68 Pages Subscription: `.1100 p.a.

THE MAGAZINE FOR PRODUCTIVE AGEING April 2018 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

Making a Social Connection,

CinematicallyApril | 2018 Dignity Dialogue FIRST WORD

here’s not much to do once you retire. It’s a lament heard so often that it set me surfing the internet to Tsee if skills and experience accumulated over the years can be put to use in a gainful manner. And surprisingly, there is so much you can actually do provided you get into the spirit of Huned Contractor volunteering. Not only the large metros but even the rural areas have several non-government organisations (NGOs) engaged in various social upliftment and empowerment programmes and most of them seem to be in need of experienced hands who can contribute to not only the daily administration work but also pitch in for planning new programmes. For example, I recently came across an NGO working in the field of watershed development in the mofussil areas of Pune district that was looking for retired seniors who could help them out with their training and education programmes so as to carry the message of water management far and wide. Similarly, if you are willing to travel and stay in remote places, you could help Tibetan refugees assimilate seamlessly into India at a place called Dharamsala. You can volunteer in a number of areas ranging from teaching English and foreign languages, photography and yoga to creating writing and fashion designing. This kind of work is being offered by Lha and you can check out more details on www.lhasocialwork.org. Similarly, in Gujarat’s Gandhi Ashram which serves the underprivileged, you can volunteer to provide services in the fields of women empowerment, sanitation and community media, among others. You have to commit for a period of at least a month. The organisation provides accommodation and meals. Visit www.manavsa.org for more details. If you are fond of the high hills and nature, you could sign up with Spiti Ecosphere which is engaged in creating sustainable livelihoods associated with nature and culture conservation. The organisation works with local people and volunteers who share a passion for conservation, mountain travel and adventure. And if you have a knack for organic farming, so much the better. You could even help build greenhouses. The organisation’s work portfolio is available on www.spitiecosphere.com. And if it is wildlife that interests you, well, go and help save crocodiles in Tamil Nadu by volunteering for two to five weeks. The Madras Crocodile Bank provides food and accommodation for those who want to work for the protection of reptiles and amphibians. For details, write to: [email protected]. The point is, there is no dearth of opportunities. All you have to do is make up your mind and go ahead! . April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 LETTERS

Praise for DD just the message we matters that you dress to beings and we deserve April 2018 VOL 23 ISSUE 04 have been waiting to suit the changes. By the to live with dignity. t gives me great hear! The avant-garde way, who says that the But beware, there are Ipleasure to hold and element in the message sari is the national dress obstacles galore. The read Dignity Dialogue. is fascinating and she of the Indian woman question is how do we That’s because it is really has put it so adroitly and and is the only apparel live with dignity when is a nice and beautiful so appealingly with her that is graceful, modest there has hardly been magazine with not only dignity intact. Change, and elegant? any clear intent on the glossy front and back as we all know, takes India has 29 states and part of the powers that covers but also crispy place from the time we be? Less said the better. thick pages inside with seven Union Territories. are born, in ourselves Each state has its own Not that the successive very comfortable font and in the universe governments in India size that makes it very concept of modesty around us. Change is a and grace where their have not formulated comfortable for senior natural phenomenon. any programmes and citizens to read. Also, apparel is concerned Yet how many of us and at the same time policies for the welfare the content inside is genuinely apply it in of the elderly, but then well-chosen and worth there is an interchange our specific lives? One of fashions among all in reality the progress reading and preserving differing view or one is not anywhere near or sharing. I eagerly look these states. Today, step away from the well- fashions in clothing have satisfactory. The benefits forward to the arrival beaten path is enough to do not reach a majority of the new issue of the become global. Fashions open the Pandora’s box. come, fashions go and of the deserving segment magazine every month. How many of us are bold of the elderly. With job Thank you, dear editor, the same fashions come enough to break the old again like everything opportunities nearer for all your efforts. barriers and face it? home diminishing, if Please keep it up! else in life. Life could be Just a week ago I read in boring without change not vanishing, mostly Dr. R S Dass the media that someone as Dr. Srinivasan points the only kid (son or E-mail: None had dared to utter that out. Isn’t variety the daughter) has to move she has forgotten how spice of life? far away from home or The Right abroad even. The result to drape a sari, drawing Shama Vijayan Message upon herself the wrath is most of the elderly are of hell. Draping a E-mail: shamatou@ forced to live alone or to r. Sheilu Srinivasan’s sari, no matter how gmail.com move into old age homes message for the D graceful and elegant the to spend the rest of their New Year, published in How do we Live apparel is, is not easy lives. the January 2018 DD and wearing it all the with Dignity? issue, is like a breath of time on all occasions is y reference is to new life! Her charming, cumbersome because the First Word cheering and inspiring M it restricts one’s published in DD, call for “change” as we movements. Today we February 2018 issue. ring out the old and are living in a busy, fast- Yes, we must definitely ring in a fresh year is paced new world and it try to be better human most refreshing and

