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SEPTEMBER 2021 Vol 45, Issue No. 1117 womansera.com BUILDS HAPPY HOMES

12 Articles 14 17 19 BENEFITS OF ONLINE DEBATE STILL COVID AND WOMAN MAKE OR BREAK IN LEARNING: PRE- GOES ON... ENTREPRENEUR’S PHOTOGRAPHY PRIMARY CHILDREN JYOTHIRLLATA GIRIJA DR. PRIYANKA C.K. SUBRAMANIAM GAYATRI RAMANAN

22 TO BE OR NOT TO BE! 84 “ADVENTURE AND FROM ISHA JAIN THE CITY” ADITYA SONKER GHOONGHAT TO GLAMOUR 48 NEEMRANA’S ANJALI KOCHHAR GLASSHOUSE ON THE 100 IN A LEAGUE OF HER GANGES OWN SUDHA HARIHARAN 51 DREAMLAND OF GOLD JEWELLERY 108 HEALTH TALK A FAMILY DOCTOR 36 CONCEPT 55 EMBRACE THE ART JAYANTHI SUBRAMANIAM OF DANCING 110 NEEM AND ITS USES 70 DEAR DAD, HAPPY B.G. RAMAPRASAD FATHER’S DAY! Dark, Delicious and Sinful SNEHA GAUD ● FOODS THAT Luscious Mousse ● Delicious Ganache Cookery FIGHT NICOTINE ● 74 HOW TO BEAT THE Chocolate & Peanut Butter GRAVINGS Oatmeal Cookies HEAT LIVING IN A HOT SHIVANI NAGHNOOR ● Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate PLACE Many more... BHANU CHANDRAN Juice-up your meals! ● Lemon Turmeric 26 83 PANDEMIC AND ● Spinach Soup WOMEN’S WELL-BEING ● Celery Juice ANINDITA AICH ● Low Cal Bhel Puri Many more... 78 Quick Bites for Happy Hours! ● Ratlami Sev ● Plain Sev ● Besan Papdi ● Besan Gathia 52 Many more... NEED OF THE HOUR! RICHA GOEL 102 90 16 MY MOST UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AS A PRIDE 18 BEAUTY QUERIES 20 HOW I MET MY HUSBAND 33 NEW LAUNCHES 34 HOW I SAVED MY MARRIAGE 50 I AM PREGNANT 59 NEIGHBOURS ALL 67 PERSONAL PROBLEMS 68 TODDLER TRENDS 72 LOVE IS SOFT (POEM) 73 TEENACHE Fiction 6 81 YOUR BODY 56 MY MOTHER’S 76 WHEN SHE GOT AWAY 89 KITCHEN QUERIES HUSBAND WITH MURDER CINEPLEX 95 CHILD CHALLENGES SANDEEP SHWETA SINHA 99 MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS 96 RAINBOW NAILS AND ME 64 OF PEANUTS AND CHEESEBALLS LESLEY D. BISWAS 101 PRAYER FOR YOUTH NARINDER JIT KAUR DAY (POEM) 112 HOW I WAS DUPED Editor, Printer & Publisher OFFICES DIVESH NATH Mumbai: 1704, Lodha Supremus, Dr E Moses Marg, Worli Naka, Published on behalf of Delhi Printing & Worli, Geeta Talkies Building, Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai-400018 Features [email protected] Phone: 09810160122 Printed at: B-23, Site-3, Industrial Area, EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & Meerut Road, Ghaziabad, PUBLICATION OFFICE Uttar Pradesh - 201003 Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Fashion Founder: Vishwa Nath (1917-2002) Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi-110 055. Phone: 011-47377777. 1. Contribution articles and stories [email protected] Title WOMANʼS ERA registered with Government of India as trade mark. 2. For advertising and product 114 AS YOU SAY promotion queries: Copy sale, subscription, [email protected] all advertisers and writers can 40 send mail to: 3. To participate in features: [email protected] Womanʼs Era JUST DO IT... Delhi Press WITH STYLE! 4. Opinion on articles: E-3, Jhandewala Estate, [email protected] New Delhi-110055. INDIA 5. Subscriptions and others: [email protected] www.womansera.com

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Jewellery 62 Posted to Delhi Press Building, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. GLORIOUS, GORGEOUS The names of characters used in all ISSN 0971-1503 AND DEVINE! fiction and semi-fiction articles are No article, story, photo or any other matter can be reproduced fictitious. from this magazine without written Cover Courtesy: permission. COPYRIGHT NOTICE This copy is sold on the condition that Cover Photography by: © Delhi Printing & Publishing jurisdiction for all disputes concerning 60 Co. Pvt. Ltd. sale, subscription and published matter Sharat Chandra New Delhi-110 055. INDIA. will be forums/tribunals at Delhi. GLAM UP YOUR WEDDING LOOK! Model: Yuvika Chaudhary Self-addressed stamped envelopes must be enclosed with all manuscripts, otherwise the rejected material will not be returned. No responsibility is assumed for material submitted for publication. EDITORIAL Afghanistan cities will now face more terror in the world may not know about it since largely all the journalists and news covering agencies have left that Talibanistan! land. Most probably in September the Afghan crisis will Afghanistan has the US by its horns. With so many precipitate in some sort of a structure, until then India American soldiers dead in the recent blast at the end of will have to be vigilant on its borders. August 2021 it is needless to say that the Americans have had their act wrongly structured and timed. Will the strategy of schemes favour Envisaging the various scenarios that the Americans and BJP this time? the rest of the world is faced with, it can only be seen As the 2022 elections near, BJP returns to Uttar that either the Taliban will be completely annihilated in Pradesh with a bucket of schemes, launches the some sort of a military activity as soon as the election campaign ‘Irade Nek Kaam Anek’. From OBC evacuation of the US citizens, its allies and some Card to Ujjwala 2.0, from trying to woo farmers to Jan Afghans is completed close to the deadline of 31st Ashirwad Yatras, the party is not leaving any stone August. It is wrong to presume that Taliban is the unturned to win UP polls. organisation which can run a government or a country. It’s hard to deny that the schemes played a big part The basic DNA of the Taliban is to fight, and that it does in the BJP’s big win in the UP-Assembly elections in its best. Any organisation cannot simply change its DNA 2017. The launch of schemes when the elections are since it does not have the philosophy or the and to run ahead clearly show that BJP is pro at strategic the other stuff. In this likely scenario it is quite possible gameplay. The UP government has created a record of that the western forces will have to re-occupy distributing free food grain to over 113.2 million Afghanistan and then form beneficiaries within four some sort of an inclusive days. Making and breaking governance along with the records in terms of stats locals, if any of them are left. and numbers have always It’s a country now divided by been the undefended any tax recovering economic territory of the BJP activity and financial government. sustainability which the As many as seven leaders population depends on, and from Uttar Pradesh in the there is no government to new Council of Ministers hold the country together. after reshuffling the cabinet For all we know Iran or promoted focus on ‘Vikas Pakistan could expand their and Vishwas’. To make their borders into Afghanistan. all-efforts count, the Yogi The worst affected in this government has also crisis will be women, young women and children who prepared a booklet on the development initiatives are not only vulnerable but have no future whatsoever. undertaken by the government, which has a picture of Even if they are dislocated from Afghanistan, they will Lord Ram. not have a future in any other country. Refugees hardly BJP has assured that the main focus would be on have any rights in any other country and in fact they are COVID-19, farmers, tackling unemployment, and a only victimised by the harbouring country citizens. Even crackdown on the mafia, if they form the government in if Afghanistan was to be re-occupied these people will 2022. Why these aspects were not in the frame during be double cautious on their endeavours of life. Usually, their present tenure. Like any other election, this time a civil war or a mass suicide occurs in countries with the too, BJP has a bag full of colour candies to tempt political scenario of Afghanistan. everyone around, did they really mean it? It is most likely that a military action by the western The country is all set to drive into a third wave of the forces should happen in September to secure its friends pandemic at the start of the election campaigning of in Afghanistan and try to form some sort of a BJP for the forthcoming UP elections. Once the election government to keep its borders intact. The worst campaigning starts in UP without any infrastructure of mistake of American world policing adventure has the oxygen, medicine, hospitals, doctors, nurses, entire planet facing extreme terrorism in the times to ambulances, what we are going to foresee, we will see come. Since India is in this part of the world, these in the times to come nothing less than a catastrophe. As mindless terror groups should be at our borders very Indians, we cannot afford another play by BJP and its soon. This will only increase the budget budgeted election machinery for a new round of Covid infections. expenditure of India for protecting its borders, that too It will be interesting to see if the voters of UP fall for while the economy is down and the threat of Covid era the scheme-scam or not. looms large. [email protected]

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 5 CinePlex

Saif Ali Khan And Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Second Baby Boy’s Name Finally Revealed

aif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have been married Sfor almost a decade now. The couple makes young hearts flutter with their sizzling chemistry and adorable PDA every time they step out. The duo is the perfect example of May-December romance as they share an age gap of 11 years but still, their romance looks no less than a fairytale. In a recent interview with a leading daily, Sara Ali Khan recalled her first meeting with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s newborn son and said, “He looked at me and smiled at me and I just melted,” Sara told. “He is just a ball of cuteness.”

Malaika Arora Reveals She Wishes To Have A Daughter, “I Have Such Beautiful Shoes But No One To Wear Them”

alaika Arora in a recent episode of ‘Super Dancer’ Mwas awestruck after seeing the performance of little wonder Florina Gogoi. Malaika revealed that seeing her perform reminded her that she always wanted a daughter. Malaika has a teenage son named Arhaan from her marriage with her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan. The two break off their marriage due to irreconcilable differences and now the beautiful actress is dating Bollywood hunk, Arjun Kapoor. From Bollywood... When Kareena Kapoor Recalled Travelling areena Kapoor and Karisma In Local Trains With Karisma Kapoor Kapoor were brought up Ksingle-handedly by their mother Babita and they had no financial support from the Kapoor family. In a throwback interview with Hindustan Times in 2011, Kareena Kapoor had opened upon facing financial crisis before Karisma made it big in the industry.Talking about how they never had a luxurious or privileged childhood, Kareena Kapoor said, “We weren’t brought up in luxury, as people think about the Kapoor clan. My mom (Babita) and sister (Karisma) really struggled to give me a better life. Especially my mom, because she was a single parent. Everything was very limited for us.”

When Karisma Kapoor And Raveena Tondon Had Hit Each Other On The Set Of A Film

t’s inevitable to separate Bollywood stars from Icontroversies and gossips. There have been lots of stories about catfights and animosity between actresses which have taken place in the past. One such famous fight of all time is between actress Karisma Kapoor And Raveena Tondon. If reports are to be believed, at one time both the superstars of the 90s couldn’t see each other eye to eye. In fact, both the divas worked in the cult film Andaz Apna Apna without talking to each other off-camera. Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s Daughter Samisha Looks Like A Spitting Image Of Her Maasi Shamita Shetty

ast year, Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra has Ltaken us by surprise when she announced the arrival of her baby girl Samisha Shetty Kundra. And the ecstatic Maasi Shamita couldn’t contain her excitement and had shared an adorable note welcoming the little one in the family. Her note could be read as, “Welcome our beautiful little princess Samisha Shetty Kundra. My fellow Aquarian! About time !! We have waited for you for so long..Happy to see .

Do You Know Shilpa Shetty Wasn’t Ready To Marry Raj Until He Bought A Bungalow For Her In Front Of Amitabh Bachchan’s House hilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have been mired in Scontroversies lately. Raj Kundra’s case has been spiraling up as days are passing by.. Amid all these, we have stumbled upon an old interview of Raj Kundra where he spoke about how love brewed between him and his wife Shilpa Shetty. He softened Shilpa’s heart when he touched her mom’s feet in the very first meeting. However, she was not interested in having a romantic relationship with him. Main toh haath paer dhoke peeche padh gaya (I really chased her), once I knew there was a little inclination of friendliness or that she liked me,” I said, “chalo, let’s try.” Shilpa Shetty is back on ‘super dancer, after a long controversy and pornogrouphy scandal of Raj Kundra.

Lara Dutta Is Unrecognizable As Indira Gandhi In Bell Bottom

ecently, after the launch of the Bell Bottom film, Lara RDutta talked about the challenge to get the body language of her character of former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi right. Lara Dutta essays the role of Indira Gandhi in Bell Bottom. At the trailer takeoff of Bell Bottom the character played by Lara Dutta in the 1980s spy thriller, headlined by Akshay Kumar. The film’s trailer, which opens with a disclaimer, begins with an Indian airplane being hijacked with all of its passengers being taken hostage in 1984.

Indian Idol Judges, Host Charges A Whopping Amount Per Episode, Here’s How Much They Charge ndian Idol 12 is one of the most- watched and popular shows on IIndian television The show is judged by Neha Kakkar, Vishal Dadlani, and Himesh Resamiyya and the host Aditya Narayan charges for each episode. According to a report Neha who is the youngest among the lot is the highest-paid judge as she earns Rs 5 lakh per episode. Talking about the second judge Vishal Dadlani who is a popular singer as well as composer gets Rs 4.5 lakh per episode, while Himesh Reshammiya who is a popular composer and singer charges around Rs 4 lakh for each episode.While the host of the show Aditya Narayan who brings in the entertainment element in the show charges a whopping 2.5 lakh per episode. Surprising isn’t it? Vin Diesel Called Deepika Padukone A ‘Queen’ Who Brought Him To India

hen Hollywood star Vin Diesel visited India in W2017 for the promotions of xXx: Return of Xander Cage, it was a spectacle. The film also starred Deepika Padukone in a significant role and thus, Vin’s visit was a star- studded affair. At the time Vin had called her a queen, an angel who brought him here. Vin Diesel’s Fast and Furious franchise has a huge fan base in India and his visit was loved by his fans. “I was waiting for an opportunity to come to India. And it was this queen here, this angel who brought me. It’s such a blessing that she is in my life”.

Kajol Mercilessly Trolled After She Cuts Her Birthday Cake With Her Fans, Netizens Call Her “Ghamandi Aurat”

rolling on social media has become a part and parcel of Tthe daily lives of celebrities and with the advent of digitalisation, no one is ever spared without trolling. And the latest one in this list is Kajol. On August 05, 2021, Kajol turned a year older and her received warm wishes from her fans. On the occasion Kajol obliged her fans requests and cut her birthday cake with them. The video went viral in no time and netizens mercilessly trolled the actress, calling her rude and ghamandi. In the video, the actress can be seen dressed in a white gown with a mask on her face. When a fan offered her a piece of cake she refused which irked the netizens. Benefits of Online Learning: Pre-Primary Children The new normal for the children - online or virtual learning. By Gayatri Ramanan

s the second wave of the Missed Aspects of Learning a simple question of a three-year- Corona pandemic ebbs away Most of the nursery and old girl totally surprised her parents. Ain India, a lot is being written Montessori schools, especially in Sans a few hurried visits to sanitized and spoken about the effect of the urban areas school have malls, the child have never visited a Covid lockdown on school going switched to the online mode of full-fledged market filled with children. The discussion has been teaching. On a regular bases, tiny- various sights, sounds and smells. both on the psychological and tots are coerced to sing, dance, Though the child reads and listens academic aspects. answer questions, and display all to stories about markets, wild Unfortunately, the concerns of social niceties in front of a digital animals, oceans and mountains; parents and teachers about the screen. But the benefit of this form there will always be a difference in learning gap in the pre-primary age- of teaching and learning is really just listening and learning by group is not being paid the required questionable and especially with actually immersing oneself in such attention and has been relegated to reference to this age group. experiences which is aptly called the sidelines. For example, ‘What is a market?’, ‘social learning.’ Next is the psychological effect of inboxes are overflowing with queries missing out schooling in a regular from parents who are anxious about classroom with their classmates. An the inability of their wards to read or alarming observation made by some pronounce basic three letter words parents is the display of stranger even at the age of four or five. anxiety by their preschoolers; that is, With the third wave of the pandemic they feel anxious, tongue-tied, resent predicted around the corner, pre- physical contact and are scared when primary students might be the last ones they interact with people outside their to go to school. Schools are left with no immediate family. Most kids usually choice but to deliver their curriculum outgrow stranger anxiety by the time online in the absence of any viable they reach the age of four or five. It can option and also to provide some value be reasonably concluded that a for the fee charged! continuity of this behavior definitely connects with lack of meaningful social Some Alternatives interactions. When young children But some parents are going the learn in a regular classroom extra mile to facilitate productive environment, they implicitly follow the learning for their children. They have cues and voice intonations of a teacher. signed up for ‘teacher at home’ The teacher in turn observes her program where a trained teacher from students and switches her teaching a reputed pre-school comes home and style appropriately for the benefit of interacts with their kid. Though the children. A teacher’s smile, her children might still miss out on peer touch, her voice, her gestures are the group interaction but the benefits of main catalyst in a pre-primary learning having a personalized teaching-learning environment. Encouraged and guided experience in the safe environment of by their teachers, singing nursery their home far outweighs attending rhymes in a chorus and learning online sessions. There are instances of alphabets or numbers in a sing a song similar learning environments being way is the characteristic hallmark of created for 2 or 3 kids from a nursery classes. neighborhood that guarantees the added benefit of social learning too. Mandatory Involvement Children benefit immensely as they of Parents learn to read and write, pick language Apart from internet connectivity skills, draw, paint, explore craft work issues, teaching-learning for this age and much more all under the guidance group is also dependent on the parents, of one or more teachers. grandparents or caregivers who have to Of course, there are also the parents mandatorily attend the classes with who have taken upon the mantle on their children. In a school where regular themselves and ‘homeschool’ their craft activities are supposed to aid in children. Such parents are often the development of motor skills in little members of likeminded support groups children but when done online the onus where they give and seek guidance is again on the parents. There are so from each other on all aspects of many parents who have voiced their mentoring their tiny-tots for a better frustration for having to do regular craft tomorrow. In the coming time these homework on behalf of their wards. two new trends might find more and One is left wondering if such activities more acceptance especially amongst benefit the young ones in any way? the educated urban parents as an alternative to E-learning. Of Phonics Coaching and More Coaching To End With With so many private EdTech players The teachers, parents and academic offering courses for this age-group in planners should take due note of the phonics and spoken language skills, the fact that academic and psycho-social benefits of online school classes are learning goals may need to be totally re- really questionable! Social media is full defined as these pre-primary children of such advertisements and their move to higher classes. t’s learnt that our Home Minister, Amid Shaw, has Itwittered some time back that Debate Still Hindi alone has unified India. Any sane person would only fall down laughing at this fallacious statement. Some time back, he Goes on... announced that India should have only one language being one nation, apparently meaning that Hindi Statement by Hon. Amid Shaw should be that language. India is one nation, no doubt. But how would make wise people only guffaw! could anyone digest the statement By Jyothirllata Girija that there should be only one language in a country comprising people speaking umpteen languages? It was English and English alone saying that even the opinions of the Let them first of all implement that has united India gradually, ever majority shouldn’t be thrust on the closure of wine shops. since the advent of the British who minority – let alone thrusting that of Besides doing great injustice to started ruling over it that was the minority on the majority? the majority, replacing English with scattered with numerous small Moreover there are numerous Hindi will certainly be a backward kingdoms. Even a person with dialects in Hindi. They drag Gandhi movement. While even countries elementary knowledge of our for support as he was a champion of like China, Japan and Russia which freedom struggle will be aware of Hindi. Let’s recall that Gandhiji had have progressed in science and this. After their exit too, India has said in his autobiography, (Part V, technology without the aid of progressed to a great extent in chapter XIII), “I find it difficult to English have started introducing science and technology, understand the local dialect of Hindi English in their educational indisputably, as English could not be (of Bihar).” institutions realizing its importance, replaced with Hindi due to the Hadn’t he also declared that it would be utterly injudicious on strong protest by the people of Rajaji was his conscience-keeper? our part to cast it off. several states – the strongest being Rajaji who was a devout champion In the Illustrated Weekly of India that of Tamil Nadu and Bengal. of Hindi, gave up his stand in later dated February 8, 1987, N.C, India have able to achieve years, realizing its unjustness. So, if Chaturvedi, M.P., had written an international fame in many fields Gandhi were alive this day, he’d article titled “TAMIL NADU IS NOT only due to retention of English. No certainly have come round to agree INDIA’ – completely ignoring the doubt, English is a foreign language. with Rajaji’s notion. fact that HINDI-SPEAKING AREAS But the BJP people are every now In the matter of Hindi, the BJP ALONE DO NOT COMPRISE INDIA! and then bragging about the people are mentioning about This fallacy continues to exist even noblest Hindu philosophy, Gandhi – as though they’ve today among the politicians of the “Vasudeva Kutumbakam,” which implemented what all he’d wished. North. English has come to be the means the “whole world should be considered as a single family.” These people who talk about this philosophy conveniently ignore the Glitz and Glam with fact that it is only English that has unified not only our country but Dream Designer also the entire world and made it “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” having Archana Kochhar become the universal lingua franca. outurier Archana Kochhar honorable Prime Minister Those who’re harping upon Hindi has been showcasing her Narendra Modi. becoming our sole official language Ccollection on national and She is one of the few designers should, willy-nilly, swallow this pill international runways for over who firmly believes in sharing her howsoever unpalatable it may be. two decade now. fashion platform with various She is one of the few Indian philanthropic projects; she’s the A RETROGRADE designers to have showcased her good will ambassador of “Smile MOTION collections all over the world in Foundation” a charity prestigious fashion platforms organization supporting the cause Discarding English just because from Lakme fashion week to New of the Girl child. She has helped in it’s a foreign tongue, is a retrograde York Fashion Week to Galleries promoting the awareness of Acid motion that would impede India’s Laffite in Paris with designers like burnt victims “Bring beauty back” progress, besides sending away our Armani, Versace, Kenzo and many and made one of the acid burnt intelligentsia abroad seeking more. victim Reshma Quereshi walk for greener pastures. Haven’t many She has worked closely with her at the prestigious New York highly competent youth left for the tribal weavers from Jharkhand Fashion week, this took the foreign countries? on the “Ahimsa silk” fabric, which fashion industry by storm globally These apart, Hindi is not at all the is produced without killing a single and garnered 360 degree language of the majority but only silk worm. She has globalized this coverage world wide. that of the largest single group, viz. concept by showcasing this Archana is also one of the only about 30% of the people, while unique silk at the New york favorites amongst Bollywood the rest speak various other fashion week. Archana has been glitterati, which includes Shahrukh languages. Nowadays, the BJP is promoting the “Make in India” Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Kangana often indulging in the tactics of campaign in her different projects, Ranaut, Sharddha Kapoor, Kriti eulogizing Mahatma Gandhi, but which is an initiative by the Sanon etc. to name few. how could they forget Gandhi’s

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 15 lingua franca of the whole world which has made admirable progress According to the Programme of and let’s move forward towards in science and technology without International Students’ Assessment progress and prosperity, nobly the aid of English started (PISA), learning of English is accepting the fact. introducing it in its schools though prevalent in the member states of And, there are certain more the Japanese find it difficult to learn the European Union also. About 96% things which we need to be take, English due to its grammar being of the students choose only English. into consideration before making vastly different from that of their France has a very strong foreign any attempt either to discard mother tongue. Yet, they have language policy and its priority is English or to ignore and minimize its agreeably started learning it taking only English, besides another foreign importance. We all know that into account its importance for language which is left to the Japan, China, France and Russia – moving faster in scientific and students’ choice. To sum up, learning among several other nations - have technological fields. Then, not to Hindi will certainly be useful to non- made considerable advancement in speak of China! Everybody knows Hindi people moving to the North Science and Technology without the how tremendously China has and they’re learning the language on aid of English. But even these advanced in these two fields. their own. Our only request is that it nations, in recent times, have But even China has introduced should NEVER EVER replace English started introducing English in their English in its curriculum as early as otherwise it would be disastrous for programme of study in schools and 1950, knowing about its India as could be seen above how colleges – not to speak of some of inevitability, which gained major countries of the world have these countries having introduced it momentum since the visit of the introduced English in their even in elementary schools! Japan American President to China in 1978! educational institutions, judiciously. We

there were some problems at first whether I wanted to light candles but they prefer our happiness or burst crackers. rather than caste. I was hesitant to express my Since ours was an inter- wish but she persisted. There community marriage, I was warned she, along with my brother-in- by many people that I would have a law, took me to the market, tough time in my in-laws house, due where she bought me mithai, to vast cultural differences between fireworks, and beautiful diyas. As the two families. My friends and we lighted the diyas, I felt within relatives cautioned me that I would me glowing warmth for my in- not be allowed to pursue my laws. religious beliefs and practices. – A. Banerjee With all these warnings ringing in my ears, I started my wedded life with some trepidations. Shortly, after my wedding, Gurupurab came. Since I hailed from Has something Lights Of Gurupurab happened in your life that a Sikh family, I used to go to a has left an indelible I was in college when I met the gurudwara on this occasion. But in impression on your mind? Some man of my dreams. We met on my new home, I was hesitant even experience that gladdens your heart or Instagram and started dating each to broach the subject. which makes you shudder with pain or other. We both were happy I was in a fix, not knowing what embarrassment even after years! Why together, time flew and I to do? But my problem was resolved not share your experience with the completed my studies I got a job when my husband suggested that I readers of Woman’s Era? All published incidents will be paid `200. and he too was well settled. We should continue to follow whatever Please type or write neatly on white wanted to get married but there practice I was used to. foolscap paper and send it to: was a problem with our castes. On that day, I went on my MY MOST UNFORGETTABLE We didn’t care about these issues customary visit to a gurudwara. I EXPERIENCE AS A BRIDE but we were afraid to talk about felt content, with all my our relationship with our families apprehensions, laid to rest. E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. because maybe they would not In the evening, as I was sitting Womansera.com like it. But with some strength, we alone in my room, my sister-in-law Name: confront our families with the came in. She asked me! how I Mobile: truth. To our surprise they agreed, wanted to celebrate Gurupurab and E-mail:

16 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 Covid And Women Entrepreneur’s r. Priyanka Goyat is a well- single most calamitous disruption known Dental Specialist who for women entrepreneurs here in Druns the reputed dental and India. 73% of women-led enterprises skin care facility, REJOVÉ Clinique in suffered the aftermath of Covid Delhi NCR. REJOVÉ is equipped with lockdown. To be honest, Dentistry cutting edge technology for and Skin Care are rather challenging treatments like Cosmetic Dentistry, professions to pursue. As far as my Gum Treatment, Dental Implant, journey is considered I’ve had my Orthodontics, Crowns and bridges, share of highs & lows. Due to the Dermatology, Botox, Cosmetology rise of pandemic our international and Hair Transplant. Apart from clientele has reduced which has being a dentist Priyanka is also a altered our business outlook. But professional singer who has created we continue to move forward with Dr. Priyanka, Dentist & Founder of a significant name for herself in the our unwavering commitment to REJOVÉ Clinique Indian music industry. serving people. This can only be achieved when you What motivated you to pursue a Share some tips for working pursue a career that you truly love. career in Dentistry & Skin Care? How women and busy mothers for quick For me, success has never been the do you balance it with your interest and effective oral & skincare key to happiness, it is actually the in music? practices? opposite: happiness is the key to In my opinion, Dentistry and Skin A few things that one could success. If you believe in what you Care offer a perfect blend of include along with their regular are doing, you will be successful in aesthetics and science. They have dental regime are the use of proper one way or the other. So, follow an exceptional potential to change equipment such as using fluoride your dreams and don't ever let the way people see you and how toothpaste and a soft-bristled anyone pull you back from you think about yourself, which toothbrush. It is also important to accomplishing those dreams and helps to significantly increase self- add Fibre rich fruits and vegetables aspirations. confidence. I have always been alongwith sufficient dairy products inclined towards assisting people, to your daily diet. The nutrients and How are you planning to expand especially with their self- minerals derived from such items, your reach and network? confidence. Perhaps this was the not only help to provide sufficient My goal has always been to build greatest motivation behind why I nourishment but also helps to Rejove into one of the most trusted chose to follow the path of maintain adequate oral health. brands in the healthcare sector. To developing my own clinic dedicated Certain skincare practices that achieve this vision of mine, I have to dentistry and skin care. people should inculcate in their ensured to develop a perfect team For me singing is not just an daily lives are protecting your skin comprising highly skilled interest or a hobby, it's my passion from direct sunlight and avoiding professionals and to support them and an integral part of my life. I use of strong soaps and chemical- we have inculcated state-of-the-art always believe that work-life based cosmetic products. Having a infrastructure in our medical clinics. balance is not a success, it's a cycle, healthy diet is also equally The clinics are equipped with best- and in fact it's a way of life for me. important for having good skin. in-class technology such as a 3D Although with the pandemic things Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, scan system and other innovations got a little difficult, but I found my and lean proteins are something to ensure the highest degree of way out of all this stress and that one must include in their day- client satisfaction. Apart from workload. I am an early riser and to-day diet to maintain healthy & dentistry and skincare, we have also that is the time when I do my riyaaz. younger-looking skin. ventured into the field of trichology and aim to provide best-in-class hair How has the pandemic affected What is that one piece of advice treatment to our clients. It is my women entrepreneurs in India? that you'd like to give to the aspiring vision that Rejove Clinique should What are some of the challenges you women entrepreneurs out there? be recognised for quality treatment have faced in your professional For all the women entrepreneurs across the country by staying journey? out there, all that I'd like to say is focused on our moral belief and The pandemic was probably the dream big and look for happiness. philosophies.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 17 ✿ Make a mixture of one cup of milk with 3 Beauty Queries tablespoonsful honey. Massage on face. Keep on for an hour. Wash off with chilled water. Do this once a week. & ● A Y LIPS BECOME DRY VERY QUICKLY. PLEASE Q tell me HOW to have soft, luscious lips Mwhich are smooth and plump. Do remember that a lipstick should not only color but AM A 19-YEARS-OLD COLLEGE GIRL LIVING IN CHENNAI. I HAVE A nourish your lips. So, choose a lipstick which contains few pimple marks on my cheeks which I want to hide Vitamin E that will hydrate your lips well. Iwith a concealer. Please let me know if I should use the Always use a lip balm, especially in the night. Apply lip concealer first, and then the foundation or the other way balm before wearing lipstick too as this will keep the color round. I like to use a little bit of foundation when I go out. on even as it lubricates your lips. Put on two layers of Please advise. lipstick which will provide extra protection for the lips as Firstly, if you have a naturally greasy, acne-prone skin, well. Avoid soap and water to remove lipstick but use avoid using make-up or foundation as far as possible, for it make-up remover or even baby oil or coconut oil very tends to clog pores and acerbate your condition. If you gently. Try to get lipsticks which have extra fat or lanolin need must use it, do so very sparingly and with a light content to help your dry lips. Drink at least 8 glasses of touch, without rubbing it in. Also, use an oil-free water a day to hydrate your whole body. foundation, specially formulated for greasy complexions. ● Coming to your query, always use the foundation first, LOVE USING HENNA ON MY HAIR, BUT I FIND THAT my hair is and then dab on the concealer on specific spots. becoming dry and brittle nowadays. Is this because of Otherwise, the concealer will tend to smear and spread. Ithe henna? Please advise. ● Using henna is a great way of coloring grey hair and HAVE LONG, SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR WHICH IS LIMP AND LACKS giving it a lovely reddish, burgundy tinge. But, yes, henna bounce. I have been advised to blow-dry hair by flipping can dry hair as well, especially if you basically have dry Iit upside down so that it becomes more voluminous. hair. With greasy, oily hair, henna can be used without any The problem is that my long hair becomes horribly tangled additions, but for dry hair, mix a tablespoon of olive or and messy when I do this. Any tips to help me? coconut oil in the henna paste. You can crack an egg into Yes, flicking hair upside down and directing the blower the henna paste or two tablespoons of yoghurt and mix at the roots does make limp hair fluff up considerably. It well to help counteract the drying effect very nicely. After helps the hair perk up when it is dried against its natural shampooing it off, dry hair and rub in a good hair serum growth direction. sparingly into your scalp. This restores gloss and shine. You can also use alternative methods: brush your hair ● from side to side, or even back to front, gently without I HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT USING ORANGE PEEL AS A BEAUTY tangling it, and then aim the hot air at the roots. Or, with agent. Please tell me about it. also how to make and use it? your free hand, keep lifting your hair strand by strand, and Yes, this is a great way of nourishing and healing your dry it. These methods should be helpful for you. skin. You can get orange peel powder in commercial packs ● in beauty shops and follow the instructions given therein, GOT DARKISH PIGMENTATION PATCHES ON MY FACE RECENTLY. or you can make the orange peel powder at home. Please tell me how to remove these. I feel awful. I am a Collect orange peels and dry in sun. Powder and store in I45-year-old woman living in Mumbai. clean container. To use as face pack, mix 1 tbsp of this Considering your age, it is likely you are having a powder with 2 tbsp of yoghurt, mix thoroughly and apply condition called melasma which is primarily due to on face. Keep on till dry and wash off with warm water. hormonal changes in a woman’s body in the menopausal This will give an instant glow to your face. years. Called “butterfly patches” as these tend to look like Instead of yoghurt, you can use honey and turmeric, butterfly wings, these increase with exposure to the sun. or walnut powder and sandal paste too. If your skin is So, first of all, start using sun block lotion or cream with very oily, mix the orange peel powder with Multani at least 30SPF when going out. mitti and rose water. Oranges are chock full of antioxidants, ✿ Use a special pigment-lightening and brightening vitamins and minerals; it lightens skin, helps to remove cream daily, and even at night. oiliness, grease, and tan. It bestows a lovely glow to the face. ✿ Exfoliate your face with a good mask or facial at least once a fortnight to remove dead cells from skin. Readers are invited to send their beauty problems and ✿ You can also apply vitamin E on your face regularly. questions regarding face, complexion, hair, skin, eyes, etc to this column. Break open a capsule and spread the contents gently Address your letters, written legibly or typed on white paper, to: over your face. Massage lightly, keep on for at least an WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. hour and wash off.

18 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 Make Or Break In Photography Bringing out the best pictures with a photo shoot. By C. K. Subramaniam

icture perfect is the best option in a photo shoot nowadays. Even though there is tough Pcompetition, there is still scope for exploring the best of the best in a most dedicated manner. And in the day and age of smart phones that boast brilliant camera lenses, it isn’t all that hard to take a great picture. Except, of course, for that occasional zit or maybe poor lighting. That’s where photo editing apps step in with their editing features and filters to produce that perfect shot. Take a shot, make a few minor tweaks here and there, add a filter for that extra glowing and you’re set. Do, however, be careful that you don’t go overboard with that editing. These apps work best to accentuate your images, not completely alter them. Taking photographs in a fashion distributed by agencies to Today, the universality of show or during a catwalk is a typical magazines, newspapers, photography makes it quite experience for a photographer. publications and other media accessible for anyone with a camera But taking pictures in marriages houses, which use them as per their in their hands to narrate a story. is most difficult and that too in an needs. But this is very different But, to tell a tale that is Indian marriage with many events from digital manipulation on a extraordinary, that delves on during the ceremony. There are computer, where you take elements societal issues and more awards meant to recognise the of an image out or bring certain importantly, is a depiction of hard contribution and efforts of the objects closer or add objects. That hitting facts. This is what people behind the images that kind of meddling is not acceptable distinguishes photojournalism from often define how news is consumed at all. habitual photography. Photography today. While several awards exist is an art and if it is really taken for journalism, none exist seriously will help you to get a good exclusively for photojournalists at a ELEMENTS OF GOOD name and fame. national level in India. PHOTOGRAPHY Photography is no longer the We all edit as we shoot. That is To be a good photographer, with domain of a professional with an intrinsic part of photography. heart and eyes, and the ability to specialist equipment. We point, What we shoot, how we shoot, take a lot of frustration and shoot and leave. But this may be the what we include and what we keep humiliation because of the bad first time we are actually out. But, again, this is an individual working practices followed in media experiencing behavioural changes call. houses. Still photography occupies related to our love for the image. An The important thing is to be top spot in today's art of taking unfettered access to the camera has honest with yourself. The rest will pictures. made it all right to be visually fall into place. At the editorial stage, Digital photography came into verbose. Restraint is for wimps, says the control is often taken out of existence a long time ago. But the gadget in the hand. Go ahead your hands. The way pictures are candid photographers have a and shoot! screams the sleek built- used, cropped and captioned has to special role to play in picking the in camera button. This is why do with what the media right spots, right moment, right worshippers raise their hands to organisation is trying to say and its time and right action of a person in take a picture of religious idols and slant. Often, the pictures are a most meticulous manner. rituals rather than in devotion. We

We started posting our tour us in our tracks. It was none pictures on the social media. We other than Rohit, whom I disliked made friends with our fellow like hell. We (especially I) almost tourists. We were enjoying a lot clung on each other as he led the with them. way back to the hotel, constantly There was one guy, who though reprimanding us for not coming handsome and jolly, was back before it got dark. straightforward enough to repel In the morning, I thanked him me. and I got to know that he was We were taking the pleasure of not that bad as I thought. the beautiful scenery and was After that we started talking enjoying ourselves. to each other and the better I Days passed amidst fun and know him the more I was frolic. One evening we were attracted to him. returning after a long shopping One day when we all were spree at the mall but suddenly the doing campfire at night, he The Rescuer power failed and there was a proposed me in front of Our final semester exams were complete blackout. everyone. over and we needed a break from We groped about in the dark in I was tongue-tied and could all the slogging for the exams. I panic as we walked on with just the only mange a smile of assent, and searched trips online and booked light on of our phone, not knowing from there our relationship a tour to Kulu-Manali-Shimla where we were heading for. I was started. through a travel agency. almost in tears. I texted for help in After few years we both got Me and my best friend were our tourist WhatsApp group. married and now living a happy very excited for this tour and Then after few minutes married life. soon were on our way. suddenly a familiar voice stopped –By Sneha

20 Woman’s Era ● September 2021

To Be or Not To Be! Unhappy parents together or happy parents apart? By Isha Jain

et's close our eyes for a few Get out of a Toxic relationship minutes and imagine a There is no bigger crime that you Lscenario. Your child is about can commit for yourself and even the age of a toddler and he is slowly your children. Being a part of a beginning to understand things. He relationship which is majorly is trying to differentiate between dependent upon insecurity, lack of what is good and what is bad. What understanding, unwanted control is happy and sad. But wait, he is and supremacy is only going to going through this process of make you lose your identity and understanding things all alone self-worth. If this is how you would because you and your partner are describe your marriage life, then too busy arguing with one another. you need to see the right Your child is in his room, under opportunity and get out as the least the bed probably scared because of you want is for your children to see all the screaming and loud noises. you degrading yourself. Whom does he run to protect himself from all of the yellings, he Are you thinking about wants to hide in the security blanket society? of his parents' arms but he can't. So Being born and brought up in what does he do instead, he keeps India, it is not a new thing to think all of his feelings to himself and about society before you make any swallows all of his fears. Open your sort of decision. After all, it will just eyes now, does this situation sound take a few hours for the aunty in scary to you? your neighbour to bad mouth you To be or not to be together is a or your partner and to cook up a question that entails the knowledge story that can have more twists and and understanding of various turns than a Bollywood commercial aspects which are somewhat movie. related and fall in the close But what important is to think if peripherals of this question. it is worth to neglect your feelings, You can't in any circumstances just so that you can avoid some come up with a decision without filthy rumours and stories about considering your own and the yourself? No, right?. Trust me, a few fragile feelings of your children. This days of embarrassment is much whole process can get very better than humiliation for your overwhelming, especially if you are entire life. already burnt out because of your toxic relationship. Are you putting away the Such a crucial decision can never issues for the sake of your be made in haste as it will only lead children to regrets and sorrows in the long It can be very difficult to think run. A lot of thinking and dwelling about splitting with your partner, over certain things is needed in especially if you have children making this decision. Here are a few together. One can only imagine the things you might want to consider suffering with which parents have before you jump at a conclusion. to go through almost every day when they kiss their children in the morning and at night. Looking at their innocent and blissful faces can make it impossible to even imagine about splitting up. But if we take a moment and think about all of this, don't you think that your futile arguments and the face full of frustration and grief, can be enough to hamper your child's growth. Think about it, do you see a change in the behaviour of your child? Has he become more aggressive and rebellious? Is he trying to gain your attention in an unhealthy manner? Impact on children In a research conducted by E. Mavis Hetherington and John Kelly in For Better or Worse: Divorce Reconsidered, it is suggested that "nearly 80% of children of divorced parents end up happy and well adjusted as the children of the intact family." In another research, it was proven that a child as young IT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO as six months can be affected by THINK ABOUT SPLITTING WITH parental arguments. Even adults up YOUR PARTNER, ESPECIALLY IF to the age of 19-20 years can still be affected. Trust me, there is nothing YOU HAVE CHILDREN TOGETHER. more harmful for your children than ONE CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE being a part of a dysfunctional SUFFERING WITH WHICH family. Not only will it affect your PARENTS HAVE TO GO THROUGH children psychologically but can also have some negative impact on ALMOST EVERY DAY WHEN THEY your children's lifestyle. KISS THEIR CHILDREN. Are you still in love with wife force themselves to make their weakness but trying to know. your partner marriage work just so that they can accept and make peace with each This particular questions can save themselves of this horrible fear other's differences. Have you both have many perspectives. Let's take of being single forever. And at some tried to rebuild trust in one another a look at some of them. point in life, this won't even seem slowly and gradually by forgiving ● Are you and your partner still like a bad idea, I mean no matter each other for the mistakes made in open to exploring new things how convincing and fulfilling the the past? After considering all the together or the thought of being idea of self-love can sound. The things, do you think you will be able with one another is enough to ruin thought of never settling down and to give each other that one last your mood? having no family to support in your chance? ● Are you purposely doing old age can lead to some serious overtime at work so that you can stress But isn't the thought of being Separation in a healthy way spend as much time apart as with one another just so that you The pressure of separation can possible from your partner? Do you can avoid a few years of loneliness be very hard on you and your find yourself distancing from your sound selfish? Why would you want partner and especially on your child. significant other? It yes, then are to put yourself and your child to so If you both are convinced that in no you feeling comfortable and happy much mental torture because of manner you can spend your lives with this distance? your selfish reasons? together and have made a decision ● Do you enjoy being close to of moving on with your life, it is very your partner in an intimate way? If Can you work things out? important for you as parents to not, then maybe it is high time to The question you need to ask handle this pressure in a very introspect on your relationship. yourself is that if there is still any mature manner rather than being all ● Do you both carry the same possibilities of working things out over the place. You should not try amount of respect and value for between you and your partner? and get over the stress of one another as you did when you Have you both tried every single separation at once but instead, let it just got married? Or are you both loophole? Perhaps, did you give unfold over the years. oblivious of each other's feelings? couples' therapy a chance? Have As parents, you and your partner ● The most important question you both sat down and talked like should sit with your children and try that you should ask yourself is. Does mature adults and by the talk I don't to answer their questions. You both your partner make you happy? It can mean pinpointing each other's together need to come up with be possible that you still have a some strategies and devote all the certain amount of respect for your time, attention and love needed to partner may be because you both your children. If this process of have known each other for a long separation takes place healthily and time and have developed a positively, then your child will grow friendship or maybe because you up to be as happy and healthy as both share children. But this respect that of an intact couple. because of any reason doesn't While factoring in all of these necessarily amount to possibilities, the most important happiness. If you at any given thing is to make a decision point of time feel that this that has a centre between relationship of yours is selflessness and failing to give you what selfishness. It is essential you need the most in to come to be decision your life, then maybe it which involves you feeling is time to find that a sense of satisfaction as missing happiness in well as to your partner. yourself. Amongst all of this web of chaos and Fear of being single dissatisfaction, it is very The fear of spending important to not neglect your entire life alone or the feelings of your not being able to find children and making sure someone else with whom to make them involved in you are willing to share your very step of separation as entire life can be daunting. their happiness and security There have been a lot of is the most important thing to cases, where the husband and you. We

Dark,And Delicious Sinful Irresistible recipes to tempt your taste-buds.

METHOD by a hand blender for 2-3 minutes. LUSCIOUS Cut the Fabelle chocolate bar Add the cold cream. MOUSSE into 15mm pieces and place in a Beat for 20 minutes by placing round bottom bowl. ice pack below the bowl to get INGREDIENTS Take 30 ml cream and put it in enough frothing. Fabelle Chocolate Bar the fridge for 30 minutes to cool. Once you see a fluffy mass, (Fabelle Soft Centres Choco Bring remaining 70g Fresh cream stop beating and place in the Mousse or Fabelle Choco Deck to boil (Just 80 Deg C) and add fridge. Milk Chocolate) 120 to 130 gms milk butter. While serving, sprinkle some Fresh Cream 100 gms Pour over chocolate pieces and cocoa powder/coffee powder Fresh Unsalted Milk Butter allow 5 to 7 minutes to cool. Mix depending on your mood. Garnish (Can be replaced with Malai) and fold with a spatula to melt the with almond slivers and a slice of 15 gms chocolate completely, followed strawberry and serve cold.

Luscious Mousse DELICIOUS Delicious Ganache GANACHE INGREDIENTS Fabelle Chocolate Bar (Select Fabelle Dark Choco Mousse bar for Dark, Hazelnut Mousse bar for Nutty Mousse Fabelle Choco Deck Milk and Ruby chocolate bar for Ruby mousse) 120 to130g Fresh Cream 70 gms Fresh Unsalted Milk Butter 10 gms if you like. Enjoy melt in mouth INGREDIENTS METHOD delicacy, a signature creation Roughly chopped Fabelle Choco Cut the selected Fabelle from Fabelle Deck Milk Chocolate Bar ¼ cup chocolate bar into 10-15mm pieces In case you want to make a Peanut Butter (smooth) 1 cup and place in a round bottom bowl. garnish for your cake, then add Quick-Cooking Oats (Gluten free) Bring 70g Fresh cream to boil 30g additional cream in your 1 ½ cups [Just 80 deg C] and add milk recipe and use immediately after Honey or Maple Syrup ½ cup butter. Pour over chocolate mixing before keeping it in the Egg 1 (large) pieces’ in the bowl. Allow 5 fridge. Coconut Sugar (optional) minutes to cool till 33 Deg C. Mix 2-3 tbsp and fold with a spatula to melt the chocolate completely followed by METHOD a hand blender for 5 minutes. CHOCOLATE & Preheat oven to 170 degrees C. Pour in a parchment paper-lined PEANUT Place all ingredients in a bowl and tray in about a 15 mm thick slab. mix until well combined.Roll Keep in the fridge for 3 hours. BUTTER dough into 1 ½ - 2 inch balls and Remove and dust with cocoa OATMEAL then place on a parchment paper- powder. Cut into small cubes, lined baking sheet. Place criss- sprinkle additional cocoa powder COOKIES cross fork marks on top of the cookies and sprinkle with sugar (optional). Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Enjoy! Cookies will last at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Can I freeze oatmeal cookie dough?

Cookie dough will last when frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator and then to room temperature before baking.

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 27 Vegan Dark Hot Chocolate VEGAN DARK HOT CHOCOLATE INGREDIENTS Chopped Fabelle St. Domingue 72% Dark chocolate 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder 1/2 tbsp Stevia Powder (Can be substituted with Date or Maple Syrup) 1/2 tbsp Soy Milk or Almond Milk 1 cup

METHOD Boil the soy/almond milk on medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk till it’s smooth. Add the chopped Fabelle dark chocolate pieces. Whisk till the chocolate melts and the beverage is creamy. Add the stevia powder. Serve hot. Garnish with a little grated chocolate on top

Cocoa Millet Smoothie

COCOA MILLET SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS Chopped Fabelle Application Madagascar 67% Dark Chocolate 1/4 cup Peanuts with skin 15 nos Kimia Dates seedless 6 nos Ragi Flour 1 tbsp Robusta Banana1 no Toned Milk / Almond Milk / Soy Milk 1/2 cup Water to adjust consistency As desired

METHOD In a mixer / blender jar, blend all the ingredients, and adjust consistency as required by adding water. OATS AND Oats and Chia Parfait CHIA PARFAIT INGREDIENTS Fabelle 67% Dark Chocolate shavings 2 tbsp Oats 2 tbsp Chia Seeds 2 tbsp Milk 1cup Saffron 3-4 strands Honey 2 tbsp Cinnamon Powder 1 pinch Chopped Almond 4/5 nos Water 8 tbsp

METHOD Soak the chia seeds in warm water for 20 mins in a bowl. In a second bowl, pour hot milk over oats and saffron & let it soak for 15 mins. To arrange the parfait, take a glass or bowl. Spoon half of the soaked oats at the bottom. Drizzle a little honey. Add grated Fabelle chocolate shavings. Then layer with soaked chia seeds. Again, place a layer of oats. Drizzle CHOCOLATE honey. Sprinkle cinnamon powder. Add soaked chia seeds MANGO and finally the Fabelle chocolate PUDDING shavings layer. Garnish with INGREDIENTS chopped almonds. Fabelle Specialty Application White/Milk Chocolate 250 gms Chocolate Mango Pudding Alphonso Mango Chopped 1piece Cream 100 ml

METHOD Use 1 ripened Alphonso mango. Peel, chop and make pulp. Take about 250 g Fabelle white or white plus milk chocolate. You can also use Fabelle Choco Deck. Chop into pieces. Bring about 100 g cream to boil. Add boiled cream and mango pulp on chopped chocolate. Wait for 5 minutes. Then mix and blend well. Dispense into shot glasses. Decorate with mango pieces. Keep in the fridge for 1-3 hours Add chopped pistachio if required for garnish and serve.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 29 Cocoa 2 tbsps Chocolate Dalgona Baking Powder 3 tbsps Eggs 2 (large) Vanilla Essence 1 tbsp For the Chocolate Ganache: Fabelle Soft Centre Almond Mousse Bar (broken into pieces) 100 gms Double Cream 5 tbsps

METHOD Grease a 22 cm silicon microwaveable cake pan with a little oil and place a circle of baking parchment in the bottom. Mix the sugar, flour, cocoa, Fabelle Soft Centre Almond Mousse bar pieces, and baking powder in a bowl. In a jug, whisk the oil, eggs, vanilla, and 100 ml

Microwave Chocolate Cake

CHOCOLATE DALGONA INGREDIENTS Fabelle Choco Deck Milk Chocolate 60 gms Sunbean Instant Coffee 5 gms Sugar 5 gms Milk 50 ml

METHOD Heat the milk and chocolate in a saucepan over a medium flame Cook the mixture until smooth and creamy, the mixture will hot water until combined. Add the slightly thicken as well. Once MICROWAVE liquid ingredients to the dry cooked, chill the chocolate drink CHOCOLATE ingredients and mix thoroughly for 4-6 hours until really cold. In a until you have a lump-free batter. bowl, add the coffee, water, and CAKE Pour the mixture into the cake sugar. Whisk it for 10 to 15 mins INGREDIENTS pan and gently tap to pop any air until nice and foamy. Take out the Fabelle Soft Centre Almond bubbles. Cover with cling film. chocolate drink from the fridge, Mousse Bar (broken into pieces) Microwave on full power (800 whisk it once again to ensure the 100 gms watts) for 7 mins. Remove and drink is well combined. Pour it into Sunflower Oil 100 ml (plus extra check if the cake is cooked by a glass and top the drink with the for pan) poking a skewer or fork in the coffee foam. Dust some cocoa Caster Sugar 175 gms middle: if it comes out clean, the powder if you desire. Plain Flour 140 gms cake is ready. Allow the cake to

30 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 stand for 5 mins, then remove the Mocha Banana cling film and turn it out onto a Whole Wheat Pancake cooling rack. For the ganache, melt the chocolate bar on half power (600 watts) for approximately 2 mins, stirring every 30 secs until melted. Add the cream and mix thoroughly until smooth and glossy. Once the cake has cooled, spread the ganache over it and scatter the sprinkles Storage instruction: The cake can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

MOCHA Sugar 1 tbsp and mix well. Heat a non- stick BANANA Salt 1 pinch frying pan and add a little butter. WHOLE WHEAT Butter For cooking Take a ladle and pour the batter Honey As required into the pan. PANCAKE Let it cook till it bubbles on one INGREDIENTS METHOD side and the batter is set. Flip it Whole Wheat Flour 1 1/2 cups Combine whole wheat flour, salt, over and cook the other side. Put Egg 1 sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, and chocolate shavings on top while Milk 2 cups baking powder in a bowl. Mix well cooking. Serve hot with honey or Fabelle Choco deck milk Chocolate In a separate bowl whisk egg and butter shavings ¼ cup milk till eggs are fully mixed. Add Baking Powder 3 tbsp the dry ingredients slowly to the Cocoa Powder 3 tbsp egg-milk mixture whisking MOLTEN LAVA Coffee Powder 1 tbsp continually to avoid lumps. Finally, Mashed Banana 1 nos add mashed banana to the batter CAKE INGREDIENTS Molten Lava Cake Fabelle St Domingue 70% Dark Specialty Application Chocolate (Can use any other good quality dark chocolate) 120 gms Egg Yolks 2 nos Egg Whites 2 nos Vanilla Extract 2/3 drops Sugar 10 gms Salt 1 gm Butter (for greasing) 10 gms

METHOD Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease your ramekin or bowl that you use for baking with butter and sprinkle some sugar on it to coat the bowl. Melt the chocolate in a

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 31 chocolate and egg whites mixture. Put the mixture into a greased bowl or ramekin and bake for 8 minutes.

