Womens Era Second) 09

JUNE (SECOND) 2009 ● Rs 30
WOMAN’S ERA
WHAT’S THE
JOY OF
PARENTHOOD?
YOU AND YOU
ALONE CAN PUT
AN END TO
EVE-TEASING
WISE TIPS
FOR YOUR
FINANCE
THERE IS A REMEDY
FOR HAIR LOSS
WHAT IS
PPD
DEPRESSION?
JUNE (SECOND) 2009
UNDERSTANDING
ART THROUGH
FEMININE FORM
YOU CAN’T
DO WITHOUT THE
TREADMILL
TURNING OF A LAKE
INTO WEED-CLOGGED
SWAMP
Woman’s Era ◆ May (First) 1996 ◆ 1
JUNE (SECOND) 2009
Vol 36, Issue No. 853
CONTENTS
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath
(1917-2002)
womansera.com
7PARENTING PLEASURE, 14
LET US TAKE A LOOK
AT DRUG LABELS
Leena Thomas
NOT A PAIN EVE-TEASING

Indira Aiyer Shailja Mehta
110
ARTICLES
“I WAS AFRAID
I WOULD HARM MY
NEWBORN BABY!”
Kasturi Rangachari
120
60
18
HAIR LOSS: HERBS
GIFTS IN TRANSIT
A. C. Tuli
78
CAN TAKE CARE OF BOMBAY
YOUR HAIR FILMDOM
Shivendra Kumar
CARDIO EXERCISES
ON THE TREADMILL
70 THE METRO-CENTRIC Dr Navin Kumar Gupta
ARTIST
Subhra Mazumdar
74 LIVING ART
Our Correspondent
STDS SPOILERS
COOKERY
102 SPENDING 42 SUMPTUOUS DELIGHTS
IN SEX LIVES
WITHOUT REGRET Vikas Kumar Jain ● Chaat Platter with
2 green chilli
pieces
salt to taste
METHOD
cut into small
the mango
paste –
1/ tsp of annar
2
1/ tsp or more
2
powder
1 tsp of haldi
200 gm of
but kept whole
dana powder
of red chilli
powder
baby onions
– peeled
– do not slice
the
CAAK Shyamala Shenoy

To prepare centre
peel and the onions or paste
remove the
Spinach and Lotus

mango and 4 tbsp of tomato puree
the green
portion of Then grind salt to taste cake
pieces. hung curd
cut into small a few Coffee and
paste adding marinade: on
to a fine the rest For the dish will depend
of water. Mix the 200 ml of butter
milk
of the mutton
teaspoons Serve the
mutton
SUMPTTUOUS
nts for
of the ingredie bowl. 3 tsp of garlic chilli paste – or your choice. rotis.
in a mixing 3 tsp of green with appam
or
marinade on the chicken
Stems
Sprinkle salt the less as per taste
then marinate
pieces and salt to taste
COFFEE AND
the prepared
pieces with keep aside for 1 METHOD of the
ingredients
DELIGHTS
and
HUNG CURD
marinade Mix all the the
hour. med and marinate keep
in a thick-botto fry marinade in this and
lotus stems Heat the oil cooker and mutton pieces 5-6 hours. Heat
spinach and a CAKE
Chicken with Green

with
a time to enjoyout pan or a pressuretill transluce nt. aside for at least
●
Chaat platter the
monsoons is
cook
the onion
paste the a pressure cooker and and half INGREDIENTS:
Try pieces with
Summer and and leafy vegetables.
FICTION
powder
Add the chicken on medium heat mutton with the marinade is half 11/ 2 tbsp of coffee
fry
heat cup of water till the mutton aside. 1 tsp of baking powder
variety of fruitsl recipes with seasonal marinade and
for 3-4 minutes.
Lower the keep
salt to cooked. Remove and lower the 1/ 2 tsp of baking soda
these unusua By Roma Ghosh and add the
spices and
stirring and
frying Heat the oil in a kadhai, till these 250 gm of maida
ingredients. 2-3 heat and fry the onions
Mango Paste
taste. Keep of sugar
for a further colour– this 220 gm thick curd
over low heat cup of water and begin to change of
METHOD 1 1-2 minutes. 180 ml cherries cut
ER Wash the
spinach minutes. Add are using should only take and mix in the 40-50 gm of tinned
CHAAT PLATT allow the salt. If you
leaves and check for the cook the Now lower the heat Add the into small
pieces
cooker then :
ACH Scrape the cooked mutton. a lid and curd layering
WITH SPIN S
a pressure of
leaves to dry. till 1 or 2 whistlesare half cover with the hung
and cut into chicken only you spices and is For d hung curd
lotus stem cooker. If till the mutton cups of sweetene
AND LOTU
ash pressure a lid low fire 2 or
Mutton with Baby

very thin pieces.W
paste the
green mango with cook on mix 1/ of coffee essence
●
Chicken with then cover this stage 2 tsp
well and
then sprinkle using a pan, till the tender. At stir well. vanilla essence
STEMS salt and rub
the salt and
and rub in WITH
and cook
the chicken adjust almost
tender. You
can in the tomato
puree and
a lid and cook
INGREDIENTS: pakoras:
For the spinachleaves with a
chilli powder in the lotus
the garlic paste aside.
CHICKEN
stem pieces are
the thickness
as per
of the gravy rotis Cover
plain
again with
till most of
the marinade
has METHOD
the gravy
the maida,
Sift together soda and
8-10 big spinach pieces and

keep
of water to GREEN
the
E
your taste.
Serve with
for a summer
meal. evaporated.
Here again coffee, baking and keep
MANGO PAST
baking powder In a
stem Add 2 cups or paranthas mixing bowl.
Onions and Butter Milk

part of the flour the annar baby onions aside in a
besan – gram the salt and Mutton with first
11/ 2 cups of besan, add Mix well and
blend milk the sugar
dana powder and butter mixer grind in the oil and
1 tsp of annar dana powder. a dough INGREDIENTS: cut into small mix
MUTTON
to get and then blend
oil for deep
frying with your fingers Heat
and smooth. the 700
gm of chicken curd and
the wet
: which is fluffy Now add the
WITH BABY
salt to taste deep frying.
Dip pieces thoroughly.
stem pakoras the oil for in 3-4 tbsp of oil into the
dry
For the lotus stem – bhey one at a time
ONIONS ER
powder mixture time,
250 gm of
lotus spinach leaves and deep-fry on 1/ 2 tsp of haldi a little at a
ingredients
Coffee and Hung Curd

powder no
●
powder batter time so that
1/ tsp of red chilli the besan brown. Dip 1 tbsp of coriander
22 MY WORLD, MY FAMILY
mixing all the
till golden
AND BUTT Mix in the cherrya
2
1 tsp of garlic
paste both sides into the 2 tsp of jeera powder
stem pieces pieces paste lumps form.
salt to taste the lotus 3 tbsp of onion should have
and fry a few pieces. You
To serve: onions and
besan dough once or twice
so salt to taste MILK smooth batter.
Grease a
at a time turningof the lotus stem e: dish and pour
1/ cup of chopped
For the marinad INGREDIENTS: circular baking
2
that both sides fried till golden curd
750 gm of
mutton
spices of chaat cup of beaten rlic paste 45
Cake
tomatoes
pakoras are serving 1 1/ cup of oil
2-3 tsp of mixed and red Place these on a 3 tsp of ginger-ga leaves paste 2
powder brown. chopped powder 2009
masala, jeera sprinkle the 3 tbsp of coriander paste 3 tsp of jeera Era ● June
(Second)
plate and spices and leaves Woman’s
Kiran D. Kumar
chilli powder d whipped tomatoes, 1 tbsp of mint paste
onions and curd and serve 3 tbsp of green mango
2 cups of sweetene whipped
the sweet
curd or green immediately.
sour chutney as a chaat
sweet and
Stuffed Papaya with

(Second) 2009
chutney - optional
●
Woman’s Era ● June
44
36 TIMES HAVE CHANGED Jelly ● Sandwiches with

Doris Minezes ● Summer Butter Milk Summer Spread
● Salad Leaf Batter Fried ● Musk Melon Ice Cream
106 “IS THIS SHANTA’S EATING DISORDERS
● Mango Sweet and Sour ● Summer Refresher
● Leafy Jamboree ● Manto and Peach Salad
DAUGHTER” ARE HARD ON BONES! ● Summer Chicken with ● Spicy Mocktail
Kasturi Rangachari Dr Kiran Bala Lentils and Green Mango ● Vegetable with Green
● Chilled Orange Soup Mango and Coconut
12
FASHION NEWS IN
PICTURES
32
DISTRESSING
DETERIORATION
16 NEIGHBOURS ALL OF THE
DAL LAKE
108 MUSINGS MEMORIES Maharaaj K. Koul
116 CROSSWORD
123 BABY CLUB
130 AS YOU SAY 100
DRINK SAFELY
FEATURES
20 BEAUTY QUERIES
40 CHILD CHALLENGES
59 NEW LAUNCHES
67 TEENACHE READERS’
77 YOUR BODY CONTESTS
FILL UP THE Page
99 JOKES 116
62 68 124 CLASSIFIEDS
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EDITORIAL
HIGHER EDUCATION STILL AT CROSSROADS FIRST WOMAN SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA
O T
nce again, admission process has begun in the he unanimous election of Meira Kumar as the
universities. Each year, millions of students first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a
appear in school-leaving examination and memorable event in the Indian Parliamentary
millions of them pass out with flying colours obtaining history. Daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister and
more than 80 to 90 per cent marks. Over the years, prominent Dalit leader, Babu Jagjivan Ram, Meira
number of students securing more than 90 per cent Kumar will hopefully set new ideals for the post and
marks is growing. This has created a problem of present a good role model for the Indian girls.
shortage of seats in well-reputed colleges. In Delhi A non-partisan Speaker is something of a theoretical
University, for example, more than 50 thousand construct in party-based parliamentary politics, whether
admission forms were sold in just two days. Obviously, it may or may not hold in practice. In this regard,
all these meritorious students seek admission in addressing a press conference soon after her election
reputed colleges. But the seats are limited. A big to Speaker, soft-spoken Meira Kumar promised to be
question mark, therefore, hangs on the future of “entirely impartial” and give opportunities to every
students aspiring for the higher education. Member of Parliament to have his or her say. She also
New HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has very timely taken asked political parties to rise above party line while
over the charge of Human Resource Development taking part in discussion on issues of national
Ministry. Immediately after assuming office, he importance.
outlined his priorities and declared that skill Although, mostly the Speaker has to
development would be the main thrust area. ensure smooth conduct of the House,
Secondly, he sought to review the foreign the office acquires special significance
university Bill, which was introduced in the last when issues of defection and
Lok Sabha but could not be passed, due to disqualification crop up.
vigorous opposition by the Left Parties. This Such decision could even turn the
time, the entire Left has dwindled in strength. It fate of a government also. Ms Kumar
seems almost certain that the foreign university will bring to the dignified office her
Bill will come to fruition. Kapil Sibal seems to be years of experience as a member of the
in a hurry, for he wants to do what his Lok Sabha and as a minister. She
predecessor Arjun Singh could not do in his seems to have the desired qualities of
entire five-year term. Leftist bent of Arjun Singh amiability, patience, and a commitment
is well known and Kapil Sibal is a strong to fair play.
proponent of liberalising education sector. The election of the nation’s first
Kapil Sibal’s eagerness is understood. There is woman President two years ago and now the first
certainly a dearth of seats in Indian universities. Then, woman Speaker indicate a genuine desire towards
all the meritorious students could not get admission women empowerment. In this context, Women’s
due to various reasons like reservation and all that. Reservation Bill becomes crucial, which has been in
Entry of foreign universities is likely to ease the cold store for long.
situation in favour of Indian students. But who will Let’s pray it may see the light of day with Ms Kumar
ensure that these foreign universities don’t get indulged in the Chair. Only then, we can proudly say that India is
in pick-pocketing only? Proper regulatory mechanism, a land where women are truly respected and held in
therefore, must be in place before any foreign high esteem.
university is allowed to plant its feet on Indian soil. At the same time, other women-related issues
Their credibility should also be checked beforehand. cannot be ignored. They are still being treated as a
One more thing, for a large number of people, higher commodity and often become target of violent crimes.
education still means conventional courses like BA, They should be educated, self-reliant and mentally
B.Com, and B.Sc., etc. No doubt, these courses strong so that they can participate in nation-building in a
produce experts in their fields. But their USP is big way.
constantly declining. Otherwise, why is it so that a No doubt, the country has seen many women
doctor, an engineer, an MBA or a CA commands more excelling in their professional fields, but their number is
respect, and money, in our society? In fact, the entire few and far between. Therefore, women empowerment
education system requires complete overhauling. at mass scale is the need of the hour, which will be a
Hopefully, the new HRD Minister will be able to positive indication.
complete this mission during his tenure. write to: letters@womansera.com We
6 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

PARENTING
PLEASURE, NOT A PAIN
A level-headed approach to bringing up kids
without spoiling them. By Indira Aiyer
a, “I could hear the panic Stop in your tracks and pause to dread the fights at home because of
M
in my” daughter’s voice, ask yourself a few questions: the little ones? Does the thought of
though she was miles Are you a demanding mother – dealing with your angry child make
away, “please tell me how demanding perfect behaviour, perfect you uncertain and upset? Do you feel
to deal with Tara. She had results, perfect cleanliness, all the helpless and guilty thinking why your
asked me to get chocolate time? kid is behaving the way she or he is,
doughnuts from Kolkata Are you a bargaining mother – do in spite of your best efforts?
and thanks to the bandh this and I will give you this, do that or
the shop was closed. Now I will take this away? The problem, my dear parents,
I am on my way home. It’s Are you a critical/strict mother – lies with our child-rearing
late and I dread facing her as she will You are a disobedient girl, naughty practices and not with the child.
throw a tantrum and make life hell for and ill-tempered, you are always A restless, impatient mother trains
me when I tell her that I could not get unhappy, greedy and selfish? her children to be attention-seeking
her the doughnuts, though I tried at Are you an indulgent mother – adults.
many shops!” doesn’t matter, she is a child, give A critical mother turns her children
Tara is my 6-year-old her the doll or she will cry loudly in into adults with a low self-esteem.
granddaughter and to the world the shop. A mother who makes child-rearing
(which includes me) and her teachers Are you an impatient mother – a bargain gets demanding selfish
at school, she is a wonderful child. To always counting the time spent with children.
her parents, however, she proves to the children? An angry, resentful mother
be stubborn and difficult to handle, Are you a boring mother – sit transfers her angst to her young one.
crying at regular intervals, throwing quietly and read…no games, no Newton’s law states that every
temper tantrums and disobeying stories, no adventure? action has an equal and opposite
instructions. Are you inconsistent in your reaction. So every action of ours
Attention, young mothers! Does discipline – once, sugar-coated at rebounds in some way. Our children
this scene sound familiar? Do you other times a raging threat? are mirror reflections of us!
Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 7

I do not hold the panacea for all the parent, the work becomes fun and they find the loopholes in
ills, or the magic wand to make child and not a burden. discipline easily. They can also sense
rearing ‘child’s play’, but I do have Getting 4-year-old Ati up for the weaker/softer parent and exploit
some golden guidelines to help us in school on time, was a painful them. Have only a few rules – no bad
bringing up our children and making exercise. She would keep falling language, no shouting, tidying up
the journey a delight – not a dread. asleep again and, if forced, get up after play, fixed times for school
crying. I gave her mother a simple work, TV, computer games and
Think of rearing a child as a solution, “Get her an alarm clock with outdoor activities.
delightful journey, not a painful her favourite tune. Let her set it and Now comes the caveat. Parents
exercise. In the attempt to get things when she hears it put it off herself.” must also follow the same rules.
done, bathing, cleaning, feeding, The suggestion worked like magic. Karan wants to eat his dinner in front
school – bags packed, lunches Ati was so excited about her musical of the TV (after all, he is tired after
made, pencils sharpened – we forget alarm and she got up without her the long day and needs to relax!),
that this is a time that many people usual tears! Making sure that she wants the servant to pick up his
long for and are not lucky enough to went to bed on time was also another shoes and strewn clothes, abuses his
have. If each duty is assigned a time important point to keep in mind. A boss at regular intervals and shouts
and made into a regular ritual, with sleep-deprived child is an angry child! at the kids. Then he asks innocently,
the child playing as much a role as Playing with children has become “We work so hard to give them
a thing of the past. Parents want to whatever they want, why are they so
STOP IN YOUR see movies and watch TV and the disobedient?” Dear parents, please
children do the same. Playing in the practise what you preach.
TRACKS AND PAUSE park, swings, merry-go-rounds,
TO ASK YOURSELF A walking or playing hide-and-seek and Comparisons are odious. We
catch-catch – where have all these know this and yet we react strongly
FEW QUESTIONS: activities gone? A family that plays when little Anuj behaves like a
ARE YOU A together stays together. While you gentleman at the party and our little
play, please leave behind the parent princess behaves like a badly
DEMANDING image and be a child – no lectures, brought up child!
MOTHER – no lessons no advice please! We wonder why she refuses to
Dear parents, please enjoy these recite a nursery rhyme when asked,
DEMANDING PERFECT activities with your children and use why she drops cake down the front of
BEHAVIOUR, PERFECT your imagination as much as you her party dress, why she behaves as
can. They will outgrow you faster if she had never tasted cake. She is
RESULTS, PERFECT than you can fathom. Enjoy each an individual not a puppet. She may
CLEANLINESS, moment and treasure it. recite the rhyme 20 times at home till
you scream at her to stop, but refuse
ALL THE TIME? Make simple rules and stick by to do so in public. She is not a doll to
them. Children are very intelligent wind up and set down. Respect her
right to say no. Children get excited
and spill food. Forgive her and gently
tell her to be careful. Do not scold her
in front of her friends. She is as
sensitive as you are.
Teach your children frustration

tolerance. The source of all anger is
a poor tolerance of frustration, the
inability to take no for an answer and
high expectations from the
environment and people around you.
Your child may not know this but you
do. Learn to say no – a gentle no. Do
not make the no sound like a
punishment or threat. Explain that we
cannot have what we want all the
time every time. Be ready to face
resistance but stick to your decision.
Keep your calm. Do not shout to be

heard. This is a difficult lesson time with the children, but do
to impart but well learnt and not believe that the missing
one which will stand us in good moments can be made up for,
stead in times of stress and with numerous Barbie dolls and
conflict. teddy bears! Yes, it is a treat to
buy our child a toy he or she
Spare the rod and rear the really wants, but do not over-
child. Punishment or negative compensate for your absence.
reinforce ment means the
withdrawal of some privilege or You are not doing them a
some action which shows favour by bringing them up.
displeasure. The parent who Please stop that martyr’s image
needs to resort to physical and face facts. You had
punishment, slapping or children because you wanted
abusing is only displaying their own quiet evening at home, spent playing them. Now, why is there a perpetual
inadequacy. It is not easy to always carom or ludo, or just sitting together, look of I have sacrificed so much for
maintain calm and children often each doing their own thing is very them! Before you have children,
drive us up the wall with their important. We do not have to ‘do decide what you can and cannot do.
behaviour. More often than not, we something’ all the time. Just being Enjoy the journey of parenting with
have to make a conscious effort to there for them is as essential and both its joys and travails. A child who
mete out the correct punishment and vital for their self-esteem as does not prove to be a challenge is
explain to the child why this proficiency in music, dance and art! no fun? Learn the lessons as you go
punishment is necessary. Unless the along. Come to terms with the reality
child knows where he has gone Do not attempt to buy them off. that parenting is a lifelong process
wrong and why he is being punished, I have heard that money can buy any and one that ends only with our end.
it is impossible for him to correct it. and everything. I wish it were true. If we realise this and keep the
Criticise the mistake, not the We cannot assuage our guilt by expectancy low, it will help us in the
child. Leave out words like, “You buying our children gifts. Our long run.
always do this, you never obey me, presence cannot be substituted with In the final analysis, a child
you are disobedient, cheeky.” expensive presents. Children need remembers the moments of mischief,
us to be present not present them the joy of an evening spent in
Being around is important. with presents. We may not be able to defeating you at carom, the hug you
Nowadays the word we constantly spend the whole day with them, due gave him when he failed to win the
hear is ‘quality time’. to our jobs or professional race and countless other moments –
While I appreciate the need of a commitments. We need not, small but precious. I do not think any
woman to be economically however, compensate for our of us remembers the number of dolls
independent and satisfy her absence by plying them with we possessed or the dinners at a
ambitions, I want to bring out the true expensive gifts, clothes and whatever five-star hotel that we had. Count
meaning of quality time, spent with they demand. Try to spend as much your time in the simple but invaluable
the children. moments, as these are the only gifts
Kiran sweeps into the room. you can give your child.
“Hurry Tia,” she says. “let’s rush for A CHILD REMEMBERS To come back to where I began…I
your swimming class.” THE MOMENTS OF rang up little Tara and told her that
On Mondays, she drives Tia to her her mother was late because of road
swimming class and on the way grills MISCHIEF, THE JOY OF blocks and could not get her the
her about what she did in school. On AN EVENING SPENT doughnuts. Before she could start her
Wednesdays she takes Tia to the bawling, I distracted her and asked
dance class while she gyms herself.
IN DEFEATING YOU her to get a pencil and paper and
On Fridays it is the art teacher who AT CAROM, THE HUG take down the recipe of doughnuts,
instructs Tia. Saturday is holiday time which she and mom would make the
so it is a movie or the video parlour,
YOU GAVE HIM next day. Thankfully, the ploy worked
dinner out – quality time indeed! WHEN HE FAILED TO and the next day, a very happy and
Please, parents, do not think proud little girl rang up to tell me how
rushing a child around and
WIN THE RACE AND tasty the doughnuts she made were.
continuously grilling him is ideal COUNTLESS OTHER Needless to say the mother was
parenthood. We are trying to produce
super-brats and in the process losing
MOMENTS – SMALL grateful too!
As they say all’s well that ends
out on making them human beings! A BUT PRECIOUS. well. We

Don’t follow me
A campaign against smoking “Smoking
is Damaging” in Panama City. There is
a poster of late US actress Marilyn
Monroe with a lit cigarette to her lips
warning smokers against smoking.
Techno marvel
Chinese visitors admire
a multi-purpose remote
control scout vehicle on A close-up
display at a science and Close-up of the
technology exhibition in eye with a
Beijing on 20 May. contact lens with
China is rapidly a spider’s net
increasing its spending painting of a
on research and participant in an
development. annual Wave-
Gothic Festival
on 30 May in
Leipzig, Eastern
Germany where
more than 20,000
Gothic romanticists
are expected to
attend.
Men power
Members of the March of science
Nejapa power Visitors gather to admire
team try to pull a robotic woman (C left)
an Airbus 320 on display at a science
during a and technology exhibition
competition at in Beijing on 20 May.
the international
airport in
Compala 40 km
south of San
Salvador on
24 May. Twenty
teams are German Cup Trophy
participating in A model brings
the competition the German Cup
aimed at pulling Trophy into the
the airplane up stadium prior to the
to 25 metres in men’s DFB German
5 minutes. Cup Final Werder
Bremen vs Bayer
Lever on 30 May at
the Olympic Stadium
in Berlin.
Exploring the superstructure

Divers explore the superstructure of the
Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg artificial reef in
the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary off Keys West, Florida during
a preview dive for journalists on 29 May.
he media made a hue and
Women not
T
cry about the molestation
reacting that happened in Delhi on
last New Year’s Eve. It is
emboldens the easily forgotten
molestation happens daily,
that
eve-teaser. Time all around the world. It never

becomes a focal point since
to give up it is never able to gather so
much attention. It is not news
dodging your if someone passes a comment on
you or if someone brushes against
fright and your body in an empty train or bus.
Eve-teasing is a rampant social
unleash the evil. It is all pervasive — beaches,
roads, cinema halls, buses and sadly
inner strength. even in educational institutions.
When eve-teasing persists even
By Shailja Mehta inside educational institutions, one
EVE-TEASING
can obviously infer that even the arouse attention in some way; and
educated youth don’t necessarily more importantly this harassment is
desist from indulging in this uncouth an early manifestation of patriarchal
behaviour. The issue always surfaces masculinity. Gender segregation and
when something prominent happens, a ‘boys will be boys’ attitude furthers
like, for instance, when a Chennai this behaviour. Innumerable movies ERADICATING
college girl was killed some years
ago. Public memory happens to be
show that eve-teasing eventually
‘wins’ a girl’s attention. Changing this
EVE-TEASING
short and soon things return to the behaviour is easier said than done. WILL HELP
usual anarchy and we accept the fact However, if things are left alone, they
that ‘nothing much can be done.’ could hardly get better. WOMEN ACCESS
Where does eve-teasing have its
PUBLIC PLACES
roots? Is this seen in every country?
An interesting fact needs to be
UNLEASH INNER FEARLESSLY AND
mentioned here. If one types ‘eve- STRENGTH
teasing’ in any Internet search Active solutions should be sought. WILL FURTHER
engine, you would be surprised that
page after page of results are almost
Students in colleges must specifically
be counselled. Debates on this issue
GENDER
entirely Indian web pages. Eve- must be organised in colleges, TV EQUALITY IN
teasing in its form of hooting, ogling- shows, etc., with responsible
loud commenting, whistling, etc, does moderators — who would listen and INDIA —
tend to be more prevalent in India.
Not something to be proud of. Eve-
reason an argument instead of
sounding outright biased. Every
PROBABLY, MUCH
teasing is not a victimless crime as it parent should talk to his son about MORE THAN CAN
appears on paper. It has resulted in this. Cinema is a powerful medium to
deaths and when it goes unchecked showcase this issue. The majority of BE ACHIEVED BY
could lead to public humiliation of
women even in broad daylight. The
the eve-teasing crowds
undoubtedly movie junkies. Maybe
are
RESERVATION OF
rape of a medical student in Delhi in when a movie addresses the fear, SEATS FOR
the recent past shocked the whole hurt and humiliation a girl
nation. Eve-teasing also portrays a experiences people will think about WOMEN IN
bad image of the country among
tourists. The immeasurable damage
this ‘other side’ of eve-teasing.
Eve-teasing is not just a college
PARLIAMENT.
to a woman’s self-esteem and the
subsequent avoidance of public girl’s problem. It leads to insecurity
places by single women could hardly for parents or to even anyone whose
take us on the way to achieving loved one undergoes this. This
gender equality. unwelcome masculine attention on
Eve-teasing is a typical social women subjects them to an
crime, where the perpetrators and unimaginable sexual pressure.
victims are ordinary people. There is Sweeping this issue under the carpet
no easy way of rounding up everyone is not a solution. A civilised society
concerned and settling the issue. cannot afford to ignore such an issue.
Schools and colleges could easily Eve-teasing deserves to be tackled
discipline students for such activities actively. Eradicating eve-teasing will
on campus, but this only induces help women access public places
them to indulge in such acts outside fearlessly and will further gender
campus. Police prosecution can also equality in India — probably, much
never be severe because of the more than can be achieved by
reluctance of victims to depose in reservation of seats for women in
court. A behavioural change is the Parliament. While we walk on the
only lasting solution to this problem. road there is a serious planned
This requires an extensive public attempt to avoid blows and
education aimed at every section of preventing bumping into men.
society at large. Avoiding the common accidental
Every action is performed with an nudge and brushing past shoulders
intention. The intention behind eve- or hands is a daily exercise, just like
teasing is to catch a girl’s eye and to brushing teeth in the mornings.

It is so much a part of our system
that the most we do is, get abusive HOW TO DEAL WITH EVE-TEASING
and get on with life. Though many Most females encountered at Appear confident and bold. Keep
might be ready to put up a fight there least mild harassment from local your eyebrows in an angry
may be some who do not like men; silly comments by young boys, frown.While much of eve-teasing is
attention. The silence gives the or an attempt of groping in a crowd. more annoying than dangerous,
miscreants an ego-boost and the One strange version of eve-teasing there have been attacks against
problem grows bigger. is young Indian men’s habit of female tourists in India, and it only
We have slowly come to believe breaking into a song whenever they makes sense to be careful.
that there is no solution to such walk by a woman. Despite laws It is best to avoid arriving in a
behaviour and an agile trick is the against eve-teasing, it affects all new destination alone after dark.
best to prevent trouble. But the women. Lonely walks along unlit streets and
average woman of the 21st century is If being stared at, it is best just quiet beaches are not recommended
much more empowered to face these to ignore the starer. If being either. The same applies to cheap
troubles head-on. followed, seek help from passers-by local cinemas that show Bollywood
or the police if there is one around; films, because the audience usually
this usually gets rid of any unwanted consists of a crowd of overexcited
“admirers.” Another option is to young boys.
confront the follower in front of a While you may not get a trophy
large crowd — public humiliation to be upfront and brave, you
works wonders. When it comes to definitely get the prize of pride and
groping, women are not afraid to security. It is time we gave up
confront a groper either verbally or dodging our fears and unleashed
physically. Alertness is the key to our inner strength. It is not about
reach home or office without wasting time and energy. It is about
banging into someone. A little off- safe guarding your self-esteem.
balance and low on the alertness Remember, every time that you
level and you may not know what is do not react you double the strength
coming next. So if you are a of an eve-teaser. Every time you
daydreamer you need to be careful react, you send a message that you
and walk with your head high. will not tolerate nonsense. We
a lot of blood but, if not for my lunch was on or not? My sister was
neighbour, I think something worse surprised and irritated, but let it pass.
would have happened. Next she came in again at 11.30 a.m.
– Lurdin Fernandes, Mumbai. and instructed us to keep the rotis hot
Good Samaritan and lunch ready by 12.30 p.m., as she
I have a very good neighbour Mrs Rude neighbour had to go out.
Sayyed. We share all our joys and This is of a nasty experience My sister was amazed at her
sorrows with each other and even regarding my next-door neighbour some audacity to give instructions in our
help each other in times of need. She time back. My parents were out of home, as if we did not know how to
was like a saviour to me when last station for three to four days and my entertain and provide for guests.
year I got a deep cut on my hand in sister and I were alone at home. The Furthermore, she had the gall to come
the morning and the bleeding next-door neighbour, Mrs Shah, in at 12.30, sit down hurriedly with
wouldn’t stop. My husband became dropped in out of concern and our her mother-in-law and kid at the
panicky and didn’t know what to do. parents’ instructions on the second kitchen table and start serving herself.
He tried all possible means to stop night, to inquire if we needed anything. At this, my sister lost her fuse and just
the bleeding, then he called Mrs We said no in unison and got chatting made faces and slunk out of the room.
Sayyed and she helped in stopping over trivialities for some 15 minutes, I completed the balance hot rotis,
the bleeding. While I became after which my younger sister spontan- served it to them despondently and
unconscious, her son carried me eously invited them for lunch the next was cursing myself for issuing the
down from the 2nd floor and putting day. She readily agreed and we went to invitation to such rude and greedy
me in his car, took me to a nearly sleep. neighbours in the first place. Manners
hospital. After the doctors attended The next morning her daughter-in- be dammed.
to me, I came to my senses. I had lost law rang the bell to enquire whether the – Dimple Shah, Mumbai.

