Questions & Answers Special DECEMBER (FIRST) 2017 ` 50

BACKSTORY OF AN BYE AGONY AUNT TO DARK CIRCLES & BLEMISHES

PARENTING CHAT WITH TEAM DURING WEATHER CHANGE AKSAR 2 ALL ABOUT 5 STIRRING GIG ECONOMY STORIES 7 SEXUAL 16 PALATABLE FANTASIES RECIPES

DECEMBER (FIRST) 2017 Vol 44, Issue No. 1056 womansera.com BUILDS HAPPY HOMES

BEAUTY QUERIES 16 TEENACHE 24 PERSONAL PROBLEMS 36 CHILD CHALLENGES 56 I AM PRGNANT 62

MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS AND ME...84 Articles YOUR BODY 92 KITCHEN QUERIES 100 AGONY AUNT GIG ECONOMY MONEY MATTERS 110 Romola Shanbhag06 Arun Bharati08 31 SEX WITH WIFE BELOW 18 YEARS IS RAPE NOW Suman Bajpai 53 7 SEXUAL FANTASIES Medha Chawla 83 PARENTING DURING CHANGE OF WEATHER SURVIVING ALL Pushpa Bhatia 26 ODDS 88 BIPOLAR DISORDER Dr Sanjay Teotia ADD LIFE TO 102 TERROR IN YOUR YEARS! MUMBAI I. M. Soni 10 Ranjana Bharij

Cookery PALATABLE40 RECIPES Crunchy Carrot Fries Rice Crispy Balls Banana Pudding Cabbage Kofta Spicy Brinjal Veg Broccoli Patties Cheese-Apricot Balls HIDE YOUR DARK Crispy Apple Pillows CANDID AND HOT Falafel Wraps Tanya Malik60 IRCLES99 AND BLEMISHES Shakuntala Sinha Sweet Potato Brownies 39 WOMAN’S ENTRECHAT 105 FORGIVE ME (Poem) 111 NEW LAUNCHES 12 WHEN SHE 106 MEMORIES OF 112 CLASSIFIEDS OVERCAME HER WORST PARTITION FEARS... Harshita Kale By Sangeeta Pandey & Sanjay Kumar Pandey 20 SERVER DOWN Features Stam Ageira, Mulki 58 A THOUSAND LIKES! 51 TIME TO KNOW Garima Bohra TYPES OF GEMS (QUIZ) Fiction 90 THE INCIDENT I CANNOT FORGET OFFICES Editor & Printer 1704, Lodha Supremus, Mumbai: 113 AS YOU SAY Dr E Moses Marg, Worli Naka, [email protected] NATH Worli, Geeta Talkies Building, Printed at: Mumbai-4000018 , Phone: 09821238898 E-3,Delhi Jhandewala Printing & PublishingEstate, Co. P. Ltd New Delhi-110 055 NEWS54 IN PICTURES Contests EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT & Readers’ Publisher: Paresh Nath. Published on PUBLICATION OFFICE behalf of Delhi Press Patra Prakashan E-3,Delhi Jhandewala Press Building, Estate, Pte. Ltd. Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi-110 055. Founder: Vishwa Nath (1917-2002) Phone: 41398821, 41398888.

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The names of characters used in all ISSN 0971-1503 fiction and semi-fiction articles are No article, story, photo or any fictitious. other matter can be reproduced from this magazine without written permission. COPYRIGHT NOTICE This copy is sold on the condition that © Delhi Press Patra Prakashan jurisdiction for all disputes concerning Private Limited sale, subscription and published matter New Delhi-110 055. INDIA. will be forums/tribunals at Delhi. MY MAGICIAN (Poem) 112 Self-addressed stamped envelopes must be enclosed with all manuscripts, otherwise the rejected material will not be returned. No responsi bility is MUMBAI assumed for material submitted for publication. On the Cover: 64FILMDMOM Model: Victoria Courtesy: Purple Model Management Make-up and Hair: Nahush N Pise Concept & Photography: Niloy Kumar De EDITORIAL should have been blood stains on his shirt. Nobody noticed blood stains in the school nor at home. Is CBI’s investigation baseless? SC ORDERS SPECIAL COURTS The motive of the crime is said to be strange. It is FOR CRIMINAL POLITICIANS said that the culprit was weak in studies and wanted that day’s examination to be postponed. Any one else he Supreme Court of India has taken a firm step could have been in Pradyuman’s place. The alleged Tagainst tainted political leaders. The court has criminal admitted the fact. Let us see what does the directed the central and state governments to court do. What torture the bus conductor must have form special courts to clear the pending cases against gone through in the jail! The question is what kind of them in one year. The court asked how many cases had culture is taking roots in these public schools. Is passing been cleared out of 1581 tainted members of the examination is such a big issue that some one would be Parliament and State Assemblies who fought elections murdered for it? Extorting heavy fees from parents, till 2014? How many fresh cases have been registered? mounting tension in students and hypocritical lifestyle The court directed the government to reply to this also cause such types of heinous incidents. within six weeks. What the government is expected to reply? In our FILM PADMAVATI: INVERTED DREAM country, the Parliamment and State Assemblies have t many places demonstrations against the movie the power to constitute and run a government. When its APadmavati are being staged and statements one-fourth members are with criminal background then made. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is lucky that his film is what the government can do? Many more are roaming being seen on front pages of newspapers and TV free out of the area of the courts and law of the land. channels. He would have not got so much publicity even Which government has dared to tackle them till now? if he had spent `100 crore. But the question is, what is When they were caught, they escaped by getting bail. objectionable in this film. Some Rajput organisations are They, one after another, go to higher court and the final raising objections against the film. In other words they verdict is not given even by the time they pass away. are dressing a valiant queen in a casteist controversy. This is why, the punishment for politicians must be Does it mean that only Rajputs have the right to be stringent and for a long time. Why it should be? Because, proud of Padmavati? the status of politicians is much more higher than that of It should be clear to everyone that insult to general people. If they are punished harshly, the fear Padmavati is insult of every Indian. If some people want factor will be strong enough to create an impact among to stop the insult it is right. But how did they know that public also. there are certain objectionable scenes in the film? Those When convicted, they should be immediately who are raising the objections have they seen the film? removed accordingly from the position of power (July Why are they protesting without watching seen the film? 2013 judgement). If they want to go for an appeal or The film has not been released yet. This question has bail, they can go. The Election Commision and Supreme been asked by Allahabad High Court and the apex court. Court both want to debar the politicians to contest any The film has been not yet put before the Censor Board. election for lifetime, if convicted of a crime. Even if the film is passed there is recourse to the Appeal Board. The film ‘PK’ was also the target of protest. Those MURDER OF PRADYUMAN: protesting against the film had not even seen the film. I had seen the film and said that the film had raised voice SOME QUESTIONS against hypocrisy. I discussed the film with the people he new facts which have surfaced about the raising objections. The controversy subsided. Tmurder of a boy in Gurgaon’s Ryan School are There are three objections being raised without heart-rending. For the murder of the student viewing the film Padmavati. The first one is that Pradyuman the school bus conductor Ashok Kumar was Padmavati has performed Ghoomar dance which Rajput arrested. Haryana Police had made him confess to the queens don’t do. Moreover, this film is made in 21st crime after torturing him physically. century and not the 14th. In another petition, there is an On the plea of Praduyman father when the matter allegation that the film support sati tradition. was entrusted to the CBI it was reveated that the Those who have filed the appeal should be asked the school’s senior student had murdered Pradyuman. The following question. Does Mahabharat support gambling same student had first informed the school authorities and the disrobement of queen Draupadi? about the corpse of Pradyuman (CCTV frotaye and The third objection is that Alauddin Khilji is has shown recovery of Knife led to the real criminal one whole dreaming about Padmavati. This is baseless allegation. It incident is so weird that it raises serious question on might be otherwise. Is it not possible that Padmavati police administration, judiciary, journalism, and had been invaching Alauddin’s dream and the protesters education system. The father of the alleged murder says had saw inverted scene about the dream. that if his son had committed the crime with knife there [email protected] We

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 5 AGONY AUNT An ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and advice you can trust. By Romola Shanbhag

It was almost a century ago, hen I visited my friend perhaps in the 1960’s , that WPanchali, I found her women’s magazines in the west teenaged girl engrossed in began to carry these features and a magazine. these became extremely popular. “Hi!” she chirped, lifting her head Primarily, these dealt with personal to look at me for a moment. problems and the person who gave “Mum’s in her room…please go advice, solace and encouragement right in, Aunty.” and other such features. Men’s to the troubled reader was called an I peeped at the magazine she magazines too carry such columns “agony aunt”. was reading, and saw she was to clear doubts on subjects which The origin of the first agony aunt reading a personal problems’ page. concern them. though lies lost in the mists of time. A little surprised, I asked, “You And, every magazine or paper Researchers have found that it all like these question – and -answer worth its salt knows that one of the began with a 32-year-old man called features?” most important “draws” of its John Dunton in 1691. The worthy “These are the best part of a publications are these trouble - was having an affair and did not magazine,” she said. “You get to shooting columns. Especially know who to turn to for advice know so much, and find answers to women and young teens will aver about it, without revealing his your own issues too…and it is that it is what they first turn to. identity. Being a printer and a comforting to know too that we are And the reason lies in the fact bookseller, he got a unique idea of not the only ones with troubles.” that other people’s problems are launching a paper called the Her candid reply gave me food endlessly fascinating to us. It is like Athenian Gazette which threw open for thought. Almost every women’s peeping into others’ lives, voyeurs its pages to the readers. It was and family magazine carries agony in their private world where no one totally devoted to problem queries aunt columns, beauty problem except the readers have been and answers. In short, the first pages, health queries and solutions invited to enter. agony aunt column was introduced

6 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 and an interactive magazine was reassuring for them. As the agony born. THESE aunt who I met earlier also said, Indeed, his publication COLUMNS ARE “Often we are harassed by became so popular that he persons who want to know was required to engage a GOD-SENT FOR FINDING SOME the identity of a certain team of advice SOLUTIONS, EVEN WHILE RETAINING questioner, but we columnists and writers never ever give it away. of both sexes to help OUR ANONYMITY. AND THESE PROVIDE We are duty bound to him out. With the hide it and keep the passing of years though, ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT, person safe as she has agony aunts far out- INFORMATION AND INTEREST TO reposed her trust in us.” numbered the uncles! It is also quite gratifying The golden age of agony OTHER READERS TOO FOR aunts was, however, OBVIOUS REASONS. undoubtedly the 1960’s when magazines and newspapers abounded and along with these, the immensely popular problem- solving spirits and put the whole issue in columns. We had Dear Frankie, Dear the right perspective. Most Linda, Dear Abby….and a host of importantly,we have to steer some such famous women who doled out desperate readers from adopting advice to unhappy, confused any drastic step they are readers. threatening to take.” Indeed, agony aunts have to UNDERSTANDING walk a tight rope between advice AGONY AUNTS and empathy. Interestingly, in the Victorian age, agony aunts chose a I had an occasion to meet a real hectoring tone, a moralistic stand, in-the-flesh agony aunt some years and derided any misdemeanor in back, and I couldn’t resist asking her strong terms. This alienated them a few questions. from their readers to a great extent. “Which is the most common But gradually, a more I-can-feel- problem that women have?” your-pain attitude took over, and “Relationship issues comprise agony aunts became more the largest chunk of the queries,” empathetic, sympathetic, she said at once. “Maybe in the responsive and non-judgmental. West, these center more on sex, Although agony aunt columns romance and such like, but in our are the most viewed, there are country, getting along with family several other interactive question- members seems to throw up the answer sections in many most challenges.” publications. Some deal with health, “Does an agony aunt need to sex, diet, and other issues, but the to know that agony aunts who have a certain persona?” I popularity of the agony aunt started their existence many wondered. remains undimmed through centuries ago are still very much in She smiled. “I don’t have any decades. demand. Times change but special credentials....or a halo But why? problems remain the same, be it the around my head. But I love There are so many issues that we Victorian age or the modern digital people…and I sympathise with that do not like to share with family and age. reader who feels we are the last even our closest friends. These As an agony aunt remarked resort…sort of like the Supreme columns are god-sent for finding dryly, “Everything can change but Court! That puts a big responsibility some solutions, even while human nature and the on my shoulders…and makes me retaining our anonymity. And these complications it brings remain the feel humble and very careful with provide endless entertainment, same…and we need help, solace my answers.” information and interest to other and advice…” We “My job is not to just give advice readers too for obvious reasons. about the course of action to be There is a bond of secrecy and It is the supreme art of the taken, but also to soothe hurt confidentiality too which is ensured teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. feelings, give strength to flagging for the troubled reader. This is very

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 7 What is a gig? A gig is a temporary contract job. It denotes a short-term contract or a freelance work as opposed to a permanent job. The contract employee gets paid once he finishes the work. GIG ECONOMY

A new concept. By Arun Bharati

What is a gig economy? In a gig economy, instead of a traditional workforce, there would be only a temporary or part-time workforce. The gig economy gets its name from each piece of work being similar to an individual ‘gig’. Workers are paid for each individual gig they do – such as food delivery or a car journey – instead of monthly salary/daily wage/hourly wage. Companies like Uber, Ola, Deliveroo have made a huge success with this concept. Even software companies hire gig workers on a project basis.

Is gig economy a new concept? The ‘gig concept’ is very common in advanced countries like the US and Europe, which hire part-time workers. With freelancing evolving into the gig economy, the concept is attracting a lot of people in India as well. Gig economy is remunerative and gives a wide range of choices, but it also leads to casualisation of the labour.

How many people are part of the gig economy? As many as 30 per cent of workers across the United States and Europe are thought to make up the gig economy. There are five million people currently working in the gig economy in the UK according to the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI). This is around 15.6 per cent of the total full and part-time workforce (31.95 million people). The statistics Why is gig economy preferred by ✿ Confidentiality of documents, etc of people involved in the gig employers? of the workplace is not economy in India is not very clear till The efficiency, efficacy and guaranteed here. When there is a now. productivity of workers in a gig situation where a gig worker is economy are much more than that potentially working for others as What factors contribute to a gig of a stable full-time job. well, including competitors, the economy? More economical for employers employer is wary of what he ✿ The comfort of working from – When employment givers can’t shares with the gig worker and home – in a modern digitilised afford to hire full-time workers, perennially suspicious. world, it is easy to work from they hire people for specific ✿ In few work projects where home with the click of a mouse. It projects and pay them. teamwork is essential, gig is independent contract work and Start-up companies and economy becomes dysfunctional workers don’t need to go to the entrepreneurs – who do not have in such a scenario. office for work but can work big financial space – can grow only ✿ It is still in a nascent stage in a remotely from home too. if they can leverage the services of country like India. ✿ More choices – There is a wide contract employees or freelancers. ✿ The government needs to step in, range of choices for the In a gig economy, businesses not to regulate away flexibility employment seeker as well as the save resources in terms of benefits, but to build worker and job provider as proximity to the office space and training. workplace protection into the workplace does not matter here. system. People also change jobs several THE GOVERNMENT ✿ One of the biggest changes is a times. NEEDS TO STEP IN, NOT recommendation to change the ✿ Experimentation – the gig TO REGULATE AWAY law to redefine what a “worker” economy is a reflection of means. experimentation too. FLEXIBILITY BUT TO ✿ Basic labour welfare like ✿ Uncertain business climates – As BUILD WORKER AND minimum wages, pension, etc can the nature of jobs is changing WORKPLACE be paid to the gig workers. (e.g. by automation, artificial ✿ Traditional job descriptions intelligence), there is no need to PROTECTION INTO THE should be overturned into skill- hire permanent employees. SYSTEM. based categorisations. ✿ There should be revamp of Why is gig economy preferred by What are the stumbling blocks in employee policy assessments and workers? a gig economy? evaluations. An effective One can also work on freelancing ✿ There is no certainty, stability or evaluation process is required to as well as work full-time somewhere job security in gig economy. ensure consistent and quality else. Hence, it is profitable to the ✿ Workers can be terminated any work, where customised worker as he can hit two targets time in a gig economy. assessment procedures will need together and multitask. ✿ Workers do not have a bargaining to be developed. It is very beneficial for women power in a gig economy. Effectively communicating the who work on this concept when ✿ Workers do not get pensions, employer brand is important as they cannot continue their work or gratuity, perks, etc that is communicating an authentic take a break from career due to available to full-time workers. corporate brand is needed for marriage or childbirth. ✿ There is no basis on which banks traditional talent acquisition Retired people can also stay and other financial service processes, even more important in active after retirement as this will providers can extend lines of a gig economy, where the keep them engaged away from credit when steady income is not foundation is built upon trust. loneliness and depression. They can assured. India should learn from earn as well on their own rather ✿ The social welfare objectives can developed countries like the US and than depending on their children or be neglected if business and basic training and courses on pensions. It offers flexibility and profitable avenues of freelancing freelancing, etc should be provided diversity to the workers, unlike the are prioritised. to people. India can engage with monotonous full-time jobs. It offers ✿ It is not accessible for people in the European Union and the United flexibility when workers can work many rural areas where internet States, where discussion on according to their convenience and connectivity and electricity still is protections in a gig economy is schedule rather than routine like in a distant dream. Hence, they are already under way. We full-time jobs. deprived of this opportunity and The travel costs and energy to this stems up the inequality Starting a business is easy, travel to the workplace is reduced. debate again. succeeding is a different story.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 9 Today. By I. M. Soni

here is more in life than living movement, even blood pressure Ta long time. It is quality, not vary within wide limits, without quantity. It is not the years in endangering health. Above all, the life which count, but the life in years! body has a self-regulatory There are no cast-iron rules for mechanism. This means you should that spring in your step except the have faith in the body and its ability supreme rule of taking it easy, not to deal with minor changes. fretting and fuming, and habitually Confidence is an immunising power! looking at the lighter side of life. The language of the sick-room A kill-joy attitude to life is has become the language of the negative. Fun and laughter are people in the queue. “I am suffering tonics as is having a keen interest in from high blood pressure, I have the work you are doing. When chronic ear-puss, I am diabetic,” are faculties are functioning, there is no the expressions people exchange friction which causes stress and instead of pleasantries. takes a heavy toll of wellness. It does no good, only a great deal Common ailments cause panic or of psychological harm. It forges that alarm. Common sense prevents which becomes the focus of more them. It is a mistake to avoid a anxiety. doctor. Nine times out of ten, the Emotions serve as regulators. fear is without a foundation. Watch the expressions as the heart One who lets anxiety gnaw at leaps for joy or one is sick with fear him is being unfair to himself. No or is too worried to eat. doctor will ridicule a patient for Regulate them. Emotions run or seeking advice. He will rather ruin health. Replace them. reassure him. And, in case of real Bury regrets of the past. There trouble, early diagnosis is a good must be no sighing “if only...” What treatment! has happened, if it cannot be A good deal of harm is done by corrected, it is finished. thinking that there is a typical The past is dead and gone. The standard of health and physique to future is uncertain. The only gift you which everyone must conform. have is ‘today’ that is why it is called Height, weight, sleep, bowel present! We

Short Story When She Overcame Her Worst Fears... She got into the swim of things. By Sangeeta Pandey & Sanjay Kumar Pandey

ama I want to irritated. “All of my friends been untoward incidents Mlearn swimming. are learning swimming this due to their gross Sheetu looked at summer and no one has negligence. her daughter, Udita. been drowned till date.” “It’s final; you are not “Please get me enrolled Udita was shooting anger going for the swimming for a swimming class. All of darts at her mother. But it classes.” She ended the my friends are learning it,” had no effects on her conversation with a sharp Udita said. mother. voice. Sheetu had Sheetu was not Sheetu had heard from heard from some convinced. She herself did some of her friends how scowling Udita left the of her friends not know swimming and most swimming coaches Aplace banging the how most had some sort of unknown often left their students on kitchen door behind her. fears related to drowning. their own, and how on After she had left, swimming “No! I cannot allow you. some occasions there had Sheetu switched on the TV coaches often It’s very risky. What if you and started watching her left their get drowned?” favourite daily show. All of “C’mon, ma, nobody a sudden Udita’s angry face students on their gets drowned!” The 10- I want to learn flashed before her eyes. swimming.” own, and how on year-old Udita was fairly Sheetu looked at her ‘What wrong had she some occasions daughter, Udita. said or wanted? What’s “Please get me enrolled for wrong if she learns there had been a swimming class. All of swimming?’ she asked untoward my friends are learning it,” Udita said. incidents due to their gross negligence. herself. She was not Sheetu “Not at all as countless hoping to get Sheetu’s focusing on the TV show people suffer from water reaction. now. hesitatingly fright and roughly 37 per ‘Only because I am narrated how she cent of the Americans are And, on getting none terrified of swimming,’ and had water phobia unable to swim.” Then, from her, he fear that Udita will be looking at his wife for a continued, “I will speak to harmed if she went for and was afraid moment, he added, “In the management of the swimming, shall I stop her that her daughter India also there are swimming pool tomorrow, from learning it?’ would land in countless people who do and get you registered for Surprisingly, she had no not know swimming and the evening classes.” answers to her own trouble if she are afraid of deep, open The next day, as questions. tried swimming. bodies of water. “ promised, he took them to You see, it’s not an the place and got them dita came back after an worst fears.” “Get Udita uncommon fear. But you enrolled for the classes. Uhour after playing with enrolled for the swimming can overcome it, trust me! Before he left he had a her friends. Her friends had classes! You also get It would be a really good lengthy conversation with narrated their wonderful enrolled.” idea if both the mother and the swimming coach, who experiences at the “But why should I also daughter got enrolled was around Sheetu’s age, neighbourhood swimming get registered for the together. This way, both of and also took a look at the pool, and how they had had classes?” Sheetu was you will learn it.” He added. facilities there. a wonderful time learning somewhat surprised. “We will not have to He left after cheering swimming with others. “Because you need to worry for Udita’s safety her up and echoing Payal’s Udita did not eat overcome your fears,” also as you will be there to thoughts that she needed properly that day despite Payal said encouraging her. keep a watch over her.” He Sheetu asking her for it Sheetu was not then paused for some time “See, continuously. Sheetu knew convinced but she there’s nothing Udita was unhappy and wrong with having angry. some sort of phobia...we all have.” Then, after a brief Later that day, she silence, Payal added, “But we spoke to her best friend, need to conquer our worst Payal. fears. “ “Get Udita enrolled “Hi! How are you?” for the swimming Payal was happy to classes! You also get enrolled.” receive Sheetu’s call. “I am fine, you tell what’s new?” “Well… Udita seems to be rather unhappy nowadays.” “What happened?” Sheetu narrated everything. “Well, then why don’t you enrol her for the swimming classes?” Payal was surprised. Sheetu hesitatingly promised that she would narrated how she had make an effort. water phobia and was Later that day, when her afraid that her daughter husband Prakash came would land in trouble if she back from his office, she tried swimming. shared her thoughts and “See, there’s nothing fears with him. wrong with having some “Am I suffering from sort of phobia...we all aquaphobia or water fright? have.” Then, after a brief Is it abnormal if I am?” She silence, Payal added, “But asked looking at her we need to conquer our husband. “Who told you that I suffered from water fright?” Sheetu was soared. And she had surprised. “Our coach told me. Yesterday, started enjoying her classes while you were swimming, she more and looked forward was telling the newcomers to going for the classes. about you, and giving them Her instructor was fairly your example to motivate impressed. “You have them. I felt so proud, ma, then.” learnt the basics pretty fast. At this rate, before the end of the month, you will even manage to swim in a river.”

heetu was elated and so Swas her daughter. Now even she had become pretty good at swimming, and had a great time at the pool in the company of her mother and others. “Thanks, ma!” She hugged Sheetu when they returned that day. “What happened?” “Well, you allowed me though you suffered from water fright, and feared that I would get drowned if I went for the swimming classes.” “Who told you that I suffered from water fright?” Sheetu was surprised. to conquer her fears and A smile engulfed hope and learn to enjoy.” It “Our coach told me. she could do that easily. Sheetu’s face. It was seemed her husband had Yesterday, while you were Their classes started shared her fears with the swimming, she was telling from that day itself. While the smile of pride coach. the newcomers about you, Udita had no hesitations and satisfaction Initially, she feared that and giving them your wading into the knee-deep that comes with she would be drowned and example to motivate them. waters, on the instructions so would her daughter. But I felt so proud, ma, then.” of her coach, Sheetu was conquering the a few days passed Then she again hugged hesitant and in two minds if worst fears. Not smoothly and nothing Sheetu. she must really do it. only had she untoward happened. A smile engulfed But then, clenching her Sheetu became a little Sheetu’s face. It was the teeth, and with a managed to bolder and even managed smile of pride and determined look on her overcome her own to pick up a few good satisfaction that comes face, she joined her fears, but had also swimming techniques that with conquering the worst daughter who seemed to become a role she later shared with her fears. Not only had she be having a great time in daughter. managed to overcome her the blue waters. model for her By the end of the own fears, but had also daughter and fortnight, Sheetu had become a role model for n their first day, their others. learnt to not only keep her daughter and others. Ocoach taught them herself afloat in the waters Yes, now she was not how to stand firmly in the learn swimming within the for almost 15-20 minutes, afraid of swimming; in fact, waters, feeling the gentle next fortnight.” Then without any support from she loved it! We caress of the moving water studying Sheetu’s face, as if her coach, but also swim on their bodies, without reading her thoughts, he and cover a small distance. Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive. falling, and said, ”You will added, “Just do not lose Now her confidence had

14 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017

Beauty Queries & A his is an embarrassing problem which I have not discussed with anyone! I am a 21-year-old girl who is getting married next month. Q Please tell me how to get rid of my thick pubic hair so that I have a smooth soft skin there. I go to the parlour for removing underarm Tgrowth, but what about this? Please advise. There is really no need to remove this as it is a natural growth which is expected in a woman. You can trim it short with scissors, if you wish. Shaving is also an alternative, but it will not leave your skin very smooth. Use the best In winter, my facial skin tends to become shaving cream and always dampen the area first. You can shave as often as dry and leathery. Please give me some you feel is necessary, even daily if you wish. tips to keep it supple and smooth in the Some women prefer to use a depilatory. Caution should be taken that the cold months of Delhi. I am a 29-year-old delicate private tissues do not get harmed by chemicals of the product. working woman who is outdoors for long Follow instructions on the pack carefully. stretches of time. Actually, men find pubic hair attractive, and it is only in modelling, etc It is wise to change your beauty that the pubic line is cleared for photo shots. routine according to the weather you are facing. You cannot use the same My friend who has a fabulous skin, says she uses BB creams. What are these cosmetics both in summer and winter and what do these do to the skin? and expect to look good unless your skin BB cream stand for beauty balm or blemish balm. Some describe it as the falls in the normal category. Sadly, we “world’s best tinted moisturizer” and it contains loads of other skin- have either dry, oily or combination benefiting ingredients, including SPF. It acts like a moisturiser, light complexions which need careful foundation and a sunscreen. pampering. This multipurpose cream is the newest product on the beauty block and a In chilly days, always use heavier must-have for every woman’s make-up box. It gives you a matt finish on creams and lotions, containing the skin, covers blemishes, hydrates and protects from UV rays. lubricating agents like oils, lanolin, and Put a tiny blob on face and spread with fingertips or sponge. Always such-like emollients. Do not use ensure that you get a good brand and discontinue use if your skin becomes foundation directly on face; apply a layer red, blotchy or itchy, as this shows you are allergic to some component in the of moisturiser first. Let it settle and then product. apply the foundation or BB cream.

