
from using or promoting harmful products. After all, health is wealth.
Taking failures one’s stride 8in
Like every other sportsperson, Sachin too had his share of ups and downs in his illustrious career. Back in 1997, India was chasing history, requiring just 120 runs to seal its maiden Test series victory in the West Indies. A prospective historic moment turned into a worst nightmare as the team folded up for a paltry 81. The impact was so devastating that Sachin even thought of quitting cricket before moral support from his wife helped him steer clear of negativity. He writes in his book, “I even contemplated moving away from the sport completely, as it seemed nothing was going my way. Anjali, as usual, managed to put things in perspective and assured me
Sachin always ensured he made the common man smile, with small yet meaningful gestures. During India’s tour of Australia in 2007, Sachin hired a taxi during one of his city rides. The chauffeur was an Indian and did everything to make the Little Master feel at home. Sachin was touched by the warmth during the ride and did something unimaginable. “I was very touched by the gesture and told him that I would leave match tickets for him at Reception. Later I got one of my Test shirts signed by the team and left it with the tickets,” writes the Little Master in his book.
Lesson: Little gestures can go a long away in shaping the human being in you and in making the world a better place.
10Patriotism
For Sachin, nothing mattered more than playing and winning for India. He writes in his book, “Right through my career, listening to the anthem while standing alongside my team-mates has given me goose bumps.” “For me personally there is nothing that compares to playing for India. Someone who is determined to play for his country will inevitably strive towards his goal,” he adds.
Lesson: You should always love your country, even ahead of yourself.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 15
parenting review
understanding your child better
WHEN PARENTS HAVE OPPOSING PARENTING STYLES
Unless a person spends 14 hours a day with a child, he or she will rarely have the insight to know what it practically entails to be a parent that long, day on day.
March
Children are children – not performers or puppets. You cannot influence them forever. You have to nurture their motivation, their need to believe in and manage themselves.
KIRAN BEDI
January self-esteem
LET Go AS THEY GROW
february
Your child is born to fulfil his own destiny, which may be different from your own aspirations for him. You need to recognize your role as his guide, in this journey.
16 ParentCircle | December 2014
“Our parents never looked upon us as girls for whom husbands had to be found, but always as children who would grow up and become career women”
Active listening is more than hearing the words. It means to actively engage in the communication process, not just with your ears, but also with your eyes and heart.
may June ips vijay kumar
april
Parenting is not a lesson that can be learnt and summarised at one go; it is a continuous learning process. As we try to figure out our children, they simultaneously trying to figure us out!
The Year
THAT WAS 2014 SAINA NEHWAL: I AM A DADDY’S GIRL ALL THE WAY
SO FAR AND YET SO NEAR
While technology gives you instant connection to a loved one, let’s not forget the lingering good taste of the snail mail. You need not send anything expensive, just something real for your children to touch and feel.
July
I still remember how my father used to take me to the playground everyday on the scooter from the time I was eight years old. My love for sports started because of my parents and their encouragement.
OH BOY! THAT’S PARTIAL
While most parents give kids of both genders equal opportunities and funds, the most common mistake they make is passing gender stereotypes.
august
An exclusive with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Kailash Satyarthi
Children should become their own liberators. They should become their own voices and they should always be in the driving seat.
november september PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARE PARTNERS
Many parents expect teachers to be wholly responsible for their children’s well-being and education. School makes for only half of the learning process. Parents should take care of the other half.
october
December Friendship, beyond boundaries
Friendship transcends boundaries and welcomes everyone with open arms. Or does it? Is it easy for children with special needs to make friends? ParentCircle finds out.
To subscribe to ParentCircle, mail us at subscription@parentcircle.in today! Exciting offers available.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 17
parenting queries
Ask Q the Expert
I think my child is stealing. Over the past few months, my wife and I have been missing money from our wallets. Also, we have spotted various new things in his room that doesn’t belong to him. We are worried if this is becoming a habit.
Arundhati Swamy, a renowned counsellor, answers some of the most challenging situations you may face.
Q
My older son is 11 and my younger is 7. My problem is I lose my temper very soon. Though, I apologise later, and my kids seem to be very understanding and forgiving, I am worried that in the long run, my rage will affect their personality. - Jayashree Sairam, Chennai
A
Children seek approval of their parents all the time. Your children seem to be doing just this when they stoically put up with your anger outbursts followed by apologies because they would not want to risk losing your approval and acceptance especially when you validate it with appreciation. They are thus learning to problemsolve by being compliant in a helpless situation. It works for them at home but will not in other social situations. Such compliance makes them vulnerable to bullying and awkward with socially challenging situation.
A
- Hitesh Randolph, Pune
Since this behaviour has been occurring for a few months now, it needs to be addressed before it becomes a compulsive pattern. Negative behaviour in children is usually a
symptom of an underlying cause. Sometimes, children use it to get attention from adults or believe that their self-image will improve through their acquisitions. You need to evaluate your child’s behaviour in the larger context of his life. Professional counselling can help you with this and you will also benefit from the support it offers.
Q
My 8-year-old son put me in a fix recently with a difficult question. He has seen me breastfeeding his younger brother. One night he asked me why women produce milk. I am not sure if this is a right topic to discuss. But I don't want him to understand it otherwise and ask anyone else. Please advice on what and what not to talk with boys. - Sridevi Srinivaasan, Chennai
A
Your child felt safe and comfortable to ask you questions. Preserve that trust and nurture it always. Anything that a child asks is valid; let us not judge it as being right or wrong. The arrival of a baby at home is often a starting point for older kids to begin asking basic questions about the different sexual organs in boys and girls, and how babies are made. There are good resources available on the Internet about having ‘the talk’ with your child like www.tarshi. org and www.encircle. com. But you be the judge and use the information carefully, adapting it to your child’s needs because no one understands your child better than you do.
Have similar queries and worries? Mail us at editorial@parentcircle.com, and our expert, Arundhati Swamy, Counsellor and President of the Chennai Counsellors Foundation, will answer them for you. 18 ParentCircle | December 2014
wellness happy healthy fit
18 feature
20 special
24 tips
26 fitness
28 upclose
The only warmth known to parents’ hearts is the sight of the little bundle bubbling with joy, all safe and snug! Learn how to keep your little2014 one warm this winter. | ParentCircle December 19
wellness feature
A
A very
Handy solution by Virgina
Jacob
Does your child wash her hands regularly? If the answer to this very basic question is ‘No’ or even a ‘Maybe’, you need to address a fairly serious issue at ‘hand’.
20 ParentCircle | December 2014
handmade clay doll, a dirty little pebble, a mud-drenched play ball – just a few of the many goodies a child brings back home. But, with them come the unwelcome guests in the form of diseaseyielding germs. Yes, it is never easy to stop your child from the muddy world outside. It can get more difficult when he does not pay heed to your repeated calls to wash his hands or take a shower. Handwashing is the primary defence mechanism against germs. It is by far the most effective way to keep children from falling sick. When your child comes in contact with disease-prone germs, she inadvertently becomes a germcarrier. All it takes is a touch. Coming in contact with infected eyes, nose, mouth, hands or even sharing the same breathing space can prove damaging. One member infected is all it takes for the entire family to be dragged down by the same bug. Dirty hands have the potential to become the root cause of many ailments.
Dirty hands are dangerous hands
“Children need to be taught that washing hands is the best way to avoid ailments like runny nose, bad throat, tummy aches and even itchy skin. Get your child to think about all the things they touched during the day - from toilet to telephone, and then teach them how
they might have caught millions of germs through these contacts. Parents should instill an element of fun while teaching their children the importance of keeping their hands clean. I strongly believe that every parent should lead by example," opines Dr Pooja Bhriegu, Chief Paediatrician and Director, Bhriegu Maternity Hospital, Raipur. Although the WHO and other health bodies around the world have been stressing on handwashing for the last 200 years, it took an outbreak of the dreaded Ebola to come as the wake-up call. The Global Handwashing Day, which had become a photo-op event for several years, has come to life again.
‘Most effective preventive measure’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off on a massive Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drive and one of the important elements of the campaign is handwashing. As Modi indicated, no amount of social initiative will suffice unless the urge to keep clean becomes our core value. To drive home this message, he has urged parents to inculcate the habit of washing hands right from toddler years. The Prime Minister’s initiative is being hailed as a step in the right direction.