HAIR LOSS:
HERBS CAN TAKE CARE
OF YOUR HAIR
An effective remedy for hair loss.
By Shivendra Kumar
ith an average of By the age of 50, over half of men
W
100,000 strands of hair have male-pattern baldness and 40
on each person's head, per cent of menopausal women
hair can both be suffer from female-pattern hair loss.
fascinating and quirky. If A person loses an average of 100
you suffer from split hairs from his/her scalp each day.
ends, simply shampooing In order to maintain healthy locks,
and conditioning is not one should eat a balanced diet. Food
going to correct such as eggs, liver, kidney, herring,
damaged ends. Split salmon, carrot and green vegetables
ends need to be trimmed in order to are good choices for healthy hair.
keep long hair looking lustrous and Any food rich in vitamin C and
healthy. Vitamin D is also good for hair.
Hair grows faster in warmer Natural hair masks made from
weather. However, cutting hair avocado, mayonnaise, bananas or
doesn't make it grow faster. Another jojoba oil provide rich conditioning
myth about hair is that frequent which hydrates hair.
washing causes hair loss. Sun can also damage the scalp

and hair, so remember to wear a hat prefer to add equal quantities of
or rub a sunscreen into your scalp. It almond or rosemary oils as these oils
is advisable to use hair products that also have a good repute in hair care.
protect hair from UVA/UVB rays. A good combination when employed
Whether short or long, hair is the for hot oil treatments, is among most
fastest growing tissue on our body popular hair-loss solutions.
and you need to protect and care for
it while you still have it on your head. Fresh cow milk: This is an old
The following herbs can help you remedy. Massage freshly boiled cow
protect your hair. milk on scalp and hair and let it work
for an hour. Now shampoo as usual.
Fenugreek: This is one of the Regular use will stop hair loss. This is
nature's gifts for humankind. It is a a very old Indian home remedy for
cure for a large number of human hair loss. Sometimes, raw milk is
diseases. For hair loss, dip a handful preferred to the boiled milk. Similarly,
of fenugreek seeds in water and let fresh cream or butter is also
them soak for some three to four employed for this purpose. Buffalo
hours. Now grind them and use this milk can also be used to treat
liquid as a shampoo. Repeat twice a baldness in this way.
weak. This is a fast-acting natural
cure for hair loss. Garlic: Garlic is also used as a
herbal medicine. It has multiple uses
Sesame leaves: Besides, sesame in skin diseases including nail fungus,
oil, sesame leaves and roots are also warts, skin tags, eczema and many
an effective natural cure for hair loss. more. As a natural remedy for hair
Simmer some herbs in water for 15 loss garlic can be used in multiple
minutes and let it cool. Now strain forms. You can use:
and use for hair massage and hair ● Garlic oil
rinse to treat hair loss and grey hair. ● Garlic extract
Almond oil and honey: ● Raw crushed garlic
Honey: 1 tablespoon ● Rub over the hairless surface.
Almond oil: 1 tablespoon Let it work for some time before
Egg yolk: 1 (whole egg can also shampooing. Crushed garlic can be
be used) used only on bald head while extract
Blend the above ingredients well or garlic oil can be used on hairy
to make a paste and apply to your surfaces to promote thick hair growth.
hair for an hour or so. For better Garlic, when taken orally, is also
results wrap your hair with a towel or beneficial to hair growth.
any other cotton cloth. Shampoo as
usual. This can be repeated once a Black cumin and olive oil:
weak to prevent hair loss and Among the Arabian naturalists an
promote healthy hair. effective herbal treatment for hair
loss is to burn black cumin on a low
Tobacco and olive oil: This is flame to get black, burnt dust. Now
usually used to treat hair loss for mix it with olive oil and store in a
men. Fresh flowers from tobacco bottle. Massage on the scalp after
plant are ground to make a thick shaking vigorously and let it stay
paste. Now some olive oil is added there for some time. This is a well-
to it and this paste is massaged over documented treatment for baldness.
the bald areas. A regular massage Its long-term application is believed
will stop baldness and help to re- to stimulate regrowth of hair.
grow hair.
Coconut milk: Coconut milk can Now slightly warm it and apply to the
Olive oil massage: Regular be massaged directly on the scalp to hair and leave it on for an hour or
massage with olive oil will strengthen promote hair growth. This can be two. This can be repeated daily and
your locks, stop hair loss and prevent obtained by grinding fresh coconut should be continued till the required
greying of hair. It is also a natural and then squeezing it. Mix it with the results are obtained. This is believed
cure for dandruff. Some people also water that you get from raw coconut. to help regrow hair. We

QA &
I thought thinner eyebrows would suit
me but they do not. Now, how to
ordinary tissue as that removes
make-up as well, whereas the oil-
make them thick again? blotting face paper will only remove
You have not written your age but the oil and shine and leave the rest in
until the late thirties eyebrow growth place. Your regular products like
is not too bad, so you will have to foundation etc. should be light
give it time. Whenever you go for a formulations for summer and you
eyebrow clean, draw a line with a soft need to moisturise with a lotion-
eye pencil in the area you do not consistency material not cream and
want ‘cleaned’ and have the rest that should be before doing the
threaded. There is no other way make-up. The final hydrating trick is
Q&
except to have patience. You can just to water spray which is light and does
apply olive oil or some castor oil at not remove make-up but provides a
night to nourish the hair. fresh feel.
How to make the make-up last longer I want to know what is the right
in summer without a shine? amount and style of exfoliation. What
How much oiling is good for hair and The trick is to hold the foundation is peel treatment? How often should
how to do it best? I am 24 and my in place. Use a fixer and then apply a it be done and is it right for me? I am
mom used to oil my hair very often moisturiser. Use oil control lotion if 24 and can afford the treatment but
and I have long hair but I find it you have oily skin. The right use of don’t want to waste money.
difficult to be regular about oiling etc. loose powder as a base is the real As our cells are renewed, the
What should I do? trick to keeping skin non-shiny. It dead skin needs to be sloughed off
Oiling the hair is often more a should be done lightly and dusting so the new skin can glow better.
matter of habit than necessity. needs to be done on the neck area Home-style exfoliation can be done
Ideally, if you are used to it, once a as well. Use soft pastel shades in once a week but professional
fort night is a good option. The oil summer. For lipstick, line the lips with removal is not needed more than
should be slightly warm and needs lip liner and fill it in the lips as well, as once a month. When you opt for any
to be applied to the scalp and patted this is what will give your lips colour professional treatment, your
in or with gentle circular motions even if the lipstick fades. dermatologist/cosmetologist will tell
without breaking too much hair is you to use protection against the sun
advisable. Harsh maalish does you My younger sister lost over 30 kg because your skin is very soft and
A
no good. If you have long hair do because her health was failing. Now vulnerable. Acid peels might be
apply some to the end of the hair as she is a lot fitter but her loose skin suggested if you have pigmentation
well. Wrapping the head and hair in a that hangs on her makes her feel low. marks or if your skin needs to be
hot towel is recommended for deeper How to decide if surgery is the right ‘refreshed’ with a bit stronger
penetration of the oil. option? treatment.
It depends on her age and her
I want to know how to use baby oil. willpower to maintain this weight. I have been an airhostess for almost
When my daughter was born last Depending on areas that need eight years now. Earlier it never
year a lot was given as gifts. There attention she might have to undergo bothered me but now I find that on
are other baby products as well more than one surgery and it will not long flights I have dry and dull skin,
which I do not want to throw away be cheap either. Let her decide as my hair is lifeless. I end up using
but feel like not using for my baby. per her lifestyle and what she more make-up and that clogs my
Products for infants should not be normally wears. Camouflage is pores further and I break out in a
used beyond their expiry dates possible in certain areas but not in pimple attack. What should I do?
because a baby’s skin is extremely others. A good surgeon will be able As an airhostess doing long-haul
delicate. However, these products are to assist her in making an informed flights you have access to the best
great for adults because of their decision. products the market has to offer. You
formulations. Shampoos for babies just have to select wisely. Drink lots
are great for their mommies too, We keep reading about hydrating the of water while flying, use minimal
especially if you are washing your hair skin in summer. How to do it without make-up and keep eye gel for around
frequently. As for the oil, you can use the shine all over the face within the eyes to reduce puffiness. Use a
it for after-shower moisturising or for minutes of applying any cream? leave-in conditioner for hair to keep it
a massage. In smaller quantities you For oily skin the product should be moisturised. However tired you are at
can add a drop or two to your face water based. Using oil-blotting paper the end of the flight, always give
packs as well. I personally find baby to take off the shine from the face is yourself a good massage and cleanse,
oil very good for removing make-up! the best recourse. Do not use tone and moisturise before retiring.

My World, My Family
True love means sharing equally joys, sorrows and
responsibility in life. By Kiran D. Kumar
I
t was already 7.30 pm. I was an hour late for “Oh, Rahul! Don’t compare me with your mother.
my date with Nimmi. She might be very furious I belong to a different generation. I won’t spare you
by now. I started my car and rushed to Lal if you neglect me even for a second.”
Bagh. Luck had smiled on me six months ago Okay, babe. I’ll keep it in mind. I will never give
since the day Nimmi accepted my proposal. I you any chance for complaints. I have got something
was more lucky than many boys who were for you. Now close your eyes and show me your
dreaming of becoming Nimmi’s lovers. hands.” She closed her eyes. I placed a pair of gold
I was in the first year of engineering. She was a earrings on her palm. When she opened her eyes, I
commerce student. I saw her for the first time on the was delighted to see the sparkle in her eyes on
Annual Day on the campus with her seeing the gift.
friends. She was so strikingly beautiful – “Rahul! How nice of you! Why did you
tall, slim with sharp features, and as fair as She was so buy such an expensive gift for me? Last
a rose. She was the cream of the crop. We strikingly month, you gave me a designer watch.
were introduced to each other by mutual beautiful – My closets are filled with the designer
friends. tall, slim with dresses bought by you.” She was so elated
It was love at first sight from my side. But sharp features, that she flung herself into my arms and
the college grapevine had it that Nimmi and as fair as a kissed me passionately. This was the
was as changeable as the weather. I was rose. She was boldness that I liked about her most. Unlike
cautioned by my close friends,”Rahul! the cream of other middle-class girls, she was very
Don’t get involved with Nimmi. She’s not the crop. unconventional in her attitude to life. After
your type of girl.” But all their pleas fell on We were a few minutes we separated.
deaf ears. I proposed and she accepted. introduced to As it was already dark, I dropped her
Now I was heading for my usual each other by near her colony. It was my idea to drop
rendezvous. She was wearing a peach suit mutual her outside her colony. I didn’t want
and sat on the corner bench. Seeing me as friends. people to talk behind our back about our
expected, she burst out,” Rahul, don’t you love affair. After all, we had to wait for
have any sense of time? Am I a fool to wait about 2-3 years to get married. I had to
for you for an hour?” finish my education, settle in a decent job and then
“Calm down, darling! Our professor came late only could we marry.
for lecture. Exams being near, I could not miss it.
I
Next time, I will be on time – punctual. I swear!” was the only son of my parents. I had three
Now she was calm. “By the way, Nimmi, what sisters, all of whom were younger than I. My
would you do if I come home late after our father worked as a manager in a renowned
marriage? Will you fight with me even then? Ma is multinational firm. We lived in a palatial bungalow
so cool even when papa comes home late every built by my father’s hard-earned money. Papa
evening,” I teased her. provided ma with all the luxuries of an elite

household. Ma was down-to-earth, and a simple
woman. My sisters, Ruchi and Meghna, looked like
her. Sweetie, the youngest, was the mischievous
the door so many times and
why has he locked the
door?” I got up and went
SHORT
STORY
one. It was because of her that ma had come to outside the study and shouted, “Papa! Papa!
know of my relationship with Nimmi. Sweetie had Open the door. What’s the matter? Are you still
shown ma a love letter written by Nimmi. When ma sleeping?” I slammed my fists on the door. There
confronted me, I confessed. Ma had no objection to was no reply. Now I could sense that something
my choice of a life partner. She was a very liberal had gone terribly wrong. I continued calling him
woman. frantically.
Nimmi was from an average middle-class family. Hearing the noise, the servant and watchman
Her father had died when she was very young. She came in and helped me to break the door open.
was the only daughter of her parents. Her mother Upon opening the door, all of us were shell-
too knew about our relationship. She was very shocked to see papa’s lifeless body hanging
happy for Nimmi, for her daughter had found a nice from the ceiling fan. Ma fainted and there was
boy from a well-off family on her own. Both the total chaos in the house. Someone phoned the
families knew that eventually we would get married. police while, my sisters were crying. Our house
was full of known and unknown persons. Papa’s
I
reached home. Ma was giving instructions to the face had turned blue and his tongue had come out
maid about the night's menu for dinner. She had of his mouth. His body was taken for post-mortem by
a rule that we had to have at least dinner the police. On the table lay a suicide note. It read:
together. So we were waiting for papa to come No one is responsible for my suicide. I am deeply
home. That night, it was getting late. When repenting the blunders made by me in my life and
contacted on his cell, he told us not to wait as he this is the only way to opt out.
had to dine with his friends. After dinner, my sisters “Ramesh Thakur”
retired. Papa came home after midnight. He was
Y
unusually calm. He asked us to retire and went to the es, it was his handwriting all right. The post-
study. Sometimes, it was his habit to spend some mortem report stated that it was a case of
time reading. suicide. With a broken heart, I performed the
In the morning, ma shook me, “Rahul! Wake up. last rites. Within 4-5 days, the mystery surrounding
Papa has locked himself up inside the study and he’s papa’s death started to unfold, when ma was
not responding to my calls.” approached by various people to whom papa owed
“What’s there to worry, ma? He came home so huge amounts of money. What we came to know
late, he may have fallen asleep in the study. Let him was very shocking. Indeed, truth is always stranger
sleep for some time,” I mumbled half-asleep. than fiction. Papa had lost all his earnings and
“No, just get up and wake him. It’s not usual for assets in gambling! For the first time in our lives, we
him to sleep in such noise. I have rammed were shocked to know that papa was into serious
gambling. He owed around 90 lakh to different
people. To pay off the interests he had already
mortgaged the house. Those people to whom he
owed money were chasing him. He could not
bear the pressure built up by the people to pay
his debts. Finding that he had put at stake the
lives of his near and dear ones, he had
committed suicide.
Ma was totally devastated. To
pay off the debts she had to sell
our house and all her
ornaments. Overnight, our lives
had transformed from riches to
rags. It is correctly said that the
bigger they are the harder
they fall. With our limited
belongings, we came out of
Nimmi accepted his proposal
and was delighted to receive the
precious gift.
the bungalow. Ma got a rented small flat in a lofty Nimmi was as cold as ice. “Say something,
chawl. I wanted to discontinue my education, in Nimmi. What is going on in your mind?”
order to earn my daily bread. But ma and my sisters “Rahul, now you have heard what my mother told
were adamant that I would continue my studies. you. I can’t defy her. I don’t want to do anything she
“Rahul, if you complete it, you will have better disapproves. After all, she’s the only one that I have.
prospects for your future. You need not worry about Please don’t ever try to meet me. I don’t want to
running the house. I’ll manage the house by have anything to do with you. Please leave at once,”
pursuing the only thing that I know, sewing.” she said and left the room followed by her mother.
“But, ma, you have pursued it as your hobby. I was heartbroken. When I gathered enough
You’ve never done it professionally. Besides, what strength to get up, I left her house. I walked aimlessly
will people say if I let you work?” down the street throughout the day. It was past
“Rahul! Any respectable work that gives you your midnight when I reached home. Ma was awake and
daily bread is always a good one. Your papa could very worried for me.
not face life and left us before the onset of the storm. “Rahul, where had you been the whole day? We
But we have to make our ship sail through this storm. were so worried if anything untoward happened to
I don’t care about people any more. All I know is you,” she said.
that I have to complete those duties which your “Ma, she has left me,” I sobbed.
father left unaccomplished.” “Who has left you? What’s the matter?”
“Nimmi has left me.” Now I was crying
I
was amazed to see her inner strength. uncontrollably. Words poured out of my
All her life, I had known her as a meek “But how will mouth and I told her the whole thing. Ma
woman who would follow in her you finish your was also pained to hear about the
husband’s footsteps unquestioningly. Now, education when betrayal. But when she spoke up she was
in our hour of crisis, she had emerged as a you can’t even very composed.
stronger person than I had imagined. It afford your daily “So this is the matter! Why are you
was not until then that I realised that bread? Even if upset over this? It’s true that you loved her
Nimmi had not visited me after papa’s you finish your wholeheartedly, but she didn’t love you!
funeral. I went to her home. She did not studies and get a That’s the bitter fact. She was obsessed by
seem pleased to see me. I went inside and job, all your your status, your money. Now, as you
sat for a while. Her mother inquired after earnings and don’t have any of them, she has left you.
my family and I informed her about my savings will be This is a big, bad world and it takes all
misfortunes. She came directly to the point. spent on sorts of people to make it! When poverty
“Rahul, I don’t think that I want you to comes in, love flies out of the window. You
marrying off
marry my daughter. I have gone through have learnt your lesson so early. Don’t
your sisters.
many hardships after my husband’s death. waste your emotions on such money-
I have dreamt of a luxurious life for my minded people who don’t value your
daughter. I don’t want her to undergo the same sentiments.”
financial upheavals that I went through in my life.
M
So, it is better for you to cut off the relations with a’s words were soothing. But it took me quite
Nimmi.” some time to come to terms with what had
I was stunned to hear her views. Somehow, words happened. Meanwhile, ma took up tailoring
came out of my mouth, “But my present woes are in earnest. I started taking tuitions for the
only temporary. Once I finish my education, I will get neighborhood kids. They weren’t very rich, but they
a decent job good enough to fulfil your daughter’s paid me enough to manage my expenses. I got a
wishes. She will lack nothing. I promise you.” part-time job as an instructor in a computer institute.
“But how will you finish your education when you Ma’s sewing practice was going on in full swing.
can’t even afford your daily bread? Even if you Now she had also started training women of all
finish your studies and get a job, all your earnings ages in sewing. Financial troubles forced Ruchi and
and savings will be spent on marrying off your Meghna to take up studies privately. The whole day,
sisters. By the time you finish your responsibilities, they would assist ma in her tailoring work.
Nimmi will have spent all her youth in adjustments Sometimes, they would go to some marriage
and I am not going to let it happen to my darling function on a contract for bridal make-up and
daughter. Do you understand?” mehendi to earn some quick bucks. Indeed, it was
“Nimmi, don’t you trust me? I’ll never deprive you very difficult to keep the body and soul together in
of anything. You will always be the first one in my those days in spite of all the hardships. On Raksha-
list of priorities.” bandhan, I somehow managed to buy them decent

dresses with my own money. Ruchi and Meghna were against taking dowry. Ruchi was married to
were hesitant to accept the gifts. “Bhaiyya, why did Suresh at a very simple ceremony attended by close
you waste your hard-earned money on dresses? You friends.
could have used this money for your own good.
T
Your love means so much to us.” ime moved on. Meghna had joined a regular
“Don’t think so. I confident that we will sail college. Ma’s amicable nature attracted a lot of
through these difficulties. Once I am established, you people of all ages to her. Her students of the
can always count on your bhaiyya,” I said. sewing classes had become her friends. One among
Ma’s eyes filled with tears. Sweetie teased, them was Sheetal. She pursued sewing as a hobby.
“Bhaiyya, once you are settled in your job, I will Even after the classes were over, she would spend
have the costliest gift.” time chatting with ma and Meghna. Occasionally,
“Okay, Sweetie, you have my word.” she would throw curious and friendly glances at me.
At last came the day when I was selected for a One fine day, Sheetal’s father came home with her
job in a well-known company in a campus interview. marriage proposal. Sheetal was his only daughter
Ma’s happiness knew no bounds when she heard and he had a son.
the good news. She distributed sweets to the whole Sheetal’s father told ma, “Behenji, Sheetal’s my
neighbourhood. I passed engineering with flying only daughter, younger than her brother. The day
colours. After some time, we moved to a better she was born, I lost my wife due to post-delivery
residential area. I asked ma to stop taking tailoring complications. People advised me to remarry for
classes. But, she would not listen. Within a period of bringing her up. I brought up Sheetal single-
two years, I saved enough money to marry off Ruchi. handedly as I did not trust any other woman could
With her contacts ma came across a decent family give her a mother’s love. Since the day we have
where the groom was employed in a good firm. known your family, Sheetal’s been obsessed with
Suresh was the only son of very noble parents who you. I think that Rahul’s the most suitable match for
Sheetal. Please let me know about your decision to have a second glance at her. Seeing her, I
after thinking over this proposal. Sheetal will be thought it would be very difficult to say ‘No’ to her.
lucky to be a part of your family.” But I wanted to say that as politely as I could. Before
Very hesitantly, she brought up the point, “Bhai I could break the ice, Sheetal burst out laughing
sahab, financially, we are facing one of the worst uncontrollably. I was puzzled.
times in our lives. No doubt, Sheetal’s a lovely girl. “What happened?” I asked.
But she’s used to the comforts of an elite household. She wanted to say something, but again she
I’m afraid that Rahul still has a long way to go. He started to laugh pointing to my feet and it explained
may not be able to provide Sheetal with suitably a lot! I was wearing socks of two different colours.
luxurious life.” Now I also joined her in laughter. There was so
“Behenji, I agree that money is very important in much innocence in her laughter. After a while, she
getting the luxuries of a comfortable life. But it is not stopped laughing.
the only thing in life. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve “Do you go to work like that?” she asked smiling.
always wanted a house having good moral values “It was dark in the room and I was too
for Sheetal where she can have all the love and pre-occupied to notice,” I said.
affection that she was deprived of by destiny “What were you so preoccupied with?”
because of her mother’s untimely death. So what if “That’s what I intend to tell you, Sheetal. The one
the present isn’t very promising? I foresee a very to whom you get married will be a very lucky man.
bright future for Rahul. He’s an intelligent and hard- But right now, I have Meghna’s and Sweetie’s
working boy. Sheetal’s also an MBA. Together they responsibilities on my shoulders after papa’s death.
can have a bright future.” Ma has undergone great pain after his demise. She
Ma asked for some time. has strived hard to educate me. Now it is
When she finally brought up the topic, I my turn to perform my duties to my family.
refused at once. One who is so Any woman who wishes to spend her life
“I can never even think of my marriage dedicated to his with me will have to wait long before I
until my responsibilities towards Meghna duties as a son think of any future with her. I don’t want
and Sweetie are over. Even after Meghna can never fail as
a husband. that to happen to you.”
and Sweetie’s marriage, I don’t think that I Through the After a while, she spoke up. “Is that the
would like to involve myself with any other thick and thin of only reason that you want to postpone
woman.” The old pain that caused by life, I will follow your marriage plans? Or are you involved
Nimmi’s betrayal had returned. Ma was in your with... I mean?”
quick to understand. footsteps, “No, I am not involved with anyone
“Rahul, I thought that you had buried the Rahul,” she said else. Presently, my only priorities lie with
past. There’s no meaning in craving for a and looked into my family. I don’t intend to insult you for
girl who was never in love with you. my eyes. anything in this world.”
Though I don’t want to impose my wishes Instantly, I “In that case, I wish to assure you that I
knew that she
on you, I still want to tell you that you can didn’t lie. will happily share your responsibilities.
never get a wife who could be better than One who is so dedicated to his duties as a
Sheetal. Besides, Meghna is just 19 and son can never fail as a husband. Through
want to make a career for herself. Sweetie is too the thick and thin of life, I will follow in your
young. You need not wait until their marriages.” footsteps, Rahul,” she said and looked into my eyes.
“Yes, bhaiyya, ma is correct. Also, we don’t want Instantly, I knew that she didn’t lie.
you to sacrifice your happiness for our sake. Please
E
give us a bhabhi,” Meghna and Sweetie pleaded. verything became so clear after that. Both of us
I was adamant. But ma and my sisters did not went home and told ma about our decision. Ma
give up. They used to coax me every now and then. kissed Sheetal on her forehead. Both the
Then I thought it was better to tell Sheetal directly families were overjoyed. We didn’t want Sheetal’s
about my feelings. Now knowing my plans, Sweetie father to give us any dowry. But, as Sheetal was his
happily agreed to arrange for the secret only daughter, we could not stop him from loading
rendezvous. She brought Sheetal to a nearby park Sheetal with jewellery and clothes. Within two
and left us alone. months, we got married with everyone’s blessings. In
For the first time, I looked at her. She was the beginning itself, we decided not to have kids for
wearing a sky blue dress, her curly hair was parted 4-5 years. After such a long time, life was becoming
in the middle and falling over her face. Her features a pleasant journey along with Sheetal.
were plain, but the sparkle in her eyes, her dimpled All the ladies in the house bonded so well with
cheeks and the glow on her face prompted any man one another. I would get a good scolding from ma if

I forgot Sheetal’s birthday or our marriage only son, so the wedding should be solemnised in
anniversary. Ma welcomed Sheetal with an open grandeur.”
heart in her life. She cared more for Sheetal than she We were a bit shocked by their demand and
cared for Ruchi, Meghna and Sweetie. She never asked for some time to think it over. I could either
imposed any rules or regulations on Sheetal as a buy the gold or spend the money on the function
mother-in-law. Instead, ma gave total freedom to her extravaganza. But they wanted both! I was in a fix.
to do whatever she liked. Mohit was unaware of his parents’ tactics and he
I still remember, ma was so aghast when Sheetal was enraged when he came to know of it. He burst
once fell off the steps and fractured her right arm. out, “I couldn’t believe my parents to be so greedy.
Ma took care of Sheetal the whole month, when her Bhaiyya, you need not worry. Meghna and I can
hand was in plaster. Sheetal became dependent on have a registered marriage. Mummy and daddy
ma, just as a small kid depends on the mother. Ma may come for the marriage or not, it does not matter
heaved a sigh of relief, when Sheetal’s plaster was now.”
taken off and her arm was declared okay by the “Beta, cool down. It is easy to marry in haste and
doctor. repent at leisure. I do not want to displease your
parents. Meghna is the girl of your choice for
N
ow Meghna had finished her studies and took marriage, not theirs. I don’t want my daughter to
up a job in a good firm. One evening, she start her life in an unpleasant and hostile atmosphere
brought home her colleagues. Among them at your home. It is always good to take elders’
was a smart, young man named Mohit. He lived in a blessings. We will think of some way to tackle the
nearby locality. Usually he would drop Meghna on situation.”
his way back home on his scooter. One day, “Yes, Mohit. What ma says is correct. Your
Meghna confided to Sheetal that she had fallen in parents will never welcome Meghna with open arms
love with Mohit. Sheetal was very happy as she if they are sidelined in your decision of marrying
personally felt that Mohit was a good match for her,” I agreed with ma. Somehow, I convinced
Meghna. One fine day, we invited Mohit’s parents Mohit to wait for some time and not to confront his
to our house. They readily agreed to the proposal as parents. Meghna was heartbroken. At night, after
we belonged to the same community. dinner, when I was discussing the issue with ma
After the date of marriage was fixed, Mohit’s Sheetal walked in. She had her jewellery boxes in
parents said to ma in a sweet voice, “Behenji, we her hands. She gave them to ma.
don’t believe in the dowry system. But it will be in “What’s this, Sheetal?” ma was puzzled.
your own interest to provide your daughter with at “Ma, these are the pieces of jewellery given by
least 2 kg of gold. We have got some prestige that my parents. These are more than two kg. You can
has to be maintained in society, so the wedding give them to Meghna. I just want my mangalsutra
should be lavish as per our standards. Mohit is our only. Please take them.”
“No, Sheetal. It’s so kind of you to think about
Meghna. But, for my daughter’s happiness you need
not give your father’s precious gifts to her. We
haven’t given you anything, beti. But we don’t have
any right over your personal belongings,” ma’s
voice was filled with affection over Sheetal’s selfless
love. I, too, was touched by her gesture.
“Ma, I never knew what a mother’s love is for her
daughter until I got married,” Sheetal said. “You
have showered me with so much love and affection
from the very beginning of our relationship that I
never miss my family. You have sowed the seeds of
love in my heart, now it has blossomed into a tree.
Now it’s my turn to reciprocate your feelings. Your
love means so much to me. Am I not an important
part of the family? I have every right to share your
joys and worries equally. If you think of me as
your daughter, please do not refuse to take these
Sheetal’s devotion towards the family won
everyone’s heart. Her sharp business acumenship
helped her husband’s business to flourish too.
jewels. At the moment, what’s more for me than after such a long time.
Meghna’s happiness. I have promised Rahul to “Oh, Rahul? How are you? How’s life?” she
share his responsibilities. Please let me do my duties asked cheerfully.
as a wife.” “Hello, Nimmi! I’m fine. How are you?”
At last, upon her persistent request, we had to “Let’s have some coffee for old time’s sake,
give in. Sheetal had made a special place in Rahul.”
everyone’s heart. Mohit and Meghna got married as I was about to make some excuse for my refusal,
per his parents’ wishes. but the pleading look in her eyes stopped me. We
I was thinking of doing something to earn some took a nearby table. We sat silent for a while. She
extra bucks besides my job. But there were no funds. broke the ice, “Ultimately, you made it so big in life.
I applied for loan in a bank. Soon, I started my own I feel so happy for you.”
business of computer sales and services. As Sheetal “What do you know about me?” I was surprised
was from commerce background and knew a lot that she knew everything about me.
about marketing and business administration “I’ve followed your success stories through
through her experiences with her father’s own friends. How’s your personal life? I mean ... your
business, she would look after the business during family.”
my office hours. I had hired some part-time help to After what she had done to me she wanted to
assist me in the technical work. I would join the work know about my family!
in the evening and relieve Sheetal. From the very “I’m a happily-married man having two kids. My
beginning the business venture was a huge success. wife is a very noble lady. Come rain or shine she’s
Money started to pour in from all always there for me. What about you,
directions. After six months, I was able to Nimmi? Did you find a man of your
resign from the job to look after the He may provide dreams, a multimillionaire and one who is
business full time. you with capable of providing you with all the
With our combined efforts, and financial luxuries that you dreamt of?” There was a
Sheetal’s sharp business acumen, business security. But bitter undertone in my voice and she
flourished. Soon I opened 3-4 branches in that’s not the instantly detected it.
different localities and hired many people. only thing in “You’ve the right to tell me all those
I jumped into the field of computer this world. He things. I’ve been cursing myself for my
assembly also for companies, international can never give decision for quite some time. I am
concerns, cyber cafes and domestic you a happy constantly repenting the decision I made!”
consumers. family since “Oh, really? I’m surprised. What makes
he’s already you repent? Are you short of money with
having one. He
I
n spite of all the success, I was not your multi-millionaire life partner? You may
satisfied and wanted much more. I will never have be wanting much more,” my voice was
bought a big house in a posh suburb. In kids with you. sarcastic.
course of time, Sweetie got married to the “No, Rahul. Experiences have taught me
heir of a business tycoon. It was a very lavish the worth of true love.”
wedding. Meanwhile, I became the proud father of Then she told me her story.
a cute little girl. We named her Kavya. Sheetal had “After completing studies, I took up a job in a little
to take a break temporarily from work to look after known concern. Within a short period of time, I
Kavya and ma who had become weak with age. realised that my dreams could never come true with
Our world was filled with happiness. Ma would small-time jobs. I kept looking for greener pastures
bless us from the bottom of her heart. and the opportunity came after about a year. My
As days went by Sheetal always complained work experience and good looks helped me grab a
that I don’t give enough time to eight-year-old good job in an international concern. I was
Kavya and four-year-old Aditya. So I took a break appointed the personal secretary to the president of
from work and flew off to Singapore with Sheetal the company, Mr Gupta.
and the kids. The kids were very happy to spend “He was in his early 60s. He was a generous
quality time with me and so was Sheetal. After man having a great sense of humour. Within 2-3
coming back, I got back to work with renewed months, I came to know that he had the bad
enthusiasm. One afternoon, on my way back from reputation of having a roving eye for beautiful
a business meeting, in a hotel lobby, I came across females. But the knowledge did little to change my
a familiar face and was surprised to find Nimmi in avaricious nature. Instead, I started taking
front of me. She looked quite old and had also put advantage of his nature. I wanted to climb the
on some weight. She seemed delighted to meet me ladder of success so soon. To me, success meant

living in the fantasy world of hi-tech gadgets, my cabin.
beautiful, designer dresses, expensive jewellery and “But I was too fascinated by Mr Gupta’s wealth to
limousines. Mr Gupta would present me with all pay attention to Vrinda. Had I pondered over
these things which I would accept very happily. Vrinda’s words, I would have ended my affair with
“But everything comes with a price in this world. Mr Gupta. But that was not to be. Meanwhile, one
Mr Gupta was no exception to this unwritten rule. I fine morning, mother quietly passed away in her
happily paid the price. Mr Gupta would take me sleep. I was left alone in this world. Mr Gupta now
overseas on the pretext of business meetings and bought me a palatial flat near his office so that he
tours. Mother turned a blind eye, although it wasn’t could spend more time with me after his work.
difficult for her to know about my relationship with Mr “One day, I came to know that Mr Gupta ‘s only
Gupta. Soon, our affair became the talk of the town. son, Raj, had come back to India after finishing his
“Tongues had started wagging behind my back. higher studies in the US Raj was younger than me by
Among the office staff, I was friendly with only only 4-5 years. Mr Gupta was now thrilled that his
Vrinda as other girls avoided me. Once, Vrinda son would join his business. The whole staff was
came to my cabin. ‘Nimmi, I want to say something introduced to Raj, on his first day at work. When my
to you. It is nothing of my concern. But, I’ve always turn came, I found that Mr Gupta was very
known you as a dear friend and as your well-wisher, uncomfortable to introduce me. In contrast to his
I think of this as my duty to you.’ father’s nature Raj was a man of few words. He
“‘What’s it, Vrinda? Just tell me what’s going on threw one curious glance at me and turned away. I
in your mind.’ couldn’t guess what he thought about me.
“‘Nimmi, you are such a beautiful, young “Now I could see much less of Mr Gupta in the
woman. Why do you want to be involved with a office. He would be too busy discussing business
married man who is old enough to be your father? strategies with his son. Maybe he did not want to be
He has two married daughters, a young son and a seen with me by his son. In the evening, he would
couple of grandchildren. You can easily find come home tired. He would spend some time with
someone of your age. Why are you ruining your life me, but now he would never stay until night. When I
by getting romantically involved with him? You’ve would insist, he’d say, ‘Nimmi, I have a family
earned a bad name for yourself. Do you know that waiting for me at home. My wife has never dared to
you are causing a lot of tension in his family life?’ interfere in my relationships. But, with a grown-up
Vrinda directly came to the point. son, it’s different. My daughters are married into
“‘So, this was what you wanted to talk to me? decent families and I don’t want their lives to be
Vrinda, I am not the first woman in Mr Gupta’s life affected by my affairs. Just try to understand.’
outside his marriage, am I? It’s not as if he’s spoiled “Loneliness started creeping into my life.
by me for the first time. It’s the duty of a wife to keep Whenever I would see other women of my age
her marriage intact. Mrs Gupta has failed to work living a full life with their husbands who would come
out her relationship with Mr Gupta long ago and it’s back to them every night after a whole day’s work, I
not my fault. Do you understand? If I’m not involved would feel a twinge of regret. I couldn’t conceal my
with him, then someone else can be involved.’“ envy of women who enjoyed motherhood and were
“That’s what I’m telling you, dear.’ surrounded by their kids, for I knew that I could
never bear kids to Mr Gupta. No amount of wealth
V
rinda replied, For him, love means nothing. If could fulfil the void in my life. Day by day, I got
it’s not you then someone else may fill the bored with my life and longed for the pleasures of a
void. But I don’t want you to do that. He may simple family life comprising kids and a loving
provide you with financial security. But that’s not the husband.
only thing in this world. He can never give you a “One night, around midnight, I got a phone call
happy family since he’s already having one. He will from Vrinda saying that Mr Gupta had been
never have kids with you. admitted to a hospital because of a massive heart
“‘No matter that amount of his wealth he spends attack. He was struggling for life in the ICU. I was
on you, you can never become his wife. You will restless the whole night. In the morning, I called up
always be called his mistress and a mistress is never Vrinda and asked her to accompany me to the
respected as a wife. She’s always known as a home- hospital. But she refused straightaway.
breaker. During the sunset years of life, love and “‘How can you go to visit Mr Gupta when his
security of a marriage means so much. You will whole family and relatives are waiting outside the
never ever have any of these as Mr Gupta’s mistress. ICU? You will make things difficult for both yourself
Think about it, Nimmi. Anyway, it’s your life and and his family,’ said Vrinda. She was so correct. I
you are free to do as you like,” Vrinda walked out of had no rights of a wife!