16 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Beauty & Queries Q A At bedtime, after washing off etc do trigger reactions from sensitive laser hair removal treatments, which make-up, apply a good night cream skins and cause redness or rash. are expensive but more convenient liberally, using small circular A condition called psoriasis also and satisfying. movements with your fingers to rub it presents itself with a reddish bumpy If you wish, consult an in. rash with silvery appearance. This is endocrinologist to check on your If your lips tend to crack, apply a an autoimmune disease, and is often hormone levels too. thin layer of balm before the lipstick, seen to run in families. If you do not which should also be thick and rich in feel much relief with the above I went on a holiday and have come oils. suggestions, it is best to consult a back with dry frizzy hair with split Use soaps which are kind on your specialist to assess you. ends. Help!! How can I restore it to its skin, which do not have harsh past silky smooth glory? chemicals. Better still, avoid soaps Whitish flakes fall off my hair when I You should always take altogether and use shower creams or comb my hair. I think it is dandruff. I precautions to protect your hair from face gels instead. do not want to use dandruff the elements when on a holiday… by Get a whole body massage with shampoos without trying a home wearing a head scarf, using a hair coconut, olive or mustard oil at least remedy because I am allergic to tonic or serum to nourish it, etc. But once a week. chemicals. Please suggest . the harm done to your hair can be Drink at least 8 glasses of water a You, indeed, seem to have rectified easily with the following day to keep yourself well hydrated. dandruff. Here are a couple of steps. effective concoctions which can help First, cut your hair to remove split I have a fair smooth complexion but you. ends or these will split further up the for some tiny reddish lines in the area ✿ In a bowl, crack an egg and whisk shafts to cause more damage. You under the nose. This looks odd. Please it. Add two tbsp. of lime juice. Rub can choose a groovy step-cut to look tell me what these are and how to get this in your scalp gently and keep for great. rid of them. a half an hour. Wash off with a mild Next treat your hair with a heavy If this is red and blotchy, you could shampoo. rich conditioner before you shampoo be having a condition called rosacea. ✿ Warm a little coconut oil in a it. Then, after the shampoo, use a Consult a dermatologist to get a bowl; add a little neem oil, some conditioner once more. This will give diagnosis who can treat it effectively. drops of cedarwood, lavender and your scalp a lot of nutrition and You will also be advised to avoid hot rosemary essential oils. hydration to remove the dryness. spicy foods, hot water baths and other Massage this in your scalp, using There are leave-in conditioners too elements which cause inflammation. your fingertips. Soak a thick towel in which you can keep on all night long The red lines could also be broken hot water, wring it out and wrap it before washing. Always remember to capillaries under the skin which are around your scalp for an hour before apply conditioner on dampened hair. often prominent in fair translucent washing hair with a gentle shampoo. To remove frizz in the hair, many complexions. This can be women swear by the efficacy of a camouflaged with make-up or I am a 45-year-old mother of two kids. keratin treatment. You can try it to concealer very nicely. For a Recently, when I wore a backless mend the broken bonds in the hair permanent solution you should blouse, my friend remarked that I structure due to excessive exposure consult a cosmetic surgeon who can have quite a lot of hair on my back! I to the sun. Parlours offer this use intense pulsed light laser was shocked. How did this come and treatment. treatment. This will need several when? I checked in a mirror and found Return to normalcy may not be sittings and could be expensive as that she was right. I wish I had done very quick but will surely happen well. this before going to that party. Now, within a few weeks if you take the please tell me how to deal with this? above tips. There are patches of dry, scaly skin on Your problem is common with my thighs and shins. I have tried to women in their pre-menopause and treat it with coconut oil and menopause years where hair can grow BEAUTY QUERIES petroleum jelly but to no avail. What on the back, chin and even chest due can I do to improve ? to the dips in the estrogen hormone. Readers are invited to send their It does not seem like a simple skin Use a depilatory cream which is beauty problems and questions regarding face, complexion, problem but could need treatment good for large patches of skin. Or hair, skin, eyes etc to this column. from a dermatologist. You could first even waxing gives good results and is Address your letters, written try to find out if this is caused by an not as painful as facial waxing either. legibly or typed on white paper, to: allergic reaction to the detergent you Get this done at the parlour because WOMAN'S ERA, use for washing clothes or to the these body areas are obviously hard E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. material used for your trousers or to reach. Womansera.com jeans. Synthetic materials like nylon, For a permanent removal consider Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 17 TURMERIC FORMULA THE MIRACULOUS HEALTH AGENT

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18 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017

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His action lowered him in his own eyes. By Stan Ageira, Mulki

hargav’s day at office “Why are you calling on “Could you please tell Bwould begin with a landline?” He questioned. me the reason behind this cup of coffee, “You could have called on call?” Bhargav changed his followed by customary my cellphone.” tone and pleaded. cigarette. Thereafter he “Check your cellphone.” “Listen, can you come would look into files and Urmila retorted. “I called home early this evening? “ computer. He worked in you three times.” She sounded emotional. District Collector’s office. “Sorry, I have kept my “We have some guests Dealing with land issues mobile in the drawer.” He coming over to our place was his job responsibility. remembered. “I have no for dinner. Do you know my “Sir, someone He investigated and time to breathe. Too busy. I US settled Uncle Puru and wants to meet verified the files related to left the house an hour back. his wife Aunt Janaki? They you.” His land disputes before What is so important that are in town. Quite assistant walked sending for collector’s cropped up?” unexpected. Lovely people. signature. Bhargav exhaled “I have not called you for They are staying at hotel. in and placed a last puff and entered his chit-chat,” She firmly You have not met them. file on his table. office. His assistant hastily replied. Uncle Puru is my dad’s “His name is alerted him. “How elder brother. They could “Your wife is on line 1.” about quid pro not make it for our Prahlad. This is He was informed by his quo? Would you mind wedding. I have called spending ten thousand for a related to assistant. quick-fix solution?” them for dinner.” residential “Hello. Bhargav “Why ten thousand?” “Guests during speaking.” He grabbed the “Server is down. Stakes are high. weekdays…” Bhargav’s boundary receiver while sitting on his You are in an awkward situation. sentence remained dispute.” chair. It would be my responsibility incomplete. to arrange DC’s order to re- “This is Urmila.” His wife measure the “They are travelling replied. boundary. “ before weekend.” She cut him short. “Uncle enjoys daily booze, not much, just a drink or two. Can you get thoughts flashed through property location, a big fish on his radar. some good Scotch? What Bhargav’s head. description, tax receipts, “Mr Prahlad is waiting do you call it, Black...?” A man with wisps of complaint date etc. are for you.” His assistant “Black Label?” Bhargav grey hair appeared in front available online with click reminded him. was disturbed. “It is of him with a folder in of a button. Action taken “Tell him the server is expensive.” hand. by department against your down.” Bhargav replied. “Once in a while it’s “I am Prahlad.” He existing complaint has to okay.” She defended. stretched his hand. “May I be verified. I will have to he assistant nodded “They are childless. The sit down?” read through before Twithout seeking further couple live stylishly with “Please sit down.” suggesting next course of explanation. Bhargav some taste for high life. I Bhargav reluctantly shook action. I am sorry this showed no interest to meet will cook the main course, his hand. “Any problem?” cannot be done without Prahlad. He stepped out of as I know their taste. Could “I own a 1089 sq. plot checking online.” his office at 2 pm to have you bring some tasty close to airport.” Soft- “When do you expect lunch. While passing appetizers from a good spoken Prahlad opened his the server to be allright?” through visitors’ area he restaurant? They love folder. “The adjoining plot Prahlad gently asked. looked at his target. Bengali sweets. Please do was bought by one Mr “I am not a technician.” “Sir, Is your server not forget. While attending Charan Raj. He has built a A meaningless smile pulled working now?” Prahlad University classes I used to house. While fencing his lips tight. “It could be stood up respectfully with have lunch with them Charan Raj has encroached folded hands. regularly for three years as on about 100 sq. of my “Server is still “Server is still down. You their house was close to my property. I spoke to him. He down. You must be must be hungry. There is a college. There after his has arrogantly refused my hungry. There is a top-quality veg restaurant, company sent him to the claim. I am seeking justice. I close to our office. Would US. Now, they are settled would be grateful if you top-quality veg you like to join?” Bhargav in the US with occasional could investigate and re- restaurant, close to changed the subject. visits to India.” measure the land as per our office. Would Prahlad followed him title deeds.” like an obedient student. he line was “One Minute.” Bhargav you like to join?” They walked for three Tdisconnected. The viewed computer screen Bhargav changed minutes and entered an air- conversation left him a bit and pressed some keys. the subject. conditioned high-end depressed. They were his “Did you register a restaurant. They checked wife’s close relatives. He complaint?” five minutes, ten minutes, into washing room, came did not have any option to “Yes Sir. Here is the thirty minutes, and couple out and occupied corner avoid. There was no point reference.” He flipped of hours or could be until seats. in arguing. They had through some papers while evening. I cannot tell. “When do you expect married six months back. reading a number. Anyway, take a break and the server to be alright?” He was still unfamiliar with “Have you paid all come after an hour. I hope Prahlad asked after wife’s close and distant taxes?” it will be alright by then.” ordering food. relatives. Unanticipated “Everything is paid. Up “I understand your plot expenditure bothered him. to date. Do you want see rahlad opened his is close to airport.” Bhargav He worked in District the receipts?” Prahlad lifted Pmouth to say looked around and Collector’s office. Residents the folder from his lap. something. He held back whispered gently. visited Collector’s office to “No need. I can find out himself and refrained from “You must have bought resolve a variety of issues. online.” Bhargav raised his comment. A dismayed it very cheap.” Somehow, guest’s eyebrows and relaxed back Prahlad reluctantly got up “Oh Yes.” Prahlad entertainment cost had to in his seat. “Some problem, to his feet, emitted long replied proudly. “It was be recovered. Bhargav not able to access the site. I deep breath before walking bought twenty years back.” decided stealthily to select am afraid, perhaps server is out. Bhargav pulled the “Really? Now, it must be and stalk his prey. down.” drawer and picked his high-priced. I guess more “Sir, someone wants to “All records are here.” cellphone. He went than 10 millions.” meet you.” His assistant Prahlad pointed at his through his WhatsApp “Of course, the walked in and placed a file folder. messages. He attended appreciation is giving good on his table. “His name is “That is not the way we other visitors and updated value for my investment.” Prahlad. This is related to operate.” Bhargav removed their files. Few bucks were “How about quid pro residential boundary his eyeglasses and placed collected in the process by quo? Would you mind dispute.” them on table. “All records unethical ways. Bhargav spending ten thousand for “Send him in.” Multiple are stored online. Your was not contented. He had a quick-fix solution?”

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 21 “Why ten thousand?” Bengali sweets upset. He paid the waiter picked up from a posh “Server is down. Stakes while recovering his confectionery store. He are high. You are in an were picked up composure. paid generously without awkward situation. It would from a posh “Now you can leave and any worry. He was duty be my responsibility to confectionery live in peace.” Bhargav bound to keep his wife arrange DC’s order to re- patted Prahlad’s shoulder happy and make her measure the boundary. I store. He paid as they stepped outside the happier by treating her am working in DC’s office. I generously without restaurant. “ relatives well. know the officials who any worry. He was Overwhelmed by accept gifts and I will make duty bound to keep hargav reached his smugness, he parked his them swiftly to move your Boffice with heaviness of scooter inside the gate. file. If Charan Raj pays and his wife happy and money in his pocket. He felt They lived on fourth floor. moves faster, you could be make her happier energised and motivated. Bhargav locked his scooter, left high and dry. Whoever by treating her With a cheerful smile on his carried the bags and that Charan Raj, we have to face, he went through land entered the elevator. put him in his place. The relatives well. records online and picked Urmila opened the door in a quicker you act, better for up Prahlad’s file. The case rush of panic as she heard you.” Soon after they finished study was done, report was the doorbell. “……” Prahlad pondered their lunch, Prahlad made and the file was sent “You promised to reach in silence. counted ten thousand and for Deputy Commissioner’s by 7:30 pm. It’s eight o “Justice delayed is handed over. signature. His colleagues clock.” She spoke in hushed justice denied.” Bhargav “Would you pay the had left at five pm. Bhargav tone. “They are already in.” was irritated by delay in bill?” Bhargav shamelessly stayed late until 6:30 pm. “What to do? You know response. “You seem like a advised. Before leaving the office, the traffic.” He went inside nice person. I thought of Prahlad was visibly he called Urmila and the kitchen to keep food helping you. If you are not promised to reach home by parcels and then followed interested…” “Let 7:30 pm. her. Bhargav stopped and me introduce my Bhargav drove his “Let me introduce my swung around. Waiter dear Uncle and Aunt.” scooter and stopped at dear Uncle and Aunt.” appeared to place food on Excitement was evident in wine shop. As Excitement was evident in the table. Urmila’s voice. suggested by his Urmila’s voice. A middle-aged couple were waiting “I am ready.” Prahlad’s to greet Bhargav. They stood up. wife, the Black Label face clouded and lips Bhargav had seen this man before. was bought. He middle-aged couple quivered. The man with wisps of grey hair. collected veg and Awere waiting to greet “Your job will be done.” What was he doing here? Stuck in non-veg starters from Bhargav. They stood up. Bhargav was excited. trance, an utterly high-end restaurant. Bhargav had seen this man discomposed Bhargav felt as frozen as ice. Bengali sweets were before. The man with wisps of grey hair. What was he doing here? Stuck in trance, an utterly discomposed Bhargav felt as frozen as ice. “Meet Uncle Puru and Aunt Janaki. Uncle Puru is my dad’s elder brother. His name is Prahlad. We lovingly call him Uncle Puru.” She introduced. “This is my husband Bhargav. He works in District Collector’s office.” We

“Life doesn’t require that we be the best, only that we try our best.”

Teenache & A am a 13-year-old girl and have a question for you. I find black hairs growing in my armpits. What should I do with this? Shave it, wax it or just Q let it be? The appearance of underarm hair is one of the first signs of puberty in Iyoung people. Pubic hair will appear next, and then periods and the rounding of breasts. You can shave or wax the armpits to remove the hair, or even just leave it. The problem with the last option is that with sweating, there could be a integrity and values will like you for what build-up of bacteria and the ensuing unpleasant odour. Also, underarm hair you are and not what you possess. Sift does not look good if you are wearing short sleeved or sleeveless tops. the grain from the chaff. There are special ladies’ razors which shave safely without nicking. But Your idea to earn money on the side stubbly hair will grow back within a week. Waxing gives you more clean and to keep up with your affluent peers is not long-lasting results. Later, you could choose laser removal of superficial a good idea at all. Be strong and hair which stops re-growth permanently. principled. This attitude will serve you all through life. I study in class 7 of a very elite school in Delhi, and my classmates come from affluent backgrounds. My problem is that I belong to the middle-class I have taken my 10th exams and am background and cannot afford the things they have, the clothes they wear planning to take up Science in the next and their expensive habits. It makes me feel very inferior, although I hate to class because my parents want me to admit this, as my parents have made many sacrifices to send me here. study engineering. Recently though, Incidentally, in academics, I am among the top three in class, but I wish I there are many reports saying that the could earn some money so that I can also be like them. engineering sectors are in the doldrums Your feelings of inadequacy and inferiority are very understandable. and there are very few job openings too. Teens want to conform to their peers’ standards and long to command their It is no longer wise to go for engineering, attention, admiration and acceptance. according to the media. Firstly, try not to compare your positions. Surely, they respect you for Is Commerce a good alternative? What your intelligence. If any of them behave condescendingly or patronisingly avenues will be open for this subject? towards you due to your austere circumstances, do realise that these Please inform. persons are not worth your friendship. Genuine friends of fine character, There are indeed reports saying that a

24 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 & Teenache Q A glut of engineers in a low- demand relationship. And now, you feel Is there any way I can grow at least 4 market has left many young persons cheated, let down and ashamed. inches taller? I am a 15-year-old girl jobless. With the Science option, There’s no need to feel bad. Just break who is only 5 feet tall now. My friend however, could even opt for the off from him and put it all behind you. tells me that there is some medicine medical courses and its many tertiary He does not deserve you and you are or drug which induces a growth spurt. branches. better off without such an unstable Please give me the name so that I can Commerce will give you job unreliable person. And losing one’s try it out. I am desperate. opportunities chiefly in the rapidly virginity is no big deal these days Firstly, do not lose hope of growing growing banking sector, chartered when more than 80 % of teenagers taller as you still have at least 4 more accountancy, business management, fall in this category. Be happy and growing years ahead of you. Height is etc. All very good professions. carefree and enjoy your life with good greatly determined by genes and First, honestly and carefully decide friends. Next time, take your time hereditary factors. If short physique is what career you are suited for. before trusting anyone totally. common in your family, there is a high Engineering and Medicine are not so likelihood you will be short too. hot nowadays when there are so Although I study in Delhi, I long to Diet and exercise are important for many exciting new courses offered to stay in the school hostel, as many of over all growth of a child. It has been young people.There are so many my friends do and seem to have a proven that it is the nutrition which other fields like journalism, science good time together. I am a 15-year- today’s youth are given that has made research, etc, which can be very old girl living in a joint family set- up. children, much taller and stronger rewarding. Our quarters are crowded and I am than some decades ago. Add more All things considered, if you are unable to concentrate on my protein, iron and zinc to your diet. really interested in engineering, go for academics due to the constant chatter Aerobic exercise like jogging, skipping it, without paying much heed to and interruptions. Living in a hostel and yoga helps to stretch ligaments reports. With dynamic thinking, will help me to get better grades too. and muscle to create a growth persistence, hard work and My parents are dead against this increase. application, you can make a success idea. They feel it is absurd for me to If heredity is not the culprit, you of your choice. even think of this plan. They want me could consult an endocrinologist to to adjust to the “small discomforts” evaluate your physique and find out if My boyfriend and I are both 17 year as it will strengthen my character! I hormones are at the bottom of the old and classmates in school. I love am so angry and frustrated that I want problem and suitable treatment can him a lot and have also given in to his to run away from home. be initiated for growth hormone pleas to be intimate with him. One Your parents must be having some deficiency. It will be comforting for thing now worries me a lot. He has strong and valid reasons for not you to know that one does not need a never confessed that he will always letting you join the hostel. Firstly, few tall stature to be successful in life. love me and that sometime in the school hostels admit students whose Many of the most revered and future will marry me. I have, on the home is in the same place. Hostels are esteemed personalities are not tall. other hand, told him many times that reserved for outstation students only, Also, there are several tricks of I will love him all my life. except in special cases. You may not couture, cosmetics, etc which can I also find that nowadays, he is get admission there anyway! hide your lack of inches very flirting with other attractive girls. You are clearly more interested in effectively which you can adopt later. There is some cooling off on his side “having a good time” than improving towards me. What does this mean? your grades.This is not a good reason Will he break off with me? I hate at all, considering the extra myself for losing my virginity to this expenditure your parents will have to TEENACHE boy. I feel devastated and want to end face. my life. Request your family to give you a This column is especially for teenagers. Adolescence can, we know, be Get a grip on yourself and do not quiet nook to study. You can also have a trying and confusing time. There are succumb to such weak, negative regular study hours with a cooperative so many questions which seem to evade emotions. This situation happens all friend in her house, or a neighbour’s solutions. A wrong decision, or an the time. Mainly, this is due to the fact spare room, etc, etc. Not every indiscreet move, can spell disaster and that adolescents are not ready for student gets a room to herself and ruin a life. Share your problem, worry or doubt with us and WE will help you steady, lifetime commitments. It is quiet, undisturbed space for study. find a way out — to a happier, healthier too much to expect when they have Even wearing earplugs when hitting and more successful adult life. Send all the time ahead to find their soul your books can keep you insulated your problems to: mates. from unwanted surrounding sounds. WOMAN’S ERA Sadly, like many teenagers, you The bottom line is: accept the E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055 felt convinced that this is your true decision with good grace. Grin and Womansera.com love, and gave your all to the bear it, as they say! Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 25 Surviving all odds Breast cancer survivors walk the runway for Premal Badiani at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer. Premal Badiani with the cancer fighters and Ishita Dutta.

ast month, Premal Badiani, India’s very own International LHaute Couture Fashion Designer showcased at New York Fashion Week for the second time. The designer honoured breast cancer fighters and survivors like never before! Her collection, Valentia – that means brave in Latin – was feminine and sexy, encouraging women especially the breast cancer fighters and survivors to embrace their womanhood with boldness, confidence and a touch of sensuality. The unconvential hand embroidery on each silhouette gave the collection a slightly mythical look that further enhanced the feminity. The colour palette with the hues of pink mixed with grey and green were carefully chosen to highlight breast cancer awareness, staying true to the brand’s philosophy of being one truly with heart and soul. Premal Badiani complemented her collection with exclusively designed and beautiful hand-crafted floral and elk horn headpieces that symbolised strength, the fighter spirit yet being feminine and gorgeous. Breast Cancer treatments can be brutal, causing women to lose their hair, self-esteem and sometimes their breasts. Premal Badiani’s show was instrumental in showing women that despite having or fighting breast cancer, it is still possible to look and feel good, sexy and desirable. Premal Badiani commented saying, "I wanted to force people to reimagine the disease that is supposed to make a woman feel unattractive and lose her womanhood. My aim with this collection was to showcase the breast cancer fighters and survivors as any other woman – strong, sexy and senuous while they took each step on the runway.” The label supported the American Cancer Society where VIP tickets and outfits were auctioned to raise funds for the charity. Their jewellery partner, Belsi is a perfect blend of eclectic modern range of jewellery varying from bespoke bridal to exquisite a la mode collections that help glamourise any outfit. BREAKING ALL TABOOS Belsi’s founder, Riddhi Fazal commented on the association, “We decided to come onboard with Premal Badiani as we strongly believe in the cause and have always been a huge fan and supporter of everything that Premal does in and outside of fashion. We have always been a proponent of cancer awareness and we are happy to associate with a cause on this scale.” Tina Sharma, an Indian cancer fighter and survivor commented, "Women not having hair is still a taboo in the Indian society. For that reason I had not found the strength to disclose my illness until this time. For me to walk the runway was breaking all stereotypes. Premal today made me feel powerful and liberated." Cancer survivor, Marry Ann D’Achille who walked the runway, said “My biggest excitement is serving the American Cancer Society and serving the designer Premal and being introduced to her beautiful designs. I love the influence of her ideas.” Premal Badiani, a British born – American couturier known globally for commendable fashion, has carved a niche for herself by revolutionising the American couture industry through her distinctive glamorous concepts. She is associated with many charity organisations, internationally making sure that the brand keeps pursuing their social responsibilities towards the betterment of society. We

Photography: Asim Farooki Photography Jewellery: Belsi's by Riddhi Fazal Headgear: Angela Buchanan Hardin SEX WITH WIFE BELOW 18 YEARS IS RAPE NOW The supreme court has made it so. By Suman Bajpai

hould a man be charged with Challenging the provision, NGO age of consent to 18 years in 2013 is Srape if he has sexual Independent Thought sought the that a girl below the age of 18 years intercourse with his unwilling SC's direction to fix the age of is considered incapable of realising wife? Men say “No”. The sexual consent at 18 years for wives the consequences of her consent; government says “Yes”. as well, and quash the exception, she is treated as a minor under law India’s Supreme Court’s decision which was carved out to protect the and, therefore, mentally and that sex with an underage wife rights of children forced into physically not mature enough to constitutes rape, is a significant marriage by their parents. give a valid consent. decision that could affect millions of The SC gave the ruling in reply to Therefore, consent by a girl less girls. In a landmark judgment, the a petition filed by NGO Independent than 18 years of age is no consent apex court junked a 77-year-old law Thought which had challenged the under law. If this is the object for and ruled that sex between a man exception clause (2) under Section increasing the age of consent to 18 and his wife below 18 years of age 375 IPC (which deals with rape) that years in 2013, then marriage of girl will count as rape and the husband says intercourse or sexual act by a at the age of 15/16/17 years does not can face up to 10 years' man with his wife, not below 15 make the girl mature enough imprisonment under the Indian years, is not rape. Here are the [mentally or physically] for the Penal Code or even a life term under arguments put forth by the purpose of consent. Thus, the law is the POCSO (Protection of Children petitioner in the court: ex-facie discriminatory as the from Sexual Offences) Act of 2012. ✿ The main object of contention classification has no rational nexus that the NGO stated in its plea was with the object." What is the judgment? that there is a difference in the age ✿ The petition also said that Section 375 says, sexual of consent in this exception as Parliament cannot allow the age of intercourse without consent with a opposed to the other laws. The consent for sexual intercourse to girl aged below 18 is rape, but petitioner stated that there is no be less than 18 as that would exception 2 excludes from the rationale behind the said amount to the exploitation of a girl definition sexual intercourse or acts difference. child. "Simply because some with one's wife if she is over 15. "The rationale for increasing the marriages in India are being

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 31 performed at an age lower than 18 even if she was a willing partner, from 16 to 18 was the process of years, it is not a justification to sex with a girl less than 10 was enacting a special law, the lower the age of consent to as low deemed to be statutory rape. In Protection of Children from Sexual as 15 years," the petition states. 1891, the colonial government Offences (POCSO) Bill. In 2011, a ✿ Be it Prohibition of Child raised the age of consent to 12, parliamentary standing committee Marriage Act, 2006, or Juvenile following outrage over the death in headed by Oscar Fernandes Justice (Care and Protection of Bengal of child bride Phulmonee as recommended that change in the Children) Act, 2000, all regard a girl, a result of ‘consensual sex’ with her age of consent despite opposition less than 18 years, as a child. So, if a adult husband. Yet, conservatives from the ministry of women and child between 15 and 18 years led by no less than Bal Gangadhar child development. Strengthened undergo sexual intercourse after Tilak attacked the incremental by the standing committee's report, marriage, it infringes upon her reform as a ‘dangerous precedent’ the conservative opinion forced the fundamental rights as a girl child. and ‘interference with Hinduism’. Manmohan Singh government to How can a girl who is not mentally After a couple of more such enhance the age of consent to 18 in and physically fit to give consent till incremental reforms, the age of the POCSO bill passed in the Budget she reaches 18 years, be considered consent stabilised in 1940 at 16, session of 2012. capable of giving consent for sexual which is a global norm. Seven As a corollary, the government activities before the said age? decades later, in an even more was confronted with the demand to ✿ The petitioner had also stated liberal scenario, conservative forces make a corresponding change in the the harmful effects that an early struck again, this time to increase – IPC. But the public outrage over the pregnancy can have on the life of not decrease – the age of consent. Nirbhaya gang rape in December the young child. What gave them the opportunity to 2012 came in the way as feminist The SC, however, clarified that it demand raising the age of consent groups lobbied with the has not touched on the issue of government to keep the age of marital rape – a husband forcing SECTION 375 SAYS, consent at 16. Eventually, the himself on his wife despite her SEXUAL INTERCOURSE conservatives trumped the liberals unwillingness to have sex. “We when an all-party meeting make it clear that we have refrained WITHOUT CONSENT compelled the government to drop from making any observation with WITH A GIRL AGED the proposal of rolling back the age regard to the marital rape of a of consent to 16 in POCSO. So, when woman who is 18 years of age or BELOW 18 IS RAPE, BUT rape provisions were tightened in more since that issue is not before 2013, the age of consent was raised us at all. Therefore, we should not EXCEPTION 2 EXCLUDES to 18 in the IPC too. The resulting be understood to aver to that issue FROM THE DEFINITION legal landscape is fraught with even collaterally,” it said. Through anomalies, making girls more its ruling, the SC rejected the SEXUAL INTERCOURSE vulnerable than ever before. government's contention that social OR ACTS WITH ONE'S realities required that the Child marriages in India exemption provided in the case of WIFE IF SHE IS OVER 15. Despite a law prohibiting child unions where the wife's age is marriage, India has more child between 15 and 18 be retained. In brides than anywhere else in the the case of such a marriage, the age world. The girl's family, often poor, of consent was seen to be 15. can view it as lifting an economic By this ruling, the SC has burden. One analysis of the 2011 established a uniform 18 years as census states that 10 million girls age of consent, age of marriage and were married before they turned 18 the exception to rape under Section and nearly 800,000 before they 375 of IPC, which had been different reached 10. As per the National ever since the IPC came into force in Family Health Survey, 46 per cent of 1860. women between the ages of 18 and 29 years were married before the Looking back age of 18. When the Indian Penal Code There is one case --The (IPC) was enacted way back in 1860, Rukhmabai case of 1884-88 – which the age of consent – the minimum gives the insight of the plight of age at which a girl is legally girls who married at an early age. competent to have consensual sex – Rukhmabai was a child bride of was fixed at 10. In other words, the 19th century in British India. Her

32 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 mother had herself suffered a Rukhmabai was studying in Hospital in Poona. In the meantime, similar fate because of child school when her husband Dadaji Dr. Edith Pechey-Phipson, at the marriage. She was married off at Bhikaji demanded in March 1884 Cama Women's Hospital raised a the age of 14 and delivered that she come and live with him. fund to help pay for Rukhmabai's Rukhmabai when she was barely 15 She refused, and Dadaji petitioned medical education in London. and before she had attained her the Bombay High court to direct Rukhmabai qualified from the seventeenth year she had become a that his wife Rukhmabai move into London School of Medicine for child widow. Her fate was sealed. his house and live with him for Women in 1894 and returned to Seven years later Rukhmabai’s restitution of conjugal rights of a India to head a hospital in Poona. mother remarried Sakaram Arjun, husband, over his wife. She Rukhmabai became chief medical the groom, a famous doctor and steadfastly refused to go with her officer of hospitals in Surat and professor of Botany at the Grant husband, and the court gave her Rajkot. She never married again as, Medical College in Bombay. When two options. Either go with the although her husband, Dadaji Rukhmabai became 11 years old, husband, to his house, or face Bhikaji had finally accepted financial because of social pressure and the imprisonment and go to the prison. compensation not to continue with then prevailing custom in her Rukhmabai preferred the latter, to his claims, her legal situation in conservative society, Rukhmabai go to the prison, instead of Hindu law as neither married nor was married in 1876, to Dadaji accompanying her husband. unmarried, was never clear. She Bhikaji, then all of 19 years of age, a In 1888, the two parties came to died in 1955 aged 91. poor relative of her step-father a compromise and Rukhmabai was The Irony is this that a minor girl, Sakaram Arjun. Again according to saved from imprisonment. Then who is already married, almost the then social norms, Rukhmabai Rukhmabai studied medicine in always with the consent of her did not accompany her husband to England and returned to India, to parents, will not usually have the her in-laws house but remained in become the head of a Hindu courage to go to the police or court her parent’s home for more than a and file a case against her husband. decade. DESPITE A LAW Dadaji had visited the home of Need to protect the his wife several times but, according PROHIBITING CHILD institution of marriage to reliable sources, the marriage MARRIAGE, INDIA HAS The institution of marriage must between him and Rukhmabai was MORE CHILD BRIDES be protected. Otherwise, the never consummated. When Dadaji children from such marriages will filed a case for the “restitution of THAN ANYWHERE ELSE suffer. Just because there are child conjugal rights", he had opened a IN THE WORLD. THE marriages across the country as a can of worms, in that it became the tradition, should it be accepted? most publicised court case in GIRL'S FAMILY, OFTEN Times have changed and what was Bombay and indeed the whole of POOR, CAN VIEW IT AS acceptable a few decades ago may India, during the 19th century. It not necessarily be acceptable today. was a cause celebre – a case with far LIFTING AN ECONOMIC A girl child cannot be treated as a reaching consequences. BURDEN. commodity having no say over her body or someone who has no right to deny sexual intercourse to her husband. Now, we can hope that this verdict is likely to be a deterrent against child marriage, which is illegal in India but common in poor communities, where a girl is seen as a financial burden. “This would compel families of boys to think twice before getting their sons married to minor girls,” said advocate Gaurav Agarwal, the counsel for Independent Thought, an NGO on whose petition the court gave its judgment. We Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.

34 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017

Personal Problems & A ive years ago, my husband and I moved to Canada. To tell the truth, though I was excited at the thought of seeing a new country, I didn’t Q really understand what I was letting myself in for. All I knew was that my husband had been told that the company he worked for F was doing badly, that he was worried and was immensely relieved when he got a job in Canada. It was not that I was uneducated or foolish! It was that I had other things on my mind! I had just become a mother after six years of marriage and waiting and I wasn’t interested in anything else. We moved to Canada and settled down. My husband was happy in his husband is bewildered. You don’t seem new job and within a year, he was told that he had been made a permanent to have even talked to him about things employee and that he could now apply for citizenship if he wanted to. He before you took Canadian nationality. joyfully did so and all three of us became Canadian citizens. Anyway, you should try to first repair I hated the cold of Canada, but was happy in that country. This was your relationship with your husband. mainly because my son was growing up to be healthy and happy. Then sit him down, talk to him like an But once he became old enough to go to playschool, I began to worry. adult and tell him about your fears that This was because my little boy was growing up to be a complete Canadian! your son will grow up without any roots He knew a few words of Tamil (my husband and I are Tamilians) but I realised in India. Tell him that you consider these that in every other way was he was a Canadian and I was not happy about roots to be important and ask him how this! you can make sure that your child has I have since tried to discuss the matter with my husband, but he just these roots. stares at me as if I were mad and asks me if I have just realised that we have Then make some suggestions. You moved to Canada and taken Canadian citizenship. He doesn’t seem to could suggest, for example, that you understand me at all. But I am growing more and more worried because I both talk in Tamil to the boy at home, want my son to grow up to have Indian values. that you tell him about India and that you What can I do to ensure this? visit relatives in India regularly You seem to have woken up to the real world very late. Even if you were But you should not only accept the totally lost in bringing up your son, surely you were aware that you were fact that your son is now a Canadian, but bringing him up in Canada, as a Canadian? It is not at all surprising that your also accept that you are one yourself.