VEGAN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES INGREDIENTS Fabelle Ghana 64% Dark Specialty Application Chocolate ½ cup Peanut Butter 1 cup Brown Sugar 2 cups Cocoa Powder ½ cup + 1 tbsp Baking Powder 1 tbsp Oat Flour 2 tbsps Salt 1 pinch Flax Seed Powder (soaked in 5 tbsp water for 30 mins) 24 tbsps Vanilla Essence 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for greasing) 1 tbsp

METHOD Preheat oven at 170°C. Lightly brush an 8X8 inch tin with olive oil. Dust with 1 tbsp of cocoa powder. In a bowl add soaked flaxseed powder, peanut butter, vanilla essence, oil, and sugar. Mix well till sugar dissolves. Add cocoa powder, oat flour, refined flour, baking soda to the peanut butter mixture. Mix all ingredients well. The batter would look like a dough. Add chopped application chocolate and mix well. Spread the brownie mixture in the greased tin. Bake for 20-25 mins. Until a fork comes out clean when Vegan Chocolate Brownies inserted. Cool completely before serving

microwave with 20-second Note: Do not over bake as it intervals. Add the egg yolks to the will cause the brownies to melted chocolate and mix well. become crumbly. We Whip the egg whites until frothy, and slowly add the sugar. Whip it Recipes by: till soft peaks form. Fold the Fabelle Chocolates. ARNETTE PYKKEWYN design as expected. The Shades collection consists of bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces. A to Play particular name is given to each of them as per their qualities. ARNETTE GOTHBOY AN4277 For example PYKKEWYN ARNETTE GOTHBOY Frame crystal heart charm Lighting up the dark side, gives This neckpiece is very unique in you a statement look and its look. It has 2 hearts hanging on contemporary attitude. it printed the name “GUESS” on hoosing eyewear is a tough one of them, making it branded decision. One wrong shade ARNETTE PYKKEWYN and iconic. This necklace will add Ccan ruin the whole look This lightweight frame adds and the right one will help you spark to your trendy look and a shine like a star. That’s the magic dash of fun. of eyeglasses. So how to choose what to wear? We have a very There are many more in the simple answer for it, ARNETTE, collection with different styles. One the Californian brand has finally can choose as per their interests arrived in India. but one thing is for sure that they Frame crystal heart charm The brand has attracted loyal all are amazing. The only thing you customers and discerning buyers have to do is to check which one is from all over the world and now going best with your look. brings its product line to India, offering a wide range of eyewear. Releases its earth-conscious 2021 Glamours collection: ARNETTE POSITIVE. From process to product, the jewelleries ARNETTE POSITIVE platform uess launches its new Spring allows us to truly understand how Summer collection 2021. The charms to your look and it’s so the brand has made climate- Gwhole collection is fabulous. iconic that it will never go friendly innovation the coolest The jewellery section will amaze you unnoticed and unpraised. trend. In 2019, the brand all. Every piece has an amazing launched its first sustainable 16-18 coin chain NK collection, and by this year, 70% of The simplicity of this neckpiece its collection is made of eco- makes it different from others. friendly BRT600LS bio-based This neckpiece will go with any plastic, with a recycled elastane look and one can wear it on any pouch and dedicated packaging. occasion and it will never This shows that how the brand is disappoint you. A coin is hanging dedicated to the environment. 16-18 coin chain NK on the chain with the iconic So, if you choose to wear these symbol of “GUESS” on it. shades you will be in a win-win situation because it gives you a There are many more pieces of cool look and also contributing jewellery in the collection and towards the environment. very different from each other. When we talk about the recent they all are so charming that one collection it consists of a variety can’t resist buying them. There is of shades, each of them is unique jewellery for every look and in its own way. Here are some of occasion and one can choose the products from the collection:- according to them.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 33 performed their duties sincerely. Somehow, my friend managed to get my husband’s duty shifted from day to night. One night, she asked my husband to deliver some important documents to the guruji. He readily agreed to. It was 1 O’clock at night. Everybody was fast asleep. brainwashing, keeping in mind his My husband entered the guru’s Escape from the own interest. The results could be room, carrying the documents. He disastrous for my husband’s career found guru ji heavily drunk, lying sadhu’s clutches and the family. beside a semi-clad beautiful lady. Our marriage was a love One day I consulted my friend Music was playing on the music marriage. I met him online and and sought her advice. She was the system and another lady was after dating for 2-3 years we member of a welfare organisation. serving Scotch whisky to the so- decided to get married. Years She told me that it is easy to called guru. passed on and we were blessed recognise these fake gurus, but the He understood what was with a girl child. My husband is an problem arises when their actually going on in the ashram. He engineer and I am a professor at in followers overlook the evidence came to me and apologised with a a university. We both were earning against them. But this somehow lowered head. I told him that I so there was no dearth of anything did not convince me and I was soon already knew that the guru was a in the house. in tears. fraud, but he would have never The days passed. He was busy She discussed my problem with believed me. with his office job and I was the secretary of the welfare He had got the message that a engaged at the university. It took organisation and together they false guru is worse than an enemy some time for me to understand came up with a plan to help me. or rival. He or she ruins our life, that my husband had spiritual They advised me to pay my while we think that our guru is our leanings. He soon become more husband back, in his own coin. benefactor. We should beware of and more involved in the activities Seeking her advice, I stopped such people and the gods they of a guru, whom everybody knew, protesting against my husband’s preach about.After that day, we was a crook. behaviour and posed as if I were once again became a happy and In the morning, he would also a staunch follower of that devoted couple. My efforts and invariably visit the Guru’s Ashram. guru. During Navratri, the ashram patience saved my marriage from In no time, it became a regular was full of devotees. During the hitting the rocks. practice and he began to return day, volunteers (like my husband) –By Puspa Bhatia home very late at night. I used to be tensed the whole Yes, how did you? on one side of the paper. A declaration day, and would spend sleepless We see many marriages floundering that it is your own true personal story nights, waiting for his return. Life but we also see marriages between the must accompany the contri bution. If you soon became a nightmare for me. I unlikeliest of spouses, not only surviving so desire, your name will not be complained, begged, advised and but growing stronger with the years. published and you can use any pen- questioned him but he did not Thanks to the tactics of one wise partner! name. All contribu tions accept ed and Truly, a person’s successful marriage published will be paid ` 500. change his routine. just does not happen, it has to be Send your entries to: Soon, his boss and colleagues worked at. started complaining about him but We would like to know as to how you WOMAN'S ERA, he would not tolerate any advice or overcame the crisis of a break-up or Delhi Press Building, questioning. discord in your married life. E-3, Jhandewala Estate, All the propaganda work of the Did your husband (or wife) have an New Delhi-110 055 infuriating habit, a hot temper, miserly or click to www.womansera.com ashram was now being entrusted ways, a roving eye or a lazy for submission to my husband. In addition to from disposition? Since he is your husband, the time he spent in this, it costed how did you cope with the situation Name us some money. This added to my and keep your marriage happy and worries, as he started ignoring his home safe? Address family’s needs. Share your secret with us and millions of our readers all across the world. I knew this guru was clever with City Pin Contributions should be neatly written his words and adept at

34 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 Presents

October 2021

LifestyleLifestyleA new look, a Special Special new read!

Don’t miss this issue

Connect with us on Womansera Facebook page womansera.com FromGhoonghat to Glamour Dupattas evolution from using it to cover face to using it as accessory. By Anjali Kochhar

nce used as a head veil to emphasize the modesty of a woman is now a piece of Oaccessory that resides within itself the power to glam up any outfit with its one stroke. Dupattas were dressed as Ghoonghat or head veils by women in the history of Indian culture. They then evolved to being a necessary element of an ethnic outfit. And today, we stand at a point where we can turn them into a scarf, a stole, a headband, a multi-purpose top, a blouse, and into a jacket with just attaching a single pin. Well, yes! I am serious. It is coming from my hours of scrolling YouTube videos on “How to style a dupatta?” “No element of fashion drops off DUPATTAS ARE completely. It just changes forms, HERE TO STAY maybe shape, size, colors, or silhouettes. But, dupattas are not While each one has their own going anywhere,” said my 50-year- wonderful versions of keeping old mother when I asked her over a dupattas alive, it should be noted cup of tea if dupattas are going to that from a common woman, a die soon. Interestingly, a social media influencer, to the homemaker made a statement that fashion biggies, everyone feel that matched the opinions of popular dupattas are here to stay. Now, this couturiers in the industry. Several leads to an important question-- how to pick up a perfect dupatta to fashion designers opined that Dr. Himanshu Sekhar dupattas will continue to dazzle in stand out? Well, you need not scroll more creative prints, styles, lengths, through hundreds of YouTube fabrics, detailing, and so on, videos or social media posts as I Humane Touch allowing versatility in styling over have got you covered. n a world where everyone is the years. Advising on shopping and styling just snatching and following Indian fashion designer Ritu a dupatta, Ritu Kumar says, “Look the money an initiative like Kumar says, “Dupattas are now a for prints and fabrics that I “Humane touch” is actually the versatile piece of clothing. The compliment your existing wardrobe. proof of humanity. This is an prints, detailing, colors, etc have A printed version not only goes well initiative by Dr. Himanshu become more vibrant allowing Shekhar giving ethical and versatility in styling as well. From IT’S VERY COMMON affordable treatment to simple cotton to now a variety of everyone throughout the world. dupattas including silk, organza, NOW A DAYS FOR THE He has both medical Post Chanderi, even the fabrics have DUPATTA TO HAVE Graduation qualification and evolved.” One of the key things that MORE INTRICATE Hospital Management have changed about dupattas over WORK LIKE Qualification and with the help of the years has been its length. these he works on both Director of Kalki Fashion Nishit EMBROIDERY, BEADING innovative and patient-centric Gupta touches on this important OR GOLD TRIM, THAN approaches. He was appreciated point and says, “A dupatta was a THE OUTFIT ITSELF. A for his efforts, gets rewarded long drape that is now shortened to with several prestigious national only 2 meters for fashion purposes. POPULAR STYLE WE SEE and international awards; Earlier, used as a cover-up but now IS A VERY SIMPLE including the “Young Medical majorly seen as an accessory to add KURTA SET WITH A Achiever, Indian Medical on a lehenga choli, sharara or salwar DAZZLING SAREE-LIKE Association, Heart Care kameez to jazz up the ethnic look.” Foundation of Indian Award”. Diving deep into the detailing of DUPATTA HANGING ON He is very ambitious to dupattas, online fashion store THE SHOULDER. expand the super-specialty Karmaplace founder Sasha hospital chain of SCI Revankar explains, “It’s very with a tone on tone suit which can be International Hospital, New Delhi common now a days for the dupatta styled differently around your head so, that everyone can be to have more intricate work like as one would do with a scarf or benefitted by the service. embroidery, beading or gold trim, around your neck like a stole. An The hospital has already than the outfit itself. A popular style embellished one works very well for treated a lot of people across the we see is a very simple kurta set with formal Indian occasions to mix and globe and their experience was a dazzling saree-like dupatta hanging match with Indian outfits.” Further pretty good. “I am 60 years old on the shoulder. For a more casual she adds that quality should be the and had my prostate surgery accessory we see a lot of cotton top priority while selecting a done through Humane Touch in dupattas with bold colors and prints dupatta and we should look for India. I have normal prostate that accessorize well with western fabrics that last and styles that are now and living my life happily.” and traditional clothing. The amount timeless. these are the words of Robbie of variety in dupattas is quite While Kumar emphasized on from Nigeria. This world needs intense, from tiger prints to shawl- prints, the Kalki Fashion Director more people like him, which such like pashmina – you can say they look believes that fabrics like chikankari, initiatives this world will be a like a piece of art draped over the bandhani, banarasi have a premium better place to live. shoulder.” ethnic attraction. “Added to it to

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 37 can be styled. To my disbelief, fashion influencers take a scarf and drape it like a blouse with a skirt or a lehenga now a days. While styling may remain constant, being seasonal is the very nature of fashion. Specifically for this season, Ritu Kumar advises to go for cotton silk fabric suits and printed dupattas. “The simplicity of the suit and the printed dupatta makes it a great wardrobe style staple that can be styled up or down as per the occasion. The cotton silk fabric of the suits makes them perfect for all weathers as well,” she says. On the other hand, the Kalki director feels that this season is the time to up the sartorial game with create more oomph are tassels, THE SIMPLICITY OF THE artful intricate work and light heavy borders and embroidery on weight dupattas. desirable dupattas,” Gupta adds. SUIT AND THE PRINTED “A riot of hues decked in artful Meanwhile, the Karmaplace DUPATTA MAKES IT A intricate work and will take your founder says that bold color GREAT WARDROBE Indian-ness to up the sartorial game. dupattas with artistic touch to them Soar high on fashion & light on can be an addition to the traditional STYLE STAPLE THAT weight, ideal drapes to wrap yourself styles. “Fabric and sizing are the CAN BE STYLED UP OR in the monsoons. Get that Desi look biggest considerations for me. DOWN AS PER THE but stylishly through the premium Always go for fabric that is easy to OCCASION. THE dupattas that we have solely brought maintain but also comfortable. for you to keep the distinct ethnic Always double check the size charts COTTON SILK FABRIC fashion quotient a notch higher,” and know your measurements,” he OF THE SUITS MAKES Gupta says. says making the selection process THEM PERFECT FOR ALL Meanwhile, the Karmaplace easier. founder feels it is time to play with WEATHERS AS WELL. bold colors and prints while accessorizing your outfits with TRADITIONAL TO dupattas maintaining that classic INDO-WESTERN dupattas are not going anywhere. With so many patterns in Sharing an experience of a friend, dupattas out there, I no longer feel Revankar says, “I think it’s a good to like dropping this element from my have some classy dupattas in your outfit. While styling a dupatta on an closet since they can take up any Indian ensemble, the rule is basic— outfit up a notch. A friend of mine a heavily embroidered kurta set or was attending an Indian function lehenga will require a plane dupatta and did not have Indian attire, she and an embellished dupatta will wore a sleeveless dress paired with make a simple suit stand out. a gold-trim dupatta – it was just However, it should be noted that stunning!” the entire Indian fashion industry Ah! With so many distinct views has been evolved over the years. from the industry experts, I rest my The trends have shifted from case with the conclusion that traditional to what we call it Indo- dupattas are no longer only about Western now. From styling it on one highlighting your modesty in a shoulder to wearing it like a high- Ghoonghat, they have rather low top over a lehenga, or wrapping evolved as an artistic element that a dupatta with a belt, there are tons adds oodles of glamor to your of different ways in which a dupatta overall look. We

38 Woman’s Era ● September 2021

Just do it... with Style!

Simplicity speaks with splendor.

Make it simple, but significant with this fabulous Kurta dress having collar details. Style yourself elegantly in this A-line kurta dress with tassels tie up. Elegance is beauty. Acquire your fashion identity with tiered Kurta dress having collar details, a perfect take-away. This Kurta dress with collar details is the one that make you feel good inside and bold outside. Express your confidence and dress up in this printed sharara set with dual-tone dupatta. Create your own style with Red Kurta and Plazzo set, paired up with printed dupatta having traditional gota work. Embroider your heart into the fabric of this printed kurta with tassel detailed jacket. Find your happy colours with this sharara set having gota and embroidery details.

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eemrana Glasshouse is well maintained natural flora and located at a very unique, fauna coupled with modern-day Nmagical, serene and spiritual comforts make the experience location above Rishikesh. It is a extraordinary. “THE PROPERTY IS IDEAL FOR natural spot from where you can YOUNG, AGILE AND THE open your windows to watch the Activities and Attractions ADVENTUROUS AS IT IS SPREAD floating clouds and Garhwal Rooms: Set in natural stone, ACROSS MULTIPLE LEVELS BUT Himalayan views. It is set in a forest nestled between a forest with THE NEEMRANA TEAM FROM of tropical plants, full of rare birds cobbled pathways, each room has a THE NEARBY LOCAL AREAS and butterflies. The Glasshouse is natural trail that leads down to the AROUND RISHIKESH (THAT WAS spread across the natural Ganges. Interiors of a jungle retreat RETAINED THROUGH TWO topography with a view of the amidst fresh mountain air, sound of TOUGH LOCKDOWNS) GOES THE valley, treelines, the river below the river and exotic birds offer a EXTRA MILE TO MAKE EACH with a sand beach of natural spa as it relaxes your GUEST’S STAY MEMORABLE AND its own. The property senses. The property is family COMFORTABLE.” has 6 Hideaway friendly and pet family. SAYS SONAVI KAICKER, CEO, Rooms, 2 Family NEEMRANA HOTELS. Rooms, and 2 Machan Organic & Multi Cuisine: Rooms almost The unique food is prepared rustic hunter-style curries and open- perched on the trees. with local and fresh products air pit roasting. Guests can descover Indulge in spiritual available. It is a gastronomic dishes from Tehri Garhwal, Nepal wellness with a daily journey from welcome drinks and Himachal with an accent of the dip at the Kumbh to the bonfires taken care of seasonal. Continental cuisine too Mela, an evening Aarti by Chef Bisht and team. The can be served to suit a range of at the Parmarth focus is on local cuisine to tastes and palates. Niketan Ashram, visit delight taste buds for to the Ram Jhula and Khushboo Jain seasoned gourmets. Yoga Plateau: Not to miss is daily Wellness Advocate, the Lakshman Jhula. Founder of Trans-Himalayan cuisine is Yoga sessions by Certified yoga Yoga & Spa amidst the MadAboutWellness. served with an emphasis on trainers. Whether it is beginners or

48 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 advanced practitioners, Hikes & Treks: Surrounding Events & Celebrations: Host personalized Yoga sessions are greenery, chirping birds, majestic anniversaries, birthdays and other provided. Experience a combination views from the mountain top. memorable occasions at the of various body and mind postures Experience the adventurous Glasshouse that is set up on the four to relax and rejuvenate. Get your wellness journey across several soft blocks spread amidst majestic daily dose of the yogic flexibility treks.Glasshouse on The Ganges to outdoors and mountains that surrounded by lofty hills and the Sirasu is a scenic hike along both surround it. Weave memories of music of the river. banks of the river, with the forest on celebrations in the pure breeze of one side and the river on the other. the Ganges as the magical night Outdoor Excursions Meet and greet wild jungle fowls lazily settles in. Besides a range of White Water Rafting & Rock and others. These trails have been activities and local excursions, treks Climbing: Book an in-house white- used by local communities for and hikes, observe the evening aarti water rafting cruise with the generations. Trek for a few where diyas are lit and floated on pioneers on one of the best river kilometres to witness the beautiful the river, or drive to Devprayag – stretches in the world. You are Neer Garh Waterfalls. This trek is the confluence of the Alaknanda picked up around noon for the memorable with coffee and snacks and Bhagirathi River, an awesome journey to the Himalayan River post the trek. It is about 3 sight about an hour’s drive from the Runners Base Camp for rafting in Kilometres away from the Lakshman property. Heave your chest, muscle the white, pristine Ganges. Indulge Jhula on the Badrinath highway. your calves, take all the oxygen in ‘camp lunch’ and then embark for back in your lungs once you are at an experience of a lifetime as you Spiritual Wellness with Temple Neemrana's Glasshouse on the start navigating the rapids in your Visits: Tourists across the world Ganges. raft under the close supervision of throng at The Ganges because of its your guide. Get treated with non great spiritual value over centuries. Neemrana's Glasshouse on The Ganges hotel hot beverages at the end. Visit a few prominent temples like Village Kalthar, Rishikesh- Choose and pick your preferred Bharat Temple, Neelkanth Temple Badrinath Road, Shivpuri Rishikesh, destination for rock climbing. and the neighbouring temples after Uttarakhand- 249192, India Rishikesh offers the best Rock Lakshman Jhula. Not to miss are the +91 124 4666166 Climbing in India. A well-trained Ashrams for evening Arti and a dip [email protected] guide will assist you throughout the into the holy Ganges which makes www.glasshouseontheganges.neemra adventure. you feel empowered and blessed. nahotels.com

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 49 AM IN THE FIFTH MONTH OF MY PREGNANCY. THE I am Pregnant doctor has suggested a level 11 scan. Is it Inecessary to get it done? I have already had two ultrasounds done earlier that were normal. & A level 11 scan gives vital information regarding A the presence or absence of physical defects in the Q baby. As the body parts are fully formed by the 20th week of pregnancy the timing is ideal. The HE PIMPLES I SO DREADED DURING MY ADOLESCENT PERIOD, sonographies’ painstakingly goes over individual the pimples that I thought had gone for good when I organs right from the external like the finger, toes, limbs, Tbecame a woman returned with a bang during genitalia and facial structures to the inside of the brain, pregnancy. Why have they occurred and how do I get rid spine, heart and abdomen. If a major anomaly is found of them? one has the option of getting the foetus aborted, as this is While many women actually find that pregnancy legal only till the 20th week of pregnancy. So, one can hormones relieve them of their acne others develop an see that a level 11 scan is an important part of antenatal oily skin, making them prone to pimples. All that you can care. ● do at this stage is to drink plenty of water, wash your face, and avoid things that lead to eruption of pimples. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE PLANNING A PREGNANCY. IS IT NECESSARY ● TO VISIT A DOCTOR NOW OR AFTER I HAVE CONCEIVED? AM IN THE SEVENTH MONTH OF MY FIRST PREGNANCY AND HAVE It is a very good idea to visit an obstetrician before begun to have stretch marks. Kindly tell me why they conception. Preconceptionally, genetic counselling is of Ioccur and if there is a way by which they can immense value as you can see in the list mentioned be avoided. below. Stretch marks appear in 50 per cent of pregnant Your doctor will take a detailed history to learn if you women, usually in the later half of pregnancy. While most or your husband’s family have any inherited a disease of these lines occur on the lower abdomen they can also be like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, sickle cell found on the thighs, hip, buttocks, breast and arms. disease, fragile X syndrome, etc. They tend to be pinkish in light- skinned women, and in She will perform a thorough general physical dark-skinned women they will be lighter than the examination and advise blood tests like blood group, surrounding. They occur due to the stretching of the skin thyroid, sugar, HIV, Hepatitis B. and separation of collagen fibres just under the surface of If you are anaemic or suffer from any disease these the skin. Scratching the skin does in no way contribute to will be treated before conception. In case you are on the appearance of stretch marks. medication for chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, Some women get stretch marks and others don’t blood pressure, epilepsy, the diseases will have to be depend upon the elasticity of the skin. Other contributory controlled before pregnancy. factors are family history, rapid and excessive weight gain You may also have to switch over to drugs that are and your nutritional status. Creams or lotions are safe in pregnancy. advertised so profusely, but the fact remains that there's If necessary, she will ask you to get yourself not much you can do about stretch marks. You either get immunised against rubella (German measles) or them or not. chickenpox so that you are protected during pregnancy The plus point however is, that they eventually fade and these diseases will not harm the baby. away after you have had the baby and are visible only as You will have to wait for at least a month after the fine silver lines. vaccination to plan a pregnancy. She will advise ● priconceptional folic acid so that the chances of a HESKINONMYCHEEKSANDTHEBRIDGEOFMYNOSEHAS developmental abnormality called neural tube defect is darkened. I look ugly and feel depressed. Please tell minimised. Tme what to do. Whatever happened to the glowing She will advise you to stop smoking if you are a skin of pregnancy I had so heard about? smoker and stop consuming alcohol if you drink it. This black discolouration of skin called ‘the mask of – Dr Amrinder Kaur Bajaj, MD pregnancy’ or chloasma, occurs due to the increase in secretion of melanotropin during pregnancy, which leads Readers are invited to send in any health and medical to pigmentation over the nose, cheeks, and forehead of queries they would like to be answered. Woman’s Era will the expectant woman. provide answers to your questions and offer solutions to your It is aggravated by sunlight. It occurs in about 50 per problems. Individual replies cannot be sent. Address your letters cent of pregnant women around the fourth or fifth month (neatly written on white paper) to: of pregnancy and fades away after delivery. Avoid going WOMAN'S ERA, out in the sun whenever possible or apply a sunscreen E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com lotion.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 50 Dreamland of Gold Jewellery Vaani Kapoor becomes the Brand Ambassador for Zeya By Kundan. ith great pride and honour Vaani Kapoor has always been ZEYA By Kundan officially the talk of the town because of her Wannounced Bollywood star unique fashion statement. She has Vaani Kapoor as their Brand inspired many with her acting skills Ambassador. The Light-weight & and received huge recognition for Budget-friendly gold jewellery in the same. She is the perfect choice 22KT and 18KT is crafted with for the brand Zeya By Kundan. Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor European cubic zirconia which gives Jewellery is an unspoken you an every-day wear a new language, a nd the language is “I believe everyday is festive if 'Sparkle'. called Love is what every woman you are happy. I am elated to be a Zeya By Kundan is a sister needs. Zeya By Kundan is a perfect part of the brand -Zeya By Kundan, concern of Kundan Refinery which amalgamation of traditional designs It is truly a dreamland of Gold is one of the India’s largest gold with a modern twist. Each jewellery jewellery designs that serves refinery in private sector. The high piece is uniquely crafted with love different occasions, needs and quality of gold used for creating for a ‘New-You’. The plethora of desires. Kudos to Vidit Garg for intricate designs at ZEYA By Kundan designs at Zeya By Kundan cuddles bringing out the amazingly priced which comes directly from the exquisite jewellery pieces ranging collection which is rare to find in the refinery, customers can be assured from a bracelet to earrings, nose- market. The designs are flawless, of the 100% purity of the jewellery ring to teen jewellery, office wear, perfectly designed for the modern they are buying. Tanmaniya to pendants, party wear women.” Bollywood star Vaani The chic and stylish designs aims Necklaces to traditional necklaces, Kapoor adds. to bring out a voguish experience statement rings to causal rings, with an affordable gold jewellery is Bangles and so on. Zeya By Kundan a treat for its customers across Speaking on the occasion Vidit The quintessential meaning of India. The brand Zeya By Kundan Garg, Director, Zeya By Kundan Zeya is ‘Success’. Zeya is born out of ensures comfort buying, the says, “Jewellery are a direct way to heritage and values and yet carries exclusive designs are available at heart that adds sparkle to your 'Modern' look in its designs and their standalone stores as well as personality especially when you are craftsmanship. Zeya is the latest easily accessible at www.zeya.co.in getting your favourite jewellery offering that KUNDAN Group has Zeya By Kundan’s strategic piece at an affordable price. We are brought to you that is affordable, association with Vaani Kapoor will excited to have Actor Vaani Kapoor fashionable, quality-assured and for enable the company to create high as our brand ambassador. She is a the 'New- You'. The gold supplied decibel visibility and connect with perfect fit to be the face of the for the Zeya jewellery comes its target customers. With the brand. She is glamorous, free directly from the Kundan Group's festivities around the corner, Vidit spirited, joyful, fashionable, Gold refineries, so the customers Garg, Director, Kundan Group and traditional yet modern, Just the way can get the benefit of acquiring Vaani Kapoor are together working our jewellery is. We design for each gold. It has a wide range of bespoke on ushering the traditional essence and every occasion, Our designs are designs and the collections include- with a modern twist for the brand an expression of what one truly pendants, rings, earrings, nose pins, that will definitely leave you needs. As they say cherry on the Bangles, Necklaces, Bracelets and spellbound. This fruitful association cake, the same way Vaani is the so on. The gold jewellery comes will help target consumers across oomph factor to the brand. She is with the inspirational designs and the nation and gives Zeya By indeed very beautiful, and I believe the adorned with Cubic Zirconia Kundan the opportunity to engage she will make our gold jewellery crafted from Europe and glamour to with the fans of Bollywood star look even more charming when she the artistic pieces that are Vaani Kapoor. wears it.” handcrafted for you.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 51 he term ‘Arrange marriage’ reflects arranging a partner Tfor your beloved child. Right? The parents search for a suitable bride/groom for their family. They upload the matrimonial picture and bio-data of their child on various sites or in a newspaper. When they are lined up with various available brides/grooms; they start with the process of short-listing to invite them for the interview. Now, if you relate this whole process with the organization hiring an employee, what’s the difference? The organization posts a vacancy in a newspaper or on different sites, then various interested candidates drop their resume, the company shortlists the employee, take the interview and hire them. Now, in short, asking the bride to meet the guy for the first time, don’t you think, it is the same as hiring an employee for the organization? To some extent it is the same; same in starting the process for available bride/groom or employee but the consequences after that are not the same. Why? The reason being if the employee is not up to the expectations he/she can be terminated or fired out but if the Jeevan sathi is not up to the expectations, can you terminate them from your life easily? No, then you have to depend on the words like ‘Sacrifice’ or ‘Compromise’. Parents can arrange a Marriage but they cannot arrange the Love! In present scenario, where love marriage is preferred by youth and still your children are ready for arrange marriage, trust me, they have faith in you. So, I want you to remember the following points before searching for the Need of perfect daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

Never compel or force your child The Hour! Websites like shaadi.com, jeevansathi.com, trulymadly, aisle, okcupid, tinder etc. are giving youth Evolve the concept of arrange marriage. ample opportunities to explore. They are mature enough to take By Richa Goel their own decisions.