“In the evening, Vrinda called up to inform me “You may come now with me if you please. It’s
about Mr Gupta’s demise. Though I was not a bit been so long since we spent time together,” she
emotionally attached to Mr Gupta, I still missed him. smiled. There was an open invitation in her eyes.
How correct Vrinda was! Now, I had no one to look Suddenly, I started feeling suffocated and wanted
after me. to leave the place quickly. “Can’t come now,
“After few days, when things became quite Nimmi. I’ve a lot of work now. Maybe some other
normal, Raj took over the company. The first thing time,” I got up and hurried towards the exit of the
that he did after taking over was to kick me out of hotel. After coming out, I tore up the paper and
the job. I was given salary of a couple of months threw it on a stack of garbage.
and sent out. As the flat was bought by Mr Gupta in My heart was filled with disgust for this woman
my name, Raj was unable to snatch it from me. who had played with my sentiments in the name of
“Now I have realised the value of true love but it’s love and deserted me in my crisis, who now again
too late for me,” she burst into tears. wanted me in her life – not for love or longing for
I was sorry for Nimmi. But, there was nothing that they never had any meaning in her life, but for the
I could do for her. success that I had gained through the penances and
“Thought, I’ve got a place to live in, but I need to sacrifices of ma and, of course, my wife Sheetal.
support myself,” she said.” So, I am looking for a Sheetal, true to her name, had brought a breath of
job. Can you help me find one? If you know of any fresh air into my life. True to her promise, she had
openings, in your company or in any other, just let followed in my footsteps in all phases of my life.
me know. You may drop in at any time at my place. I headed back home. Sheetal and ma were
You know, I stay there alone,” saying this, she waiting for me. The moment I entered the house, kids
looked seductively into my eyes and smiled. She surrounded me and were joined by ma and Sheetal.
jotted down the address on a piece of paper and This was my family. This was my world. Nothing
gave it to me. else mattered. We
DISTRESSING DETERIORATION
OF THE
DAL LAKE
Scenic beauty takes a beating by human callousness.
By Maharaaj K. Koul
“A lake is the landscape’s most
beautiful and expressive feature. It is
and the development of agricultural
holdings in its catchment area, along
CONSERVATIONISTS
earth’s eye; looking into which the with the construction of hotels and HAVE BEEN
beholder measures the depth of his houses, non-specific de-weeding and
own nature...” heavy silting have sounded the WARNING THAT THE
– Henry David Thoreau death-knell of the lake. The tragic tale POLLUTANTS ARE
he Jammu Kashmir high of what was once a vast body of
T
court has directed the state clear, sparkling water demonstrates TURNING DAL LAKE,
government to stop how disastrous the callous and FAMED FOR ITS
operations of around 1,200 ruthless exploitation of a natural
houseboats moored along asset can turn out to be! ORNATELY-CARVED
the shores of the picturesque
Dal Lake till their owners
Dal Lake – a liquid jewel ringed by
Himalayan peaks and Kashmir’s
CEDAR
make arrangement for most famous stretch of water – which HOUSEBOATS, INTO
proper solid and liquid waste attracts visitors from far and wide,
disposal. The court issued has shrunk enormously over the A WEED-CLOGGED
the directive on 25 February last after years. And if the entry of pollutants SWAMP.
taking cognisance of a recent
Pollution Control Board report, which
said open houseboat lavatories are
a major source of pollution.
A bench comprising Justice Nisar
Ahmad Kakro and Justice Hakeem
Imtiyaz Hussain asked the State
Lakes and Waterways Development
Authority (LAWDA) and Srinagar
Municipal Corporation to implement
the court’s directives and apprise it
daily on the progress made. The
court also directed the state
administration to inquire into the
lapses of the officers in permitting
constructions violating the court’s
directions.
Acting on the court’s directive,
LAWDA, the nodal agency
responsible for controlling pollution in
the Dal Lake, immediately ordered all
houseboat owners to stop operations and silt into its waters, described Dalgate to Shankaracharya, the
from 27 February. Conservationists once as ‘clear and soft as silk’, and Zabarwan range to Habak down to
have been warning that the pollutants systematic intrusions are not checked Ashaibagh and further to Nawpora
are turning Dal Lake, famed for its forthwith, it will decay to continues. The depth of the problem
ornately-carved cedar houseboats, unrecognisable proportions in the can be imagined after a visit to
into a weed-clogged swamp. The next some decades, warn ecologists. Babadembh, where, due to the
centerpiece of Srinagar’s tourist trade obnoxious odour and gases, it is
has shrunk considerably over the extremely difficult to stay for as little
years, losing both its area as well as CHOKED LAKE as 15 minutes. The weeds grow
depth. Making matters worse is The lake is getting choked with extensively on the nutrients dumped
sewage and waste from hotels and water weeds and is increasingly into the lake as untreated waste.
homes on shore that empty into the becoming unsuitable for boating and This fabled lake, where Mughal
lake. fishing. Not only is the lake shrinking emperors relaxed after escaping the
Considered one of the finest but large tracts of the once emerald Delhi sun and Raj officials retired, is
scenic spots in the world, the Dal waters have become so polluted that undoubtedly dying. The watery
Lake is in a really bad shape today. few swimmers dare take a dive into it expanse is a hapless victim of war
In fact, this ‘Jewel of Kashmir’ is now. and neglect, reducing an ecological
slowly and systematically being Siltation of the lake and deposition jewel to a foul-smelling marsh. And,
driven to extinction. Ever-increasing of human waste from different as the Dal Lake dies, so does
pollution, indiscriminate deforestation corners right from Daachigam, something of the soul of the Kashmir
litres of urine and 30 tonnes of diversity and, worst of all, its size.
DAL DIMENSIONS human waste dumped into it every The lake is getting shallow with every
A Survey of India map of month. Add to it the run-off of passing day. Besides, various living
Srinagar, prepared by a British army chemical fertilisers from the vast organisms in it have either vanished
officer, Capt Montogomery in 1859- drainage basin around it, and you or are at the verge of doing so.
60 shows the extension of the lake have a lake where internal life Wildlife on the Dal lake has become
far beyond its present boundaries processes are under severe stress. precariously scarce.
with an approximate area of 25km. Pesticides used by farmers to Surveys into the health of various
Credit goes to a reputed geologist increase crop productivity find their species of fish that live in the lake
and one-time commissioner of way into the lake, causing damage suggest that chemical poisons have
Ladakh, Fredrick Drew, for being to its fauna and flora. Since 1978, crept into the biological systems of
the first person to mention the size when the state government first the fish. Cases of skin rash and other
of the Dal Lake. He wrote in 1875 initiated a study on the ecology of the forms of allergies in bathers and
that the Dal measured five miles Dal Lake, 25 reports have been swimmers together with vomiting by
from north to south, and two miles prepared at an expense of about Rs those who consume the lake fish are
from east to west. And that it was 300 crore, with nothing to show for indications that the end of the Dal
in part shallow and inclining to be all the effort. Lake is not very far now.
marshy. In 1895, Sir Walter A ‘Save Dal Lake Project’ was
Lawrence, settlement commissioner launched with much fanfare when Dr
of Kashmir, estimated the length of Farooq Abdullah assumed office as LAKE’S FEATURES
the lake as four miles and width as the State chief minister in 1997. That The lake’s hydro-chemical
less than three miles. The lake, he is when LAWDA was set up to features reveal the ecological
observed was becoming more implement the project. The problems changes that have taken place. It is
shallow than it is now. of the lake are multi-faceted. Roads estimated that about 80,000 tonnes
like the northern foreshore and of silt, 31,000 kg of nitrates, 4,000 kg
of phosphates enter the Dal waters
annually. Biological oxygen demand
has considerably increased whereas
the dissolved oxygen level has fallen
below permissible levels. Various
parameters exceed the permissible
World Health Organisation limits.
A post-glacial lake with a shallow
depth, Dal is mainly used as a tourist
recreation. Situated at an altitude of
1,583 metres above sea level to the
north-east of Srinagar city, the Dal is
surrounded on all sides, except the
south, by the magnificent slopes of
high mountains. On the edge of this
lake spread various villages,
orchards and the famous Mughal
Gardens, providing a splendid view.
This ‘aquatic plaza’ has been the
centre of Kashmiri civilisation since
Valley, whose culture has been built western foreshore have undoubtedly time immemorial. The Dal Lake
on and around the lake as a source stopped further encroachments of the comprises five basins – Hazratbal,
of food, employment and myths, the Dal but they have damaged the Bod-Dal, Gagribal, Nigeen and Bari
inspiration for poetry over hundreds lake’s ecosystem. But tones of soil Nambal – besides myriad inter
of years and the reason why Kashmir have been dumped in the lake to connecting channels.
drew many invaders escaping the construct them roads, thus cutting it The most chronic attack on the
broiling plains of the sub-continent. in its perimeter. It has also stopped existence of the Dal Lake comes
Death of the Dal Lake means a life the natural springs that feed the lake. from the swelling population within
sentence for the 40,000 Kashmiris Many such springs have got sealed and on its peripheries. The lake
who reside there and eke out their or blinded, aggravating the nestles nearly 60 hamlets with a
livelihood from it. ecosystem. A victim of human greed, population of over 50,000 souls
The lake is also getting polluted there has been many undesirable (about 6,000 families). They have
with an estimated 30,000-45,000 changes in its water quality, bio- property rights over 6,000 kanaals

(20 kanaal equals one hectare) of lake are the two high-altitude Srinagar city began to grow towards
agricultural land and 1,34,000 kanaals Maarsar and Taarsar lakes. The Dal the Dal Lake. Well into the 20th
of water area as per the socio- receives 80 per cent of its water from century, some checks on urbanisation
economic survey of 1986, conducted these two lakes through the Tailbal around the lake were maintained by
by the state Urban Environ ment inflow channel cascading down the the feudal Dogra monarchy, with the
Engineering Department. nearby Daachigam National Park. Boulevard area remaining out of
Throughout history, the Dal Lake The Dal is also fed by its own bounds for habitation. But roads were
has been an important source for the innumerable springs. The inflow of built, notably along the south-west
Kashmiri support system and its uses water from the Tailbal stream is 263 fringe, cutting off areas of the lake
have been diverse: recreational CUM per year and in other 33 per around the Shankaracharya Hill and
tourism, as a source of drinking water cent of it comes from lake bed the Zabarwan mountain range. The
supply, commercial and recreational springs and underground seepage, marshes that were thus formed were
fishery and irrigation. In addition, a the remaining two per cent is reclaimed for the construction of
number of aquatic plants are contributed by precipitation. Its shops and houses. In 1947, a pipeline
harvested both for food and fodder. outflow is 213 million CUM; 92 per was laid over a bund to channelise
These include water chestnut, blue cent is from the Dalgate sluice gate, drinking water from the Haarwan
water lily, rush and lotus. It also five per cent (27CUM) from the reservoir, cutting the Dal Lake into
harbours a dense population of Nallah Amir Khan and rest three per two parts and thus reducing the water
weeds. Some weeds like duckweed, cent (seven million CUM) is due to circulation.
water fern, spirodella and hydrilla evaporation. The annual outflow-
have assumed noxious proportions.
The flat-bottomed (‘eutopic’) nature
inflow balance is 291 million CUM.
The Tailbal stream, besides
HOW WATER FLOWED IN
of the lake helps weeds take root supplying the bulk of the water THE LAKE
firmly. Eutrophication due to weeds ironically also deposits an estimated In earlier times, the lake used to
in the Dal Lake is perhaps higher 80,000 tonnes of silt annually into the be flushed with the help of small
than anywhere else in the world. lake. waterways like Nallah Amir Khan,
The main source of water to the It was only in the 18th century that Chhoonth Khul, Khushaal Sar,
Aanchaar Sar and Nallah Maar. But
FLOATING GARDENS ! with the conversion of some of these
waterways into roads and also a lack
Called raadh locally, the floating them to rise and fall with the water of periodic dredging in others
gardens of the tourist guide-book level. These floating gardens can including the adjoining river Jhelum,
fame are distinguishable from the be towed from place to place. No the Dal waters have become almost
distances as little as 15m from the wonder, ‘land theft’ is a stagnant.
low-lying lake vegetation. For documented but rare mischief. The Dal Lake has been Srinagar’s
building raadhs, weeds are cut off When the raadh s sufficiently lungs. The rise of separatism in the
at the stem about one metre below strong to bear the weight of a early 1990s effectively ended the rule
the surface. Then large fields of person, heaps of weed and mud of law in the Valley for more than a
weeds are put into plots about two are extracted from the lake bed, decade, leaving this expanse of
metres wide and about 10m long. formed into cones and placed on water to go towards its death.
These are dense enough to the ‘ raadh ’. Known as pokher , It is a straight fact that unless the
support the weight of alternate each cone accommodates habitations within the natural areas
layers of reed, willow and soil. seedlings of melon, tomatoes, of the lake are vacated, human
Long stakes driven into the watermelon, eggplant, cucumber, interference will continue to play
resultant rafts at each end anchor gourd, pumpkin and local staples havoc with the water body as is
them to the lake bottom, yet allow muanjhe (knoll-kholl) and haakh evident for the last 100 years. Given
( saag ). The rich soil, plenty of its present turbidity factor, growth of
moisture and the open summer underwater vegetation shallowing its
sun help to produce fruits and bed, etc, the limnologists are grieved
vegetables in abundance. Between to note that this has been allowed to
raadhs of well-watered vegetables reach levels from where recovery is
are cultivated expanses of the extremely difficult. Add to this the
lotus, famous for its stems, locally problem of backwaters into the lake
called nadroo, which is a Kashmiri from the Jhelum river which once
delicacy. Dal Lake’s floating formed an outlet and has now
gardens make it one of Kashmir’s become its depository – and you
biggest vegetable-producing have a colossal ecological problem
areas. staring menacingly at you! We

Times have Changed
They dreamed of children – without realising the consequences.
By Doris Minezes
N
ewly-weds they were, and dreaming of a her mind that all resistance crumbled and, before
family when Dan started speaking she knew it, the die was cast.
nostalgically of his childhood. “We were The first bundle of joy, not long in coming,
11,” he told Daisy, “and what a time we brought with it boundless delight and ecstacy to the
had! My brother and I were master- parents. The second following it soon after doubled
pranksters, superheroes to our younger the joy and, before long, there were two lusty voices
siblings who followed us night and day like enlivening the place with gurgling laughter or
a ragtag batallion. We grew up on their rending the air with wild cries while two pairs of
heroworship and never had a dull moment.” hands revelled in mischief all day long and two
“Nor had we,” Daisy was quick to add. “Down pairs of legs went romping about creating bedlam
the street we were known as the Naughty wherever they went.
Nine and could be seen and heard “You’re right There was fun in children and here it
everywhere, dancing on hillocks, chasing was super-style. If together with it there
butterflies and even climbing trees to peep there. Fun were hours of drudgery and sleepless
into birds’ nests. What thrilling days those requires nights they were soon forgotten in the
were! But now where’s all the fun gone?” excitement of the day. All that mattered
“Gone with the wind. Driven out of numbers. was that the parents were enjoying
children’s lives by our nuclear families.” themselves vicariously.
“You’re right there. Fun requires
How can While life thus went on with reality
numbers. How can single children or just single shrouded in the mesmeric joy of their
two have fun?” children’s frolic a friend spoke one day of
“Darling, don’t you think our children
children or how he had to spend a few thousands on
deserve a childhood like ours? Full of fun?” just two admitting his son into nursery school.
“Of course, but how?” Suddenly, reality struck Dan so sharply
“By having a whole lot of them. Things have fun?” in the face that he did some quick mental
come cheaper by the dozen you know?” arithmetic and realising how skimpy his
“Dan, are you crazy?” savings were, cried out in near despair, “Oh, Daisy,
“I’m not! Just think of it. Large families use hand- Daisy! What are we in for? In just a couple of years
me-downs and it can be such a saving on clothes, we too will have to shell out some thousands to send
shoes, books and even so many items. That gives us our little ones to nursery schools.”
enough to spend on other things.” “And it won’t stop there. Come another few years
“But will it be so easy in real life?” and you’ll need some lakhs, a few lakhs, mind you,”
“We can give it a try, can’t we? And can cry his friend reminded him, “to see them through some
‘Halt!’ any moment if the going’s tough. It’s for our professional courses.”
children’s sakeremember.” Daisy did not reply, for “Isn’t that so? Oh, damnation! Since when have
memories of her happy childhood flashed through babies become so costly?”

“You should have thought of all this before, Dan,“
his friend went on. “Be reasonable, man! How can
you think of money with a baby in your arms?”
SHORT
STORY
“What shall we do now?” asked Daisy, her brow

puckered in thought.
“Why! Call a halt to this baby craze of yours and
direct all your energies towards making some
money,” the friend advised them matter-of-factly.
“Oh, Daisy, he has said it,” repeated Dan
mournfully. “No more babies. No more bundles of
joy!”
“I’ll go along with you, Dan, and help you in every
way I can. I’ll take up a home-based job and...”
“You’ll have to do more. Cut down on expenses
and save every rupee you can.”
“Why, darling! You look so downcast.
A
nd so came the abrupt end of a long-cherished Aren’t you happy with the news?”
dream. Now, with no more gurgling babies to “I’ve some news too. I don’t know whether it’s
cuddle or lullabies to sing, with no more baby something to ring joy bells for us or not.”
chatter to send them into raptures and no pitter- He looked at her questioningly and she went on,
patter of baby feet to listen to, life became one long “I’m going to have a baby.”
grind for the couple. True, with a rupee saved here “You’re what?”
and another pinched there, the bank balance started “I’m going to have a baby,” she repeated.
growing steadily. “You’re not!”
But money can’t kick its feet up in the air as a “I am. I am. I AM. Can’t you understand that?”
baby does nor can it crow with delight when it sees “I can and I think it’s great. Simply Great! So why
you, and watching it grow is never the same as are you so despondent?”
watching a baby grow. “But, Dan, can’t you see? The children may not
Life continued in this lacklustre fashion for the like the idea.”
couple until one day Dan bounded home his voice “What have they to do with it? It’s our baby.”
ringing with excitement. “Daisy,” he shouted, “great “Oh, Dan, why can’t you
news! Wonderful news! An unexpected windfall! My understand? The children
grandaunt Agatha who was childless are grown up now and the
and who passed away some eldest is in college, you
months ago has left her know.”
whole landed property to “I do but what
my brother and me. I difference does that
heard this from her make?”
lawyer today. It’s in “Their friends
such a prime locality will start poking fun
that it will fetch us a at them and go on
princely sum. We can sniggering and
sell it and invest the passing snide
amount in shares. remarks. They’ll be
With the stock market the laughing stock
booming as it is now, of their college-mates
within a year, I’ll have a and it will be very
fortune in my hands. embarrassing for
That’ll give us enough funds them. Melissa openly
and that too without tears for spoke of this to me last
our children’s education. Our year when it had
babies are no longer a bane to happened to one of her
us, Daisy, but a boon! Isn’t that friends. She said the girl
great?” was so shattered by it all
“Maybe it is,” responded that she wanted to
Daisy desperately. give up studies.”
“Did she really? We never felt embarrassed in our love which left them both greatly touched. To top it
days.” all, there was a high tea at the end of which the bill
“Times have changed, Dan. Times have changed!” was presented to the anniversary couple amidst loud
“What shall we do about it now?” protests from them.
“Keep it a secret. For the present at least. Until I When at last the bedlam had subsided a little,
start showing.” there came a curt announcement, “And now comes
“How will that help?” the baby shower.”
“Right now it will save them from embarrassment “The what?” gasped mum not believing her ears.
and us from feeling guilty. In another two months it “The baby shower, mum! For the new baby!”
will be holiday time and they won’t be meeting the “But...what...who... who...how do you know
school and college crowd. With the children in their about it?”
teens their feelings have to be our prime concern.” “Oh, mum! D’you think we are muffs? We’ve
known all along!”
S
o the next baby became a top secret between “We could make out looking at you, auntie.”
the parents and that robbed them of the many “There were signs too. You were vomiting some
thrills that would otherwise have been theirs. months ago, weren’t you, auntie? D’you think those
With no guessing about the baby’s sex or betting on who saw you didn’t know what you were trying to
it, with no wondering like whom the baby would hide?”
look like or heated discussions on what to name it, Daisy looked confused and at a loss for words,
the days of waiting became drab and cheerless. But for she couldn’t believe what she was hearing when
it was all to save the children from embarrassment her daughter went on, “Oh, mum, you needn’t look
and the parents gamely took it in their so shocked and flustered. We learn all
stride. about it in our sex education classes.”
When the holidays came there was a “Just you “How terrible it is to think that you
lot of excitement as the children with some knew nothing of all this in your days and
of their cousins who were spending their wait and had to learn all about it only after getting
holidays with them, busied themselves with see! married!”
various activities, all behind closed doors. “Did you really, mum?”
There was whispering and singing in Tomorrow “We are well informed now and can
corners, talking and planning in hush-hush isn’t far tell very well when a baby is coming,”
tones, composing and writing, stitching chorussed the younger ones gleefully.
and ironing, but most of it was lost on away,” was “Did you hear that, Daisy?” whispered
mum who was nursing her own thoughts Dan. “We really believed it when we
and fears. That’s why she and Dan were
the laughing were told that the stork brought the babies
utterly surprised when one night the whole answer. and dropped them in the garden. But
lot came to say, “Tomorrow, is your now... “ he shook his head in disbelief.
wedding anniversary and we’re going to “Times have changed, Dan. They really
celebrate it!” have,” his wife said.
“Are you really – and how?” they both asked
T
flushed with a happy feeling. he baby gifts came in profusion – baby
“Just you wait and see! Tomorrow isn’t far away,” dresses and baby quilts, baby blankets and
was the laughing answer. feeding bottles, toys, baby kits and many other
In the tastefully decorated living room the next goodies – most of them retrieved from the loft,
evening with a few guests sitting around, the washed, ironed and kept ready for use. It was a
bustling brood entertained their parents with music, thoughtful gesture that left mum and dad
song and dance. There were skits written for the overwhelmed with joy. And, when all the gifts were
occasion where, with imagination running riot, they laid out, one of the little ones yelled, “Now starts the
enacted how mum and dad met, how he proposed guessing game. Boy or girl? Come on! Guess,
to her and how then they were married.The star of everyone!
the evening was the daughter dressed in mum’s Amidst shouting and gaiety the kids went on with
wedding attire and looking like mum on her their game while Daisy whispered to Dan, “My mind
wedding day. is at rest now, for I can be sure that the new baby
It brought back fond memories to mum and dad will find a home in the children’s hearts,” and Dan
of those memorable days, and all those who were smiled back saying, “Times may have changed,
present on that summer evening were delighted. Daisy, but for us old times are back again. They
Then came the hugging, kissing and expressions of surely are!” We

QA &
that case, as your doctor advised,
all you need is patience. If he is the
only child at home and you are a
working couple who remain away
from home for long periods of time,
it could be that he hasn’t started
speaking for the simple reason that
he hasn’t been talked to enough. If
this is the case, make him interact
with other children in the colony or
play school. Both of you should
also talk to him as much as
possible. Also get him examined by
a specialist for, sometimes, hearing
Q&
impairment can also lead to delay
bear to sit and do nothing about it. in speech.
Please tell us what to do.
I have a five-year-old son. The only You and your husband could
problem is that he wets his bed at consult your respective parents to My son is three years old. He has
night. All measures we have find out if either or you, your siblings very dry skin especially in winter.
attempted to rid him of this habit have or anyone in the family, started Could you advise what cream should
been in vain. Please help us cure him speaking late. If there is such a be used. What kind of food should be
of this habit for it is quite history in the family this could be the given?
embarrassing especially when reason for the delay in your child. In First of all get him examined by a
visiting cousins have to share his bed dermatologist to confirm or rule out
or when we have to stay elsewhere My son is in the any skin disease. If it is due to a skin
for some nights and have to carry his habit of scratching affliction the necessary medication
mackintosh with us. walls and eating and lotion will be prescribed. He will
Bedwetting usually runs in plaster! Please tell tell you whether the dryness is
families. The problem is commoner me how to make natural or a part of some disease
in boys than girls. The incidence him stop this habit. process. In the case of the latter,
decreases as the child grows older, I am afraid that it appropriate medicines and lotions will
so the chances are that your son may may cause harm. be prescribed.
stop bed wetting without treatment in Your son has a disorder called For dryness massage his skin with
the next year or so. In the meantime, pica which means a desire to eat oils like coconut or olive oil. Avoid
you could restrict his fluid intake for non-edible things. Though the using strong soaps on his skin. Use
A
at least two hours before bedtime. cause is not known, it could be mild glycerine-based soaps. Protect
Ensure that he passes urine before associated with neglect, his skin as much as possible from
going to bed. deprivation, insecurity or even direct exposure to the elements.
Praise him for the ‘dry’ nights but child abuse. Please be on the
do not scold or beat him after a wet look-out especially if you are a
night for he does not do it on working woman who has to leave My daughter is 10 months old and
purpose. Take him to the toilet at him alone for prolonged periods. has not yet developed a single tooth.
least once during the night. In the Also find out if there is a family Her gums however are hard. Is this
daytime teach him to hold his urine history of pica. As for manage - normal or do I need to consult a
for longer and longer periods so that ment of the situation, try doctor? What is the right age for the
the bladder is stretched and can hold distracting him whenever he starts first tooth to erupt?
larger amounts of urine for a longer scratching the wall, instead of The first tooth usually erupts
time. getting angry with him. Give him around the 6th month but there is a
attention, love and security. Try wide variation. If all her other
substituting the plaster with milestones are normal, sooner or
My son is three-and-a-half-year old. chewable calcium tablets. Get his later her teeth will erupt especially
He is a very active, intelligent child. haemoglobin tested as pica can now that her gums have become
The problem is that he hasn’t started be associated with iron deficiency hard. On the other hand if her other
speaking as yet. We have got him anaemia. Intake of dirt can lead to milestones – like neck holding, sitting
examined by our GP who says that worm infestation which has to be up etc – too are delayed she needs a
there is nothing wrong with him. He looked into. thorough check-up.
tells us to have patience but I can’t – Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD.