36 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 & Personal Problems Q A I live with my husband and two I have two sons, both of whom I love his property between his son and two children in a joint family with my in- dearly. Both are good boys who have daughters. Though my brother was laws, my husband’s elder brother and never given me any trouble. But both the eldest of the three of us, my father his family. My brother-in-law has a are very different and have never had never ever shown him partiality much better job than my husband been very close. This has always or given him additional importance. does and my sister-in-law too works. caused me pain, but I have always The only difference in the way he Since they earn more, they contribute consoled myself with the thought that treated him and my elder sister and much more than my husband does their lack of closeness is only because myself was that he asked the two of towards family expenses. They also they are so different and not at all us if we were interested in working in have more money to provide treats because they dislike each other. his company, while he took it for for the family. Both the boys are intelligent, but granted that my brother would. On the other hand, I stay at home my younger son is more practical, Anyway, both my sister and I said and run the house with the help of a street smart and ambitious. Now, the that we were interested in his maid and look after the four children elder is 28 and the younger is 25 and it business and began to go with him to of the family. My brother-in-law’s two is already clear that the younger boy is his factory and office. We continued children go to school and I pack their going to have a much better career to go and work there even after we lunches and supervise them while than his brother. were both married. All three of us they do their homework after they My husband died a few years and I were paid the same starting salary for come home. But understandably, my am due to retire in less than a year. working there and given increments in-laws and even the maid think more My boys both live and work in other according to the profits made by the of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law cities. My health is not too good and company. All of us worked hard, than they think of my husband and both of them have already begun to determined to see that the company myself. This does not affect me much tell me to come and live with them did well. But after my father’s death, because I am too busy to sit and mope after I retire. Both are persistent and I we do not know what he would have and besides, I was the work horse can see that it has almost become a ultimately done. My sister thinks that even at home before I got married. kind of competition between them. he would have divided the property But my husband feels very bad for My younger son insists that I will be equally between the three of us. My both of us. He is also afraid that our more comfortable with him and I brother reminds us that my father had two children will begin to understand know that he is right. He already has a always said that once they have matters as they grow up and will car and has full- time help since he is children, women shouldn’t work – and develop inferiority complexes. better off. So he will not only be able both my sister and I are now pregnant. Now, he has begun saying that we to pay for my treatment more easily, My mother initially kept silent, but should leave the house and live but I will also be more comfortable in finally opened her mouth and said separately. He also says that once our his home. that she thinks that my sister and children grow up a little, I should On the other hand, my elder son myself should take a quarter share begin to work. Since I am actually will be devastated if I don’t go and live each of the property and then leave more qualified than my sister-in-law. with him. In fact, it will be the last the rest as well as running the But I do not want to either break straw. He will develop an inferiority property to my brother. But my sister up the family or cause my in-laws complex and his relationship with his and I are not giving her opinion a pain. Should I coax my husband to brother will be affected very badly. second thought because we have stay on with his parents? What should I do? always known that she preferred her You seem to me a very large- You should not even think of going son to us. hearted, unselfish woman. That is and living with your younger son as What should we do? wonderful, but you should also think that would really mess up the The only hint you three siblings of the complex your husband is relationship between the two boys. have of your father’s mind is that developing. And don’t forget that as You should either divide your time while he took it for granted that his your children grow up, they too could between them or you should live with son would work with him while he develop one. your elder son, giving the reason that gave his daughters an option, but that So, go with your husband’s you are doing so because he is the once his daughters said that they decision in this matter. It is also very elder one and that it is both his duty wanted to work with him, he treated likely that both your in-laws and your and prerogative to look after you. then on par with his son. brother-in-law and his wife have not This seems to indicate that he was realised how their behaviour is My father, a successful businessman, impartial to his son and daughters and affecting your husband. If this is the died a few months ago. He died that means that would have wanted case, they will change their ways suddenly at the relatively young age both his son and his daughters to when they realise how they are of sixty two, without leaving a will. He inherit his estate equally. So, the hurting your husband. They could had also never indicated , even to my three of you should share your father’s then prevent you from leaving. mother, how he planned to divide up estate equally.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 37 I am a 22-year-old woman from a For a few moments I did not know two were of the same age and have middle-class family. I have completed if I was awake or asleep, but then I been close since childhood. They both my education and have begun to work gathered myself together and told became obsessed with taking selfies in a good company. Soon after I him that I could not marry him. The – but my daughter died and my niece began to work, I became infatuated man I loved more than words could lived. So my niece has to die. with a senior colleague who had say, looked confused and tried to talk The third person responsible for recently joined our company, but had to me, but when I refused to listen he my daughter’s death is the society quickly become a fast-rising star in it. walked away. Since that day he has watchman who left the door to the This man is both smart and brilliant only talked to me in the course of work. terrace unlocked that evening and and every young woman working in Now, I am devastated, but I do not made it possible for my daughter to our company is crazy about him. In know what to do. I am thinking of go out and fall to her death. fact, we used to joke about our changing jobs. Please advise. It is because of these three people infatuation with this man and wonder Many developments have taken that my daughter died. So I will take about the woman he would eventually place in the field of medicine since the revenge against the three of them. marry. We were all sure that she tragic death of your mother. Both you But at the same time, a voice would be someone special and not and your sister should consult an inside me is telling me that I am on a ordinary like us. oncologist and tell him what you were dangerous ground – that I should die I lost my mother when I was very told about your high chances of and should not kill anyone else. But young and have an elder sister who contracting cancer and the advice of am I not justified in taking revenge? has taken the place of my mother and your remaining spinsters. Then go by You have gone through what no whom I am very close to. So, I told her his advice. There is a good chance that parent should have to go through – about this colleague and how all my he will tell you that oncology has you have lost your only child to a friends and me adored him from afar taken such strides since your mother’s senseless, avoidable accident. This is as we were well aware that he could death, that while you should take enough to make any mother or father never be interested in ordinary people certain precautions, you can certainly lose their balance of mind. like us. She laughed with me, but then get married. You need to see a counsellor at became serious and asked me if I Hopefully, you will then be able to once and it would be best if your remembered what she had told me talk to your handsome colleague and husband goes with you. You yourself years earlier. It had been some time discuss the future with him. realise that what you are planning to after my mother’s death when I had do is wrong. It is wrong and you need just entered my teens. I am a 36-year-old woman. Eight help to come to terms with your great When I told her that I only months ago, I lost my only daughter. loss and to learn to get on with your remembered vaguely, she repeated She died when she fell from the roof- life. So get help as soon as you can. what she had earlier told me. This was top of our building, trying to take a that several women in our family selfie of herself standing balanced on I am a married woman with no including my mother had died of the edge of the roof. children. But my husband and I don’t cancer and that she had overheard our I don’t remember anything about let this bother us too much because family doctor telling my father that the first four months after my both of us have good jobs that keep my sister and I were in danger of daughter died. People tell me that I us reasonably busy. We also make a getting this disease since it seemed to was not myself during that time. But point of going out of town for a short run in the women of the family. after that I came to my senses. I trip once every one or two months. The doctor had then said that it began to eat, talk and sleep. People This rejuvenates us and we go back to would be better if we didn’t marry. began to say that, I was on the path of our usual routine happily. So, on the Now, my sister told me that she recovery. Perhaps I am – I don’t know. whole, we are a happy couple. wasn’t going to get married and that I I only know that I have only one aim While neither my husband nor I too should remain a spinster. I was these days – and that is to make the brood over the fact that we do not shocked when my sister said all this people who were responsible for my have a child, we are aware that both and the two of us wept in each other’s daughter’s death pay. my parents and his, are very upset arms. A few weeks after I had this There are three people whom I about this. But we came to know only conversation with my sister, I was hold responsible for my daughter’s recently that each set of parents flabbergasted when the man I death. The first is my husband. When blamed the other partner as admired, came up to me as I was my daughter first became interested responsible for this state of affairs. In leaving after work and told me that in taking selfies, he was amused and other words, my in-laws thought that I he had been watching me from afar encouraged her. It was therefore couldn’t have a baby and my parents for some time. He said that that he because of him that she became thought that it was my husband who had fallen in love with me and that if I addicted to this. was responsible. agreed, he would ask his parents to The second person is her friend and We came to know this when my come and speak to mine. cousin, my brother’s daughter. The parents-in-law descended on us some

38 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Woman’s Entrechat days ago, told us that they had been many things that had interested both insulted by my parents and demanded of us in the past. But when I asked her that we show them the results of the if anything was wrong, she just tests that we had told them that we brushed me away impatiently. I was were going to have done, so that this hurt but decided that she was issue could be settled once and for all. probably having problems at work and But the truth is that though we had that she would become all right soon. promised both sets of parents to get But this didn’t happen and she the tests done. But later we both became more and more tense, decided not to have them done. This irritable and emotional. was because we did not want to know And then a friend of mine Founder, sheatwork.com which of us was responsible for our reluctantly told me what a cousin of RubyA one-stop Sinha knowledge – hub for women childless state. As that person would hers who worked in the same research entrepreneurs feel bad and one set of parents will department as my sister had told her. blame him or her for our “unhappy” This was that my sister was involved state. Actually the truth is that neither with a married man. In fact, she was Digital Marketing my husband nor I am unhappy. We having a full-blown affair with him. for Women have accepted that we are childless My first reaction was to tell my and as we love each other a lot, we do friend that her cousin was mistaking Entrepreneurs not want to know who is responsible my sister for someone else. But my for this. How can we make our parents friend shook her head sadly and said 74 per cent of internet users are using social understand this? that he wasn’t. She herself was so media today, with women (76%) having a slight edge It is obvious that you are a very shocked that she had asked her cousin over men (72%) (Source: Brandwatch). Social media mature couple and that you have to check and recheck and he had done is today emerging as a powerful and cost-effective tool for women entrepreneurs to promote their accepted the fact that you cannot so. There was no mistake. The person ventures from the confines of their home or office. have children in a very sporting involved with the married man was Digital platforms enhance two-way communication manner and that you are not going to my sister. She also told me that the between brands/businesses and the target audience. let this fact ruin your lives. You should man was handsome and smart but For a female entrepreneur, Digital Marketing is stick to this decision and refuse to get that he had a very bad reputation and emerging as one of the most essential tools for creating recall and building outreach. yourselves tested. had had numerous affairs. Once a business is set up, women entrepreneurs But you should consider the option Now I do not know what to do. I should dedicate some time every day to this form of of adoption so that you can have the am shocked at what my sister is doing marketing. We women generally love socialising and joy of having a child while giving your and will certainly speak to her. But what better way than to do it for your own venture. parents the grandchild they long for even more than that, I dread my Once a basic website has been developed for your business, use the power of digital marketing and and at the same time giving an orphan mother’s reaction when I tell her what social media tools. or discarded child a chance to have a my sister is up to. She will probably Usually your first clients are likely to be friends or good life. collapse when she understands that acquaintances who know you and send out relevant her elder daughter is having an affair tweets or facebook posts via social media. Post I am the younger of two sisters and with a married man. product pictures on Instagram and connect with the right people on LinkedIn. Your profiles on social am studying in the final year of my What should I do? How should I media, describe you in terms of your new business BSc degree. My elder sister completed explain matters to my mother? identity to help spread the word about what you're her post-graduation last year and has Your shock at your sister’s offering. got a good research job. behaviour is understandable. As her One big advantage of Digital Marketing is that it We sisters lost our father very early sister, you can certainly talk to her and helps in shortlisting the most relevant target audience vis-à-vis factors like demographics, interest and this badly affected my mother. warn her against getting involved with areas etc. Depending on the nature of business, Since she was widowed she has been a married man who is unlikely to women can utilise digital channels like Search Engine very fragile and though she brought divorce his wife and marry her. Optimization (SEO) which helps in organically being us up, we sisters are both careful to But telling your mother about her higher in the search list of potential buyers, Email see that we don’t do anything to upset elder daughter’s foolish behaviour is Marketing which utilizes database of portals to reach out to prospective audience and Digital Advertising her. If we do, she goes to bits and it is a different matter. Why do you want to create profitable businesses. very difficult to calm her down. In fact, to do this in view of her fragile health? As someone famously said that it doesn't hurt these days she never goes out or Since she doesn’t seem to go out and that marketing via social media happens to play on meets anyone. meet people, she is unlikely to learn traits often associated with women: cooperation, My sister and I have always been what her elder daughter is up to, collaboration, and sharing. So women entrepreneurs….use this powerful medium to very close and we never keep secrets unless you tell her. So why don’t you establish a successful business. from each other. But soon after she drop the idea of telling her and began working, I noticed that she had concentrate on putting some sense Your entrepreneurship journey become distracted and lost interest in into your sister’s head? will be filled with many small steps but always keep the big picture in mind as you pursue your dream. Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 39 For any feedback/queries, mail to [email protected] METHOD CRUNCHY Preheat oven. Place a rack in CARROT FRIES the tray of the oven. Cut carrots into French fry-size sticks, about 3 INGREDIENTS: long. In a large bowl, toss carrots 4-5 carrots with rice flour to coat. Shake off 6 tbsp white rice flour excess flour and spread carrots, 6 tbsp oil without crowding, in a single layer 2 tsp garam masala on baking tray. Bake 7 minutes. 1 tsp salt Combine oil, garam masala, chili 1 tsp chilli flakes flakes, and salt in a large bowl. Gently toss carrots with oil mixture. Return carrots to sheet pan and bake until crisp-tender and lightly browned along edges, 10 to 15 minutes.

Crunchy carrot fries

PalatableRecipes Easy and quick to make. By Anupama Gupta Rice crispy balls

coated. Place the chocolate RICE CRISPY coated ball on a separate cookie BALLS sheet lined with wax paper. Remove the toothpicks from each INGREDIENTS: peanut butter ball. Place the balls 1 /2 cup powdered sugar back in the freezer to let the 2 tbsp melted butter chocolate set. It should take an Banana pudding 1 cup creamy peanut butter hour or two. 1 1 /2 cup crushed crisped rice cereal (measure out then crush) 1 1 /2 cup chocolate chips METHOD BANANA Mix peanut butter and melted PUDDING butter together in a large bowl. INGREDIENTS: Add powdered sugar and rice crispies. Mix until combined. Form 2 ripe bananas into one-inch balls, place the 1 cup cottage cheese formed balls on a wax paper lined 2 tbsp sugar powder cookie tray and chill in the dash ground cinnamon 1 refrigerator for at least 30 minutes /4 cup shaved dark chocolate before chocolate coating. Melt METHOD chocolate in microwave by heating In a blender combine banana, for 30 seconds, then stirring and cottage cheese, sugar powder, repeating process until it is melted and cinnamon. Blend until smooth. and smooth. Pour or spoon individual serving Place a toothpick in each bowls. Top with shaved dark peanut butter ball and dip each chocolate. Cover loosely and chill peanut butter ball into the for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours chocolate and roll around until before serving. 1 tsp red chili powder METHOD 1 tsp turmeric powder In a bowl, mix finely shredded 1 tsp jeera powder cabbage, finely chopped onion, 2 tbsp refined oil salt, garam masala, coriander 2 tbsp chickpea flour powder, red chili powder, turmeric 1 /2 tbsp cloves powder, jeera powder, refined oil, 1 /2 tbsp coriander seeds chick pea flour and water. Keep it 1 onion chopped in the fridge for 20 minutes. 5 garlic cloves Remove them from the fridge. small piece of ginger Make small balls & deep fry them 4 green chilies in oil. In a pan, dry roast cloves, salt to taste coriander seeds, chopped onion, CABBAGE KOFTA fresh coriander leaves whole garlic, whole ginger and INGREDIENTS: 3 tbsp refined oil whole green chilies. Pound them in 1 200 gm cabbage, finely shredded 1 /2 onion chopped mortar and pestle with salt and 1 onions, finely chopped 2 tomatoes chopped fresh coriander leaves. In a pan 1 /2 coconut some sugar add oil and onion. Sauté them salt for taste salt for taste together. Add the tomatoes. 1 /2 tsp garam masala 5 tbsp whisked curd Sauté. Add the pounded mix into 1 1 /2 tsp coriander powder /2 lime juice the pan. Add little water. Mix them well together and add little sugar, salt and little water. Cover them and simmer it for some time and then add whisked curd and lime juice. Mix them well. Serve hot.

Cabbage kofta

1 small piece ginger METHOD SPICY 1-2 green chilli Cut 4 length wise slits but it 1 tbsp coriander seeds should be whole brinjal. Deep fry BRINJAL VEG 1 /2 tsp cumin seeds and sprinkle salt and keep aside. INGREDIENTS: 1 /4 turmeric powder Dry roast peanuts, cumin, 250 gm small brinjals 2 tbsp oil coriander seeds, sesame, and For masala: 1 tsp garlic paste coconut flakes. Cool and grind 15-20 peanuts 1 finely chopped onion them with chilli. Heat oil in a pan. 2 tbsp coconut grated salt to taste Sauté garlic and chopped onion. 1 tsp sesame white oil for frying Add ginger paste and salt and 1 tbsp tamarind pulp sauté till oil leaves the paste. Add 1 brinjal and /2 cup water, tamarind pulp and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

Spicy brinjal veg Broccoli patties

BROCCOLI PATTIES INGREDIENTS: 180 gm broccoli, cut into small florets 2 mashed potato 1 carrot grated 1 /2 cup corn kernels 1 /3 cup rice flour 2 tbsp oil salt and pepper to taste tomato sauce, to serve oil to pan, if necessary. Transfer to METHOD Cheese-apricot balls a plate lined with paper towel. Blanch broccoli florets. Using a Serve patties with tomato sauce. potato masher, roughly mash 1 broccoli. Add potato, carrot, corn, /4 tsp salt season it with salt and pepper 4 tbsp sugar mash and combine. Using damp CHEESE- METHOD hands, shape 2 tbsp mixture into Blend cottage cheese and sugar patties. Refrigerate for 30 minutes APRICOT BALLS in a mixer. Stir in apricots, 3 tbsp or until firm. Place rice flour on a INGREDIENTS: of the walnuts, and salt. Shape plate. Lightly coat patties in flour. 1 cup cottage cheese mixture into balls. In a bowl, take 2 Heat oil in a frying pan. Cook patty, 6-8 dried apricots, finely chopped tbsp of crushed walnuts. in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes each 5 tbsp finely chopped toasted Roll balls to lightly cover with side or until golden, adding more walnuts nut mixture.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 45 METHOD surface. Spoon 1 level tablespoon CRISPY APPLE Peel and cut apples into 2cm of cooled apple mixture onto PILLOWS cubes. Place apple, cinnamon, center of wrapper. Brush edges sugar and 2 tbsp cold water in a with a little water. Top with INGREDIENTS: pan over medium-high heat. Cook another wonton wrapper, to 2 apples covered, stirring occasionally, for enclose filling. Press edges 1 /4 tsp ground cinnamon 6 minutes or until apple is just together firmly to seal. Repeat 2 tbsp sugar tender. Blend corn flour and 2 tsp with the remaining wonton 1 tsp corn flour cold water in a small bowl, stirring wrappers and apple mixture. Heat 1 packet wonton wrappers until smooth. oil. Deep-fry apple pillows, until oil for deep-frying Add to apple mixture. Stir to deep golden. Transfer to a tray Icing sugar mixture for dusting combine. Cook for 1 minute or until lined with paper towel to drain. mixture thickens. Set aside to cool. Cool and dust pillows with icing Place 1 wonton wrapper on a flat sugar. Serve.

Crispy apple pillows Falafel wraps

cover with another slice and seal it FALAFEL WRAPS with water and press along the INGREDIENTS: sides. On a warm tava with little oil 1 cup chickpeas or butter, toast both the sides. 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander Serve it along with hummus, 6-7 chopped fresh mint leaves tahini, sour cream (hung curd). 2 tsp chopped green chillies or to taste 1 tsp whole cumin seeds 1 tsp turmeric powder SWEET POTATO 1 tbsp olive oil Sweet potato brownies 1 tsp baking powder BROWNIES salt and pepper to taste INGREDIENTS: 1 cup mashed sweet potato 4-6 slices breads sweet potato, melted nut butter 1/ cup smooth nut butter of METHOD 2 and maple syrup, and cocoa choice (I recommend almond or Soak chickpeas overnight in powder and mix well. Fold in carob cashew butter) cold water and grind it into a fine chips. 2 tbsp maple syrup paste. Mix all the ingredients in a Pour mixture into greased pan 1/ cup cocoa powder bowl. With wet hands, create 4 and bake for 20 minutes or until handful of carob chips (optional) small patties from the mixture. cooked through. Remove from the Deep fry till golden brown or METHOD oven and allow to cool completely shallow fry in little olive oil. Make Preheat the oven to 350ºF and before slicing and refrigerating. tahini paste with sesame seeds, grease a small cake/loaf pan. These brownies taste best when water, lemon, salt and pepper. On the stove, melt nut butter cooled completely. Place the falafel in a slice (slice cut with maple syrup. Store in fridge or freezer and according to the falafel shape) In a large bowl, add the mashed enjoy.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 47 liquefied sauce, so be careful not METHOD PUMPKIN SEEDS to over-process. Mix the flour, butter, almond PESTO Transfer to a bowl, taste, and powder, sugar, cardamom powder adjust the seasoning with salt. INGREDIENTS: and saffron into a dough, using 1 condense milk. Shape the dough /2 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled, into small flat rounds as thin as roasted) possible. Place the rounds on a 2 tbsp grated Parmesan ALMOND greased baking tray. Bake in a pre- o 2 cloves garlic COOKIES heated oven 180 C for about 8-10 1-2 green chillies 3 INGREDIENTS: minutes. /4 cup coriander leaves 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 cup flour 1 1/ cups olive oil /2 cup almond powder 2 1 salt to taste /4 cup sugar, powdered METHOD 2 tbsp butter a pinch of saffron Almond cookies Combine the pumpkin seeds, 1 /2 tsp cardamom powder Parmesan, and garlic in a food condensed milk as required processor. Pulse on and off, for about 20 seconds, until the seeds are almost ground. Add coriander leaves, lemon juice, and olive oil, and pulse on and off for about 40 seconds (you may want to scrap down the sides with a spatula in between pulses), until all the ingredients are combined. The mixture should be more like a course paste than a

Pumpkin seeds pesto Mashed potato mountains

MASHED POTATO MOUNTAINS INGREDIENTS: 3-4 potatoes, peeled, chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled 4 tbsp butter 1 /3 cup buttermilk olive oil 3 tbsp grated cheese salt and pepper to taste Mashed potato candy mix herbs to garnish ‘mountains’. Spray lightly with oil. METHOD Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 Place potatoes and garlic in a to 25 minutes or until golden. pan. Cover with 1 cup water. Cook Stand for 2 minutes. Serve 1/ cup powdered sugar until tender. Return to pan over sprinkled with mixed herbs. 4 low heat and excess liquid has 3 tbsp peanut butter evaporated. Remove from heat. METHOD Mash until smooth. Add butter Mix together all ingredients, and buttermilk. Season with salt MASHED except peanut butter until it's of and pepper. Stir until combined. dough consistency. Refrigerate to Preheat oven Line a baking tray POTATO CANDY chill dough for an hour or two. Roll 1 with baking paper. Spoon /8 cup INGREDIENTS: out onto waxed paper. Spread mash onto prepared tray. Shape 2 cups mashed potatoes peanut butter over potato dough. into 'mountain'. Repeat with 2 tbsp condense milk Roll it up. Refrigerate for about an 1 remaining mash to make /4 tsp vanilla essence hour, then slice into pinwheels.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 49 Corn cake burgers

METHOD 1 /4 tsp salt 1 Finely grind corn /2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, kernels and mix with divided corn meal, ginger, 6 tbsp butter garlic paste, salt and 1 cup sugar 1 water. In a pan, heat /2 cup cocoa powder 1 oil (2 tbsp) and cook the /2 tsp vanilla essence 1 mixture till it leaves the /2 cup yogurt sides and comes in a mass. METHOD Flatten it on a greased tray. In a Preheat oven. Whisk flour, mixer, make paste of coconut, Fudgy yogurt brownies baking powder, and salt in a large chilies, coriander leaves, curd & bowl. Combine 1/4 cup chocolate salt. Cut the round shape of chips and butter in a large bowl. flattened corn. On one circle CORN CAKE Set bowl over a saucepan of spread coconut, spread and cover simmering water and stir until with another one. Likewise make BURGERS chocolate and butter are melted all. On a hot tava, shallow fry with INGREDIENTS: and smooth. Remove bowl from little oil on both the sides. Serve 1 cup corn kernels heat; whisk in sugar, cocoa 1 hot with chutney or sauce. /2 cup corn meal powder, vanilla essence, and 1 /2 cup water yogurt. 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste Fold wet ingredients into dry 1 1 /2 fresh coconut FUDGY YOGURT ingredients. Fold in remaining /2 1-2 green chilli cup chocolate chips. Pour mixture 1 BROWNIES /2 cup coriander leaves into prepared pan. Bake at 180 1 INGREDIENTS: /4 cup fresh curd degrees for 25-30 minutes Let salt to taste 1 cup flour brownie cool completely. Cut into 1 4 tbsp oil /2 tsp baking powder squares with a sharp knife. We

50 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 124138 Readers’ Contests

Selected entries will be published in the forthcoming issue of Woman’s era. Look out for 1 January 2018 issue. Attach your photograph for a better chance of getting featured in Woman’s era. Last date for sending entries: 15 December, 2017

Time to R know types of MCJ

1st Floor, Shop No. F-2, 4, 6 & 8, Shopper’s Point, gems Hem Barua Road, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati-781001 (Assam)

Which metal used as alloy in white gold causes an allergic reaction in some people? Q1 a. Nickel. b. Cadmium. Answer the c. Magnesium. questions & d. Cobalt. Winners135 of Jewellery Which gem is considered the modern win Quiz Contest birthstone for october? a grand prize Ashita Q2 a. Topaz. B-119, GK-Part-II b. Opal. New Delhi-110048 c. Turquoise. d. Gamet.

Which type of jewellery is traditionally given on a 30th anniversary? Scoring Terms and Conditions: Q3 Don’t you hate those artificial quizzes that only have one obvious right answer? a. Emerald. Jewellery and its lineage is fluid. So answer according to what you feel is best. b. Garmet. c. Pearl. Name Age d. Diamond. Address PIN Which of the following is not a colour of Phone: E-mail Sapphires. Occupation Q4 a. Blue. Don’t forget to attach a photograph b. Orange. 1. Mark the answers and send us the cutting of this quiz along with this coupon. The last date is 15 December, 2017. So hurry up and post it now. 2. The decision of the c. Yellow. editor will be final. 3. Depict your true self only. 4. Send a photograph of your own. It may be printed in Woman’s Era, along with the results. Send to: Woman’s Era, d. Red. Delhi Press, E-3, Jhandewala, New Delhi-110 055.

SEXUAL FANTASIES Every7 woman desires but never shares! By Medha Chawla en are quite open about WOMEN ENJOY IT AS Threesome: Not all women, but Mtheir sexual fanatasies. We MUCH AS MEN DO. IN some women do crave to be all know sex keeps running worshipped by two people at the in a man's mind. Similar is the case FACT, WOMEN LOVE TO same time, as in the porn videos! with women. However, most of INDULGE IN SOME FUN them just do not easily open up BY LETTING THEIR MIND The location: Call it the films' effect about it. But it doesn't change the but women like to level up the fact that women enjoy it as much as FANTASISE. BE IT game by fantasising sex in a men do. In fact, women love to WATCHING PORN, location different from the indulge in some fun by letting their INDULGING IN SOME bedroom. It can be a washroom, mind fantasise. Be it watching porn, kitchen corner, vehicle, public place indulging in some self-satisfaction SELF-SATISFACTION or a beach...the list goes on. The act (masturbation) or talking deep (MASTURBATION) OR is obviously exciting, but don't about it with girls' gang - women do TALKING DEEP ABOUT IT underestimate the power of it all! WITH GIRLS' GANG - location. Here are some common sexual WOMEN DO IT ALL! Massage therapy: It takes no time fantasies most women have at for a relaxing massage to go from some point of time. Playing the lead: Call it an effect of just 'relaxing therapy' to sensual in Sex with stranger: Having sex with a 50 shades of Grey, but seeing your minutes. Just too sensuous! complete stranger whom you will man calm and powerless, and never meet again is super exciting. dominating him is a powerful trip. A Ex and sex: This might sound a bit No chasing and only action! Woah! cherry on the cake is, men also like weird but having sex with ex is a Just make sure the other person being dominated. Mutual deal, you popular fantasy among most doesn't have any STD like HIV/AIDs. see! women. While you might be head over heels in love with your present guy, sometimes your mind just can't help but wonder about the mind- blowing sex session you had with your ex and desire just for that one thing he did that got you turned on insanely.

BDSM: Ahem ahem! She may look like a sweet girl but all she wants inside is you to tie her, spank her and do the deed! We Proud Moment

India’s Manushi Chhilar smiles after she wins the 67th Miss World contest final in China on November 18, 2017.

A woman uses a TaigaPhone, a brand new smartphone created by InfoWatch Group. The phone, which is entirely green to represent the Russian northern forest after which it is named, Super Stunning! has a five-inch touch screen, two SIM slots and two cameras. Actor Amber Heard attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Justice League" at Dolby Theatre on November 13, 2017 in Hollywood, California.

Economical and smart Happy faces

2017 Miss International Miss Indonesia Kevin Lilliana (C) poses with first runner-up Miss Curacao Chanelle Wihelmina Maria (2nd L), second runner-up Miss Venezuela Diana Macarena Croce Garcia (2nd R), third runner-up Miss Australia Amber Dew (L) and fourth runner-up Miss Japan Natsuki Tsutsui (R) during a photo session of the Miss International Beauty Pageant final in Tokyo on November 14, 2017. Holiday vibes

Indian tourists walk after the first snowfall in Sonamarg, 89 kms from Srinagar on November 15, 2017.

Prepping up

A model gets ready backstage before the show for What a shot! fashion house Etro during the Women's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion shows in Milan.