Handy tips
HOW to handwash This step-by-step instruction will help you maximise the goodness of washing hands: ► Wet your hands with clean running water ► Lather up with soap, preferably an anti-bacterial ► Scrub your fingers and nails ► Scrub the inside of your palm for a minimum of 20 seconds ► Rinse thoroughly ► Pat dry with a clean towel ► Always carry purse sanitizer to keep germs at bay
Handy tips
WHEN to handwash Only if everyone
washed hands -
Startling statistics Just 77% of men washed their hands, compared to 93% of women. About 2.2 million children under the age of 5
die each year
from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia
Washing hands with soap will help almost 1 out of 6 young children with respiratory infections like pneumonia.
1.7 million child deaths occur in India annually. That includes almost 5,000 deaths due to infectious diseases
Washing hands will reduce respiratory illnesses, like common cold, in our general population by 21%
Diarrhoea
alone kills 13% of children under the age of five
Common cold is responsible for 22 million lost school days each year
UNICEF estimated that only 31 per cent of children have access to basic sanitation in India such as clean water
Ensure your child washes hands with a soap: ► Before and after every meal ► Before and after using the restroom ► Before holding an infant ► Before and after shaking hands with someone who’s sick ► Before and after treating cuts, abrasions or wounds ► After outdoor playtime ► After visiting the hospital, though a shower is more advisable here ► After soiling his hands in the mud ► After blowing his nose, coughing or sneezing ► After playing and cuddling with pets ► After using public transport "Healthy living and hygienic habits are a lifestyle choice that everyone must make. We should recognise that as a country that's becoming increasingly progressive, Modi's initiative is commendable. As far as washing hands is concerned, it is the most basic and most effective preventive measure. Over 65 per cent of infections can be countered through the simple act of washing hands. However, overdoing it is also not advisable as it can rip the skin off moisture and lower our in-built immunity," says Dr Manoj Beno, Medical Director of Billroth Hospitals, Chennai.
The hands-on verdict
As a parent, you can set an example by practising what you preach. Good washing habits can eradicate diseases even before they manifest. In our crusade against the relentless invasion of germs and viruses, the most effective solution is ironically the simplest too. Go, get your child to enjoy handwashing. All you need is soap and water, and plenty of intent. After all, you’d be the happiest person if your household is the healthiest.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 21
wellness special
towards a
by
dr Madhu Purushothaman
PROMIsING TOMORROw With eradication of polio coming as an inspiration, India must now face head on, the challenge of treating a multitude of debilitating disorders that affect children
I
ndia has seen a meteoric development in medical care. However, it’s not good news all around. While millions of parents earnestly get their children immunised at ‘Pulse Polio’ centres every year, there are still many who painfully watch their children struggle with physical and mental disabilities. Most of these disabilities are not only overlooked, but also misunderstood.
DIsABILITY IN INDIA Disability can be broadly classified into ‘Physical and Intellectual (Mental) Disability’. Traditionally, disability has been associated with physical limitations and it includes medical conditions like diabetes, stroke and heart disease, which can lead to physical impairments. In the west, disability is an allencompassing term. But in India, people still consider disability as a term referring to 'Physical Handicap' although, in recent times, there is a greater awareness and recognition about Intellectual/Mental Disability. We have made great advances in Neonatal Care. We are able to save extremely premature and low birthweight babies with sophisticated technology. This wasn't possible 10 or 20 years ago. But, on the flip side, these pre-term babies often survive with neuro-developmental problems 22 ParentCircle | December 2014
like Cerebral Palsy. We struggle to manage these children with special needs due to inadequacy of special expertise and resources. Funding these services is also a huge problem. INFRAsTRUCTURE IN PLACE Our country's lawmakers need to keep the needs of specially abled folks in mind. In the US and other developed nations, there are laws to make all public places, amenities and even public transport disabledfriendly. In India, we are far behind when it comes to taking care of the disabled.
We don’t need to create separate spaces for disabled children. We just need to create disability-friendly public places with easy access that includes wheelchair-ramps and/or elevators, braille signs and auditory signals. Buses and other public transport vehicles must be equipped with ramps and special seating to accommodate special children. The government must take the necessary steps for making the general environment nondiscriminatory towards Persons With Disability (PWD).
December 2014 | ParentCircle 23
wellness special
SPECIAL sERVICEs With an increase in the prevalence of conditions like Pervasive Development Disorder (Autism), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disability, there is no doubt that Intellectual/Mental Disability is on the rise. Children with special needs often require multiple services and a multi-disciplinary approach to management. A child with autism can suffer from other co-morbid conditions like ADHD. These children may require Speech Therapy, Cognitive/ Behavioural Therapy, Audiology and other services, which may not be always be available under one roof. We need more Special Educators to help manage children with special needs. We need to create adequate infrastructure and train more personnel in these areas. We must make every effort not only
to augment the availability of these services, but also to improve the networking and coordination required for the delivery of these services in a hassle-free manner. INCLUsIVE sCHOOLs FOR CHILDREN In India, we run separate institutions and special schools for children with disability. But, scientific evidence is not for segregation of children with disabilities, but for their inclusion in the mainstream systems. That is why, in the United States, children with disability are sent to regular schools, which have special facilities and resources to take care of children with disability. The children with disability get to mingle and learn from their peers in a mainstream environment, and at the same time, have all their needs addressed. All this is made possible in the US through special legislations like the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). There is a lot we can learn from the systems and processes adopted in the US.
FUNDING OF DIsABILITY sERVICEs IN US Disability management is well-funded in the United States through Private and Government Insurance schemes like Medicaid. In fact, Disability Insurance - that is, Insurance companies paying for people whose productivity and working capacity is impaired, is a multi-million dollar business in the western world. With this funding, doctors are able to organise special services like physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing care that can be delivered at the doorstep of the child's home. 24 ParentCircle | December 2014
DIsABILITY PREVENTION While we need to do a lot in the sphere of disability management, we also need to focus on disability prevention. Disability prevention begins with good antenatal (pregnancy and pre-birth) care, highquality neonatal resuscitation and availability of newborn screening. Counselling services for genetic and birth defects need to be ramped up too. Another area that requires attention is accident prevention and trauma care services. This is because accidents continue to be a leading cause of disability in children. That is why school safety and prompt delivery of first-aid and trauma care becomes extremely important. If we have learnt something from polio, it is that with awareness, support, sensitisation, dedicated effort and empathy, we can overcome any disability. We need to extend this zeal and make this world a better place for each and every one of us. Dr Madhu Purushothaman is a Consultant Paediatrician in Chennai who is associated with Apollo Children’s Hospital and SRM Institute for Medical Science.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 25
wellness tips
CHILL OUT THIS WINTER
W
inter’s here and it’s time to dig out the sweaters and stock up on soup and hot chocolate. Use these tips from Dr Virender Kumar, Paediatrician and Senior Consultant, at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute to help your child relish the season by staying warm and safe.
Woes of winter What makes us all so prone to flu in winter? Research points to a combination of factors. If we are ill-protected, our body loses heat, becomes weak and hence is more prone to infections. Some researchers even attribute lack of sunshine to the lowered immune system. 26 ParentCircle | December 2014
by Malini Gopalakrishnan
Come December and along with the Christmassy chimes and rhymes, comes the winter sniffles and sneezes. With just a few precautions here and there, you sure can keep your little one warm and rosy-cheeked through this season!
The flu virus thrives more in winter as compared to summer. While there is little you can do to stop the flu, the following measures can help your child stay cosy and healthy:
body’s response to infections.
Beating the cold weather
• Teach your little one the habit of hand washing. However, refrain them from doing so too often, as it can dry their hand out and also lower their immunity to bacteria.
• Remember to cover your child’s chest and head. This will help your child stay warm. It is important to do this since studies have revealed that we lose 30% of our body heat through our head. • Help your child stay active during winter. After all, physical activity increases the number of fighter cells in your child’s body. • Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep. Good sleep can increase
• Maintain a rich and nutritious diet. Food rich in Vitamin C, like oranges, gooseberries and kiwi are known to build immunity.
• Ensure your child drinks plenty of water, as it keeps the kidney healthy and also flushes out all toxins. • Whenever possible, keep your child away from those suffering from common cold, cough and viral infection. The contagious virus can stay viable for up to 7 days after the symptoms have died down.
• Apart from protecting your child from infectious diseases, you should also watch out for other winter malaises like dry skin, chapped lips and achy fingers and toes.