April | 2018 04 April | 2018Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 05 LETTERS

And the risks are high the ageing societies of construct something If some groups keep TV and Reading: the radio and reading. in living alone. Also, the world. The growth of that adds value to the destroying them, our What is wonderful is that the number of old age the elderly population society and the nation. society and the nation What’s Better? everyone has quickly homes isn’t enough, in India is a matter of A few others with will not move ahead, or the past few days adjusted to this new mode leave alone finding great concern as these disruptive ideologies remaining where it FI have been unable of entertainment. one within reach of growth rates are much later destroy the was years ago. We like to watch television on I have once again developed the lower middle-class higher than that of the property so created out a leader and erect his account of the connection the habit of reading, which seniors. The recent case general population of vengeance or due to or her statue. But the having been disrupted was once a favourite past of the childless elderly in most states. In differences in thinking. person’s popularity due to construction work. time. As I turned to my couple, the Lavates has Kerala, the population To my mind, this is a may be short-lived and This has made me realise old habit of reading books, been an eye-opener. of children in the age retrograde step. I was replaced later with that the TV has become I felt as if I had entered Iravati (79), and her group under nine has greatly disturbed when others. The appropriate an integral part of our another world. I realised husband Narayan declined whereas the the massive Bamyan thing would be to erect daily life, so much so that how much valuable time (86), had to write to population of those statue of Buddha was another monument we cannot live without it. of my life I have wasted the president of India, aged 80 years and destroyed and was in respect of the Whether we watch it or not, on TV. The joy of reading seeking permission for above has registered unable to understand new leaders without it must be ‘on’ as if it serves is certainly superior to euthanasia. The couple the highest growth what they gained. It is destroying the earlier background music. It’s the joy of watching TV. has made this unusual rate. The issue of caring like a mother killing her ones. They become going to be a whole month Reading provides food request fearing that for the elderly, and own child. I wanted to national property, a for thought and they will fall terminally ensuring their dignity see it for real, in person, part of the country’s enriches the ill. Is this an isolated in life and death, should one day. Now I can do history and a heritage mind. You watch incident or a general thus receive immediate so only in pictures. All that should not be at a TV programme trend? Don’t they need public attention. that remains is a hollow the whims and fancies and forget it soon safety and dignity in S H Subrahmanian rock that once housed of a few. Leaders have after whereas our society? it. All over the country, the responsibility to reading keeps E-mail: mani@ thousands of temples, promote a positive India is facing an enablery.org your mind elderly population mosques, churches culture and curb occupied long ‘time bomb’ according Stop the and other places of disruptive tendencies. after. This does to a United Nations’ worship have been Remember, a nation’s not mean that the report which revealed Demolitions erected over the years, growth is the sum TV should not have any that the number of old emolitions are promoting different total of values added before the connection will place in our life. TV has its people will triple by Ddestructive and I faiths and providing minus the losses due to be restored. For the first own advantages. It gives 2050. India, with an do not support any such appropriate platforms destruction. Progress one or two days, we went a lot of knowledge and elderly population of activity. Some people for their congregation, is ensured if we can to our neighbor’s house to entertainment. But one 12.33 crore, has already with their collective joint worship and reduce the later. catch up on our favourite must put some restrictions entered the list as one of or individual efforts togetherness. Somesh Chandra programmes. However, on how much time one Kakar this certainly wouldn’t should devote to TV. be feasible for an entire E-mail: Sharad G. Nadgauda According to a notification issued by the Income Tax Department, as per Section 35AC of the month. And so we have Finance Act, 2016, no deduction shall be allowed in respect of any assessment year commencing kakarsomeshchandra@ now started spending E-mail: kunallagu@gmail. on or after April 1, 2018. As such, 100% tax exemption that was available for all donations to gmail.com more time listening to com dementia care has now been withdrawn.