Laurine Lecavelier of France skates her exhibition program on at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating's Skate Canada International at Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, October 29, 2017. Child Challenges & A have a two-year-old son. He is not gaining weight, suffers from shortness of breath and a poor appetite. On getting him checked up we learnt to our Q horror that he has a hole in his heart! How does this occur and what is the treatment available. I The hole in the heart is a congenital defect in the wall (septum) separating the two sides of the heart. As the heart is divided into four chambers the defect could be in the wall between the upper two chambers the atria and is called atrial septal defect (ASD) or between the lowers two labelled stupid even though some of chambers the ventricles – ventricular septal defect(VSD). This defect leads to them have higher intelligence than the leak of blood back from the left side of the heart to the right. normal! If the hole is big and the leak large the heart has to work harder to pump You must understand that a child with adequate blood into the rest of the body. This causes hypertrophy of the dyslexia is not able to cope with his class cardiac muscles and heart enlargement. There is no cause identified in most and had difficulty in fitting with his peer cases, though intake of harmful drugs, alcohol and viral infections during group. Children with dyslexia have pregnancy can lead to congenital heart disease. Nowadays, the baby’s heart special learning needs that need to be defect can be identified even when it is in the womb. catered to. You can ask his psychologist While small defects sometimes close on their own without treatment, to help you out. Do not lose heart for moderate to large defects need surgical repair. With modern technology famous people like Albert Eintstein, and better anaesthesia, the operation is comparatively safe and your son will Thomas Hardy, Leonardo da Vinci, be able to live a near normal life later on. Winston Churchill and even Henry Ford were dyslexics too! I have a twelve years old son who is not doing very well in school. Despite painstaking effort he is unable to read, write or spell correctly. His doctor I have two children – a son aged ten years referred him to a child psychologist who did a detailed testing and told me and a daughter eight years old and both that he is suffering from dyslexia. Could you tell what is this condition and are overweight. How do I tackle this how will it affect my child’s future? problem? Dyslexia is a learning disability where a child faces difficulty in reading, Childhood obesity has become a writing and spelling. The child may have difficulty in concentrating and global problem. Besides looking comprehension. Most cases are not diagnosed and go through life being ungainly, children with obesity suffer

56 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Child & Challenges Q A from low self-esteem and even retardation or polio. Get him Squirt the medicine slowly into the depression. They are subjected to examined by a pediatrician/ side of the infant’s mouth. Do not ridicule by their peers and most orthopedist at the earliest. squirt it on the back of the infant’s importantly are prone to diabetes, throat as this can lead to gagging or high blood pressure and heart It is the time to start weaning my choking. Gently stroke the infant problems relatively early in life. They baby. The problem is that my mother- under the chin to encourage also suffer from bone and joint in-law does not believe in the swallowing while still holding the problems at an increasingly younger commercially available weaning cheeks together. Rinse the measuring age. You could cut down their weight foods. Could you tell me what should I device with warm water after each by cooking low fat, high-protein food start feeding him at home? use. An alternate way of administering for them with plenty of green Most commercial products contain medicine is to put the exact amount vegetables, sprouts, fruits and salads. rice or wheat with multivitamin in an in a small cup. Dip you finger in it and Milk should be preferably skimmed easily digestible form. At home too make the infant suck on your finger. or toned. Fat foods, potato chips, you could give him thin rice kheer, suji colas should be strictly avoided. kheer, custard, etc. Start one food at a I have a six years old son who suffers Snacking in between meals should be time and allow him at least one week from coughing and wheezing and avoided. Cut down on sedentary to get accustomed to the taste. Even breathlessness whenever there is a forms of enjoyment like the TV and newborns have their own personal change of season. We have taken him the Internet. A strict exercise regimen likes and dislikes so do not force feed to various doctors, but no one could should be followed. The entire family him a food product that he spits or bring about a permanent cure. Could can participate in it together to make vomits out repeatedly. Once started you please help? it more enjoyable. You could go for a you could gradually give him small Conditions such as bronchial morning walk, cycling, swimming or portions of mashed banana, khichri, asthma tend to run in families. The to the gym. Once they start losing crushed biscuits. Egg and other non good news is that childhood asthma weight they will be motivated to vegetarian products should be started is usually a self-limiting condition and continue doing so and will become later for they can cause allergy. a majority of children are cured by the healthier, happier and more self- time they reach five years of age. assured. Please let me know what measures Meanwhile, as asthma is an allergic should I take to inculcate measures for condition, find out what your child is I have a one-and-half-year old good dental hygiene in my child? allergic to. Is due to dust? In that case daughter who suffers from a skin For healthy teeth good oral remove all stuffed toys from his problem. She has a rash all over her hygiene is a must. This includes vicinity. Do not keep pets as their fur face and body and it itches badly. The ✿ Brushing your teeth twice a day can cause allergy. Avoid having dermatologist calls it atopic ✿ Using a soft bristled brush carpets in the house. Use blinds in dermatitis and says that it will settle ✿ Changing the brush every three place of curtains because the heavy on its own by and by but I am very months cloth tends to retain dust. While worried. Please help me. ✿ Rinsing your mouth after every travelling it is wise to keep the car This is a condition that occurs due meal. windows closed so that vehicular to altered or defective allergic ✿ Cleaning between teeth with fumes are not inhaled as they irritate response to allergens. It usually dental floss the delicate lining of the lungs. It is manifests itself in the first year of life ✿ Avoid snacking between meals also wise not to smoke in his vicinity and the child recovers almost ✿ Avoid drinking colas as it may precipitate an attack. completely by the time she is two to ✿ Regular dental check-ups. three years old though some may What is swaddling? How is it done and even take a little longer. Meanwhile, What is the best way to administer how does it help the baby? the itching can be controlled by local medicine to my infant son? Swaddling is soothing technique application of steroid ointment. If it is Use an oral syringe, medicine that gives the newborn a sense of possible to identify the allergen – be it dropper to administer liquid medicine security, comfort and warmth. Spread pollen, dust, certain soaps or to your infant. If the medicine has an a blanket and fold one corner over detergents and keep your child away unpleasant taste, ask your doctor if it slightly. Lay the baby face-up on the from them. can be mixed with fruit juice, milk or blanket with his head on the folded liquid sweetener. corner. Wrap the left corner over the I have a two-and-a half-year-old son. Shake the bottle well before use. baby’s body and tuck it underneath. He is unable to walk. What could be Get help to hold the infant while Bring the bottom corner up over the the cause? giving him the medicine. Open the baby's feet. Wrap the right corner The cause could range from infant’s mouth by gently squeezing around the baby, leaving only the delayed milestones, nutritional defici - his/her cheeks or using your finger to neck and head exposed. encies, a mild degree of mental pull out a corner of the infant’s mouth. – Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD. Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 57 Short Story A Thousand Likes!

What a surprise! By Garima Bohra

am sorry, Mrs Qureshi, to seek jobs had found her styles in clothes. Yasmeen Iwe cannot hire you…” abilities worth considering. was happy doing her job. It The interviewer Why people only relied on had put her in a better People often declared with a shudder. degrees these days and her place financially, provided complimented ”But, sir, I have an almost two decades of bread for her family and experience of…” experience was falling short given her the stability she that what ”It does not count of their requirements. needed the most. People Yasmeen did with without a degree or a Things had been much often complimented that threads and diploma in hand,” he simpler when she had what Yasmeen did with needles was not declared in a conclusive flat started working for threads and needles was tone and buzzed for the Farzana, but that was 16 not less than magic. And less than magic. next candidate. years ago. everyone in the And everyone in Yasmin Qureshi Yasmeen had been neighbourhood knew that the neighbourhood murmured a quick ‘thank recently widowed with two whatever name Farzana you’ and walked out small children to feed when had been able to make for knew that adjusting the strap of her she had first walked into her shop was only because whatever name blue handbag on her Aayat Tailor Works. She of Yasmeen. But she never Farzana had been shoulder. Her heart was was given a piece of cloth praised or acknowledged able to make for heavy with the eleventh and 20 minutes to stitch Yasmeen’s efforts. Farzana rejection in the last one something out of it. was a shrewd and mean her shop was only week. She wondered Yasmeen had made a boss who engaged her because of why none of the She beautiful blouse of employees in all sorts of Yasmeen. establishments never that red cloth odd jobs too apart from that she had gone stopped trying. leaving Farzana, tailoring work. Yasmeen She never stopped the owner of the had many a times cooked believing. Never shop, speechless. and cleaned for her, even gave up! With immediate bathed her children and effect she had won dropped them to school in the first and only job of order to keep her job. her life. In the years that nd still she stayed loyal followed, Yasmeen Ato Farzana, never left became the most sought- her side, never took up any after seamstress of the other job offer and always shop due to her hard work, did her work diligently and dedication and perfection. sincerely. For Yasmeen her She had never thought that job was her worship, her the art which she had learnt ultimate goal. But the from her mother and dreamy world that she was grandmother while living in for years broke into growing up would help her pieces when Farzana’s earn money some day. daughter Aayat returned And with her innovative from America after mind she further enhanced studying dress designing. those skills giving every The mother-daughter duo new assignment a unique decided to do a makeover look. of their old business and The customers loved her introduce it as Aayat’s designs, her choice of Boutique in a posh area of colours, her embroidery the city with latest works and her signature equipment, young staff and a lot of pomp and show. knew Farzana was selfish Yasmeen was shocked Yasmeen asked. ”We no longer need your but was ruthless enough to to see it was the kurti she Hijaab made her sit in services Yasmeen, Aayat back stab her one day was had stitched for Hijaab’s front of the computer and has decided to cut out all unthinkable! She needed graduation day ceremony! began to explain. the old staff…” Farzana her work and the money it ”Only thousand rupees, “After you got fired from announced abruptly one paid. She wanted to madam,” Hijaab answered. the job, ammu, I thought fine day. support her children in their ”I will take it!” The we should do something ”But we are doing so higher education. Her woman quickly took out different, so I decided to well, you don’t have to daughter Hijaab wanted to the money from her bag take the help of social close this shop, madam,” study management and her and handed it to Hijaab. media and created a Yasmeen responded trying son, Ashraf, was in twelfth ”Hijaab! What is going Facebook page by your to digest the blow of her standard all tied up in on?” Yasmeen called out name ‘Yasmeen Clothing boss’s words. coaching classes. Yasmeen from the door. Line’ and posted pictures of ”Of course we are not had too many ”Oh, ammu, you are some of the dresses you closing! We are getting responsibilities on her back! Meet Mrs Gupta and have stitched for me and – modern and refined…we shoulders and no job in Mrs. Varma. They simply guess what! – those designs are introducing this hand. love your work! They are instantly became a huge institution to classy people, here to purchase this hit…my inbox was flooded taking it to a different place he placement wonderful kurti.” with queries…people want and different society…” Tconsultancy she had these kinds of outfits. ”I can fit in anywhere approached to find her a Yasmeen was They are in love with your you want me to…” job had sent her to many so not prepared for work! We have got a ”No you can’t. Look, designer firms but no one thousand likes in one week Yasmeen, Aayat’s Boutique was ready to hire her as she such turn of events. ammu! Its simply is going global and my did not have the ‘essential This job was her wonderful! You are not a daughter has already hired educational qualifications’. life, she had given seamstress anymore…! one designer and two She checked her small diary “You are officially a seamstresses from very and realised no more her 16 precious designer now!” Hijaab good institutions, who interviews were scheduled years to this shop chirped happily. don’t just know this work for the next whole week, and now they said ”But you sold your but have studied it the little cash she had favourite kurti…” too…They are the new saved from last month’s she was nothing but ”Come on, ammu, my generation…they are the salary would only be able to a nuisance! favourite is your smile. ones who can interact with suffice her family’s needs Besides, we have a lot of and handle customers, not for next maybe four days ”But…” work to do now...oh… see, you…I mean you can’t even and then…Yasmeen could ”And, ladies,” Hijaab one more LIKE!!’ talk properly…we cannot not control the panic and continued quickly, ”this is risk having a nuisance anxiety that engulfed her. my mother, Yasmeen ijaab pointed towards around and offend our But she knew she had to Qureshi, the chief designer Hthe computer screen, valuable customers…” keep a brave face in front of and owner of our Yasmeen could see her ”Just because you think I her children. She tried to company.” name on top and pictures will not be able to interact maintain a bright smile as ”Company!” of the dresses she had with your so-called modern she approached her home Yasmeen looked at her stitched for Hijaab and customers, you are firing and was surprised to find daughter in confusion. smiled…She suddenly did me?’ Yasmeen interjected two women she had never “You are a wonderful not feel the need of going in a shaky voice. seen before sitting in the designer, Mrs Qureshi, and to other people and beg for ”You are free to think veranda of her house. we are looking forward to a job because now her own whatever you want to…but ”Wow! This is exactly more of your work, which business awaited her. She please leave now,” Farzana the same as the picture you Hijaab says would be out looked at her daughter with dismissed the had posted!” One of them soon,” Mrs Gupta said affection as tears of joy conversation. spoke to Hijaab. warmly and left with her welled up in her eyes…the Yasmeen was so not ”Yes, maam, do you like companion. best part of the journey had prepared for such turn of it?” ”Congratulations, just begun for them. We events. This job was her “I love it! How much do I ammu!” Hijaab said life, she had given her 16 owe you for this?” the hugging Yasmeen, ”on your “Life is like riding a precious years to this shop woman asked holding the first sale as an bicycle. To keep your and now they said she was sky blue kurti across her entrepreneur.” balance, you must keep nothing but a nuisance! She chest. ”Entre…what?” moving.”

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 59 Actors Zareen Khan and Gautam Rode wish to make it big in Bollywood! By Tanya Malik

ollywood has been giving us office. Director Anant Mahadevan audience is going to like it, I go Ban assortment of movies has come back with a sequel to the ahead for the project. I don't belong through the years. From movie with Aksar 2 that has more from a filmy background. After my comedy to romance, action to thrills to it. first movie, I got a lot of criticism. I thriller, Bollywood has every genre Aksar 2 stars Zareen Khan, soon realised that if I wish to work to cater to the taste of the viewers. Gautam Rode, Abhinav Shukla and here, I will need to be very careful With time, viewers have been Mohit Madaan in lead roles. Actress about the projects I choose. I running towards content oriented Zareen Khan looks absolutely hot always knew that I have to do movies rather than sticking to the and sensuous in the trailers and everything on my own. This is the same old big banner movies that looks like this movie is going to be a only reason I have become really follow a similar story pattern. Amid game changer if we talk about her selective. this clash of content and big career in Bollywood. Zareen who banners at the box office, there is a was earlier seen in movies like Veer, Are you looking for a particular new thriller to take over the big Housefull 2 and Hate Story 3 will be genre? screens. Aksar, which starred seen portraying a bold character in Not that I am looking for a Emraan Hashmi, Udita Goswami and the movie. particular genre. My last film was a Dino Morea was a big hit at the box During the movie’s promotion in thriller, Aksar 2 again is a thriller and Delhi, WE had a quick chat with next year I will be doing comedy Zareen and Gautam. Excerpts: and other genres too. Luckily, I Have you become selective about haven't been stereotyped and have the projects you are picking up now? been given different characters Whenever a script comes to me, I which I am really happy to play. read it and if I like it I go for it. I usually try to figure it out from an How do you think your fashion audience point of you. If I feel the sense has evolved through these years? I am not somebody who follows trends blindly. I am not in this race to be a fashion icon. I am totally into something that I am comfortable in.

You are really active on social media. People have been using social media handles to spread hate for celebrities. Lately, a lot of celebrities have been trolled over social media. What is your take on that? I really don't know. Such people are really in love with you. We have a really hectic life and then there are people who only come to your profile to leave a hate comment are actually in love with you. Otherwise who has time to specially be there and write such comments. These are the people who crave for your attention.

It would be great if you share one fitness tip for our readers. People usually complain that they really keep busy all day and have no time for themselves. But one needs to understand that this is your body and you need to take out time for it. You need to take out at least 30 minutes of your daily reason why I picked it. I have never am looking forward to doing a routine and give it to your body. played a character like this before. different role ahead. This is really You can do any activity. If you can't Whatever options I get, it is unpredictable. I just know that I hit the gym, just go for a walk. about getting the best out of it and need to work harder for the next go ahead to work for the next project and be patient to make my One beauty tip that you wish to project till the time I get that first own image. I will wait till the time I give to every woman out there? big hit under your kitty. If this get a project I really wish to do. As long as you feel happy from becomes a hit, that door is open for inside, everything around you is you. But if this doesn't work, you Your character has shades of going to look beautiful; you are need to work ahead and search for gray. How was the shooting going to look beautiful. Also, make next one. experience? sure you drink lots of water and I am an actor and this is my job. I never sleep with your makeup on. Are you okay with getting back to really enjoyed playing this Days when your skin doesn't really television after making it to the big character. In these kind of require makeup, keep it makeup screen? characters, you can improvise a lot. free. I am okay with anything. I just You can play around with your looks On the other hand, Gautam Rode want to experiment. Like this one is and gestures. It was a fun ride with who is a popular face of television a thriller, next one maybe an action me. has moved from television to films film or some other genre. Mediums after a long time shared how he don't really matter to me. Television This year has been a mix of hits loves to act, be it on any medium. has given me everything. I am what and flops. While some big banner I am because of television and there movies didn’t work at the box office, How did Aksar 2 happen to you? is nothing like I will never get back small budget movies hogged the The kind of work I wanted, I to television. Till the time I am limelight. What do you have to say didn't get it initially. Then I became getting projects of my choice, be it about it? busy with television and hosted on TV or films, I will be doing it. I am One good thing that has shows like India's Got Talent. Later, happy performing characters. happened this year is that content Saraswatichandra happened. Then I has been the king. Small films with got shows like Mahakumbh and You are playing a really different great content have worked well on Suryaputra Karna. There was no character in the movie. How do you the theaters. Usually, it is never like time to think about anything else. think the audience would react big star movies fail to work at the As soon as my last show got over, I seeing you in a role like this one? box office. got a call from the director and I believe that if you wish to learn Like in Television, it's about within 5 days I was standing on the as an actor, you need to TRPs, for films it is all about the box sets of Aksar 2. The timing was experiment. You just can't sit with office collections. It is only that they really correct for me this time. one genre or one likable character say that you are there in the market. and be like people like it so I must I have given big hits on television Are you also selective about play only these characters. These and that is why they say I am a picking projects in Bollywood? will be the same people who will successful TV actor. If this film gets I have always been selective in later say that this actor can't good numbers at the box office, I my television projects as well. The experiment and portrays similar will be really happy. We roles I have done till date have all kind of roles. been different. The character I was Everyone is a genius at least once offered to play in Aksar 2 was Tell us something about your a year; a real genius has his completely different from what I upcoming projects? original ideas closer together. did on television and that was one I haven't signed anything yet. I

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 61 I am Pregnant & A am seven and a half months pregnant. On examination the doctor found that my baby was not growing well and asked me to get an ultrasound Q done. This has confirmed that my baby has intrauterine growth retardation. What are the implications of this conditions and what Iprecautions should I take to improve my baby’s health? When the blood supply to the baby is reduced thereby reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrient to the baby, the internal environment becomes less than ideal, resulting in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). ✿ Have whole fruits for their fibre The cause is usually not known though PIH (pregnancy induced content in place of fruit juices. hypertension) can be the culprit in some cases. There is a narrowing of blood ✿ Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. vessels in high blood pressure which decreases the blood supply to the baby. ✿ Go for a regular walk. Treatment consists of high-protein diet, bed rest in left lateral position to increase the blood supply to the fetus, blood thinning agent, etc. Serial If these do not help, visit your doctor monitoring by ultrasound, colour doppler and non stress test (NST) keep who will prescribe mild laxatives for the the doctor informed about the well-being of the baby. If his condition is same. Do not take purgatives/enemas on improving, the pregnancy is allowed to continue till the baby attains your own. maturity after it is delivered by artificial pains. If, on the other hand, the baby does not improve or deteriorates, he is taken out of the womb earlier I am in my thirty sixth week of pregnancy either by artificial pains or Caesarean section. Nursery admission may be and have been diagnosed to be a case of required. placenta previa. The doctor has said that I will need a Caesarean section and we I am in my third month of my pregnancy and am severely constipated. will have to arrange for blood for the Please tell me what to do? same. This has made me apprehensive, Constipation is a common complaint in early pregnancy. It occurs because for I know of a lot of people who have of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and is often worsened by had a Caesarean section but did not need calcium and iron supplements. You can deal with it in the following manner: blood. Kindly enlighten me. ✿ Have lots of salads. Occasionally, the placenta is attached ✿ Take plenty of green, leafy vegetables. to the lower part of the uterus and is ✿ Try having whole grains and pulses. labelled as a low-lying placenta as seen

62 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 I am & Pregnant Q A on ultrasounds done in the first half support). Some women (about 10-15 cavity to make the mother’s breathing of pregnancy. As pregnancy advances, per cent) need help getting the baby easier, but the fluid reappears soon the uterus usually takes the placenta through the birth canal. A doctor may enough. up with it. Only in a small percentage apply a special vacuum cup or forceps The best your doctor can do for of cases it remains low - before the to the baby’s head to help the mother you is to induce pain and deliver you baby’s head. This can separate during push the baby out. as soon as the baby is mature enough sex, internal examination or during Many women get small tears to survive outside the womb. the painless uterine contractions that around the vaginal opening. occur throughout pregnancy, leading Sometimes, the doctor will cut some I am eight months pregnant and have to vaginal bleeding. The severity of tissue to make the opening bigger developed swelling around my ankles the bleed depends upon the degree of (episiotomy) which require stitches. and feet. What is it due to and what placenta previa and the amount of The stitches will dissolve during should be done to prevent it? separation and can cause grave healing. The area will be sore for a few Swelling, or edema, is a very complications. Usually, a Caesarean days. common discomfort of pregnancy. section is the best option for Normally, the uterus expels the When the weather is warm, or you pregnancies with placenta previa and placenta soon after birth. In about 1 have been standing on your feet for arranging blood beforehand in per cent of births, this doesn’t awhile, or even by the end of your patients who are expected to bleed happen. The doctor must reach into day, you may notice that your feet makes sound clinical sense. the uterus and remove the placenta feel tight and swollen. In general for which you may need anesthesia. swelling is nothing to be alarmed I am two months pregnant and have a All women lose some blood during about. The swelling usually subsides morbid fear of delivering an abnormal childbirth. A woman is more likely to after a good night's rest. baby. Please tell if there are tests lose a lot of blood if the labour is Increase your intake of water for available to find out whether the baby prolonged, the size of the baby is big, extra fluids will help flush out your is normal or not? when instrumental (vacuum, forceps) system of waste products, which may All women have a 3 per cent delivery was required, after twin have increased swelling. You need at chance of having a baby with a birth deliver or when the placenta doesn’t least eight glasses of water a day. defect. Most of them are so minor pass out on its own. In very few While many people believe that that they can either be ignored or women (less than 1 per cent) a blood swelling is caused by excessive treated by surgical procedures. A lot transfusion may be required after amounts of salt in the diet, the of abnormalities can be detected vaginal birth if the bleeding was opposite is also true. Limiting the during pregnancy with the help of excessive. amount of salt you take in can cause ultrasound, blood tests like double swelling as well. So, moderation is the marker/ triple marker/quad test, but I am eight months pregnant with my key to balance. these are not foolproof. If an first child, but look positively huge. At To reduce the swelling you should abnormality is detected with the times I find it difficult to lie down, get wear comfortable shoes, slip-on types above the doctor will discuss the pros up from the lying position. There is are best. Put your feet up when and cons, the necessity of terminating even difficulty in breathing. possible. If you stand at work, try to the pregnancy if the condition is life- ultrasound has ruled out the move around slightly or get a stool to threatening or need to just ignore it. possibility of twins but there is prop a foot up. Don't wear elastic- But this is an exception, not rule, so excessive fluid in my uterus. Please topped socks; try support stockings. you can just relax and enjoy your tell me why is it so? What are the If the swelling is accompanied by pregnancy. implications of such a condition and increased blood pressure and albumin is it possible to decrease the fluid and in the urine, it is not normal and needs Could you please tell me what make my life comfortable, for there is medical management. happens during vaginal birth? still a month to go. Labour contractions increase in Excessive fluid in the uterus can What medicines can be taken safely intensity and duration over a period cause maternal distress as you have during pregnancy? of hours and slowly open the cervix. learnt first hand. The reason for With a new human being growing When the cervix is completely open, increased amniotic fluid is not rapidly in the womb there is so much contractions help push the baby generally known though some women of cellular activity going on that could through the birth canal (vagina). with congenital malformations like go haywire if certain drugs are taken Usually, the baby’s head comes out anencephaly (absence of the baby’s during pregnancy. It is not right for first, then the shoulders, followed by head) are known to have hydramnios me to make a blanket statement here. the rest of the body. You will be as the condition is called in medical Suffice it to say that you must consult shifted to the labour room when the parlance. Lying down in the propped your doctor before taking any uterus is completely open (along with up position helps. In severe cases medicines. your birthing partner to offer some fluid is taken out of the uterine – Dr Amrinder Kaur Bajaj, MD. Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 63 Needless to say, she was a perfect day bride! She kept her make-up minimal and let the heavy jewellery do the talking. PS: The very simple yet chic Choodaa (red bangles) and traditional kaleere further added to her bridal beauty. Amrita's friends shared some lovely candid photographs of the couple from their wedding. Amrita's P.O.W co-stars Eisha Chopra and Sandhya Mridul gave glimpses of the opulent wedding by posting the photos from several ceremonies. The bride herself also shared an absolutely delightful picture from her Mehendi. The 'Anand Karaj' ceremony was followed by a grand celebration with close family and friends in presence. For that, the Aisha actress opted for a green ethnic ensemble and looked like million – Medha Chawla. bucks. Amrita started off her Bollywood Aisha fame Amrita Puri gets hitched had a beautiful destination wedding journey with Aisha and went on to in a beautiful destination wedding! in Bangkok at the Anantara Riverside star in movies like Kai Po Che, A his wedding season got a little resort. Flying Jatt and Blood Money. She Tmore special as the very They tied the knot according to was last seen in TV show P.O.W - adorable Bollywood film Sikh traditions and rituals and had an Bandi Yuddh Ke where she played actress Amrita Puri tied the knot to 'Anand Karaj' ceremony on the Purab Kohli's wife. Imrun on the her restaurateur boyfriend Imrun morning of 11th November. other hand is a Mumbai-based Sethi. Amrita Puri starred in Sonam The P.O.W- Bandhi Yuddh Ke restaurateur and runs popular chain Kapoor and Abhay Deol starrer Aisha, actress looked incredibly beautiful of restaurants, Terttulia, in Mumbai and played Sonam's best friend and graceful on her D-day as she and Pune. Shefali Thakur in the film. The slipped into a soft pastel hued Have a blissful married life, gorgeous couple Amrita and Imrun heavily embroidered lehenga. Amrita and Imrun!

Actress Aisha Puri marries long-time boyfriend Imrun Sethi. Daddy Randhir Kapoor opens up about Karisma Kapoor's love affair! umours of Karisma Kapoor and RSandeep Toshniwal's love affair have been doing rounds from quite a long time now. Even though there is no official confirmation from the duo but paparazzi does the deed by capturing Randhir Kapoor speaks up on Karisma’s love affair. them together on their dates and Bollywood parties. Their relationship does not even seem to be a secret in But after his divorce, looks like (Sandeep), I don’t know. I also see the tinsel town as Sandeep often their relationship has got a green their photographs, he said. That's accompanies her to the parties signal. The couple also celebrated not all. He went on to speak about thrown by Karisma’s close friends. the joy with a late night dinner date how proud he is of both his And now that Sandeep at a lavish restaurant. daughters. Toshniwal has officially divorced his According to the grapevine “My children are settled. In fact, orthodontist wife Dr Ashrita, people happening in the industry, Karisma both my daughters are wealthier can't stop but talk about Karisma's and Sandeep Toshniwal might be than I am and I keep asking them to wedding plans with him. Last year tying the knot soon. And now, none adopt me as their father so that I around Taimur's birth, rumours of other than her father Randhir can also be rich. Karisma's engagement did several Kapoor has opened up about I still meet Babita for dinner rounds. A picture of Lolo flaunting a Karisma's marriage plans with sometimes, we eat and laugh. That big rock diamond on her finger businessman boyfriend Sandeep is the way we are," he was quoted ignited the rumours. However, the Toshniwal. saying to an online portal. alleged couple didn't make it public "If she wants to get married, Well, it seems like daddy Randhir as Sandeep was already married then she has my blessings. She is has officially approved this then. young and must be seeing him relationship.

Virat and Anuskha's romance at has decided to take it all easy now Indian Sports Honours! as they posed very comfortably in he first ever Indian Sports front of the media. And the THonours, launched by RP-SG pictures came out stunning, filled group in partnership with with love and romance! The couple Indian Cricket Team Captain Virat looked madly in love with each Kohli happened recently in other. Mumbai. The prestigious event Indian captain Virat Kohli also saw oodles of sports personalities changed his Instagram profile dressed in their stylish best. Some picture with Anushka Sharma and Bollywood celebs like Aamir Khan, put up a picture from the same Sagarika Ghatge (Zaheer Khan's night. girlfriend) also marked their He had recently appeared on attendance. Gaurav Kapoor's chat show and However, it was just one spilled some beans about their couple that stole the entire show relationship. He expressed his girl - Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Anushka for making him a sensible Virat Kohli looked absolutely person that he is today. "I've got to dapper in a classic navy blue Lovebirds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma thank the lady luck. You've tuxedo while Anushka Sharma was pose at an event. (Gaurav) seen me, you know I had a style goddess in an all-red pant no brains before. Ever since the lady suit teamed up with bold red lips in public. While the rumours of their has come into my life, she's taught and a diamond necklace. The affair were doing rounds, he was me a lot of things," he said. " I've incredibly couple posed heartily for the first one to confirm their learnt a lot, become more sensible all the shutterbugs out there to let relationship by posting a photo of in the last 4 years all because of her. them capture their super-sizzling him along with his lady love on She's taught me how to be more chemistry. Valentine's Day. On the contrary, patient and taught me how to Virat has never shied away from Anushka till that has not opened up utilise the position you are in to the expressing his feelings for Anushka about it yet. But looks like the diva fullest," Kohli told Gaurav.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 65 However, as source claims that only Alia Bhatt and her mother Soni Razdan are bearing the most of it. “Kalpana’s medical bills, which come to about `2.5 lakh a week for four dialysis that she undergoes, are borne entirely by Soni and her daughter Alia. Soni is Kalpana’s closest friend, and she’s been monitoring the funds for Kalpana’s treatment. Every time the bills pile up, Soni informs Alia, who pays them,” a Alia Bhatt immensely contributes for Kalpana Lajmi’s health expenses. source was quoted saying. Soni Razdan and Kalpana Lajmi Alia Bhatt solely bearing medical Kirron Kher, Dimple Kapadia and share a deep friendship from a long expenses of filmmaker Kalpana Gulzar among others. Dimple time. Apparently, Alia, who has Lajmi! Kapadia and Raveena Tandon won grown up with Lajmi, doesn’t want uru Dutt’s niece, Kalpana National Film Award for Best to publicise her contribution. GLajmi, a critically acclaimed Actress for their performance in “She would be very upset and filmmaker is battling kidney Kalpana Lajmi’s Rudaali and Daman embarrassed to know this has been cancer and has regularly been in and respectively. Kalpana was also let out. But it’s important to let out of the ICU. The 61-years-old legendary singer and music Kalpana’s well-wishers know that filmmaker’s health worsened composer Bhupen Hazarika’s only one 24-year-old girl is recently and she was rushed to partner for 40 years. She even shouldering her medical bills, and hospital in the Mumbai suburbs. wanted to make a biopic on his life it’s about time others came forward For the uninitiated, Kalpana is which has now taken a backseat to do their bit. Alia and Soni are best known for films like Daaman, owing to her deteriorating health. valiantly pushing on with Kalpana’s Rudaali and more. During her active Off late, a lot of charity talks are medical care. But more people need years in the industry, she worked doing rounds about several to come forward with financial help. with eminent personalities like celebrities paying the medical Right now it’s just Alia,” the source Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, expenses of ailing Kalpana Lajmi. further added.

Ratri Goswami: All set to slay in The diva hails from Kolkata and has proved her prowess as an Bollywood! started her career in modelling actress in 3 Bengali films and 2 Oriya engali actress Ratri Goswami is world as a fashion model at a tender films. Prema Sabuthu Balaban Ball set to enthrall Indian age of 15. During her high school (2013) and Jodi Kagoje Lekho Naam viewers with an upcoming days, Ratri was also crowned with (2009) got her oodles of web series. The gorgeous beauty will prestigious Miss Calcutta award. appreciation for her fine acting soon be seen playing a prominent While her father is a doctor skills. role in a web series titled 'Beti'. and mother a classical Blessed with an alluring singer at a radio station personality, Ratri is very sensitive Bengali beauty in Kolkata, Ratri was and leads a positive life. She follows Ratri Goswami. attracted to dancing a strict fitness regimen and loves and singing since doing Yoga. Several renowned childhood. From a director and production houses are very young age, the eager to work with her. She has stunning actress already moved to Mumbai to start aspired for a career in her career in Hindi cinema. She has films. Celebrated also embarked her television actresses like journey as she starred in well- Shabana Azmi and known shows like CID, Savdhaan Madhuri Dixit India and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai. inspire Ratri. "I trust in hard work and Ratri self-belief," she says with utmost Goswami grace. We

he silent screams echoed in her mind as a life It's only since January 2014 that in India, National Crime Tebbed away, a criminal act was in progress and Records Bureau has started rigorous data collection on she was a part of it however unwilling. Last week honour killing and worldwide also not much data is gender determination was undertaken and today her available, the most frequently referred to figure is 5000 unborn daughter lost her life. killings per year worldwide as estimated by UN in the The eight-year-old eyed the glass of milk, for one year 2000. However, women advocacy groups suspect defiant moment she held the glass close to her lips but that it is more than 20,000 per year globally. According the next she quietly kept it back for her brother to drink to the National Crime Records Bureau statistics in 2015, it. As she walked to school with her brother she was 7634 women lost their lives to dowry that translates to thankful that she was allowed to study. 21 women murdered per day. I choose to write the Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, for word murder and not dowry deaths as the word she was too scared to cry lest anybody death somehow lessens the inhuman criminality felt she supported her sister. She sat of the act. thinking perhaps a similar fate It is said that a leading cause of female awaited her. Six months back her infanticide is the desire to have a son, a sister had hugged her goodbye son who will carry on the family name and left to marry a man of her and will be a financial support. Female choice and now her sister was child is supposedly by reverse dead, killed by the very hands that argument a burden who is not only an had raised her. economic liability but also has the He stood leaning against the potential of 'tainting' that very family pillar in the hospital, his legs name that the son will so proudly carry refusing to take his weight. His forward.