Chaat platter with spinach and lotus stems
SUMPT
SUMPTUOUS
DELIGHTS
Summer and monsoons is a time to enjoy a
variety of fruits and leafy vegetables. Try out
these unusual recipes with seasonal
ingredients. By Roma Ghosh
CHAAT PLATTER METHOD

Wash the spinach
WITH SPINACH leaves and allow the
leaves to dry. Scrape the
AND LOTUS lotus stem and cut into
STEMS very thin pieces.Wash
well and then sprinkle
INGREDIENTS: salt and rub the salt and Chicken with green mango paste
For the spinach pakoras: chilli powder and rub in
8-10 big spinach leaves with a
part of the stem
the garlic paste in the lotus stem
pieces and keep aside. CHICKEN WITH
11/2 cups of besan – gram flour
1 tsp of annar dana powder
Add 2 cups of water to the
besan, add the salt and the annar
GREEN
oil for deep frying
salt to taste
dana powder. Mix well and blend MANGO PASTE
with your fingers to get a dough
For the lotus stem pakoras: INGREDIENTS:
which is fluffy and smooth. Heat
250 gm of lotus stem – bhey 700 gm of chicken cut into small
the oil for deep frying. Dip the
1/ tsp of red chilli powder pieces
2 spinach leaves one at a time in
1 tsp of garlic paste 3-4 tbsp of oil
the besan batter and deep-fry on 1/ tsp of haldi powder
salt to taste both sides till golden brown. Dip 2
1 tbsp of coriander powder
To serve: the lotus stem pieces into the
1/ cup of chopped onions and 2 tsp of jeera powder
2 besan dough and fry a few pieces
3 tbsp of onion paste
tomatoes at a time turning once or twice so
salt to taste
2-3 tsp of mixed spices of chaat that both sides of the lotus stem
masala, jeera powder and red pakoras are fried till golden For the marinade:
chilli powder brown. Place these on a serving 1 cup of beaten curd
2 cups of sweetened whipped plate and sprinkle the chopped 3 tsp of ginger-garlic paste
curd onions and tomatoes, spices and 3 tbsp of coriander leaves paste
sweet and sour chutney or green the sweet whipped curd and serve 1 tbsp of mint leaves paste
chutney - optional as a chaat immediately. 3 tbsp of green mango paste

2 green chilli cut into small 1/ tsp of annar dana powder
2
pieces 1/
2 tsp or more of red chilli
salt to taste powder
METHOD 1 tsp of haldi powder
To prepare the mango paste – 200 gm of baby onions – peeled
remove the peel and the centre but kept whole – do not slice the
portion of the green mango and onions
cut into small pieces. Then grind 4 tbsp of tomato puree or paste
to a fine paste adding a few salt to taste
teaspoons of water. Mix the rest For the marinade:
of the ingredients for the Coffee and hung curd cake
200 ml of butter milk
marinade in a mixing bowl. 3 tsp of garlic
Sprinkle salt on the chicken of the mutton dish will depend on
3 tsp of green chilli paste – or your choice. Serve the mutton
pieces and then marinate the less as per taste
pieces with the prepared with appam or rotis.
salt to taste
marinade and keep aside for 1
hour. METHOD
Heat the oil in a thick-bottomed
pan or a pressure cooker and fry
Mix all the ingredients of the
marinade and marinate the COFFEE AND
the onion paste till translucent. mutton pieces in this and keep
aside for at least 5-6 hours. Heat
HUNG CURD
Add the chicken pieces with the
marinade and fry on medium heat a pressure cooker and cook the CAKE
for 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat mutton with the marinade and half INGREDIENTS:
and add the spices and salt to cup of water till the mutton is half 11/2 tbsp of coffee powder
taste. Keep stirring and frying cooked. Remove and keep aside. 1 tsp of baking powder
over low heat for a further 2-3 Heat the oil in a kadhai, lower the 1/ tsp of baking soda
2
minutes. Add 1 cup of water and heat and fry the onions till these
250 gm of maida
check for the salt. If you are using begin to change colour– this
220 gm of sugar
a pressure cooker then cook the should only take 1-2 minutes.
180 ml of thick curd
chicken only till 1 or 2 whistles of Now lower the heat and mix in the
40-50 gm of tinned cherries cut
the pressure cooker. If you are half cooked mutton. Add the
into small pieces
using a pan, then cover with a lid spices and cover with a lid and
cook on low fire till the mutton is For the hung curd layering:
and cook the chicken till the
almost tender. At this stage mix 2 cups of sweetened hung curd
pieces are tender. You can adjust 1/ tsp of coffee essence or
the thickness of the gravy as per in the tomato puree and stir well. 2
Cover again with a lid and cook vanilla essence
your taste. Serve with plain rotis
or paranthas for a summer meal. till most of the marinade has METHOD
evaporated. Here again the gravy Sift together the maida,
Mutton with baby onions
coffee, baking soda and
baking powder and keep
MUTTON and butter milk
aside in a mixing bowl. In a
WITH BABY mixer grind the sugar first
and then mix in the oil and
ONIONS the curd and blend
thoroughly. Now add the wet
AND BUTTER mixture into the dry
MILK ingredients a little at a time,
mixing all the time so that no
INGREDIENTS: lumps form. Mix in the cherry
750 gm of mutton pieces. You should have a
1/ cup of oil smooth batter. Grease a
2
3 tsp of jeera powder circular baking dish and pour

the contents into the baking dish the seeds from inside the papaya 1 very finely chopped green chilli
and bake in a preheated oven at so that you have a hollow in – optional
180 degree C for 35-40 minutes which you can fill the prepared 2 tbsp of pomegranate seeds
or until the top of the cake looks jelly. Prepare the jelly crystals as salt to taste
brown and a skewer when per instructions on the packet. METHOD
inserted in the centre of the cake Cool to room temperature and Beat the curd and add 150 ml
comes out clean. Allow the cake then pour this jelly solution before of cold water and blend well in a
to cool in the oven for 10 minutes. it begins to set into the papaya mixer and keep aside in the
Remove and allow the cake to hollow. Place the papaya standing fridge. Prepare the tempering by
cool completely. Once the cake upright in a container so that the heating the oil and adding the
has cooled cut the cake papaya with the jelly solution does mustard seeds and curry leaves
horizontally into three circular not move. Place the container in a and allow these to splutter. Once
pieces. fridge for the jelly to set inside the the seeds begin to splutter, put off
For the layering of the cake: papaya. This could take around the heat and add the ginger
Whip the hung curd and mix in the 3-4 hours. Once the jelly sets take pieces. Add this tempering and
essence to obtain a smooth paste a sharp knife and cut circles so the pomegranate seeds into the
of spreading consistency. Spread that you have papaya pieces with chaas just when you are about to
this on one of the layers of cake jelly in the centre. Serve chilled. serve it. Pour into four individual
and cover it with another circle. glasses and serve chilled.
Spread the remaining hung curd
as an icing and cut into slices and
serve chilled. SUMMER
BUTTER MILK SALAD LEAF
INGREDIENTS: BATTER FRIED
STUFFED 200 ml of curd (Salad leaf pakoras
PAPAYA WITH 2 tsp of ginger cut into very fine
pieces or strips
with mango flavour)
JELLY 3/ tsp of oil
4
1/ tsp of mustard seeds
INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch of green or red salad
INGREDIENTS: 2 leaves
8-10 curry leaves
1 small papaya weighing around 1 cup besan
300-350 gm 1/ tsp of ajwain – carom
2
1 packet of jelly crystals seeds
METHOD oil for deep frying
Keep the papaya whole but salt to taste
remove the peel and cut a thin For the spread:
circular strip on top and remove 300 gm of green
mango
Stuffed papaya with jelly 2 green chillies
1/ cup hung curd
2
METHOD
Peel the mangoes, remove the
kernel and cut into very small
pieces. With the green chillies
grind to a fine paste. Mix this
mango paste with the hung curd
and keep aside.
Separate the bunch of salad
leaves and choose 7-8 whole
Summer butter milk
leaves without any cracks in
them. Wash the leaves well and
Salad leaf batter fried METHOD
Peel both the
mangoes and remove
the centre portion. Cut
each of the mangoes
into long strips. Keep
aside. Heat only in a
kadhai and add the
whole spices and allow
these to splutter. Lower
the heat and add the Leafy jamboree
green mangoes and fry
pat-dry with a kitchen towel, till these begin to change colour –
taking care not to break them. On this should only take 1-2 minutes. pakoras or even with plain
each of the leaves spread the Now, add 150 ml of water and steamed rice.
prepared mixture gently with your allow the mango pieces to simmer
finger. Wrap or fold each of the in this water, covering with a lid
leaves once you have spread the
mixture and prepare ‘parcels’ or
for about 3 minutes. Mix in the
sweet mango pieces and stir LEAFY
wraps in this way. gently. Covering again with a lid
cook on low fire till the sweet
JAMBOREE
Make the batter by mixing the
besan, one and a half cups of mango begins to become tender INGREDIENTS:
water, salt and ajwain and blend and mushy. At this stage you 4 cups of any of the following
with your fingers to get a smooth could add a few tbsp of water if leafy vegetables: spinach, kalmi
batter. Heat enough oil for deep you want the chutney to be more saag, lal saag or sour palak or
frying. Dip each of the salad watery. Once the sweet mango any other saag available during
wraps into the besan and deep- pieces look tender, add the sugar this season – you could use any
fry only for a few seconds on each and stir. Let the sugar melt . Mix combination in any proportion
side. Serve hot with mango sweet the red chilli powder with 2 tsp of 4 pods garlic
and sour chutney. lukewarm water and add to the 2 green chillies
chutney. Bring the chutney to boil 2 chopped tomatoes
1/ cup of chana dal soaked in
over low heat. Put off and allow 2
to cool to room temperature. water for 1 hour
MANGO Serve at room temperature or
1/ tsp turmeric
2
cold. This chutney stays good in 1 tbsp coriander powder
SWEET AND the fridge for 2-3 days. Serve with 2 tsp of jeera powder
1/ tsp of amchur powder
SOUR Mango sweet and sour
2
1 tsp of oil
(Mango chutney) salt to taste
INGREDIENTS: METHOD
1 sweet mango weighing Wash the saag. Place the
around 150 gm dal, saag, spices and oil in a
1 green mango weighing pressure cooker and add
around 150 gm half cup of water and
2 tsp of mustard oil pressure cook till the
1 bay leaf vegetables are completely
2 cardamoms tender and so is the dal.
1 inch piece of cinnamon Allow to cool. Use a wooden
1 tsp of red chilli powder masher and mash the
1 tbsp of sugar – or more as preparation to obtain a smooth
per taste leafy jamboree. Serve with
salt to taste steamed rice.

SUMMER over so that both the sides of the
chicken are golden brown.
blending well. Mix in the chopped
cucumber, tomato pieces and
CHICKEN WITH Remove from the pan and now fry
in the same pan till the onions
chopped chillies if you are using.
Chill and serve as a cold soup
LENTILS AND and garlic are translucent. Add on a hot summer afternoon with
GREEN the mixed curry paste, mango

paste and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
sandwiches with summer spread.
MANGO Lower the heat and mix in the

cooked dal. Stir and cook for a
INGREDIENTS: further 2 minutes. Now, mix in the
400 gm of boneless chicken cut chicken pieces and 2 cups of
into medium pieces water. Cover with a lid and cook
1 cup of mixed dal – masor, the chicken pieces till they
mung and chana dal become tender and the dal gravy
1 medium onion cut into small is thick in consistency. Serve with
pieces paranthas.
1 tsp of red chilli powder
1/ tsp of haldi powder
2
1 tsp curry powder
3 pods of garlic CHILLED
4 tsp of green mango paste
4-5 tbsp of oil
ORANGE SOUP Sandwiches with summer spread
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp of garam masala powder
METHOD
150 ml of orange juice SANDWICHES
Soak the dals in water for 2
80 ml of pineapple juice
3 tbsp sugar
WITH SUMMER
hours and then cook in a pressure
cooker with 2 and a half cup of
1 cup water SPREAD
1 inch stick cinnamon
water and salt to taste. Cook till INGREDIENTS:
2 tsp of chopped cucumber
the dals are soft. Make a paste by
pieces For the spread:
mixing the haldi powder, chilli
2 tsp of chopped tomato pieces 3-4 peaches cut into quarters
powder, curry powder and keep
1 chopped green chilli - optional and seed removed
this mixed curry paste aside. Heat
1 sweet mango peeled and cut
the oil in a thick-bottomed pan METHOD
into small pieces
and fry the chicken pieces till light Cook the sugar, water and
2 tbsp of sugar or less
golden brown. While frying the stick cinnamon to a syrup. Cool
depending on how sweet the
chicken, add salt to taste and turn this syrup to room temperature
fruits are
Summer chicken with lentils and pass through a strainer and 1/ tsp of cinnamon powder
and green mango place in a large mixing bowl. Add 2
1/ tsp of chilli powder
the orange and pineapple juice, 2
1 apple cored but not peeled
Chilled orange soup
and grated finely
200 ml of apple juice
bread slices for the
sandwiches
METHOD
Bring 70-80 ml of water
to boil and in it add the all
the cut fruit pieces. Lower
the heat and allow the fruit
pieces to cook for 3-4 minutes,
stirring from time to time. Mix in
the apple juice and the spices.

Continue to simmer for another 3
minutes. Mix in the sugar and
keep stirring on low fire till the
sugar melts. Cook the spread till it
begins to thicken keeping in mind
that it will thicken further when left
to cool at room temperature. Cool
the spread and spread between
bread slices and serve chilled or
without chilling.
Mango and peach salad
cream to re-set. When serving 8-10 pieces of black jamun or

MUSK MELON scoop out the ice cream in such a mango pieces
way that a portion of the musk
ICE CREAM melon also scoops out with the
For the aam pana slush:
1 cup of aam pana
INGREDIENTS: ice cream. This sweet dish looks
good to serve. It’s simple to METHOD
1 musk melon
1/ litre or more of ice cream prepare but looks good to serve. To prepare the aam pana slush
2 you will need to freeze the aam
depending on how much fits into You could cut the melon with the
ice cream and serve it in medium pana in ice trays so that you have
the melon
pieces. ice cubes of aam pana. Just
METHOD before serving blend the aam
Cut the melon into two halves pana ice cubes in a mixer for a
vertically and remove the seeds
but do not peel the melon. You SUMMER few seconds only to get a crushed
form of aam pana.
will now have two halves of melon
and you will have to scoop out
REFRESHER To serve: Place a portion of
jelly in a glass. On this place a
some of the flesh from each INGREDIENTS:
portion of the aam pana crush
melon to get depressions or For two servings: and top with pieces of black
hollows in the melon. Do not 1 cup of prepared jelly jamun or sweet mango pieces.
scoop out all the pulp. You should 1 cup of aam pana slush
scoop only half way through the
melon to remove only a portion of
the melon. Blend the ice cream in MANGO AND
a mixer to get a liquid form. Pour
the ice-cream liquid into the
PEACH SALAD
scooped-out depressions and INGREDIENTS:
place in the freezer for the ice 2 sweet mangoes – any variety
3-4 sweet peaches
Musk melon ice cream 4 tomatoes
2 chopped green chillies
1-2 spring onion
2 tbsp mint leaves - chopped
1 tbsp coriander - chopped
Juice of 1 lime
3 tbsp olive oil
pinch of sugar
salt, pepper to taste
METHOD
Summer refresher Peel the mangoes and remove
the kernel and cut the flesh into
long thin strips. Cut the peaches
into quarters and remove the Vegetable with green
seed. mango and coconut
Dice the tomatoes and chilli,
chop the mint, coriander. Combine
the tomatoes with the chilli, mint,
coriander, lime juice and olive oil.
Place in a salad bowl and then
add the mangoes and peaches.
Season with the sugar, salt,
pepper to taste. Chill and serve.
SPICY
MOCKTAIL
300 ml vegetable juice - any
combination
We have used beetroot and 1/
8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1 medium potato cut into thick
carrot juice
dash of freshly ground black pieces the size of kundrie
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon
pepper 3-4 tsp of oil
juice
olives and lemon and lime small bunch of curry leaves
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1/ tsp of mustard seeds
wedges, optional 2
1 tbsp grated horseradish - 1/ tsp of haldi powder
salt to taste 4
mooli
2 tbsp sugar METHOD salt to taste
Combine tomato juice, lemon For the paste:
juice, Worcestershire, green mango weighing around
horseradish, salt, sugar, hot 200 gm
pepper sauce and black pepper, fresh coconut one piece
stirring well. Refrigerate for 1 weighing 150 gm
hour. Place 2 or 3 tablespoons of 3 pods garlic
salt in a saucer. Rub rims of 2 green chillies
serving glasses with a lime
wedge. Spin rims of each glass in METHOD
salt to coat; set aside. Fill each Trim both the ends of the
prepared glass with ice; pour kundrie and make a slit in the
tomato juice and add a few olives centre. Wash well, sprinkle salt
and a piece of lime in each glass and keep aside. Grind all the
and serve chillied ingredients for the paste. Heat
the oil in a kadhai and add the
kundrie pieces and fry on low heat
VEGETABLE for 2-3 minutes.

If you are using potatoes add
WITH GREEN at this stage and fry on low heat
for another 2 minutes.
MANGO AND Mix in the spices and add 2
COCONUT tbsp of water and cover with a lid

and cook on low fire till the
INGREDIENTS: kundries and potatoes are tender.
250 gm of kundrie - green Mix in the wet paste and stir-fry
vegetable – gherkin like for another 2-3 minutes. Serve
vegetable with rotis. We
Spicy Mocktail
Kaushik (Famous Designer), Rahul Popli (Jewellery
Fashionista designer), Rahul Dutta (Portfolio Guru), Mr Anil Kapur
Inaugurates (Textile Designer), Mr Vijay Roy (Fashion Stylist).
Second
Centre at Nuby launches
Paschim Bisphenol
Vihar A-free range of
Fashionista, the baby products
biggest ever Fashion Nuby, world’s No. 1 infant
School of the industry care feeding and teething
housing the top company comprehends the
Fashion houses, has harmful effects of Bisphenol
added another feather A (BPA) in children and the
in its cap with the environment and thus
launch of Paschim Vihar Centre under the care of Ms launched the all new range of BPA-free baby products,
Alpna and Ms Bhawna. The distinguished fashion creating an awareness of the same amongst the people.
designer, Abdul Halder and Managing Director of On the occasion, Mr Kartik Raina, Director, Radiohms
Fashionista Ms Neetu P Manikatalia inaugurated the Agencies Limited, licensee distributors of Nuby in Asia
Centre on Saturday, 16 May, 2009 at M2K mall, said, “Nuby is sensitive to the harmful effects of BPA in
Pitampura. The evening witnessed a scintillating fashion baby products. BPA is a chemical known to mimic the
preview of fashion designer Abdul Halder and Canadian hormone estrogen in the body, which can cause changes
Apparel brand Groggy, modelled by Krishna Somani, in developing foetuses and infants, and induce early
Jayshree Tahiliani, Ruchi Malhotra, Divya Bakshi and puberty in girls.
many ‘International Models’. Also the occasion was In India, the people are largely unaware of how
graced by Mr Pradeep Arora – CEO of Groggy, Mr destructive this chemical can be for infants, although the
Sandeep-Ostermann, Mr Sanjay Bhat- VP, Marketing, chemical is banned in some states of the US and Canada.
M2K and Mr Sanjay Kaul-VP, Operations, M2K. Nuby’s vision is to create a BPA-free world for infants for
Ms Alpna and Ms Bhawna, Center Directors of their healthy growth.”
Fashionista says, “After making a mark in Interior Speaking at the launch of Nuby BPA-free products,
designing we have now diversified in the fashion Ms Nidhi Khaitan Modi, Executive Director of
industry with fashionista to nurture unrefined talents and Radiohms Agencies Limited, said, “We already have
also encouraging them to get to know the dynamics of the presence in 2,200 outlets across the country and plan
fashion world and aspire for proficient career. Fashionista to reach 5,000 stores by 2010, thereby increasing our
will garner in students the technical skills to sway and revenue by more than double in this segment. We hope
respond to social change by setting style in visual culture to reach to our customers through the extensive
and global fashion.” distribution of network and our trusted partners across
Fashionista is led by Ms Reynu Tandon (Renowned the country.”
Designer) in the advisory panel and a team of leading The price of the products ranges from Rs 160 to Rs
professionals like Mr Abdul Halder (well-known 700. The range is available in pharma stores and leading
Designer), Rahul Dutta (Fashion photographer), Hemant retail outlets across the country.
Click
Yo u r P e r s o n a l A g o n y A u n t O n l i n e Powered by
MANJU MALHI
TAKING UK BY STORM
Specialisation in any field
means success. By Ameeta Sharma
he world of successful chefs something as individualistic as and my mother, brother and I packed
T
is highly competitive. More herself. At the turn of the last our bags and flew to India. My father
so, if you are of Indian origin, millennium, 1999, Manju won a stayed behind to sell the house. But
settled in London, yet taking competition to be a guest chef for the he died of a heart attack in London
full pride in the Indian cuisine BBC’s programme, Food and Drink while we were settling in school and
– and that seems the perfect and later invited for a second Indian life thousands of miles away.
introduction to Manju Malhi. I appearance. Another TV series were At the time, I was extremely upset
first met Manju when she aired in early 2001 and followed by being 10 years old. But it must have
was invited to Delhi by the books with easy to follow innovative been devastating for my mother who
British High Commission to recipes. Today, she is successful on was still so much in love with him.
do a show just before the IFE in TV, radio, and the shelves of They had eloped to Britain against
Delhi. Then I met her a couple of bookstores, and agrees to respond family wishes back in the late sixties.
months later at the Jaipur Literary to some questions as well. We had to return to London.
Festival where once again she was Luckily, the house never got sold and
showcasing some English dishes What was it like being born and we were now back in a harsh Britain
tweaked for the Indian palate. growing up in UK for you and your where iron lady Mrs Thatcher and her
Manju was raised in north-west brother? We never get a clear ‘uptight’ policies made it difficult for
London, is heavy on Indian culture, picture of 'Indian-origin' kids as anyone of Asian origin to feel
traditions and lifestyle but just as some seem to have an extreme accepted in British society regardless
easily displays her quirkiness with a environment? of whether one was born British or
streak of red in her hair – yes, it’s It was an interesting upbringing not.
real and, yes, she had it styled and just like any childhood which wasn’t Enduring bullying and racism at
dyed in the UK. Her accent is typical totally idyllic. It all started to get tough school, I carried on with some kind
of the area she has lived in but she when my father died at an early age of life, lacking the confidence needed
also speaks Punjabi and Hindi and of heart disease in the late seventies. to get ahead. My mother made sure
the accent just about vanishes. My mother became a young widow we had food and clothing and worked
Today, her unique personality and had to look after me and my round the clock as a nurse at the
extends to her food style – the Brit- younger brother. I was faced with all local hospital. But, for all that
Indi style – which mixed Indian and sorts of challenges. Our family had happened, I never gave up and
Western influences to create decided to start a new life in Mumbai, Britain made me what I am today.

You said you were in India for a
couple of years as your parents
toyed with the idea of shifting
back. How did that displacement
feel, and was going back a good
experience?
My experiences for a couple of
years in India were full of pleasant
surprises. Just like in Britain, I felt like
an outsider but in a nice kind of way.
The people in Mumbai were very
friendly. I learnt how to read and write
Hindi and I gradually started coming
out of my shell. My dad’s unmarried
younger brother took on the guardian
role and things got easier for all of
us. I loved my uncle to bits. I
remember how, after a hard day at
work as an engineer at a steel plant,
he would spend each evening bring my friends home where my food. The menu included masala
helping me with my studies. I am so poor mum would rustle up spicy shepherd’s pie, cauliflower cheese
glad that I had that opportunity to snacks. Sometimes I would help her with cumin and fruit crumble made
experience the Indian education and watch her cooking techniques. from seasonal fruits with a cardamom
system and life in India. Then I began to write the recipes custard.
down and created a kind of database. I loved working with the chefs at
In India so much emphasis is I loved watching cooking shows too. Clarks Amer in Jaipur who were
on 'graduation' whereas you have My career started when I entered a eager to learn and I was keen to
a successful career despite no competition. It was a sort of ‘cookery broaden my knowledge of operating
university - were you happy with idol’ style competition where entrants in a professional hotel kitchen. I also
education in UK and why did you had to send a tape of them cooking a loved that whole experience of
give it up? dish in an interesting way. I didn’t schmoozing with the International
After my father passed away, my have a kitchen, so I prepared Literateri. It was a real eye opener
mother, brother and I returned to the coriander chutney in the garden in and writers are so laid back and open
UK. When I went back to school in the middle of winter with all the to new ideas.
London, I began to do well ingredients flying around!
academically. However, I loved the Despite the technical hitches, I Would you consider getting
media and my mother tells me that, won the competition to cook on married and staying behind in
when I was a child, I didn’t much care British television with a leading India?
for dolls but loved microphones and celebrity chef Antony Worrall India is a complex yet beautiful
improvised with a skipping rope Thompson. Then came requests to place where tradition sits next to
interviewing my father. So I suppose cook ‘curry’ on other TV shows and modernity in all aspects of life
my heart was in radio and television. my book called Brit Spice. including food, love and marriage. It
Plus, I didn’t get the grades for the is open to ideas from outside and is
courses I wanted to do which were You were recently invited to the prepared to experiment and be more
veered towards the sciences leading literary festival – what was your adventurous in its approach to
to some kind of career in medicine. brief there and did you enjoy it? different ideals from the West. (And
So I thought I should pursue another I was asked to create a menu she shrugs her shoulders, not rising
avenue and see where it takes me. I using British ingredients and the to the bait of married life in India!)
volunteered at a local radio station Indian spices which would be served
covering stories and then got a full- at a luncheon for 300 authors and What makes you happy as a
time job as a DJ and presenter. press. Plus I conducted a small person? Something simple or
cooking demonstration where I made something complex – what makes
Today, your career as a cook- a tadka bread snack and some chilli you tick?
book writer and chef is on the rise paneer using tomato ketchup while What really make me happy are
but how did it all start for you? James Asher and Mahesh the simple things in life – rice daal
I suppose I was always interested Vinayakram played Indo British music and looking at the sky where you’re
in what my mother used to make in from their album Bravado Masala. So never far from reaching for the stars
the kitchen. After school, I would it was a session of fusion, funk and and all your hopes and dreams. We

It could be
crippling not only for
the woman but also
for her family when
she is down. So
urgent medical
attention is essential.
By Dr Sonal Agarwal
CHRONIC
PELVIC PAIN
IN
WOMEN
any of my relatives’ and
MAIN CAUSES OF family is complete then, the uterus
M
friends’ wives complain of and Fallopian tubes have to be
pain in the lower abdomen PELVIC PAIN removed by operation to give
and pelvic region. This As the uterus, Fallopian tubes, permanent relief from problems due
problem is very common ovaries and other reproductive to PID.
in adult women. Long-term organs are situated in the pelvic Sometimes, a tumour in the uterus
(chronic) pelvic pain can region, any condition which affects (fibroid) or ovaries (ovarian cyst) can
affect their lifestyles and them can cause pain. An infection in also cause lower abdominal pain.
work efficiency. Many the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes, is Besides these, many other genital
women have to take leave called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
from their work and some are unable (PID), and the most common cause
to perform household work due to of pain in the lower abdomen in
pelvic pain. The whole of the family women. It can occur to any woman
depends on the lady of the house, so but it is common after abortion or
when the lady is unwell, the whole delivery. If it is not treated properly
family life is affected. Most women initially, it may become chronic PID,
try to ignore their problems and do which is quite troublesome and
not take medical advice and suffer. difficult to treat.
Although most women think that PID causes fever, abnormal
pelvic pain is due to problems in the vaginal discharge, tenderness in the
genital organs it can occur because lower abdomen and pelvic region
of many causes. Some of them may besides pain. Chronic PID can make
be serious, so women should consult women weak and irritable.
a doctor and undertake appropriate Sometimes, they are unable to
investigations to know the underlying conceive and bear children. PID
cause of the pelvic pain, then take should be treated promptly and
proper, adequate treatment so that adequately by antibiotics.
they become healthy. Sometimes, if it is serious, and their

organ diseases can also cause pelvic
pain.
Women suffering from pelvic pain
Advanced Endometriosis
should consult the gynaecologist
without hesitation. They will find out Fallopian Tube
the cause of the pain after exami -
nation and necessary investigations Uterus
and will be treated accordingly.
Pain in the lower abdomen during
pregnancy should never be ignored
as it may have serious conse -
quences. It may be indicative of
abortion if associated with bleeding. If
Enlarged
pregnant ladies experience Ovary
abdominal pain, they should
immediately consult the doctor,
Cervix
Vagina
Fibroid
tumours may
associated with UTI by urine examination and urine
occur in
various
vaginal discharge culture, it should be properly and
regions of the and/or bleeding. adequately treated.
uterus In all pregnant If women ignore UTI, or take
women abdominal inadequate treatment, it can recur
pain is not because of again and again, and may become
obstetrical reasons. It resistant to antibiotics.
can also be due to the
enteritis which also
preferably an obstetrician and causes loose motions, constipation, STONE IN KIDNEY
gynaecologist, who will examine and amoebiasis, and worm infestations Stone in kidney, or ureter or
do the necessary tests to know the which are very common problems in urinary bladder usually causes
status of pregnancy and foetus, and our country. They can also cause attacks of very severe pain, usually
will treat accordingly. abdominal pain in women. These starting from the back and radiating
In early pregnancy, severe lower diseases can be easily confirmed by to the pelvis and groin along with
abdominal pain, pelvic pain, bleeding stool examination and other burning, frequent urination and
and fainting may be due to ectopic necessary tests. They must be sometimes blood in the urine. Urinary
pregnancy — i.e., when, treated properly and adequately. bladder stones can cause severe
instead of the uterus, the The urinary bladder, ureter and pain in the pelvic region.
foetus has been implanted urethra lie in the pelvic, while the The stones in the urinary tract can
in the wrong place like the kidney is situated slightly higher be confirmed by an X-ray, ultrasound
Fallopian tube. Ectopic up. Infections, stones and other and other tests of the abdomen.
pregnancy is very serious diseases of the urinary tract Treatment depends upon the
and life-threatening if not can cause lower abdomen and symptoms and finding of
treated promptly pelvic pain. These conditions investigations.
and energetically by also cause frequency of Besides the above common
a gynaecologist by urination, burning and/or causes of pelvic pain, many other
operation and life- pain during urination conditions such as bone diseases
supportive treatments. and sometimes fever like spondylitis, prolapsed discs,
Lower abdominal with chills. osteoporosis, osteopornia and many
pain in later pregnancy Urinary tract other diseases can sometimes cause
may be due to early infection (UTI) is lower backache which may radiate to
labour pains and should very common in the pelvic region.
be immediately reported women, especially After excluding the above causes
to a specialist doctor, during pregnancy and after these diseases should be
especially when delivery. After confirming considered. We
When you get
an overflow of the
same kind of gift,
here’s what to do
with the extras.
By A. C. Tuli
GIFTS IN TRANSIT
iddharth’s parents had more school friends of Siddharth second, surprisingly, also carried a
S
decided to arrange a grand walked in. The attractively packed wristwatch. The third pack, slightly
tea party on his 11th gifts and bouquets that they had bigger than the other two, promised
birthday. So they drew up a brought for Siddharth were deposited to break the monotony of
list of their son’s friends on a side-table. Siddharth’s uncles wristwatches. And it did indeed – it
whom he wanted to invite on and aunts also dropped in to wish was an alarm clock!
this occasion. Besides, they him a long life. They, too, had When the fourth pack, larger than
also decided to invite their brought gifts for him. the previous three, was torn open, all
close relatives to share their When the party was over and the of them were a little startled, for this
happiness. guests had departed, Sheela set time it was a quartz wall-clock.
All arrangements for the tea party about washing and cleaning up in the Siddharth had not yet taken his eyes
were made to the entire satisfaction kitchen. It was now quite late in the off it when his mother, tearing open
of Siddharth’s parents. His mother, evening, and Siddharth’s parents another oblong pack, said with a note
assisted by their domestic help were feeling rather tired and wanted of disappointment in her voice, “Oh,
Sheela, was bustling about to ensure to rest for a while. Suddenly, it’s a timepiece fixed in a pen-stand.”
that everything was okay before the Siddharth heard his mother asking When all the packs had been
party began. His father was ringing him if he would like to see his opened, they took stock of the final
up the confectioner with whom the birthday gifts now or in the morning? tally - wristwatches three, alarm
family had placed the order for “Mama,” replied Siddharth, “I think clocks three, and wall clocks four,
Siddharth’s birthday cake. I had better see these gifts now, apart from the timepiece embedded
The first guest to turn up at their otherwise I’ll go to bed thinking of all in the pen-stand.
house was Vikrant, their son’s best these packs and wondering what Siddharth’s father wondered what
friend. Vikrant came accompanied by each one of them contained.” zany impulse it was that had inspired
his mother. Both of them wished While his mother set about their guests to plump for watches,
Siddharth many, many happy returns removing the wraps from the clocks and timepieces as gifts for
of the day. They handed him his cardboard boxes, his father sat down their son. Was it some kind of joke
birthday gift, packed in a cardboard on the sofa to give his tired limbs on their part to jointly convey to
box that was wrapped in a yellow some rest. The first pack that was Siddharth the age-old truth that time
translucent paper. Shortly afterwards, opened contained a wristwatch. The is a precious commodity and,