Foot care during winter • Pamper your child’s feet a little. Use an essential oil in the bath water. Peppermint or neem oil can soothe aching feet, while rosemary oil can warm up cold feet and increase circulation. • Dead cells tend to accumulate during winter. Instead of pumice stone, use a scrubber for your child’s delicate skin. • Apply moisturiser to keep dry heels at bay. Make sure that kids wear cotton socks overnight, after applying moisturiser.
Ears need attention • Keep your child’s ears covered during winter. Make her wear a scarf to ward off frostbite! • Moisturise the lobes of your little one’s ears to avoid painful chapping.
Overall body care • Ensure your child wears gloves when he steps out, as the skin on the hand is thinner than the rest of the body. • If you use a heater in your child’s room, keep a bowl of water in the room to safeguard his skin from drying out. • Do not let your child shower in extremely hot water. Excess heat can dry his skin. Soaking for too long can strip the tender skin of essential oils too. • If your child’s skin is dry and itchy, add some oatmeal or baking soda to his bath water. With these simple tips you can keep your child heathy and happy this winter season. For, the only warmth known to parents’ hearts is the sight of the little bundle bubbling with joy, all safe and snug!
Winter Myths Busted Myth #1: You should not have curd during winter Fact: It is a very common misconception that eating curd during winter can make you sick. The fact is that curd contains probiotics and bacteria, which are extremely helpful in building a strong immune system.
Myth #2: Being outside for long can give you a common cold. Fact: It should be remembered that virus and bacteria are the main causes of viral infections. When it comes to common cold, germs are the root cause and not the cold weather itself. It is only when you come in contact with a flu virus, you will catch cold. That could happen outside or even when you are indoors. Having said that, cold winds could lead to certain types of illnesses. An NIH study conducted in the US suggests that dry winter air allows the flu virus to thrive, survive and transmit. Therefore, it is a good idea not to spend too much time outdoors during winter.
Myth #3: Covering the head during winter is enough to keep you warm Fact: Yes, it is true that we lose more heat through our head. But, you do not lose heat through the head alone. The body as a whole needs protection from the winter.
Myth #4: There is no need to use sunscreen in winter Fact: Sunscreen is not only an anti-tan cream but also a shield against the harmful sun rays. Ironically, the sun is closest to the earth during winter. Cold temperatures tend to leave the skin really dry and that gives the harmful UV rays easy access to your skin. So, go ahead and smear it up during winter.
Additional inputs from Dr Arvind Aggarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 27
wellness fitness
Dancing tune of fitness to the
by
Anusha Vincent
A
In India, the word ‘dance’ is naturally associated with art but did you know dance can also help your child stay fit and healthy, both physically and mentally?
28 ParentCircle | December 2014
s long as there is a beating heart, there is a certain rhythm that courses through every body. Dance is a part of the human coding, a defining quality of any culture. Though it is a form of art, this mode of expression is also considered a sport. Internationally, dancers are considered athletes, and if lobbying efforts pay off, dance as a sport could well squeeze its way into the 2020 Olympics.
Dance - an instinct
Is it time now to take dance out of the art closet and advocate it as a form of fitness and a subject of study? ParentCircle talks to Bangalore-based salsa maestro and instructor Lourd Vijay to find out.
Having said that, Vijay urges parents not to enrol their wards into dance classes the moment they start walking! “Four years is a good time to start. Most children younger than that age cannot concentrate or be
At a TEDX talk recently, Vijay, who is the founder of the Lourd Vijay Dance Studios (popularly known as LVDS), spoke about how Indians have culturally danced to mark almost every occasion “You shouldn’t curb this instinct. If you can walk, you can dance,” he says adding that parents can play a crucial role in helping their children take the first step.
as disciplined. At that age, they need childcare experts and not dance instructors.”
Best dance forms for children Ask Vijay what the best dance forms for children are and he replies, “As a foundation, I would always recommend Indian classical or western classical forms. After that, jazz, ballet, hip hop, Bollywood and something called Creative Movement can be considered. The last one is something I am personally a big fan of. There is no specific dance style to it. It’s more about self, special and general awareness. In this, we use props and music to build creative movements.”
Physical benefits One of world’s leading promoters of healthy living, Livestrong Foundation recommends dance classes as an important alternative to team sports. The organisation directly links dance with improved socialisation and selfesteem in children. Dance has been associated with several health and fitness benefits in children including: • Stronger bones • Improved heart and lung health • Increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness • Increased aerobic fitness • Weight management
Behavioural benefits Lourd Vijay points out, “Dance cleans the mind. While dancing, the brain tends to go blank because one can’t think of anything else. Your child will be able to absorb a lot more information after a session. "It’s a form of meditation. Moreover, it is a proven fact that art education is a great complement to academic pursuits.”
Dance at home and school Lourd Vijay endorses the concept of parent-toddler modules. “Because of the work culture these days, families don’t get to spend enough time together. So, the idea here is to engage them for at least an hour and get them to have fun with dance,” he reveals. “The focus is more on getting them to do fun dances together and strengthen the parental bond.” Taking it a step further, Vijay talks about his pet project - the DancEd programme, that takes a very structured and educative approach to dance. “The point is to create and work on a dance-based education syllabus for children. It involves a lot of activities, ” explains Vijay. “DancEd has been a part of the educational process in western countries for several decades. It’s high time India too adopted this disciplined approach to dancing.” For a better understanding of the concept. Check out the Spirit of Dance workbook.
isolation workouts - head rolls, neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, chest rolls and leg rolls,” Vijay adds. However, the artiste does have his share of grouses when it comes to dance in India. “In the West, there is a lot of impetus on safety. In India, forget dance, even the way we drive our cars is so unsafe” Vijay vents. “I see martial arts instructors teaching children in unsafe parks and often bullying them. Zumba instructors these days are certified after attending just a two-day course. These things have to change. Dance teachers have a huge social responsibility.”
Professional dancing Dance is slowly being viewed by urban Indians as a plausible profession. And while this certainly is good news, most people aren’t aware of the kind of fitness level and dedication that is required to excel. “If dance is their passion, encourage them. If not, they will still find something else that is more up their alley. Trust their instinct!” concludes Vijay, on an optimistic note. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and take the first step now.
competitive environment and that is believed to help in cognitive and emotional development.
Take necessary precautions Dance comes with its share of injuries - muscle and ligament injuries being the most rampant, and these take a long time to heal. So, when it comes to rehearsing at home, parents should ensure their children do proper warm-ups and cool-downs. “These comprise loosening up, stretching and
Studies have also proved that dance can help children tackle hyperactivity disorders. Children involved in dance activities are are seen picking up self-confidence in a December 2014 | ParentCircle 29
wellness upclose
chronicle of a tiny
T
here was pin drop silence in the theatre, the tiny little heart had stopped beating. The team gasped, helplessly staring at the monitor for a glimpse of rhythm or reason. Then, there it was, a tiny scratch on the straight line, a flicker, that very slowly turned into a hubbub and then into a full blown heartbeat. “As a doctor, those 10 seconds of stark silence were the scariest moments of my life” recalls a euphoric Dr Nageshwara Rao, paediatric cardiologist who repaired the heart of a 27-month-old foetus. The rare surgery was performed at the reputed Care Hospital in Hyderabad.
This successful medical intervention is India’s first. The taxing two-andhalf hour procedure was carried out on the baby while it was still cocooned in its mother’s womb. “Though a team of efficient doctors corrected the baby’s heart, the real star of the story was the mother. Being a science teacher herself, 25-year-old Sirisha understood the risk and yet, gave us her courageous consent to go ahead with the surgery,” says Dr Sai Leela, one of the 25 doctors who worked on the bub.