Don’t over expect from your daughter-in-law The upcoming couple cannot have the same interest or life schedule if compared with your lifestyle. Work from home has changed the life cycle of people and let them take time to adjust to new schedule. Instead of changing them, try to bring changes in your life. Try not to Interfere In their Personal Life Today’s youth wants to spend their life as per their wishes. Your too much pin-pointing nature will create frustration inside them. Do guide them about good and bad but do not force them. And instead of pointing a finger at one partner, you should make the couple sit in front of you and guide both of them. Your too much spy nature won’t be able to build love within a family. Give them proper time WHY ROKA IS A Bring necessary changes Why roka is a necessity at the NECESSITY AT THE Accept the new member as your first time of meeting? Since due to part of a happy family. Nobody can Covid-19, no. of people are FIRST TIME OF take responsibility for your home restricted, so give them proper time MEETING? GIVE THEM overnight. Since everyone is to understand their partner so that PROPER TIME TO working from home, distribute the in the future they don’t need to UNDERSTAND THEIR responsibilities in such a way, that compromise. Marriages can take everyone happily does that instead place once everything comes under PARTNER SO THAT IN of relying on one person. control with full enthusiasm instead THE FUTURE THEY of panic covid protocols. DON’T NEED TO Everyone needs to understand COMPROMISE. It’s better to marry late than to Have faith on them marry wrong! Take your time- Build Since they are agreed on arrange MARRIAGES CAN TAKE friendship- Create love- Nurture marriage, they have already kept PLACE ONCE your ambitions- Build Your Relation your trust as a priority, now it’s your EVERYTHING COMES Stronger-Proceed towards turn to show your faith in them. We UNDER CONTROL WITH Marriage. It’s your life, take your know courtship is restricted to decisions wisely! Because some online. There’s a difference FULL ENTHUSIASM. decisions are made for a lifetime between the talks over calls and destiny and options of online search investment. When you can find meeting in person. Let them roam, of partners are flooded with the solace, proceed further. Finding the talk and spend time because better suggestions. perfect partner is not in your hand frequent meetings are not possible but finding a partner with whom due to Covid restrictions. Do not hurry for the next step you think you will be able to build a Let your children decide the time perfect relationship is in your hands. Respect their decisions they want to know each other. Let Find the one who can stand with you Your children are grown up and them acknowledge their partner’s in all your ups and downs, the one reach the stage of adulthood. If, nature, views, expectation level who can mold according to the after a couple of months also from each other and then only situation and are flexible with the before marriage, they are not move to the next step. You may win outgoing trend. So yes, Marriage is comfortable, please set them free. the target of the wedding but you not an organization target to be Life keeps going and there is always may fail in the expectations and achieved on time, It’s the goodwill something better written in the happiness of your children. that will make you grow high in life.

54 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 EmbraceThe Art Of Dancing Classical Dance Style of India.

nkita Kumari is a senior the founders of Odissi. This style flexibility or helps one maintain disciple of Guru Binayak has a unique blend of tribal and folk their physical fitness but its APanda. She began her elements from Odisha. My guru, manifestations can be seen in varied training in Odissi dance when she Guru Binayak Panda and his guru, forms. It is beyond just performing was 5, from the Debadhara Guru Gajendra Panda are working on stage. One can see the nuanced Academy founded by her Guru. tirelessly to propagate this style affects seep through in forms of Undergone rigorous training for 17 and I aim to follow their footsteps dedication, patience, empathy, years now, she has performed at to carry forward this legacy. gratitude, boosting self-esteem to various prestigious festivals in India name a few. and abroad. She has completed her Career in Indian Classical Dance? Visharad Poorna from the Akhil What best than to make a career What fascinates you the most Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya out of your passion. As an about Odissi and sustains your Mandal, and has been recognised as academician, I am a Development interest? ‘B’ grade artist by the Delhi Communication Specialist and I The rawness of this dance form Doordarshan Kendra. For her have always kept dance and appeals me. The roots of Odissi can constant arduous efforts, she has academics parallelly. One can take be traced back to folk and tribal received various awards and as a up dance as a full-time source of forms and the nuances are so result, is a recipient of many their livelihood or something that evident. scholarships in academics and they have dedicated to engage in cultural activities. She is a weekends. How would you link dance with performer, mentor, Assistant mental wellbeing? Festival Director of Debadhara and Are Indian classical dance forms I believe connecting to each and continues to teach, organise losing their popularity? every movement in our body is one festivals in order to promote and I believe the other way out. In of the best ways to be aware of propagate the art of Odissi dance. fact, Indian classical dance forms oneself. are much popular and there is How you got introduced to interest to learn. How to connect this art form to Odissi? the younger generation? I started learning Odissi dance Do external factors have any My approach to everything has from Guru Binayak Panda when I impact to the art field? (like been that if we connect it to our was 5. It was my mom and pandemic or any situation own self or surroundings, then it grandmother’s interests that happening around) becomes more relatable. Same goes brought me into the world of Odissi. Dance or any other art form for for dance, when we relate to the I have completed 17 years of my that matter has come from the stories narrated through dance, training and it has been a beautiful society. Art forms are a medium to when we link it to the theories that journey of creating & learning the express and they get influenced by we study it becomes much nuances of this ancient art form. what we think, what is happening intriguing. around us. How is the Odissi style that you What are your future plans? follow, different from the other Does getting involved in field of I aim to take this Odissi style of Odissi styles? art, has any impact on overall Guru Debaprasad Das forward and I follow the style of Guru personality of a person? nudge minds to become more Debaprasad Das (Late) who is one of Dance, not just improves culturally aware and sensitive. We ankitagouda.wordpress.com | facebook.com/ankitakumariodissi instagram.com/ambivert_matangi/ | youtube.com/AnkitaKumariOdissi

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 55 Short Story My Mother’s Husband

Right to the end. By Sandeep

he summons came out of the building. I turned ago, when her condition best I could. Papa would for me just after 10 right at Exhibition Road had taken a turn for the visit Mom at the hospital at Ta.m. The messenger towards South Kensington worse. She was feeling least once every day, was Andrew, the concierge station. The pavement was short of breath and could mostly after office hours in the Electrical a blur as I half walked and barely speak. Our G. P. had before returning home. As Engineering block, my half ran. I barely noticed been called home and had it happened, that fateful parent department at the traffic on the road and advised that she should be day - it was Friday, 16 Imperial College, London. I the other pedestrians shifted immediately to October, 1970 - something was attending a lecture on walking towards me and hospital, where she would urged him to go to the Structures by Professor along with me in the same have to be put on oxygen. hospital before going to the Neale in Hall no. 3 of the direction, as I went past An ambulance came a few office, as I learnt on Mechanical Engineering with hurried steps towards minutes later. The para- reaching the hospital. department. The lecture the Royal Marsden medics were very gentle These thoughts raced was more than half over, Hospital, where I had met with her, assuring her that through my mind as I made having started sharp at 9:30 mummy just last evening. there was no need to rush my way past the South a.m. Andrew spoke to the She had been admitted and she could take her Kensington station towards Professor, who stopped in to the hospital for the time. My father went with the hospital along Pelham mid-sentence of his umpteenth time 10 days her – these past four Street. I was 20 and had exposition. My name was months he had hardly left arrived in London in June called out and I rushed her alone for all the time that year to join my parents down the steps to My name was called out and I that he was at home, and sister after completing rushed down the steps to Andrew, who told me that Andrew who told me that my besides attending office. my graduation in Pure my father had called from father had called from the My kid sister and I were to Sciences from Lucknow the hospital. Fearing the hospital. Fearing the worst follow by the Tube – the University. My father was in worst I ran out of the room, I ran out of the room, through London Underground train. the Indian Foreign Service. through the corridor and the corridor and out of I had started attending He had been posted to the building. college just a fortnight London the year before on earlier, having compassionate medical secured grounds in order to obtain admission by better treatment for my clearing a mother who was a cancer thorough and patient. She was taken grilling interview, under the care of a which could be renowned oncologist at the arranged thanks Royal Marsden Hospital. to my father's Her treatment was efforts through continued under his the high supervision and she was commission at showing signs of India House. It improvement. However, was difficult to after some time she started concentrate on wheezing and becoming my studies, but I breathless even after tried not to miss walking for a short lectures and distance. coped with In India she had study material undergone a lumpectomy and tutorials as of the left breast; in the late

1960s, the line of treatment journey. When she felt a central heating. The cremated. She said father was "cut deep and remove, little better, we would take present flat was a far cry had informed that she with chemotherapy and her back home - the ground from the previous one. It would be cremated. Papa radiation to follow". The floor flat in Somali Road, was comfortable and came back, rubbing his deep and wide exposure to Kilburn, North London. The spacious with all amenities, palms together in the X-rays had caused her skin house was cold and damp, but it would become typical gesture of loss. I to become dark and hard. particulary the toilet. She bitterly cold within minutes couldn't bear to look at his The doctor assessed that shivered whenever she had of the radiators being face. He said nothing. He the overdose of radiation - to go there, and asked papa switched off, and there was was a man of few words - not to blame the doctors in to search for another flat. no heating in the bathroom the strong and silent type. India, who had acted with On arrival in London, they and toilet. Papa tried to We left the hospital and 'abundant caution' to had stayed in transit find other, more suitable headed towards home. I prevent recurrence of the accommodation in accommodation, but places don't remember much disease - had been Gloucester Terrace near on rent were not easy to about the journey - it has unnecessary. However, Bayswater station. It was a come by - particularly for been 47 years! We slumped what was done could not be modern building with Asians. He registered with down on the sofa chairs, undone, an estate agent, who still shell shocked. Krish and he I ran up all the way to the second assured that we would be uncle, father's friend who floor to her ward. Her bed was would move empty! A Matron from the informed as soon as was a teacher at a school in forward. In nurses' station opposite the anything was available, but East London, arrived in the the coming entrance to the ward had seen repeated enquiries did not afternoon, to be with us in weeks it was me come in. She took me by yield any result. Meanwhile our hour of grief. The the arm to the waiting room papa brought a fan heater funeral was held on where papa was standing, looking grim and sad. to blow hot air into the Tuesday, 20 October, in the toilet, but it had a afternoon at Golders Green drawback - the door had to crematorium which had a be kept open for the small church on the electric wire, as there was premises. The service was no power socket inside ! conducted by a Bengali I ran up all the way to priest who spoke in chaste the second floor to her Hindi - "Go, O traveller, to ward. Her bed was empty! your final destination,” We A Matron from the nurses' sat in the first row of the station opposite the pews - papa, Krish uncle entrance to the ward had and I - side by side with seen me come in. She took papa's colleagues from the me by the arm to the High Commission on the waiting room where papa other benches. As the was standing, looking grim service drew to a close, two and sad. The matron said, "I doors opened on the left think your father has side of the raised platform something to tell you,” and where the priest stood at observed that there was again. The secondary left us alone. Papa told me the pulpit on the right. We another side-affect of the attack was on her lungs that Mummy had passed could see the flames of a radiation – oldema, or which were also filling up away that morning, even fire burning inside. The collection / retention of with fluid which had to be before he could reach the coffin appeared from fluid in her upper arm, extracted periodically with hospital. Matron returned behind and moved on rails which would become heavy a syringe - a very painful with a glass of orange juice to enter the fireplace. and swollen. With procedure. which she placed in my "Where are you taking my physiotherapy, the fluid hand and made me sit mother?" I asked silently, was pushed out and into he trips to hospital down. breaking down. The sound the torso, but it would flow Tbecame more frequent Papa wanted to have a of my uncontrollable sobs back in time. Mummy's and the periods of stay also last look at mummy. I said I reverberated through the weight increased and made increased. She found it did not; better to preserve hall. Krish uncle put his arm her feel breathless. After more and more difficult to her image as she was when around my shoulders. My conducting some tests the walk even a few steps. Each she was with us, I thought. I father must have wept same doctor diagnosed time an ambulance had to asked the matron whether silently, but outwardly in that the cancer had struck called for the to-and-fro mom would be buried or front of people he was a

58 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 picture of dignity. As he could have predicted such before me. He had failed,” he said through the acknowledged an end, after a painful and collected the ashes and tears. I put my arms around condolences, and later read prolonged battle, at the dispatched them to my him and held him, as we the cards on the bouquets young age of 42 ? maternal uncle in India for tried to console each other. and wreaths brought by the We went about our immersion in the Holy I wish I could turn back mourners and placed desolate lives, trying to Ganges. Our last link with the clock and bring the against a wall of the church. cope with the loss and her had been severed. wheels of time to a stop. I We went back to the adjusting to the reality: That night after dinner wish mummy had not fallen silent house which was full papa attended office, I as we sat together in the sick. I wish we were still the of painful memories of the went to college and my kid living room, papa broke small happy family, living in past few months. Mummy sister to school. down. It was perhaps the Delhi, and going to the hills had been perhaps the Two or three days later, I first time I had seen him to spend our summers in healthiest amongst four returned from college to crying openly. "The Mussoorie and Nainital. brothers and sisters. Who find papa was back at home purpose of my life has I wish .... We

neighbors didn’t waste a second and conventional minds. My parents and grabbed the keys of the cars. Rajeev in-laws are also very orthodox. As a told me to sit in the car and asked result, a couple remaining in a living Refrain From her wife Sunita to take care of the relationship was very difficult for me Casting Judgement children. She then took my two to consider. Since I come from an Ten years ago, I used to live in other weeping children in her arms old school of thought, there was no Ahmdabad with my three small and tried to pacify them. dialogue between us. My husband children. My husband began I kept giving drops of water and and I never allowed our children to working in Dubai shortly after our continued talking to my daughter so visit their house because we were third child was born. I had to stay she doesn’t go unconscious. We concerned about the consequences. with our kids so he could settle went to a nearby hospital and We avoided the family and declined down over there and come fetch us. showed all the previous reports to their friendship because they were Tara, one of our children, has the doctor. He immediately asked living outside of wedlock. I belittled Dyspnea, a respiratory condition. As me to admit her to ICU. In the myself for my poor actions and a result, we were extremely meantime, it hit me, that we are out prayed that they pardon me for the consistent with her hospital of cash and would not be able to wrong done. appointments and therapies. afford a bed in ICU. I called my I and my husband learned a However, when my husband husband and burst into tears and valuable lesson: we should be kind relocated to another country, we lost control over my emotions. Since and not criticize, regardless of ran out of money. As a result, I was looking into the matter in which we whether the couple is married or unable to continue her recovery and were, my neighbours advised me not. We are so fortunate that we had to rely on leftover medications not to be concerned. had a young and helpful couple for survival. “I will take care of this; we have during our most difficult moment. Everything went swimmingly savings for our ski trip.' No amount –Asifa until there were medicines to offer. of joy will do justice to the one I felt We all were sound asleep at 2 a.m. when they loaned me money. It that night. A kid cried out, made me feel embarrassed and "Mumma... Mumma..." The voice helpless as we wouldn’t be able to was familiar to me. It was Tara, who pay them back in time. Besides, my couldn't talk or breathe properly. I heart was throbbing out of concern Do you have any sweet/sour experiences with was terrified and scared of losing for my children as days went by. We you immediate neighbour? We her. I carried Tara and bumped into didn't have a family in town to look will be glad to publish them. Please my neighbours house and pounded after them. Sunita, on the other sent them to: on their doors many times. My other hand, called and told me that my NEIGHBOURS ALL two children joined me after hearing children are in safe hands. It took 3-4

me yelling. Thankfully, my neighbors days for Tara to recover. There was E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. woke up and rushed towards me not a single day when Rajeev didn’t Womansera.com looking at my daughter fainting. My come to visit or Sunita forgot to Name: next-door neighbors are young send me tiffin. Could I be any Mobile: living partners named Sunita and luckier? I questioned myself. E-mail: Rajeev. To my surprise, my I come from a family of

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 59 Glam Up Your Wedding Look! Keeping it simple, yet stunning.

Step 11 Apply the eye base for the eye make-up.

Step 12 Apply light golden eyeshadow on the lid & using light brown eyeshadow in the crease line and blend properly.

Step 13 Apply the eyeliner.

Step 14 Line your eye using brush. Step 15 Step 16 Use high- Highlight definition points. foundation all over the base.

Step 17 Use contour around the cheeks.

Step 18 Now apply the base-setting powder.

Step 19 Shape the lips with lip colour.

Credit Line: Model: Chandrani Baidya Make-up: Sanjay Kumar Glorious, Gorgeous And Divine! Making the best for the moment. Choker Neckpiece: Slay this Green Emerald, Kundan stunned choker necklace on your wedding day.

Multi Stringed Neckpiece: This long and multi stringed Kundan Emerald neckpiece is a perfect addition to wedding jewellery set.

Bangles: Being the traditional Indian bride, you can go ahead and make a statement by wearing this amazing bangle set. Earrings: This exquisite dangler earring is a must have for every bride to transform the look from the casual to the formal in an instant.

Nose-piece (Nath): This traditional nose-piece accessories adds an extra charm to your entire look.

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But... love prevailed By Narinder Jit Kaur

As a heartbroken oday again the train attend to every detail in daughters. Rahul, a green and despondent was crowded and order to get that coveted card holder, too had a very Rahul left the TPriya had to push position. As she reached good job in a company hard to get in. A few home she was surprised to there; but had to leave it all room, Priya could familiar daily commuters see Rahul already there, as Priya, his love of many see how devastated welcomed her. It was a ‘Arrey! Back home so early!’ years, was not willing to he was! great relief to get a seat at But it was more surprising leave India. Mukul had This was their last the edge of the berth; and to see him packing his opposed their marriage, now she could relax for the bags. trying to convince Rahul conversation. next forty minutes before ‘Mukul met with an not to leave his high-profile Rahul’s flight to she reached her flat in accident.’ job and elite life-style in the New York was at 7 Vashi. As she rested her ‘What? When? How?’ USA. But love had in the morning; the head against the wooden she had found herself prevailed and Rahul cab was to pick plank and closed her eyes, fumbling as if she was married Priya. Rahul’s the events of that one gaining time to understand mother stayed with them him up at 2 am. night, exactly five years the impact of the news. for some time, but when ago, became live in her ‘He is no more.’ Mukul’s elder daughter was mind; the night that ‘Oh no…! It’s so born, she went and stayed changed her life forever. shocking!’ with them in New York. That was a hectic day at Mukul was Rahul’s Even Priya never insisted the office. With her younger brother who lived on having her back. Her ego promotion interview listed in New York with his and vainglory made her for the next day, she had to mother, wife and two drift away from the family, though Rahul stayed closely connected, The train started with a jerk, regularly inquiring after the breaking her reverie. A whiff well-being of his family. of fresh air came as a relief And today this news….! and everyone settled Shocking though it was, down. Priya couldn’t keep these thoughts away from her mind. She was still sorting her papers when Rahul came to her ‘Priya, can you give me five minutes.’ ‘Rahul I am very busy, I want to complete my papers first. Can you wait for some time?’ As a heartbroken and despondent Rahul left the room, Priya could see how devastated he was! This was their last conversation. Rahul’s flight to New York was at 7 in the was not interested in and the fabric still shining. this Belu, why don't you morning; the cab was to having kids. But what shocked her was leave him? You are working pick him up at 2 am. Suddenly a familiar that Belu was not the same; day and night and he is Rahul left when she was female voice hit her ears, she had a small baby in her squandering your money in fast asleep; and never came and through the legs of arms. ‘What! Belu has got a liquor. What are you getting back. He resigned and took those standing around, her child?’ She felt cheated. out of this relationship? up a job in New York, as he eyes could catch a glimpse Belu, their domestic Such a man should be couldn’t leave his mother, of a familiar saree. She help of many years, had flagged publicly. Either be sister-in-law and the two tried hard to place both - been going through a bad strong or assert yourself; or little girls alone as they the voice and the saree, marriage. A swollen face, a simply throw him out.’ Priya were his responsibility now. ‘Lo! It's Belu!’ Yes it was black eye and a sad story to would say all this within He asked Priya to come to Bimla, Priya’s old domestic- tell had become a routine. Rahul’s hearing. He knew the USA; but she refused help. At the next station a Her husband, a good for what she implied, but straightway and accused few passengers got down nothing drunkard had been would feign indifference in Rahul of betrayal. and she found Belu sitting living off her and would front of Belu. The train started with a on the floor wearing the thrash her badly if she Priya took Belu under jerk, breaking her reverie. A saree she had given her on refused to give him money her wings; she was her whiff of fresh air came as a Diwali. It still looked the for his liquor. mascot to hit at men who relief and everyone settled same, the colour still bright ‘Why do you tolerate all mistrusted their wives; who down. One middle-aged woman spread a newspaper on her lap and Better Manage Your Diabetes / Get started peeling the peas- pods and two other women Cured with “Alkaline Natural Diet” by too joined her. Priya could see how the thought of “Dr Vidushi Agrawal” cooking pea-curry for the family had lit up her face. She could visualize the Award Winning glowing expression on the Dietician & Nutritionist faces of her husband and children, ‘Oh wow! So When Diet is Wrong, tasty! There is a magic in your hands.’ The very Medicine is of no Use. thought was too painful for When Diet is Correct, her as it stood contrasted Medicine is of no Need against her own situation - Bring back the she would go, unlock the Sweetness in Life flat, throw her bag and file Our Goal is to have a on the bed, look for something in the fridge and Diabetes – Free World she knew she hadn’t ¬ ^^losZ HkoUrq lqf[ku% cooked anything for the losZ larq fujke;k** ¬ last three days, would gobble down a bread-slice Expertise in Treatment of with milk and go to bed. No Diabetes pea-curry, no glowing With Natural Diet only faces, no compliments, and no magic in her hands; or in Total Experience her beauty or even her professional status. Had it Hospital + Clinic = 21 years been so, she wouldn't have For Appointment : Whatsapp only been alone today. Rahul 9969526918 / write to would have been with her [email protected] and who knows they would have had children, if only Rahul could have his way, because at that time she

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 65 refused to accept the on the battlefield. ‘How and squirming in pain, been so easy, as we moved potential of women; and could she? How could she repeatedly folding his from job to job, from who were scared of do this to me? I had been hands and blabbering out colony to colony. Then accepting that women feeding her; paying for her something. They said he Bholu came and our life was could be liberated, medical treatment! How had hit a wine-shop owner, complete. Today we are a intelligent, and successful. she used to cry her eyes who then called the police. happy family with small By encouraging Belu to out, ruing her fate and I could see he was in bad income and small house; become independent, self- cursing Ganesh. And today, shape and suddenly I our world consists of three reliant and a little defiant, here she is, after a gap of jumped and fell on Ganesh, of us. Memsahib, it still she tried to make Rahul five years, proudly holding taking the thrashing on surprises me how just in understand her own four year old son of myself, ‘Sahib, please leave one night the world potential, status and Ganesh; exuding familial him, please stop.’ At that changed for me.” success as a company contentment and moment, Ganesh, instead ‘Yes...just one night, and secretary. fulfillment, both as a wife of getting angry, hugged life changed for me.’ Priya “Namaste Memsahib!” and as a mother, and me tightly, ‘Belu save me, reflected silently. Once Belu almost screamed with laughing in my face!’ Priya they will kill me.’ ‘Maaf again Priya felt small in joy, when after a few felt betrayed. kardo Sahib. I promise he front of that ordinary stations the crowd thinned will never do it again.’ The woman. and she found herself face he was about to ask inspector kicked him hard The train stopped with a to face with her former SBelu why she had for the last time and spat jerk, and so did Belu’s long employer. “Hmmm” Priya’s suddenly disappeared on the ground, ‘This is the story. She was expecting voice seemed to come from without any message, and last chance. Take him some reaction from Priya, a deep cave far off, “how without even taking her away.’ which never came. A little are you Belu?’ she asked salary; but checked herself The whole night Ganesh embarrassed, she said “you with her eyes fixed on the lest Belu disturb her again kept on crying in pain; his are still in the same flat, four year old boy in green with her success stories. whole body was covered in Memsahib!’ fluorescent shirt and red She stiffened her back blue patches. He was As vendors entered the pants; only the big white against the seat and closed delirious due to liquor and compartment, Priya, in eyes and teeth shining in her eyes, shutting Belu out. the wounds, but kept on order to overcome her his dark face. ‘Memsahib, you know mumbling something to discomfiture, bought a “This is my Bholu. Bholu what happened that day me with folded hands. I put packet of Cheese balls, say Namaste to five years ago?’ Belu was him on the bed, cleaned the while Belu bought some Memsahib.” determined to share her blood from his face with a roasted peanuts on a piece “OK...OK...It’s OK,” she joys with a woman with warm towel, put turmeric of old newspaper. Priya said as the little boy folded whom she had always been paste on his wounds. We tore the packet open with hands with a glint in his sharing her grief, pain and both were crying. Then he her well-manicured nail- eyes. suffering only. put his face in my lap and polished fingers, and put a ‘You know Memsahib, “When I went back from cried like a child. I put my piece in her mouth - a Ganesh works in a shop in work I didn't have the heart fingers in his hair and round puffed-up ball, Puwai. He is a changed to cook for myself. There kissed his forehead. This spiced on the outside, but person now; gives all his was no sign of Ganesh for was the Ganesh I had never empty, tasteless and bland salary to me, and he loves the whole week, and known; this was the man inside, that melted in the Bholu so much, and cares without him I would always who had been looking for mouth and was gone within for me too. Today he is avoid cooking for myself. this love, this tenderness seconds. taking us to chowpatty. As I was preparing to go to from me; whereas I had She watched Belu with We’ll have pav-bhaji; and bed, a neighbor came always been quarrelling envy, who was enjoying the he has promised to take running, ‘Belu, the police with him! Men too are peanuts, some under- Bholu on the Merry Go are beating Ganesh Bhau.’ I humans, Memsahib! They roasted, and some burnt Round. See, how excited he ran out without bothering too have emotions. That black to bitterness; with looks!” Belu said all in one about the fact that my one night changed our lives equal relish! It was the third breath as if she won’t get coming out like this would forever. A new Ganesh was time she felt dwarfed in another chance to tell Priya enrage Ganesh no end. He born, who decided to take front of Belu. Yet not how happy she was with was lying on the ground the reins of his life in his willing to give herself away, her life, her marriage and with his face drenched in hands; to take care of me. I she held the packet tightly, P her family. blood. One policeman was knew I was taking a risk by gathered her things, and Priya felt like a defeated kicking him hard, another believing him, but I left my with her head held high got warrior whose confidante beating him with a stick; job. Thank God the risk ready to get down at her general had deserted him and Ganesh was writhing paid off. The life had not station.