therefore, should not be wasted? But fountain pens or a dozen table-lamps already enough of them in our home.
on second thoughts, it seemed to him as gifts from your friends on your My study has one beautiful wall clock
rather foolish and far-fetched to think birthday, will you be able to use all in it. There is also an alarm clock on
that there was any kind of considered of them? Of course you won’t be. So, my study-table. Besides, I have two
plan behind it. Their guests had come what should one do with a superfluity wristwatches – one given by you and
from different parts of the city, and of gifts of one particular kind? the other by grandpa on my last
most of them were unknown to each “The other day when we met at a birthday. So I don’t need even
other. kitty party, Mrs Kapoor said, ‘Giving wristwatches now.”
“What shall we do with all these and taking of gifts has nowadays
wristwatches, alarm clocks and wall become a dull, mechanical routine in
clocks?” Siddharth’s father wondered our life. In fact, I call the gifts I GENEROUS GESTURE
after a while. “We have already receive from friends and relatives on “Yes, that’s why we’re asking you
enough of them in the house. my children’s birthdays and some what you propose to do with these
Obviously, we’ll have to keep all other occasions as gifts-in-transit. gifts,” said his mother.
these gifts dumped in some They come, stay with me for a while, “Mama, I think we should give one
cupboard.” and then find their way to other wall-clock to Sheela, our jharoo-
Siddharth’s mother, however, had homes.’ So, like Mrs Kapoor, we too pochawali ,” he replied. “She is so
already decided how these gifts were should regard these gifts as gifts-in- poor that she can’t afford a wall clock
to be used. So she said, “Why, I think transit.” for her house. Then, she has a
these gifts can be gifted away again.” However, in this matter school-going son almost my age.
“Gifts can be gifted away again? Siddharth’s father thought in a Why shouldn’t we give her one
What do you mean by that?” asked different way. A gift, he said wristwatch for her son? He’ll be so
her husband sharply, for he had not emphatically, was a gift and, happy to receive this gift from us. So,
followed this riddle. therefore, ought to be cherished for mama, please give Sheela these two
“The sensible thing to do,” replied its sentimental associations. But things when she comes out of the
Siddharth’s mother, “is to give these then, suddenly, a thought struck his kitchen after finishing her chores.
gifts, of course under fresh mind. Why had they all this while not “Besides, Ram Lal, the mali who
wrappings, to friends and relatives as asked Siddharth what he wanted to looks after our plants, is also very
and when an occasion arises for do with all these wristwatches, alarm poor. The other day I heard him say
doing so,” she replied. clocks and wall-clocks? After all, that his daughter was nowadays
“But shouldn’t a gift that these gifts were meant working hard for her matriculation
you receive on a particular for him. examinations. We can give him one
occasion be cherished as a SIDDHARTH’S When they put this alarm clock and one wristwatch for
gift? It’s after all a sort of question to Siddharth, his daughter. She really needs them.
memento,” protested her
FATHER the boy thought over it Similarly, the chowkidar of our locality
husband. LOOKED for a while, and then has a school-going son. So, he also
“No need to be sentimental VERY said, “Well, dad, you deserves to be given one of these
about it,” she said, with an SURPRISED, have rightly said we wall-clocks for his house.”
impatient wave of her hand. “If SINCE HE don’t need all those Siddharth’s father looked very
you receive, say, a dozen alarm clocks and wall- surprised, since he had till now little
HAD TILL clocks, since we have inkling that his son nursed in his
NOW LITTLE heart such generous feelings for the
INKLING poor. But he also felt a little ashamed
THAT HIS of himself, as he wondered why this
Siddharth thought had not struck his mind in the
accepting
SON first instance – the thought that gifts
birthday gift. NURSED IN acquire added value when these are
HIS HEART given to the needy.
SUCH To Siddharth’s mother, it was also
GENEROUS something in the nature of a
revelation – and also a lesson - that
FEELINGS her son was so generous towards
FOR THE the poor. In fact, she was now no
POOR. longer inclined to follow her kitty
friend Mrs Kapoor’s clever
advice about recycling gifts
under fresh wrappings if one did
not need them for oneself. We
Stylish: Her
magnificent attire can
match the most
expensive apparel with
its magical impact.
White is the
colour of
sobriety and
beauty. It lends
a graceful
charm to the
woman in white.
It is truly said
that white colour
can outdo any
other colour.
The elegance of the
Dazzling white
Enough is
enough: This
pose in the
natural setting is
enough to pull
any man to her
like a puppet on
a string.
Stepping out:
She is all set for
the date with her
prince charming.
Princess of
romance: Who
will not line up
to get her hand?
On a pedestal:
She seems to
be saying that
you have to rise
to her heights
to get her.
Designed by: Nazar Boutique

New Delhi, Ph: 011-32988456, Mob: 09971027711
QA &
TEEN ACHE
TEEN CHE
good to me too. I feel that for my
A
mother’s sake, a divorce is best, but
my sister weeps and throws tantrums
every time we take up the topic. She
also advise and offer solutions for the
problem.
Further, if all this fails,instead of a
final divorce, a separation can be
wants father to stay with us. How can tried out for a short time before
Q&
I get her to accept the idea? making a decision. Sometimes,
Children are usually the silent, simply keeping away from each other
I am a 16-year-old high school girl neglected victims of their parents’ helps to put the relationship in the
who feels confused and is in need of discord and the resultant lack of right perspective and many issues
help. I always walk home from school harmony in the house. If the divorce can be resolved.
alone. Since a month a young man is causes great trauma in your sister, Anyway, with a little stalling, the
following me, keeping a distance all your parents should do a rethink. situation can improve, or your sister
the way. Sometimes, he smiles and Perhaps, a marriage counsellor can too can become more used to the
waves, and seems to want to talk to assist in crafting a patch-up between idea of divorce between your parents.
me. Do you think he has fallen in love them. Discreet and loyal relatives can She can even stay with your father
with me? My friends are encouraging for long stretches of time.
me to pick up a conversation and find In the meanwhile, your parents
out what he wants. I am afraid should make her feel secure and
though. He follows me only when I My boyfriend is very loved, and assure her that their
am alone, so I cannot have a friend fond of me and shows support for her will always be there.
with me if I decide to speak to him. me off to his friends
This man is a stalker who is like a prize. We are
keeping tabs on your movements. both 18 years old and Please advise me as early as
Don’t ever stop to talk to him, or plan to get married. One thing possible. Last week, when bathing, I
encourage him in any way. The fact keeps troubling me. He admires felt some lumps in my breasts,and
that he follows you only when you are my good looks, figure, complexion am terrified that I have cancer. I have
alone shows his dubious intent. You and hair all the time, and says that no mother and my father is bringing
A
must tell your parents about this I should always remain just as I am up my two younger brothers and me,
person so that you do not come to now. Does he care only for my single-handedly, after my mother’s
any harm. Also ensure that there is a external appearance? Will he love sudden death due to heart failure. I
companion with you when you walk me when I grow older and become cannot discuss my problem with him.
home. The idea that he has fallen in less attractive? Please tell me what the symptoms of
love with you is silly. Don’t listen to You will have to find out breast cancer are. Will I die young? I
your friends’ irresponsible advice. yourself whether he cares for you am only a 15-year-old girl.
as a person or just a trophy Stop worrying. You can certainly
girlfriend whom he can display to rule out cancer because you are
We are two sisters, of ages 17 and his friends. If he is obsessed by talking of multiple lumps in both
12. Our parents are always having your looks, his interest may wane if breasts. It is most likely to be
violent quarrels. They are two you begin to change...and change lumpiness which occurs harmlessly
different personalities and just cannot is inevitable. Since marriage plans in adolescence, especially during
agree on any issue. Recently, our are still far away, you have a lot of periods, or simple cysts. To rule out
mother told me that she is thinking of time to make up your mind about all dire possibilities, just visit a
divorce as the atmosphere at home is him. You should agree to marriage friendly gynaecologist in your
not healthy for us, the children. I only if you feel certain that he will neighbourhood. Take a friend along,
agree with her as I am tired of my be with you all through your life, or a relative you feel close to. It is
father’s drunken brawls. But my kid however much you change very rare for girls of your age to
sister is simply devastated by the physically. Otherwise, you will be develop cancer. Nevertheless, it is
idea. She is my father’s pet and he under constant pressure to look best you seek medical advice to set
pampers her a lot, although he is good. your mind at rest.

A traditional western look
The same
head is creating
different scenes
with this
Changing
variety of
hairdos.
hairstyles
An ethnic style
Out and out westernly modernistic
Long locks
Hair done in varied styles

Incredibly overwhelming hairdo undoubtedly adds glamour and
charm to any woman whose
sex appeal gets augmented
tenfold.
Beautiful
and curly
THE METRO-CENTRIC
ARTIST
ities, particularly the Besides your tutors, who else
C
metros, become the canvas from the world of art has played a
on which Maya Karanjikar major role in shaping your skill as
likes to leave her artistic a portrait painter and landscapist?
imprint. Having spent her I have been greatly influenced by
student days in Mumbai, the works of the late Raja Ravi
the scholar painter was Verma and I often visit the National
guided by her tutors to Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi to take
study faces and figures, a close look at these masterpieces.
cityscapes and structures in
the metro space during her daily Raja Ravi Verma is known for
I must admit that travels. This practice, now a part of his mythological works and the
my friends have her artistic makeover, has made
Maya one of the foremost painters of
portraits of royal families,
particularly those of Travancore
played a great the capital’s aam janata. Thus, even
when she is out shopping for her
and Baroda, but you paint ordinary
people in everyday life. How do
role in making me daily necessities, she can
often be seen engrossed
you connect to his
figures?
understand the in her sketch pad or True, that Ravi Verma
behind the camera lens, painted princesses and
true value of a having spotted the right queens and goddesses,
face in the milieu. No but they were aspects of
happy existence,” wonder Maya is greeted the feminine form. I like
with pleasurable surprise to paint female forms and
says the artist. and urged to complete that is the common link,
the portrait of cityscape the source of my study
By Subhra Mazumdar with great enthusiasm, by and my deeper
the subject she initially understanding of Indian
spotted by chance. art, as a whole.

Waiting for her loved one.

When you paint a female form As your art is like a map of
what are the aspects that you keep human emotions, have you
in mind? painted other forms of life that
Instead of painting a flat face, or a bring happiness to us?
face in the midst of a crowded Of course. I very often I paint
setting, I draw attention to my figure flowers and leaves. These flower
by bringing out the reality behind the studies are realistic in form, but their
obvious. In other words, I make a colourations and freshness convey
serious study of what emotions are people’s closest link with happiness–
visible in her face. I try to imagine nature. I paint flowers as being
what feelings she is experiencing in viewed through a house window, or
her mind and then paint the same in in the midst of a busy bazaar, or such
my female form. This makes the form settings where human beings are
expressive, as if she is trying to say brought in close contact with fragrant
something through my canvas. blooms.
Besides portraiture and city What techniques

life what other medium of the have you adopted in
visual arts influences your your art works?
work? My concentration in
I am very inspired by the film art is to create a
media. Recently the film Slumdog contrast. This contrast
Millionaire has left me thinking. I is achieved through
am goaded into doing a set of punctuated spaces. If a
paintings around the movie. painting has a single
figure at the centre, I
What figures will the like to keep that form
paintings portray? Slum pristine. The back -
children? Elders? ground, then, is heavily
On the contrary, it is not the worked on, in both
figures but the music that is my colours and textures.
source of inspiration. I have Thus, the portrait
already started a series on seems to stand out
musical instruments, based on the against the heavily
award-winning musical number. The backdrop of the Oscar worked backdrop. On
musical instruments series has a trophy on it in each of the other hand, where
them, whereas the the figure is heavily
foreground of the works adorned and attention-
depicts the resonance of drawing, I prefer to
music through this theme. keep the background
deliberately under -
Where have you exhibited this played. Then my colour palate is
series? muted and toned or follows as close
This series formed a part of my to nature as possible.
latest exhibition held at the capital’s
Visual Arts Gallery. It consisted of 20 What is your schedule of work?
oil works on musical instruments, As I have my studio in my home, it
most of them of Indian origin. The is the mornings and late evenings
forms were not mere copies of these that are best suited to my individual
instruments, but expressed the work. During the day, I hold classes
emotion of happiness and joy that the for students on art and keep time
musician and the listener share when aside for social interaction with
music is played. Invariably there was clients and viewers who drop by to
the Oscar trophy in the work, a give me encouragement. I must
reminder of the joy, pride and admit that my friends have played a
musicality that the entire nation great role in making me understand
enjoyed when the number Jai Ho the true value of a happy existence
reverberated across the screen. and that is what reflects in my art. We

LIVING ART
An artist whose source of inspiration
is nature. By Our Correspondent
rtist Shyam Porwal has me. I can go on painting nature
A
lived art since his forever, yet will never feel bored or
childhood. Hailing from a tired.”
small village in the Oraiya The phrase ‘life is the wisest but
(formerly in Etawah) district harshest teacher’ applies well to
of Uttar Pradesh, Shyam Shyam. In his childhood, his art
realised his artistic talent in helped his classmates and teachers,
his schooldays, when his and hence he had been in great
classmates approached demand whatever be the occasion.
him to get their sketches But his activity did not remain limited
and figures drawn. This was how to his school environs only.
ABOUT THE ARTIST Shyam Porwal refined his drawing During his tenure as an artist in
Shyam Porwal skills. But he did not remain confined the village, Shyam widely traversed
Date of birth: 15 March 1960 to sketches only. Soon, he around his native village and came
Self-taught artist active in art field discovered the village’s natural across a number of old monuments.
for the past 30 years. surroundings luring him. The He was shocked to see the abject
His greatest strength is the influence of nature that he got then condition of those buildings. They
confidence in himself. still continues to dominate his were all lying in ruins and nobody
Apart from painting, he also writes paintings. took care of him. Even the
poems in Hindi. According to the artist, “Nature is Archaeological Survey of India,
Contact: Mo. 9818334182 the greatest source of inspiration for seemed doing nothing about them.
E-mail: shyamartist@ymail.com But the artist’s tender heart
throbbed for them and his
futuristic vision saw a lasting
beauty in those structures. He
painstakingly began to
catalogue them through his
paint and brush. His collection
of drawings based on historical
monuments may well be a
treasure trove for any art lover
as well as for history scholars.
But rural life has its
limitations and soon Shyam felt

Glimpses of greenery.

on the intimate relations between
man and woman ( purush and
prakriti).
Shyam is ready to tap his art
commercially. He says, “I have done
a lot of charity in the past. Now, it is
the time to tap the commercial
potential of art.” He is particularly
critical of the indifferent attitude
shown by the big and famous art
galleries towards the young and
budding artists. According to him,
these galleries and malls are totally
unsupportive and always run after the
big names. But this is not going to be
so forever. If these galleries have to
avoid monotony, they will have to
encourage and accommodate young
and emerging artists also, he feels.
The artist has closely seen village
and urban life. Upon asking what
difference he sees between them, he
says, “In villages, your circle is quite
small. All the people know each
other; they share their joys and
sorrows together. But in cities, the
situation is totally different. People
meet with one another like strangers.
The pressure of
commercialisation is very
that he was running out of strong. And no one can
subjects and his work was escape this pressure.”
unable to fetch a good How is this
return. So Shyam migrated commercialisation affecting
to the district headquarters the artists? Answering this
town to work as a question, Shyam says,
commercial artist. But soon, “Almost all the artists now
he realised that even the feel they are working under
small town was proving pressure. Surely, there are
inadequate to sustain his art. big and established names
He, therefore, finally arrived in the art field and their
in Delhi in the early 90s and works sell by their names.
started from a scratch. Art galleries are cashing in
In Delhi, Shyam has on this trend. But those
carved a niche for himself and got a depict these hidden facets on artists who have no or little name yet,
long list of clients. He is an all-round canvas. have to work hard to make an
artist well versed in the realistic as He has beautifully portrayed man- identity.
well as abstract art styles. He says, “I woman relationships through his “Those who are better off, often
can work in any medium and on any theme of nature. As such, his bypass art galleries and promoters
ground. I have made paintings on paintings appear enticing, and and promote themselves on their
canvas and handmade paper sheets sometimes erotic too, but not at all own. But a struggler has no such
using water, oil and acrylic colours.” vulgar. At the same time, his facilities.”
The range of subjects is also very paintings look soothing to the eyes Nevertheless, the artist is hopeful
vast in Shyam’s paintings. Among as the onlooker feels a bond being that the situation will improve. He
them, nature is the most dominant built between him and the painting as praises the role of the media and
theme. His artistic vision sees he drifts deeper into the nature. says that the media, especially the
innumerable hidden facets in nature. Shyam is planning a series on the print media, is doing a great job to
It seems to be his endeavour to Secret Play. The series will be based promote artists like he is. We

Q Q
I am 19-year-old girl. 5 ft tall and I am 28 years old and my height is 5ft
weigh 46 kg. My problem is that my 5 inches with weight of 51 kg. Two
abdomen is bulging. I have joined years ago after delivery my belly size
gym but am not able to control my increased. I tried a belt which did
diet. Please help. help me but still my abdomen is not
It is good that you are doing flat. Please help.
physical exercises but these have to Size of the abdomen after delivery
be combined with diet control. of a child increases in many women.
Basically your diet should consist of As per your height your weight is not
less carbohydrates and fats. You much. The problem is with your belly.
should take lot of fresh fruits and Besides taking low fat, low
green vegetables. Avoid junk food, carbohydrate diet, you should take
cakes, chocolates, bananas, sweets, lot of fresh fruits and green
etc. Take foods containing high fibre. vegetables. Further, do exercises to
Persist in your efforts in diet control tone up the abdominal muscles. To
Q&
and you shall succeed. some extent the use of sauna belt
QQ
shall benefit you.
I am 35 years old, mother of two kids.

My problem is that I suffer from I am 22 years old and have been
excessive vaginal discharge. It is diagnosed to be suffering from
very distressing. Please help. hypothyroidism (poor functioning of
Leucorrhea in adult women is quite thyroid) and polycystic ovary on left
common and there are number of side. I am on drugs. I am getting
I am a 60-years-old woman. My causes. Sometimes, a neglected married soon. Will these problems
husband who is few years older often foreign body in the genitalia of affect my pregnancy. Please
remains on tour. His liaison with other infections (Gonococcal, Monilial, advise.
women is not ruled out. How can I Candida) erosion in the cervix, cervical You are already on treatment for
protect myself? My husband is lacerations or a polyps or even an your thyroid problem and luckily there
unable to use the condom. Can he early cancer of the cervix may be is only one ovary involved due to
take some drugs to enhance the sex responsible. You should be examined polycystic disease. Under the
act? Please advise. by your doctor who after examining circumstances it should not affect
Your fears are well founded. you shall be able to reach any your chances of becoming pregnant.
Unprotected sex may lead to sexually conclusion and treat you accordingly. But you will have to continue taking
Q
transmitted diseases including AIDS. the drugs, even during pregnancy
Best for you would be to use female lest your child is affected by the
type of condom which shall afford I am 25 years old and married. I am disease (Hypothryoidism).
A
Q
you protection. Regarding other 5’7” and weigh 63 kgs. My problem is
problem your husband should consult that I have small breasts and feel quite
the doctor who can prescribe the uncomfortable. I want to increase their I am 35 years old, married for the last
required medicine after examining size by at least 2-3 inches. Is there 81/2 years and still issueless. I was
him. any cream or pump which can overweight but on doctors advice I
increase the size. Please advise. have lost 15 kgs. Since last three
Yours is a common problem with months I was given IVF treatment
I am 30 years old, 5 feet 3 inches and many young women. Size of the twice but without any success. My
weigh 70kg. My problem is that I breasts in any woman depends on doctor says it is hormonal imbalance.
have put lot of weight on my belly. nutrition, genetic and hormonal Please advise.
Please advise. influences. There is no short cut to Your doctor is right in saying that
There is no doubt that you are increasing their size, creams and you have hormonal imbalance
overweight and your protuberance of pumps are advertised to entice problem. You have tried IVF two
belly is part of the overall picture. You gullible women but in actual practice times but without much success. Do
shall have to put yourself on strict they are not of much use. Only way not get disappointed.
diet regimen and exercise to increase their size is by exercises It is quite common in many
programme and when your weight is which strengthen the pectoral women that IVF treatment does not
controlled, your belly size shall also muscles on which the breasts rest. If succeed at first. You will have to
decrease. Only thing is that you must you are very keen on increasing their undergo another try at this. Do not
follow your schedule religiously to size then there is no alternative get disappointed.
succeed. except to go for augmentation. — Dr S. N. Khosla, MD.
hat beautiful women are not
T
BOO M B AY
necessarily a weak lot has been
amply proved by star-turned-politician
Jaya Prada who was a Samajwadi
Party candidate from Rampur (known
for ‘Rampuri’ kniveses). Although her
B O M B AY F I L M D O M opponent, Azam Khan, did everything
to malign Jaya, she took the
FILMDOM
challenge in her stride. You’ve our
best wishes, Jaya.
allika Sherawat has a yen for

M doing something different. If at
one time she made an appearance
amir Khan had not only been
A hammering on the film fraternity
to make sure to cast their vote in the
at Cannes Festival as a co-star of
Jackie Chan, now she has joined the
likes of Victoria Beckham, her hubby
recently held Lok Sabha polls, he David Beckham and French socialite
himself was among the firsts to cast and model, Paris Hilton in having a
his vote. Others who cast their votes milk shake ( Mallika Shake ) named
included Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir after her in Hollywood. wow!
Kapoor and John Abraham.
andana Sen was in news as she
A nant Narayan and Minissha

Lamba in a film together?
N just turned down two Hollywood
projects. Clearing the air sources
Bollywood's latest chocolate boy close to Nandana say , “She rejected
Anant Narayan is inundated with film those movies as they had few nude
offers. But producers put only one sequences to be shot and she wasn’t
condition - they want Anant to be comfortable.” She was offered the
paired opposite “ girlfriend “ Minissha protagonist’s role in an Italian film
Lamba
After being listed among the 10
hot new couples of tinsel town on Mallika Sherawat is named Mallika
Buzz 18's Bollywood Love Report Shake in Hollywood. Wow.
Card 2009, Anant Narayan and
Minissha Lamba are in demand and offers, especially light-hearted
how! After a leading national daily college romances. What better way
broke the news of a love affair to cash in on real romance, huh?
between Minissha and Anant, the
Minissha Lamba – tinsel town’s
dishy actor is inundated with film rising star.
Nandana Sen does not like to be seen

in nude shots.
based on a story by Mahasweta Devi,
'Choli ke Peeche’ directed by Italo
Spinelli.. Nandana rejected the movie
as it again contained nudtiy scenes .
“ I feel the subject matter is such that
nudity cannot be avoided becoming
unintentionally voyeuristic and
eroticised even though that is
definitely not the objective.”

nother star-turned-politician Slumdog Millionaire didn’t fail to pay the lives of children rather than sit in
A Shatrughan Sinha seems to
continue to nurse his dream of
obeisance to sufi saint Hazrat
Nizamuddin, close to New Delhi and
their ivory towers. In fact, they should
do a lot more for the society than
becoming the chief minister of Bihar attended the annual Urs along with they are. Agreed.
one day. He was BJP’s candidate his mother and sister. Laudable
from Bakhtiyarpur (Panja Sahib). indeed. f Raveena Tandon (of Dulhe Raja
Shatru, undoubtedly, has a gift of the
gab. Good luck, Shatru. n addition to Aishwarya Rai
Ifame) has decided to make a
comeback to play suitable and
elieve it or not Pinki Sonkar, a slip

IBachchan and Abhishek Bachchan,
Ashish Vidyarthi (who had worked in
mature roles, she is indeed welcome.
Doesn’t the adage say? ‘The more,
B of a girl who rose to stardom
through her Oscar-winning
a couple of Bollywood films before
going down South and making it big
The merrier’.
documentary Smile Pinki lent her star there) will also be seen in Mani
power to the National Dalit Front to
impress on the masses that the
Mayawati Government has hardly
done anything for the Dalits. She was
taken to several political meetings to
enable her to say what she wanted to.
ombay filmdom has undoubtedly

B suffered an irreparable loss in the
death of actor-turned-film-maker
Feroz Khan who made lavishly
mounted films like Dharmatma and
Qurbani. May his soul rest in peace.
mitabh Bachchan’s career may

A be on the down-slide, but every
artiste’s career passes through that
phase also. I remember having read
in one of his interviews years ago,
that he won’t mind being spotted
working as on extra rather than
putting off his working shoes. Am I
right, Mr Bachchan.
Amitabh Bachchan’s career graph may
hilpa Shetty, the long-legged
S dusky beauty who has seen
many highs and lows, was the new
be down, but not out.
Ratnam’s Raavan . Abhishek plays

entrant to the team owner’s club in title role. A case of real-life husband
the IPL-2 matches in South Africa. abducting his own wife. Interesting!
And it was redeeming for her that her
team Rajasthan Royals did better t hardly needs any reiteration that
than SRK’s Kolkatta Knight Riders. ITamil superstar Kamal Haasan (of
Ek Duje Ke Liye and Chachi 420 The long-
o mark the 140th birth anniversary fame) must have liked A Wednesday
T of the father of Indian cinema,
Dada Saheb Phalke, a host of film
very much that he decided to make
the Tamil version of the film titled
legged dusky
beauty Shilpa
Shetty was the
celebrities such as Kapoor, Manoj Uraipol Oruvan. He plays the role of co-owner of
Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Shamshad Naseeruddin Shah played in A Rajasthan
Begum and director of Jodhaa Akbar, Wednesday. As an actor, Kamal is Royals in
IPL-2, in South
Asutosh Gowarikar, were presented miles ahead of even Naseer.
Africa. In
with awards. ranking the
t’s heart-warming indeed that stars
A great devotee of sufi saints,

music director A.R. Rahman, the
Ior stars-in-the-making lend a
helping hand for a worthwhile
team was
better than
SRK’s Knight
only winner of two Oscars for social cause or bring a cheer in Riders.

henever Hema Malini is not Sujoy has created a special blog to
W busy working in a film, she
returns to her first love, dancing.
give movie enthusiasts an insight into
the magnanimous task of making an
Recently she, along with daughter epic film like Alladin . The director
Ahana, gave a performance in Surat. plans to share every moment of
While Hema played Yashoda Maiyya, making the film including some
Ahana played Kanaiya. exclusive pictures taken on the sets.
Produced by Eros International
hanks to a new initiative taken by and Boundscript, Alladin stars
T UTV New Media Ltd, the digital
arm of UTV, owners of mobiles will
Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt,
Riteish Deshmukh and introduces
have a welcome chance of selecting Jacqueline Fernandez.
and listening not only to Bollywood
music videos, but also videos from veryone knows how particular
different languages in foreign
countries. It’s branded UTV @ play.
E Kareena Kapoor is when it comes
to her fitness. This diva will be seen
in Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambakkht
f on the one hand, Priyadarshan, Ishq”. Being touted as the biggest
Ione of filmdom’s high profile
directors, had exhilarating time
movie of the year, it has the biggest
Bollywood star, Akshay. The added
directing Billu , on the other he attraction is Sylvester Stallone, who
underwent mortification while dancing plays a pivotal role. Akshay and
to Shah Rukh’s tunes — a price one Kareena’s chemistry is the talk of the
has to pay for working with a town. Kareena plays a super model
superstar. in the movie.
ombay filmdom deserves kudos fter creating a niche for itself in

B that actors like Akshay Kumar,
Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, Sanjay
Irrfan Khan has been listed a
bankable star, after his performance in
A the Indian Film Fraternity, UTV
Motion Pictures now forays into
Slum Millionaire. Hollywood with its maiden independent
Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan and Arjun production ExTerminators The film
Rampal helped contribute as much stars Heather Graham, Jennifer
as Rs 2 crore as part of NDTV’s Coolidge and Amber Heard.
Greenathon to keep Mumbai green.
Keep it up, folks. veryone knows about the actor
rrfan Khan may not have the face

E Saif, but few know about the star-
I of a conventional film hero, but he is

loaded as far as talent is concerned.
actor turned producer. When asked
about his new role, crew members
said they were happy to work for the
After his performance in Slumdog chotte nawab….” There is no hassle
Millionaire he, believe it or not, has and the environment is pretty relaxed
been listed as the most bankable star when Saif is on the set” they say.
from India in Hollywood. Wow, Overall it seems like the whole cast
congrats, Irrfan. and crew is having a party on the
sets. Rock on chotte nawab!.
“T wo people sat in the coffee shop

of Mariott and believed that they
will make a film which has never A fter Anil Kapoor going global with
Slumdog Millionaire , now John
Javed Akhtar been seen before on the Indian Abraham is going to do the same
– A legendary screen…” This one line by Sujoy with a gangster film titled American
lyricist. Ghosh on his blog is enough to Empire . Who knows John may be
arouse the curiosity of cinema lovers. lucky to achieve in international
The talented film-maker, whose cinema what he has not yet been
debut film Jhankaar Beats became a able to do in Mumbai.
Saif – a landmark film is now working on
Alladin a film that takes a rooke Bond Taj Mahal, in
renowned actor
has turned
producer.
contemporary look at the classic fairy
tale.And as a first-of-its kind initiative,
B association with Enlighten Film
Society, recently conducted a
Kareena Kapoor
plays a glamorous
role in a movie
‘Kambakkht Ishq’.
workshop on the art of scriptwriting X ONE benefit gala. Matt Damon has
with India ’s legendry lyricist and starred in movies like Departed,
writer Javed Akhtar. Javed Saab Saving Private Ryan, The Ocean’s
needs no introduction as he has won Series, etc.
the hearts of many connoisseurs of Shilpa’s Rajasthan Royals has
movies with his soul- stirring poetry, proved once again that they are the
catchy lyrics and unforgettable champions. It needed brilliance with
screen plays. It’s his undeniable the bat from Graeme Smith and
genius that made him a unanimous Yusuf Pathan for last years
choice for the Taj Enlighten Tareef champions to come home. Yusuf’s
Award. magical bat was raining sixes when
he top scored with 62 not out with
hilpa is presently in SA cheering Smith supporting him at the other end
S for her team ---Rajasthan Royals.
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra are co
with an unbeaten 44 not out. Shilpa
was short of words praising her team
-owners of the team. The two for the brilliant performance, shouting
recently met the Departed star Matt and cheering the loudest.
Damon over a charity dinner in SA.
eha Dhupia is working hard on
Matt and his wife are actively
involved in charitable work including
the one Campaign and H2O Africa
N her hatke role of a back-row
dancer in Pappu Can't Dance Saala.
Vidya’s favourite brew – ‘masala tea’.
recognise her on the sets. "Once
Foundation. Last year Matt and A close source said, "Neha did Vinay did not recognise Neha at all
Shilpa had their first public thorough research on back dancers and took her to be a back- row
rendezvous at the third annual ONE before embarking on the role. She dancer. It was only Neha began
met and interacted with them on a talking to him did he realise her
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra co-owners close level---wanted to know the kind presence," said the source
of Rajasthan Royals with Matt Damon of lifestyle they had.
Neha even adopted the kind of idya is not just *krazy* about her
and his wife at annual ONE X ONE
benefit gala. look back dancers had. "Neha
coloured her hair red because she
V connections but her cutting chai!
She needs her daily dose of masala
noticed that all those back dancers tea at regular intervals specially when
had that colour. She also observed she is shooting. While shooting for
that most of them had a habit of R. Balki’s Pa in Kuala Lumpur
chewing gum while waiting for the recently, she missed her favourite
shot on the sets.” By the end of it all , brewage so much, she went
costar Vinay Pathak failed to restaurant – hopping to see if any
restaurant would serve her favourite
Arshad Warsi is a actor, chef and brew….but in vain and much to
producer. wow. Happy Birthday. Balki’s amusement !!!
rshad Warsi has not celebrated