More than a medical miracle The aortic valve in the foetus was clogged and underdeveloped. This flaw restricted the blood from pumping in and out of the baby’s left ventricle. Dr Rao says, “this surgery wasn’t our first attempt at correcting the condition, which was identified during the 18th week’s
30 ParentCircle | December 2014
brave heart by TEAM
PARENTCIRCLE
Flagging a wave of medical revolution, a squad of medicos from Hyderabad successfully performed an intra-uterine surgery to fix a cardiac flaw in a foetus. ParentCircle catches up exclusively with the dream team to understand the science behind the miracle. scan. As the foetus kept moving during our first incision, we couldn’t reach its heart, we made the second and successful attempt a week later. After the mother and foetus were anaesthetised, we strategically inserted a needle into her abdomen, pierced the uterus, reached the baby’s chest and finally entered its heart. Once at the left ventricle, we used a wire and a minuscule balloon to make space and expand the valve to relieve tension and open the block.” Today, 10 out of every 1000 foetuses are diagnosed with such a heart condition. But, due to lack of sufficient awareness and medical facilities, most to-be parents opt for immediate termination. “Such is the sorry state that foetuses don’t even get a shot at treatment. Termination
of pregnancy due to foetal condition can definitely be avoided. There needs to be an awareness drive. Pre-natal care and basic nutritional supplements like folic acid and calcium can resolve 70 per cent of complications and to-be mothers have to be made aware of it. Smoking, passive or active, should be avoided at any cost,” opines Dr Rao. Such measures, aided by family counselling and solid financial backing from the government will make for a colossal change in the healthy development of foetuses. Meanwhile, Sirisha’s little miracle is expected to make its grand arrival sometime in late December. Here’s wishing the little bub and the new mom heaps of hearty healing and happiness!
think imagine create
30 exclusive
34 profile
36 special
38 hands on
Studies reveal that children introduced to music at an early age are better at verbal, visual and communicative skills since music is believed to stimulate the brain.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 31
learning exclusive
M We inspire our students to understand the ‘How and Why’ theory. It is very important to remember that there are multiple ways to solve a problem. 32 ParentCircle | December 2014
ahatma Gandhi once said “True education should be easily accessible to all and should be of use to every villager in this daily life. The emphasis laid on the principle of spending every minute of one’s life usefully is the best education for citizenship.” With time, these principles could well have faded away but one man has been striving to keep it alive - Anand Kumar of Super 30.
That’s an envious record, yet the simplicity with which the institute works bowls you over. Anand Kumar lives the life of a simpleton, despite his celebrity status.
For starters, Super 30 is an innovative educational programme in Patna started by Anand in 2002. Each year, 30 meritorious students belonging to the economically backward classes are selected and trained for IIT entrance examinations, free of cost.
Despite his hectic schedule, Anand Kumar took time out for this very special conversation. It’s a ParentCircle exclusive.
Between 2002 and now, 308 out of 360 students enrolled into the Super 30 programme, have made it to IIT.
Super 30’s impact has been so far-reaching that even US President Barack Obama sent a special envoy to appreciate the effort, after reading about it in Time Magazine.
You went through a difficult childhood. You got admission in Cambridge University but could not afford it. Was that one of the reasons you decided to come up with Super 30?
IIT by
Rajesh Viswanathan
If you think quality education is all about infrastructure and facilities, think again! A small institute in a little-known area of Patna is showing the way. Meet the Superman behind the globally-acclaimed initiative, Super 30! Leave alone affording the university fee, I could not afford a flight ticket to England. Just a few months before I got admission in Cambridge, my father, who was my source of inspiration, passed away suddenly due to a heart attack. The whole world came crashing down for me. I then decided I was going to dedicate my life to the educational requirements of the poor and the needy.
It’s been a special journey for Super 30 since you started it in 2002. You must be feeling really special. It feels great. I have dedicated my life to help the underprivileged in education and I am very happy it has progressed well so far. I have never made money, I don’t own a house either, but I feel I am richest in the world in terms of joy and satisfaction when I see these students work hard and succeed. I have always believed in the concept of Yes, we can.
Do you think the Indian education system is very exam-centric? You can say so, but things are changing. Thanks to globalisation, the need for skills-based learning is definitely picking up. People have started realising that great performance in exams alone won’t help. Having said that, exams are
Super 30: The journey
still very significant, especially the entrance exams as they can prove to be the gateway to successful careers.
2002: Founded
During your visit to the MIT and Harvard in October, you called for non-discriminatory education.
308 out of 360 Super 30 students cleared the IIT entrance examinations
While it is common to see people fight for equality in education, not many look at equality in quality education. Only quality education can help the world fight grave issues like poverty, illiteracy and deprivation. During my lecture at Harvard, I called upon experts, scholars and students to come forward and use their expertise to help the world move forward in the right direction.
What is the Super 30 mantra that helps you come up with the staggering results? Super 30 may be low on resources but is never low on spirit. Our students are taught four important traits: Positive thinking Continuous hard work Tremendous trust Great patience All four traits are inter-linked. Having just one or two of them is not enough. What also helps us is our style of teaching. We inspire our students to understand the ‘How and Why’ theory. It is very important
2002-2014:
2009:
New York Times devotes half a page to Anand Kumar Discovery Channel broadcasts a special documentary on Anand Kumar’s initiatives
2010:
Time Magazine selects Super 30 in its list of Best of Asia 2010 Newsweek selects Super 30 in the list of four most innovative schools in the world
2011:
US President Barak Obama's special envoy Rashad Hussain visits Super 30 and describes it as the best school in India
2014:
Anand Kumar invited by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University to speak on his widelyacclaimed effort to mentor students from the underprivileged sections for IIT-JEE. December 2014 | ParentCircle 33
learning exclusive I had a challenging childhood where my family struggled to make ends meet. Despite all the troubles, my father always emphasised on education. He stressed that education was the only way to come out of poverty. to remember that there are multiple ways to solve a problem. No single method is the only method.
You are seen as a role model by many young students. When you were young, who were your role models? (Smiles) Well, I never had a film celebrity or a sports star as my role model. For me, Ramanujan and Newton were my role models.
You had a very special relationship with your father. Yes, I am 99% my father. I had a challenging childhood where my family struggled to make ends meet. Despite all the troubles, my father always emphasised on education. He stressed that education was the only way to come out of poverty. Although we had financial constraints, my father used to save some money every month just to buy books on science and mathematics for me. He knew I loved mathematics and wanted to do anything to help me cherish my dream of making it big.
Super 30 has been a big success story but has so far been confined to Patna. Any plans to expand? We are a closely-knit family. My mother cooks for the students, my brother manages them and my wife 34 ParentCircle | December 2014
also helps out big time. We are a dedicated team, all working towards one goal. We are concerned the concept will get diluted if we take it to other cities without adequate preparation and that’s why we do not have any such plans at the moment. We are planning an online model for Super 30 though. That should happen soon.
Given the kind of service you do, you must have come across some great stories. Any story that remains fresh in your mind? Yes. There was this student, Anoop, who hails from an extremely poor family. One day, Anoop’s father left home and never returned, leaving the family in further distress. Bogged down by the situation at home, Anoop almost took to the gun. His mother pleaded with him not to do so. She wanted her son to fight poverty with education instead. The duo came to my institute, seeking help. I remember they did not even have slippers to wear when they came to meet me that day. I enrolled Anoop and he went on to clear the IIT entrance examination in 2008. When he knew he qualified, he called me and was crying non-stop. He just went crazy with a bagful of happiness. It made me feel the transformation was complete. I will never forget that day for the rest of my life.
What role can parents play in shaping a child’s career? Over the last few years, I have been noticing that children are getting addicted to video and computer games. They are not expected to understand the damaging impact it can have because they are not mature enough, but parents should understand the risks. They should never allow children to get anywhere close to video games.
What’s your message to children? I’d say nothing beats hard work. Like I had said earlier in this interview, children should be positive, work hard and be patient. Never study for the results. Study to gain knowledge and results will follow.
ParentCircle has been striving to improve the quality of family life. Any message for us? Your team is doing a great job. And such a relevant one too. After all, a great bond between a parent and a child is essential for our children to enjoy great careers. It is so nice to hear that ParentCircle is enabling that process. ParentCircle and Super 30 seem to be having many things in common, the most common being our love for students. I wish you good luck for all your future endeavours.
December 2014 | ParentCircle 35
learning profile
I
t’s that time of the year again, when the 6 am sky is not sunny, the streets are covered in fog, you ditch the AC for the comforts of the water heater and you eagerly await the music festival that began with the Madras of yore. Soon enough, you might find yourself in the crowded halls of The Music Academy and Kalashethra, tapping your feet in tune with a jatthi , enjoying the perfect rendition of a swaram. The Madras Music Season, one of the few traditions that has stood the test of time, is here again. In a society that values science, math, exams and grades, we often overlook the role of music in our lives. Music makes you feel happy, keeps your brain healthy, regulates your pulse rate, improves your sleep system, lifts your immune system and reduces depression. Studies reveal that children introduced to music at an early age are better at verbal, visual and communication skills since music is believed to stimulate the brain.