THE OTHER HALF OF HUMANITY The need to protect the girl child and the woman she grows up to be. By Nuveira Hasan daughter lay in the hospital bed fighting for her life, Many among us have made our daughters the sole burnt beyond recognition, it seemed like only yesterday custodian of 'family honour'. So, every action that she when decked up in bridal finery she had bid him takes is measured against that yardstick and whether it farewell and now... brings 'honour' or 'disrepute' to the family name, our These snippets are figment of my imagination and sons on the other hand are free to be guided by their yet based on true stories, even as I write an unborn girl will because after all boys will be boys. child may become a victim of foeticide, a newborn The economic liability comes to fore when the might lose her precious life to infanticide, a young daughter is ready to be married off, the societal woman might be sacrificed to restore family honour pressure of spending on marriage ceremonies coupled and a bride burned to death at the altar of dowry. with the demands of dowry is a burden which not many According to the first-ever global study on female can bear easily and if they are not able to meet these to infanticide by Asian Centre for Human Rights, this is a the desired standards they bid farewell to their worldwide phenomenon with 1.5 million girls losing daughters not with joy but trepidation in their hearts, their life every year even before they enter the world. for they are scared for their daughter's future and more

68 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 often than not their worst fears somebody out there who will walk come true. behind them a wee bit too close, or The saddest part in this tragedy deliberately brush against them that unfolds in many households on while crossing or pass an a daily basis is that many a time the inappropriate remark or take it a perpetrator is not a man. The notch higher or more, the list can go My fittest neighbour grandmother who slips in an extra on. I live in a busy society. By dollop of cream for the grandson As per National Crime Records “busy” I not only mean the and deprives the granddaughter, Bureau up to 3,27,394 cases of number of people residing there the mother who chooses to support crime against women were but also in their engrossment in or remain silent while her daughter reported in 2015 alone and these are their own lives! is berated for being a girl, the those that were registered, the One sad day when everybody mother-in-law who taunts the actual numbers, considering how was into their own world, an daughter-in-law for bearing a many go unreported would be unknown but fine looking man daughter or the wife who suffers much higher. Many crimes go climbed up our stairs. It was silently the tortures of an abusive unreported mainly due to the fact noon and I could hear some that the victim does not have the weird noises from nearby. When FEMALE CHILD IS confidence in the familial and I opened the door I saw Sahni societal environment. uncle was unconscious on the SUPPOSEDLY BY floor and that weird man was REVERSE ARGUMENT PROTECT THE GIRL CHILD running out of his home which seemed horribly burgled. The A BURDEN WHO IS On the International day of the doctors declared that Sahni NOT ONLY AN girl child, we are reminded of the uncle would not be able to walk fact that as per 2015 world bank again. After this mishap, uncle ECONOMIC LIABILITY data India has 48 million more men decided to be a helping hand to than women. his co- residents unlike them. BUT ALSO HAS THE If we hope to achieve the Despite of being handicapped, POTENTIAL OF equilibrium that perhaps nature he roamed around in his balcony intended, we need to protect the to keep an eye on the visitors in 'TAINTING' THAT VERY girl child and also the woman she the locality and, if he sensed FAMILY NAME THAT grows up to be, we cannot protect anything fishy about anyone, he her by locking her behind doors but clapped or called the respective THE SON WILL SO by educating our sons so that they resident to alert him or her. PROUDLY CARRY grow up into men who respect Uncle sahni reciprocated the FORWARD. women and consider them as carelessness of the neighbours equals. with immense care! We need to empower our – Garima Beri, New Delhi. husband because when she suffers daughters so that they grow up into in silence, she not only lets herself women who believe that equal down but sends a message to her opportunity is their right and not a son that this behaviour is favour dolled out to them. acceptable and communicates to To quote former President of the her daughter that being subjugated USA, Barrack Obama, “the future is her destiny. must not belong to those who bully Do you have any sweet/sour Those girls who are lucky enough women – it must be shaped by girls experiences with you to be born into families that who go to school, and those who immediate neighbour? welcome them with open arms and stand for a world where our We will be glad to publish them. equip them with the tools needed daughters can live their dreams just Please sent them to: to grow into confident young ladies, like our sons.” We namely education, equal NEIGHBOURS ALL opportunities and support have E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. their own daily battles to fight in Womansera.com public transport, in the Name: marketplace, on college campus, in Kindness can become its own Mobile: the office. Whenever they step out motive. We are made kind by E-mail: they do so with the unfortunate understanding that there is being kind.

70 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Do you know? 15% of women presenting with moderate to severe knee arthritis are below the age of 45.

T here is a higher incidence of knee Keeping good control of medical arthritis in women. However recent problems like Diabetes will also help trend says that younger women are us to overcome the symptoms of developing severe knee arthritis and osteoarthritis. Modern medicine has pain. Nearly 15 percent of women found out the best possible treatment presenting with moderate to severe for osteoarthritis in form of knee knee arthritis are below the age of 45. replacement but the next big WHO statistics reveal that breakthrough in this field is going to osteoarthritis will soon be the number be prevention of osteoarthritis. With one ailment having trounced lot of research going on in the field of heavyweights like cardiac disease, stem cells who knows that we may cancer and AIDS. The burden of have an antidote to prevent cartilage osteoarthritis in young patients is Dr Simon Thomas erosion in the coming decades. going to be a compelling problem in MBBS, DNB(Ortho), MCh (Ortho) Total knee replacement for knee the next few years. FJR (Germany) osteoarthritis is always the last Senior Consultant The causes for osteoarthritis are treatment option for patients not fully understood. We know that correlation between arthritis and regardless of their age. Lot of people multiple factors like genetic makeup, obesity. Women appear to have a come to me and show me X-rays of obesity, lifestyle, food habits, injury, greater genetic predisposition to their knees and ask me if they need a and altered joint biomechanics play an arthritis. Genes determine quality of knee replacement. I tell them that a important role. There is evidence that body tissues and hence onset of replacement is decided not just based osteoarthritis is commoner in urban arthritis”. on the x ray findings alone but also areas as against rural areas. Changing “The knee joint surfaces (where based on their pain and on how much food habits, pollution and a more the bones touch each other) are their life is getting affected because sedentary lifestyle are thought to covered with cartilage (soft cushion) of difficulty in walking. The first line of contribute to this rural urban disparity. which acts as a shock absorber and treatment is always muscle It has been suggested that such also reduces friction. strengthening exercises factors are likely to affect women to a Cartilage performs a (Physiotherapy) and joint greater degree than men and increase function similar to the supplements. Then comes their susceptibility to arthritis. rubber on your car tyre, Viscosupplementation Dr. Simon Thomas, Senior Joint only it is alive and injections. People who Replacement Surgeon Sant provides a much better don't benefit from these Parmanand Hospital says, “The low friction articulation. modalities are the increasing incidence of obesity in In patients of arthritis candidates who are women has also contributed to the this cartilage thins out or is considered for surgery. increasing incidence of osteoarthritis. completely lost. This can be With the improved life expectancy Obesity rates are 54% higher among appreciated on xray as a loss of gap of the total knee replacement adults with arthritis compared to between the bone surfaces. The implants younger and younger those without the condition. An increased friction in the absence of women are now advised for a total epidemiological study by MK Sharma cartilage generates debris, which sets knee replacement. Very young ladies published in the Indian Journal of off an inflammatory reaction. This who have cartilage wear on only one community medicine, 2007 showed causes pain, swelling, immobility and side of the knee are candidates who further joint destruction”. Added Dr. can think of a partial knee Thomas. replacement. This is called With increasing age some amount unicondylar knee replacement. This of wear and tear will occur in the surgery has fast recovery and allows knees, like greying of hair and the young ladies to do almost all their wrinkling of skin, cartilage lining of daily activities without many the knee will get worn with age. By restrictions. Whatever be the age if taking a healthy diet and doing done in properly selected group of regular exercises we can keep our patients, a knee replacement is weight in control and thus slow down expected to give pain free the cartilage wear to some extent. movements for a long time.

Dr Simon Thomas MBBS, DNB(Ortho), MCh (Ortho), FJR (Germany) Senior Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Sant Parmanand Hospital, 18 Sham Nath Marg, Civil Lines, New Delhi 110054 For appointment: 9810170017, E-mail: [email protected], www.sphdelhi.org Clinic: Ditto Joint Replacement Centre, KP-4, Gopal Mandir Road, Near City park Hotel, Pitampura, New Delhi. Ph: 011-47505783, 8468920104 www.facebook.com/drsimonthomas/ t is rightly said if our stomach is full, intelligence goes to sleep. Eating Ibrings heaviness in our body and the food we eat have nutrients affecting our body differently, resulting and reflecting on our health in good or bad ways. It is a belief about fasting that it heals every pain and wounds of the body and mind wash away all sins. More vigorous fasting quick is healing, for whatever we have fasted for. Sometimes the magic of fasting works scientifically positive on the mental and physical well- being of our health. They can in other way be called ‘ healing touch’ physically and mentally. When nothing works, fasting comes to the rescue. For some, grains are forbidden, and only fruit and/or dairy products are allowed. The whole of man's external and internal conditions are taken into consideration. Whenever we eat, we should never overeat because the more we eat, the more we yearn. How and why people fast There are people who fast without food and water for days or consecutively. Doctors prescribe fasting with water, healthy because first few days of fasting our stomach, tongue, and body is heavily laden with the corruption. This corruption assimilated has to soften and broken down with sufficient amount of water to wash out corrupted particles in the form of the fecal matter. In the initial period body undergoes many changes. During these changes, cramps, displeasure, discomforts are Fasting experienced, with the aid of water they are all washed forHealth Here is how you can do it properly. By Kalpana B Shah out. Why is it that people fast for Fasting is beneficial to children. long periods? One full or partial When a child becomes ill, very often days of fasting are enough, but to several meals, or several days fast for days and months is a fasting, will fix up everything. Many concept unexplainable as it is children as they grow and eat rich related subjectively. Still scientists foods develop a pimpled have researched the reason behind complexion. The source of the fasting for long. Doing fast that is condition is in the stomach. The without food gives power or stomach tries to unload it authority of your mind on your poisonous material in the blood, body. Our body is vulnerable in and to some extent through the response to temptations easily, it is skin. Only a few days of fasting will our determination that can hold our eradicate all traces of the body to give in easily. Once we have symptoms. If proper eating is made our determination strong we undertaken, it should not return. can obtain power to do many Scores of minor and major ailments things. For instance, we have a 47- of young people could be whipped year-old follower of Jainism by a short fast. Girls would not find Hansratna ji, a thin figure, who it necessary to wear “make-up,” if fasted for 150 days without food they would fast. A natural, healthy achieving the impossible. Fasting in complexion would be the result. Nature has created our bodies to THERE ARE PEOPLE use starch, glycogen, and disaccharides (e.g., good old table lowered by what you eat. Studies on WHO FAST WITHOUT sugar) as sources of energy on a calorie restrictors suggest that FOOD AND WATER FOR day-to-day basis. These are eating less helps, but it is not DAYS OR carbohydrates and make up about enough As well as cutting calories half of most diets. As important as you have to cut your carbohydrate CONSECUTIVELY. protein and fat (yes, fat--the intake. Not entirely - that would be DOCTORS PRESCRIBE average adult needs 80-100 grams a very bad idea. It's about sticking of dietary fat per day) are in our to recommended guidelines, FASTING WITH WATER, diet, they are not intended to be the something most of us fail to do. The HEALTHY BECAUSE primary source of energy (although reason seems to be that when our FIRST FEW DAYS OF muscles do use free fatty acids first bodies no longer have access to FASTING OUR during light exercise).But glycogen food they switch from "growth lasts for only so long, and before mode" to "repair mode". STOMACH, TONGUE, these reserves run out the body AND BODY IS HEAVILY begins to use a more complex, Scientific effects of LADEN WITH THE energy-rich source called lipids (fat). fasts on health The person who fasts, drinking only Fasting is the most ancient CORRUPTION. water, will deplete his glycogen therapy of humanity. There are reserves in a timeframe ranging some kinds of fasts which must be jainism is not just about not eating. from hours to a day or two wholly condemned: irrational fasts, It is about not feeling hungry at all. (depending on energy demands) fasts without preparation, fasts of It was to ensure that good things and will then be in fat respiration long duration without an prevail in life," he said Dr Tanner (breakdown). The very low levels of experienced guide, and fasts which was a physician as well as a IGF-1 their bodies produce means are only inspired by the wish to Christian. His first fast was so they are short, but this also seems follow a system momentarily in glorious that his grey hair were to protect them against cancer and vogue. In general, official medicine replaced with black hair. Then he diabetes, two common age-related looks on fasting as a bad and even took additional fasts for over forty diseases. The IGF-1 hormone dangerous thing for the human days. In certain tribes nearly all (insulin-like growth factor) is one of organism and regards it as the Indian children who come to the the drivers which keep our bodies in equivalent of starvation. There is age of puberty are set aside to fast go-go mode, with cells driven to some truth in the official viewpoint, for seven to ten days, to burn out, reproduce. This is fine when you are but we cannot accept it in its so to speak, the evil sex desires, so growing, but not so good later in totality, for as it stands it is that they would have high moral life. There is now evidence extreme. At the other end of the thoughts, and live a higher life. suggesting that IGF-1 levels can be pole, certain naturist systems

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 73 consider fasting to be the high spot naturopaths who advocate fasting to fasting for prolonged period. We of therapeutics and as the best are right for the reason that people do not have to be surprised if slight method of cure. There are few are over-nourished. But if they discomfort on mental and physical naturopaths who make all their would eat exactly the right diet in level is experienced. patients fast, and who say that by quality and quantity, then these fasting every disease is curable. This naturopaths would no longer be Pre -fasting care concept has a great deal of truth in right. The value and significance of First start with small meal it, but we must reject it also as fasting thus depends on present skipping. Before fasting do not take extreme. It is true that very often habits of eating. In the future, when a big meal, cut down on your cups fasting produces excellent results, man has a healthy diet in both of caffinne, tea beverages you but there are many cases when a quantity and quality, we shall habitually take. Some health fast, particularly a long fast, may perhaps no longer be able to say the professionals suggest eating only result in accidents and even in same of the value of the fast. But raw foods for two days before disaster. We must therefore fasting is truly very valuable in cases starting a fast. Ensure that your examine carefully the problem of of overeating and in the case of body is getting the nutrients it fasting from the point of view of disease caused by over- needs, so you can remain safe and physiology. nourishment. healthy during your fast. Do not be It is sad, but none the less true, surprise, if slight discomfort on that generally we eat very much Important facts of fasting mental and physical level is more than is necessary for the Fasting can result in a dynamic experienced. Coldness, bad breath organism as regards both quantity personal revival in your own life and and heightened body odour, and quality. As a general rule more make you a channel of revival to changes on elimination people die of overeating than from others. Fasting as the only discipline (constipation or diarrhea), light- malnutrition. Fasting is a radical that fulfills the requirements . As headedness, changes in sleeping cure which counterbalances the evil you begin your fast, you may hear and dreaming patterns, aches and effects of overeating and unwise from concerned loved ones and pains. A white-coated tongue at the choice of food. If people were to friends who urge you to protect beginning of a fast may be a part of feed upon a healthy diet and not to your health. And they are right. You the body's pattern of throwing off overeat, then I should not advise should protect your health. But I toxins. Also, expect to go to the fasting as a therapeutic method, as assure you, if done properly, fasting bathroom often (you will be it would be unnecessary. But since will prove to be a physical blessing. drinking lots of water). After the people do, fasting is a very valuable We have to consult our doctor first two weeks of an extended fast, therapy. The value of fasting must before we begin our fast. But, we many of these symptoms subside. always depend on the concrete have to be aware that many doctors Continuing aches in a certain area of case. The value and significance of have not been trained in this area the body usually means elimination the fast are relative. Those and so their understanding is of fatty tissue is going on in that limited. Even so, it would be wise to area, which is not harmful. ask our doctor for a physical However, any extensive pain should examination to make sure our be examined immediately. health is in good condition. We Headaches or stomach aches may may have a physical problem be a result of salt, sugar, or caffeine that would make fasting withdrawal. Eliminating those items unwise or from your diet prior to fasting is the dangerous. Also, if best way to avoid these pains. we are under any type of Fasting is not just denying medication,we have to yourself food. While fasting, if you make sure we talk to dissipate your energy on numerous our doctor before errands or busy work you will starve changing our regime. physically. You will find yourself Prudence and caution are becoming discouraged and in order. People who are frustrated with your fast instead of extremely on thinner side or being benefited and uplifted and suffering from anorexia, bulimia, blessed. We suffering from weakness and amnesia. People with tumours, Believe in your infinite potential. ulcers, cancers, diabetes or on Your only limitations are insulin, kidney problem, liver, lung those you set upon yourself. and heart problems must not take

74 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Is your Foot or Ankle giving you Trouble? Common Foot and ankle problems you discomfort while walking. Most flat feet are treatable with in shoe insoles, appropriate should know about! footwear and muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. Severe cases of flat foot require surgical correction by tendon It is estimated that in an average lifetime, transfers to rebuild the arch along with we use our feet to walk the equivalent of bony correction. This helps to give a five times the circumference of the earth. painfree normal looking foot. As we walk, the foot helps us to accommodate for the undulations of the Dr Hitin Mathur Lesser toe Deformities:- ground adding to the stress to over 50 Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Toe deformities involving 2nd, 3rd, 4th Foot and Ankle, Joint Replacement Surgeon bones and joints that make up the foot and and Trauma Surgeon, MBBS, DNB (Ortho), or 5th toes occur due to muscle imbalances ankle. Fashionable footwear has added to Fellowship Foot & Ankle Surgery (USA) in the foot. These deformities can make it foot and ankle problems, with women difficult to fit into restrictive shoes and give squeezing their feet into shoes of all shapes Pain is more during the first steps in the a sensation of ‘walking on marbles’ due to and sizes. Ageing and being overweight also morning or after a period of inactivity. the prominent increases the risk of having foot problems. People with flat foot, high arch foot or with bones on the Recent advances in foot and ankle tight calf are more prone especially after an undersurface of surgery has gone a long way in helping foot increase in activity level. the forefoot. and ankle specialist to provide a painless, Initially these stable and deformity free foot. deformities are flexible and can Diagnosis: be managed without surgery with the use Pain, instability, deformity or difficulty of toe splints and pads and wide and deep in walking are the most common complaints toebox shoes. However, as they become of patients with foot and ankle problems. A rigid over time, surgical correction may be detailed history and thorough clinical required. examination will help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms and arrive at a Foot and ankle arthritis:- diagnosis. Arthritis of the foot and ankle may be degenerative in older people, sequel of Ankle sprain and instability:- Bunion:- diabetes, due to inflammatory conditions, This is the most common injury Bunions are bony lumps past infections or long standing abnormal sustained due to a twisting injury to the that develop on the side of posturing of the foot. They cause pain and ankle. The ligaments on the outer side of the foot or the base of the swelling in the foot and difficulty in the ankle are most commonly torn causing big toe. Bunions may be walking. Mild to moderate symptoms are pain, swelling and difficulty in walking. RICE acquired genetically from our managed with shoe modifications, insoles therapy-Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation parents or due to the use of and joint injections. With progression of forms the first line of management. Most high heels and unsupportive arthritis, disabling pain and disability sprains heal within 3-6 weeks. Physical narrow footwear. Long hours warrant surgical fusion of affected joints. therapy in the form of ankle mobilisation, of standing, obesity and muscle strengthening and balancing hormonal changes also Ankle and foot bone fractures:- exercises should always be done after the contribute to their development. The big There are 26 acute period. Improper care or neglect leads toe moves towards the other toes causing bones that make up to persistent pain, giving way sensation, pain and discomfort and deformity of other the foot and ankle swelling and recurrent ankle sprains-the toes as well. Mild deformities can be and any of these can classical symptoms of instability. Newer managed by bunion sleeves, footwear get fractured during techniques in instability surgery help doctors inserts/modifications and anti inflammatory an acute injury. Ankle to shorten the period of rehabilitation medications. Severe cases may require fractures are the following ligament reconstruction surgeries. surgical realignment of the big toe to most common injury following a twisting correct the deformity thereby allowing you injury to the ankle and are most commonly Plantar Fascitis and Achilles Tendinitis:- to wear normal shoes. mistaken for ankle sprains. When foot and Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis ankle fractures are misdiagnosed or are inflammatory conditions around the Flat foot:- neglected, long term disability and heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is characterised People with flat foot have a frequent instability can result. by pain along the undersurface of the heel loss of arch or instep in the Thus it is imperative to always consult at the origin of the plantar fascia and inner side of their feet. As the your doctor for prompt recognition and Achilles tendinitis presents with pain and condition worsens it may give appropriate treatment of foot and ankle swelling on the back of the heel and heel cord. rise to pain in the feet and injuries.

Visiting Consultant Apollo Hospital, Noida and Fortis C Doc Hospital, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi. Clinic: Dr Mathur’s Orthopaedic Clinic, House No 77, Sector 15A, Noida, UP Email: [email protected], Website:www.drmathurorthopaedic.com For appointments: 9811538158 rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and zinc in their diet so that they remain Parenting healthy all year round. Give your child plenty of fluids in the form of water, juices or during buttermilk – a well-hydrated body can fight infectious diseases easily. Change of Weather Turning to herbs: While turmeric, ginger and lemon are commonly Here’s what to do. By Pushpa Bhatia found in most kitchens, make it a practice to use basil, honey, cinnamon and other natural easonal changes take place ingredients as well. Get Severy year without fail. Chyawanprash. It’s packed with Whenever weather changes, herbal and medicinal properties viral and bacterial infections rise. that will keep diseases at bay. While for adults it is still easier to recover fast, this change can get Dress in layers: Dress your child quite tricky for young kids. appropriately especially when you Upset stomach, fever, cough, are planning to be out for a couple cold and sore throat are commonly If your child is sent to a day care of hours. It’s best to dress your observed in almost every kid that centre, the supervising adult should child in layers so that you can not only disrupts the child’s health be advised to send sick children remove or add layers to keep your but affects the studies too, since home so that others don’t get child comfortable through the day. exams are mostly held during these infected. months. Make them wash their hands – Hold off on the antibiotics: Ask Below are a few tips to help your not just a cursory wash, but they your doctor about antibiotics if the child stand up the changing should scrub both sides of their fever has lasted more than five days weather. hands with soap for a minute to a or if a fever subsided and then Hygiene: Mahalaxmi Chowdhary minute and a half. returned, or your child is short of Khan, advisor at the Teddy Baby Increase their immunity: It’s best breath or having trouble breathing. Diaper panel, suggests that it is to go natural and prepare the body Antibiotics won’t help viral important for parents to bear in to fight the increased viruses during infections. mind that exposure to infected changing weather. Include foods Also hold off on the cough syrup, persons or dirty surroundings can says Dr Dennis Woo, a paediatrician easily get their child sick. So keep at ULCA. If you really need a way to them away from crowded places ease your child’s suffering, try half a as far as possible. teaspoon of honey. It is important to drink hot fluids when sick to prevent dehydration. Fluids can also thin out the mucus and help kids clear it out.

Use a stronger disinfectant: Simply add one cap of disinfectant (Dettol/Savlon) while mopping the floor or cleaning the table. Invest in a hand sanitiser. Try to keep your kid indoors during periods of breezes. Get him or her a mask when he or she goes to play outdoors. We

Plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

Short Story Biases And Perceptions

How one meeting changed them. By Rama Rao

t is the festive time of was opposite their house. the apartment residents as IDeepavali. All were in a He remembered his wife a mad woman. He instantly jubilant mood. The telling him, “A mad went and rang the doorbell. residents of Rajnigandha woman, Mrs Roy, stays in “Yes, coming,” a feeble Apartments were no Apartment No. 4006. Do voice said. The door exception. Everyone was not ever disturb her. No opened and Mrs Roy stared busy cleaning up their one goes there, even brave at Dhanush. “Aunty, I stay apartments either with and, foolhardy children in 4001 which is at the professional help, or don’t try going.” corner of the corridor. Dhanush said, personally by themselves. He opened the main Happy Deepavali, aunty. “My wife The management door cautiously and peeped Can I come in?” Priyanka and committee was also busy out. The sounds seemed to The old lady was son Ayush are cleaning up the gardens, be as though some craft or stunned, “Yes, of course. getting parts of the carpentry work was going Do come in. Sorry, I was away in Mysore apartment complex on inside. He thought busy making my shell for Deepavali. If painted and carrying out about the old lady inside dolls.” Dhanush was you don’t mind, sundry repair work. There who had been ostracised by surprised as he did not was a lot of buzz around. expect her to be ‘normal’. In can I celebrate Dhanush was alone at The fact, he felt overwhelmed Deepavali with home. His wife Priyanka door opened with the warm reception and Mrs Roy stared at you? I am a and son Ayush had gone to Dhanush. “Aunty, I stay that he had received. great cook. Mysuru, Priyanka’s home in 4001 which is at the Dhanush said, “My wife town. He wondered why corner of the corridor. Priyanka and son Ayush are sound was coming from Happy Deepavali, away in Mysore for apartment No. 4006 which aunty. Can I Deepavali. If you don’t come in?” mind, can I celebrate

Deepavali with you? I am a one of an older person and took my complaints as a coming up and the great cook, however, I the other of a younger personal affront to him. He apartment association had rarely get a chance to person. “They are my started using devious organised a cultural display my culinary skills husband Mahesh and my means to trouble me. Once evening with song, dance when my wife is around. son Sagar. Both were in the he made some kids come to and fun activities. They had She doesn’t like me army. They sacrifced their my house, ring the doorbell invited residents to put up messing around in the lives for the country, one and when I opened the stalls. kitchen. Let me make during our intervention door, they shouted, “Pagal, He rushed and met Mr something special in Sri Lanka and the Pagal.” Another time he Sukumaran, the secretary and bring it. We I am celebrating other during the made the same bunch of of the managing both can have Diwali after a gap of Kargil war. kids burst crackers near my committee. He told him, so many years.” dinner Dhanush was pleasantly When my window. “Sir, you are keeping many together.” surprised to see how husband died, stalls during the Christmas artistically inclined Mrs Roy I had the first thought of fighting night. I would also like to e didn’t was. She had arranged the strength to Iback, but my personal keep one stall with creative Hgive her a table in a very nice manner. pull along as tragedies made me feel items.” He wondered why chance to argue. people had labelled Sagar was still “Sure, Dhanush. Just fill Instead, he went her mad. young and was Dhanush noticed the registration form and two photos in the pay the fees.” “Sure, sir. Thank you.” Dhanush took showcase, one of an the form and filled it up. He older person and the paid the required amount other of a younger and gave the form and receipt to Mr Sukumaran. person. “They are Mr Sukumaran glanced my husband Mahesh at the form and yelled, and my son Sagar. “You want to keep a stall on Both were in the behalf of that mad lady, Mrs Roy? Have you lost army. They sacrifced your senses?” their lives for the “Don't label anyone country, one during without basis, sir. We have been made to believe that our intervention in she is not in her senses. Sri Lanka and the However, we haven’t other during the actually seen her behave in to his apartment to make still studying. But after such a way. Let us give her dinner and bring it. He was Sagar was gone, Kargil war. a chance and see.” elated. He prepared his I lost my will to live. Being weak. I, instead, learnt to “All right. If you say so. favourite dishes: vegetable from an army background, I remain reclusive and make But you have to take full pulao, paneer kofta and cannot take my own life. use of my time better. responsibility for her raita. He packed them However, I became very Come with me inside. I will behaviour.” neatly and knocked on Mrs lonely and went into severe show you my creative “Sure, sir, thank you so Roy’s door. She opened it depression,” said Mrs Roy. work.” much.” instantly and said, “I have “But how did you get the She showed Dhanush Dhanush went and met also prepared something tag of being a mad her craft work – sweaters, Mrs Roy. She was quite for you. I am celebrating woman?” asked Dhanush. plastic flowers, shell dolls, shocked when she heard Diwali after a gap of so “It is all thanks to the etc. The room was full of about the stalls. “Are you many years.” president of our her creative work. Dhanush sure it will work out?” she Dhanush was pleasantly apartment’s managing was flabbergasted. After a asked nervously. surprised to see how committee, Mr Nambiar. I delicious dinner, he “Aunty, don’t worry. artistically inclined Mrs Roy had made one or two returned home. Just trust me.” He called was. She had arranged the complaints against him Dhanush could not two or three other ladies to table in a very nice manner. regarding certain matters forget his evening with Mrs help in labelling the prices He wondered why people and he did not like it. I Roy. He thought of all the on each of the items. had labelled her mad. wanted to bring out our ways he could help her out. The neighbouring ladies, Dhanush noticed two shortcomings in the way It then struck him how he Meera and Sudha, came photos in the showcase, rules were framed, but he could do it. Christmas was inside the house

80 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Causes & Treatment

What is heart attack ? A heart attack, also known as Myocardial infarction occurs when any blood vessel in our heart suddenly becomes blocked, and the blood How heart attack is treated? stops moving to that part of the The treatment options for a heart heart. So this part of the heart does attack depend on whether you have not get oxygen and the muscle of had an ST segment elevation heart begins to die. Blood clots are the myocardial infarction (STEMI), or most common cause of heart attacks. another type of heart attack. Heart attacks are usually caused by coronary heart disease. In coronary A STEMI is the most serious form heart disease, a wax- like substance of heart attack and requires also known as plaque builds up on the Dr. Viveka Kumar emergency assessment and inside walls of arteries within the Senior Director - Cath Lab treatment. It is important that you are heart. This process is known as Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket treated quickly to minimise damage to atherosclerosis. Blood platelets can your heart. build up in front of the plaque and symptom is strong pain in the chest. If you have symptoms of a heart make a clot. If the clot breaks and The pain may also be in the shoulders, attack and an electrocardiogram gets stuck in part of the blood vessel belly, and jaw. (ECG) shows you have made narrower by the plaque, a heart Heart Attack a STEMI, you will be attack happens. Why time is critical? Blood Clot Artery assessed for treatment Most coronary heart disease, Seeking early to unblock your Cholesterol which causes heart attacks is because emergency help during plaque coronary arteries. of a person’s behavior and lifestyle. a heart attack is very The treatment used This includes eating unhealthy foods, much crucial in order will depend on when not exercising, smoking cigarette and to preserve the heart Coronary your symptoms arteries drinking too much alcohol. muscle from started and how soon A heart attack is medical permanent damage. you can access emergency. First few minutes are One saying is "time is treatment. Healthy muscle most critical for keeping the person muscle." Every minute Dying muscle • If your symptoms alive. Some damage to the heart from when our cardiac started within the past the heart attack can be repaired in the tissue has to survive without oxygen, 12 hours – you will usually be offered first hour. The most common is one more section of heart that will primary percutaneous coronary no longer function properly; thus, intervention (PCI). decreasing the amount of oxygen • If your symptoms started within Block in Artery pumped throughout the heart. This the past 12 hours but you cannot can lead to a condition called access PCI quickly – you will be congestive heart failure (CHF) or offered medication to break down Pulmonary edema. Many people very blood clots. often mistake the heart attack as If your symptoms started more gastric indigestion or shoulder pain, than 12 hours ago – you may be only to find out weeks later that the offered a different procedure, damage has already been done. If you especially if symptoms have are experiencing any of the cardinal improved. Stress testing will help in signs or even subtle signs of a heart risk stratification and then the best attack, (fatigue, nausea, dull ache) course of treatment will be decided contact your physician. Always after an angiography and may include Muscle Damage Remember: "Time is muscle" .That medication, PCI or coronary artery muscle you can't get back. bypass surgery (CABG ) Heart Attack