A his birthday in India for the past
two years. Last year, he was on a
boat in Mauritius, shooting a song for
Shortcut.So this year he just wanted
to be at home ,relax and bring in his
birthday with his family and few close
friends. But the birthday boy was
toiling in the kitchen, cooking for his
friends because his friends love his
food and he is quite a chef –. a
working birthday again !
Arshad has 2 forthcoming movies
Ishquiya, Shortcut and one of his
home productions 'Koun Bola' , his
debut film as a producer. Warsi plays
the lead opposite Dia Mirza.
– Deepak Puri & Sudha Hariharan.
Neha Dhupia – a back-row dancer in
Pappu Cann’t Dance Saala.
CAPITAL
Chit - C h a t
JEWELLERY – GANJAM together by an old-style silver chain –
a practice they continue till date but
Carbone heading it. The exhibition in
Delhi featured path-breaking works
AND INTERNATIONAL now use gold instead. by 12 eminent international jewellery
Jewellery is an important aspect The necklace not only looked artists, in an attempt to approach the
of any Indian woman’s life. Mostly, beautiful, it made a statement so complex theme of beauty through
we end up dividing our jewellery in definite that I know any woman who contemporary research jewellery.
the inherited, valuable and the old is lucky enough to own it, should feel Gio Luigi Carbone, who is the
pieces which we take out for that sense of pride. But then you founder of Le Arti Orafe, talked to the
important events in our lives or the never truly own that piece of people about the concept of art
lighter ‘everyday’ wear we end up jewellery, it is only in your jewellery and its significance in the
buying and using. The name Ganjam safekeeping until the next generation world of design and art. The people
is almost synonymous with the claims it. who attended ranged from designers
Carnatic-style heavy and traditional A few weeks later, Ganjam to consumers and, of course, artists.
South Indian jewellery. presented something so unique and Young designers really felt inspired
When they recently opened their relevant to the contemporary world by seeing the exhibits.
showroom in the upmarket, exclusive of design, Lucca Preziosa - An
designer mall in Vasant Kunj, near Exclusive Exhibition of Research
the Grand Hyatt hotel, it had to be Jewellery. Titled, Cutting the Mirror, it FASHIONABLE GLASS
visited. On display were the Ganjam brought to India some amazing Glass and crystal might be items
family heirloom pieces that the innovations in the field of of utility but they can also make for
women of the family have worn for contemporary jewellery. The design pieces of beauty, to be displayed and
generations. It is a real privilege to institute in Florence has Geo admired. There is no limit to
be able to hold this style of jewellery craftsmanship that may be
and even try it on. The Ganjam family Ganjam – name in innovations in the showcased in these mediums.
have not only worked hard at keeping field of jewellery designing. Internationally known names like
the traditional style of jewellery- Wedgewood, Lalique, Dawm,
making alive they have also Baccarat and others , have all made
acknowledged the real contribution enormous pieces and small trinkets
of the artisans in doing that. and have been very popular as items
A really intricate jewellery piece of of gift or even investment. However,
theirs either for the hair or the neck not so long ago, it was not possible to
can take a long, long time to execute imagine them as being available in
and sometimes people who wish for India, for us to admire or even buy.
that kind of craftsmanship and piece For a brief period, not only was a
end up waiting for over a year. But, limited lot available for the admiring
surely, it must be worth the wait for but even purchase in an exhibition
these pieces are not just jewellery, organised at the IHC. And the real
they are living art which you adorn pleasure was to see them all
and feel so traditionally Indian. together.
I was tempted to ask and Mrs Although on one occasion it
Ganjam was gracious enough for me seemed like it has no visitor at all and
to try one of their old pieces that the the second time there was a lone
women of the last six generations admirer who seemed to feel ‘they are
have worn for their own wedding good pieces but expensive’ but she
days. I had always wondered how did seem to like viewing all that
comfortable such a piece at the base fragile beauty for the sake of its
of the neck would really be. The beauty. For an exhibition such as this
reverse of the necklace is woven one, it is good if they sell their items

audience it was a truly rewarding people who supported him when he
event for the day but in a way was not known to anybody.
depressing as one realised how
vulnerable we all are in the face of
real threat. Even the entry for ART AND THE ARTIST
attendees was electronically Every artist has a dream that he
monitored and security was tight. transforms into work of his passion
However, when evening came, the on the medium of his choice. Artists
atmosphere relaxed. The evening are also often very tortured beings
event was by invitation only and not who always feel that the world does
automatic for seminar delegates. not understand them. And then there
Mercifully the keynote of Muzaffar Ali is the other variety of artist – who
was soulful and poetic – to be wants to communicate, who wants to
expected from someone who is a true share his or her ideas and philosophy
follower of Rumi and Sufism. The with the viewer. Jaideep Mehrotra is
next step was even more rewarding the artist of the second variety.
when Kailash Kher took over the Mumbai-based Jaideep recently
Glass and crystal are pieces of beauty.
stage and performed with his usual had a five-day solo exhibition at
but they must be made mandatory for zest and inimitable voice. Visual Arts Gallery in New Delhi titled
people to visit, just to know the His band is extremely talented and ‘Growing Pains in Solitude’. An artist
options that are available in the he played to the crowd also by asking of great finesse and personal depth
international market. them what to play next and sang all that reflects in his works, he is almost
his filmi hits as also the ones which a veteran doing solo exhibitions since
KAILASH KHER AND he has sung on his own CD. The
man is a true maverick with a voice
1967. His canvases are like words,
they speak of being solitary in the
ANTI-TERRORISM that reaches the souls of the backdrop of community living that
When IPPAI and Aviation listeners. He kept urging people to lack of space brings about in a city
organised a day-long conference on join him, and they did. Finally he got like Mumbai. Of different sizes, they
‘Counter-terror and Security himself a standing ovation when he have the effect and need solitary
Solutions for India’ it promised to be agreed to sing a couple of extra placement.
an interesting event because right songs. Nobody minded the delay in However, what was as impressive
now everybody from the common getting the dinner started. and statement-making, if not even
man to those responsible for security Later, he was also available to his more so, were three video recordings
arrangements are worried about to admirers and autographed as also he was playing on the loop. Such art
ensuring safety. posed for photographs with anybody is being purchased by industrial
There were various speakers who wanted his attention even before houses and big outfits to be
through the day who brought about he was able to wipe the sweat from displayed in public areas. These
the importance of human and his brow. And he was happy to be in were three vistas of life in Mumbai
equipment involvement. Leo Gleser, company of Meera and Muzaffar Ali – shot in three different styles and
president, International Security and totally diverse from each other in the
Defense Systems Ltd., Israel, talked Kailash Kher a talented singer. message they carried.
about India being prepared for the While one showed a brief
security aspect inevitably being mundane moment that is continuous
important when the Commonwealth with action; the other seemed more
Games 2010 begin. It is a pertinent random but eventually it all came
issue and Gleser should know what back to form one picture. They are
goes into organising such details for truly mesmerizing and in the three
he was part of the security arrange- runs that I watched of the second
ments of the Olympic Games in video I ended up noticing something
Barcelona in 1992 and Sydney in totally different, something easily
2000, even Athens in 2004 and missed the first time around. Yes, the
Beijing in 2008. pieces of art were not just on display
Other speakers too addressed the but on sale and, yes, he did make a
issue of security and there was Brett sale on the very first day of the
Lovegrove, retired Head of Counter exhibition, but then a good artist often
Terrorism UK Police (Retd.) and V P does his work and lets buyers decide
Kapur, Former DG UP Police. With what appeals to them.
interactive sessions with the – Sona Sharma

Q U I Z
Win
2
Jewellery
Q Under what type of light will a
1
ruby look reddest?
a. A fluorescent light
b. A standard 100-watt light bulb
c. Day light under a cloudy sky
d. A daylight equivalent light
Q Ruby is the gemstone for which
2
month of the year?
a. July
b. September
c. January
C
Find out how
olour
sense
perceptive you are, and
Q
3
Which of the following can effect
your perception of colour?
a. Lighting
b. Medications
c. The colour of your clothes
d. All of the above
Answer the questions

& win a grand prize...
your right judgement
of rubies.
e
be published in th
S elected entries will oman’s era. Look out
of W
forthcoming issue July 2009 issue
for th e 31
L ast date for sending entries: 15 July 2009
r
ph of yo ur friend for a bette
A ttach a ph ot og ra
chance of featurin
g in Woman’s era
Q It’s easier to grade the colour of
Q The heat treatment of rubies
4 11
diamonds than of rubies because and sapphires can improve their
a. Diamonds are colourless colour and clarity or it can
b. Diamond colour grades only indicate how create a star effect.
light or dark the colour is
a. True
c. Diamonds don’t have as many rainbow-like
b. False
interference colours as rubies.
d. Diamonds are controlled by a cartel which
has standardised how they are graded.
Q Greyish red is a less valuable
12
colour for a ruby than a pure
Q Why is the ruby red? slightly purplish red.
5
a. Due to chemical reactions a. True
b. Due to crystallisation b. False
c. Due to chrominium impurities
Q Ruby’s day is said to be?

Q In some countries, pink and purple
13
sapphires are called rubies.
6
a. Sunday
b. Tuesday a. True
c. Friday b. False
Q Ruby’s season is said to be?
7
a. Summer
b. Winter
c. Autumn
Scoring Terms and Conditions:
Don’t you hate those artificial quizzes that
only have one obvious right answer? Jewellery and its lineage
Q When you see ruby through a is fluid. So answer according to what you feel is best.
8
microscope, you see a tiny line in
the centre and a small round form Prove that you are aware
of this trivia. Send us the coupon with your
near the girdle. It means: photo along with the correct answers.
a. Your ruby is defective.
b. Your ruby will soon crack into pieces. Name
c. Someone is giving you misleading
Age
information.
Address
d. You are true ruby expert.
PIN
Q The best way to judge the colour of Phone: E-mail
9
a ruby is to look at it for a long time, Occupation
so your eyes and mind can absorb

as much of the colour as possible.
Don’t forget to attach a photograph
a. True
1. Mark the answers and send us the cutting of this
b. False quiz along with this coupon. The last date is
15 July 2009. So hurry up and post it now.
Q Currently the major source of 2. The decision of the editor will be final. 3. Depict
10
rubies is: your true self only. 4. Send a photograph of your
own. It may be printed in Woman’s Era, along with
a. Thailand the results. Send to: Woman’s Era, Delhi Press,
b. Myanmar E-3, Jhandewala, New Delhi-110 055.
c. India
d. China
et’s face it. Sex is a fact of
L
life. But today increasing
sexual liberation and
tolerance have resulted in
unconventional practices and
encouraged sexual orienta -
tions that were once
considered taboo to be
accepted by quite a number
of people.
Without passing judgement on
those who prefer to experiment in
their sexual affairs, this liberal
attitude and behaviour could lead to
serious consequences if parameters
to pleasurable and safe sexual
activities are not observed and met.
The same is also true with the
general public lacking proper
STDs
understanding and appreciation of
sexual health issues and standards
which could lead to neglect of their
partners’ sexual rights.
Every sexual encounter should be
SPOILERS
coupled with a responsible attitude.
The lack of it can result in unwanted
pregnancy that may lead to emotional
and psychological complications, not
IN SEX
only for the parents but also the child.
Unprotected sex also exposes sexual
partners to a high risk of contracting
chronic sexually transmitted diseases
LIVES
(STDs).
Do not be deceived. Even the
seemingly healthy person beside you
can be afflicted with a sexually
transmitted disease without you or
Many forms of the that person knowing it.
Though some STDs may produce
disease make life obvious symptoms, most STDs are
asymptomatic infections that do not
difficult for couples. show noticeable signs
symptoms. Thus, they can be called
and
By Vikas Kumar Jain the “silent” infections. These cases

can only be diagnosed through

medical testing. However, there is no body. They may be found in
widespread programme that requires clothes, bedding and towels.
routine check-ups. Moreover, there You can have crabs and not
seems to be a lack of public know about it until after 2-3
awareness aggravated by the social weeks when you experience
stigma regarding STDs that keeps some itching. Crabs are
people from discussing it with their mainly passed on through
chosen health-care professionals. body contact during sex, but
STDs are diseases caused by they can also be passed on
viruses, bacteria and parasites and through sharing clothes,
can easily be transmitted through towels or bedding with
body contact during sex. Sometimes, someone who has them.
STD takes a long time to display any Genital herpes is caused
kind of symptoms. The following are by the virus called Herpes
some of the most common STDs that simplex and can affect the
affect sexually active individuals. mouth, genital area, the skin
Chlamydia is a sexually around the anus, and the
transmitted disease caused by fingers. After the first outbreak
bacterial infection. It is the most of herpes is over, the virus
common treatable bacterial STD but hides away in the nerve fibres
if not given proper attention may and remains totally undetected stomach pains. Infection can be
cause serious problems later in life. without causing any symptom. prevented by using condoms, dental
Chlamydia often infects the cervix in Symptoms usually appear one to 26 dams or latex gloves. Sex toys
women while the urethra, rectum and days after exposure and last for 2-3 should be thoroughly cleaned after
eyes can be infected in both sexes. weeks. Symptoms include an itching use and hands washed after any
Symptoms of infection may show up in the genital or anal area, small fluid- contact with faeces. Anti-diarrhoea
at any time between 1-3 weeks after filled blisters that can burst and leave treatments and antibiotics can be
exposure, or it can also be delayed small sores which can be very used for treatment.
for indefinite period of time. painful, urine discomfort, and a flu- Syphilis is a bacterial infection
Gonorrhoea is bacterial infection like illness, backache, headache, that is sexually transmitted and may
that is sexually transmitted and can swollen glands or fever. also be passed from an infected
infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, Genital warts are caused by the mother to her unborn child. The signs
anus and throat. Symptoms may Human papilloma virus (HPV). These and symptoms of syphilis are the
show up at anytime between one and are small, fleshy growths found same in both men and women. They
14 days after exposure and more anywhere on a man’s or a woman’s can be difficult to recognise and may
noticeable in men than in women. genital area, or on different parts of take up to three months to show after
However, it is possible to be infected the body, such as the hands and having sexual contact with an
with gonorrhoea and have no obvious anus. After you have been infected infected person. Syphilis has several
symptoms. with the genital wart virus it usually stages. The primary and secondary
Crabs or pubic lice are small crab- takes between one and three months stages are very infectious.
shaped blood-sucking parasites that for warts to appear on your genitals. It is very important that an STD is
live on pubic hair but can also be They may occur singly or in groups. detected early and treated before it
found wherever there is hair such as They may itch, but are usually becomes serious and leads to long-
in the armpits, on the body and even painless. Often there are no other term complications or permanent
in facial hair such as eyebrows. symptoms. If a woman has warts on damage. Abstinence is the surest
Crabs can also survive away from the her cervix, this may cause slight thing to avoid contracting an STD. If
bleeding or, very you are sexually active; the practice
rarely, an unusual of safe sex can greatly help in
coloured vaginal minimising risk from STD.
discharge. Always use condoms during
Gut infections sexual intercourse or dental dams for
are bacterial oral sex. Make sure to sanitise sex
infections that can toys before and after use. Observe
be passed on genital hygiene routines, as well as
during sex. When keeping your hands clean at all
they reach your gut times. Consult your professional
they can cause healthcare provider for advice on
diarrhoea and getting tested for STD. We

Eating disorders
can be life-
threatening, but
even before
that, they can
weaken bones
drastically.
By Dr Kiran Bala
EATING DISORDERS
ARE HARD ON BONES!
ating disorders like bulimia anorexia nervosa. A bimodal distri- upper socio economic groups.
E
and anorexia nervosa are bution occurs, with one peak at 14.5 Anorexia nervosa is now occurring
devastating behavioural and the other at 18 years. 25 per cent at lower socio economic groups.
maladies brought on by a may be younger than the age of 13. There is an increased incidence of
complex interplay of factors The increased
which may include emotional incidence has been
and personality disorders, documented in all
family pressures and a Western countries
possible genetic or biological with sporadic
susceptibility. reports from other
The incidence of anorexia and nations. Affected
bulimia has increased over the last females outnumber
two decades. It is highly prevalent males by 10 to one.
among US women. One in a hundred Initially reported
females in the 16-18 age group has only in middle and

eating disorders among primary particularly of the binge
relatives of those with anorexia eating/purging type are at high
nervosa and bulimia suggesting risk for osteoporosis and may
a familial basis. need additional therapy to
The occurrence of eating prevent this problem. Bone
disorders and related density may be abnormally low,
deficiencies in bone mineral but this osteopenia appears to
density is well established in improve with weight gain.
women. Almost 90 per cent of Bone loss in women with the
women with anorexia nervosa disorder is multi-factorial. It is
experience osteopenia (loss of related to low levels of
bone minerals) and 40 per cent oestrogen and calcium and
have osteoporosis (more elevated cortisol levels. A study
advanced loss of bone density). recently published in the
Up to two-thirds of children and Annals of Internal Medicine
adolescent girls with anorexia measured bone mineral density
fail to develop strong bones (BMD) at several skeletal sites
during their critical growing to determine the prevalence
period. Persons with anorexia rate and predictive factors of
also suffer from stunted growth. osteopenia and osteoporosis in
The less the patient weighs, the a large community-based
more severe is the bone loss. sample of women with anorexia
Women with anorexia who nervosa.
also binge face an even higher 130 women with anorexia
risk for bone loss. The longer nervosa underwent a three
the eating disorder persists the hour out-patient visit at general
more likely it is that bone loss will be et al investigated the course of bone clinical research centre in
permanent. Bone loss is a potentially mineral density in patients with Massachusetts General Hospital in
debilitating condition in women with anorexia nervosa and bulimia Boston. Height, weight age at
eating disorders. Complications may nervosa over a 3.6 year follow-up menarche, previous oestrogen use,
include failure to achieve peak bone period. Osteopenia and osteoporosis fracture history, frame size and
mass, increased risk of premature at lumber spine were 54.2 per cent dietary intake were determined. BMD
fractures and inability to reach height and 20.8 per cent respectively. was determined using X-ray
potential. This study suggest that patients absorptiometry.
In a study from Australia, Stephen with chronic anorexia nervosa, At each skeletal site, measured
patients were categorised as having
normal BHD, osteopenia or
osteoporosis according to
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LET US TAKE
A LOOK AT
DRUG LABELS
Crucial information about
medicine administration for the
lay person. By Leena Thomas
edicines are an integral part of life. So an
M
awareness should be created in the public to
observe the drug label for safe and effective use of
medicine. For that, it is important to understand
what is displayed in the label of a drug that has
certain identifying information.
Are there any rules framed for labelling of drugs?

The rules of drug labelling are framed under the “Drugs
and Cosmetic Act 1940.” The International Pharmaceutical
Federation (FIP) has developed international guidelines
for the labelling of medicines which are published on their
website.
How is the name of a drug and standard drugs to the public, tract if it is administered through the
displayed on the label? there are effective laws in various oral route.
A drug or the main active countries. The law in our country is ● i.v/i.m: only for injections.
pharmaceutical ingredient can be the “Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940.” ● Oral: for the drugs which can
represented by 3 names: Generally, drugs are divided into two be administered through mouth.
Generic name: It is the official — prescription only drugs and over- ● Sublingual: for drugs which
medical name for the basic active the-counter drugs. should be placed under tongue.
substance or active pharmaceutical Schedule H : The list of
ingredient, which is chosen by the substances that should be sold by For external use only
nomenclature committee of the retail only on prescriptions of For drugs meant for external use
British Pharmacopoeia Commission. registered medical practitioners. (should not be taken internally) for
Brand name or trade name: It is Over-the-counter drugs (OTC example, creams, gels, etc.
chosen by the manufacturer usually medicines): These are drugs that can For nasal use only — for drugs to
on the basis that it can be easily be sold from licensed dealers without instil in the nose.
pronounced, recognised, or professional supervision and without
remembered. prescription. These drugs are Shake well before use
For example, paracetamol is the suitable for self-medication for minor For suspensions like antacids
generic name. Calpol, diseases and symptoms. The (Gelucil)
Acetaminophen, Crocin, Dolo, etc. consumer should know the safe use Suspensions are having a
are the brand names or the trade of OTC medicines if they are tendency to settle at the bottom of
names of the paracetamol which is administered without medical advice. the container. So, if it is not mixed
given by different manufactures. Long-term use is not advisable. It is properly, the body will not be getting
Chemical name: It is a technical proved that even paracetamol, which proper amount of active ingredients
description of the drug. For example, is well known as the safest pain killer, for the therapeutic action.
Paracetaminophenol is the chemical
name of paracetamol.
What is the meaning of the

letters IP, BP, USP, BNF which
follows the strength of the
medicine?
These are short forms for the
official books for standards of
particular countries according to
which the drugs are manufactured
and known as pharmacopoeia. The
abbreviations are as follows:
Indian pharmacopoeia IP
British pharmacopoeia BP can cause liver damage in high Keep out of reach of children
United States pharmacopoeia doses and prolonged use. Sugar-coated and beautifully-
USP Schedule G : The list of coloured tablets/capsules are
British National Formulary BNF substances that are required to be available — for example iron tablets.
used only under medical supervision Children may mistake them for
What is meant by expiry date? and which are required to be labelled candy, so they must be stored out of
The expiry date displayed on the accordingly. reach of children. (If they are
container of a pharmaceutical starting ingested in large numbers, that may
raw material is the date up to and What about the other warnings lead to drug toxicity.)
including which the pharmaceutical and directions on the label?
starting material is expected to Sometimes, special directions for For eyedrops, use within one
remain within specification if stored use are displayed on the label. month
correctly. The drug can be used by Route of administration: Some It is displayed on the label that
the last date of that particular month drugs produce the required “use the solution within one month
displayed as expiry date (if exact therapeutic action only when they are after opening the container.” This
date is not specified). administered through the particular means, if anything is remaining in the
route. For example, insulin, the anti- container after one month that should
What is Schedule H drug and diabetic drug, should be administered not be used.
Schedule G drug? subcutaneously, as it is degraded by (Similarly, the dry syrup for
To ensure the availability of proper the enzymes in the gastro-intestinal children should be reconstituted
according to the direction on the label Excessive heat — above 40°c steady state of drug in the body.
with boiled and cooled water. But the Valium (Diazepam) — do not store The extent to which patients follow
reconstituted liquid syrup will expire above 30°c the instructions of doctor on
after 2 weeks. So it should not be Ointments should be kept below medicine is called adherence or
given to children after 2 weeks.) 30°c. Do not freeze. compliance.
It is often found that the patients
Storage conditions Protection from freezing do not follow or fail the dosage
Storage conditions should be It is indicated where there is a risk schedule prescribed for them. Non-
recommended on the label (example of breaking the container or where adherence can worsen the quality
“Keep in a cool, dry place”) to freezing leads to loss of strength or of life.
maintain drug stability — i.e, to potency. For example, missed doses of
prevent contamination and as far as medicines of heart problems may
possible deterioration. It may be Not to be refrigerated lead to more complications.
necessary to control elements such For example, soft gelatin capsules In the case of antibiotic therapy,
as temperature, moisture and light. If should not be refrigerated. missed doses of medicines is not
not stored properly, the medicine only the problem of individual
may expire well before the expiry Protection from light patients but is a global threat, as it
date. Store in a dark cupboard or use a leads to sub-therapeutic exposure of
Cold — 2-8°c light-resistant container. these medicines.
Cool — 8-25°c The drug becomes ineffective at
Room temp. — Temperature Physicians sample — not to be the moment and also ineffective
prevailing in a working area sold permanently due to the development
Warm — 30-40°c The label of sample drugs should of new strains of bacteria which is
display this. Sample drugs are not capable of drug resistance. The
meant for sale. result is new powerful drugs have to
be developed and introduced to get
Dosage as directed by the the germ-killing effect.
physician Thus, try to develop a habit to
The dose of a drug or the time observe the label of each and every
interval between the doses is never drug.
increased or decreased unless That will help you in proper
directed by the physician. In most usage and storage of drugs. If any
situations, drugs are administered doubt arises, ask your pharmacist
in such a way as to maintain a for help. We

DBS Q U I Z
Tear this page along the perforated line and send it to the under mentioned address. Winner will be announced in the August issue.
Q1 Do you think about him/her

everyday?
a. Yes
b. Not sure
c. Maybe
d. No
Q
2
Do you notice when he/she enters
the room?
a. Maybe
b. Not sure
c. Yes
?
d. No
HAVE YOU
Answer
FOUND LOVE
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L ast date for sending entries: 15 July 2009
Attach a photograph of your friend for a better
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SPENDING
ndia is shining. But some of the
I
shine is also due to the
conspicuous spending of its
people. Let’s face it today,
earning money is not difficult but
keeping it, is. Corporate India
seems to be celebrating all Indian
festivals for us in the form of
promotional sales. You want to
buy a watch and it seems as if
there is a new brand opening shop
in town every minute. We now seem
to have the time and money to
indulge in exotica, rejuvenation and
beauty therapy. Yoga no longer
belongs to ancient India; it is
reinvented and imported from the
West. If you celebrate only birthdays The bottom line is – it is unwise
and anniversaries, you are bracketed not to spend; rather unwise to spend.
as old-fashioned. Is there a via-media? Definitely, yes.
But all does not end well that Let’s all learn it, spending without
begins well. At the end of the regret. Here’s how:
spending spree, one discovers that
the resources are finite, but the Have an annual recurring
choices are infinite. deposit for spending: Put aside a

Always live
within your means.
Provide basic needs
to your dependents,
besides putting
aside a fixed sum in
a recurring deposit
with a bank to
safeguard your
future.
By C A A K Shyamala
Shenoy
WITHOUT REGRETsale Visit a

twice:
Sales are advertised almost

fixed sum, roughly, 10-25 per cent of deposit to coincide with Diwali. All every day. The offers are more or
your gross earnings in a recurring through the year, he makes a list of less the same all through the year
deposit with a bank for a year. The things he wants to buy. Surprisingly, but the attraction remains. The
maturity of the deposit should at Diwali, his list was trimmed to the suggestion is, not to make
coincide with a festival or an most essentials and Rs 1,80,000 purchases on the first visit.
occasion you wish to celebrate. The available on hand helps him buy the Purchase only on your second
advantages are many. expensive watch and luxury holiday visit. It is worth the trip, the reason
You are able to time your which he thought he could never buy being most visit the sales counter
purchases when most promotional on his salary. out of curiosity or as an evening
sales are on offer. You are able to outing. But we end up making
curb impulsive buying. You have a Cut your loans to the present: unplanned purchases based on
budget for spending. All the members Loans have their uses but, most momentary attraction. Only if
of your family get adequate allocation often, people factor in a future value something is worth a purchase, we
and most of the wish list gets when they make decisions on capital feel motivated to make a second
trimmed down to must-buys only. investments like home, vehicle, visit.
My cousin, Chandan, 20- insurance, etc, which result in Gowri attended a new jeweller’s
something and working repayment obligations which are shop inauguration just as an outing
in a BPO used to find heavy on your earnings with her sister. She ended up
himself broke leaving no funds for buying a diamond pendant worth
after every simple luxuries. half a lakh of rupees and felt guilty
two months. The about the impulsive purchase for
Not any more. suggestion is to weeks thereafter. Not that she
He is putting invest in capital cannot afford it. But the question
aside Rs 15,000 per to suit your remains: “was it worth the buy?”
month on a yearly requirements for the
present. You can top up on the asset of a tiring day. If your idea of
as you progress in life. The funds relaxation is lazing around, then why
released will help you to be travel 1,000 km to a luxury resort? It
comfortably well off in the present. is better to check in at a far more
Rahul and Sneha purchased a luxurious hotel in your own city/town
one-bedroom apartment in their 20s. and enjoy three days of luxuriating in
By their mid-30s, they were earning the room!
10 times more. They sold their
apartment to purchase a more Think of people back home:
spacious one. Another decade later, Next time you find it difficult to make
their income sustained the purchase do without the latest mobile, think of
of an independent bungalow. All your parents, your home town and
through, they enjoyed comfortable life 15 years ago. Most of us come
living with money to buy not only their from humble middle-class
basic needs but also some luxuries backgrounds, not so far back in time.
required to make life worth living. My father got married at 24 and his
salary of Rs 4,000 was used to make
Go easy on stress-relievers: a home for two and later four
True, there are umpteen stress- persons. There was no alternative
buster therapies available today. But and never once did he think how he
the stress doesn’t get bust in a three- could have enjoyed life if he were
day retreat at some luxury Ayurveda alone. The present generation is
centre or spa. Similarly, beauty lucky in as much as it has the
miracles don’t happen by applying freedom to indulge. Still, be grateful
expensive beauty potions alone. It is and remember your roots. You may
better to get a product which is good still buy the mobile but you will start
and not what caters to your fantasies having a clear perspective about
and desires. what it is – sheer indulgence and not
RELAXATION, Relaxation, stress, rejuvenation a basic necessity.
STRESS, require an attitudinal change which
comes with effort over a long period Provide for children, old people:
REJUVENATION of time and cannot be bought over Vikram Seth was a big spender. He
REQUIRE AN the counter as we wish to. wanted to enjoy a good life and didn’t
An expensive moisturiser called hesitate to spend to acquire one.
ATTITUDINAL ‘happiness’ cannot make the skin Playing recklessly, in the stock
CHANGE WHICH look happy as promised at the end market was his passion. Needless to
say, he was broke in a few years.
COMES WITH With three schoolkids, his family had
EFFORT OVER A to scale down their luxurious lifestyle
overnight. However, one good thing
LONG PERIOD OF Vikram did was to put aside Rs 200
TIME AND per month in a post office account in
the name of each of his children.
CANNOT BE Little did they know that it was this
BOUGHT OVER money which helped his children
complete their education at least.
THE COUNTER AS It is advisable to provide the basic
WE WISH TO. needs of the dependents like children
and old people and never postpone it
to the future, no matter what your
current financial standing is. Follow
the rule: fulfil their needs and not
greed. Put aside emotions and
desires, impartially assess what are
the basic requirements of your
dependents. Once your obligations
take care of them, you feel free and,
yes, enjoy spending on yourself. We