36 ParentCircle | December 2014
Little princess with a
golden voice by
s Duraiarasu
M for Madras, M for Margazhi and M, of course, for Music. Let’s soak in the musical mood and what better way to do it than to catch up with the ten-year-old singing prodigy, Uthra Unnikrishnan
So, if your child is interested in music or shows signs of potential talent, do all you can to nurture it. It’s not advisable to start formal training before your kid is at least 6 or 7 years old. Till then, it’s always best to let your child learn at her leisure. The right kind of support at the right age can help bring out the genius in your child. Uthra Unnikrishnan, daughter of the famous singer Unnikrishnan, is just ten but has already taken the musical world by storm. Her beautiful rendition of Azhagu from the movie Saivam continues to stir the hearts of music lovers. When ParentCircle approached Uthra for an interview, her mother Priya readily agreed to chaperone the little songstress to our office. The little child that Uthra still is, she responded to our questions, but only after we promised to treat her to her favourite cheese pizza. Check out excerpts from ParentCircle’s exclusive conversation with Uthra and Priya.
When did you start learning music?
Who else sings at home?
Uthra: I started going for music classes when I was
Uthra: My brother and I sing together too. He is
Priya: (Chips in) She’s been drawn to music from a
Singing aside, what else do you like doing?
in Class 2. But my interest in music began much earlier. (Feels shy and looks at her mom)
very young age. She was extremely interested in Carnatic music. Even when she couldn’t sing the notes, she’d simply be humming the tunes. It was my mother who, after recognising her interest, arranged for her to learn music. Uthra wasn’t too keen in the beginning but that has changed.
With Azhagu, you now have the experience of having sung for a movie. What was it like, recording the song? Uthra: I was a little frightened!
But you’ve been doing stage shows in front of thousands of people… Uthra: Yes, but in those shows, my dad is always next to me. It helps me stay confident. Dad was out of town when the film song was being recorded. It was only my mother and I at the studio. I was very frightened initially. But everyone at the studio helped me get comfortable and feel secure before making me sing.
With a movie song featuring in your list of accomplishments, you’ve earned a lot of recognition. What do your friends say about this? Uthra: Nothing much. My friends are still the same.
They don’t treat me like a celebrity. Nothing has changed between us, we play together as usual.
Really? Priya: Yes! That’s how we always want our child to be: humble.
Is that why she doesn’t appear in television interviews? Priya: Yes. Unnikrishnan and I believe children
shouldn’t be subjected to unwanted stress and pressure. At such a young age, the pressure to succeed is entirely unnecessary. Besides, once they get under the fame spotlight, they lose the child in them and artificiality creeps in. That should never happen.
How are Uthra’s music lessons going? Priya: She now learns music from Sudha Raja.
studying in Class 12 now. He plays the piano while I sing.
Uthra: (Laughs) I like playing games on the iPad
and watching Cartoon Network. Tom and Jerry and Thenaliraman are my favourite cartoons!
Which movie are you singing in next? Priya: She’s singing in director Mysskin’s new movie. I think it will be released in December.
What’s your favourite song, Uthra? Uthra: Uyirum Neeye (from the movie Pavithra)
and Narumugaye (from Iruvar) - these are my all-time favourites.
Who is the music director you’d want to work with? Uthra: I would love to work with Illayaraja, AR Rahman and GV Prakash Kumar.
Songs of which language do you prefer? Uthra: Tamil songs are what I like best!
Singers? Uthra: I like Janaki,
MS Subbulakshmi, and Kishore Kumar.
There’s this singer I know. He sings very well. Would you tell me if you like him too? Uthra:
Who’s he?
Unnikrishnan Uthra:
LOL! (and her face lights up!)
She enjoys complete freedom and learns at her own playful pace.
Does your father offer you tips on singing? Uthra: Yes, dad and I sing together in the house. December 2014 | ParentCircle 37
learning special
ABC Letters and Phonics for Pre- School Kids
This app was developed along with educators and parents, and has been tested among kids. The app aids in teaching alphabets and words to your children. It displays big pictures with the corresponding letters and words, making it easier for your child to associate words, and remember them. It also has puzzles that can help you test your child’s understanding. Available on:
Technology has certainly changed the way we live and it is getting increasingly inclusive, which is a welcome sign. Today, there are several mobile phone and tablet applications aiding people with special needs, making their life simpler. Check out some, these simple, yet effective apps and if you like them, they could just be a fingertip away:
Prizmo
Prizmo lets you scan different kinds of documents and reads it out to you. All you need to do is to scan your child’s text book, or reading material, and the app will read it out for him. Available on:
TECHNOLOGY-AIDED
learning by
AKSHAYA GANESH
As we observe the International Day of People with Disability, ParentCircle checks out some of the amazing apps that help children with reading and learning disabilities.
38 ParentCircle | December 2014
ModMath
ModMath is an app for math lovers, and for children who have trouble writing properly. This app lets your child type math problems on the mobile screen and work on them. This makes it a lot more convenient for children with dyslexia or dysgraphia to work on math problems, as they don’t have to write down the problems on a piece of paper. Available on:
Audible
Audible is an app that allows you to download e-books and then, reads them out to you. For children with reading difficulties, and even other children in general, Audible makes stories and learning fun. Available on:
Google Text-toSpeech
The VizZle Player app contains a whole range of simple, interactive and instructional videos. This app mainly helps children with autism, and also those who learn best when they see something visually. The app was created after research proved that children with autism learn best when they learn visually.
Typically available in-built on most Android phones, this feature can be installed as an app as well. The Google Text-to-Speech app enables you to read out loud the text on your phone. With the help of this app, the user can now read out books, translate words and sentences, and give verbal feedback for every action that is performed. This app has something for everyone, and can make it easier for your child to communicate as well as learn.
Available on:
Available on:
VizZle Player
December 2014 | ParentCircle 39
learning hands on
Tinted
1.
Materials required
Lights by TEAM
Glass bangles
Fevibond
PARENTCIRCLE
With the festive season around the corner, it’s time to deck up your house. As you get set to decorate, try this easy-breezy do-it-yourself glass bangles lampshade to spread light and love in style.
3.
Here you are! Light the candle and see the glow.
2.
Tea-light candle
Arrange the bangles vertically and glue them together with Fevibond. Set aside to dry.
40 ParentCircle | December 2014
FUN.LEISURE.living
40 feature
44 travel
48 special
50 insights
52 parent chef
54 our picks
56 snapshots
A sunny escape to the balmy beaches of Goa is all you’ll need to counter the shivers and sniffles of wintery December. Check out exciting things you can do in Goa. December 2014 | ParentCircle 41
lifestyle feature
Santa Is
REALLY
COMING TO TOWN? by
Christine Machado
Christmas marks the arrival of your child’s favourite person – Santa Claus. But, do children actually believe in the magical myth of this jolly old fella anymore? ParentCircle explores…
T
he month of December ushers in a feeling of happiness, hope, and excitement. As families all over the world unite to celebrate, there's promise in the air, of peace, and the coming of all things good. As the Christmassy mood sets in, the anticipation of miracles, happiness and gifts spills magic into the air. For children, Christmas rings in the visit from the paunchy old man, who comes loaded with gunny sacks full of gifts and surprises. The arrival of Santa Claus or Father Christmas, as he is lovingly known, is eagerly awaited throughout the year. As legend has it, children, for centuries now, have hung stockings and posted their wish-list of gifts to him in anticipation of getting rewarded for being good.
42 ParentCircle | December 2014
‘Today’s kids are different and realistic’ “In our house, 19th of December is the day we put out the decorations by decking up the attic. Once we put up the tree and the stockings, dad collects our letters to post them,” reminisces Ivanka Viegas of Goa. Santa stories are always close to our heart. Cedric Pal from Mumbai recalls writing to Santa Claus. He admits it was an experience he will never be able to forget. Cedric adds that he believed in the Santa story till he was around 10 years old, but is unsure if kids of the current generation can keep up with the suspense that long. “Today’s kids are very different and realistic. They are more advanced and learn a lot more at a younger age,” he reckons.