06 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 07 68 Pages Subscription: `.1100 p.a. COVER STORY 10

THE MAGAZINE FOR PRODUCTIVE AGEING April 2018 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

46. TRANSFORM THE 58. WHERE THERE’S A WILL, Making a Social Connection, MAKING A SOCIAL CONNECTION, PAST THERE’S A WAY CinematicallyApril | 2018 Dignity Dialogue CINEMATICALLY 48. CARTOONS: THE Filmmaker Sumitra Bhave, who turned 75 SPICE OF LIFE in January, was felicitated during the Pune 51. EMPOWER International Film Festival (PIFF). It was also an PEOPLE TO occasion to look back and see how her socially relevant films have created the right impact, writes CHANGE THEIR Huned Contractor LIVES

63. NEWS UPDATE 64. TRACING THE PERSIAN LINEAGE 66. LAST WORD 18. ARE YOU EATING RIGHT?

21. TAKE A COFFEE 54. SUFISM: ORIGIN, BREAK PHILOSOPHY AND 28. KEEPING THE 36. HISTORY GAZING MEANING 23. KITCHEN PAST PRESERVED IN CAIRO 56. MIRACLE ON THE REMEDIES 32. AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPRESSWAY 42. MONUMENTS, 26. TO LIVE LONGER, WOMAN VOLCANOES, GO OUT MORE LAKES AND REGULARS OFTEN MUCH MORE Letters 4;

April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 08 09 COVER STORY

completely different. I group, became her Human Issues thought I must learn the assistants. Sunil All of Bhave’s stories translation of spoken Sukhtankar was one relayed through film language to the language of them. “When we have highlighted the of film to be able to get started screening ‘Bai’ human condition across to people with a in slums, it hit me that while holding a mirror message,” she says. cinema is a powerful to society. ‘Zindagi The Turnaround medium. Working with Zindabad’ (2000) gives Sunil as my filmmaking a peek into the lives of It does come across as a partner, I made ‘Paani’ surprise when Sumitra HIV patients; the much- which portrayed the talked about ‘Devrai’ Bhave says she was struggle of women in a neither a film buff nor (2004) was about a drought-prone area,” brilliant, yet eccentric even had any intention she recounts. From ‘Bai’ to make films till she man (Atul Kulkarni), to their latest, ‘Kaasav’ diagnosed with was 40. “All I wanted to (The Turtle), Bhave has do was to share stories of schizophrenia; ‘Nital’ relentlessly explored (2006) highlights the struggle and survival,” social and occasionally she says. While working stigma about vitiligo; philosophical subjects. ‘Astu’ (2013) is about Making a Social on a research project ‘Kaasav’, the duo’s 15th during the early 80s, a man suffering from film together, weaves Alzheimer’s, who goes Bhave, who taught at the tale of two unlikely Connection, Cinematically Pune’s Karve Institute missing. “After making protagonists, and several short films and of Social Service, seamlessly juxtaposes Filmmaker Sumitra Bhave, who turned 75 in January, was recorded oral accounts documentaries, it was felicitated during the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). It the lead character’s our first feature film of women of a local efforts to conserve Olive was also an occasion to look back and see how her socially relevant slum who overcame ‘Doghi’ which put us Ridley turtles on the on the right path. After films have created the right impact, writes Huned Contractor adversities by sheer Konkan coast. determination. “Some watching ‘Chakori’about urning 75 can be socially relevant films ‘Samhita’, ‘Dahavi Fa’ of my respondents were quite a landmark that explore a myriad and ‘Vastupurush’, illiterate women. So, T– and more so range of issues at a time made jointly with Sunil we thought of an audio- when you can look back when films have more to Sukathankar. “When I visual medium to share at the years that have do with commerce than first realised that films with them their stories,” passed by with a huge art. It was thus quite a could change mindsets, she says. amount of satisfaction. day on January 12 when I made ‘Paani’ which She turned it into a For filmmaker Sumitra she was felicitated at the won a National Award. I documentary feature, Bhave, this satisfaction National Film Archives then did ‘Chakori’ which ‘Bai’ (1983). While comes from the fact of India (NFAI) at Pune. too won a National shooting for the film, that she has been able Award. Over a period, Bhave is best known members of Anubhav, to achieve what she I realised that the for making thoughtful a Pune-based theatre Sumitra Bhave with her filmmaking partner, Sunil set out to do – making films such as ‘Kasav’, language of cinema was Sukhtankar