66 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 can certainly get married. Hopefully, you will then Personal Problems be able to talk to your handsome colleague and discuss the future with him. & ● IVE YEARS AGO, MY HUSBAND AND I MOVED TO A Canada. TO tell the truth, though I was Q Fexcited at the thought of seeing a new country, I didn’t really understand what I was AM A 22-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM A MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILY. I letting myself in for. All I knew was that my husband had have completed my education and have begun to work in been told that the company he worked for was doing badly, Ia good company. Soon after I began to work, I became that he was worried and was immensely relieved when he infatuated with a senior colleague who had recently joined got a job in Canada. It was not that I was uneducated or our company, but had quickly become a fast-rising star in foolish! It was that I had other things on my mind! I had just it.This man is both smart and brilliant and every young become a mother after six years of marriage and waiting woman working in our company is crazy about him. In fact, and I wasn’t interested in anything else. We moved to we used to joke about our infatuation with this man and Canada and settled down. My husband was happy in his wonder about the woman he would eventually marry. We new job and within a year, he was told that he had been were all sure that she would be someone special and not made a permanent employee and that he could now apply ordinary like us. I lost my mother when I was very young for citizenship if he wanted to. He joyfully did so and all and have an elder sister who has taken the place of my three of us became Canadian citizens. I hated the cold of mother and whom I am very close to. So, I told her about this Canada, but was happy in that country. This was mainly colleague and how all my friends and me adored him from because my son was growing up to be healthy and happy. afar as we were well aware that he could never be interested But once he became old enough to go to playschool, I began in ordinary people like us. She laughed with me, but then to worry. This was because my little boy was growing up to became serious and asked me if I remembered what she be a complete Canadian! He knew a few words of Tamil (my had told me years earlier. It had been some time after my husband and I are Tamilians) but I realized that in every mother’s death when I had just entered my teens. When I other way was he was a Canadian and I was not happy about told her that I only remembered vaguely, she repeated what this! I have since tried to discuss the matter with my she had earlier told me. This was that several women in our husband, but he just stares at me as if I were mad and asks family including my mother had died of cancer and that she me if I have just realized that we have moved to Canada had overheard our family doctor telling my father that my and taken Canadian citizenship. He doesn’t seem to sister and I were in danger of getting this disease since it understand me at all. But I am growing more and more seemed to run in the women of the family. The doctor had worried because I want my son to grow up to have Indian then said that it would be better if we didn’t marry. Now, my values. What can I do to ensure this? sister told me that she wasn’t going to get married and that You seem to have woken up to the real world very late. I too should remain a spinster. I was shocked when my sister Even if you were totally lost in bringing up your son, surely said all this and the two of us wept in each other’s arms. A you were aware that you were bringing him up in Canada, as few weeks after I had this conversation with my sister, I was a Canadian? It is not at all surprising that your husband is flabbergasted when the man I admired, came up to me as I bewildered. You don’t seem to have even talked to him was leaving after work and told me that he had been about things before you took Canadian nationality. watching me from afar for some time. He said that that he Anyway, you should try to first repair your relationship had fallen in love with me and that if I agreed, he would ask with your husband. Then sit him down, talk to him like an his parents to come and speak to mine. For a few moments I adult and tell him about your fears that your son will grow up did not know if I was awake or asleep, but then I gathered without any roots in India. Tell him that you consider these myself together and told him that I could not marry him. roots to be important and ask him how you can make sure The man I loved more than words could say, looked that your child has these roots. confused and tried to talk to me, but when I refused to listen, Then make some suggestions. You could suggest, for he walked away. Since that day he has only talked to me in example, that you both talk in Tamil to the boy at home, the course of work. Now, I am devastated, but I do not know that you tell him about India and that you visit relatives in what to do. I am thinking of changing jobs. Please advise. India regularly. But you should not only accept the fact that Many developments have taken place in the field of your son is now a Canadian, but also accept that you are medicine since the tragic death of your mother. Both you one yourself. and your sister should consult an oncologist and tell him what you were told about your high chances of contracting Have you a personal problem of any nature, cancer and the advice of your remaining spinsters. Then go which you hesitate to discuss with your family or friends? by his advice. There is a good chance that he will tell you Share it with us. WE will try to help you. Address your letters to: that oncology has taken such strides since your mother’s WOMAN’S ERA death, that while you should take certain precautions, you E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055.

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Leading through example. By Sneha Gaud

ad has always been a strict years, to warm my stomach with. I it, almost as if I am in the presence Ddisciplinarian. For him child carried it to my in-laws' and still use of a doctor. psychology was some river in it. As it is, Marwari's are inclined to During one such evening when Egypt! The only time I realized he exact as much benefit from a the bag was fixed between my back had sugar to his person was when I commodity as even the maker of its and the spline of my study chair, my got my first chums. I was in pain and insides wouldn't have thought of father quietly came and stood highly irritable. I had always needed while designing it. Being true to my beside me. "Take it easy beta..ye my mother by my side at such times clan, I feel the same with this toh hamesha ki baat hai..(it's a life- especially during exams. She would damned water bag. It is association long affair)," he said smilingly, his bring me the brick-colored hot with my mother and maiden home arms folded, as if trying to control water bag she used herself for somehow gives me an extra faith in his overflowing emotions. But the filial moment was so knew no one there and nobody the stage. I looked at my father short lived, it wouldn't qualify for a knew me. I disliked any special humbly sitting on the stage. As if dream! His stern side soon asserted treatment on account of my father ready to rise on his feet, waiting itself and he promptly added — and so the safety of anonymity took eagerly for the embarrassing event "But do finish your book report due me to the event. I sat somewhere in to get over, he rested his palms on for submission tomorrow." I middle rows of chairs. their corresponding thigh. He had wanted to hug him. But as always, Thankfully, the mobile phones dropped his head bashfully to his like Mr. Rabbit of Alice in too are allowed at such occasions in chest as he smiled looking at the Wonderland, he walked off in a India and thus act as fillers. floor. He seemed to be too huff. But his smile has stayed with overwhelmed by the extreme me since. attention and the fierce applause Even if his car barely protrudes MY DAD IS SUPERHERO every now and then. into a non-parking zone, dad would But this event, its audience and I slyly heard the conversations make the driver ride for miles in the entire hall had an aura of DAD. and whispering amongst the search of another spot. At the He was everywhere - in the pictures, audience. These were not mockery airports he always walks the entire in the conversations — on and off but hymns of genuine praise. maze of the area roped off for the check-in counter, even if he's the only one watch him do it. In the rooms his trophies attest to his prowess of teaching. For us, for many years, they were sheer pieces of wall decoration, occupying too much shelf-space and were a little too intimidating. We were just casually proud when our friends, awed by his achievements told us how excited we must feel for our dad! I remember the time when for my research work and freelance projects, when I also worked as National TV host, I had to stay in Mumbai with him for two years. Though a few colleagues envied my comfort of personal accommodation in the city, what they overlooked was this self- proclaimed princess suffocating in extreme discipline, a Repunzele with scanty hair, having no chance of getting rescued by a prince TODAY THOUSANDS OF For a person like me who had charming any sooner!! always underestimated and at times I wouldn't have minded kissing HIS STUDENTS ACROSS had also been disrespectful towards those shaggy creatures in the THE GLOBE REVERE the man who is my father, those pavement too, who croaked during HIM FOR THE conversations were a revelation of a monsoon in the corners of our different kind, as if there had been a building, to get an escape if that GURUKOOL HE MADE door in my room for years and I was possible! OUT OF HIS OWN never attempted to open it on Nothing really changed until one HOME, WHERE HE account of my laziness. They day, I was obligated to attend one reminded me of the time, when my of his felicitation ceremonies. I ALLOWED STUDENTS AS Chacha once took me backstage thought it was going to be one RESEARCH SCHOLARS after a play was over to make me lousy event, in which the audience TO STUDY, STAY, LIVE see what labour went into it! mock the people on stage in half- AND GROW UNDER HIS I was drawn into the ambience whispers and rest of the time, the where my dad was the hero. These male members eye their girl-friends OWN ABUNDANT were the guys who were well- and the girls, their frenemies. I GUIDANCE. established in their respective fields

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 71 and recalled the time they spent DISCIPLINE CREATES us to first figure out on our own by with their `sir' and how he looking at his living example, what it transformed their lives! They spoke HABITS, HABITS MAKE really means and then hand it to us of the same discipline and ROUTINES, AND years later, like a packet of dedication the man had followed ROUTINES SHAPE WHO prasadam distributed in temples to himself and guided them toward, YOU ARE. IT WAS AS IF the ardent disciples after the pooja that I had abhorred and at times is over as a fruit of their patience. As even ridiculed! HE WANTED US TO we wait for our turn in desperation, Today thousands of his students FIRST FIGURE OUT ON receiving even a morsel of that across the globe revere him for the OUR OWN BY LOOKING edible, wrapped in a crumpled gurukool he made out of his own paper by the Poojari feels like home, where he allowed his AT HIS LIVING EXAMPLE attaining salvation. students as research scholars to WHAT IT REALLY Today at 39, I manage so many study, stay, live and grow under his MEANS . fronts. I teach, conduct workshops, own abundant guidance. attend club meetings, have fun with He would pour his heart out to Hindi proverb "diya tale andhera" in my kids and family and above all guide them, to truly justify his my case, (thankfully, my sister take care of my health. I have every profession of a teacher and how! proved it wrong quite early. So on reason to be grateful to God and to By the evening while leaving the the off-springs front, daddy could the people who have been venue, I was left ashamed of my half-laugh in pride!) I managed to immensely supportive; to my father narrow-mindedness, of failing to grasp and ace the lifetime gift my for holding my hand as I poured in a see how life was always serving me father had ever given me, few significant drops of this the best through my family, through something that I can call myself fully essential ingredient of habits in to my father and I kept denying access eligible to pass on to my children — the cauldron of a happy life recipe. to the virtues of life just so easily that of a DISCIPLINED LIFE. Finally, I have grabbed my copy available. Today I try to follow in his Discipline creates habits, habits of Discipline not from my store of footsteps; although, there were make routines, and routines shape DNA but from my Dad's archive of significant indications of the famous who you are. It was as if he wanted LTE — Leading Through Example. Love is Soft

Love is soft; forgetting someone so hard Love is grief; the joy sobs apart. An efflux the waves of anguish strong. Nay love is fugacious grief, but everlasting loftier song. Love is melody; the rhythm of lament too long Love is tranquil; for thee, the solitude heart long A woolgather; the hurricanes of dreams frequently knocks Nay love is a tranquil melody that plays in a blessed heart. Love is nemesis; the trust and peace depart. Love is magic; the dart plays it's part Untold story; the emotions dotted heart Nay love is a magical story, it's a great art. –Hema.

72 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 take it back if you do not fare better in it. Teenache Assuring them that you will be provided with extra tuition (from your own class teachers if possible) may make them change their minds. & Changing schools is an option, of course, but A you may face rejection in most good schools Q due to your poor grades. Do some serious thinking too. Are you confident of managing the highly stressful medical studies if you are AM A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND WANT TO WEAR TAMPONS DURING not good in the related subjects? You can fulfil your dream Imy periods, but my mother does not agree. She feels it of doing medical studies by getting entry into many other will make it look like I have lost my virginity. My friends tertiary courses which are connected to Medicine, like use this, so why can’t I? physiotherapy, special-needs treatment, music therapy, Your mother may be worried that tampon use will etc., which are very satisfying too. stretch or tear the hymen. This is possible but no one cares ● about this nowadays. It is not as if you have to prove your AM A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL, MY PARENTS’ ONLY CHILD, BORN AFTER virginity to anyone. You can ask your friends to convince Imany years of longing and treatment. Due to these her, if you wish. Tampons are definitely more convenient circumstances, my parents though very loving are over- and comfortable but care should be taken when inserting protective. I am not allowed to travel in the school bus but these. Leaving one inside inadvertently can lead to am chauffeur-driven every day. I am not allowed to go for infection and complications. out-station class trips or even attend school events which ● run a little late into the night. I find their attitude suffocating. AM AN 18-YEAR-OLD GIRL STUDYING MEDICINE IN A GOOD Please tell me how to make them loosen up and allow me to Icollege in Karnataka. I have fallen deeply in love with enjoy a bit more freedom. Why should I suffer like this? my classmate’s brother. We want to get engaged so It is unfortunate that your parents feel so fearful about that we can get married in a few years’, but my parents your safety. Try to convince them gently that it is better are vigorously opposing this. The problem is that my you are thrown into the hurly burly of life as it will give boyfriend is occupied with writing a novel. He works on you self-confidence and independence. Too much this for hours every day. So, after marriage, I will be the dependence on them will be contra-productive. Ask your breadwinner. I have no problem with this, but my parents close relatives, like grandparents, aunts or uncles, to advise are furious. They say I am unrealistic and do not know what them to give you more freedom. Even a sympathetic I am letting myself in for. Please advise. teacher can reassure them about the safety of school trips This is clearly not a suitable scenario. Consider this: You and how it is unfair to deprive you of these enjoyments. will not be able to earn a living for at least the next 6 years, Once they realize that their over-care is having adverse after your internship etc. Then, you will have to establish effects on you, they will surely change their attitude. your practice and reputation before bringing in some good ● money. In all this struggle, if you even have to fend for a THEREISAGIRLINMYCLASSWHOI HAVE SEEN STEALING FROM jobless husband, home and perhaps, children, however will Iothers’ bags on two occasions. Once, she stole a pen, you find time for your profession? Do take time to think a and at another time, I saw her opening a girl’s purse little practically. There is no hurry for commitment at this and pinching a hundred-rupee note from it. These girls stage. Just remain friends and let matters unwind at their and some others too have reported their loss to the own pace. Life without a proper inflow of money can be teacher, but nothing has come out of it. I am in a dilemma very difficult and your marriage can flounder and break up about whether to speak out or not. The girl in question when harsh reality strikes. For the present, concentrate comes from a poor background and all things considered, on your studies. A medical course demands a lot of work is a nice kid. I hate to get her into trouble. Please advise. I and study. Don’t mess up your career with these diversions. study in class eleven. ● You report to the teacher what you have seen, or AM STUDYING IN CLASS 10, AND WANT TO STUDY MEDICINE AFTER confront the girl privately and let her know that you have Imy 12th. But my teachers are refusing the Science seen her stealing, and get an explanation from her. She stream for me. They want me to take up Arts or must return the articles she has pilfered without anyone Commerce because my grades are not up to the mark in being the wiser for it. Science. What can I do? Ask my parents to change my school? I feel very depressed because my greatest dream is This column is especially for teenagers. Adolescence can, we know, be a trying and confusing time. There are so many questions which seem to to become a doctor. Please advise. evade solutions. A wrong decision, or an indiscreet move, can spell Unless you are extremely “weak” in science, it does disaster and ruin a life. Share your problem, worry or doubt with us and seem unfair to deny this stream to you. Why not ask your WE will help you find a way out — to a happier, healthier and more parents to have a talk with your teachers? They can request successful adult life. Send your problems to: WOMAN’S ERA them to grant you a seat with the condition that they will E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055, Womansera.com

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 73 How To Beat The Heat any of the unlucky majority of us live Mwhere most of the times the climate is hot, hotter and hottest. We Living In A grumble, itch, perspire and talk about the unrelenting heat. A friend of mine who lives in Chennai once told me " it is pouring", Hot Place "Really!!!", I asked excitedly. "I mean the sweat", she laughed. Staying cool in a hot summer. This is the situation in many parts of India and some hot countries where people die of By Bhanu Chandran dehydration, sunstroke etc. We’re talking about the real dog days of summer, when intense heat and humidity make it impossible to sit and relax. We seek artificial means to keep ourselves cool like the air-conditioner, fan etc. Not everyone can afford the AC or the electric bill it generates. How did people manage in old days when most of the day's chores were done manually? May be we need to make some changes in our everyday routine that might help in feeling less hot and more cool. Start the day early Get up earlier than usual time during summer so that you can finish your walking or jogging early GET UP EARLIER before the sun decides to show up THAN USUAL TIME in its full fervour. While walking or DURING SUMMER jogging, carry a wet towel with you SO THAT YOU CAN with which you can wipe away the sweat. You may even split the time FINISH YOUR of your exercises, may be some in WALKING OR the morning, some in the evening so JOGGING EARLY that you feel less exhausted. BEFORE THE SUN Start cooking early DECIDES TO SHOW You can cut the vegetables the UP IN ITS FULL previous night and plan the menu for the next day so that you can FERVOUR. WHILE start cooking early, lest the heat of WALKING OR the summer along with the heat of JOGGING, CARRY A the gas stove should choke you. WET TOWEL WITH Store the food in a casserole so that it remains hot even after hours. YOU WITH WHICH Make sure you use the exhaust YOU CAN WIPE fan in the kitchen. This will suck the AWAY THE SWEAT. hot air out. Drink plenty of water Increase in water intake during ✿ Wear sunglasses to protect the curtains in the hot afternoons will summer is imperative to prevent eye while going out. Carry a lower indoor temperatures by up dehydration. If you are not a water white umbrella and not a black to 10 degrees. Hang wet sheets lover, you can make thin buttermilk one if you walk in the sun. from the windows. This keeps the with some salt and store it in the ✿ If you play outdoor sports, make room cool. Similarly do not have fridge which you can consume time sure you apply sun screen before a very bright light in the and again. You can drink juices and starting the game. bedroom. drinks like panna (raw mango juice) ✿ Unwanted heat comes from your ✿ Fill a mixing bowl with ice (or and coconut water. Infuse your windows, using shades and something equally cold, like an water with fresh fruits like lemon, ice pack) and position it at an water melon etc. People who play angle in front of a large fan, so sports can have Gatorade so that that the air whips off the ice at an body salt isn’t lost. extra-chilled, extra-misty ✿ Splash water on your face and temperature. It works wonders. hands every three to four hours. ✿ Open windows in such a way that Have a shower in lukewarm or there is cross ventilation. cold water in the night to get a ✿ Make sure your pets have good night sleep. adequate ventilation and water. ✿ Keep cucumber slices on your ✿ If you need to travel by car, eyelids which will remove the before you start the car, keep the puffiness and dark circles under windows of the car open to let the eye. the trapped heat out for some ✿ Avoid caffeine and alcohol as time before you switch on the air- they promote dehydration. If you conditioner. Remember that the can't live without them, have temperature inside the closed car cold coffee or iced tea. is much more than the outside. ✿ Wear light coloured cotton We first need to overcome the clothing. Do not wear tight fitting green house effect before clothes in summer. This will cause turning on the air conditioner. the sweat to soak the skin which Stay calm, Stay cool and Learn to might result in skin rashes. Enjoy a Hot Summer. We

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 75 Short Story When She Got Away With Murder

End of an ordeal. By Shweta Sinha

yet to return. She drew a Those animals, whose he sun's rays bright eyes shone through Tstreamed through white leopard fur tightly the thicket of bushes and cracks in the heavily over her naked body. It whose sharp claws and overcast sky. Down below, was getting colder, colder fangs could tear any human than she ever felt before. into pieces. Maya shivered the moist earth waited for at the thought and more showers from Underneath it, a dinosaur- searched around for heaven. This time when it bone necklace, strung her brood. came, probably it would be together with a thin vine, white and soft, like spoke of her elevated flowers. A chilly breeze status in the tribe. No whistled through the other woman wrapped branches that were herself in such thick fur nor steadily going bare. wore such a necklace. No Howling of wolves in a one but Oolunga. But then distance mingled with the Oolunga had a swollen whistle, attracted Maya's tummy. attention. And her mate had been Maya stood by the fire. killed fighting the one- Thick matted hair covered horned creature. The her hunched back. Rotten, creature's meat had fed black teeth filled her the tribe for a couple of full mouth. She strained to see moons. Oolunga fully beyond the circle of trees, deserved the bear fur she but her eyes returned only lay under, warming her blurry images. Her ears aching limbs by the fire. caught no sound of But, only that fur, Maya footsteps. The men were thought with a scowl. It was the fire that kept those creatures away. Those animals, whose bright eyes shone through the thicket of bushes and whose sharp claws and fangs could tear any human into pieces. Maya shivered at the thought and searched around for her brood. Her youngest was yet to start walking. No one knew better than she did how fragile children could be. She found her younger ones nibbling on fruits they had pulled off trees. The tribe had gone hungry for three days now. The Maya had an clouds were looming over, urge to shove a threatening a downpour. The men had to make a few berries down killing today. Oolunga's throat For, once the heavens too. But that poured white flowers on would be too them, animals would go dangerous. There into hiding and trees would bear no fruits. were people To make the situation looking out for worse, the last of her food her - her own son reserve had been given too. Maya would away by none other than be chased by the her own mate. Maya grunted with tribe and stoned anger and grimaced. to death. Seemingly unaware of her eyes upon him and unperturbed by her annoyance, her eldest one, Mako-Ugh continued to Maya, however, ensured across the sky and yet, her not end. She continued to sharpen a piece of flint. no offspring survived. She pain saw no end. Tired and writhe and cry. Maybe she But his gaze kept straying wasn't willing to feed more bored, the women too was indeed dying, after away from his task mouths with her family's began dozing off. Maya all, thought a pleased towards Oolunga – this, share. Babies were tender rocked herself to and fro, Maya. She clutched the despite his father's and vulnerable, you see. forcing herself awake. baby to her chest, inside warning. They tended to pop Hurried footsteps her leopard fur. Did he not fear his anything in their mouths – alerted her and her eyes Unexpectedly, the baby father? Only the other day even poisonous berries. popped wide open. reached out and suckled Samik-Ya had chased Maya had an urge to Presently, the girl tending Maya. Amazed and taken Mako-Ugh into the trees shove a few berries down to Oolunga appeared at aback, the berries slipped and almost killed him for Oolunga's throat too. But the cave's mouth and out of Maya's grasp. She this. This morning, Mako- that would be too plopped her broad, cold stared at the baby and Ugh refused to go hunting dangerous. There were bottom to the ground, then at Oolunga, her in retaliation. Samik-Ya people looking out for her - rubbing her hands in the moans getting weaker had chortled and thrown her own son too. Maya fire's heat. now. Oolunga was the last piece of meat from would be chased by the exhausted and her eyes Maya's reserve at tribe and stoned to death. he appeared deadbeat were droopy. Burning, red Oolunga's feet. Maya A few days later... The Sto Maya. Maybe eyes gaping at them could do nothing but snarl ground slept under a thick somewhat frightened too. through the bushes with rage. white blanket. A half- Oolunga's moans had not caught Maya's attention. moon sailed through the been heard for a while. Is It was the fire that kept amik-Ya wasn't that tall clouds. The men and she...? Maya began the creatures away. It was Sfor an alpha male, but children were already thinking when a sudden fire that was keeping he was strong. He had asleep inside the cave, sharp scream pierced the them warm. Without once wrestled the mighty having feasted upon a stillness. another thought Maya big-toothed Sabre alone mammoth's meat. Women Maya jerked herself up threw a handful of soil on and came out unhurt. And crouched by the fire, some and ran to the smaller the fire, picked up her as long as he favoured half-asleep, others cave - a wood torch in one torch and marched back Maya, she knew she would grunting and gesturing hand and clutching some to the tribe with the baby be fine. This wasn't the while listening to the berries in the other. The at her breast. Neither first time Samik-Ya moans and groans coming baby was only moments Oolunga's last terrifying showed his interest in from outside. Oolunga had away. Maya helped scream, nor another female, but he gone off to the other cave, Oolunga through the final the first gurgles of the always returned to her – the smaller one, even pushes, and tiny cries second baby stopped Maya. And Maya had let before sunrise that day. filled the air. But Maya. She had a sad story him wander that little bit. The moon was halfway Oolunga's suffering did to narrate. We