Dr. Viveka Kumar, Senior Director - Cath Lab Max Super Speciality Hospital (East Block), 2, Press Enclave Road, Saket Mob: +91-9871001190 +91-8802024222, Speed Dial: 5362, Tel: +91 26515050, Ext: 2103 apprehensively. This was Dhanush reassured her, Priyanka. I have to pay you students. Even Meera and the first time they were “Aunty, don’t worry. I am for these.” Sudha, the ladies who had entering Mrs Roy’s house. by your side.” “No, these are all gifts helped out with the stall The irony was that they Also, Meera and Sudha from me to you and preparation, joined her were the ones who had have already spread the Priyanka.” Dhanush was classes. poisoned Dhanush’s wife word that you make exhilarated when he saw Mrs Roy started putting Priyanka’s ears with stories excellent stuff. I am sure how much money they had up stalls all around the city of Mrs Roy’s mental illness. the response will be good. made. He handed over the with Dhanush’s help. She They were pleasantly Besides, it is the ideal time money to Mrs Roy. was looking for another surprised when Mrs Roy for sale of sweaters and “Dhanush, I have good cause to donate all served them tea and shawls. The winter chill is sufficient money with me. earnings when she snacks. about to begin.” I want to give this money to discovered that Dhanush Their mood went from the institution that gave my had a dream to open a disdain to wonderment when nitially, the response to husband and son pride and school for underprivileged they saw Mrs Roy’s creative Ithe stall was a bit dull. a great life. I would like to children in his native village collection. They However, soon, the sale contribute all of today’s in Mandya. enthusiastically started picked up as word spread earning to the Prime putting price tags on the that there were some Minister’s Relief Fund, with hanush was initially various items. They chose a beautiful items in Mrs Roy’s a request that it be made Dhesitant but Mrs Roy price that was half of what stall for great prices. The available to the victims of convinced him to accept shops outside price similar customers started coming the recent terrorist attacks her contribution. After items. It took them nearly in groups. They looked at in Uri or elsewhere.” three years, Dhanush could four hours to finish all the the prices and thought they Dhanush got a DD prepared finish the construction work. Finally, they were were too low. Within no for the entire amount and work. He was waiting for done. They put all the items time the stall was nearly also typed a personal letter permission from the in bags ready to be carried empty. to the PMO’s office with government bodies to down for the cultural event. Mrs Roy was so happy Mrs Roy’s request. officially inaugurate it when that she said. “Dhanush, all Mrs Roy suddenly passed hanush took the pieces that remain are all hey soon forgot about away. He was greatly Dresponsibility of yours.” Tit. After a few weeks, saddened by this sudden decorating the stall. He put “Do not worry, aunty. I they were surprised to turn of events. However, he up a board “Roy Creations.” have kept aside two receive a letter from the decided to go ahead with Mrs Roy was initially sweaters and bags for PMO inviting them to Delhi the inauguration. He opposed to the idea of to meet the PM personally. decided to call the school being in the stall “Are Mr Nambiar, the “Mrs Roy Memorial School” personally. “Residents are you sure it president of the committee in honour of Mrs Roy. will work out?” she quite prejudiced against asked nervously. was flabbergasted. The After his son Ayush me. My presence may keep “Aunty, don’t worry. Just Christmas stall was finished his higher them away from buying trust me.” He called two shocking, and now a education, Dhanush and anything.” or three other ladies to personal invitation from Priyanka decided to help in labelling the the PM himself. It was a permanently move to the prices on each of the items. hectic week of booking village and run the school. tickets and packing. Even today, Dhanush Mr Sukumaran also reminisces about the past decided to accompany and thinks, ‘I went to meet them. The three of them Mrs Roy thinking that she could personally meet the was mentally ill and could PM and officially hand over do something for her the DD. They were on cloud during that Deepavali. nine. However, she managed to Time passed and Mrs help me achieve my goal Roy was no longer and create something that I considered a pariah. She look forward to nurturing in started teaching craft the last phase of my life!’ We to many people in the apartment. Priyanka was Don't talk yourself out one of her of it; take action. rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and zinc in their diet so that they remain Parenting healthy all year round. Give your child plenty of fluids in the form of water, juices or during buttermilk – a well-hydrated body can fight infectious diseases easily. Change of Weather Turning to herbs: While turmeric, ginger and lemon are commonly Here’s what to do. By Pushpa Bhatia found in most kitchens, make it a practice to use basil, honey, cinnamon and other natural easonal changes take place ingredients as well. Get Severy year without fail. Chyawanprash. It’s packed with Whenever weather changes, herbal and medicinal properties viral and bacterial infections rise. that will keep diseases at bay. While for adults it is still easier to recover fast, this change can get Dress in layers: Dress your child quite tricky for young kids. appropriately especially when you Upset stomach, fever, cough, are planning to be out for a couple cold and sore throat are commonly If your child is sent to a day care of hours. It’s best to dress your observed in almost every kid that centre, the supervising adult should child in layers so that you can not only disrupts the child’s health be advised to send sick children remove or add layers to keep your but affects the studies too, since home so that others don’t get child comfortable through the day. exams are mostly held during these infected. months. Make them wash their hands – Hold off on the antibiotics: Ask Below are a few tips to help your not just a cursory wash, but they your doctor about antibiotics if the child stand up the changing should scrub both sides of their fever has lasted more than five days weather. hands with soap for a minute to a or if a fever subsided and then Hygiene: Mahalaxmi Chowdhary minute and a half. returned, or your child is short of Khan, advisor at the Teddy Baby Increase their immunity: It’s best breath or having trouble breathing. Diaper panel, suggests that it is to go natural and prepare the body Antibiotics won’t help viral important for parents to bear in to fight the increased viruses during infections. mind that exposure to infected changing weather. Include foods Also hold off on the cough syrup, persons or dirty surroundings can says Dr Dennis Woo, a paediatrician easily get their child sick. So keep at ULCA. If you really need a way to them away from crowded places ease your child’s suffering, try half a as far as possible. teaspoon of honey. It is important to drink hot fluids when sick to prevent dehydration. Fluids can also thin out the mucus and help kids clear it out.

Use a stronger disinfectant: Simply add one cap of disinfectant (Dettol/Savlon) while mopping the floor or cleaning the table. Invest in a hand sanitiser. Try to keep your kid indoors during periods of breezes. Get him or her a mask when he or she goes to play outdoors. We

Plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. My family, My friends and me... & A am a 30-year-old Indian woman living at present in America. My husband too is here with me. We have been married for a year and we have no Q children. Ours was something between a love marriage and an arranged one. IWe were introduced to each other by our parents, but we were attracted to each other immediately. We began to go out together and then, to the delight of both sets of parents, we decided to get married. Our parents were particularly happy because the match was also a Surprisingly, I feel a certain guilt in convenient one – both the man I was to marry and I were posted in the refusing to support him. Perhaps there is same city in the USA and were home on leave! a bit of love left for him in my heart too. But once the high of the wedding was over and I came to America with What should I do? my husband, it didn’t take long for me to realise that our match isn’t one that The question is how much love is has been made in heaven. For one thing, my husband and his parents had there in your heart for this man who exaggerated his qualifications, position and salary and the truth was that he really appears to be quite a scoundrel? was far less qualified than I was and his income was much less than mine. But And anyway, you have only mentioned I was less bothered by this than the fact that he had lied to me. love towards the end of story! Till now However, my husband was contrite and, rather reluctantly, I decided to you have only seemed to be disgusted give him another chance. But over the next few months I realised that he was with the man and eager to get rid of him. a congenital liar, a heavy drinker and also a womaniser. So I decided to But the ways of love are difficult to apply for a divorce and be free of him. understand! My husband said bitterly that he hadn’t expected this from an “Indian However you should now decide how woman”. I wasn’t at all affected by what he said, but then he told me much you love this man and how much something else that he had hidden from me. This was that he had lost his job you are ready to put up with for his sake. three months earlier and that if I divorced him, he would have no option Do you have dreams of him reforming but to return to India. He then begged me to let me live with him for the and the two of you living together present. happily ever after? Well, this is possible I agreed to let him live with me for a few weeks till he got a job as I knew but, given what you have said about the how difficult it is for Indians in the US. But it is now three months and he is man and his lies, it is rather unlikely. still living with me and is behaving as if it is my duty to support him. You haven’t got much out of your

84 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 My family, & My friends and me... Q A marriage till now. Ask yourself if you you were gullible and emotional and marry sometimes play out in our shouldn’t just cut your losses, get rid did not know that someone who was movies, but in real life such attractions of this man and start your life afresh. your class-mate, could, not only stoop tend to disappear fast. to such depths for the sake of sex, but It is also possible that at least some I am a 20-year-old college student. I also be cheap enough to boast about of the attraction this girl has for your come from a very conservative family his “achievement” later. It is this grandson is because of the feelings of and have led an extremely protected young man and not you who should hero-worship he has for her brother. life till now. In fact, it is only after I hang his head in shame. But you should also accept that entered college that I have moved So, hold your head high and go to admiration between the sexes is a freely with even classmates. college. Let immature girls and boys part of life. So, children do admire I became very friendly with one gossip about you and laugh at you members of the opposite sex from as boy whom I drew as my partner in behind your back. There will surely be early as eight or so. It is also a fact performing some experiments and others who feel that that young man that today children are much bolder soon we began to meet during our has done something despicable and and open than they were earlier. So free periods and our lunch break. Our so will befriend you and ostracise him. they innocently express their feelings closeness then grew and we both If you have the courage, you can to their parents and those they trust. admitted to the other that this go to a female staff member you trust So, you should take the fact that your closeness had been transformed into and tell her what happened. She can grandson openly expressed his love. then advise you on whether you feelings to you and the rest of the Then one day this boy asked me to should complain to the dean or family, as a compliment. stay after the last period as he had principal about this obnoxious young If you are still worried, remind something to tell me. I did this and man. yourself that children often change after most students had left, he took beyond recognition as they grow up. me to a lonely part of the campus. My eight-year-old grandson has Your grandson will probably change There he told me some horrifying announced to all of us that he is going his mind about the little girl in news. He told me that he had been to marry a girl who lives close to us question, and the little girl could well diagnosed with cancer and told by the and has been his friend and classmate change into a very different kind of doctor that he had only a few months since they both joined KG. Though the person. to live! rest of the family only laughed and He broke down when he told me took the matter lightly, I am very I am a 66-year-old widow. I lost my this and I began to cry too. We then disturbed. husband four years ago. When my held each other close and sobbed – The girl in question is not at all the husband died he and I were living in and before I knew it, my clothes were kind of girl I would like my grandson the city we had lived in and worked in off and we were making love! As we to marry. For one thing she is over- for 40 years and we both were still lay in each other’s arms later, we wept smart, very bold and not interested in working. After his death, my only son again and I told him that I wanted to studies and these are not the qualities told me that I should come and live bear his child before he died. I would like to see in a daughter-in- with him and my daughter-in-law in I could not sleep the whole of that law of this home. Mumbai where they lived and my son night and I went to college the next This is not to say that I have worked. At that time I was shattered day eager to see my boyfriend. But anything against the girl’s family. In and readily accepted what he said. even as I entered the gates of the fact, she has a very brilliant and hard- But in the four years that I have college, I realised that people were working elder brother whom my been living with my son and his wife, I looking at me and laughing. Then my grandson greatly admires, follows have realised that I made a big class girls surrounded me and took me around, and imitates. But the girl in mistake in giving up my job and into our common room and told me question is definitely going to be a moving to a city I am not familiar with. that that boy had been boasting trouble-maker and the idea that my I don’t have any friends here and about having fooled me and having grandson could marry her is giving me together with my job, I have lost my had sex with me. sleepless nights. What makes matters identity. My son and daughter-in-law I came home at once and haven’t worse is that no one at home listens if don’t have any children I can keep gone to college since that day. Now I I express my fears. myself busy with and my daughter-in- want to kill myself because my life is What should I do to separate my law does not even need my help in the ruined. The only thing that stops me is grandson from this girl? household chores, not only because that I don’t want to break my parents What are you so upset about? she has help, but also because she heart. Something that an innocent child enjoys running a home. Is there any way I can make my came and blurted out? Something When I first came here, I needed suicide look like an accident? that he probably forgot soon after he the cosseting and protection I got. But Why on earth should you think of said it? Such scenarios about now, I need my independence and a killing yourself? Your fault is only that childhood sweethearts growing up to job worth giving my time and Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 85 attention to. I have even found that Now a week has passed and the what was going on, stood by me, I lost job but I am afraid that my daughter- boys have moved on to troll others. the election. Later, many told me that in-law will think that I am showing her But I cannot forget what I went I had been foolish to stand against the up if I go out and work while she stays through. Even if the boys stopped politician’s son. at home. What should I do? trolling me, I want to die of shame. But worse was to come. The You have said that your daughter- But a part of me also wants politician’s son then wanted to break in-law enjoys running a home, so why revenge. I want those boys to be my spirit completely and he began to do you feel that she may feel that you punished! What should I do? badger me to openly declare myself a are showing her up by going to work? Your revulsion, anger and shame “follower” of his and accept a position Though it is difficult for working are all understandable. But the in his students council. When I refused women to understand, there are Internet functions in strange way and, to do this, he hounded me till I was on women who do not care to go into the especially in a country like India, there the verge of a breakdown. And then hurly-burly of the outside world and is not much scope for bringing the suddenly, he began to leave me alone. find satisfaction in home-making. boys who trolled you to book and to I think it was just that he got bored of So talk to your son and daughter- take your revenge. This is because not me! in-law about the restlessness and only are laws governing what goes on Now, many of my friends are emptiness you are feeling and the job over the Internet not on place, but advising me to change college the that you have been offered. They will also because it is difficult to pin-point even if it means losing a year. But certainly encourage you to take it. exactly who is responsible for a troll. even as I am tempted to do as they If you want to continue to use the advise for the sake of my sanity, a I am an 18-year-old college student. social media, you must learn to be voice in me tells me not to run away. Over the course of my first year in both careful and thick-skinned. You What should I do? college, I became obsessed with going have to learn to take trolling in your Till now you have acted in a onto the net and chatting and posting stride and also to give back as good courageous and exemplary manner, messages. The people I chatted with as you get. so it would be a real pity if you gave were always girls – friends from But here are some suggestions. up now and appeared to run away. college and others I met and became First, do not spend so much time on Your supporters may have done so friendly with on the net. Soon, I was the net. Second, take your studies when they ditched you out of fear part of several groups. seriously. Third, tell your parents when you stood for election and some In one of these groups, we often about you being trolled. In fact, keep of the supporters of the politician’s discussed women’s clothes and them informed about all your son may be laughing at you, but the fashions. But suddenly one day, activities. majority of the students in the college strangers began to infiltrate our chat. must, secretly or openly, be admiring They claimed to be college boys, I am a 19-year-old girl and I am totally your guts. hinted that they knew us and they fed up with life. There are reasons So why do you want to run away? made rude comments on our “sex why I am so bitter. When I initially When you are so clear in your quotient” and the like. Many of the joined college, I was idealistic and full thoughts on what is wrong with our comments they made were not just of hope. I wanted to change the world country, you should seriously think of rude, they were offensive and vulgar. and set right everything that was being involved in politics. So, do not The next few days, these boys wrong in it. be afraid and show the politician’s son continued to troll us. Their language This was why, in my second year, I and his friends that they cannot drive went from bad to worse. After that, decided to stand for election to the you away. they picked on two of us girls, a Students Council. Little did I know And don’t be surprised if in the classmate of mine and myself, and that college politics was as bitterly process, you make many fans! began to troll us. They made the fought as national politics and that worst possible comments about us money power ruled the roost here I am a 20-year-old college student and ruined our reputations. too. and I am a complete misfit in today’s The other girl is used to being The person who stood against me world. This is because I am totally trolled and retaliated to the boys by was the son of a politician and he easy-going and chilled out. I am not using even more filthy language than went about winning as if it were an ambitious, not interested in becoming they did. It had no effect on the trolls, election for the PM of India. He used rich and living a life of luxury, not who only laughed and used even loads of money to buy votes and also interested in clothes, make- up or in worse language for her. launched a campaign to malign me looking good, not interested in But I was devastated. I felt like and make me out to be a movies and fun, not particularly hiding my head in shame. I longed to characterless female. interested in my studies – in fact I’m tell my parents what has happened, Most of my friends were scared so laid-back that neither my parents but I was afraid of shocking them and away from my campaign and though a nor my classmates can understand making them feel bad for me. few people who were disgusted by me!

86 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 My family, & My friends and me... Q A My parents are very worried about on forest degradation won a top prize now several months have passed since me, but this is how I am! Is there in an all-India competition. I was both the students got their way and the something wrong with me? Should I felicitated by my college and given a ban was lifted, I am still very angry. try to change? prize by the university. But my The beach protest is still the main Any parent would be worried if his parents brushed my achievement topic of discussion even today and I or her daughter was not interested in away as a waste of time, saying that if feel so left out when my friends talk anything – if she had no plans or I had instead concentrated on my about the days they spent on the dreams for the future and no idea of studies, it would have been better. beach. So many parents let their what she wanted to do with her life. Now I am near the end of my daughters go and some went with Parental worry would be doubled if course and have received a job offer them when they were afraid to let their daughter had always been like from an NGO. My parents laughed them go on their own---but my this and showed no signs of wanting when I told them what my salary parents just refused to let me go. to change even when she was an adult would be and said that I would be My parents keep defending in college, surrounded by eager and ruining my life if my first job was such themselves by saying that they love ambitious young people. an insignificant one. But as far as I am me too much to let me go into It is perhaps most surprising that concerned, it is a dream job as it is in danger. Do they then mean that you do not even mention the one the field of tree degradation. So it will parents who let their daughters go to thing that young women who do not allow me to follow my passion. the beach, did not love them? That is have any ambitions or interest in all Should I ignore the reaction and nonsense! And if they love me so the things you have mentioned, are advice of my parents and accept the much, why didn’t they try to make me invariably interested in. This is job? The job is in another city and happy by coming with me to the marriage. naturally I would have to move there. beach? You ask if you should try to Accept the job offer at once, pack Now I have begun to wonder if my change. Can you change? If you can, it your bags as soon as your exams are parents will always stand in the way means that you are as you are over and go and join this NGO. Dream of my happiness. because you choose to be so, and not jobs are not to be lightly dismissed! I am sure that many parents did because you have been made like this. And more seriously, the world needs not allow their daughters – and in fact, If this is the case, you should ask people like you who are passionate even their sons – to go and spend yourself why you have chosen to be about saving our planet and ready to several nights in the company of like this – uninvolved with anyone or make sacrifices and accept a low hundreds of students of both sexes, with the world and refusing to accept salary in order to do this. Hopefully on the beach. And surely not many both responsibility for yourself and your parents will soon realise the parents could and did leave home and any challenges. importance of the job you are doing. work and go and camp on the beach As it will be difficult for you to do And as time goes by and your brother for more than a week with their this yourself, you should consult a matures, he too will realise how daughters! In fact many if not most psychiatrist. In fact it is surprising that important a sibling like you is in one’s parents are likely to have behaved your parents haven’t already taken life. exactly as yours did! you to one. At your age you should understand Life is meant to be lived and Recently there was a huge furore in that it is natural for parents to be enjoyed, not slept through. You are the city of Chennai in which I live, over protective of their children – and like 20 and it is certainly time that you the traditional sport of Jallikattu. This it or not, most parents are more started to live. sport had been banned by the protective of their daughters – Supreme Court on the grounds that it because they are afraid of all the bad I am one of a pair of twins and my twin led to bulls being treated cruelly and things that could happen to them. brother and I are both 21 years old. college students went and sat in There is nothing that you can do But though we are twins, I am the protest on Marina Beach demanding about this and probably, when you are exact opposite of my brother. I am that the ban be repealed and Jallikattu yourself a parent, you too will behave emotional and though my teachers be permitted. in the same way. have always said that I am as I am a college student and wanted A 10-day dharna at the beach could intelligent as my brother, I am not to go and join the protest on the have degenerated into a nasty obsessed with topping in every exam. Marina, but my parents refused to let situation and in fact bad elements did Instead I want to experience life in all me do this on the grounds that I am a create trouble towards the end of the its wonder! And my aim in life will not girl. Many of my friends, both girls Marina protest. That was what your be to make money and look after and boys, came and asked me to go parents had feared. As far as myself but to try and do something with them to the protest site, but my “standing in the way of your that will save our planet from losing parents were adamant in their refusal happiness” is concerned, if you show all its resources and raw materials. to allow me to go. them that you are responsible, they A few months ago an essay I wrote This made me furious and though are likely to give you more freedom.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 87 ipolar disorder, also known Bas manic depressive illness, is a mental disorder that cause periods of depression and periods of elevated mood and cause unusual shifts in mood, energy and activity levels to carry out day-to- day tasks. The elevated mood is significant and is known as mania or hypomania depending on its severity or whether symptoms of psychosis are present. Bipolar disorder is much more common in society than we think because, sometimes, family members and friends of the person think that this is his or her basic nature. Many times a person does not want to go to a psychiatrist because of the social stigma of what people will think about them that he or she is mad. Bipolar disorder is more common in females as compared to males. BIPOLAR During mania an individual behaves or feels abnormally energetic, happy or irritable. Individuals often make poorly thought out decisions with little regard to the DISORDER consequences. The need for sleep is usually reduced during manic Much more common than we think. phases. During periods of By Dr Sanjay Teotia depression there may be crying without reason, a negative outlook person. Extreme changes in energy, one idea to another, often jokes, of life and poor eye contact with activity and sleep go along with makes pun and pays poor attention others. Other mental health issues mood episodes. Examples are, to his environment. He is such as anxiety disorders and when a person remains in a overconfident, over-optimistic and substance use disorder are depressive phase, a person feels over-important. He may suffer from commonly associated. very sad, down, empty or hopeless, grandiose delusions and behave in has very little energy, trouble in an extravagantly spendthrift way. Signs and symptoms sleeping, may sleep too little or too He usually does not realise that he is People with bipolar disorder much, feels worried and empty, ill and may react with violence if experience periods of unusually struggles to concentrate, forget crossed or restrained. intense emotion, change in sleep things a lot, eat too much or too Failure to diagnose mania can patterns and activity levels and little, feel tired or slowed down or have very serious consequences for unusual behaviour. These distinct think about death or suicide. a patient, who can run up vast debts periods are called mood episodes. In the manic phase the person or jeopardise his social position Mood episodes are drastically can suffer from morbid elation and drastically by ill-judged, different from the moods and hyperactivity. He looks excessively embarrassing or boisterously behaviours that are typical for the cheerful, speaks rapidly, shifts from inappropriate and undesirable

88 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 behaviour. The bipolar disorder behaviour inventory and the mixed state is a condition during ENVIRONMENTAL hypomania checklist. which symptoms of both mania and FACTORS PLAY A depression occur simultaneously. Differential diagnosis SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN There are several other mental Causes THE DEVELOPMENT disorders with symptoms similar to There is no single cause. Instead, AND COURSE OF those seen in bipolar disorder. it is likely that many factors These disorders include contribute to the illness or increase BIPOLAR DISORDER schizophrenia, major depressive risk. Some studies suggest that disorder, attention deficit people with certain genes are more AND INDIVIDUAL hyperactivity disorder and certain likely to develop bipolar disorder PSYCHOSOCIAL personality disorders such as than others. But genes are not the borderline personality disorder. only risk factor for bipolar disorder. VARIABLES MAY There are no biological tests that Bipolar disorder tends to run in INTERACT WITH are diagnostic of bipolar disorder. families, children with a parent or Blood tests and imaging may be sibling who has bipolar disorder are GENETIC DISPOSITIONS. carried out to exclude medical much more likely to develop the illnesses with clinical presentations illness, compared with children who similar to that of bipolar disorder do not have a family history of such as hypothyroidism or the disorder. However, it is hyperthyroidism, metabolic important to note that disturbance, a chronic disease most people with a or an infection such as HIV faimily history of or syphilis. bipolar disorder will not develop the Prevention illness. Attempts at Environmental prevention of bipolar factors play a disorder have focused on significant role in the stress such as childhood development and course of adversity or highly conflictual bipolar disorder and individual families which although not a psychosocial variables may interact diagnostically specific causal agent with genetic dispositions. It is for bipolar, does place genetically probable that recent life events and lead healthy and productive lives. and biologically vulnerable interpersonal relationships Talking with a doctor is the first individuals at risk for a more contribute to the onset and step for anyone who thinks he or pernicious course of illness. There recurrence of bipolar mood she may have bipolar disorder. The has been a debate regarding the episodes, just as they do for doctor can complete a physical causal relationship between usage unipolar depression. Traumatic or examination to rule out other of cannabis and bipolar disorder. abusive experiences in childhood conditions. If the problems are not which is associated on average with caused by other illnesses then the Management earlier onset, a higher rate of doctor may conduct a mental health Management of bipolar suicide attempt and more co- evaluation and send the patient to a disorder includes medication, occurring disorders. Less psychiatrist for diagnosing and psychotherapy, electroconvulsive commonly, bipolar disorder or treating bipolar disorder. therapy and sleep medications. bipolar-like disorder may occur as a Bipolar disorder is commonly Treatment helps many people, even result of or in association with a diagnosed during adolescence or those with the most severe forms of neurological condition or injury. early childhood but onset can occur bipolar disorder, get better control Conditions like these and injuries throughout the life cycle. The of their mood swings and other include stroke, traumatic brain disorder can be difficult to bipolar symptoms. Bipolar disorder injury. HIV infection, multiple distinguish from unipolar is a lifelong illness. Episodes of sclerosis, porphyria and, rarely, depression and the average delay in mania and depression typically temporal lobe epilepsy. diagnosis is five to 10 years after come back over time. Between symptoms begin. Diagnosis can be episodes, many people with bipolar Diagnosis made on the basis of bipolar disorder are free of mood changes Proper diagnosis and treatment spectrum diagnostic scale, mood but some people may have lingering help people with bipolar disorder disorder questionnaire, the general symptoms. Long-term continuous

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 89 treatment helps to control these sometimes take a recurring form severity of relapse and have a symptoms. An effective treatment and that advice must be sought if positive impact on overall prognosis plan usually includes a combination symptoms return. However, of the various types of the disorder, of medication and psychotherapy depressive psychosis, once of rapid cycling (four or more episodes also called talk therapy. gloomy prognosis, is now eminently in one year) is associated with the Medications generally used to treatable and, with appropriate worst prognosis due to higher rates treat bipolar disorder include mood care, few such patients become of self-harm and suicide. Individuals stabilisers, a typical antipsychotics chronic hospital inmates. diagnosed with bipolar who have a and antidepressants. Cognitive family history of bipolar disorder behavioural therapy, family-focused Prognosis are at a greater risk for more therapy and psycho-education have A lifetime condition with periods frequent manic and hypomanic the most evidence for efficacy in of partial or full recovery in episodes. Early onset and psychotic regard to relapse prevention, while between recurrent episodes of features are also associated with interpersonal and social rhythm relapse, bipolar disorder is worse outcomes. therapy and cognitive behavioural considered to be a major health Early recognition and therapy appear the most effective problem worldwide because of the intervention also improve prognosis in regard to residual depressive increased rates of disability and as the symptoms in an earlier stage symptoms. premature mortality. It is also are less severe and more responsive As a general rule, it is wise to associated with co-occurring to treatment. Onset after postpone any practical decisions psychiatric and medical problems adolescence is connected to better about business, change of work or and high rates of initial under or prognosis for both genders and domestic matters until the patient misdiagnosis, causing a delay in being male is a protective factor has regained a normal frame of appropriate treatment against higher levels of depression. mind. Once the patient's mood has interventions and contributing to For women, better social responded to drugs or poorer prognosis. After a diagnosis functioning prior to developing electroconvulsive therapy it is is made, it remains difficult to bipolar disorder and being a parent essential to review personal achieve complete remission of all are protective towards suicide circumstances and to help make symptoms with the currently attempts. We plans to cope with the difficulties available psychiatric medications. which may have precipitated the Compliance with medications is There is no elevator to success — illness. Moreover, the patient may one of the most significant factors you have to take the stairs. need to know that the psychosis that can decrease the rate and

heaved a sigh of relief as my faith in humanity was restored. I got off from the car but forgot to take my purse which was kept in the car itself trusting the man completely. The Has something young man pushed the car to the happened in your life other side of the road and later told that has left an indelible me even the place where I would be impression on your mind? Some able to find a mechanic. I thanked experience that gladdens your heart him profusely for his help. or which makes you shudder with A thief who helped me As soon as I entered the car I pain or embarrassment even after This incident goes back almost looked for my purse but it was years! Why not share it with the one year when I was going to meet nowhere to be found. There were readers of Woman’s Era? All my mother-in-law who was in the almost a thousand rupees in it I published incidents will be paid Rs 200. Send your entries to: hospital. While driving there my car couldn’t believe that the ‘god - sent’ broke down in the middle of the young man had flicked it. As the truth THE INCIDENT I CANNOT FORGET road. I was totally helpless and sunk in, I realised that the young man E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. started asking people around to had very cleverly duped me. I felt Womansera.com help me. Just then a young fellow extremely sad and utterly shocked Name: on a motorcycle approached me when I realised the truth. The ‘god- and offered to push my car to the sent’ man who came forward to help Mobile: other side of the road as I had got me had an ulterior purpose behind it. E-mail: stranded in the middle of the road. I – Anjali Kinra, Jaipur.

90 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 I was restless in her womb; When I came out, I saw my goddesses; she consoled me, because I was new to air. I saw many faces they all greeted me, but her touch was special.

My little tummy was full of her love. She had brown eyes and her skin was a little pale, Her deep brown curls were thick and luscious. When she tucked me to sleep , my little hands always clutched her curls tight. Because I was not in a plan to stay away from her. In the middle of the night when midnight mares visited the crib, she tucked me in warmth. Women around me were kind; I had addressed them by many a name A few were grandmothers, some were sisters and aunts, the list went on... But I called that lady queen as MOM and she called me son. She was my world.

Women around me were chiselled in love, their eyes were always watching my steps. My sisters guarded me from the crawling days to baby steps, I could have accidently all run too fast and fell, They never allowed me to break down into tears in between my tiny, tentative moves. Toddler slowly and gradually stepped for the giant leap.