10 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 11 production. We direct The Early Years and research papers and the film together most Born January 12, 1943, also worked as a Marathi times and are able to do Sumitra Bhave completed language newsreader so because the overall her graduation from with All India Radio, New idea of what we want Fergusson College, Delhi. to shoot is clear in our Pune, and received a In 1985, while working heads. It also helps postgraduate degree in as the Director of that we usually shoot Political and Science Research Project for in small settings with Sociology from Pune Stree Vani, Bhave made a cast and crew we are University. She received a debut short film familiar with,” she another postgraduate ‘Bai’ (Woman) about a states. degree in Political Science woman from the slum They are also and Sociology and a who displays strength considered experts at Diploma in Rural Welfare to survive adversities. creating controlled from the Tata Institute It was honoured for drama, without of Social Sciences, its realistic portrayal heightened emotions Mumbai, and later began of poor, oppressed Sumitra Bhave with actor and psychiatrist Dr. Mohan Agashe and melodrama. During her voluntary work for housewife who succeeds a village girl trying to ride even if her films have enough to do something the making of ‘Badha’ various organisations. in her determined a bicycle, Ravi Gupta, the often been labeled as positive,” she says. (2006), the story of She taught at the Karve effort to rehabilitate then managing director ‘social dramas’, she a woman accused of Institute of Social Service herself and realise her The Filmmaking practicing witchcraft, for a decade and later potential to be on her of NFDC, approached us has never had trouble Style to make a feature film,” finding producers. when celebrated actor worked as a project own. Speaking about Bhave says. “There always are people The one question that Amruta Subhash asked manager for Community her early years when who want to bring about Sumitra Bhave is often her: “What acting style Aid and Sponsorship she made the transition ‘Doghi’ was about two asked during interviews do you want me to Program, Mumbai. from research to sisters from a poor a change in our society. And they are willing to is about how she and have?” Bhave replied: Bhave has published filmmaking, Bhave said, family in a Maharashtra Sunil Sukhtankar “None.” However, she various investigation “I was into research, village and their fight invest in such ventures,” she says. So how does have managed to work made Subhash spend against social stigma. It together on so many time with a family received three national she define her approach to filmmaking? “You films without ego and from the shepherd’s awards and 11 state other hassles coming community and observe awards. “The Marathi should never preach. The audience will hate in their way. Her their ways. Years film industry accepted explanation is that it later, when Bhave cast us and NFDC asked us you for telling them what to do. Instead, you is due to “some kind Subhash as the wife of a to make another film,” of division of labour”. nomadic ‘mahout’ from says Bhave, who then co- have to create stories that reflect the reality “I write the script and Karnataka in ‘Astu’, the directed ‘Vaastupurush’, Sunil writes the songs. I actor was asked to learn featuring Sadashiv of life and hope that the audience will identify work with art direction, Kannada. “It’s all about Amrapurkar and Uttara editing and costumes making it as real as we Baokar. Surprisingly, with such issues and maybe get influenced and Sunil handles can,” she says. A still from ‘Kasav’