“Is this
Shanta’s Daughter”
Free yourself from colour prejudice. Be proud of whatever complexion you have,
as the beauty creams do not really affect your personality.
By Kasturi Rangachari
T
he first time I remember the words being instinctive disappointed reaction.
spoken was when I was about four and I was a very loved and pampered child and my
had come to my grandmother’s for a family was educated, enlightened and broad-
holiday. I was the much-loved only minded. The talk in my home was mostly about
granddaughter of the house and, one day, books, literature, politics and the world and no one
one of my aunts who was a doctor decided ever mentioned colour as an important part of looks
to take me with her when she went to make or personality. In fact, I grew up knowing that my
a house call on a patient who lived nearby. family thought that I was lovable and attractive.
My aunt was a well-known and popular
B
figure in the area and as we walked along, ut though this should have made me a self-
she told me that she’d introduce me to people she confident individual, at some level deep inside
knew. “Say namaste politely,” she said with mock me, the words I had heard repeatedly as a
sternness. I nodded and she smiled and held my child had wounded me and left me self-conscious
hand proudly and lovingly as we walked along. and lacking in confidence. By the time I got to
She stopped when she saw a woman standing in college, I hated to dress up, could never believe that
the verandah of her home. “Hello, Padma,” she any compliments I got were genuine, had made a
called out. “Remember my sister, Shanta? This is her habit of cracking jokes against myself and had a
daughter!” disproportionate admiration for good looks in
The woman looked at me and I raised others. And this, when I was a good
my folded hands in a namaste. student, had a large circle of friends and
“Is this Shantha’s daughter?” the They all got was on the university debating and
woman said disbelievingly. an unpleasant athletics teams.
I didn’t understand her words then surprise when In other words, I had become a victim
though I did understand that my aunt was they saw me of Indian colour prejudices and had
furious with her and so I instinctively knew because I was grown up to be the kind of woman the
that the words were disparaging. But, over the dark fairness cream ads targeted! And this, in
the years, as I heard the words repeated daughter of a spite of my educated background and the
by neighbours, friends and not-so-close very fair attempts of my family to ensure that I grew
relatives whom I met for the first time when mother and up with a strong sense of self-worth!
we came to Chennai on one of our annual the words The ads for fairness creams for women
holidays, I got the message. They all got were their provoked a lot of indignation when they
an unpleasant surprise when they saw me instinctive first appeared. In the ads, young girls
because I was the dark daughter of a very disappointed were shown as total losers when they were
fair mother and the words were their reaction. dark. They couldn’t get jobs, weren’t

supposed to have dreams, were rejected by men
and totally lacked self-confidence – but just a few
weeks with a fairness cream changed all that. They
completely changes the
scenario relating to
colour. This proves that
SHORT
STORY
became beautiful, self-confident winners. What was the demand for fairness is not a gender
even more unacceptable for activists for women’s issue that works against women and
rights was that when the man who had rejected the devalues them. It goes much deeper than
girl, now “accepted” her, she didn’t tell him to take that and reveals the fact that, somehow, for
a hike, but smiled coyly and melted into his arms. some reason, Indians have this disgust for
skins that are the “Indian” colour of brown,
W
omen’s organisations tried to get the ads and a great admiration for and obsession
banned and when that failed, they tried to with white ones.
get women to spurn the creams. But, though Where does it come from, this hunger for
activists vociferously denounced both the ads and a light-coloured skin? It is not a
the unshakable conviction of Indian men that only a phenomenon that is worldwide because
woman with a fair skin was beautiful in talk shows people in the West dislike looking pale and
and articles, that did not prevent Fair and Lovely spend fortunes to get a tan. There the words
from becoming the largest-selling face cream in the “dark” and “fair” are used to denote hair colour. So
world, even though it is sold only in the a “fair” woman is one with blonde hair and a
subcontinent. “dark” one is one with dark brown or black hair.
Some of the wind was taken out of the sails of Perhaps the answer lies in our history. The
these critics when fairness creams for men appeared original inhabitants of India were the Dravidians
on the market and it was suggested with a good- who were dark-skinned. But the successive waves of
humoured titter that men had been closet users of invaders who pushed the Dravidians further and
women’s fairness creams all this time. In the ads, further south were all fair-skinned. There were the
icons like South Indian actor Surya and Bollywood’s Aryans from the area around the Caspian Sea – also
Sharukh Khan told men that it was okay for them to Timur the Lame and his hordes from Central Asia,
openly buy and use a fairness cream but stressed Chengiz Khan and his army from Mongolia and
that it should be one specially formulated for them. Alexander from Macedonia.
But the appearance of a man’s fairness cream Since the vanquished always like to associate
themselves with the conquerors, the visible sign of
their “superiority”, their fair skins, became
something that was envied.
A
nother theory revolves around the concept of
social status. The rich did not have to toil in the
sun and so were fairer than the people of
lower status who could not hide from the sun and
were therefore dark. So, in hot countries, people
with fair skins were more respected than those with
dark skins. But rich people in the cold West could lie
around without working, sunning themselves like
lizards and they got tans. So people with dark skins
were respected there and this is perhaps why tans
are still considered desirable among whites.
And in China, it did not have anything to do with
skin colour. Rich mandarins who did not have to
work grew their nails enormously long and thus
exhibited their social and financial status to the
world. So too did families that bound up the feet of
their women. These women needed to be carried by
slaves or in palanquins, thus proving their high
position in society through the fact that they did not
have to work and could afford people to carry them.
Poor people did not bind the feet of their girls; they
Even having dark skin, she looks
attractive with sharp features.
were needed to work in their fields and homes. about her features?” I asked cautiously.
And then of course, there is the matter of our “What do features matter?” was the bewildered
having been conquered and colonised by the British. response.
Our colonial masters were white and English was On the other hand, about dark women whose
the language in which they conducted their business. allure cannot be denied, people say regretfully, “If
So we learnt English and craved white skins. only she were fair she’d be really beautiful!” or
condescendingly, “She’s dark but quite good-
I
n our own culture, our much-loved gods, Ram and looking.”
Krishna, are both dark and so is the powerful But fair is going to continue to be synonymous
goddess, Kali. But in spite of this, white is with attraction for many for a long time to come, just
associated in our culture with purity while black is as slim and shapely are. There is nothing we can do
associated with evil and sin. This is true of many about people having these stereotypes in their
other cultures too and so angels, nuns minds. And in a way we must be
and brides traditionally wear white, appreciative about fairness creams and ads
while money earned through criminal
Am I for them as they have brought these deep-
activities, the market which deals in Shanta’s rooted desires out into the open and
illegal goods, the mark that goes against daughter? legitimised them.
you in your record when you do not Yes, I am But parents must guard against their sons
perform satisfactorily and the prison to and daughters getting complexes about
which criminals were sent in British times and I’m being dark. They may not be able to
were black money, the black market, a proud of it completely stop the outer world from getting
black mark and across the kala pani. just as my in and affecting them, but at least they, and
Whatever the reason, the desire to be mother was in fact all adults, can educate themselves to
fair is deeply rooted in our psyches and avoid making insensitive comments that hurt
is unlikely to disappear any time soon. I proud of me and cause lifelong regrets and complexes.
remember my colleagues in a school in till the day Am I Shanta’s daughter? Yes, I am and
Kolkata extolling the beauty of one of the she died! I’m proud of it just as my mother was proud
students who was very fair. “But what of me till the day she died! We
thinking that the seemingly delay. Now the suspense was over
decent people had cheated us. and the exciting drama came to an
Her doubt was doubled as no end.
betrothal ceremony was done – Savithri Viswanthan, Chennai.
prior to the marriage.
Finally, my brother-in-law
Wedding suspense hired a taxi to the boy’s house and see
It is 45 years since I got married. what had gone wrong. When he had
After moving heaven and earth, my travelled some distance, he found to
Has something
parents had found an alliance for me. his relief a van carrying the boy and happened in your
The boy came to ‘see’ me and I his people coming from the opposite life that has left an
passed the ‘interview’. Surprisingly, direction. Now he retraced his steps indelible impression on your
there was absolutely no demand from and returned to our house closely mind? And you still remember it
their side and everything was left to followed by the van. By this time, it after many years! Why not cherish
those moments again? All published
our discretion. My parents were in was 9 p.m. memorable incidents will be paid Rs
cloud nine. The reason for the delay – the 200. Please type or write neatly on
On the eve of the great day the boy’s eldest brother was a busy doctor, white foolscap paper and send it to:
boy and his party were supposed to but still he started early for the
MUSINGS/MEMORIES
arrive at our house. But there was no function. At the last minute a patient
sign of them till 8 p.m. They lived came and, not willing to send him back E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
70 miles away and there was no way being a devoted doctor, he attended on Womansera.com
to contact them as phone services him. Soon after, another followed and
Name:
were not popular then. Imagine the then two more patients. By the time he
Mobile:
mental state of my parents! disposed of them, it was late. They too
E-mail:
My mother made a hue and cry were unable to inform us about the

“I WAS AFRAID
I WOULD HARM
MY NEWBORN
BABY!"
Acute postpartum depression (PPD)
in a mother could result in a baby
being badly neglected or even
ill-treated. But, first, what is this
condition that makes women feel
emotionally untouched by their own
babies as they drown in a sea
of black depression?
By Kasturi Rangachari
e are fond of saying
W
sentimentally that a
woman feels really
fulfilled only after she
has a baby. That only
when she holds her
bundle of joy in her
arms does she
understand what it
really means to be a
woman. But, emotion aside,
pregnancy and childbirth result in a
complex mix of physical, hormonal,
emotional and behavioural changes
taking place in a woman and this
whole package can affect her in
various ways at different times.
During pregnancy, for example, she
could sometimes feel excited, full of
energy and deliriously happy, but at
other times, she could also have
headaches and feel overwhelmed,
tired and flustered.
Going through labour and
successfully giving birth to a child is a symptom of some disorder. We
invariably makes a woman feel that just think that we are overwhelmed
she has done something marvellous by the responsibility that is suddenly
and she cannot stop smiling. Later, on us. In fact, having the blues is
the world intrudes and so does worry considered a normal part of early
at the responsibilities that have now motherhood and the negative
fallen on her shoulders. This worry feelings that it entails usually go
makes 90 per cent of mothers away within a fortnight of delivery.
depressed and fearful but, as they But women suffering not from "baby
begin to cope with baby-care, this blues" but real PPD, have more
depression disappears. Yet, for about symptoms – or symptoms that last
a quarter of the new mothers, the longer. For them, the mild sensation
depression persists for some weeks of feeling low that “being blue”
and they need help in both, caring for entails, turns into actual depression.
their babies and in coming to terms But few people recognise and
with their feelings. This help is understand this depression. The
usually provided by their families. woman is told — in a bracing tone —
that she should stop pampering
herself. She should be grateful that
NEGATIVE FEELINGS she has such a beautiful baby and
And, occasionally (in about 0.2 per she should snap out of her bad
cent of the cases), the mother's mood. In other words, she is made
negative feelings are so strong that to feel that she is being self-indulgent
she feels as if the world around her is and selfish and hardly anyone palpitations. I also constantly felt
all black and that she is drowning in a understands that her feelings are out depressed, but I thought that the
sea of depression. She feels unable of her control. depression was because of my
to move and is unwilling to care for What causes PPD? Doctors aren't physical problems. After all, both my
her baby because she feels no sure, but they think that it is probably husband and I were thrilled to be
emotional bond with it. due to fluctuating hormonal levels. having a baby. We had waited six
In some cases, she does not even Again, why hormonal fluctuations long years after marriage for this
want to feed or touch the baby. Since take place more in some women and wonderful event!
this depression occurs after birth (or less or not at all in others is a
postpartum), it is called postpartum question that doctors cannot answer.
depression (PPD) or peripartum But they have seen that, once THE MEDICINES
depression. Very occasionally, hormonal levels settle down at "My doctor gave me medicines for
usually in very severe cases, the normal, pre-pregnancy levels, the my nausea and sleeplessness.
physical and emotional symptoms of depression goes away. Nothing really worked, but I didn't
acute depression manifest This means that PPD can be really mind. After all, I would soon be
themselves even before the delivery. treated — with antidepressants and holding my baby in my arms, so all
PPD may appear within a few hormones. But the treatment doesn't the strain and discomfort I was
days of giving birth or may manifest always work well and the experiencing were worth
itself more slowly, reaching its acute real cure is when the body it!
stage months after the woman has suddenly decides to snap PPD may appear "My doctor advised a
given birth. It may last from a few out of it and come back to within a few days Caesarean because I was
weeks to more than a year. normal. of giving birth or weak and so I didn't go
The mild version is often called And now, a woman may manifest through the labour pains
"having the baby blues”. The new who does not wish to be of a normal delivery. I was
itself more
mother has mood swings — she named, tells us about her sorry that I would not be
goes from feeling on top of the world experience with severe
slowly, reaching having that experience,
to suddenly beginning to cry. She PPD. Let's call her its acute stage but I was also slightly
often feels depressed, is unable to Revathy and hear what months after the relieved. I knew that I was
concentrate on anything, loses her she has to say. woman has weak and I didn't want to
appetite and is unable to sleep "It was my first baby given birth. endanger my baby in any
soundly. These symptoms start a few and I had a difficult It may last from way. And Nikhil was born
days after delivery and last about a pregnancy. I had morning a few weeks at 9 am on a bright and
week. sickness for nearly seven to more than a beautiful Monday morning.
Many of us women have gone months, could not sleep "When I regained
year.
through this without thinking that this soundly at night and had consciousness after the

Caesarean-section and held my baby conversation and of vehicles passing occasional chest pains — but she did
in my arms, I felt filled with so much on the road outside. I shut the door to not take them seriously. She just said
love that I myself was stunned. All my room, drew the curtains and that I was taking longer than most
around me were people — my asked that no one come in. I didn't new mothers to recover from the birth
husband, my parents, my brother and feel hungry at all. My mother of the baby. She then prescribed
sister-in-law and my in-laws — who repeatedly told me that I needed to some tonics and supplements and
were as happy as I was. But, after all eat to be able to feed Nikhil, but the told me to force myself to eat. I came
my visitors had left and the baby had sight of food sickened me. In my home from these visits feeling
been taken away to the nursery, I heart of hearts I wished that I would desperate and guilty.
found myself unable to sleep. I was become so weak that I wouldn't be “I wondered why I hadn't told the
just too excited, I told myself. But I expected to feed my baby! doctor about my emotional
was also slightly worried. I needed "My depression worsened too. disturbances. But I knew the answer.
my sleep now that I had a baby to And my attitude to Nikhil became It was because I felt ashamed about
look after! worse. I just didn't want to hold him, my negative feelings for my baby!
"I went home to my parents' home feed him, rock him to sleep or have They proved that I wasn't a normal
after a week from the nursing home. anything to do with him! If I was woman!
By then I was tense and worried forced to — when my mother and
because I had hardly been sleeping sister-in-law were both busy with
at night all that week. 'Don't worry,' housework, for instance — I would CONDITION WORSENS
my mother said consolingly. ‘I and feel like throwing him down. I began "Over the next month, my
your bhabhi will look after the baby. to be frightened. Would I harm my condition worsened. My parents
You just take rest and get your health baby one day? began to get more and more worried.
back.' "I began to dread the times when By this time, they had realised that I
"But I could neither help in taking Nikhil would be brought to me to be was not just suffering from weakness.
care of the baby nor take rest. This fed. At the same time, I began to find They thought that I was having some
was because I began to suffer from my own behaviour bizarre and sort of nervous breakdown, but they
tremors, chest pain, dizziness and unnatural. My depression worsened could not understand why.
headaches. The worst part of it was and I also began to ask myself if I "My husband had gone abroad
that my insomnia worsened and I was abnormal. If I wasn't, why did I soon after Nikhil's birth. He returned
hardly slept. I would toss and turn the not want to feed or hold the child I and was shocked to see me looking
whole night, but when my baby cried, had so eagerly awaited? Was I going so weak and behaving so
I would not be able to drag myself mad? abnormally. My parents hadn't told
out of bed and go to tend to him. I "I went for my routine check-ups. I him anything when he phoned us
would just lie and wait till either my told the doctor about my physical because they didn't want to worry
mother or sister-in-law got up and problems — the headaches, the him. I myself had told him that I was
brought him to me to feed. dizziness, the loss of appetite, the not able to sleep and that, because of
constant tiredness and the that, I got headaches and felt weak.
But I would always end by saying that
NEED TO FEED THE BABY Nikhil was fine and that he should not
"I knew that I had to feed my worry.
baby, but I had to force myself to do "My husband insisted on taking
so. My nipples were tender and it me to see another doctor. That
was painful when Nikhil suckled. But doctor too said the same thing – that
worse than that was the fact that I I was just recovering from the birth
felt nauseous as soon as he began to of my child more slowly than women
feed. It was as if I didn't want to feed usually did. She prescribed more
him! I felt so terrible about this that I medicines — tonics, sleeping pills and
didn't tell even my mother about how the like — but, again, nothing helped.
I felt. I just grit my teeth and fed the "Then my husband suggested that
baby. My mother called my doctor I go to stay with my in-laws (they stay
and told her that I was not able to in a nearby town while my husband
sleep and the doctor prescribed works in the town in which my
sleeping pills for me. I took them but parents live) for some time. 'A
they hardly helped. change of scene could help,' he said.
"A week passed and then another. My parents agreed and a day or two
My condition deteriorated and I felt later, my husband and I left with
worse and worse. Noise began to Nikhil for my in-laws' home.
upset me, even the normal sounds of "It was the same story there. I

could not eat or sleep, my hands the same day and it was decided that began to do all the housework and
trembled and I had attacks of I would stay on with my in-laws till I look after Nikhil as well. I was still on
dizziness. Severe headaches felt better. My husband would go anti-depressants and still felt
prostrated me frequently. And I home to our little flat in the town in exhausted by the end of the day, but
continued to be indifferent to Nikhil which my parents lived, but he would I was almost completely back to
and feel restless and have tremors if I come to see me every weekend. being my pre-pregnancy self.
had to hold him for long. My in-laws "The antidepressants helped, but
live in a big and close joint family and
so there were plenty of people to help
my symptoms continued, though in a
less severe form. I had stopped
KNOW POSTPARTUM
me with Nikhil. But my husband soon feeding Nikhil by now and my in-laws DEPRESSION
noticed my reluctance to hold Nikhil looked after him almost completely. "I would not have gone through so
and, one day, he suggested that we Perhaps, they thought that I might do much trauma if I and the people
consult a psychiatrist. him some harm, but I felt only relief around me had been aware of what
"I remember looking at him when that I didn't have to hold the baby or PPD was. Somehow, the disorder
he said this and then looking down do anything for him. The months just hasn't been received much
in shame. 'There's nothing to be passed. Nikhil stood up and then attention from doctors or the media.
ashamed of in going to a began to walk and his first birthday Even in the West, people were
psychiatrist,' he said soothingly. was just around the corner. shocked when celebrity Brooke
"My mother-in-law came with us "And then, I slowly began to see Shields went public with her own
when we went. She too felt that signs of improvement. I felt less tired struggle with postpartum depression
something was seriously wrong with and began to sleep soundly for a few because most of them hadn't heard
me and was worried. hours every night. And then, one day, of it. Many accused her of just being
"It was that day that I heard the I woke up in the morning and realised a spoilt attention-seeker! In India, too,
term 'postpartum depression' for the that I had slept through the night! I the public needs to be educated on
first time. The psychiatrist had to felt so light-hearted and full of this disorder."
explain what the term meant to us energy! As I lay in bed Revathy went through
and all were stunned. Even my smiling to myself, I heard a traumatic experience,
mother-in-law with half a century's a bumping noise and
It is important but she was lucky in that
experience with pregnancy and Nikhil began to cry in the that women she had people who
childbirth had never heard of next room. Perhaps he suffering from stood by her and helped
anything like it. 'Yes, some women had fallen down, I PPD realise that her through her ordeal.
become panicky, aren't able to sleep thought. it is an illness Imagine what would have
and are down in the dumps and "I lay there waiting for like any other. happened if she had been
worried for some time, but they snap someone to come and They are not by herself or if her
out of it in a few weeks,' she told the pick the baby up. But no responsible for husband, in-laws and
doctor. 'But it comes as a shock that one came and Nikhil
their condition in others had been less
this is some sort of disorder and that continued to cry. I supportive!
my daughter-in-law is suffering from suddenly sat up, swung
any way. So they
a severe form of PPD!' my legs off the bed and should not feel
got up. Then I walked into guilty about their
the next room and picked emotions and
THE RELIEF my son up and rocked actions.
"I can't express in words the relief him in my arms. 'Ssshhh,
I felt when the psychiatrist gave my baby,' I whispered to him. 'It's
problem a name and told me that I okay! Mummy is here to look
was in no way abnormal, that I after you!'
certainly didn't hate my baby and that "I heard a noise at the
I would definitely get better. 'Actually, door and turned. My
there is no treatment as such for mother-in-law stood there,
postpartum depression,' she told us. smiling at me. There
'We prescribe antidepressants, were tears in her eyes
sleeping pills and, occasionally, — and in mine!
hormones, but these are just to help "From that day,
you cope with the symptoms. PPD I began to
just disappears by itself. Till then, the improve rapidly.
patient needs to be helped with baby A month later, I
care.' went back to my
"I began taking antidepressants own home and
FACTS ABOUT PPD from the period of a week or so to
some months and to even more than
yourself repeatedly that you are
going through something that is quite
● An illness: It is important that a year. normal for a woman. You're, after all,
women suffering from PPD realise ● Treatment: PPD can be trying to come to terms with
that it is an illness like any other. treated with therapy or medicines. something overwhelming — being
They are not responsible for their Just talking to a person who has totally responsible for another human
condition in any way. So they should herself suffered from the condition being. And, if your body doesn't
not feel guilty about their emotions can also help. If you are breast- cooperate with you, things can
and actions. feeding, you should tell the doctor become a little too much to cope with
● Symptoms: If women suffering this if she prescribes anti- for a while.
from a PPD suffer from loss of depressants for you. An interesting titbit of
appetite, either insomnia or sleeping If you find yourself suffering information: Recent research has
more than usual, loss of interest in from PPD: If tell yourself that you are shown that after becoming fathers
life, lowered energy levels, lack of not the first and will not be the last to men too have a tendency to suffer
motivation to work, crying bouts, suffer in this fashion. You do not hate from depression and symptoms
lowered levels of self-confidence, an your baby and you are not going similar to those which a woman with
overwhelming sense of mad. So do not keep quiet because PPD suffers from. This is usually
hopelessness, guilt, disinterest in the you feel guilty. Talk to someone you caused by the pressures of increased
baby and worry about hurting it, panic trust about your feelings and responsibility, increased
attacks, constantly feeling worried, symptoms. If yours is a severe case, expectations, decreased sleep,
quick and unexplained weight loss or you need to see a doctor or worry, confusion about what being a
gain and they sometimes feel psychiatrist immediately. If yours is father means, the upheaval that a
suicidal. not a severe case, you still mustn't baby brings about in a home and an
● Can start at any time: Though take it too lightly. increased burden of work if the
for most victims of PPD, the symp- Explain the situation to your mother suffers from PPD.
toms begin soon after childbirth, for husband and ask him to help you There are no hormonal and
some others they start some weeks with the housework and baby till you chemical changes involved here, but
or even months later. Occasionally, regain your energy. Get yourself the depression and other symptoms
they start even before the baby is born. domestic help/nanny or ask a relative bear witness to the fact that men too
● Who is at risk of getting to come and help you for a while. are vulnerable at this time. So,
PPD? Though any woman can get it, Take your mind off your problems by perhaps, it makes sense that a man
some are more at risk than others. reading, exercising, going for walks, too should be given "paternity leave"
These include those who do not have meditating, etc. Above all, tell after his wife gives birth to a child! We
happy marriages or family members
to whom they are close to and to HOW THE STOCK MARKET WORKS
whom they can talk freely. Women nce upon a time in a place monkeys became so sparse that it
who suffer from severe premenstrual
syndrome (PMS) are also at higher
O overrun with monkeys, a man
appeared and annou n ced to the
was an effort to even see a monkey.
The man now announced that he
risk because they already have villagers that he would buy monkeys would buy monkeys for $50! How-
hormonal problems. Women who for $10 each. The villagers, seeing ever, since he had to go to the city
have suffered from PPD after the that there were many monkeys on some business, his assistant
birth of earlier children or who have around, went out to the forest and would now buy on his behalf.
suffered from depression earlier in started catching them. The man While the man was away the
life are also at higher risk. Stressful bought thousands at $10 each and assistant told the villagers, “Look at
events like a divorce, the death of a as supply started to diminish, they all these monkeys in the big cage
close relative or friend, etc, also became harder to catch, so the that the man has bought. I will sell
increase risk. More first-time mothers villagers stopped their effort. them to you at $35 each and when
get it than women who have already The man then announced that he the man returns from the city, you
gone through the ordeal of childbirth. would now pay $20 for each one. can sell them to him for $50 each.”
● Causes: The exact causes This renewed the efforts of the The villagers rounded up all their
aren't yet known. But it is thought that villagers and they started catching savings and bought all the monkeys.
the hormonal changes that take place monkeys again. But soon the supply They never saw the man or his
during pregnancy and childbirth diminished even further and they assistant again and once again
produce chemical changes in the were even harder to catch, so there were monkeys everywhere.
brain and that these cause the basic people started going back to their Now you have a better under -
depression that causes all the other farms and forgot about monkey standing of how the stock market
symptoms of PPD. catching. The man raised his price works!
● Duration: PPD can continue to $25 each and the supply of – Janakiraman Kuppuswamy
APPETISING
PREPARATIONS
These dishes are easy to make and very tasteful. By Sree Nidhi
BREAD ROLLS
INGREDIENTS:
4 bread slices
1 cup channa dal
1/ cup paneer grated
2
2 tbsp coriander leaves
3 green chillies
oil for frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Wash and soak the channa dal
for 2 hours. Grind the gram dal
into a paste. Soak the bread
slices in water. Add soaked bread
slices, paneer, coriander leaves,
chopped green chillies and salt.
Mix well.
Make rolls out of the mixture.
PAPAYA SALAD salt to taste
chat masala to taste
Deep-fry the rolls in heated oil. INGREDIENTS: METHOD
1/ cup diced papaya
2 Roast all the grains without oil.
1/ cup diced mango Add salt and chat masala.
2
1/ cup diced kiwi Store in airtight container. Take
2
1/ cup strawberries, chopped one handful everyday at snack
4
1/ tsp sugar time.
2
1/ tsp salt
2
2 tbsp lemon juice
Suggested Breakfast Options
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves South Indian:
1. Idly - 3 nos + veg sambar or veg
METHOD chutney
Mix all the ingredients and 2. Ragi adai - 2 nos with veg
serve chilled. chutney
3. Vegetable dosa - 3 nos with
sambar
HEALTHY North Indian:

1. Paratas - 2 nos with veg subji
SNACK 2. Pohh - 2 cups with vegetables

Continental:
INGREDIENTS: 1. Wheat flakes - 1/2 cups with 1
cup milk + 1 fruit
1 cup red aval
2. Oats - 2 glasses + 1 slice wheat
1 cup Bengal gram dal bread + 2 egg white
1 cup baby popcorn
LOUISIANA
& SOUTHERN
COOKING!
American food conjures up memories of
burgers and hot dogs. Here are some yummy bites –
especially when made at home! By Dueep Jyot Singh
SOUTHERN
hen I was in New 1 tsp paprika
W
Orleans, I was fortunate 1 cup flour
to live with a hostess
who did not bother FRIED CHICKEN 1/ litre cooking oil
2
1/ cup lemon juice
much if I poked around (sometimes masquerading as 4
in the kitchen when she Kentucky fried chicken in India) 2 tsp salt
was cooking. So, INGREDIENTS: METHOD
naturally, any dish I 1 kilo chicken cut into pieces Mix water and milk. Cut chicken
liked had to be tried out 1/ cup creamy milk
2 and dip in the liquid. Put dry
my own way when I 1/ cup water
2 ingredients in a paper bag. Heat the
came back to India.
1/ tsp pepper oil in a heavy frying pan. It should be
Here are some of my favourites. 2
nearly smoking. (If by chance it
happens to catch fire, you can
extinguish it with salt!)
Take the chicken from the liquid
and put one piece at a time in the
paper bag. Shake and fry. Brown both
sides and then lower the flame, add
the liquid and cook it for 40 minutes
with the lid on tight. Remove the lid
and increase the heat before serving
to crisp the chicken. The chicken has
to be turned once during cooking.
Don't use a fork because it might
break the crisp layer. Use tongs.
The mayonnaise used was also
traditional.
Beat eggs up well. Add half a cup
of sugar and half a teaspoon of
mustard, 1 cup cream, half cup of
vinegar to the eggs. Add vinegar very
slowly, beating all the while. Cook this
into a double boiler. Now, many
people have double boilers, so just fill

one huge utensil with water, put the
other smaller completely covered
utensil in it, and then cover the whole
with a lid. Simmer the mayonnaise;
make sure that it does not boil. Cook
it for about 25 minutes, or until the
mayonnaise reaches a creamy
consistency. Add half a teaspoon of
salt when the mixture cools down.
LOUISIANA
CHEESE
FONDUE
This is a very simple dish for
anyone who likes cheese.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup milk
3 slices of bread 1 tbsp butter until they are pale yellow. Mix with the
250 gm cheese 1/ cup milk soup which should not be diluted. Add
4
1 cane frozen condensed cream the rest of the ingredients. Pour them
1 tbsp butter
all into a baking dish, spread the
3 eggs of lobster soup
cheese on the top and bake for 15
1/ tbsp salt
2
1 cane lobster minutes at 400°F. This is normally a
1/ dry mustard
(I also added diced ham/chicken 4 side dish which is eaten with rice or
slivers because I enjoy adding a 1 tbsp pimientos toast.
little bit of non-vegetarian but (finely chopped) And to think, people spend oodles
these are optional) 1 pinch of a paprika, pinch of a of dollars or its equivalent in Indian
black pepper rupees to have something which is
METHOD
grated parmesan cheese supposed to be a part of jet-setting
Heat the milk and pour it over the
lifestyles, washed down with
crumbled bread. Add diced cheese,
METHOD champagne… hey, I can make it in
meat (optional), melted butter, salt,
I am using canned lobster, my kitchen!
and egg yolks. Beat the egg whites
because I have not found fresh One of my favourite dishes it was!
up until they are stiff and then fold
lobster or even packaged lobster
them in. Pour this into a greased
meat in India yet!
casserole and bake it, uncovered for
25-30 minutes in an oven at 350o.
Heat the mushrooms in the butter
SOUTHERN
Melissa, my hostess, took me and
my cousin, Milan, to a hotel, where COMBO
we wanted to show off a little, and I could not believe that okra, which
ordered something which I thought we call lady’s finger, is an integral part
was very stylish, lobster thermidor. of this. I thought bhindi was best
The bill was very stylish too – it eaten fried in masala!
made me whistle in amazement! But Cut up two small chickens into
anybody can make it easily and better bite-size pieces and fry in a frying
than what we had in a stylish pan.
restaurant! When they are brown, add 250 gm
finely chopped okra,
four large tomatoes, two chopped
LOBSTER onions, salt and pepper. Cover this
with boiling water and simmer on low
THERMIDOR flame for three hours.
After three hours, the consistency
INGREDIENTS: will be just like a thick gummy stew,
250 gm fresh mushrooms which is best eaten with rice. We

R. S. Prakash
AANAIVAARI A. Sridhar has assumed Sabitha Anand, Alwa Vasu crane

the responsibility for story, screenplay, Monohar, Nellai Siva and Dada
dialogue and direction of PRK Movies Muthukumar are also in the cast. D.
Vedappan which features newcomer Mahibalan has cranked the camera.
Hemanth Kumar in the lead. The two Nesan is the scorer. The film
heroines – Apsara and Nikita are also sketches the plight of an ordinary
fresher Venniradai Moorti, Mahanadhi youth who is an ardent fan of a
Shankar, Muthukalai Balanand, famous screen star.
3 Woman’s Era ● March (First) 2004 3

Sundar. C. Babu, while S. R. Kathir is
the cinematographer.
MUTHIRAI has been produced by the

well-known Bollywood film-maker
Vikram Bhat that features Nitin Satya,
Daniel Balaji, Lakshmi Rao, Manjari
Phadnis Kishore, Pon Vannan and
others. Srinath, a former deputy of
the late cinematographer-turned-
filmmaker Jeeva has directed this
fast and racy flick which talks about a
sophisticated, tech-savvy criminal
who befriends a smart con guy. The
screenplay is about their joint-
venture. The film has been shot in
locations at Mauritius. Rakhi Sawant
from Bollywood has rendered an item
number.
VENTAK Prabhu, actor-turned film-

maker is one of the most sought after
director of this decade, having dished
out two big hits-Chennai 600028
RAPTAR Media Films ‘ Maddiya and Saroja. Goa is an ongoing
Chennai’ two new faces-Jaivanth venture being shot in location at
and Ramya Barna in the lead Goa, seems to be going in full
roles. Maestro Ilayaraja has swing. Produced by Ocher Pictures
scored the music for this flick. Productions it is owned by
Mahadevan, Shanmugharajan Soundarya Rajnikanth and features
Charlie and many others are in the Jai, Premji, Vaibav, Aravind Akash,
cast. Karthik Raja is the Sampath and many others. Joining
cameraman. Vivekanand and the cast of Goa is the American
Veerasingam have assumed the actress Julie Fine, a U.S. model by
responsibility for the screenplay, profession. Yuvan Shankar Raja is
dialogue and direction. As the title scoring music for the flick.
suggests, the main plot of the flick
has been woven around the THE sex-siren Sona has now taken
happenings in the central part of up a new avtar! She has now
Chennai. turned a producer with Oodu Machi
Oodu. The flick is expected to be a
SREE Gokulam Movies film commercial potboiler, being written
Pazhassi Raja is being made in and directed Jailani. She roped in a
five languages. The story of New York based model-cum-singer
Pazhassi Raja dates back to the named Claudia for the project.
18th century, a period script Swetha, a model from Mumbai is
penned by M. Vasudevan Nair the also part of the venture. Michael, a
flick has been directed by Hariharan, as an actor in Subramaniyapuram. former Mr Chennai is also a vital
the national award-winning film- He is back again as a film-maker part of the flick. There is yet another
maker. The flick has Mammooty in through Nadodigal which supposedly big name associated with the
the lead while Sarath plays this showcases only realism but not production. Frederik Wiedmann from
general, Edachena Kungan, heroism. With a busload of new Hollywood is scoring the music for
Nedumudi Venu, Thilagan, Monoj K. faces, Samudirakani had dealt with the film.
Jayan and Suman are also in the the subject of how human beings
cast. Ilayaraja has scored the music. react and respond to problems in life. ALKA Film Corporation and Media
It is an emotional movie that is set Zen have jointly made Varnam, the
SAMUDIRAKANI who made his around the lives of four couples. The major portions of which has been
debut as a director proved his calibre film’s music has been scored by shot in hill zones as Kadaikanal and

few others, the theme is meant for a
global audience. ‘I am glad the film
is being screened at one of the top
festivals in Asia wherein Danny
Boyle is going to be the head of the
International Festival Jury. The film
features Prasanna and Sneha in the
lead roles besides Emmy and
award-winner John Shea.
WELL-KNOWN lyricist Pa-Vijay who

has established his credentials as a
seasoned lyricist is now playing the
lead role in Gnabagangal which is
said to be memorable tale of love.
The heroine of the film is
Sreedevika. The flick is being
directed by Jeevan. Nizhalgal Ravi
and Chandru are also in the main
cast. One more main aspect of the
film is the musical score of debutant
music director James Vick, who is a
former Keyboard player under the baton of twin-Oscar
winner, A. R. Rahman. We
Moonar. So far no film has been shot within the

confines of Dingukal hill-fortress. S.M. Raju, the director
of Varnam has managed to shoot some portions there.
The story is set around the life of a teenager who learns
about the nuances of life the hard way. Monica,
Sampath, Giri, Ashwatha, Gautham, Vijay, Muthukumar
and Karate Raja are in the main cast. Isaac Thomas
scores the music.
THE 12th Shanghai International Film Festival,

scheduled to be held between 13 June and 21 has
selected Achamundu Achamundu to be screened under
the International Panorama category. According to Arun,
director of the film who has also produced it along with a

TAMIL STARS S P E A K !
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS IN TAMIL POP!