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 77 FOODS THAT FIGHT NICOTINE CRAVINGS Donʼt puff your life away. By Shivani Naghnoor

icotine dependence is also Nreferred to as tobacco dependence; it is when a person is addicted to nicotine products. It is difficult to overcome addiction to tobacco even though it might be harmful. Addiction to nicotine is the prime reason why people find it difficult to quit smoking. What causes nicotine Ginseng tea addiction? The freshness of Ginseng Excessive inhalation of nicotine tea could help fight cravings increases the level of the for cigarettes, it weakens the neurotransmitter dopamine in the pleasure kick that dopamine reward circuit region of the brain gives in the reward circuit and causes a high or euphoria, region of the brain. Once you making the individual dependent on sip on delicious Ginseng tea, tobacco. Increased use of tobacco the taste of cigarettes will over a period of time affects the appear negative. regions of the brain that regulates self-control, stress, and learning. When cigarette smoke is inhaled and enters the lungs, it is absorbed by the blood within a short span of time and reaches the brain quickly. Vegetables and fruits In just ten seconds after When addicted to cigarettes, it inhalation, the level of blocks vitamin D and C absorption, nicotine increases and it after smoking one cigarette, aids in a surge of the the depletion level of vitamin neurotransmitter C is 25mg. Consume dopamine in the reward a diet rich in pathway of the brain. vegetables and Quitting now fruits and, vitamin becomes a task, D and C is because the high level of dopamine restored, and causes a pleasurable high, and when INITIALLY QUITTING research has shown that there is a a person stops using a cigarette, the possibility that a vegetable and fruit feeling of euphoria is lost. MIGHT NOT BE EASY, IT rich platter could fight cigarette TAKES WILLPOWER TO cravings. Quitting enhances Withdrawal symptoms appetite; hence food tastes better, START THE PROCESS OF so think of quitting for the sake of With continuous dependence on QUITTING. THERE IS enjoying tasty and healthy food. nicotine, the body gets accustomed to the drug, and when a person HELP AVAILABLE SUCH stops smoking, withdrawal AS MEDICATION AND symptoms set in. There is an COUNSELING, AND increase in appetite, sleep apnea, lack of cognition, irritability, and THERE ARE FOODS anxiety. It takes four to twenty-four THAT COULD POSSIBLY hours for withdrawal symptoms to AID IN GIVING UP. remain after smoking the last WITHDRAWAL cigarette. Post quitting on the third- -day withdrawal symptoms are felt SYMPTOMS ARE THE to a great degree and after three to BIGGEST HINDRANCE four weeks it reduces. It is essential WHILE REFRAINING to note that there are positive changes associated with quitting, FROM SMOKING, BUT there is a better sense of taste and EVERY STEP OF THE smell, and breathing becomes less WAY IT CAN BE problematic while doing work out. Milk and dairy Most importantly there is less TACKLED. DON’T GET It has been known that there is a coughing. TOO STRESSED OVER possibility that drinking milk makes The treatment for nicotine THE QUITTING cigarettes taste bad, this addiction is medication and PROCESS, WRITE OUT information was stated by most counseling, however, there are people who are addicted to foods that could fight nicotine STRATEGIES THAT WILL cigarettes. Drinking milk might help cravings. WORK FOR YOU. smokers stay away from cigarettes.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 79 Broccoli Broccoli protects lungs from harmful effects of nicotine, contributed by the high amount of vitamin C and vitamin B5. So binge on broccoli regularly and feel the power to quit. Water Too much nicotine inhalation results in dehydration, hence sip Spinach water to get the required hydration. For those who are keen on Water consumption removes toxins. quitting binge on a bowl of spinach, the taste of tobacco only becomes non-appetizing. It is the vitamins Possible effective strategies to quit smoking: and folic acids in spinach that makes tobacco taste bad. Those who are fixed on them. Try to avoid the trigger quitting, there are certain coping and tell yourself you are going strategies that can be followed to remain smoke-free and be a such as: source of encouragement to ✿ Researching, knowing and friends. being prepared about ✿ Exercise regularly, it releases withdrawal symptoms that can endorphin hormones that set in create a feel-good effect aiding ✿ Avoid triggers that initiate the in avoiding distractions. need and desire to smoke such Initially quitting might not be as alcohol. easy, it takes willpower to start ✿ Avoid visiting places where the process of quitting. There is memories of smoking help available such as medication resurface, even if you do, and counseling, and there are gradually work on telling foods that could possibly aid in yourself that I have decided to giving up. Withdrawal symptoms quit. are the biggest hindrance while Carrot juice ✿ Work on trigger points that refraining from smoking, but every Excessive inhalation of tobacco compel smoking, and find out step of the way it can be tackled. damages the skin, and carrot juice is the time at which cravings are Don’t get too stressed over the a good remedy. It is known to high. At those times when the quitting process, write out eliminate nicotine from the body need to smoke is high, distract strategies that will work for you, because it is high in vitamin B, K, C, yourself with positive thoughts and paste it on a note pad that can and A. and hobbies like reading, music be kept on a desk or on the wall. and so on. Eat a healthy diet, hydrate Kiwi fruit ✿ Don’t be too hard on yourself, yourself well, and if friends force Kiwi is rich in vitamin E, C and A and understand how long the you to smoke, tell them you are that aids in removing toxins from triggers will last and how long it keen on a healthy and prosperous the body. So binge on a bowl of is going to take for you to quit. life. Once you are working on fresh and delicious kiwi to just be ✿ Whenever you are happy about giving up smoking there are many determined to quit. not smoking on a particular day triggers that will surface, you will reward yourself like eat a drive in a lane where you would favourite meal, buy a new outfit have enjoyed smoking alone or and so on. with friends, or you would have ✿ Whenever you mingle with passed a smoking zone and so on. friends who have driven you to During such a time distract your smoke, don’t get intimidated by mind with good memories. We

80 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 symptoms are diminution of vision and distortion Your Body of object), as also presbyopia (symptoms include difficulty in reading small print at the usual & working distance of around 30 cm), ✿ Cataracts (opacification of the lens inside the eye A resulting in gradual diminution of vision), Q ✿ Age-related macular degeneration (medical condition which results in blurred or no vision in ’M TO APPEAR IN A MEDICAL TEST. MYQUESTIONIS: “CAN A the centre of the visual field), Iperson with -4.75 eyesight of an eye pass an eye test ✿ Glaucoma (sneak thief of vision which may strike with -4 glass number?” How can a myopic person suddenly that, if allowed to remain untreated even for needing the correction of -4.75D for 6/6 vision in distance, a short period, can actually make the world dark for attain same vision with lesser correction of -4.00D? the affected eye), and He/she will likely attain only 6/9 vision! The correcting ✿ Diabetic retinopathy (diabetes complication that power of lenses is directly proportional to the severity of the affects eyes by damaging the blood vessels of the problem caused by a refractive error. For example, a person innermost light-sensitive layer of the eye, the retina). seeing the 6/60 line on the distance test type chart will need ● a higher correction to attain a vision of 6/6, as compared to HOW DO YOU TREAT CORNEAL DISEASE? WHAT ARE OTHER DISEASES? a person having better vision of, say, 6/12. Having lesser Cornea is the window to the eye. It is kept moist by the vision in distance, and adequate vision in near, is a condition tear film in front and aqueous humor in back. It gets termed myopia, which is corrected with minus or concave oxygen directly from air. Lack of oxygen makes cornea lenses. And there will be different corrections for simple swollen, resulting in hazy vision. It is extremely sensitive. myopia (spherical lenses) and astigmatic myopia (either Corneal opacities result from inflammation, ulcers or cylindrical or sphero-cylindrical lenses, as per the individual injury. These interfere with vision when involving pupillary case demands). area. Corneal ulcer results in inability of the patient to ● keep eyes open even in average light. Also present are O MUCH IS SPOKEN IN FAVOUR OF YOGA AND AYURVEDA, AND pain, defective vision, watering, and redness. Corneal Smy question is: “Can you restore 20/20 vision by foreign body results in acute pain, redness, and watering, natural methods?” and its removal by an eye care professional (usually an The answer is straight-away `no’, as there is no natural ophthalmologist) brings about dramatic relief. method to restore your vision to 20/20 if you suffer from an Other common eye diseases are Ptosis (drooping of error of refraction. Please remember that for a normal, the upper eyelid), Blepharitis (crusting of the eyelids, there should be 6/6 vision in distance and N6 vision in near irritation, burning, watering and photophobia), Stye for the two eyes when each eye is tested separately; and (localized inflammation of the eyelid margin with painful there might be some instances of such persons who may be swelling), Chalazion (small, painless swelling on the inside having normal distance vision in one eye and normal near of the eyelid), Trichiasis (bending inwards of the vision in the other eye. But there might be the likelihood of eyelashes), Conjunctivitis (inflammation causing injection deficient binocular vision in these cases. of blood vessels, edema and mucus discharge), Pterygium Glasses are the most common modality to manage a (triangular fold of conjunctiva on to the cornea), refractive error, whether it be myopia, hypermetropia, Dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac), Keratoconus astigmatism, or even presbyopia (which is a refractive error (conical bulging outwards of the centre of cornea), Uveitis of middle age, wherein there is reduced near vision even if (inflammation of iris, ciliary body and choroid), Glaucoma your distance vision is 20/20). (raised intraocular pressure with acute pain, and An error of refraction can also be managed with contact sometimes sudden loss of vision), and Cataract (the most lenses. Refractive surgery is yet another modality. And common cause of curable blindness). orthokeratology results in near normal day time vision ● without glasses or contact lenses; it’s done in selected cases WHAT IS A PLANO-CONCAVE LENS? by way of gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn while A plano-concave lens, as the name suggests, has a sleeping. plano (without power) surface and a concave (minus ● power) surface. A minus lens produces minification. The I’M A SCHOOL TEACHER. PLEASE BRIEFLY DISCUSS MAIN CAUSES OF patient’s eye looks smaller with this lens. blindness. In a minus lens, the centre is thinner than the thick Main causes of blindness are: edges. Its optical property is to diverge light. This lens ✿ Uncorrected refractive errors such as myopia (usually corrects myopia. not present at birth, but may come on early in life), And a minus lens may be biconcave, plano-concave, or hyperopia (symptoms of eye strain are common while meniscus. looking at near objects) and astigmatism (common – Dr Narendra Kumar

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 81 AM A 35 YEARS OLD WORKING WOMAN AND SUFFERING FROM AM A 35 YEARS OLD WORKING WOMAN, SINCE LAST TWO TO Ihaemorrhoids. During menstruation these Ithree weeks I am suffering from nodules on my face haemorrhoids become more painful, alongwith, and hands one to two nodules ulcerate and crust are depression and irritability frequently develops and I formed. I have consulted a doctor for this problem. He become violent. Sometimes, suicidal thoughts also came in told me that I am suffering from molluscum sebaceum mind and my nasal mucosa also becomes congested. I and adviced excision. I want your opinion. want to know whether these are menstrual symptoms or Molluscum sebaceum or Keratoacanthoma occurs on something else. the face or hand as a firm hemispherical nodule, which It is not uncommon for any haemorrhoids which may may reach a size of 2 cm. in diameter in six week. The be present to become more painful during menstruation. summit of the tumour ulcerates and forms a crust Moreover, headaches, sleeplessness, palpitations and even beneath which is a crater. After a time, the crust is shed migraine are common and such physical disturbances as and spontaneous healing occurs with a scar. The tumour depression and irritability frequently develop during may be curetted and a caustic (eg. silver nitrate) applied menstruation. to the crater. A quicker cure is obtained by excision, which The female crime and suicide rate reaches its peak in permits adequate microscopy. Undoubtedly in the past the premenstrual phase. There is slight enlargement of many cases were regarded as epitheliomas and helped the thyroid gland and often the nasal mucosa becomes to swell the number of cures for this condition. congested. Sometimes, skin eruptions such as acne, ● develop before menstruation. The mechanism of the AM A 40 YEARS OLD WORKING WOMAN. LAST YEAR, I SUFFERED causation of acne is not understood. Ian injury in my right shoulder joint. I have consulted an Immediately before menstruation, the blood pressure orthopedic surgeon for this injury. After examination rises, together with the basal metabolic rate, the serum and investigation he told me that you are suffering from calcium and also the number of circulating red blood anterior dislocation of the shoulder and adviced corpuscles (R.B.C.). treatment. With this treatment this dislocation became ● corrected but since than with slight trauma or due to AM A 40 YEARS OLD WORKING WOMAN, I AM ON ANTITUBERCULAR slight abnormal movement of shoulder this dislocation Itherapy for last three months. Since last one month I recurs. I have again consulted the doctor, he told me that have been suffering from tingling and numbness on my this is recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder and limbs and anaemia also. I have consulted my treating advised operation. What is your opinion abut this doctor for this problem. After examination and problem. investigations he told me that I am suffering from Traumatic dislocation of the shoulder is liable to cause peripheral neuropathy and sideroblastic anaemia due to structural changes in the gleno-humeral joint which pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency. I want to know in detail predispose to repeated dislocation. There is always a about pyridoxine deficiency. history of initial violent dislocation. Thereafter dislocation Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is widely distributed in plants recurs with trivial violence, characteristically during and animal tissues. Liver, whole grain cereals, peanuts and combined abduction (inward) and lateral rotation (for bananas are good sources. example, in putting on a coat). On examination no clinical The normal adult requirement is 2 mg per day. Although abnormality is apparent. X-Ray do not show any a series of pathological changes in the skin, liver, blood abnormality but special profile views taken with the arm vessels, nervous tissue and bone marrow have been in 60 to 80 degrees of medial rotation show the produced experimentally, disorders due to deficiency of characteristic bony defect of the humeral head. pyridoxine rarely occur in man and then very seldom as a Conservative treatment is not effective. If dislocation result of dietary deficiency. recurs frequently, operation is justified. The most reliable Convulsions (fits) which respond to pyridoxine have methods are the Bankart operation, in which the capsule been reported to occur in infants on artificial feeds of is reattached to the front of the glenoid margin and the powdered milk deficient in pyridoxine. In adults dermatitis, Putti-Platt operation, in which the subscapularis tendon is cheilosis, glossitis and angular stomatitis have been shortened by overlapping or reefing in order to limit produced by means of the pyridoxine inhibitor, 4-desoxy- lateral rotation. pyridoxine. The peripheral neuropathy associated with – Dr Sanjay Teotia isoniazid therapy is due to a conditioned pyridoxine deficiency. Readers are invited to send in any health and medical Some cases of sideroblastic anaemia respond to queries they would like to be answered. Woman’s Era will treatment with pyridoxine. provide answers to your questions and offer solutions to your Biochemical features of pyridoxine deficiency can occur problems. Individual replies cannot be sent. Address your in women taking oral contraceptives and the mild letters (neatly written on white paper) to: depression which affects a small proportion of such women WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. may be relieved by pyridoxine. Womansera.com

82 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 Pandemic and Women’s Well-Being Pandemic and its effect on the lives of people especially women. By Anindita Aich

ovid -19 pandemic has of unintended pregnancies. needless to say it has degraded to a Cimpacted the live of millions, Decision makers in health care must certain level. Studies show that but it has not done so prioritize women’s reproductive women’s mental health is usually equally. The pandemic is not gender health for the wellbeing of women weaker than that of men, women neutral it has different impacts on and wellbeing of future suffer from low self-esteem, self- men and women as a result of a generations. worth, anxiety and depression more number of factors in terms of their often than that of men. This biology and physiology but also problem mostly starts from their social and economic roles in INTIMATE HYGIENE adolescence and can push to the society they live in. More OF WOMEN adulthood easily. women are at the risk of losing their Covid-19 has also affected the This pandemic has adversely jobs than men due to the global intimate hygiene of women. The affected women’s mental health as pandemic. Because around 40% of lack or shortage of sanitary they suffer from adverse stress of all employed women work in products and other intimate managing both household and industries were hit by Covid-19. hygiene products has caused the office work at the same time. Many are facing less reliable income sick of STDs etc. Lockdown has also Looking after the house, children and, in some places, health care. led to the increase in sexual and with their virtual learning and any The very job that women hold is physical abuse of women. Limited elder people with any health also putting their health at risk. or so as to say no access to problem, along with their work has Globally, about 70% of healthcare contraceptive measures will not caused anxiety and stress. workers are women and are more only increase the risk of pregnancy Covid-19 is not the only thing that likely to come in contact with Covid- but also STD, HIV etc. In these times is affecting women’s health during 19. Women are also more likely to when women are not able to the pandemic. Domestic Violence hold jobs that are underpaid, consult their Gynaecologists, has increased worldwide during unprotected and at unhygienic women tend to turn towards pandemic. The number of calls in spaces. Economic responses to the internet solutions and experiments the women’s helpline number in pandemic must take gender into which may lead to severe health India has increased about 50%. account to tackle this inequality problems. There is also likely an increase in head on. Coming to the mental health of child marriage and female genital Pregnant women are at higher women during the pandemic, mutilation. It is also said that Covid- risk from severe illness from covid- 19 Vaccine have side effects on 19, meaning they have to make not THIS PANDEMIC HAS menstruators and pregnant women, so easy choices in accessing which are rumours. The Covid-19 prenatal care. There have also been ADVERSELY AFFECTED pandemic is threatening years of measurable declines in access to WOMEN’S MENTAL progress towards gender equality maternal health services due to HEALTH AS THEY and the lives of women. More lookdown and travel restrictions. women must be entrusted with Across the word menstruators have SUFFER FROM ADVERSE leadership positions, and experienced a shortage in period STRESS OF MANAGING government should follow through products and have faces increased BOTH HOUSEHOLD AND responses to the pandemic that prices. Additionally, limited access ensure that women and girls are to contraceptive measure during OFFICE WORK AT THE given every possible chance of the pandemic lead to large number SAME TIME. healthy life. We

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 83 North Andaman

Diglipur

Mayabunder

Ray Hill

Billground Andaman and Nicobar island Middle Andaman

Havelock beach Lakshmanpur Beach Swaraj Dweep “Adventure

Netaji subhash Chandra Bose Island And Wandoor Beach The CITY” Port Blair Cellular jail

North Bay Corbyns Beach Cove Beach Andaman and Nicobar island tourism.

Cinque Island By Aditya Sonker

f you are a coastal lover, then archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. IAndaman and Nicobar is the best More than 300 islands are known option to visit. for their palm-lined, white-sand Andaman and Nicobar is the beaches, mangroves and tropical perfect place for nature lovers and rainforests. Coral reef supporting if your interest is inclined towards marine life such as shark and rays coastal places and adventure then make for popular diving and pack your bags because the beauty snorkeling sites are the major points and calmness of Andaman and to attract visitors. Port Blair is the Nicobar waiting for you. Andaman capital of Andaman District with and Nicobar Islands are an Indian Mayabunder as capital. Places to visit and things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Ray Hill Located at Mayabunder, Ray is a perfect place to start the trip with lots of adventures like Elephant Safari, beautiful beaches and forest. You are allowed to explore the forest region. Fishing is the most seasonal activity in visitors and Rock Climbing, Trekking, Angling, Forest Trekking is the course of adventure in Ray hills.

Diglipur Located at North Andaman, Diglipur is the only river in the group of islands and the saddle peak in this area is the highest point in Andaman. Focused on the place is to watch the turtle walking and in the month of December and February, One can get the advantage of watching a big bunch of turtle walking towards the ocean. Take permission from the forest department to trek saddle peak national park. Don’t go back without visiting Natural Caves, Crocodile Sanctuary, Diglipur Church, Banana Groves and Pathi level Beach.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 85 Havelock Beach Located at Havelock, Havelock beach is a paradise for scuba diving lovers because the beach provides the rich marine life to open the secrets of underwater life. Here professional can take advantage of scuba diving and some training and certificates for underwater photography, swimming is also available. Radhanagar Beach is also located in Havelock with lots of fun and adventure including Lush Vegetation, Clear Water and Serene Nature. In 2004, Time Magazine chooses Radhanagar Beach to be the best beach in the world.

Laxmanpur Beach Located at Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach has a rival known as Bharatpur beach and have very few numbers of visitors come at laxmanpur beach but due to silence it attracts the couples to spend a quality time together. Laxmanpur beach is the longest beach with mild vegetation and offers picnicking, swimming, sunbathing and beach strolling.

Cellular Jail Located at Port Blair, Cellular Jail was a dreadful jail spot during British rule. It stands as the heritage of freedom fighter that sent to the cellular jail during the fight for freedom. The jail is closed on Monday and on public holidays, open from morning 9 am to 5 pm. English and Hindi based light and sound shows are organised for the tourists to educate them about the struggle and the history of the place. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island: Located at the entrance of Port Blair harbor, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is a tiny island with 160 years of history. Indian freedom fighters are sent to Bose Island, the first batch of 200 revolutionaries arrived in March 1858. A number of them were sent to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. During the severe earthquake of 26th June 1941, much damage was caused to the buildings. The Island has become a hot tourist spot today to view the ruins and savour the glory of the bygone days. Tourism Department has commissioned a state of the art light and sound show which is one of the best in the country. To keep alive the vibes of the past Navy has set up a museum 'Smritika - The Ross Memorial'.

86 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 North Bay Beach: Located Nearby Port Blair, North Bay Beach is a full package for coastal lovers and the place is very crowded, famous among the tourist. The snorkeling, sea walk and others will be closed to tourists during the rainy season. Here you can enjoy boating in a glass-bottomed boat during the rainy season. Ornaments to explore the beach are Octopus Garden, Tropical fishers, Reef and Light House. Snorkeling, Underwater Photography, Trekking, Jungle Trekking and others are also making memories.

Corbyns Cove Beach: Located at Port Blair, Corbyns Cove Beach is famous for water activities and filled with coconut palm. To visit snake island take a motorboat from this beach and enjoy tropical fishes spot. Flora and fauna of this place are enriched both during winter and summer season. At the time of sea walking, you can find bunkers that were used by the Japanese army during World War II. Bluish Green Water, Winding Road Routes and Souvenir Shopping Spots are making such a mesmerizing view.

Wandoor Beach: Located at Port Blair, Wandoor is a small village located near the southern point of the South Andaman. This village is filled with accommodation options and is famous for the beach and small islands near the beach. The main attraction on the beach in the national park. Coral Forests, Natural Caves, Mini Islands surrounding the main beach like Alexandra, Tarmugli, Jolly Buoy and Coral Forests are the attractions for Tourist.

Taste of Andaman and Nicobar: Of the main cuisine of Andamanese are macher Jhol, Fish Curry, Coconut Prawn Curry, Lobster, Prawns, Barbeque Food, Chicken Tikka Masala and Chilli Curry.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 87 Where to stay in Andaman and Nicobar. Port Blair Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India in the Bay of Bengal. Port Blair is connected with mainland India by both air and sea, Port Blair is also famous for the historic Cellular Jail and other small islands like Corbyn's Cove, Wandoor, Ross Island, and Viper Island etc. Port Blair has been selected as one of the cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.

A Hotel Fit for Budge Kavitha Regent, Hotel Marina Manor, Hotel King Safire and GKM Grand Hotel.

Havelock Island Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Island, is one of the largest islands that a chain of islands to the east of Great Andaman in the Andaman Islands. Havelock Island is named after a British General, Sir Henry Havelock, who served in India. In December 2018, it was renamed as Swaraj Island as a tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose. The island belongs to the Ritchie's Archipelago and is located between Peel Island and Neill Island. Havelock Country Homes, Green Valley Resort, Shagrilas Beach Resort and Orient Legend Resort are hotels fit for budget.