She treated us all the same without much regard for boy or girl. She was protective like a tigress and patient than a momma Koala. She taught me discipline and I was her sweet little brat. She taught me to bear some responsibility and made me strong. She nurtured me with hugs and kisses when I was tired.

When I came out into the real world, I saw sick men who mistreated women. In seedy alleyways and crowded street, I found men assaulting women. I got consumed with hatred and anger; I couldn’t resist myself. When I took weapon over him, a group was there to attack me back. ‘Consume a bottle of alcohol, any normal person would do the same, you are not different’ They labelled me with them. “Why should I?” I asked. “Because you are a man, prove your power and hunger” They looked at me with anger and cut me in the face with a sword. That was a psychological game.

My goddess never asked me to rule my sisters. She never asked me to hurt my girlfriends. My father never showered his tantrums over her She always asked me to give respect.

I am repeating what she has asked me to follow and I am comfortable with that. She was no different; she was just a loving mother, who would wisely manage my mistakes and mischief. I have learnt a lot from her; to love and to be loved. If this whole world is blessed with the light of mothers, Never will a woman be hurt and never will a woman end up in grief. What does the word feminism mean? I would say the answer is “enlightened mothers” – Greema Michael. Your Body & A am 35-year-old working woman and suffering from atrophic Rhinitis. I want to know about the symptoms and treatment of the disease. Q Atrophic Rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal mucosa and turbinate undergo atrophy. It is commonly found in females of the Iyounger age group. Symptoms of the disease are dryness of the nose, headache, sensation of nasal obstruction due to the formation of crusts, anosmia, epistaxis after separation of the crust and a foul odour is the outstanding symptom widened nasal cavity and greenish crusts may fill the marsupialisation under general nasal cavities. anesthesia. Which has replaced excision Treatment consists of removal of crusts by nasal douches with warm as the treatment of choice. The object of isotonic or alkaline solutions. Painting of the nasal cavity with 25 percent the operation is to provide a permanent anhydrous glucose in glycerin. Sinus infection must be properly treated. fistulous track for the gland which The prognosis regarding life is good but regarding cure is bad. The disease thereby continues its function as a usually persists for years. vaginal lubricant.

I am a 35-year-old working woman, since last one year I am suffering from My father is a 75-year-old. He is an bartholin's cyst. In one year, the disease reoccured thrice after the alcoholic since last 30 yrs. Since last two treatment. I want to know more about the disease. years, he has become forgetful, confused Bartholin's cyst is caused by occulusion of the duct of the gland by fibrous and irritable. We have consulted a doctor tissue as the result of bartholinitis. The duct of the gland may be damaged or for this problem, he told us that he is severed by a medio-lateral episiotomy incision. For this reason, this suffering from organic psychosis. I want particular incision should be avoided in favour of the posterior midline J your opinion for this disease. shaped incision. The cyst should be regarded as a retention cyst of the duct In these organic brain syndromes, the of bartholin's gland. It lies in the substance of the labium majus and the functioning of the brain is impaired either labium minus passes over the convexity of the swelling. Bartholin's cysts by a physical lesion like trauma, tumour are oval in shape and may become as large as 2.5 inches in length. They are or infection or by a toxic or degenerative usually adherent to the skins of the inner surface of the labium minus and are process. Organic brain syndromes when fixed posteriorly in the situation of bartholin's gland, while anteriorly they acute, are known as delirium. For are more movable beneath the skin. The cysts are treated by example toxic confusional states

92 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 & Your Body Q A occurring with brain trauma, cerebral is a tendency for involuntary is aspirated for culture and drug anoxia, infection or intoxication with scratching. The more the skin of the sensitivity tests. A specimen must be barbiturates, amphetamines or vulva is damaged the more marked is obtained before the anti-tuberculous alcohol. The chronic psychise, where the symptom of itching. If an allergy is drugs are started. Anti-tuberculous an irreversible brain lesion has suspected general and local drugs are given immediately after the occurred are called dementias. The antihistamines should be used. The aspiration. When the patient's most common are those associated most generally useful local application condition begins to improve, breaking with ageing, atherosclerotic and of steroid ointment which acts by a down tuberculous lymph nodes must senile dementia. Mild degree of local inflammatory effect but be removed because the drugs will dementia make the patient forgetful, treatment should be taken only by the not reach the organisms in the easily confused, irritable and advice of a doctor. avascular caseous material. emotional, more severe dementia results in disorientation, gross loss of My daughter is about 12-year-old. She I am a 55-year-old lady, since last one memory and deterioration in personal developed enlarged glands in her neck year I am suffering from itching and habits. since last one year. The skin above the burning in hairy areas and pustules enlarged glands becomes indurated, (Pus formation) in the hair follicles. I I am 45-year-old working woman, breaks down and forms a sinus. have consulted a skin specialist for since last one year I am suffering from Sometimes pus comes out from this this problem. He told me that you are vaginal discharge and irritation and sinus. We have consulted a doctor for suffering from folliculitis. I want to itching of the vulva of the vagina. I am this problem. Doctor has told us that know why it occurs and it’s treatment. diabetic also. I have consulted a lady she is suffering from tuberculous Folliculitis has multiple causes it doctor, she told me that you are lymphadenitis and adviced may be caused by staphylococcal suffering from Pruritus Vulvae due to antitubercular treatment. I want your infection and may be more common trichomoniasis. I want your opinion opinion that what should I do and why in the diabetic. The upper lip is about the disease. this disease occurs. particularly susceptible to The symptom of irritation or Tuberculous lymphadenitis is involvement in man. Gram negative puritus of the vulva is complained by common in children and young adults, folliculitis may develop during patient's suffering many different particularly those who have been in antibiotic treatment of acne, may types of gynaecological disorder. It contact with open human tuberculosis present as a flare of acne pustules or should be strictly defined and or who drink infected milk. It also nodules. Non bacterial folliculitis may accurately localised as an irritative occurs in aged. The cervical lymph also be caused by oils that are condition which provokes an intense nodes (glands in neck) are most often irritating to the follicle. Folliculitis may desire to scratch and the area affected seen to be enlarged but the remnants also be caused by occlusion, is the Vulva, not the groin, anus or of disease may be observed in the perspiration and rubbing such as that lower abdomen. Vaginal discharge mediastinal and mesentric lymph resulting from tight jeans and other caused due to trichomoniasis or nodes as speckled calcification on heavy fabrics on the upper legs. The moniliasis accounts for 75 percent of routine X-Rays. Axillary lymph nodes symptoms of folliculitis range from all causes of pruritis. The causative may be involved by spread from the slight burning and tenderness to organism may not be found at the first mediastinum. The stages of infection intense itching. The lesions consist of attempt but culture will often reveal show most clearly in the neck. From pustules of hair follicles. Local monilia where ordinary smears have the tonsillar portal of entry the antibiotic ointment may be helpful. failed to do so. The treatment of infection spreads by the lymphatics to Systemic antibiotics may be tried if pruritus vulvae is primarily a matter of the nearest lymph node. If the disease the skin infection is resistant to local accurate diagnosis, since 4 out of 5 spreads, several lymps nodes are treatment but treatment should be patients will have trichomoniasis, involved. The coalesce and break taken after consultation from a moniliasis, diabetes or some local down to form caseous tuberculous doctor. – Dr Sanjay Teotia. vulva lesion which when treated leads pus, which may perforate the deep to a cure. Strict hygienic regimen, fascia and present as a fluctuant YOUR BODY avoidance of all irritants, soaps, swelling on the surface. The skin Readers are invited to send in any health cosmetics, local chemicals, local and gradually becomes indurated, breaks and medical queries they would like to be general allergens, not forgetting the down and forms a sinus which if answered. Woman’s Era will provide synthetic fabrics of underclothing and ignored will remain unhealed for answers to your questions and offer the present cult of skintight years. From each of these stages, solutions to your problems. Individual underwear. It is essential to ensure resolution may take place with replies cannot be sent. Address your letters (neatly written on white paper) to: that the patient obtains deep sleep at calcification and with much scarring if night and as in vulvitis, hypnotic must sinuses have formed. Treatment WOMAN'S ERA, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. be freely used during treatment, as consists of attention to nutrition and Womansera.com unless the patient sleeps deeply, there general health. Tuberculous material Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 93 Short Story The Triple Talaq How Reshma faced it. By Dawood J. Khatri eshma hailed from a her mother. She had also to given by the elders to the Rconservative Muslim attend to other household young. The day passed off family. She had chores. Reshma quietly and happily. Reshma loved attended an Urdu school up submissively followed mixing with her cousins and to the seventh class. Then whatever she was told by they enjoyed talking and her parents said that she her parents and elders. sharing their experiences. had had enough school Reshma performed prayers education. After all, a girl five times a day. In the holy akri Eid was another has to get married some month of Ramadan, she Bsuch occasion. Again day settle in the house of fasted religiously for 30 there was a crowd in the her husband to start her days. She eagerly looked house and lot of own family. Reshma had forward to the festive movement. Everyone Reshma was 17 been a bright student at occasion of Ramadan Eid. would rise early in the when she was school and wished to study On that day the house was morning. The flesh of the married off to a more. But she had to full of near and dear ones sacrificed animals would be cousin of hers. accept the verdict of her all dressed in their finery. collected in a heap in the parents. Such had been the Reshma herself put on a main hall of the house, and The marriage tradition in the community. new colourful dress. Food then it would be divided was a low-key Reshma did not know of was catered from outside. into different portions to be affair. Billal the any girl from her society It had to be biryani, fried sent to different relatives, who had reached the 10th masala chops, sheer korma to the orphanages and to cousin to whom class level. Reshma was and halwa. Cash gifts were the mosques. Reshma Reshma was proficient in reading the participated whole¬- Holy Book and she had also "You heartedly in this procedure married was know, Reshma," known to her. memorised certain said Aisha one day, "you for she well knew how to important verses from the are very good at cooking allocate the mutton He was about Book, thanks to the daily and other household chores, portions. Reshma's father eight years older one hour session with a and we like you for it. Your proudly watched Reshma moallima (a female teacher parents have groomed you well. expertly separating the than her. But it would have been better if of religious scriptures). Her your parents had given at least parents were proud of the `5 lakh as dahej (dowry) for way Reshma recited the our brother Billal. Let holy verses with correct me tell you that. pronunciation and intonation. Days passed. Reshma was taught cooking food by portions and preparing long, and he always wore a family was happy about it. a baby boy. Sweets were packages to be delivered. skull cap. Billal did not miss The parents of Billal were distributed. Billal and his The evening of the Eid any of the daily prayers. glad that they would soon parents visited Reshma in was for a family outing. All Reshma began her new get an heir to the business. the maternity home. In the family members were life in the marital home. Billal himself felt proud to hospital itself the naming packed in cars which made She began to attend to become a father soon, but ceremony of the child was a bee line to Haji Ali cooking and other showed no such expression performed by a maulvi. The Dargah. Cars were parked household chores and was on his face. Aisha and child was named Mujahid, a on the road and the family appreciated by her mother- Bushra became more name chosen by Billal and walked the long paved path in-law and father-in-law. aggressive towards his parents. Reshma had through the sea to the Billal had two sisters Reshma. No relief was selected the name Salim, dargah. The path was lined younger than him. The granted to Reshma in her but it had to be Mujahid. with hawkers and beggars sisters Aisha and Bushra, household chores. But Four days after the on both sides. Some were still to be married. Reshma made no delivery, Reshma went to hawking stalls sold trinkets, These two sisters did not complaint. The aura of her parental home. Her some flowers and some like Reshma especially the motherhood filled her with mother took all care for the sold eatables whereas way she had won the hearts joy. When Reshma was comfort of Reshma and some others sold sherbets. of their parents. Gradually, seven months pregnant, Mujahid. Each beggar had a cry of his Aisha and Bushra began a she was sent to her parents own. whispering campaign for delivery of the child. It n the sixth day Reshma against Reshma. Ofound that while she eshma enjoyed "You know, Reshma," On the sixth day was feeding Mujahid, he Rwatching people, said Aisha one day, "you Reshma found that suddenly turned blue and walking up the path to the are very good at cooking started gasping for breath. holy shrine. She was and other household while she was She raised shouts and her amused to find a beggar chores, and we like you for feeding Mujahid, mother came running to selling loose coins. The it. Your parents have he suddenly her. She picked up the child group reached the shrine. groomed you well. But it turned blue and on her left shoulder and They had to segregate. The would have been better if began to massage its back. women could not enter the your parents had given at started gasping for Her mother began to rub sanctum of the shrine and least `5 lakh as dahej breath. She raised the bottom of the feet of so the flower chaddar had (dowry) for our brother shouts and her the child. After some time, to be taken by the male Billal. Let me tell you that the child raised its head folks into the holy shrine to before the match with you mother came from the shoulder of its be placed on the tomb. was fixed, there was a running to her. mother. Reshma began to Thereafter, the family proposal from another girl cry. Her mother began to moved around the from our community and being the first child, the pray and to call Allah and courtyard of the shrine her parents were prepared community customs dastagir for help. Reshma's enjoying the sea breeze. to give `10 lakh as dahej for required that her parents father phoned up Billal and Cold drinks and ice-cream our brother." attend to the delivery of apprised him of the was ordered for all and it the child. situation. Mujahid was was a big treat. eshma heard this Once at the home, of rushed to the hospital. Reshma was 17 when Rquietly and did not say her parents, Reshma took Luckily the paedetrician she was married off to a anything in reply. But this her own time to rest. Her was in house. Reshma told cousin of hers. The kind of conversation was mother offered her the the doctor what exactly marriage was a low-key repeated time and again by nutritious food that a had happened. The doctor affair. Billal the cousin to her two sisters-in-law. This pregnant woman is examined the baby. An X- whom Reshma was married was a mental torture to supposed to consume. ray was taken. The doctor was known to her. He was Reshma. She did tell Billal Reshma went for regular opined that there was a about eight years older about this conversation. prenatal medical check-ups hole between the valves in than her. His family too was Billal advised her not to pay and took the medicines as the heart of the baby which a conservative one and any heed to such talk prescribed. Billal was too was causing the baby to hence highly approved by though, he said, there was busy in his business and turn blue and breathless. her parents. Billal along no truth in what they were never had the time to visit The child was admitted in with his father ran a saying. her or phone her, and so the hospital for treatment prosperous restaurant Three months after the were his parents. and the doctor did what he business. He carried a marriage, Reshma found At the end of nine could under the beard which was fistful herself pregnant. The months, Reshma delivered circumstances. Next day

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 95 the doctor called the Reshma, however, came shrine of Ajmer Sharif and Reshma then told the parents of the child to his forward and said that she all would be well. doctor to carry out the consulting room and told would like to rejoin her On this occasion, termination of pregnancy. them that the child will husband. Accordingly, Reshma was sent to her She signed the papers. The have to be operated upon Reshma packed her clothes parents when she was just doctor carried out the but the surgery was and other belongings and two months pregnant. procedure. Bleeding delicate and it could be she accompanied her Reshma regularly visited stopped and Reshma was performed when the child husband and Habib back to the prenatal clinic to ensure saved. Later, Reshma’s was about six months old. her matrimonial home. that the child she was father was able to contact Reshma broke down and carrying was normal. Billal Billal and told him of what began to cry loudly. The nce with her husband, did not contact her in had transpired. Billal was in doctor prescribed OReshma tried to anyway. A month a fury. He alleged that medicines and the child overcome and to forget her thereafter, Reshma Reshma had deliberately was brought home. Billal grief by getting involved in experienced profuse got his child aborted. told Reshma's parents to the household work. But bleeding. Her parents Reshma's parents pleaded take care of Reshma and her heartless sisters-in-law rushed her to Dr Sulekha with Billal not to think in the child and the medical did not spare any Pandit. The doctor that manner and the doctor expenses. The doctor had opportunity to taunt her examined her and found had to perform the also advised both Reshma and to pierce her with darts that the foetus had slipped termination of pregnancy and Billal that before they of criticism. the womb and that in an emergency to save go for the second child they Two months later, termination of pregnancy the life of Reshma. They should get themselves Reshma felt ill. She was was necessary or else requested him to meet the thoroughly examined and vomiting, had lost appetite Reshma's life would be doctor and get the facts checked. and was mentally endangered. Reshma and confirmed. But Billal would disturbed. She was taken her parents considered all not be convinced. eshma took the child to by her mother-in-law to a options. Reshma's father Rthe doctor almost lady doctor Dr Sulekha tried to connect Billal, but ix months later, a every day for three months Pandit, a gynaecologist. somehow the calls could Smeeting of the till one day Mujahid The doctor examined her not go through. The doctor members of the breathed his last in the thoroughly and opined that said that there was no time community was arranged arms of his mother. The Reshma was once again to lose as the bleeding was by Billal's parents on a grief of Reshma knew no pregnant. Looking to the profuse and continuing. Sunday in a hall to thrash bounds. Tears would not past history of Reshma out the impasse that had stop flowing down her having delivered a child Billal developed between Billal cheeks. She went into deep with a heart defect, the shouted in and Reshma. Both Billal depression. She did not doctor advised that further anger in the presence and Reshma were also of all gathered: "Reshma speak to anyone. Her tests be done to rule out I give you talak; Reshma I present at the meeting. prayers were long and any abnormality in the give you talak; Reshma I Before the meeting could silent asking for. foetus. Reshma give you talak. Reshma; begin, an elder suggested Six months after the immediately agreed to you are no longer child's death, Billal along such tests being carried my wife." with his close friend Habib out, but Billal said that went to the house of no such tests were Reshma's parents. Habib necessary as special said that they were sorry offerings had already for what had happened and been made at the that they had come to take Reshma to her matrimonial home. Reshma's parents showed their reluctance to send away Reshma in the state in which she was. to allow the boy and the girl under the law. Moreover, slave by Billal and his parents. They began to to talk the matter over Billal and his parents were family, and so, under no speak to other members of separately in the room already busy finding circumstances would she the community adjoining the hall. This was another girl for Billal, a girl go back to Billal. Mr condemning Reshma for approved by all. So, Billal who would bring a fat Memon then advised her, approaching the court. and Reshma went to the dowry, a girl who would not first of all, to take back all They said that it was highly room adjacent to the hall. ask for Medical tests of the dahej articles and her disgraceful for a Muslim Billal, and a girl who would belongings from Billal now woman to step into a court illal was all anger. He choose to die rather than that the divorce had of law and to file such a Bbegan to allege that abort her husband's child in become final. petition. Never before had Reshma had deliberately the womb. Accordingly, Reshma's any divorced lady of the aborted his child. Reshma To Reshma, it appeared father made a request to community dared to step tried to tell him that it was as if suddenly her eyes had Billal and his father. A day into any court. Billal and his not so and the medical been opened to the was fixed when two cousins parents approached the records would speak for injustice of the entire of Reshma went to Billal's president of their themselves. However, Billal system. She realised that house on the agreed day. community to pressurise was not prepared to hear all along she had been Reshma to withdraw her anything more. Within 10 treated by her husband, his The judge while petition from the court. minutes, both of them parents and even by her pronouncing his The president of the came out of the room and own parents like a slave, judgment community told them that before the gathering. like a piece of furniture, like he would consult his own Without missing a beat, a robot. Reshma decided observed that the lawyer friend and decide Billal shouted in anger in that now she would take Act under which thereafter. the presence of all her own decisions and the petition had gathered: "Reshma I give make her own life. First of our days later, Billal and you talak; Reshma I give all she spoke to her own been filed did not Fhis father again met the you talak; Reshma I give parents. She pleaded to contemplate the president. The president you talak. Reshma; you are them to support her in her reason why the told them that his lawyer no longer my wife." decisions and not to force friend had told him that the Some people got up and her into marriage again. talaq was given by petition filed by Reshma tried to calm him down, but the husband. was absolutely legal. The he pushed them away and eshma's parents were president told Billal and his said that he had done what Rawed when they Reshma's clothes, gifts and father that earlier Reshma's he had decided to do, The looked into her face full of utensils and her other father had approached him meeting ended. Reshma continence and belongings were placed to get the divorce revoked and her father returned determination. They too before them. Billal and his but that he had told home. Four days later, had suffered humiliation in parents did not produce Reshma's father that this Reshma received by postal the community and wanted Reshma's gold and silver was not possible under the service a talaknama in to raise their heads in ornaments. They alleged law as the divorce was writing signed by Billal and defiance. Reshma's father that she had already taken irrevocable. The step taken his witnesses, and also a told her, "Don't worry, beta, away the ornaments. This by Reshma was as per the fatwa signed by a mufti that we are with you. We will was not true. A list of the law of the country. So, the talak given even in anger support you in whatever articles was prepared and president said that he could was a valid talak. you do. We know you will signed by both the sides. not do anything in the Reshma's parents felt as never take a wrong step." Reshma then went to Mr matter. He told them that if their lives had been Reshma joined tuition Memon. He drafted a just as he had advised shattered. Reshma, classes to complete her petition on her behalf Reshma to abide by the however, surprisingly education. She wanted to under the provisions of law, similarly Billal and his experienced a sense of appear for SSC exams. Section 3 of the Muslim father should also respect relief and freedom. Next, she approached Nazir Women (Protection of the law and to resolve the Reshma's father made Memon, a lawyer whose Rights on Divorce) Act, issue in the court. an attempt to approach the daughter had been her 1986. The petition was filed In the petition, Reshma president of their classmate. Mr Memon in the concerned had prayed for payment to community to get the heard her story patiently. magistrate’s court. Notice her by Billal, of the iddat divorce, reversed. The He asked her whether she was issued by the court maintenance amount of Rs president told him in no was keen to rejoin Billal. against Billal. Billal and his 30,000 and a reasonable uncertain terms, that this Reshma replied that she family began a campaign and fair provision for life, of was not at all possible had been treated like a against Reshma and her Rs 10,00,000. She also

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 97 prayed that the court be that Billal was justified in reason for which husband Muslim male to dispose of pleased to order Billal to pronouncing the triple has given talaq to her. The an undesirable wife like a give back to her, her gold talaq as Reshma had judge ordered Billal fo pay dirty rag. and silver ornaments worth deliberately aborted his to Reshma `21,000 as and about Rs 3 lakh lying with child. To counter this by way of iddat illal and his father him. contention, Reshma maintenance allowance, Bconsulted the top most examined and `6 lakh towards fair lawyers for filing an appeal illal appeared in the Dr Sulekha Pandit as her and reasonable provision against the judgment. They Bcourt and through his witness in the court. Dr for life. The judge further were told that the appeal lawyer and filed a reply. Pandit appeared before the ordered Billal to return to could be filed, but looking Billal's say was that he had court with all her medical Reshma all her gold and to the well-reasoned given the talaq to Reshma records and deposed that silver ornaments as listed in judgment of the court, the because she had Reshma had a miscarriage her petition or in default possibility of the amounts deliberately aborted his and the foetus had half way pay her `3,00,000. Reshma being enhanced could not child. Billal said that he come out of the womb and was satisfied with the be ruled out. After their would pay iddat so the medical termination judgment of the court. On initial bravado and chest maintenance amount but of pregnancy had to be the other hand, Billal and beating had cooled down, only `3000. As far as done or else the mother's his camp were disgruntled Billal and his father, reasonable and fair life would have been and disturbed. They began thought it wise to submit to provision for life of `10 endangered. To a query put to protest in a loud voice the judgment of the court lakh, Billal contended that to her by the judge, Dr that they would not pay the and to pay to Reshma all he was not liable to pay the Pandit replied that such amounts nor would they the amounts as ordered by same to Reshma. incidents of miscarriage do return the ornaments to the court. Thus, Reshma The case was heard in happen in young ladies for Reshma and that they received a total amount of the court over a stretch of various reasons. Dr Pandit would file an appeal in a `6,21,000 from Billal. She six months. Witnesses from also clearly opined that higher court. also received back all her both sides were examined there was no sign of any gold and silver ornaments. and cross-examined in the forcible abortion of the his time it was Billal and Reshma invested `6 lakh court. Billal's advocate foetus. This father who once in monthly interest the contended The judge while again approached the fixed deposit scheme in her pronouncing his judgment president of the bank. She then vigorously In the petition, observed that the Act community to bring about applied herself to the task Reshma had prayed for under which the petition a mutual settlement. But of studies. She appeared payment to her by Billal, of had been filed did not the president was wise for the Std.X examination the iddat maintenance amount contemplate the reason enough to tell them that and passed it securing 65 of Rs 30,000 and a reasonable and talaq fair provision for life, of Rs why the was given the order had been passed per cent marks. Her parents 10,00,000. She also prayed that by the husband. Once a by a court of law and the were now full of pride and the court be pleased to order Muslim woman was same had to be obeyed by confidence in their Billal to give back to her, her divorced, she could file them. daughter. They did not gold and silver ornaments worth about Rs 3 lakh the petition under the The case was reported in question her in whatever lying with him. Act, whatever be the the newspapers under big she wanted to do as they head lines and a picture of were sure that their Reshma. The readers’ daughter would take the reaction was very right steps. The judgment positive and many of the court had wiped off of them the humiliation that they congratulated had faced at the meeting of Reshma for her the community. Now the brave and members of the courageous community, especially the stand. Many young and growing of the readers generation, looked at commented Reshma and her that the rule of parents with awe and triple talaq was admiration. We very harsh and inequitable. Such a Be your own limited rule enabled a edition.

98 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 HIDE YOUR DARK CIRCLES AND BLEMISHES

With colour correction techniques. By Shakuntala Sinha

olour correction technique Yellow concealer: For veins, Apply only thin layer of corrector. Chas been in use for many purple bruises and under eye circles. A thicker layer can show through years by professional artists. Yellow Concealers are capable of foundation. These days colour correcting hiding blemishes with purple colour Remember concealer or any concealers are easily available in tone as in case of bruises, veins and make up is to match and enhance stores in form of sticks or pens. By under eye circles. your skin, not hide it. So use only in proper use of these concealers you small quantity to make your skin can overcome your dark circles Purple concealer: Good for yellow glow. under eyes, pimples, acnes etc. skin tones and dull complexion. Use colour correcting concealers While shopping, you might have The purple concealer can hide for strong blemishes. For minor noticed no colour exactly matches yellow tones or dullness from your blemishes, use a regular concealer. your skin. By appropriate use of face. Do not brush the colour all over these concealers you can blend them your face, rather use a makeup to match your skin tone and hide Pink concealer: For light skinned sponge to pat. your blemishes. You must have people with under eyes dark circles, If you are using the corrector on learnt in school itself that colours on this is supposed to be the best the entire face, blend it completely opposite side of the colour wheel concealer. as you do with foundation. neutralize each other. Concealers are available in Some basic do’s and don’ts of powder, liquid or creamy forms. Green concealers: For redness, colour concealers Liquid is best for dry skin. Powder is acne and pimple and rosacea. You need to prime your face. good for oily skin. Solid or creamy As green and red are opposite on Start with clean skin and put little concealers give best coverage and the colour wheel they can blend well moisturiser of your liking, if needed. are good for concealing dark and and hide redness on your face like Then apply a makeup primer on your vivid decoloration. rosacea or sunburn, pimples, acne. A face. This will give a smooth canvas Those with combination skin or green colour correcting primer can and help makeup to last longer. blemishes may use two or more help you to overcome redness and If using a foundation, apply it concealers on different spots. Also, give you a base for applying after applying primer but before don’t forget to follow the foundation. using concealer. Some may apply instructions mentioned on the foundation after concealers. product you are using. We Orange concealer: For dark skin Foundation has its own concealing and under eye dark circles. and colour correcting abilities. So if Those with dark skin and under you can, avoid overcorrection while Everything in life that we really eye dark circles can use an orange starting with foundation. accept undergoes a change. So concealer to overcome the Select the right colour in suffering must become Love. That unevenness. Those with light skin accordance with your skin tones and is the mystery. should use peach colour corrector. blemishes.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 99 Kitchen Queries & A hat are “Nutraceuticals”, and what is the difference between simple foods and nutraceuticals? Q The term “Neutraceutical” is used for any food or part of a food Wsupplement, that provides a medical or health benefit beyond simple nutrition. They include proteins, vitamins, minerals and pure compounds used in capsules and tablets. Simple foods provide calories and energy. They help maintain daily bodily functions. Nutrient absorption from simple food is low. They cannot treat disease and illness, but may help in coconut powder, almond flour, the flour preventing it. While the neutraceuticals provide a health benefit beyond of any dal. These flours are more simple nutrition. They have a health or medical benefit, hence help in nutritious than plain wheatflour and also prevention and treatment of disease, previously done only by drugs. Its make our chapattis more tasty. nutrient absorption is much higher. We are going to have a party, and we will Please tell us about the health beneficial qualities of flax seeds and how we can be having some guests who do not eat incorporate them in our diet? eggs. Please give me a recipe for an The small shiny, flat with a slightly pointed shape, nutty seeds have an eggless dip which can be used. earthy aroma and a host of health-benefitting properties. They are an Dips are a kind of thick sauce of coating excellent source of magnesium, manganese and thiamine and a good source consistency. They are served with crunchy of selenium. Also, they contain gamma-tacopheral, a form of the antioxidant foods and starters. You can also use them vitamin. A single tablespoon of ground flax seed provides 1600 mg of with all kinds of raw salad vegetables or beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs) that the body cannot produce by itself. cooked foods like breadsticks and wafers. Roast and grind for proper digestion (poorly chewed flax seeds can go For an eggless chilli cheese dip, combine undigested), and add a tablespoon to smoothies or in roti dough. 200 gms finely- grated cheese, 50 gms of softened butter, ½ cup of fresh cream, 1 Can you please tell us how to make chapattis and rotis more nutritious and tablespoonful of chilli sauce, 2-3 finely tasty? chopped green chillies and salt to taste. Yes, you can make a ‘multigrain aata’ at home and that too of your taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to form The wheat flour that you use should contain bran. Then you can add soya a smooth paste. Thin with a little milk, if bean flour, oats (powdered), flax seeds that too roasted and powdered, required. Refrigerate until serving time.