Indeed, children today figure out the truth of who really is behind the mask pretty early. Raisa Pallatty from Mangalore was around five years old when she realised that Santa isn’t for real. “It made sense because we didn’t have a chimney,” she states. Sometimes, children figure the facts out by accident. “I must have been around 8 when I found out who Santa really was. I was stuck at home with chicken pox and caught my dad placing the gifts under the tree!” recalls Ivanka. ”I was a little upset in the beginning, but then felt sorry for Santa because it wasn’t his fault.” Santa helps preserve innocence Craig Almeida, on the other hand, never quite believed in Santa’s existence. “At the first Christmas I can remember, my uncle was the Santa Claus and he dropped his mask!” he laughs. Others however, construct their own reasoning behind why Santa isn’t around. “Santa Claus lived in Iceland but he died many years ago, so now daddy becomes our Santa Claus,” says six-year-old Micah Martins. Micah and his four siblings were initially upset about their daddy being the Santa Claus, but they left their parents no choice when they began to ask questions. “They’d ask questions like - how come the labels on the toys read ‘Made in India’ or ‘Made in China’ if Santa Claus came from Iceland? Also, sometimes they would recognise their toy from their favourite toyshop. So I finally gave in and told them the truth,” says his mother Evelyn Martins. Evelyn is not the only parent who has faced difficulties on how best to deal with curious questions. Alison Ambastha, a mother of two from Ahmednagar had to endure a tough time too. “Mayurika, my 7-year-old daughter once said that she would rather stay up all night to meet Santa than sleep on Christmas Eve.
I convinced her by saying that he only comes when the little ones are fast asleep. She also wanted to know that since all her gifts were from Santa Claus, where my gifts for her were! So I’m not sure whether the concept of Santa Claus is really good or not.” Vanessa Viegas, on the other hand, feels that believing in Santa helps preserve children’s innocence. “In my case, luckily, children don’t ask too many questions. Their questions are usually like ‘will we get presents if we obey and behave this year? I haven’t been asked any hard ones yet. But I’m hoping that when they find out the truth they will be smart enough to understand the underlying intentions of parents to keep them happy. One thing’s for sure, kids believing in Santa can be expensive for the parents!” Viegas quips. Tread cautiously while revealing Even as parents worry about their white lie being found out, and its repercussions, experts believe it is
healthy for children to believe in Santa Claus. According to child psychologist, Dr Sangeetha Madhu, believing in fictional characters like Santa Claus helps build children's imagination and their critical thinking skills in the long run. “Keeping Santa alive is more relevant these days, when faith and optimism are rare, metaphorically,” she says, adding that parents should adopt a more balanced approach while teaching the kids about the spirit of Santa. On discussing the truth of Santa Claus, she opines that it is a good idea to have a healthy discussion with kids between the ages of 7 to 8 years. “You should encourage questions, motivate them to look for evidence and help them understand. While breaking the true story to them, parents should ideally tell them in a non-threatening and subtle manner.” Having said that, let’s not be in a hurry to take away our children’s innocence. For a generation that can use a little bit of magic and miracle, let’s keep the mystical myth of Christmas alive, for just a little longer. Here’s wishing everybody a Santastic Christmas!
lifestyle feature Boogeyman
Tooth fairy
For little children, losing their milk teeth can be an anxious first time-experience. To calm the child down and divert his attention from the scary side of it, parents usually spin the tale about the existence of Tooth Fairy. Kids are asked to keep the fallen tooth under their pillow at night so that the Tooth Fairy can come and take it when they are fast asleep. The fairy then leaves a gift behind, usually in the form of money. “I believed in the tooth fairy for a while. Then I wised up, and just asked my parents for the money directly the next time,” recalls Christopher Isaac, Hyderabad. Not much is known about the origin of this magical fairy, but in olden days, British parents used to bury the teeth in the ground to avoid it from falling into the hands of witches. It was supposedly believed that if the tooth came into possession of the witch, they had the power to curse the child.
This is another popular childhood character and one of the most hated ones. If a child misbehaves, parents usually threaten him that the boogeyman will come and take him away. He is said to hide in dark alleys and corners, awaiting a reason to terrorise little children. The term is thought to have evolved from the word ‘bugis’; they were known to be the infamous pirates from Indonesia and Malaysia. Sailors usually brought back tales of these troublesome men and threatened their children with them. Eventually, ‘bugis’ evolved into ‘boogey’.
for magic is everywhere Santa Claus is not the
only mythical figure that children believe in. Here’s a look at few other popular fictional characters and the story behind them.
Genie
Easter bunny
Easter celebrates the dawn of new beginnings. The word ‘Easter’ is said to have been derived from Eostre, a mythological goddess of spring, whose symbol was a rabbit or a hare. Easter bunny, like Santa, brings gifts and candies for children on the eve of Easter. He is said to judge whether children have behaved well or not. And, is known to bring them gifts accordingly.
44 ParentCircle | December 2014
There are many more fictional characters everywhere, and believing in them doesn’t take anything away from your child. So, let your child believe in the purity of magic!
From the popular fairy tale story for children, Aladdin, comes the origin of the genie. When Aladdin rubbed a special magic lamp, a genie emerged and did as per the bidding of his master. “I believed in the existence of the genie for a while and in fact, even thought that I saw him once. I used to go around rubbing lamps hoping that a genie would emerge from one of them,” says Arjita Gupta from Mumbai.
MOST LOVED HOMEMAKERS
December 2014 | ParentCircle 45
lifestyle travel
GO GO by
W
hat makes Goa such a magnet for domestic and international travellers? Some say it is the bountiful beaches where heaven and earth converge against the gorgeous ocean waves; others say Goa is all about winding little roads embraced by lush greens opening up to an old world paragon. For me, it is a combination. What makes the place special is that slice of paradise which has something for everyone.
Malini Gopalakrishnan
India’s smallest state and terra Português is one of the country’s favourite holiday spots. With pristine beaches, a rich heritage and hallowed churches, Goa is a wonderful destination to enjoy with your family.
A picturesque delight In terms of experience, Goa clearly is two sides of the same coin. North Goa is the commercial haunt, with never-ebbing crowds thronging the lively beaches while South Goa is more restful and secluded, an escape from the clamour into the lovely countryside and mystical churches. From the minute you land in Goa, you are swathed in the warmth of the place and people, who always make it a point to smile. A good smile is enough to get you started. You are about to discover a banquet of rich fauna and stone, as you drive down the narrow 46 ParentCircle | December 2014
roads. In no time, the stress and fatigue of your frantic packing and restless journey slips out of you. The freshness of the Goan air coupled with the salty taste of the ocean heralds a serene sojourn.
da India Portuguesa (State of Portuguese India) is still alive with its characteristic architecture. Goa was a Portuguese colony for nearly 450 years before it joined the Indian Union in 1961.
Northern charm and southern grace
The architecture of Goa still has the touch of the Portuguese times as can be seen in heritage districts such as Fontainhas. Be prepared to hear old music streaming out of open windows and people conversing
Hidden amidst the rich green foliage is a surprisingly harmonious union of old-world charm and new-age recreation. The erstwhile Estado
1
happily in Portuguese. It is quite interesting to see the sprawling old mansions in different parts of Goa standing tall to the IndoPortuguese culture. Old Goa is the historical section of North Goa, approximately 10 kms east of Panjim. This section of Goa is known for the Basilica of Bom Jesus (image 2), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica was built by Jesuits between 1594- 1605 and houses
the remains of St Francis Xavier (popularly known as Goencho Saib). It is also one of the oldest churches in India.
17th public exposition of the body of St Francis Xavier will take place this year between November 22, 2014 and January 4, 2015.
The feast of St Francis Xavier is celebrated every year on December 3, and people from far and wide come to pay their homage to the saint. Some devotees even make the pilgrimage on foot, especially for the public viewing ceremony of his body, which is held once in ten years. The
People also offer wax models of different body parts to the saint who is believed to have great healing powers. Other famous churches in Goa include the Church of Saint Cajetan and the Church of Immaculate Conception, Panjim (image 5). December 2014 | ParentCircle 47
lifestyle travel Exquisite vintage citadels Apart from the churches, Goa is also famous for its old forts that cover the length and breadth of the small state. Goan forts may be smaller than their national counterparts, but they make for an interesting study of the chequered history of the state. The Aguada Fort and the Chapora fort usually make their way to the itinerary of every tourist. Built entirely out of red laterite stone, the Chapora fort, which is located in Bardez and rises from the Chapora river, was built by the first ruler of Bijapur, Adil Shah. The fort became very popular thanks to a really popular sequence in the Bollywood super hit Dil Chahta Hai.
passers-by. Drivers usually either honk while passing these crosses or stop to garland these crosses just to be safe during their voyage. This practice is followed by both Hindus and Catholics.
worth every drop of the sweat along the difficult trek. There are many waterfalls located along the Chorla Ghat, such as the Bara-zan waterfall and Karvati waterfall. Okay! You have now soaked up enough culture and heritage; it’s now time to hit the sands of the famous beaches of Goa. Head out to one of the popular ones like Baga, Candolim, Anjuna or Vagator (image 1). Watch the beautiful sunset with your loved ones while digging your feet deep into the sand. You can also try out some exciting water sports (image 4) for an adrenaline rush.