Mayabunder: Mayabunder is a town and a tehsil in the northern part of Middle Andaman Island, Andaman Archipelago, India. The name is also spelt Maya Bunder or Maya Bandar. It was settled in the British colonial period by immigrants from Myanmar and ex-convicts from Mainland India. Mayabunder is linked with Port Blair by the Andaman Trunk Road (242 km) and by ferry (136 km). Mayabunder is a way station for several tourist attractions, such as mangrove lined tidal creeks, the beach at Aves Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) (30 minutes by boat), and Karamatang Beach (13 km), a sea turtle nesting ground and college named Mahatma Gandhi Government College. We

88 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 and healthy. Soak leafy greens in chilled water Kitchen queries water for some time, and rinse them well to remove the water. This will make them crunchy. It is advisable to wash raw fruits and vegetables before & eating, cutting, blanching and cooking them. Salad A is like a large canvas, you can use your imagination Q and add any ingredient you want. Rustle up immunity building ingredients to build a dressing HE SUMMER SEASON IS HERE AND SO ARE THE MEAL COOKING like turmeric, garlic, ginger, freshly ground black pepper Twoes. We are just not ready to spend so much time in cinnamon and so on. A good dressing helps in getting the the kitchen. Please give us some suggestions. best flavour out of the ingredients used in the salad. for a The summer season may be here, but it also means that fruity dressing you can also use fresh orange or lemon juice. we should not relish heavy and elaborate meals in the hot also remember to toss the salad with the dressing at the weather. So, to give ourselves and our stomachs some rest, last minute to ensure freshness and crispiness in the salad. the salads are here. Salads in summers are all hearty and ● flavourful, and with heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, juicy PLEASE TELL US HOW WE CAN MAKE FLUFFY PANCAKES. peaches, plums, mangoes and crispy cucumber slices they When the air bubbles get trapped in the pancake batter, are great and easy to make. Remember a bright bowl of air pockets are formed, this gives us a fluffy pancake. The crunchy salad makes for a filling, attractive and satisfying air bubbles are caused due to release of gas, aided by summer meal. ● baking powder. Baking powder is a leavening agent which produces carbon dioxide when activated by acidic E HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANY OTHER MILK THAN OUR ingredients such as yogurt, cocoa powder, apple cider Wfavourite cow milk since our childhood. But now vinegar. All boost the reaction with the baking powder and there are supposed to be many alternatives to produce a thicker, fluffier pancake. If you like to eat a fluffy dairy milk, please tell us something about them. pancake with crispy edges- somewhat a cross between Yes this is true for our country, where milk and milk waffles and pancakes-add one tablespoon of sugar in the based products have their special place in the kitchen and batter. This will help crisp the edges, give a beautiful religious practices. however some people are unable to browning to the pancake. consume milk because of dietary restrictions or allergies. ● Fortunately, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives GIVE US A SIMPLE VEGAN DESSERT RECIPE WE CAN WHIP UP AT HOME. available in the market such as soy milk, almond milk, oat There are many options you can try at home. The milk and coconut milk. Since these ingredients are highly simplest and requiring all ingredients available in our pantry nutritious and so are these milk alternatives too, and are is- Take coconut, almond, cashew nut or any nut milk and considered good for consumption. However each of these soak flax or chia seeds in it. Since mangoes are in season has a different nutritional value depending on its core these days, you can add a generous helping of that or any ingredient unlike the regular milk which is a rich source of other fruit you like. Add layer of nuts or seeds such as all nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat and other pumpkin or magaj. Mix it all and add a dash of honey or mineral and vitamins. jaggery powder. Put the container in the refrigerator for 2-3 ● hours and you are ready to enjoy your vegan dessert. LL SPICES ARE IMPORTANT FOR A DISH TO BE TASTY AND ● Aappealing to the sight. But please tell us the correct HOW CAN WE PREVENT OUR SALADS FROM GETTING SOGGY? order to add the different spices while cooking. It often happens that when we prepare a salad at home, Yes you are right that all spices are equally important we face the problem of it getting soggy. To prevent this for a dish and your question is also a good one because all we should always refrigerate the salad in an airtight spices play a different role and hence are supposed to be container to keep it fresh. Salads contain vegetables, like added at a particular time while cooking. Though individual tomatoes and cucumber, that have high water content. dishes have their own order, but there are some basic rules You should layer them with a paper towel in the container that must be followed. Salt should always be added at the so that the moisture can be absorbed. Also always keep end because it makes the vegetables leave water. Turmeric the dressing in a separate bowl and add it only when you and coriander powder are put in the initial stages so that the are ready to serve it. Add the salt also at the same time. spices are perfectly cooked and flavour the dish well. Last but not the least garam masala is usually added near the — SAVITA BHARGAVA end of cooking so that it not only seasons the dish but also add to its overall aroma. If you have any problem in cooking or kitchen, write to ● Woman’s Era. We shall try to help you sort it out. IT SEEMS EASY TO MAKE SALADS, BUT PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT Address your queries to: them and what tips should we keep in mind? WOMAN'S ERA, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, Ideally summer salads should be light, refreshing, fruity New Delhi-110 055. Click womansera.com to lodge your queries.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 89 Juice-UpMeals! Your From Juices to Biryani...

1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon LEMON 1 teaspoon Stevia or 1 tablespoon TURMERIC Honey or Real JUICE Maple Syrup METHOD INGREDIENTS Mix together, water, lemon 2 cups Water juice, turmeric, ginger, cayenne 1 Lemon, squeezed pepper (optional) and cinnamon. 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Add stevia, honey or maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger to taste. The cayenne pepper adds 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper a kick to it so not everyone can (optional) handle it.

Lemon Turmeric Juice SPINACH SOUP INGREDIENTS 1 cup spinach, washed, roughly chopped 1/4 tsp cumin seeds 11/2 cup filtered water 1 large tomato, chopped 2-4 cloves of garlic 3-4 cashews Lemon juice to taste Black pepper powder to taste Pinch of cinnamon powder Salt to taste Cashew cream to garnish (optional)

METHOD Boil the water in a pan. Then, turn off the flame. Dip spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and cashews in the hot water and let it be for 10 minutes. Now, add the hot water along with the ingredients to a blender. Blend well until creamy. Filter the soup through a sieve. Spinach Soup Pour the soup in a serving bowl. Add lemon juice, cinnamon, black pepper and salt and mix CELERY JUICE well. Garnish with cashew cream INGREDIENTS and serve. 2 bunches of celery, prepped for juicing 1 lime, skin removed (optional)

METHOD To make celery juice using a blender, you’ll need a nut milk bag or some kind of very fine mesh strainer to strain out the pulp. To make the juice in a blender, add the celery stalks in batches to your high-speed blender. Add 1⁄4 cup of water to help get the blender started. Use your tamper to push the celery stalks into the blade. Keep adding the celery until you’ve blended it all. Then, pour the blended celery through the nut milk bag or strainer so remove the pulp from the juice. Serve immediately and discard Celery Juice the pulp.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 91 CHILLI SOYA NUGGETS INGREDIENTS Low Cal Bhel Puri Onions – 1 large sliced Ginger garlic paste – 1 tbsp To taste salt Capsicum – 1 sliced LOW CAL Bean sprouts Green Chillies – 2 slit Vinegar – 2 tsp or to taste BHEL PURI Green Chilli Sauce – 1 tbsp INGREDIENTS METHOD Tomato Ketchup – 2 tbsp Put the puffed rice in a bowl; Red Chilli Sauce – 1 tbsp 100 gms puffed rice add onions, sprouts, green chillies, 2 tbsp tamarind pulp coriander leaves, tamarind pulp, Dark Soya Sauce – 1 tsp 2 tbsp mint chutney mint chutney, chaat masala or Salt to taste 1/2 tsp chaat masala aamchur. Mix it well. Garnish with For Marination: 3 Green chilies sev and coriander leaves. Serve Soya Chunks 25 gm cooked Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp Chilli Powder – 1 tbsp Chilli Soya Nuggets Corn Starch – 1 tbsp Oil – 10 mL

METHOD Mix all the marination ingredients except oil together and set aside. Heat oil in a frying pan, once it is hot, add in the soya and toss well in the oil. Cook till it is golden. Remove it to a plate. Now in the remaining oil, add in onions, ginger garlic paste and saute for couple of mins. Add in capsicum, chillies and saute for another couple of mins. Add in salt and all thesauces and mix well. Cook this for 5 mins or so. Add in fried soya and toss well in the sauce. Cook this for couple of mins. Add in spring onions and toss once. Serve with pulav or anything. PANEER MASALA WITH VEGETABLES INGREDIENTS Paneer: 100 gm. Capsicum: 50 gm. Onion: 1/2 Mushrooms: 2 medium, sliced Ginger and garlic grated: 1 tsp. Yogurt/curd: 1 tbsp. Soya sauce: 1 tsp. Chilli sauce: 1 tsp Salt to taste Black pepper: 1/4 tsp. Ghee: 1 tbsp.

METHOD In a bowl take curd and add few drops of soya sauce, salt, and crushed black pepper. Coat paneer pieces with this and Paneer Masala with Vegetables shallow fry in a non-stick pan. Remove the paneer pieces and Now add mushrooms, salt, keep aside. Now add 1 tbsp of crushed black pepper, and cook ghee in the pan and put all the veggies. Add soya sauce gratedginger garlic and sauté. andchili sauce and mix it well. At Now add capsicum and onion and last add shallow fried paneer and sauté till they are slightly cooked. mix it gently. PALAK PANEER Palak Paneer Tikki TIKKI INGREDIENTS Paneer: 50 gm. Spinach: 100 gm. Egg: 1 whole Cheese: 1 cube Salt to taste Pepper: 1/4 tsp. Chilli Powder: 1/4 tsp. Jeera powder: 1/2 tsp. Ghee: 10 gm.

METHOD Boil the spinach and blend it and mix it with grated paneer and add grated cheese. Add all spices and egg and mix well. Heat ghee in a pan and make small cutlets of this mixture and cook on a low flame for 2-3 minuteseach side. ACHAARI PANEER INGREDIENTS Paneer cubes: 100 gm. Ginger Garlic paste: 1 tsp. Lemon juice 1 tsp. Achaari (Pickle0 Masala: 1 tsp. Yogurt: 1 tsp. Salt to taste Butter: 1 tsp. Coriander to garnish.

METHOD Take a bowl, put Paneer in that and add yogurt, ginger garlic paste, salt, lemon juice, and all thespices to it. Mix it all up to coat the paneer. Add butter in a non- stick pan. Once it melts, add the Achaari Paneer coated paneer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes and it’s ready to be 1 Onion, sliced served. Garnish with coriander 10 Green chillies (slit) leaves. 1 Bay leaf 4 Cloves 1/2 tsp Peppercorns 1 inch Cinnamon METHOD EGG BIRYANI 1 tsp Ginger and garlic paste Boil and shell four of the six INGREDIENTS 1 tsp Pulao masala eggs. Heat oil in a large dish and 50g rice Basmati rice, soaked 2 tbsp Oil add the whole spices. After a few 2 large Eggs salt to taste seconds add the onion and green chillies along with the ginger Egg Biryani garlic paste. Fry till they turn light brown in colour. Now break the two eggs into the pan and scramble. Add the drained rice to it and fry for a minute. Season with salt. Now put the boiled eggs into it and pour four cups of water. Cover and cook till the rice is half done. Stir in the pulao masala and a little bit of lemon juice and mix gently. Cover and cook till all the water evaporates and the rice is done. Garnish with coriander and serve hot. We

Recipes by: Dietitian Rajat Jain Clinical Nutrionist & Weight Loss Expert Founder of Health Wealth Diet Clinic Instagram: dietitianrajatjain +91-9116999294, 9116959294 Your daughter has most probably suffered Child Challenges brain damage due to the extremely high levels of jaundice during infancy. This has led to delayed milestones. & As the damage is irreversible, occupational A therapy is the best bet. This will help in Q utilizing her limited capabilities to the maximum. AM A DIVORCEE AND MOTHER OF AN ADOLESCENT BOY AND A She is unable to hold her head even at the Igirl. My kids still indulge in bedtime exhibitionism, age of one year, not due to any defect in the bone adamantly insisting on sleeping in just their T-shirts. structure but because of the developmental defect. Both are unashamed even when my boyfriend (who has Hence, the services of an orthopedic surgeon will not be seen them from infancy) is around. of any use. ● Despite being familiar with the difference in genitalia since childhood, the siblings examine and even caress I HAVE A TWO AND HALF YEARS OLD DAUGHTER. WESTAYWITH each other’s private parts. IOUR IN-laws. Every demand of hers, reasonable or Easily aroused, the boy who is a year older but unreasonable, is met with by my in-laws because they relatively slower in development, gets embarrassed. This do not want to see her crying. Upon me has fallen the is followed by bouts of remorse. thankless job of disciplining her. After all, there are Both kids masturbate privately. Sexual feelings and certain things that are bad both for her and others. masturbation are understandable. However, the As a result, she does not like to come to me. She persistent exhibitionism and mutual caressing worry us. doesn’t even listen to me. With scolding being ineffective, I do not know how to My husband knows of this and asks them to let me stop this habit. Should we chasten them or will both be strict with my daughter, if and when the need arises, grow out of this habit? Can chastisement lead to secret for her own good. attempts. Please advise. They agree in front of him but do as they wish, once First and foremost, ensure that you yourself are he goes to office. This has led to a lot of friction between behaving decorously with your boyfriend in front of me and my in-laws, even between me and my husband. them. If possible, marry your boyfriend so that your Whenever I am angry, I beat my child. sexual activities are restricted to the night and your What is the solution to my problem? Is it okay to put children get a normal atmosphere to grow up. her in a Montessori school when she is 3 years of age? As for the kids, start by giving them separate Are you a working woman who has to leave her child bedrooms. Encourage them to make friends of both in their care? Even so, be firm with your in-laws. Explain sexes so that they can spend more time with them in to them that all this pampering will make her a spoilt healthier pursuits. brat. Make them take part in various activities like music, Try and spend as much time as possible with your art, drama and sports so that their energies are daughter. Besides discipline, give her a lot of love and channelized in the proper direction. care. Share the good things of life also with her. Take In this way, they will be so tired out by the end of the her to the park yourself so that you can play with her on day that they will have neither the time nor the energy to the grass amidst the flowers and butterflies. Both of you indulge in such shameful activities. can thus be completely happy without any chastisement If the worst comes to the worst, you can try on your part. separating them by sending one of them to the hostel in She is too young to understand that you are another city. Before this, seek the help of a child preventing her from doing certain things for her own psychologist for guidance. good. Be firm but gentle. ● You can send her to a pre-nursery school after the I HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO IS ONE YEAR OLD. SHE HAD age of 3 years. Ineonatal jaundice on the second day and had to be Here she can learn to interact with other kids. It will shifted to KEM Hospital, Bombay. Here, she was be easier for her to be disciplined with a host of other given exchange transfusion. kids. Her problem now is delayed milestones. Till date, she has not been able to hold her head. She is being – Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD. subjected to occupational therapy now. How long will it take for her to develop? She does not Readers are invited to send their problems of child care and child rearing. WOMAN’S ERA will provide the answers, sleep at all at night without tranquillizers. Her sleeping solutions to problems usually encountered by mothers, young time is getting progressively shorter. What can be the and old. Address your letters (neatly written on white paper) to: probable solution to all this? Should we take the opinion WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. of an orthopedic surgeon? Please advise.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 95 Short Story Rainbow Nails

Will Nick’s attitude force Mausam into Raine’s arms? By Lesley D. Biswas

Since the traffic in his mouth, returned to its to her peevishness, a whole Mausam clicked open her designated location, but he convoy of cars had now seat belt and stepped out constable was busy was far from relieved. He jumped onto the honking of the driver’s seat. She helping a bunch of shot a glance at the signal bandwagon. placed her hands on her schoolkids cross the and began honking. Since the traffic slender hips and rested her ‘Who’s that jackass who constable was busy helping glares over her streaked road, Raine stepped can’t see the red light a bunch of schoolkids cross hair. She narrowed her out of his car and ahead,’ thought Mausam as the road, Raine stepped out khol-rimmed eyes strode up to she waited for the traffic of his car and strode up to bordered with a shade of Mausam. signal to change colour. Mausam. He knocked on green eye-shadow, that Meanwhile she admired her her tinted window and bent complemented her blouse. manicured nails as she forward prepared to give “Can’t you see the hat the hell is that tapped away on the the driver a earful. Mausam signal’s red?” “she Wdriver up to?” steering wheel. Fuchsia nail rolled the glass down with slammed the door with her Raine fumed as colour! She could imagine an identical intention in stiletto.” Idiot!” she cursed the champagne coloured Nick’s exasperated mind. Unlike Raine, who under her breath. i10 jerked a couple of times expression. Behind her, the was left gaping, Mausam’s “Looks like you’re as if suffering a bout of hic- honking continued and bright scarlet lips parted. having a bad day! Is it the cups and came to a halt “What the hell is this guy in your life?” Raine inches ahead of his brand Too,” Raine smiled. “Take about?” she snapped. smarted. new navy blue Ritz. He the side lane to the “Whoa! Ma’am, you “Mister, I’m not the one swallowed. His heart which bypass,” he directed seem to be in a terrific who got out of his car, a few moments earlier was Mausam and she sped mood.” Raine took a step instigating a street-fight. ahead with Raine constantly briefing her, Looks like the clouds are on one hand on the steering. your horizon. I pity the woman in your life!” snarled Mausam. Raine grinned shamelessly, and said, “No wife.” back and gave a crooked “Then girlfriend!” She knowing grin. “Must it have looked him up and down to be a woman!” He threw sure that some women his hands up in the air and were stupid enough to fall did a half circle spin on his for looks even if they heels. ‘Bloody ignored his incivility. misogynist!’ Mausam “I suck there as well,” burst out. Too much Raine said unaware of how for a day. She’d just witless he sounded. dealt with one back “Not surprised! The home and now here. reason you don’t have “Hold either is pretty evident,” it ma’am, quipped Mausam. and mind Seeing the traffic cop your language. Just approaching, Raine because I’m polite decided to wrap it up, “Find doesn’t give you the someone else to vent your licence to be rude.” frustration. Just that, for “Yes! Now tell me.” your kind information, the left lane is open.” He Raine park her car. In a trice seem like a man who’d help “Er…not really! But I can pointed her to check the Raine was back and handed a woman park her car.” make an exception for a signal where a go left arrow her the keys. “Just that,” Raine ran his beautiful lady who seems was blinking green. “Thanks. I’m Mausam,” fingers through his hair, “It to be facing some trouble. she held out her hand. gives me pleasure teaching Plus, I told you, I need to ausam grew red. She “Mr. Raine Kumar,” He women a lesson. If you make it up to you.” Mgot back into her seat gave her hand a tight don’t mind me bragging. I Mausam smiled. and turned the ignition on. shake. can help you learn how to Beautiful lady! Raine noticed her car “Mrs. Mausam Sharma.” park. How busy are you “Correct me if I’m swerve and move in a very At that, Raine smiled. right now?” wrong.” Raine continued, odd manner. The L sign “So you’re learning to “Not really. Have to pick “Am I wrong in giving you a hanging behind it, tossed drive. How long has it my daughter up at one.” few parking tips? Not that from side to side. been?” Raine looked at his I’ll park myself in your heart He followed her. She “Three months.” watch. It was eleven. or something. Are you hadn’t gone very far and “Three months!” Raine’s “Two hours is enough. wrong in taking a few when he watched her pull eyebrows arched. “You’re Shall we?” Raine put his driving lessons when you up beside a shopping mall, pretty bad for three hand forward for the keys. are so badly disoriented?” he couldn’t have asked for months.” ‘Hold on, I don’t even He was funny and more. Seeing his chance as “Are you always so know you,’ Mausam different and if there was Mausam repeatedly tried, impudent.” stammered, suddenly one thing Mausam found but failed to park her car, “No. It depends upon irresistibly attractive in he approached her. the company,” Raine Mausam grew red. men, it was their sense of “Let me help you,” Raine sniggered. She got back into humour. A man who could offered. Mausam shook her head her seat and turned make her laugh was a man “Why on earth…look with distaste. Still, his who she deserved to be whose here? You’ve been brashness sounded better the ignition on. with. Her heart ached from following me,” Mausam than her husband’s Raine noticed her the loads of sarcasm her scoffed. sarcasm. car swerve and hubby meted out to her. It “Yes. I have,” confessed “But I’m a good student. move in a very odd had been years since she’d Raine as a confused Just looking for a good enjoyed a man’s company. Mausam looked at his teacher.” manner. The L sign This was a brief reprieve. discrete honesty, twirling “Why? Aren’t you with a hanging behind it, her goggles on her little driving school?” tossed from side to o what if Nick would be finger. “My hubby teaches me. Sfurious? It was the very “For what? Haven’t you He won’t allow me to go to side. He followed reason they had had a already ruined my mood a driving school. He says, her. She hadn’t morning brawl. She wasn’t enough? Or is there those drivers are perverts.” gone very far and getting it right and he something you just In his opinion, she lapse when he watched didn’t have the patience to remembered?” into thought, everyone was teach her how to park. But “That’s why,’ Raine said, depraved. He’d suspected her pull up beside a Mausam knew his real confusing Mausam further. her with the milk delivery shopping mall, he motive. He wanted her to “I couldn’t let a woman boy and the vegetable couldn’t have asked grovel for his help. Beg him walk away believing that vendor at the corner of the to teach her. This was her I’m an idiot.” street. Even the bald, old for more. chance to show him that Once more their laundry man had fallen feeling threatened by the she too could do something conversation was pierced victim to his dubiety. smooth-talking stranger without his help. She by a barrage of honking. “What?” Raine frowned she’d warmed up to. A little agreed. They looked behind to find back at Mausam whose guilt crept into her heart. “I’ll leave my car parked a stream of cars waiting to eyebrows were as twisted Just because Nick was a here and will pick it up after park outside the parking as his. “After what I prick, she didn’t have to we’re done.” lot. experienced a few prove him right by being “Perfect,” said Mausam “May I,” Raine insisted. moments ago you don’t unrighteous. Raine took and strapped herself into Mausam glanced at the seem like a woman who’d out his wallet and handed the driving seat. “No office angry faces staring back at adhere to a man’s whims.” her his visiting card. CEO of today?” them, a few people had Mausam glanced at her Kumar Industries. She “Of course. But giving begun sprouting the fuchsia nails, and smirked. handed it back. others a chance to work choicest of expletives, and “And from what I saw a “So, part time, you give too,” Raine smiled. “Take stepped aside to allow while ago, neither did you driving lessons?” the side lane to the

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 97 bypass,” he directed “Now my gurudakhina,” punish mama for being late shopping mall where his car Mausam and she sped Raine stretched out his and making her little was parked and Mausam ahead with Raine open palm before Mausam. princess wait,” chirped sped off, feeling much constantly briefing her, one A shiver ran down her Raine and introduced more confident behind the hand on the steering. spine. She didn’t expect himself. “So mama will wheel. “Tell me that. Did she have to give us an ice- “Who parked the car?” something….can I call you unsuspectingly gave him a cream treat.” Nick asked the moment Mau?” wrong idea? “Yeah! Ice-cream,” Mausam opened the door. “Quit talking and let me Sensing her discomfort squealed Sneha and “Practice.” concentrate,” said he said, “Noting much. Just bounced up and down in Nick’s face strained. She Mausam. “You can, but a cup of coffee with me.” the backseat. braced for the tirade. But Nick calls me that.” Mausam looked at her “Ice-cream, ice-cream,” he didn’t say a word, “So I cannot call you watch. Raine egged her on. instead simmered all Mau. We’ll think of another “It’s nearly one. I’m “Ok. What will you have, evening. And she knew name then.” getting late and Sneha’s Raine?” asked Mausam. when it would come. And “No. Call me Mau. I like going to cry.” “Don’t think you’ll feed how. Her worst nightmare. it. Today I won’t have to ‘Let me drive.’ Raine me ice-cream and wangle She pretended to be leave the car outside our switched seats and within out of your gurudakhina.” asleep when Nick came to building for Nick to park,” no time Mausam was at “I didn’t even think of bed after having wrapped Mausam smiled as she Sneha’s playschool. that,” frowned Mausam, a up his work in the study. He practised parking. But that didn’t help and little annoyed at Raine’s put his arm around her. She “That wasn’t so tough, Sneha was already cross. misinterpretation. “I like cringed, and remained was it?” Her grouse, she had to sit chocolate and Sneha, stone. Hoping he’d be “Not at all. I told you I with the security guard for strawberry.” discouraged by her was a good student,” a whole five minutes. “Chocolate. You have a frigidity, though that Mausam burst out “Sorry, baby, please very strong mind,” Raine usually never worked. laughing. ‘You’re also a forgive mama,” Mausam smiled at Mausam. good teacher, Raine.” pleaded with folded hands, “I’ve always had a strong lipping her over, he as she and Sneha mind,” she said, gesturing Fbegan rubbing his foot “No forgiveness. We’ll walked back to the car. to the chocolate van. against her leg while his punish mama for being late “No forgiveness. We’ll “So what does your hand slipped through her and making her little mind say about me?” asked night robe and began to princess wait,” chirped Raine, as he noticed Sneha kneed her breast. She felt Raine and introduced preoccupied with her ice- his touch grow rougher as himself. “So mama will have to give us an cream cone. “You’re good. I he licked her neck, taking ice-cream treat.” mean….” Mausam was his usual position. Her eyes trying to choose her words flashed open as she sensibly when Raine couldn’t take it anymore, interrupted. just to catch him undo her “Ok, Let’s not do this robe. His burning, pulsating today. Think over me body touched her icy cold and when we meet up frame and she was repulsed for coffee, tell me what the moment he lunged into you thought. I’m giving her. In a flash, it was over! you an excuse to think Tears welled up but she about me,” he whisked them away. She winked. Clearly he looked at her nails. Blue was trouble and tomorrow. No they had to Mausam felt that in be yellow! Nick hated her bones. yellow. “I’ll call you.” What would Raine say to Mausam lied, hoping yellow? to get him off her She’d better get some track. Raine handed sleep. Dark circles were the her his card and she last thing she wanted when placed it in her handbag. she’d meet him. She put “I’ll wait.” her arm around Nick. His Raine hailed a cab to the snoring stopped. We ample time. I also get so physically drained that My Family, My Friends and Me... I do not have the stamina nor the inclination to prepare a variety. My husband sometimes makes the morning tea, and that’s the only help & I can expect from him in the kitchen. He just A does not contribute to household work, despite Q not having a full-time helper. I keep myself too involved with the students, while I feel I should do justice to my work as they come to me for extra help y husband is the one amongst 4 brothers. We were and herein lies the conflict. Any suggestions? Mstaying jointly together, but when our house Working ladies often face such problems. Woman’s Era became too small for our expanding family, we has carried many articles on superwoman concept. You have sold it off and bought 2 flats in an apartment. 2 brothers a part-time helper, since you earn well why don’t you and their families accommodated in each flat. My in-laws employ someone to cook your dinner and prepare for the shifted with us. My father-in-law bears a part of the house next day morning also. expenses. My sister-in-law and I share all the household ● responsibilities in turns. I am the only working woman in AM AN ENGINEERING STUDENT. WHENEVER I COME HOME, MY the family and so I have the maximum problems. When it is Iparents want me to stay at home all the time. Since I my turn, I have to finish all the cooking before I leave. I get have a large circle of friends who often invite me during no help from anyone, not even from my mother-in-law who my vacation, it becomes difficult for me to refuse them. prefers to watch TV. When I spoke to her, she bluntly told This annoys my parents. However, I wonder whether I am me that if she helps me, then she will have to help my sister- alone to blame. I grew up in a joint family where my 2 in-law also, so she would rather stay away from any kind of uncles, family and we stayed. All of us children played and controversy. Those mornings are, therefore, filled with enjoyed together in a large courtyard in the centre of our tension and if I get late to work, my whole day seems to house. My father was very well off. So, I was the one get spoilt. I have only one child, so my responsibilities would studying in a good public school. Whenever I would play not have been much, had I lived separately. But my husband with my cousins, I would be reprimanded and told to play is adamant on staying with them. Due to all this, I am with my school friends, which I did not enjoy in the missing chances of bettering my prospects in the office. I beginning. Gradually, my parents distanced me from my feel miserable. very own cousins, by not allowing us to mix freely. Later, I Joint family offers many stop-gap arrangements. Look at started going out of the house and began spending time both sides of the coin. You have your busy days and the with other friends. This was encouraged by my parents in tension-free days, since you are staying jointly. Make an the beginning, but now they want me to stop this effort towards adjustments. When it is your sister-in-law’s completely. Is it possible to change one’s nature at the drop turn, help her in the preparations and in return seek her of a hat? The bond between my cousins and me has help when it is your turn. Whenever it is your morning duty, somewhat been severed, and now I am told to avoid friends. make a few preparations in the night itself so that you are All this annoys me and I do not feel like coming home at not rushed in the morning. Another alternative would be to all. request your sister-in-law to take on the responsibilities of It is disheartening to see some parents creating a barrier the breakfast and lunch, while you see to the evening tea between their own kin. With money comes status and a and dinner always. A lot of problems are solved through sense of false pride, which overpowers many people. You mutual understanding and adjustment. have very intelligently analysed and assessed your situation. ● What has already happened cannot be undone completely, AM A TEACHER IN A REPUTED SCHOOL. IN THE EVENING SEVERAL but it can be compensated for. Parents are also humans, Istudents come to me for tuition. My husband returns and they are fallible. When you are rebuked for going out from work by 6 pm. In the meantime, I give the students with friends, take the opportunity to have a frank discussion some work and then serve tea to him. When the students with your parents. Make them understand that you cannot leave, I rush to prepare dinner while my sons rearrange and distance yourself from everyone, as interacting and keeping clean the messed-up room. Since there is always shortage of a good relationship with others is essential. Help them time, our meals are a simple affair on weekdays and it is realise that, by their own doing, they have isolated only on Sunday that I can prepare some special dishes. My themselves. Everyone has their own ego, so no one will bow husband earns sufficiently, so he does not spend from my down before them. It is up to you to try and renew and salary. Hence, that amount complements our savings. strengthen the family bond that has weakened. Giving tit Whatever I earn from tuition, I spend on myself, home and for tat is not the way to solve problems. Keep your parents family as per the children’s or my desire. The problem is happy, devote some time to them and organise get- that everyday my husband grumbles at dinner because he is togethers with your friends for a shorter time. If you not satisfied. If I ask him whether I should drop the tuition, balance and manage your time, you will find peace within he says that there is no need. But if I continue, I do not get and also give happiness to others.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 99 our years back, she had not Feven heard of Para-Sports. A visit to mall became the turning point in her life. A stranger walked up to her and asked her “What happened to your hand?” She candidly explained that it was a birth defect. “Have you heard of para-sports?” he persisted. Coming from a city which has given us several sportspersons, she and her family were aware of the great respect sportspersons commanded. Hearing about para- sports was intriguing and exciting – the stranger suggested she can try her hand at badminton. Till then, no one had encouraged her to play any sport. This 5-minute chance meeting was about to change her life forever. The stranger was none other than Gaurav Khanna – National Para- Badminton Coach. As she wings her way to the Tokyo Olympics,18-year-old Palak Kohli become the youngest ever para-badminton player to qualify for a Paralympics. In a zippy tete-a- tete, Palak talks about her amazing journey. “A chance meeting, a quick conversation, a simple suggestion— it took as little as that to completely transform my life –a teenager with a disability. In just a couple of years everything changed -- from a humdrum school life of having to sit out sporting events, to qualifying for the Tokyo Paralympics and signing on as brand ambassador for the world’s leading sports nutrition company, Myprotein!” In A League of She is also the first and only Para-badminton athlete from India to qualify for all three events (WS, Her Own WD, XD). What were the hurdles she faced? Para Shuttler Palak Kohli defies After all scaling such phenomenal heights in such a short while could overwhelming odds. By Sudha Hariharan not have been a piece of cake! “My hometown is Jallandhar and I had to face umpteen challenges to get to this position. When coach Gaurav suggested badminton, it was wholly new for me as no one had encouraged me to play sports