12 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 13 studying the lives of filmmaking in 1983- the 40th Maharashtra Conservation/Prese- focuses on the stigma of India that gives its uneduated women. But 84 and thus created a State Film Awards, and rvation at the 52nd associated with the citizens the right to access since we did not want path to get into making the duo won the Best National Film Awards, disease vitiligo in Indian government records. the research to be purely films.” Director Award. The duo Best Film, Best Director, society. In 2007, Bhave— The film was awarded academic, me and my Impact-Making considers ‘Vastupurush’ Best Actor, and Best Sukthankar made a short the Third Best Film at director, Francis Maria Films as their “important and Actress awards at the 11th film in Hindi, ‘Bewaqt the 2009 Maharashtra Yasas, started with an favourite film”. Screen Awards Marathi Barish’ (Untimely Rain), State Film Awards and independent research In 2002, two of the and the award for Best financed by the European Bhave—Sukthankar films made by Bhave In 2004, Bhave— cell called Strivani under Sukthankar made their Film with Social Message Union and produced by won the Best Director the Ishavani Kendra. and Sukthankar, both at the 42nd Maharashtra Muktangan Mitra. The Award. ‘Gho Mala Asla made in Marathi, next Marathi film ‘Devrai’ Francis had founded it (Sacred Grove) on the State Film Awards. In film focuses on the issues Hava’ premiered at the and we were working ‘Dahavi Fa’ (10th F) 2006, two of Bhave— around HIV/AIDS, sex Pune International Film and ‘Vastupurush’ subject of schizophrenia together. with Atul Kulkarni and Sukthankar’s Marathi and sexuality and is Festival and is a comical (Guardian Spirit of the films were released; based on the Oxford representation of marital “After Francis, a trained House), were released. Sonali Kulkarni playing social worker from the the lead roles. The ‘Badha’ (Possessed) and Committee for Famine problems. Bhave had The filmmaking duo ‘Nital’ (Crystal Clear). Relief’s work with rural initially had plans to US, retired, I took on initially approached the film was appreciated the responsibility of for its depiction of While ‘Badha’ depicts a and tribal community make it as a short film. Children’s Film Society to in the Rajasthan and The film marked the director. She was my produce ‘Dahavi Fa’ but schizophrenia and story of a woman from mother’s age and we met performances of its the shepherd community Odisha states of India. debut of actress Radhika the organisation refused Two of the duo’s Marathi Apte, who had previously while I was researching the script for not fitting leads, and won several battling depression due a topic. She would awards upon its release to the shamans, stigma films were released in acted for the theatre. “into their ‘objectives”. 2009; ‘Ek Cup Chya’ (A always say that research The film was finally including the Best and superstition in Along with her other had to be participatory. Film on Environment their community, ‘Nital’ Cup of Tea) and ‘Gho films, in 2010, the funded by their friends Mala Asla Hava’ (This is At every stage a dialogue and was rele- duo made the Hindi has to be created with the Husband language feature-cum- ased under the I Want). respondents instead duo’s production documentary film ‘Mor of just giving them company ‘Ek Cup Dekhne Jungle Mein’. questions to answer. ‘Vichitra Chya’ depicts The film was produced by Research must lead Nirmiti’. Both a story of the BAIF Development to action. This led to films received a common Research Foundation a suggestion that we wide critical man who and was inspired by make a film to send this acclaim; challenges their ‘Wadi’ project. message out. I contacted ‘Vastupurush’ the It focuses on urban the Film & Television was awarded the government youth involvement in Institute of India (FTII) Best Fea-ture auth-orities rural development but they said making a Film in Marathi using the and rehabilitation of film required technical at the 50th Right to tribal families. Bhave— knowledge and so I National Film Information Sukthankar’s 2011 would have to pay for Awards, ‘Dahavi Act, 2005, Marathi film ‘Ha Bharat the crew and actors. Fa’ was adjudged an act of the Majha’ (This is My India) That led me to study the Best Film at A still from ‘Astu-So Be It’ Parliament depicts the contrast

14 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 15 in the Indian society 2013, it did not find meet his alter ego Janaki who support the 2011 any distributor and was — a divorcee trying to Indian anti-corruption released through crowd- find some meaning in her movement started by funding in 2016. life through a sea-turtle activist Anna Hazare In 2015, the duo made a conservation project but continue to practice short film in Hindi, ‘Phir run by conservationist small corrupt acts in Zindagi’ (Life Again) Dattabhau (Dr. Mohan their daily lives. The film which deals with the Agashe). With her was awarded the Best topic of organ donation. empathy, Janaki tries to Marathi Film at the 10th In recent times, Bhave create a non-judgmental, Pune International Film and Sukhtankar have non-intrusive and warm Festival. hit the headlines again atmosphere to help The duo then made a for making ‘Kasav’ Manav come out of Marathi film in 2013, which is about helping depression. The film was ‘Samhita’ (The Script). beat depression with shot at Devgad’s scenic The film received acceptance. It is the story beaches. positive reviews for its of two young people, “We did a lot of research story, direction, music, Manav and Janaki, who on the endangered and performances. It deal with depression. species of Olive Ridley received two awards at It’s a subject that had turtles. The film draws the 60th National Film haunted Sumitra Bhave the metaphor of a mother Awards, and Bhave was for a while. “It’s difficult turtle that hatches her awarded for the Best to get producers to make eggs and leaves before Screenplay at the 11th films on themes such the young ones are Pune International Film as depression but we born. Kaasav tells the Festival. Their next were fortunate to find a viewer how acceptance, Marathi film, ‘Astu’ (So producer in Dr. Mohan patience and love can Be It), dealt with the Agashe, a noted actor help a person with subject of Alzheimer’s, and psychiatrist,” Bhave depression,” Bhave and is about a Sanskrit says. Agashe said he felt says. The duo’s next film scholar who is suffering the need to make the film probably will be based from it. The film was after working on another on Vinoba Bhave’s story appreciated for its Marathi film, ‘Astu-So called ‘Bhoodan’. It is depiction of the disease Be It’, which dealt with about giving and as and performances ageing and Alzheimer’s. Bhave puts it, “Today’s of its leads, and won In the film, Manav, who generation needs to several awards. Bhave is lonely, feels that his learn about ‘bhoodan’ won Best Dialogue at life has no purpose. His because unlike so many the 61st National Film attempt to end his life things out there, it is an Awards. Though the gives him a chance to appeal straight to the film was completed in heart.” .