Beautiful beaches If you thought Goa is all about sun, sand and beaches, you are wrong. Goa is also home to some exotic waterfalls. If you are an adventure freak, you can trek to the Netravali waterfall. The cool water there is
2
And while you enjoy your time under the sun in the beach, make sure you cool it off by visiting one of the many beach shacks. Here, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of these scenic beaches while feasting on a scrumptious meal of fresh sea food and refreshing beverages. Be sure to try out the local delicacies like traditional fish curry rice, ambottik, butter garlic squids and more.
Chronicle of curly wayside If you are wondering how you’re going to catch up with so many beautiful things in Goa, rest assured. Moving around in Goa is absolutely simple. Renting out cars and bikes is fairly easy and affordable. Although bikes are better-suited for the narrow lanes and the elusive parking at the beaches, cars are safer and better- suited for families. The roads are not always in the best condition but the drive is most often enjoyable, thanks to the swaying palms and picturesque countryside. To a keen eye or an informed visitor, the wayside crosses are extremely interesting. As you traverse around Goa, you are sure to come across a number of these crosses along the way. These were constructed at accident-prone zones as it is believed that the restless soul of accident victims may trouble 48 ParentCircle | December 2014
Photo courtesy: 1,3,4: Crishnaa Verencar, 2, 5: Rahul Chandran
3
With so many things this beautiful little state has on offer, it is better to chart the itinerary and go prepared. Plan your activities in advance. Let the Goan magic work its way. A little piece of heaven is waiting for you right here!!!
5 4
December 2014 | ParentCircle 49
lifestyle special
Cafe
with a DIFFERENCE by
Christine Machado
At a time when most restaurants and cafés are working overtime to win customers, here’s a café that’s winning hearts by doing something special for the differently abled.
T
here’s a duo upfront, strumming their guitars and belting out some peppy numbers. At the other end, there is a group of friends sitting and enjoying the cool breeze while feasting on some evening snacks. From a distance, the set-up looks like just another perfect weekend lounge. Step closer and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Welcome to Kalakkal Café. The café was started with the aim of promoting awareness on the need for inclusive social spaces for the differently abled. One look at this café is enough to show why! Some sing along, others tap their feet or clap their hands to the beat, one boy starts dancing and the rest are simply having fun. Truly an allinclusive atmosphere. 50 ParentCircle | December 2014
Most of the customers at this café are either on their wheelchairs or cannot communicate verbally. To accommodate them, the chairs are specially designed to be low-rise, without compromising on the funky designs. Menus are pictorial in description and also expressed in braille script. The café was first started in 2012 by Vidya Sagar (formerly known as Spastics Society of India), a nonprofit organisation working for the rights of people with disabilities. The organisation conducts plenty of events with the sole intention of helping the disabled lead a fulfilling life. It is a perfect Saturday evening recipe. Rajul Padmanabhan, director of Vidya Sagar, states that while most places available are for either training or behavioural modification, this café has a completely different
approach. “This place is just for fun. Here, there is no one telling them what to do and what not to do.” While it was earlier open every second Saturday of the month, the café is now open every Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm when it comes alive, thanks to the great combination of comedy, music and artwork. Kalakkal café focusses on attracting young adults. “The youth need to mix around; and helping them do so is our plan. Our food is modern and the music is contemporary,” says Padmanabhan. Anjana, an alumnus of Vidya Sagar’s school, is quick to admit she loves being here because of the ‘entertainment and music.’ Her dad, Sundarajan K asserts that they have been visiting the café since its inception. “She was very happy
with the atmosphere of this place when she studied here. But, when she joined college, she faced plenty of problems and was very depressed. She had to take anti-depressants to cope with it,” he reveals, adding that this café has revived her. Youngsters love this place. Bhavna, who runs her own business of saris called Ahimsa, sits proudly in her wheelchair. With brisk gestures, she makes it clear that she loves staying here late into the night. “Dinner will be here only,” says her mother, with a smile. “Once we started this, we also realised that there was no music space like this in the area. So, when people around hear the music, they come in to check it out,” adds Padmanabhan. A case in point is the group of students from the Madras School of Economics who dropped in with plenty of excitement. “Our seniors had told us about this place. We came in a couple of times before but it was closed; probably because of the rain. Today, we heard the music and decided to check it out again,” says one of the boys who clearly was elated at being third-time lucky.
Challenges remain Yet, one of the first questions that comes up is how comfortable are abled people while interacting with the disabled. Is this café actually facilitating a conversation that can send out a great message to the society at large? How would one go to a differently-abled person and engage with him? “You may find it a little taxing to communicate non-verbally, but in here, we will teach you the basics of how to communicate with them,” says Padmanabhan, adding that the main reason why this could be an issue is the lack of options for children to get to know special children. “Did you have anyone who
was disabled in your school or college? That’s where things have to change. If schools don’t take disabled children, how can they become friends?” There clearly is a need for greater emphasis on the need for equal opportunities. “If they could go to school like others, if transport was accessible, if places where youngsters hang out were accessible, I wouldn’t need this café,” insists Padmanabhan.
‘All cafés should be accessible’ As of now, the café is run solely on funds from their own pockets. But, with growing demand, they are looking for sponsors. “It costs us approximately Rs 20,000 per month. We need to get better furniture, provide mosquito coils and fix the lighting. Also, we need people to help serve the snacks. I hope when people see this café, it will motivate them to start similar ones. All cafés should be accessible,” she adds. While they have tried to get people to replicate the idea, Padmanabhan feels that there is one important factor that standing in the way of achieving this. “Right now, these people are either viewed as super heroes or super crippled. Disability is not in the public eye. There is a need to change the mind-set of society,” she wraps up with a big bright smile, even as she drives home her point. So, the next time you visit Chennai, make sure to spare your Saturday evening for an experience of a lifetime. December 2014 | ParentCircle 51
lifestyle insights
A clean
S
I
t’s nearly two months since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) kicked off, and the buzz remains as high as it was on day one. With more esteemed personalities joining in the campaign, the nation clearly seems to be in the mood for a change. Leading the charge down south is the iconic star, Kamal Haasan. The legendary actor, who has often sent out messages through many reform-oriented films, chose a sunny November morning to pick up the broom. It was his birthday, and while most celebs of his stature would have opted for a fancy jaunt and junket with the family, the ever-magnanimous Kamal chose to get down and dirty. The four-time National Award winner joined hands with hundreds of welfare workers in cleaning a marshy lake on the busy seams of cosmopolitan Chennai. Endorsing the Swacch Bharat campaign, the actor and orator said “Cleanliness is a concept and concern that I strongly stand by. I have been wielding the broom with my admirers for the past twenty years. This just happens to be our first clean-up mission in front of the camera”
Not a social act’
The recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award celebrated his big 60th birthday, by taking part in the noble cause of cleaning a city that he calls his home. “It’s an honour to be called out by Mr. Modi. I don’t think the invitation was meant for me alone, but for each and every
52 ParentCircle | December 2014
by Virgina
Jacob
Honouring Mr. Prime Minister’s invitation and adding more star power to the Clean India Campaign, actor and philanthropist Kamal Haasan took to the broom to groom the nation clean.
person who lives in this country. This is a very good place to start,” he said, sporting his signature smile. Amidst the frenzy of fans, paparazzi and a drone hovering to capture his every reflex, the actor-cum-activist managed to turn the focus on what really mattered. Kamal asserted, “This social act is agnostic of any political philosophy. We are colour-less and we don’t belong to any religion. This is a movement of change and it should remain just that. The focus here is on scientific and sustainable cleaning. This is a redemption for those who have been suffering from the deadly menace called pollution.”
All about green restoration’
When cleanliness and management of a city like Chennai is in question, environmentalists have often suggested that the best places to start with are the water bodies. Echoing similar thoughts, the Viswaroopam star said “Such is the sorry state that most city lakes today have turned into dump sites and sewer drains. These lakes have now become a breeding ground for dangerous flies and bugs. We must start rehabilitating our water bodies and return to this city its beautiful lakes.”