100 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 until then. But beyond that short leg, and advised three months of interaction, we simply forgot about bed rest. It was an uphill struggle the incident and carried on as even after that period and Kohli had normal.” to completely change her game to cope with her pain. And yet, she What then caused Palak to finally credits the injury for sharpening her take up the racquet? skills and adding some novel strokes She recollects, “A few months to her repertoire. later, I wanted to try out for a handball event in school. My How did she train during the teacher took me aside and said I pandemic since most facilities were would likely hurt myself further, so closed? why not concentrate on my studies The pandemic in 2020 caused instead. If I scored well, I could indoor facilities to shut down, but always get a job in a disability the determined Kohli used the quota.” This really stung. “I had a her training. What followed was lockdown period to train hard stranger encouraging me to take up two years of intense hard work and outdoors despite muddy grounds, a sport, and my own teachers were practice, where Khanna improved windy and rainy conditions. And all so demotivating. That day, I went her game through step-by-step her perseverance paid off. Kohli home and told my family that I had targets. Then, in Kohli’s very first came back with a bang and won made up my mind to take up para- attempt in the para-badminton three medals in the Dubai Para badminton. Though my parents national in 2019, she successfully Badminton International 2021. were initially surprised, they helped bagged three Golds! She also At the moment, the young me hunt down the stranger on snatched up medals in the BWF shuttler has her focus set on the social media. And that was when we Internationals in Peru, Uganda and Tokyo Paralympics, and admits that realized he was none other than Japan, which were qualifying events it is her dream to stand on that Gaurav Khanna, the national coach for the Tokyo Paralympics. podium, hear the Indian National for para-badminton players.” Life, however, had another Anthem,and to ace the upcoming The Kohlis wasted no time in challenge in store for her. That international tournaments. Cheers contacting him and headed to same year, Palak was diagnosed & more power to her grit and Lucknow to get Palak started with with bone marrow edema in her left determination! We Prayer For Youth Day O God, we pray to you, To guide the youth, To a place full of joy, happiness and pleasure. May you lend the young people, a wise mind and a healthy body Dear Lord, May you protect them through thick and thin. Be there with them, In their hardest of time. Support them and encourage them. May you, Always help them differentiate, Between right and wrong. O Lord, May you lend them the strength to overcome all their fears. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Pavani Chandhok Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 101 Quick Bites for Happy Hours! Easy-go recipes of namkeen.

chilli powder. Add gradually water RATLAMI SEV into the mixture, mix it until there INGREDIENTS is no lumps. Add refined oil in the Gram Flour: 1 kg batter and keep it aside for 15 Salt: 30 gm mins. In a Kadhai, pour oil and Carom Seeds: 15 gm keep it in a high flame till the oil Red Chilli Powder: 20 gm gets hot. With the help of Refined Oil: 300 gm snacks/namkeen maker, choose Water: 400 gm the size of Sev (choose it as per your convenience) start pouring it METHOD in hot oil and when it turns yellow In a mixing bowl, mix gram brownish it color take it out from flour, salt, carom seeds and red kadhai.

Ratlami Sev

102 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 PLAIN SEV Plain Sev INGREDIENTS Gram Flour: 1 kg Salt: 30 gm Carom Seeds: 12 gm Refined Oil: 300 gm Water: 400 gm

METHOD In a mixing bowl, mix gram flour, salt, carom seeds. Add gradually water into the mixture, mix it until there is no lumps. Add refined oil in the batter and keep it aside for 15 mins. In a Kadhai, pour oil and keep it in a high flame till the oil gets hot. With the help of snacks/namkeen maker, choose BESAN PAPDI mix it until there is no lumps. Add the size of Sev (choose it as per refind oil in the batter and keep it your convenience, generally the INGREDIENTS aside for 15 mins. In a Kadhai, pour size is zero), start pouring it in Gram Flour: 1 Kg oil and keep it in a high flame till hot oil and when it turns yellow Salt: 30 gm the oil gets hot. brownish it color take it out from Refined Oil: 200 gm With the help of kadhai. Water: 400 gm snacks/namkeen maker, choose Asafoetida: 5 gm the shape of papdi (choose it as per your convenience, generally METHOD the size is very thin) start pouring In a mixing bowl, mix gram it in hot oil and when it turns flour, salt, asafoetida. Add yellow brownish it color take it gradually water into the mixture, out from kadhai.

Besan papdi

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 103 BESAN GATHIA INGREDIENTS Gram Flour: 1 Kg Salt: 30 gm Carom Seeds: 10 gm Asafoetida: 5 gm Refined Oil: 400 gm Water: 400 gm

METHOD In a mixing bowl, mix gram flour, salt, asafoetida. Add gradually water into the mixture, mix it until there is no lumps. Add Mini Samosa refined oil in the batter and keep it aside for 15 mins. In a Kadhai, Sev (zero size): 100 gm pour oil and keep it in a high flame MINI SAMOSA Dried Fenugreek seeds: 10 gm till the oil gets hot. With the help INGREDIENTS For Dough of snacks/namkeen maker, choose For Filling All-purpose Flour: 1 kg the shape of namkeen (choose it Moong Dal namkeen (coarse Salt: 25 gm as per your convenience, powder) : ½ Kg Carom Seeds: 10 gm generally the size and shape is Salt: 10 gm Clarified butter: 250 gm round and twisted) start pouring Red Chilli Powder: 10 gm Refined Oil: For Frying it in hot oil and when it turns Kaju: 50 gm yellow brownish it color take it Kishmish: 50 gm METHOD out from kadhai. Blackpepper Powder: 5 gm For preparing filling Cumin Powder: 5 gm In a mixing bowl add dried Cinnamon: 5 gm powder moong dal, salt, red chili Fennel Seeds: 5 gm powder, kaju (chopped), Kishmish Coriander seeds: 5 gm (minute chopped), blackpepper powder, cumin powder, cinnamon, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, sev and dried fenugreek Besan Gathia seeds. Give it a good mix with your hands.

For preparing dough In a mixing bowl, add all- purpose flour, salt, carom seeds. Slowly add clarified butter in the mixture so that no lumps are formed. Knead the dough tightly.

Final process Roll small flat bread with rolling pin and fill the fillings that we have made earlier. Seal it with water on the sides. Give it a samosa shape. Fry it in hot oil. Take it out when it is brown in color.

104 Woman’s Era ● September 2021 DHOKLA INGREDIENTS Gram flour (Besan)– 1 cup Semolina (Sooji/Rava) - 2 tablespoons Salt- ½ teaspoon Sugar- 1 teaspoon One small sachet of Eno Half lemon (For approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

METHOD In a bowl, add one cup of gram flour and add two tablespoon of semolina. Mix them and this is your dry mixture. In a separate bowl, add 1 cup water and to this, add half teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar and squeeze half a lemon for about 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice. Stir well until all Dhokla the ingredients are combined. Then add this to the bowl with the add black mustard seeds and until you see the batter rise with dry mixture to prepare the batter. within a few seconds, add curry bubbles. Stir the batter carefully so that no leaves. Stir it a couple of times so ● Take an aluminium mould lumps remain. Keep the batter that the leaves evenly get coated and to it add the batter. However, aside for one hour. in oil and slightly fried. After be sure not to dab or tap the about 30 seconds, add slit green container for an even shape. It is important for the batter to chilies. You have to be quick while ● In an open kadhai, pour rest for one hour to give the dhokla adding all these ingredients water (about 3-4 cups) and keep a the perfect lightweight and fluffy because they will start to crackle small stand in the kadhai, which texture. and be burned if left unattended can support the batter-filled While the batter is resting, you or in the pan for longer than a aluminium mould. Remember, can use this time to prepare the minute. don’t put the container directly in dhokla sugar syrup. To make it, you Once the chilies are also slightly the kadhai without the stand. will need- fried, add one cup of water and ● Place the aluminium mould INGREDIENTS after a few seconds, add sugar on the stand and then switch the Water- 1 cup and salt. Give it a light stir to burner on high flame for 5 Vegetable oil- 1 teaspoon dissolve the sugar and then switch minutes. Then switch to low flame Sugar – 3 teaspoon off the flame. for 5 minutes, and then switch off Salt- ½ teaspoon In the meanwhile, the dhokla the flame. Lemon juice- About 2 tablespoon batter has been resting and after ● After a couple of minutes, Black mustard seeds- 1 teaspoon one hour, it is ready to be turned with the help of a toothpick or 7-8 curry leaves into beautiful dhoklas. knife, check whether the batter 4- 5 green chilies (slit vertically) has cooked. If the toothpick or Final Preparation- knife comes out clean, then the ● Give the rested batter a good batter has cooked properly. If not, METHOD stir and then add to it 1 teaspoon then again switch on the gas and Place a pan on stove on medium or about half sachet of Eno. cook the batter for about 4-5 high and add 1 teaspoon oil. To it, Continuously stir it into the batter minutes.

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 105 ● Once the batter is cooked, take out the mould from kadhai and let it cool. Then carefully take out the cooked dhokla from the mould and put it in a plate. ● Pour the dhokla syrup on the cooked dhokla and wait for few minutes so that the dhokla completely absorbs the syrup. ● Garnish the dhokla with some cooked chillies and enjoy the scrumptious and savoury treat with your loved ones.

Masala Papdi MASALA METHOD golden brownish in color. Sprinkle NAMAKPARA In a mixing bowl add all purpose the spice masala that you have INGREDIENTS flour, salt, carom seeds. Slowly made. For Dough add clarified butter into the All-purpose flour: 1 kg mixture so that no lumps remain. Clarified Butter: 250 gm Keep the mixture aside for 10 Salt: 25 gm mins. MASALA PAPDI Carom seeds: 10 gm Knead the dough tightly. With the INGREDIENTS Refined oil: For Frying help of rolling pin, roll the dough For Dough For Spice mixture into thin long sheet and cut it into All-purpose flour: 1 kg Red Chili Powder- 5 gm diamond shape. In a kadhai, add Clarified butter: 250 gm Salt- 5 gm oil and wait until its hot. Fry the Salt: 25 gm Chat Masala- 5 gm diamond shape raw namakpara in Carom Seeds: 10 gm Black pepper- 10 gm hot oil and take oil when it is Refined oil: For Frying Spice Mixture Masala Namakpara Yellow Chilli Powder: 5 gm Salt: 5 gm Chat Masala: 10 gm Black pepper: 10 gm

METHOD In a mixing bowl add all purpose flour, salt, carom seeds. Slowly add clarified butter into the mixture so that no lumps remain. Keep the mixture aside for 10 mins. Knead the dough tightly. With the help of rolling pin, roll the dough into thin long sheet and cut it into square shape. In a kadhayi, add oil and wait until its hot. Fry the square shape raw square small sheet in hot oil and take oil when it is golden brownish in color. Sprinkle the spice masala that you have made. KARELA MASALA INGREDIENTS For Dough All Purpose flour: 1 Kg Salt: 20 gm Clarified butter: 250 gm Carom Seeds: 25 gm Refined Oil: For Frying For Spice Mixture Red Chilli powder- 10 gm Salt- 10 gm Karela Masala Chat masala- 10 gm Black pepper- 10 gm

METHOD In a mixing bowl add all purpose flour, salt, carom seeds. Slowly add clarified butter so that no lumps remain. Knead the dough tightly. Take small portion of the batter (about 50 gm) and knead it into flat bread and cut the uneven sides to make it proper rectangle shape flatbread. Make small long four long cuts on the flat bread leaving the sides. Add water on all the sides. Then starting from one side roll it to another with the help of hand and seal it. When all the raw karela masala is made, fry it in deep hot Mix Kachori oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture from top that we have made. For Dough For preparing dough All-purpose Flour: 1 kg In a mixing bowl, add all-purpose Salt: 25 gm flour, salt, carom seeds. Slowly MIX KACHORI Carom Seeds: 10 gm add clarified butter in the mixture Clarified butter: 250 gm so that no lumps are formed. INGREDIENTS Refined Oil: For Frying Knead the dough tightly. For Filling Sugar Powder - 200 gm Final process Asafetida: 5 gm METHOD Roll small flat bread with rolling Gram Flour: 200 gm For preparing filling pin and fill the fillings that we Coconut Powder: 50 gm In a mixing bowl add sugar have made earlier. Seal it with Fennel Seeds powder: 10 gm powder, asafetida, gram flour, water on the sides and make small Cumin powder: 5 gm coconut powder, fennel seed balls from it. Fry it in hot oil. Take Black Pepper powder: 5 gm powder, cumin powder, black it out when it is brown in color. We Nutmeg Powder: 5 gm pepper powder, nutmeg powder, Sesame Seeds powder: 5 gm sesame seeds powder, salt and Recipes by: Chef Sahil Wadhwa, Salt: 20 gm red chili. Give it a good mix with Director and Pastry chef, Red chili Powder: 5 gm your hand. WADHWA BAKERS

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 107 HEALTH TALK A FAMILY DOCTOR CONCEPT The life given by, we call ʻFamily Doctorʼ. By Jayanthi Subramaniam

raditionally, the doctors to attitudes, skills and knowledge qualified to serve as Primary Care Twhom families visited which qualify them to provide Providers. regularly are called family ongoing, comprehensive medical Family physicians, through doctors. You went to the same care to each member of the family. education and residency training, doctor irrespective of his/her A family physician is a doctor who possess distinct attitudes, skills, and specialisation. The doctors would has received at least three years of knowledge which qualify them to give primary treatment and refer special training (beyond medical provide continuing and you to a specialist for further care. school) in the broad disciplines of comprehensive medical care, health Covid care resulted in having a primary care. These include in-depth maintenance and preventive family doctor concept for all the coverage of adult and pediatric services to each member of the ailments and that includes medicine, preventive care and OB family regardless of gender, age, or specialised treatment. care. Because of their training, type of problem, be it biological, Family physicians possess unique family physicians are uniquely behavioral, or social. These specialists, because of when specialty care is needed. physician comes very handy when a their background and interactions Every effort is made to senior person in your family gets a with the family, are best qualified to communicate clearly with sudden heart ailment. A family serve as each patient's advocate in consulting specialists to coordinate physician is the best judge as he can all health-related matters, including care and minimize inconvenience to analyse the body stature and check the appropriate use of consultants, our patients. Our goal is to provide the senior's pulse level, check the health services, and community the right care by the right physician blood pressure and finally an ECG resources. at the right time. can guide him whether the elder The covid19 pandemic has taught Pandemics take a heavy toll on needs a hospital admission for us many important lessons and has human lives and the fear of going treatment. Thus, instead of delaying changed our priorities in life in the out is appropriately compensated the treatment process we can rush past 15 months or so. Covid19 has with a virtual consultation with your to the hospital of our preference taught us that health plays a major doctor. A stomach upset, an Urinary and the family physician with his role in our life, as it is seen that tract infection or herpes on your personal contacts guide a heart healthy people are able to fight the specialist to proceed to the hospital coronavirus more effectively. Our FAMILY PHYSICIANS and in the meanwhile can very well health is directly linked to the POSSESS UNIQUE arrange for the possible emergency environment. treatment and thereby save the life Incorporating small things into ATTITUDES, SKILLS of a person very well in a systematic our daily routine, such as going for a AND KNOWLEDGE morning walk or planting a sapling, WHICH QUALIFY can make a huge long-term difference in our lives and for our THEM TO PROVIDE environment. Let us save earth from ONGOING, dying and plant more trees so that COMPREHENSIVE we are not deprived of oxygen MEDICAL CARE TO during this hard time. Doctors form an essential part of an effective EACH MEMBER OF response to the Covid19 pandemic. THE FAMILY. They play critical roles in diagnosis, containment and treatment, and their commitment to treatment despite increased personal risks is essential for a successful public health response.

BENEFITS OF FAMILY PHYSICIAN The cornerstone of family medicine is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship body can be very well treated with way by way of administering stent focused on integrated care. Your remote guidance from your doctor. or by doing an open heart family physician is trained to The medicine provided through a operation. So everything is well provide optimal medical care by video conferencing can help you to planned and executed in the right looking at the whole person, rather take an immediate action. This time thanks to the family physician. than focusing on just one organ provides best confidence as the It is of utmost importance that at system. In addition to diagnosing family doctor is really the guiding the time of death, the family doctor and treating acute and chronic force before pandemic through is the right person to certify the illnesses, your family physician personal consultations and now time of death and issue a death provides routine health screenings after pandemic we get proper certificate. Some families just and counseling on lifestyle changes treatment with remote struggle to get a doctor to get a to prevent any disease before it consultations. Family physicians can death certificate during this covid develops. very well prescribe medicines also time. A family physician is a life As family physicians, we directly seeing your earlier prescription sent saver on all counts with his timely provide 80-90% of the medical care through whatsapp and thereby treatment and when it comes to the required by the patients we serve, reduce the time lapse. family's rescue at the time of a but we are also trained to know But the best use of a family senior's death as well. We

Woman’s Era ● September 2021 109 Neem And Its Uses Neem: Benefits, uses, and side effects. By B.G. Ramaprasad

eem when read reverse is: (gingivitis), and liver problems. diseases, septic sores, and infected Nmeen and it means

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tickets as they were still in the Soon we realized that we were waiting list. We have been allotted duped by that coolie, the whole seat number 60, 61, 62,63 in the journey became a misery for us. waiting list. One coolie was We even tried to find that coolie continuously staring at us and then later on but we got no he finally came to us and asked, “Do information. – Abha Alexander you want three berths.” I wonder that how the coolie could sniff our predicament that we had no confirmed bookings. We were in the great need of seats and there was no other way we could have got it so, If you have, at an my husband answered “Yes, but time, been taken in by Clever Coolie confirmed ones.” The coolie nodded a smooth-talking trickster Me and my husband we both and demanded rupees 1500 from us. or a clever impostor, share your were living away from our My husband gave him the money. experience with our readers. hometown because of our jobs. The train was about half an hour Contributions should be about 500 We got a call from our home that late. The coolie shoved us into the words typed or neatly written on my mother-in-law’s health is compartment and assured us that he one side of the paper only. `200 degrading and we had to reach had talked to the TTE. We did see will be paid for each accepted there immediately, we started him talking to the TTE so, we and published reminiscence. Send packing our bags without any believed him. Now we were traveling it to: delay. My husband booked the without any worry. But when TTE train tickets from an app on came to us and questioned about HOW I WAS DUPED mobile-only, but it was in the our reservation, we replied in waiting list. We thought, it will get chorus, “The coolie has told you E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. confirmed. We boarded the Tamil everything.” The TTE looked angry Womansera.com Nadu express from the Nagpur he shouted, “What coolie? You have Name: railway station to go to Agra. We no reservations, either you get down Mobile: were very worried about our from the train or just stand there.” E-mail:

112 Woman’s Era ● September 2021

petition seeking protection from always obsessed with the negative woman's family for a very shallow live- thoughts, falls in love with the misery in relationship without any and can never stick to a resolution commitment is unacceptable even thereby making the life miserable for though living together without all the people around. Our mind is our marriage is not an offence because it that master which decides the quality shatters public morality creating a of our life so always think postive to chaos in society. lead a peaceful life. – R.Srinivasan, Teleangana – Preetha Rengaswamy, Chennai INSPIRING AND ENLIGHTENING CREATING AN AWARENESS LIVE-IN IS NOT AN OFFENCE The article, Power of This is with Apropos the article a ‘Thought’ by reference to the "Live-In is not living I.M.Soni, August article on Micro in sin" in WE-July 21, 2021, is inspiring aggressions, ,July the writer Sajeev and enlightening issue. Though a Sirohi's exhaustive one. It is true our small act of hurt, write-up made thoughts rule us the offence interesting read. and play a vital created to the Though there is role in affected person no law prohibiting determining the makes him brood a live-in quality of our life. If we think on 'what mistake he has done'. relationship and pre-marital sex, yet positive we manage to find positive Creating an awareness of his problem it comes as a shock to the majority of points in the entire negativity and pick to the creator and handling the the Indians who believe in sanctity of up the lessons to learn. If we always situation amicably, isn't an easy task, marriages. The Punjab and Haryana remain in a negative state of mind we as his micro aggressive nature is due High Court despite a slight deviation in see doubts, despondency and failure to his insecure feeling and inferiority the recent judgement clearly reiterated in every aspect of life. A weak minded complex within himself. Humanitarian that live-in is not an offence but person easily falls prey to a vice, fails to gesture and an open talk with love & dismissed the petition on social perceive the consequences that will care is sure to make him understand unacceptability. Thus, it is clear that come with it whereas a strong minded his problem, boost his self-confidence judge never erred in the ruling on the person has enough will power to resist & self- esteem, so that he realizes his petition filed by the woman though any kind of temptation. The person mis-behavioural pattern, before his everybody has the right to express with a positive mindset develops a micro aggressive nature slow poisons his/her opinion in a democratic society. strong faith in self support and can himself and aggravates dangerously. All in all, the landmark judgment by the turn even a gloomy situation into a – Preetha Rengaswamy, Chennai High Court of Punjab and Haryana favourable one by sheer will power clearly made the distinction that but the negative minded person is The prize is awarded to: Harinder Kaur

FULL OF SATISFACTION long they are going to live, even if WOMAN'S ERA The article, The their demands seem unreasonable to invites readers’ Aging Parents, by their children, they must practice opinions and Rajshekhar Pant, gratitude by fulfilling those demands. reactions on Everyone is going to be old one day articles, short stories August 2021, sensitises and features published us about the care of therefore children should set up an in Woman’s Era. The best our parents in their example of care givers for their own letter will be given a prize of old age. In this fast children who will automatically carry `500. Address your letters by paced life the those family values with them. Never E-mail to: [email protected] youngsters are so busy with their ever think of sending your parents to or by post to: own schedules that hardly have any old age homes due to your AS YOU SAY time to attend to the needs of their compulsions as the parents badly miss old parents. All that the parents want their children there and pine for their E-3 Jhandewala Estate, in old age is the company of their love. Always do your best for your old New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com children. They must be feel wanted parents to spend a life full of in their old age by their children as satisfaction after they leave this Name: they too had toiled for them in their mortal world. Mobile: youth. Moreover it is not certain how – Harinder Kaur, Jalandhar E-mail:

114 Woman’s Era ● September 2021

(REGISTERED) RNI 25561/1973 DL(C)-14/1417/2021-23 P.O. SRT Nagar, ND-55. Posting Dt. 03 to 10. Published on 01/9/2021. Pgs. 116. WOMANʼS ERA WOMANʼS SEPTEMBER 2021