100 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Kitchen & Queries Q A The dip will thicken on refrigeration. appearance is cloudy; it indicates its than gluten. It contains all nine Let it come to room temperature staleness. Always store eggs in the essential amino acids and filled with before serving. Makes 1 ½ cups. refrigerator, preferably in a closed antioxidants. One can prepare a variety container. of dishes with it-quinoa poha, quinoa We have become quite health- If you do not have a refrigerator buy vada pav, quinoa tikka, quinoa dosa, conscious these days. Please tell us only the required number at a time, as quinoa upma and can also be used in how much fat or oil should be used room temperature will spoil them salads. when preparing sauces and marinades quickly. for red meats? Can we cook quinoa in the microwave? To make a healthy meat dish, use It is said that green tea is better than Quinoa can be cooked on the stove the minimum quantity of oil or fat black tea. Is it really so? as well as in the microwave easily. when preparing sauces and marinades Green and black teas come from Always rinse quinoa thoroughly until for red meats. Fat from the meat will the same ‘Camelia sinesis’ plant, and the water is clear. Soak for five minutes render out during cooking and will both are rich in flavanoids. However, in fresh clean water and drain before provide plenty of flavour. Certain the latest research shows that green cooking. Place drained quinoa and meats, like ribs and pot roast, can be tea is indeed better than black tea in water in the proportion of 1 to 2 in a parboiled before grilling to reduce the antioxidant benefits. Also, granular tea microwave safe bowl. Cook on high fat content. is better than green leaf tea for those mode for 10 minutes. Cover and allow suffering from acidity. to stand and absorb water for 2-3 Please let me have a few tips to keep in minutes. mind while buying and storing eggs. Quinoa is the modern super food. Tell For added flavour, you can use your There are various methods to find us why quinoa is good for our health? favourite cooking stock in place of out if an egg is fresh or stale. The The super foods of which quinoa is a water. Quinoa is ready to serve when it easiest is to hold the egg in between part have been there in the scene for a turns from white to transparent and your fingers against bright light. If the long time, but weren’t recognised for the germ has spiralled out of the grain. top and bottom ends are clear, it their health benefits. So enjoy the healthy grain. means that the egg is fresh; if the Quinoa can give double the protein – Savita Bhargava. t must have been around 8.30pm Iin the evening of the 26 November 2008 in Mumbai. I had just returned from office after a long and gruelling day. Feeling famished, I threw the bag on the table and did not even wait to change into something comfortable before I started fixing up my dinner. Suddenly, the phone started ringing. Although its loud ringtone irritated me, I decided to ignore it. Who would call me now except my boss? I had handed over some files to him before leaving the office. I was sure he wanted some more clarification. The phone stopped – only to start ringing again. Why does he not go home, I wondered. Perhaps his wife does not give him dinner before 10 pm. I was adamant not to pick up the phone until my dinner was ready. But the caller was much too persistent. When it started ringing the third An eye witness time, I gave up and took the call. I was surprised to find an old friend account of the terrorist calling from Delhi, “Where are you?” “At home. Why?” I responded a nightmare on 26 little intrigued. “Don’t step out. There is firing November 2008 in going on in Colaba,” he cautioned. “Firing? When? Why? Where? Mumbai. What happened?” “Right now, I am listening to the By Ranjana Bharij news and they are saying that there is firing going on in front of Leopold Café… just switch on your TV and you will know but do not step out of your flat. It is not safe.” Holding the handset in my left hand and the ladle in my right hand, I rushed towards the sitting room where the television was kept, I jumped at the sound of a loud blast. It had badly rattled the window panes of my flat on the fourteenth floor. Gosh! I just heard a blast downstairs. “Let me see,” saying this I hung up the phone and ran towards the window to peep out. There was eerie silence in the compound of Harbour Heights. All the cars were neatly parked. The street lights were brightly lit but there was not a single soul visible in the huge residential complex. Returning quickly to the sitting room, I switched on the television. bloodshed at such close quarters. Well, there it was! The scary sound Soon there was the news of the that I had heard was the sound of a siege of the Oberoi Hotel and then bomb blast at the petrol pump in the Taj Mahal Hotel. A floor of the Taj Colaba. The place was so very close. Mahal Hotel had been set on fire. A A few minutes in front of the chill went down my spine and I television and I knew that Mumbai rushed to my bedroom from where I was under siege. Some unknown could clearly see the fire. Yes, the guys barged into the popular hotel was in flames and I stood stuck Leopold Cafe and gunned down to the window staring helplessly at many unsuspecting innocent people the flames which were being fanned who were dining there. They were by the strong sea breeze that night. now running amock in the city firing Thick billowing smoke and bright at the hapless people. Another red-orange flames were enough to massacre was taking place at the make even the bravest of people Mumbai Central Railway station. tremble with fear. These ruthless people were mercilessly gunning down the THE FRIGHT passengers who were returning home after a day’s work. Seeing this mind-boggling Dumbstruck, I stood there like a massacre in various parts of Mumbai, statue still holding the ladle in my I started getting worried about the hand. Nobody knew who these well-being and safety of my team people were. Why were they doing members in the office who travelled this? Were we safe? So many long distances by train daily. I started questions flooded my mind but there calling them up one by one to check was no answer. The TV cameras were whether they had reached home covering these incidents extensively, safely. I managed to contact all but nobody knew who they were. except two brilliant officers. Their And suddenly, TV started flashing the mobile phones were coming picture of the gunman on the railway switched off all through. I located station. Many lives had been saved their residential phone numbers and due to the presence of mind of the started another round of calls. railway employee on the Finally, I was relieved to learn that announcement booth. His timely they were working late in our announcement had helped a number Nariman Point office and were not of passengers who ran to safety and allowed to step out of the building managed to protect themselves by the police. They had been from the volley of bullets coming instructed to spend the night non-stop from their guns. confined in the office building only. Their cellphone batteries had TERRORISTS ENTER discharged but using the office phone, they had already informed One ghastly news after another their families. poured in. The terrorists entered a Having confirmed the safety of all hospital with the idea of shooting the colleagues, I continued channel- the patients, but the police managed surfing to keep abreast of the latest to thwart them. The Mumbai Police developments. The entire night was was after them and then came the spent in alternating between blood-curdling details of two senior watching TV news in the sitting room Mumbai Police officers being shot at and rushing back to the bedroom to point-blank range. In the hurry to look at the burning Taj Mahal Hotel. reach the spot, these officers had How many guests would be trapped forgotten to put on the bullet-proof there? What would they be feeling? jackets jeopardising their own safety. What feelings would be coming to Nobody knew how many people their minds when they knew that if had already been killed and by they stay in the room they will whom. I had never experienced such suffocate to death and if they came out, they will be shot dead by the to use the opportunity to clear up trigger-happy terrorists outside. the backlog on my desk. But given the law and order situation in the LONG NIGHT city, it was becoming more and more difficult for me to concentrate. The night was unusually long but So, I walked back at about 4 pm, it somehow got over. At 9 am sharp, only to be ridiculed by my the call bell rang and I opened the neighbours. door to find my driver standing there “What are you trying to prove? as usual. He stayed 35 kilometres Your office will not close down if you away in a suburb of Mumbai. are absent for a day. Neither will you “How did you come?” I enquired get an out-of-turn promotion by impressed with his punctuality and being so foolhardy,” they sense of duty. admonished me sweetly in a friendly “I managed to take a lift from manner. WHEN THE someone, but there is a curfew I looked down sheepishly and TERRORISTS INVADED imposed in Colaba area. So, I walked rushed to my apartment to fix a THE FLOOR, THE in the side-lanes dodging the police strong cup of tea which I needed who were keeping a strict watch,” badly. YOUNG JEWISH he replied. Inspired by him, I also The TV channel surfing continued COUPLE WERE decided to go to the office although I and the news kept powering in. The had heard on the television that Taj was still burning. Depression had PLAYING WITH THEIR curfew had been imposed in the started setting in now. The Black cat TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD. area. Anyway, the police at Colaba commandos had left Delhi and were check-post stopped me, citing expected any time to handle the THE ATTACKERS FIRED curfew in the area as the reason and situation, the TV news announcer AT THEM AT POINT- I had no option but to return home declared and I wondered why our BLANK RANGE AND where I again stayed glued to the TV government machinery was not able the whole day. to act faster. BOTH FELL TO THE Next day again, while trying to go BULLETS OF THE to the office, the policeman on duty MORE NEWS said that there is a curfew, but I BLOODTHIRSTY could walk down if it was urgent. I More news poured in. The FANATICS. HOW THEY got out of the car and walked to my Nariman House building in our SPARED THE TODDLER, office. The roads were totally vicinity was under siege. That the deserted. In the office also, the terrorists were so close by, just one WAS A MIRACLE. attendance was minuscule. I decided street away from my apartment, gave me goose pimples. More shocking details! They had spread over all the floors and started killing the Jewish residents staying in Chabad House. The sound of gunshots resonated up to our residential complex, giving all of us a creepy feeling. My worried husband called up from Delhi, “Don’t step out of the flat. Don’t open the door without checking up on the visitor. Don’t stand near the window. A stray bullet can make me a widower.” He laughed but his laughter could not camouflage his worry. The Nariman House building located in a narrow lane had been surrounded by the police, but the residents had been made hostages by the terrorists. Dozens of TV

104 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 cameras were focussed on the the child and her bravery! I am sure bang…. silence …bang.. bang.. bang building trying to catch a glimpse of many viewers like me must have again … the exchange of bullets was the gun-toting terrorists. A few done so. going on. The sounds of shots from gunshots were heard and nobody Two days later, I heard the sound both sides were so loud as if being was sure who all had been killed. of the helicopter near Mukesh Mills shot in our building only. What was the police doing outside? area where there was a helipad. We The operation was completed in Why don’t they go inside? were so used to listening to this no time and all the terrorists were Unaware of their strategies I, just irritating sound off and on but this eliminated by the commandos. like other citizens, was busy sound was different. It was too Although life became normal again, criticising the police inaction. And close. The helicopter, which took off, the TV images of the hapless people then what I saw live on TV was one was flying at a very low height. I killed in the railway station, of the most heart-rending sights moved from one room to another, policemen of all ranks shot down ever. A young woman, holding a trying not to lose the sight of the while performing their duty and an toddler tightly in her arms, came helicopter and finally saw it heading innocent toddler clinging to his running out of the building. She was towards Nariman House. And, caretaker oblivious of the fact that totally dishevelled and breathless, suddenly, it was not moving. It was both his parents had been her hair flying all around. It was like a suspended in the air and a rope was mercilessly gunned down without scene from a Bollywood movie. The being lowered from it. And then I any fault, haunt me even today police immediately provided her saw the commandos in black sliding whether awake or asleep. cover and escorted her to the police down the rope and hopping over to And that nanny, the nameless van along with the child. Who was the terrace of the building, one after young woman, who saved the she? Who was the child? My curiosity the other. I got goose pimples toddler at the risk of her own life, was soon over when TV channels looking at our brave Black Cat became a real-life heroine in the eyes started sharing details of what had commandos. of everyone. I do not know her happened on the second floor of the name, but I bow to her as a symbol building. THE HISTORIC MOMENT of strength, humanity, love and When the terrorists invaded the compassion who turned out to be a floor, the young Jewish couple were I rushed to pick up my camera to true humanitarian. We playing with their two-year-old child. capture this historical moment. I The attackers fired at them at point- couldn’t believe that this site, where Create something good, by helping blank range and both fell to the so many people had been kept as others feel good, while deriving bullets of the bloodthirsty fanatics. hostages, was so close by. Bang … mass appeal. How they spared the toddler, was a miracle. The young woman, who worked as a nanny for the little child had gone to the kitchen to get some milk for him. Hearing the gunshots, she hid behind the fridge and stayed there for quite some time. She could hear the toddler calling out to his dead parents, “Mummy… Mummy…. Papa….Mummy.” This Forgive me went on for some time and suddenly for all the troubles i have caused you the young woman could not tolerate Forgive me it anymore. She ran out of the for pointing out all your flaws kitchen, picked up the baby in her Forgive me arms and rushed out like a bullet. for trying to change you Before the terrorists realised what Forgive me had happened, she was out of the for always bringing up minor issues flat. What a courageous girl! My head Forgive me bowed to her in reverence. for making you believe that I was perfect for you The TV channels were flashing the Forgive me photo of the cute baby with her for all the damage I have done to you brave nanny and repeatedly showed Forgive me the video clips of her bold escape for your peace of mind from the clutch of the terrorists. – Arushi Vats. I saluted her for her concern for

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 105 Short Story Memories of Partition

Bringing back old experiences. By Harshita Kale

ndia celebrtes 70 years of was a mere boy of 11. The been with him ever since my IIndependence,” blared memories of Partition were earliest memories. We did the newspaper still as fresh as the days everything together, from headlines. I was sitting in a when they had been burnt going to school, doing our reclining rocking chair, into my brain. It was as homework, playing cricket, sipping my cup of tea and though a film roll started we were the best of reading, when it struck me. playing, for scene after buddies. Now, I was afraid ‘Gee, has it really been this scene started flashing to answer, “Yes, we are. My long?’ How quickly time through my mind… father believes that I handed it to slips, like sand through “Is your family really Hindustan will be a better closed fingers! I was going to move into the to- place to live in the coming him. “For you, suddenly snatched into the be Hindustan?” Salim years.” Salim. As a deepest recesses of my enquired. Both of us were “But, what of your souvenir of the mind, 70 years ago, when I lying amongst the tall stalks grocery shop?” wonderful of wheat of our neighbour’s “We shall have to leave farm. The sky was an our business. My father is memories we ominous grey, as if the going to hand over that shared.” I can still grey clouds of the responsibility to your remember the looming partition family.” were hovering above “So, we’re going to say fondness of his us. Salim was our goodbye each other for real face as he looked next door the next week.” down at it. neighbour. I had “I’m afraid so.”

I was suddenly snatched into the deepest recesses of my mind, 70 years ago, when I was a mere boy of 11. The memories of Partition were still as fresh as the days when they had been burnt into my brain. It was as though a film roll started playing, for scene after scene started flashing through my mind… Both of us were close to up with him. The station country of which we knew stampede was created as a tears by the time we parted was in even greater nothing and discussed wave of people surged ways and reached home. confusion. Relatives were where they were going to towards the train. We spent all our time hugging each other and stay once the train reached I cried out, “Father!” but together the next week. crying. A woman with a the destination. During it could not be heard over I even slept and had meals small child had hoisted him those two days, all of us on the cacophony of noise. The at Salim’s house for the last on her back and was the train were united, we train started moving just as days of my time in the now- struggling to move ahead. had the same insecurities, we stepped on it. As we Pakistan. When the day for the same determination moved further, I could see moving finally arrived, our uslims hacked their and, most of all, the same the platform scattered with father shook hands and our Mway through the hope. bodies, most of them mothers were nearly crowd with daggers. Seeing The next day the train wearing skull caps. I wailing. Salim and I fought this, my mother screamed stopped for lunch at a guessed the shooters had to keep our tears back, but and pulled me into safety. I cluster of small dhabas. We tried to kill Muslim refugees they finally spilled out. We felt a burning sensation had a very hurried lunch as for supposedly “betraying” hugged fiercely. “I shall behind my eyes…‘How we were anxious to get back their country. The length of never forget you, brother,” could anybody possibly be onto the train as quickly as the platform was tinted with I whispered. so cruel?’ possible. My father had crimson and scarlet. “And neither shall I,” he After an hour’s wait, the gone to buy some extra When I saw my father’s replied. “I’m certain that our train arrived already packets of food at the face lying amongst the lives are entwined forever. overflowing with refugees. nearby shops as we were many bodies, I turned away, We are inseparable and will My father pulled both of us uncertain of when it would tears rolling hotly down my surely meet again.” onto the train. We were just be made available to us face. My mother clutched inside the open doorway again. my shoulder. Her hand was tugged at his hand and and I was in great danger of trembling. I turned around Itook him to my room. I falling. There was absolute Suddenly, a great to comfort her, thinking lifted the lid of the huge mayhem in the train. commotion arose that she was weeping. But trunk and took out a black Women were weeping for instead, I found my and white photograph of their dying husbands, and people started mother’s face etched with two lanky, smiling boys. I clutching their children running helter- anger and determination. handed it to him. “For you, tightly to their chests, and skelter. A troop of Her fist had been trembling Salim. As a souvenir of the men were trying to console men wearing with fury. wonderful memories we their wives, but now I realise “I promise we’re going to shared.” I can still that on the inside, they had scarves and who make it, son,” she said. I remember the fondness of been scared as well of the were apparently thought I could just see the his face as he looked down uncertain future. Muslims, were glimmer of a tear in her eye. at it. “Father, how can we be We set off at a brisk walk leaving everything, all our galloping towards us he rest of the remaining towards the railway station. possessions, our grocery with guns in their Tday and the next passed All of Sindh was submerged shop, our friends and family, hands. in a blur. Almost a fourth of in chaos. People were racing and move into a country our passengers had been to catch trains, and those which we don’t know, into Suddenly, a great killed. I was still who were unlucky had an uncertain future? How do commotion arose and thunderstruck and had not decided to embark to you know that everything is people started running accepted my father’s death. Hindustan on foot. By the going to be all right in the helter-skelter. A troop of More Hindus as well as time we reached the main coming years in men wearing scarves and Muslims had got on to the village where the station Hindustan?” I asked who were apparently roof of the train. My mother was situated, the entire area “I’m not sure, son. I just Muslims, were galloping was gripped by grief and was in great chaos. Gangs hope that by moving away, towards us with guns in anger. She had been of a were setting fire to the we are going to enter a their hands. They started very strong character. I had thatched houses and people better future.” firing, particularly at never seen her cry in front of were sitting cowering at the We were packed 30 to a Muslims, and shouted, “This me. Both of us had not station and on rooftops. single, small compartment. is for Pakistan and we shall eaten even a morsel of food. “Hurry,” shouted my People talked of the kill any Muslim who betrays There were sighs of relief father and, taking my struggles they had faced, it!” and whoops as the train mother’s hand and my arm, raised questions whether My mother grabbed my finally dragged into the he yanked us on towards we were doing the right hand and tried to pull me Delhi station. My mother the station. We ran to keep thing by going into a towards the train. A huge and I tumbled out,

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 107 “Prakash! Surprise!” the man cried, shaking my hand vigourously. I said, “I’m sorry but I did not recognise you.”

exhausted both emotionally strength and had faced aged woman. “Prakash! seems that your son went to and physically. Families of these changes with rock- Surprise!” the man cried, her company to hire them some of the passengers solid strength and shaking my hand for designing his new row residing in India hugged determination! vigourously. house project. After some them. As for us, we moved The ring of the doorbell chit-chat, they realised our along with the crowd to one interrupted my train of said, “I’m sorry but I did history and planned out this of the refugee camps set up thoughts. When I opened it, Inot recognise you.” The massive surprise!” on the outskirts of Delhi. We I saw an elderly man, sitting man grinned and fumbled ”It is indeed a small were directed to a tiny tent in a wheelchair which was for something in his pocket. world!” I exclaimed.”My where a few packets of food being pushed by a middle- He took out what seemed to daughter-in-law would just were kept. We had be a bit of faded paper and be getting lunch ready. I recovered somewhat from pressed it into my hand. I insist that you stay with us my father’s shocking death, The ring of the looked down at it. It was a for a few days!” and I convinced my mother doorbell interrupted photograph of two young “Of course,” Salim to eat something. Despite my train of boys. replied. “That’s why we’ve the massive numbers, all the thoughts. When I “Salim!” I knelt down and come here, haven’t we?” authorities at the camp tried hugged the man fiercely. I laughed. “The doors of to be as patient and helpful opened it, I saw an “Come in, come in!” our house are always open as possible. elderly man, sitting “Hadn’t I told you that to you!” saying this, I led My mother smiled in a wheelchair we’d meet again? Now, here them both into the dining tiredly, “We made it!” I am! It has been so many room, to recall and cherish I nodded and replied, which was being years since I last saw you!” wonderful memories. We “We sure have.” pushed by a middle- Salim said. aged woman. “It feels out of the world emembering these to see you too! But, how in Rincidents brought back “Prakash! Surprise!” the world did you find my the man cried, Keeping busy and memories of grief, address?” I asked. making optimism a way friendship, difficulties and shaking my hand “This here, is my of life can restore your determination. But my vigourously. daughter, Zareena. She is a faith in yourself. mother had been a pillar of Delhi-based architect. It

108 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017

Money Matters & A own a company for selling home products. An employee , who had been fired by me is spreading news that my products are of poor quality and Q affecting my sales. How can this person be tackled legally ? You can send a legal notice, asking him to stop downgrading your Iproducts. If that does not suffice, he can be sued for defamation. Is real perfume dark in colour ? No, genuine perfume is light in colour. How can zari saris and blouses be preserved ? Does fridge have a system for storing cosmetics ? Never wrap a zari saree and zari blouse Yes, nowadays a fridge may have a separate box for cosmetics. together, while storing. After you wear a zari sari, spread it out for some time and How can colour of cotton saris be preserved? then only fold it. Always fold sari in such a Soak the sari in warm water mixed with rock salt, the first time. The colour way that zari part remains inside, not latches on to cotton sari. outside.

How can a diamond be tested at home? We got repairs done in house but landlord Put diamond upside down on a piece of newspaper. If you can read print, is refusing to pay. What is the correct it’s not real. position ? If your rent agreement says that Can a minor file a consumer case ? landlord has to give money for repairs, you Yes. For example, a minor who has been cheated by say, a coaching centre are on safe ground. Otherwise, you can or educational institution is allowed to file a case. file a civil suit under Rent Act.

What kind of bulb can be used for highlighting a painting in my living I have been denied promotion, though 25 room ? years of service has been put in by me. For Don’t use a halogen light, as it disfigures colour of painting. Blue may three years, there has been no promotion. change into grey. Fluoresecent lights also gives a bluish tinge. Tungsten lamps What course of action lies for me ? are ideal, for painting. You can file a writ petition in court.

110 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 Money & Matters Q A Can pesticides be removed from I have heard that silver can tested wth If a husband refuses to pay vegetables ? eraser. Is it true? maintaineance, on plea that he lost his Yes, wash vegetables with 2 per Yes. Rub the silver with eraser, If a job and refuses to appear before court, cent salt water. It would eliminate mark is left, it’s not pure silver. what can be done ? pesticides. Under Section 125(3) of Cr.P.C an Do insurance companies offer a high- estranged husband can be made to I use shower but want to save water. Is end policy for cyber crimes in office? appear in court. it possible ? Yes, recently insurance cover for E-mail your queries to: You can install low-flow shower, cyber issues has been introduced in [email protected] which emits 6 litres of water. The country. If cyber theft occurs, you can ordinary shower gives nearly 20 litres claim money. Even if you take Meenakshi Subramaniam is a former IRS officer, answering all your of water, which gets wasted. counselling for cyber problems, it is money queries, covered. The cover starts from `1 lakh right from income tax to supermarket Are making charges high when price of and goes up to crores. shopping. gold is increasing? Mail your queries to: No, at such a time, flat making I want to know, are LED bulbs dust- WOMAN'S ERA, charges are levied. When price of gold free? E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, New Delhi-110055. falls, making charges increase. Yes, LED bulbs are free from dust.

Malaika Arora Becomes APL Footwear’s Brand Kronokare Anti Turm Ambassador City Repair Hair Oil and Beauty Range! Alpine Rub Private Limited, which owns APL Urban lifestyle can be challenging to footwear, is one of the most maintain a healthy hair appearance. The success ful running companies in the footwear industry. smoky atmosphere, dust, pollution and many It’s been a decade since Alpine Poly Rub Pvt. Ltd. entered aggressive elements can make your hair dull the market and carved a niche for itself. and give it a poor texture. Bollywood actrerss Malaika Arora is the new brand Ace beauty brand Kronokare's unique ambassador of APL Footwear. This collaboration aims to blend of geranium, lavender and peppermint bring in more success and positive growth to the essential oils brings a superior nourishment and moisture brand. to your hair. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, their On this collaboration with Malaika Arora, Mr Inder formula delivers essential nutrients to your hair and Chabra, Alpine Poly Rub Private Limited’s Managing protects it from future damage. The hair looks healthy Director shared, “It gives me great pleasure to announce and its shine is restored. one of the most popular faces of Bollywood, Malaika Arora Kronokare brings a range of truly affordable, happily as our brand ambassador. Malaika will be the face of our packaged products, which allow you to do good both to brand and company. your skin and the environment. The range includes Malaika is a very talented actress who is filled with lots effective products for body, hair, face and hand care. All of positivity and energy. This collaboration will help us Kronokare cosmetics are sulphate free, paraben free, reach more customers across. She is a versatile actress silicone free and mineral oil free. and just the perfect ambassador for our "Unfortunately, most of the cosmetic products come brand. This partnership will surely take APL to newer loaded with these unnatural and cheap ingredients. We heights.” need to burst this bubble because it comes at a deadly Malaika, on becoming the brand ambassador of APL cost. Long-term users of products containing parabens, footwear shared, “For me, APL is a brand that is surely sulphates, silicones or mineral oil report skin damage and going to get a lot of success as it brings along trust and long-term health risks that begin with mild skin and eye newness. I am representing the same qualities of the irritation," believes Kronokare. Thus, Kronokare focuses brand. I believe, I will be a part of APL’s success and on retaining the original qualities extracted from the flora growth.” around us and concentrate on bringing out precious oils, Malaika Arora will be seen promoting the brand with a nutritive ingredients, pure botanical extracts and real 360 marketing campaign including print, outdoor and essential oils. television for the next two years.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 111 CLASSIFIEDS

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It's been an empty decade and a half, Without your infectious laugh.

No one to eat medu vadas with, Or drink Sharjah shakes with.

All the ugly fights we fought, And the dirty jokes you taught.

Each dreadful morning to school, you were by my side, To wipe my tears and to give me a ride.

Your obsession with Hercule Poirot and Baywatch were unmatched, I tried my best to stay detached.

You are my home, I latch onto every memory of yours, like a honeybee to its comb. – Gayatri Bhadran.

112 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 DANGEROUS SELFIES no lessons are learnt even after these incidents are frequently reported. Not a day passes The latest fad apparently is to take without the media selfies with a speeding train in the reporting tragic deaths background, the thrill factor being of young men and stepping aside before the train women in some part whizzes past. In one of the recent of the country or the other instances reported in the media three because of a ‘selfie’ session going young guys taking a selfie with a train awry. (Suicidal Selfie – WE – October as a backdrop stepped on to the II). What is most unfortunate is that adjacent tracks in time but were run PRICE OF CALLING SPADE A SPADE REALLY A RIGHT STEP? demonetisation and GST which have This is in reference This is with reference struck a negative impact on the to the article Silenced to the editorial A Right general public at large. by the Gun (November Step (WE; November I). It is ironical that even under the I 2017). The brutal On the general so-called corruption-free dispen - murder of noted assumption with regard sation of Modi, creation of jobs and Journalist Gauri Lankesh at close to the proposed 9 lakh awarding of contracts especially in range by motorcycle-borne mis - crore initiative of the government case of road projects are not without creants in her Bengaluru residence is that sets to boost the economy wielding of political influence and not only a big blow to media world equals the sum collected on account offer of bribes which hence speaks but will also have far-reaching political of demoneti sation, it becomes volumes of a no better situation than implications during Karnataka explicit that such a huge quantum of that during the congress regime assembly elections due next year. money when diverted to achieve the soaked with corruption. Even after intolerant and religious twin objectives of supporting the The unfairness existing with extremists have targeted and killed banking sector as well as utilising on regard to bagging of tenders for Pansare, Kalburgi and Dabholkar in the road projects cannot be termed a road contracts even during the the past, no action were taken so far right step unless such a move prima present rule of the BJP government against the culprits which only facie serves the interests of the has set to pave the way for emboldened the mis creants to target general public and their overall preventing the general public from rationalists at their whim. The fact utility. receiving the allotted money and that Gauri Lankesh has paid a heavy The proposed reinvestment of 2 jobs rather in a genuine way. Due to price for her critical and courageous lakh crore out of the estimated 9 monopoly of the government, writings on Hindutva, the lakh crore in the form of a package is preferring of private players are less assassination for calling a spade a too small to serve the general public, said the better in this aspect of spade is unfortunate and in as much as it is unlikely that the undertaking contracts for condemnable. banks may not unavoidably relent infrastructural development. As killings are an anachronism in from favouring the corporate houses It is sad to note that the govern - any civil society, the cold-blooded and larger borrowers in offering / ment has pitted large enterprises murder of Gauri has deeply saddened diverting this part of wherewithal. leaving out the labour force and the media fraternity that she had to Hence, in the process or policy common public which are in large sacrifice herself for her outspoken adopted by the banks to knock at the number for executing works relating stance against the wrong goings-on door of the larger parties in the to the proposed road projects, around. As the nation cannot afford aspect of lending money, the notwithstanding, a great deal of to lose writers and intellectuals common public with meagre chances favour shown towards larger anymore at the hands of extremists is unjustified in receiving financial companies in seeking loans from for voicing their views boldly, time has support. banking sector. come for the state not to turn their Thus, the overall benefits of the Hence, on an overall view, the back but act sternly against the general public are virtually slackened policy or attitude of the government hardcore elements without delay, what with the already existing especially with regard to the otherwise cracks in the polity will only situation of banks providing a proposed 9 lakh crore initiative to deepen as silencing the voice of reduced interest of rates on fixed boost the economy is not a right step liberals and rationalists through gun deposits and blockage of chances but is a lopsided and a retrograde will go unabated. Utimately, the worst prospects as unleashed by the one. losers are the people of India. government following the recently – Bh. Indu Sekhar, – R. Srinivasan, Secunderabad. introduced monetary policies of Hyderabad.

Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017 113 over by another train running on that GOVERNMENT’S HYPOCRISY other alternative, he spent the night track. Three young lives were snuffed with them and on realising that the out in their prime and three families The police’s conduct in BHU is things in his suitcase will give were left to mourn the loss. One really disgraceful. But such actions have immense pleasure to the girl, gave the wonders how young men and women now become par for the course in the things with a broad mind and can behave, thus, often ignoring country. Thanks to weak and celebrated the day with them which warning signs near river beds or on politicised university administrations will remain deep rooted in his memory mountain cliffs and either drowning or JNU, HCU, Jadavpur University, and for ever and ever. plunging to their deaths, all for a now at BHU – policemen have a free – Priya Rajseshan, Dubai. selfie. Acts such as these can hardly hand to act against students who are qualify as adventure as it would be perceived to have over stepped the SEEKING HAPPINESS foolhardy in the extreme to attempt limits set by the authorities. any of them. But will they ever learn? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s This refers to the – Vijayalakshmi Aravind, Bengaluru. efforts to make ‘beti bachao beti thought-provoking padhao’ campaign a success took a article titled: Seeking beating in his own parliamentary Happiness. (WE constituency – Varanasi – at the hands October II 2017) As of the local administration. known, a truly happy When Uttar Pradesh went to the person is the one who lives his life to polls, the buzzword was women’s maintain his own happiness while safety. Issuing lathicharge orders trying his best to not cause against unarmed girls of the BHU, unhappiness to anyone else. who were peacefully protesting Few steps can be taken to increase against the alleged molestation of a happiness: be with others who make fellow student, is an abuse of its you smile; hold on to your values; powers that is unpardonable and imagine the best; do things you love speaks volumes on the insensitivity to find greater happiness; listen to and tone-deafness of the UP police. your heart; be open to change; stop By doing so, the UP police has only blaming others. Happiness and dented its image further. fulfillment are within your grasp but – K. S. Padmanabha, Secunderabad. sometimes just out of reach. Understanding what works best is the solution. A HEARTWARMING – Beena Mathur, Pune. STORY This is with reference to the Short The prize is awarded to: Silver Lamp Story Bh. Indu Sekhar, Hyderabad. October II). I felt happy to read the WOMAN'S ERA story that centered around my home town Chennai. As long as we have all invites readers’ opinions and the comforts in life, we enjoy it and reactions on hardly think of others. Irony of the articles, short stories story – Deepak happily boarded the and features published luxury bus to celebrate Diwali but as in Woman’s Era. The best fate could have it, he spent the day in letter will be given a prize of a hut with an unknown dad and `500. Address your letters by daughter which taught him how E-mail to: [email protected] or by post to: the down trodden people existed in villages with very meager AS YOU SAY necessities. The daughter Kamana's voice on E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. reading her study material about Womansera.com Diwali 'lit' Deepak's mind as he realised how the innocent girl read Name: without any practical experience on Mobile: celebrations for the festival. With no E-mail:

114 Woman’s Era ● December (First) 2017