The 19-time Filmfare Award winner flagged off the expedition by cleaning the Madambakkam Lake in Chennai. And it’s not Kamal alone in charge of the campaign. He has a solid support system to assist him in this arduous task. “My welfare club, known as the Narpani Iyakkam, has a bunch of extremely earnest participants. These folks are the real heroes and have been working tirelessly for this cause. This time around, we, as an organisation are planning to adopt and take up the cause of cleaning 25 lakes in and around Tamil Nadu. In the eyes of the people, this is just a beginning, but for us, it’s been a way of life for two decades now,” added the actor, who shot to fame when he, as a 4-year-old child artist, won the President’s Medal for his performance in Kalathur Kannamma.
We are colourless and we don’t belong to any religion. This is a movement of change and it should remain just that.
Cleanliness begins at home’
With the advent of the Swachh Bharat campaign, the clean & green drive has become more rampant than ever before. Kamal strongly believes that cleanliness begins at home and therefore should be initiated at the grass roots level. “Long before Swachh Bharat came into existence, we have been promoting cleanliness and hygienic lifestyle habits among families all over Tamil Nadu. When roughly translated, our motto is Clean Homes Yields Cleaner Country,” insisted the actor, who played the lead in Mani Ratnam’s Nayagan, which was rated by the Time Magazine as one of the best films in the history of Indian cinema. Kamal also chose to drive the cleanliness message to over 30,000 fans through Skype.
Teach children good habits early’
When ParentCircle asked Kamal if good parenting was the key to teaching values like clean and green in kids, the actor responded in style. “As a parent, I know the importance of imparting good life lessons and habits. When my children come up to me and share their aspirations, it makes me proud as a father, because it reflects the values I have instilled in them. It is important to realise that children are impressionable and as parents, we should wire good habits into their psyche at a very tender age,” he said. Before waving goodbye and heading out to blow his birthday candles, the man in black came up with a special gesture. He hugged a frail little grandma and took her blessings. And suddenly, amidst all the marsh cleanups and media circus, the ace actor worked his magic and ‘swept’ us right off our feet. Well done Kamal!
December 2014 | ParentCircle 53
lifestyle parent chef It is that time of the year when the sweet aroma of cakes and cookies, fresh from the oven, fills the house with the magic of the Christmas season.
Little
sugary delights by
RoseAnne George
VANILLA CUPCAKE Ingredients: • 200 g butter, softened at room temperature • 200 g powdered sugar • 200 g all-purpose flour • 4 eggs at room temperature • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1½ tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp milk Buttercream frosting:
• 200 g softened butter at room temperature • 350 g sifted icing sugar • 1½ tsp vanilla extract 54 ParentCircle | December 2014
Method:
For the frosting: O
Pre-heat oven to 180 C. Sift the flour together with the baking powder. Beat the butter and powdered sugar together, till light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract, and beat well. Gradually, add the sifted flour mixture and the milk. Do not over-mix. Prepare muffin tray with cupcake liners. Scoop and fill the liners till 2/3rd full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or till a tool pick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Beat butter till fluffy. Add 1/3rd of the icing sugar and beat till light and fluffy. Keep adding the icing sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, and beat well. Add the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Beat well till the frosting is light and fluffy. Add Christmas colours if you wish. Using a piping bag and a star tip, pipe the frosting on top of each cupcake.
PISTACHIO TRUFFLES Ingredients: • 200 g semi-sweet chocolate chips • 100 g thick dairy cream • 150 g finely chopped raw pistachios
CHOCOCHIP COOKIES & COOKIE CUPS Ingredients: • 200 g all-purpose flour • ½ tsp baking soda • 110 g softened butter at room temperature • 150 g brown sugar • 1 egg at room temperature • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • small pinch of salt Chocolate fudge filling:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk • ½ tsp vanilla extract Method: O
Preheat oven to 180 C. Mix together flour, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Using a mixer, beat butter and brown sugar till creamy for 2-3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Do not overbeat. Gradually fold in flour and when incorporated, stir in the chocolate chips. Cover the
cookie dough with a cling wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Take one tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into small balls. To make choco chip cookies, bake these cookie balls on a lined baking tray for 12 minutes, till it turns golden brown. Alternately, to make cookie cups, place the cookie balls in a muffin tray. Press the dough to the sides and slightly flatten. Bake for 12 minutes. As soon as it is done, remove the tray and flatten each cookie in the centre using a teaspoon to form a cup. Cool completely in the tray and then remove.
Method: Melt chocolate chips and cream in a microwave in intervals of 30 seconds. Stir gently after each 30 seconds. Add 100 g pistachio to the melted chocolate and mix till incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to firm up. Take a tablespoon size of mixture and roll into small balls. Roll each of these balls in the remaining pistachio.
RoseAnne George, of Oven180Degrees, is a baker and stay-at-home mom
Chocolate fudge filling:
Melt chocolate chips and condensed milk together in the microwave. This will be done quickly. Check after 30 seconds. Stir gently and add vanilla extract. While it is still warm and soft, scoop into cookie cups. Sprinkle dried fruits, or top with strawberry or raspberry. December 2014 | ParentCircle 55
lifestyle our picks Rise of the Guardians (2012) ` 280 Do you believe in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy? If you don’t, this film, based on William Joyce’s book series The Guardians of Childhood, will definitely make you a believer. Pitch, a.k.a the Boogeyman, plans to envelope the world in perpetual darkness and fear. To stop him from destroying the imagination and belief of children all over, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sandman and Jack Frost come together with their magical abilities to save the world. A masterpiece!
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
christmas classics by Team
Parentcircle
December’s here and with it, the joy of celebrating Christmas. Get into the festive spirit with these Christmas Classics that will keep you spellbound long after the end-credits roll in.
Elf (2003) ` 650 This is the story of an elf coming home for Christmas. A baby inadvertently ends up in Santa’s bag and Papa Elf offers to raise him. However, as the baby (Buddy) grows and his toy-making skills fail to improve, Papa Elf is forced to confess the truth about him being different from the rest. Buddy then sets out into the real world to find his dad. What awaits him in the real world however is far from what he could have imagined.
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` 399 Six-year-old Susan does not believe in Santa Claus. When Richard Attenborough, as Kris Kringle takes over as Santa for the Thanksgiving parade, Susan confides in him one night what she would want most for Christmas. When Kris checks whether she will believe in Santa if all her wishes came true, Susan nods. Kris then slowly goes around making all of her wishes come true.
A Christmas Carol (2009) ` 399 Based on the book by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this film has Jim Carey playing the miserly and scary old Ebenezer Scrooge, who does not believe in Christmas. He makes his employees beg for time off during Christmas and refuses to go for the Christmas dinner with his nephew. But, on Christmas Eve, he is visited by three ghosts and that ends up changing his life forever.
Home Alone (1990) ` 460 Be careful with what you wish for, because you might just get it. After getting into a tiff with his siblings and cousins, Kevin is sent alone to the third floor of the house one night before the entire family is set to leave, to spend Christmas is Paris. However, in the mad rush to get to the airport the next day, Kevin is left behind. While delighted with having the entire house to himself, Kevin happens to overhear two men making plans to rob the house. Watch the movie to see how Kevin’s ingenuity helps him save the house.
Chellamey, your
'little
one'
turns one this
December.
Join in the birthday celebrations with our power-packed anniversary edition that exclusively showcases the ‘Unsung Heroes of Tamil Nadu‘
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lifestyle snapshots
kids in the rain Little ones splashing around in the rain can be quite a sight. Check out these kids who don't want to say 'rain rain go away'. • V jaswant, 7 yrs
• G u Advaith, 7 yrs
before
• v shreya, 7 yrs
after
kid
in the
rail
Tweak the word ‘rain’ a little and you get ‘rail’. Here’s the before and after picture of Raksha Vaidyanathan enjoying her train ride.
Next month's theme: Kids with their favourite toy. Send your child's photo along with his/her name, age and your name, address and phone number to design@parentcircle.in before December 15, 2014. please make sure the photo resolution is of 1mb or more. 58 ParentCircle | December 2014
December 2014 | ParentCircle 59
reaching out to the
parent community through our
parent connect Workshop on Happy Parenting at India Info Line (IIFL), Perungudi, Chennai.
programme
Subscription drive at Tata Consultancy Services, Karapakkam, Chennai.
Happy Parenting workshop at Sethu Rammammal Elementary & TAKM Rammammal Elementary School, Rajapalayam
Happy Parenting workshop at PAC Ammani Ammal Girls Hr Sec School, Rajapalayam
Reaching out to parents in Family Expo 2014 at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai
Happy Parenting workshop at C.E.O.A. Matric School, Meenambalpuram, Madurai
ParentCircle reaches out to parents at P.A.C.M Boys Hr. Sec. school, Rajapalayam
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