R. Prakash
students to venture into video

commercials that too as a career
option, remarked Manik.
arty songs and hip hop albums In the year 1990, wanting to
P aren’t that common in the Tamil

music scenario (non-filmic). But
times have really changed, thanks to
become a hip-hop album artiste set
panic bells ringing in his parents, a
police officer father wanted Jezz to
parties and party-goes. Tamil rap follow in his foot steps and a school
songs and hip hop albums are no teacher mother was not sure about
more uncommon. Such music is his future. After getting a degree in
slowly but steadily becoming popular computer science, he told his father
as proportionately the patronage too he had a degree to fall back on and
is increasing manifold. he pursed his dream.
Emcee Jesz, the renowned rapper Emcee Jesz who embarked upon
from Malaysia who was associated his music journey as a rapper in his
with Yogi B’s Vallavan album which teens, soon gained popularity for his
proved hugely popular, has not hit voice, style of rapping and for
the bull’s eye with his own album in creating quick beats. His emphasis
Tamil, and titled Kavithai Gundar. who feels that innovations like Emcee has always been on originality and
The event of launch was punctuated have to be given a red-carpet creativity and that’s what possibly
with glitz and glamour with celebrities welcome as they are responsible for prompted him to set off on a solo this
like Shruti Hassan (the chief guest of revolutionising the non-film music time with Kavithai Gundar which can
the event) and singer Neha Bhasin, scenario. Adds Shruti: Such albums be hailed as the first international
etc. adding pep to the proceedings. go a long way in promoting non-film Tamil hip-hop solo album that has hit
Unlike in other countries, non-film music and Emcee has been the mainstream market, following his
music isn’t that popular in our country instrumental for creating space for earlier album, Vallavan which was
as our desi films are dominated by such music. marketed in Chicago, Toronto, India,
the songs and dance routine. Bad Boys and Thaniya were two Singapore, Sri Lanka, selling over
Kavithai Gundar (Lyrical videos from the album that were 10,000 copies. This hip-hop album
Gangster) is in fact the opening screened. N. Manik, a protege of film- encases 13 tracks featuring 12
venture of studio eight production an maker Suresh Krishnan was the brain artistes and is a mix of urban hip hop,
organic organisation that is dedicated behind both the videos. The R&B Hip Hop, crank, reggae ton, old
to music production and presentation. response and reception meted out to school flavour, sentimental, patriotic
‘Non-film music in India is still in such independent non-filmic projects and community songs, which add
its infant stages’, says Neha Bhasin would encourage film institute alluring energy to the album.
KANTHASWAMY – THE MEGA – BLOCKBUSTER!

roducer S. Thanu, whose Thanu’s latest film, in which the Sharan plays Vikarm's love interest
P association with Kollywood

touches the milestone of a
silver jubilee this year, has always
versatile Vikram plays the title role is
obviously the biggest of all
blockbusters which has been in the
in the film. Vedivelu who has
replaced Vivek in this handles the
comedy track. The music release
been well-known for his big budget making for quite a long time now. function of the flick was nothing short
productions which generate Vikram depicts a super-hero kind of of a grand spectacle.
unprecedented hype and hoopla, character in this, the film being One of the sensible film-maker of
every time a project is announced, canned at several lovely foreign our times, Susi Ganesan, the writer,
made and released, Kanthaswamy locales, including Mexico. Shreya director has spared no effort at all. It

is meant to ensure that he assures that the film isn’t
Kanthaswamy emerges as the preachy and doesn’t tend to
mother of all block busters, both sermonise.
in terms of content and The Kanthaswamy Foundation
presentation, besides showcasing is basically Susi’s brainchild – a
breathtaking visuals. simple idea of serving villages that
Susi has been one film-maker can eventually create a
who always thinks beyond tremendous impact on the under-
entertainment. The Kanthaswamy developed villages.
Foundation hopes to bring in
positive changes in the lives of How did Susi get the idea?
people living in some under The economic disparity in our
developed villages. country is extreme. On the one
‘In addition to offering side, we see people stashing away
entertainment to the masses, I money into the Swiss banks while
also want my films to serve social on the other side, we come across
causes’ says Susi. The MIT poverty-stricken people lacking
engineer-turned film-maker even basic amenities. The well-to-
sporting a sweet smile. The do people should willingly come
young and energetic Susi who is forward to share at least a paltry
just four-films old, is not only a part of their possessions with the
thinking film-maker having poor. This is the crux of my film
apprenticed under Manirathnam and I have done my best for the
but also a brilliant academician cause,’ elaborates the director who
who bagged the best outgoing has dared to make a difference!
student award in his final year at With the help of NGO’s and
MIT. philanthropists, nearly 30 villages
According to Susi, Kanthaswamy action sequences, songs that have have been adopted so far and the
will have the right mix of been canned with style and cause is being continuously
entertainment and message. Also, splendour hilarious comedy and of championed. Kudos to Susi and his
there is a plenty of glamour, fabulous course, strong social message. But team.
made the award-winning Iyarkkai and

AS BIG AS IT GETS! the commercial potboiler ‘E’ is the
writer-director.
ne of the much hyped and Kickinger plays an international
O much talked about Kollywood

project of the times is
Peraanmai which does not showcase
terrorist in the film who infiltrates
into the country through forest. He
runs into a tribal leader and forest
the usual kind of actions but a guard Dhruvan and five NCC
different one, that too, daringly! The women cadets.
film which has been in the making for According to sources close to
more than a year is supposedly to the unit, one of the highlights of
belong to a completely different the film is the superbly
class. choreographed action sequences
Jayam Ravi, one of the rising stars between Jayam Ravi and Roland
of the times plays Dhuruvan, a forest Kickinger.
guard belonging to a particular tribe. was nothing short of a big challenge Ravi had kept his body as taut as
In order to look fit, Ravi has lost for him. the string of the bow that he holds in
about 13 kgs and had to remain on Roland Kickinger the bodybuilder hand, had to keep his mind as sharp
diet, avoiding carbohydrates. He has from Vienna, who plays the role of as the arrow that he had to shoot.
also worked hard to get that specific the Terminator in Terminator-4 Ravi has performed some death-
look for the character he portrays in Salvation: The Future Begins, plays defying stunts for this film and had
the film. Moreover, according to Ravi, the villain of this flick which has been suffered from real blows, just to
the hero did not have any references shot at locations in Vagamon, a maintain that real look in the action
for that particular character and had beautiful forest in Kerala. scenes. Peranmai could possibly
to define the attributes himself which Director S. P. Jhananathan who take him to the next level! We

156 Crossword
F A M I L Y P H O T O
✂
CONTEST
1 2 3 4 5 6
P
7
Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No 156 Woman’s Era Delhi Press New Delhi-110 055
D R
8
N
9
M
10
S T
11 12
G
13 14 15
H
16 17
G K
18 19 20
I N
21 22 23 24
G N
25
T
26
A R
Across
1. To be grateful for something that
somebody has done (10)
1. The act of hiding and waiting for
somebody and then making a surprise
7. Chemical symbol for Chromium (2) attack on them (6)
8. A strip of cloth used for tying around a 2. A black leopard or a large wild animal of
part of the boy that has been hurt in order the cat family (7)
to protect or support it (7) 3. Material made with rubber, than can
9. The flat pale sweet nut of a tree used in stretch and then return to its original
cooking and a make oil (6) size (7)
10. A building where people stay, usually 4. Perfect; most suitable (5)
for a short time, paying for their rooms 5. The activity of working well together as a
and meals (5) team (8)
Please accept my entry for the
11. To make a hole or cut in something with a 6. A small thin nail with a small head and a crossword competition. I
sharp object in a rough or violent flat tip (4)
way (5) 12. To produce or show something (7) subscribe to all the rules and
13. A place where babies and small children 13. A high steep rough mass of rock (4)
are taken care of while their parents 14. A small oval object with a thin hard shell regulations of the competition.
are working, studying, shopping, produced by a female bird and containing
etc. (6) a young bird; a similar object Name
16. Microphone (4) produced by a female fish, insect, etc. (3)
18. A small piece of metal or plastic, with a 15. To send out something such as light, heat,
sound, gas, etc. (4)
Down
design or words on it, that a person

wears to show that they belong to an 17. A person or an animal that eats a
organisation, support something, have particular thing or in a particular Address
achieved something, have a particular way (5)
rank, etc. (5) 18. The second letter of the Greek
21. Your sense of your own value and alphabet (4)
importance (3) 19. Death or destruction; any terrible event City Pin
22. Existing, but not yet very noticeable, that you cannot avoid (4)
active or well developed (6) 20. Great enthusiasm and energy, style and
25. A book that is published every year confidence (4)
giving information for that year 23. European Union (2)
about a particular subject or activity (2) 24. Used in the Muslim calendar to show a
26. The mass of eggs inside a female particular number of years since the year
fish or the sperm of a male fish used as when Muhammad left Mecca in
AD 622 (2)
✂
food (7)

WIN UP TO
Winners of Crossword - 153
Rs15,000
IN CASH PRIZES
Lata Melwani, Jaipur. Sandra Dutt, Bangalore. Akshit, Jalandhar.
Dr Benu Loga Pragna R., Ka

ni, New Delhi Gunjan, Hyderabad. taria, Gujarat
. .
Manju Agarw Kiran Arora, Vi

al, Baroda. Dr Tanoy Bandyopadhyay, Jorhat. sakhapatnam
.
Rajni Bajaj, N Asha Naveen

ew Delhi. Rajni Mann, Mohali. Shetty, Manip
al.

156 Crossword
F A M
CWinners
I
O Nof Crossword
TES
L
- 153
T
Y P H O T O
Chandigarh. Satna.
Mamta Sood,
Nisha Kheterpal, New Delhi. Vinita Singh,
Coimbatore. ngalore.
U. Afila Fabin, Ajay Sharma, Faridabad. Lavanya K., Ba
Chennai. andrum.
Mary Cherian, Umesh Sharma, Aligarh. i Gireesh, Triv
Dhanalakshm
hena, Vellore
. p, Bangalore.
B. Cherryl Tryp Veena Vedagarbha, Bangalore. Kimneo Haoki

WIN UP TO
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES
Winners of Crossword - 153 Rules and Regulations

A prize of Rs 15,000 will
be given to the person
sending an all-correct
solution. In case there are
more than one sender of an
all-correct solution, the prize
amount will be divided
among the first 30
competitors chosen by lot.
Anubha Bhat
ia, Bareilly. Pradeepti Rastogi, Ernakulam. The decision of the manage-
ment will be final and
binding. Entries must be on
the crossword printed here.
Photocopies will not be
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Entries must be sent so
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Rajpal Singh, Brenda Rodrigues, Mumbai. family picture.
Bahadurgarh.
Answers to Crossword-153
n w in
Across: 1. Compensation,
7. Responsible, 9. Reed,
w i o rd
12. Navel, 14. Ra, 16. Stag,
17. UV, 18. Data, 19. AG, 20. Ash, n
i ur w
22. Tandem, 23. Onset
W yo wer
Down: 1. Car
3. Elope, 4. Alig
eer, 2. Miser,
n, 5. Ill, 6. Na,
. Emigrate, o n p o
8. Elevate, 10 ,
ht, 13 . Ar id, 15. Antigen
11. Draug
21. Odd

A great way to
better health right
at home.
By Dr Navin Kumar Gupta
ur sedentary life-style has
O
brought us to a state
where to keep fit and trim
(fit-fat as we say in Hindi),
we must make exercise an
inseparable part of our
daily lives. The simplest
and most convenient
exercises are walking and
jogging (these two have
the additional advantage of requiring
no equipment) and swimming.
But, in the cities, there are few
open and safe places left for such
activities.
Many of us perforce join
gymnasiums or clubs or purchase
simple exercise machines – like the
bicycle or treadmill. In this article, my
emphasis is on the treadmill, for the
simple reason that of the two, the
treadmill is my favourite.
The treadmill: The treadmill (also

termed the tread wheel) was invented
by Sir William Cubitt (1785-1861), a
British civil engineer, in 1817, as a vessels “clean” (lowers the fatty and But you must select some activity
form of punishment in British prisons. atherogenic plaques lining the which you like and enjoy.
Dr Robert Bruce and Wayne endothelium which keeps on
Quinton invented the first medical accumulating with age). If you like the outdoors, some of
treadmill at the University of ● It helps growth of anastomosis the good choices are walking,
Washington in 1952. This machine among capillaries (In general, most jogging, running, cycling, hiking,
was not designed for any fitness organs, including heart will have swimming or rowing.
programme but for the diagnosis of increased and alternate blood supply If you like the gym environment
heart and lung diseases. of fine capillaries, which helps in where you can interact with a lot of
The public became more health better functioning and in case of other people, you will have access to
conscious during the 1960s and the diseased state, quicker recovery.) stationary bikes, elliptical trainers,
fitness equipment industry began ● It reduces stress. treadmills, rowing machines, stair
churning out fitness equipment. One ● It helps you sleep better. masters and more.
of the first fitness machines to be You need cardio if you want to: For the home exercises, the
developed and marketed were home ● reduce your weight. choices extend to Tai Chi and
treadmills. Some of the earliest US ● keep your weight under control, kickboxing. But the most popular
manufacturers were Tunturi, Aerobics and
Inc., Woodway, Track Master and ● reduce your stress.
Star Trac.
NASA (the US National Choosing your cardio: You
Aeronautics and Space Admini - have a number of cardio
stration) contributed a great deal to activities to choose from.
the development of treadmills
because they saw treadmills as an
excellent way for astronauts to keep
fit while in space for extended
periods of time. NASA developed
several versions that were used in
the orbiting Skylab station in the
1970s.
Dr Kenneth Cooper’s research on
the benefits of aerobic exercises,
published in 1968, provided a
medical justification for the
commercial exploitation of the home
treadmill and exercise bike.
Today, these two are the most
favourite exercise machines in the
world.
Basic facts about cardio -

vascular exercises (cardio):
Cardiovascular exercise (cardio in
short) is any activity that raises the favourites are the treadmill and
heart rate to a much higher level. It is exercise bike.
very important for the following Any activity is acceptable so long
reasons: as it involves a movement that raises
● It burns calories and helps you your heart rate into your target heart
lose weight. rate zone (see below).
● It makes your heart strong.
● It increases your lung Remember:
capacity. ● There is nothing like the ‘best’
● It reduces the risk of heart cardio exercise.
attack, high cholesterol, ● Anything that raises your heart
high blood pressure rate is all right.
and diabetes. ● What is important is not which
● It helps keep the activity you do, but how hard and
inner lining of blood sincerely you do it.
DO ALL THOSE LITTLE using the lift and do some brisk
walking.
● To maintain current fitness
level - you must exercise two-four
THINGS YOU KNOW ● Do all those little things you days a week (at least 20 minutes per
YOU SHOULD BE know you should be doing - climb the
stairs, walk a little bit more, stop
session).
● To lose weight - you must
DOING - CLIMB THE driving around looking for a prime exercise four or more days a week
STAIRS, WALK A LITTLE parking space, etc.
● You may be terribly busy and
(at least 30 minutes per session).
BIT MORE, STOP find it difficult to spare some time. But How hard?
DRIVING AROUND I know several very busy business
magnates. They spend quite some
Once you have started doing
exercises regularly, instead of
LOOKING FOR A PRIME time daily on exercise - regularly and increasing the time, you should
PARKING SPACE, ETC. religiously. They know it makes life increase the intensity. For instance,
better. you should walk or run faster on the
● Any activity can be challenging, ● If you can afford a good treadmill, or raise its elevation.
if you plan it that way. personal trainer, by all means ● The number of calories you
● Do any activity you enjoy. engage one. But you can do your burn is directly related to the time and
● For instance, if you hate gym regular exercises without one. intensity.
workouts, don’t go to the gym. ● Do something...anything. Once ● Raising intensity is the best
Choose something else. you start, you will develop a liking, a way to burn more calories in a
● Select something you can do habit. And if you miss your exercise shorter time.
at least three days a week, 30 any day, you will feel as if you have
minutes a session. left out something. How hard should you work?
● Doing the same thing all the ● A little bit of caution: you can You should work at an intensity
time continuously can become boring overdo cardio. You don’t have to kill you can maintain during the duration
and will lead to weight loss plateaus yourself with hours of cardio. Unless of your workout.
as well. you are training for marathons and ● In an hour-long workout, you
● Be flexible and innovative, if competitions, it can become counter will have to keep the intensity low so
necessary. productive. Be practical. you don’t wear yourself out.
● In brief, do anything….and do it ● In shorter workouts, you can
regularly. How often? raise the intensity since you are
The frequency of your workouts working out for a shorter period of
How long? depends on your fitness level and time.
The most important element of your schedule. ● You can vary the intensity of
any workout is time - how long you Beginners should start with about some workouts with interval training
do it. three non-consecutive days of cardio to burn more calories.
If you are a beginner, be cautious and work their way up to more
and start slowly. frequent sessions. The general How much is enough?
Build up gradually and guidelines are: How will you know whether you
systematically. are over-exerting yourself? The
Start with five or 10 minutes (or answer is the talk test. You should
even less) - whatever you are be able to carry on a conversation
comfortable with. during your workout. If you are
Increase the time gradually every breathless, or can’t talk, you are
week or fortnight up to 30 minutes. working too hard! Slow down.
20 minutes is the minimum time Dizziness and light-headedness are
to get any benefit. bad signs. If you experience this, you
And you can easily and safely are over-exerting yourself and should
work up to an hour. stop. If you feel any difficulty, stop
Take a weekly day off. Your body your exercise and consult a trainer.
needs a weekly holiday to rest and
recuperate. Schedule: Make out a plan, a
schedule of your exercise, define
If you find it difficult to find one your goals and stick to it.
hour at a stretch:
● Do small mini-workouts Calculating target heart rates:
throughout the day. During your exercise, you should try to
● Climb the stairs instead of enter your target heart rate zone. We

1 2 3 4
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1. Jeet Dabas, New Delhi

2. Anika, Bangalore Enlist your baby (between 3 months and 3 years old) as a member by
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9. Samuel, Mumbai send 20 tickets to us after pasting them on a
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my reading was done there. I used to The list is long and inexhaustible.
devour books, comics, classics, You have rightly chosen the learned
suspense et al. For me sublime bliss well-informed former IRS officer who
was to curl up on a rainy day with a is adept at answering all kinds of
Perry Mason, a Sherlock Holmes or a queries with superb ease.
Wodehouse. Her advice in simple language is
After marriage I used to enjoy my down-to-earth and sensible. Had she
hubby’s collection of Harold Robins, used the professional jargon the
Arthur Hailey, Hadley Chase and common readers would not have
other authors. I still treasure my grasped and benefited from her
collection of Romantic novels also. advice.
Later I grew up with my son enjoying It has enlightened me on various
WHEN CARE Tin Tin Comics Hardy boys, etc. and monetary issues that used to plague
TAKERS BECOME
RAPE
THE STIGMA
STILL
CULPRITS
then graduated to Sidney Sheldon, my mind groping in vain for right
PREVAILS John Grisham, Stephen King and answers. Interacting with people who
the victim
Why does
Bhawana Keswani's
of this horren
dous crime
by society?
victimised Keswani
By Bhavna
feel
others. were as ignorant as I am often

article Rape – The For me any time is reading time worsened the situation.
Stigma Still Prevails and any place also – whether it is the It is high time that the people
(April II) raises grave dining room, bedroom or even the learnt the tricks to prevent wastage
concern about the appalling tolerance loo, while travelling or even waiting at that is surely a drain on their
of rape and rapists in our world. the hospital for a check-up. I don’t economy.
This article in the wake of the take the newspaper to the toilet Depositing cash in the bank
recent gang-rape of an American unlike a friend’s son who in his busy accumulates interest on it while piling
female student, of TISS, by her fellow IIT coaching days used to hang his up unused, unusable things clutter
male friends comes as a sad copy of the paper on the towel rack the house and accumulate dust. I
reminder that in 85 per cent cases while taking a bath. His grandpa have picked up the ropes how to
the rapist is someone known to the naturally had another copy for save money without wasting time and
victim. himself. energy.
When caretakers become culprits, To see my doctor son taking She has rightly impressed upon
where does one go and appeal for books to the toilet and my daughter- us the importance of following the
help? In the light of the recent issue I in-law (also a doctor) reading at the old adage that money saved is
would like to request Woman’s Era to dining table is routine sight to us. money earned’. Kudos to you!
include the contact numbers or I am eagerly awaiting the day when Thanks WE.
websites of relevant help groups and my grandchildren will make their – Nalini Sharma, Bhilai.
Women’s Rights Acts (wherever appearance in this world, to see
possible), to further educate the whether they also continue their
Indian woman of her rights and thus grandma’s obsession (Magnificent?)
truly empower her. – MS. P. Sakuntala, Kerala.
The prize is awarded to:
It’s time we break the confining
Sunanda Satwah, Mumbai.
chains of silence and help out to put
an end to this heinous crime. TTERS
A USEFUL COLUMN
MONEY MA important
financial
n,
How shouldlike house registratiobe
one for the
unused mobile
mobiles but
I have two present. How can
be kept in
want to use
the
fine order?
in a dry
WOMAN'S ERA
Thank you WE for becoming the invites readers’
unused mobile keep it
I am deeply
s,
document and bank
deals, Store the that,
car purchase place. Beforeat 40 per cent.
? and cool fully, but
preserved should keep the original charged, not
First, you printouts. Do
and take gas stoves?
papers safely
es green label how much?
have three
photocopi What are and, if so,
Secondly, to your save LPG stove is
one copy and they green label gas .
made. Give your parents A companies
another to from leading oil a new
husband, available are taking
Q
for yourself. when you
retain one Ask for it
opinions and
to buy another
cash plan, connectio n or wish label stove’s
daily hospital
voice of today’s woman. impressed with your

by green
What is the been launched stove. The is 68 per in a
cent,
has efficiency
which ? thermal cent present of
a higher companies cash plan, to 64 per
have to pay insurance
daily hospital premium compared
A Bureau
Does a woman taking a life insurance Under a gas appliance. is
while pay an insurance each normal Standards certificate
premium to a man? to you can and get cover for Indian oil firms. The green
policy compared required month home. For handed out by a warranty
of
A woman
is always than every in a nursing with Rs stove carries to one year of
premium day spent
insurance buy a plan to stay label gas
pay a lower applies to all insuring example, if you compared
reactions on
and have green
three years, gas stove. The
a man. This 2,000 limit per day you get Rs 2,000 ordinary more LPG
. hospital, stay’s an five per cent
companies 10 days in , for the entire stove saves one.
– Sunanda Satwah, Mumbai. regular feature Money

to my sister. = Rs.20,000
to give a loan Income Tax x 10 than a normal s
I may have under the If expenses. advantage
Is cash allowed allowed? water is jewellery bestow?
only cheques find out whether Are there
&
credit cards
Act? Or, are given, how much money How can we women’s on
be to milk? of which get discounts a
cash can being added test is to put a drop If You can There’s
can be extended? a cash loan. The simple locker fees. which
you can give to Rs slanting surface. a jewellery d rate at
articles, short stories

polished
Yes,
amount is
restricted milk on a it would leave special discounte for buying
gold.
But, the This is milk is impure, pure, it won’t be given
in one year. 269T the trail behind. But, if loans would
20,000 only Sections 269S, white deodorant
s
colour behind. whether
stated under the Income Tax Act. leave a white to know
A
of I want are genuine.
Matters published in
that
and 269TT , I find at a discount costing Rs
loan. But
my
several occasions on offered deodorant
take a car t for On
were paid Where the for Rs 85,
card bills given away
I intend to buy hi-fi equipmen though credit bank charged
me
150 is being genuine deodorant
is
desire is
to
the car financier the last day, the can be done? buy. A
cheap price.
Would What don’t such a
the car also. for the whole amount Rs 100 extra. bill, when paid on the never offered at
loan
and features published

provide a system? A credit card charges because
new electronic the vehicle, may invite to be
including is given for not extend last day, s may have days queries to:
A car loan full transaction four your
financier would equipmen t the You should
pay E-mail omansera.com
alone. The new checked. make an
online money@w
for cheque or m
money
. early by of
Subramania all
Meenakshi
your esteemed fort -

installation charges answering
in payment. penal a former IRS officer, from income
be opened Thus, be avoided. is
queries, right
fixed deposit or must I go in time can your money
Should a Rs 100 every
t shopping.
child’s name tax to supermarke queries to:
my minor Fund scheme? taxed? If
some
Mail your
in Woman’s Era. The best

Provident
for a Public woman. a Is transfer allowanceunspent, what 'S ERA,
I am a working be surprised,
but remains WOMAN Rani Jhansi Marg,
money Estate,
You would more profitable. If you happens? is not
READING
E-3, Jhandewala Delhi-110055.
is allowance New
PPF account the child’s No, transfer
a fixed deposit, unspent amount
invest in to your But mention
you do be added in taxed.
hat do house money wouldyear and taxed. But, in your return.
inside your
“W nightly Woman’s Era

day income every there is no tax. Era ● June
(First) 2009
the whole you a PPF option, Woman’s
long? Don’t You
letter will be given a prize of

feel bored? more
out
must go know,
often, you
people,”
and meet
HUMOROUSLY
s say,
neighbour
me in a
looking at
I smile in
but kindly fashion. explanatio
n.
curious offering an of course,
OF A
providing professional guidance
reply without question, They
Rs 500. Address your letters by

It is a rhetorical call for a reply.
FESSIONS
not an
which does that I am
to know
CON
me
AC
only want
READOMANI
t. That
old misogynis tell them?
what do I That I am
a
Anyway,
time reading?I may have
I spend my c?”
kind of “readoholi but it does
a word . Me
invented me completely like
describe others
the world and so many
I was amused when free of cost. E-mail to: letters@womansera.com

are
Welcome to
suppose,
me, I to
r! addicted
lsive reade irrevocably word.
of a compu the written there’s
If
Shanbhag
to
something it. I
By Romola read, I read of
feel a sort
I went through the Nowhere one will get access to or by post to:
Confessions of a such precious knowledge on how to AS YOU SAY
Readomaniac (April II) conserve precious water, cooking
as I also am a gas in the kitchen, electricity, E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
Readaholic like M.S. Romola maintenance of household gadgets, Womansera.com
Shanbhag. While growing up in getting extra car mileage, Name:
Kerala my neighbour and closest wise shopping, property deals and Mobile:
friend’s bachelor uncle had a huge income tax, etc., relating all the core E-mail:
library at home and a major chunk of issues.

(REGISTERED) RNI 25561/73 DL(C)-14/1091/09-11 WPP U(C)146/46/2009-11

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JUNE (SECOND) 2009 ● Rs 30

NOT A PAIN EVE-TEASING

CAAK Shyamala Shenoy

Spinach and Lotus

Chicken with Green

Mutton with Baby

8-10 big spinach pieces and

Onions and Butter Milk

Coffee and Hung Curd

Stuffed Papaya with

36 TIMES HAVE CHANGED Jelly ● Sandwiches with

6 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 7

Teach your children frustration

8 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

10 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Exploring the superstructure

eve-teaser. Time all around the world. It never

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 15

16 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

18 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 19

20 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

22 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

24 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

26 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

28 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

30 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

34 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 35

36 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

“What shall we do now?” asked Daisy, her brow

38 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

40 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

CHAAT PLATTER METHOD

44 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 45

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 47

GREEN the mixed curry paste, mango

MANGO Lower the heat and mix in the

48 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

cream to re-set. When serving 8-10 pieces of black jamun or

VEGETABLE for 2-3 minutes.

COCONUT tbsp of water and cover with a lid

56 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 57

58 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

60 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

The elegance of the

Designed by: Nazar Boutique

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 67

Out and out westernly modernistic

Hair done in varied styles

70 Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009

Woman’s Era ● June (Second) 2009 71

Besides portraiture and city What techniques