16 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 17 truth that the artificial Are You Eating Right? vitamins made by man are as good. They have n the face of it been shown to be bad this looks like a Popping vitamin pills or food supplements instead! However, the silly question. is certainly not a solution except in O business in vitamins However, this is unusual circumstances. Dr. B M is so good that the the most profound Hegde outlines the reasons why it is NPVr (risk adjusted question today as most more important to have a balanced diet net present value) for of us, the unfortunate vitamins is said to literate lot, are being adds to the problem, baby in arms to the old be 200 times that of bombarded on all while it is an economic granny, takes vitamins in antibiotics. The reason sides, both by the print necessity. Under those some form or the other. is that plant-based and electronic media, circumstances it looks There is a multibillion- foods, like fruits and about the benefits of very attractive to go in dollar business in Clever marketing This could be easily vegetables, have many eating this or that food for ready-made quick vitamin trade. Most tactics by large explained, but suffice hitherto unidentified supplement. A simple fixes of canned and large multinationals are companies promise it to say that extra ‘phyto-chemicals’ in formula would be to preserved foods. chipping in their lot in amazing results from supply of these artificial them, in addition to the consider anything very this lucrative business. these supplements. chemicals might interact To make the whole known vitamins which, heavily advertised as In fact, the manufacture Starting from dry with other body needs exercise safe we think together, work to give potentially harmful. If of life-saving drugs skin, dry hair, fatigue, during the absorption us the benefit, that has been pushed to stress to long life are phase in the intestine. too in the fresh state the background. No all promised, based on To cite one example, in nature. Man-made company is interested anecdotal testimony an extra dose of food vitamin pills contain in ploughing money from individuals rather iron might suppress the many other ingredients into antibiotics now, as than hard scientific absorption of zinc from such as fillers, binders, the initial seed money evidence. Some of the gut resulting in its yeast, sugars and required might not the scientific studies deficiency. When given artificial sweeteners, be recovered easily in did show the reverse. in excess, most of these preservatives, and gum, that area, what with Two large studies vitamins, if they are etc., many of which more than five hundred involving more than water soluble, get lost in could be health hazards antibiotics already in 29,000 smoking men the urine and help the when taken on a long the market. in two groups showed germs in the toilet. Your that is not so why, on we could swallow a term basis. Let us examine the whole the controlled half hard-earned money is earth, should such a few multivitamin and There is also the concept business for the good that received vitamin not wasted after all. It thing like a food item be anti-oxidant pills of ‘hormesis’, a new idea of humanity at large. supplements did have goes to help the poor advertised in the first along with meals! In in pharmacology which While it is true that between 18-28% more germs there! place? To make matters most sophisticated means that a small dose many of the vitamins in cancers compared to There are some very worse we are in the rat households today we of a drug has a bio- nature are very essential the group that did not important ingredients race against time these get to see vitamin pills positive effect while the for growth and health, receive these vitamin that we need to get days. Both husband and on the dining table! larger dose could have it is far removed from supplements. in our diet to keep wife working full time Everyone, from the a bio-negative effect.

18 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 19 need Vitamin B12 supplements. • People on heavy dieting, chronically ill patients and those who are recovering from such V Anand Kumar illnesses need extra supplements. V Anand Kumar lists Under all the above the benefits and the ill- circumstances do Take a effects of drinking coffee not self medicate yourself, but consult concoction for about 15 minutes so that diseases like cancer require vitamin pills, your family doctor and Coffee Break the decoction will be ready. This is served and heart attacks away. but there are a few take his advice. We offee is a beverage that almost with hot milk and sugar, usually in a Beta-Carotene, Vitamin exceptions and they must all learn to eat everyone loves. That’s because it ‘dubara’ and tumbler. As for the origins C, Vitamin E, and the are: to live and not live to has a unique aroma that simulates of coffee, there is a bit of controversy eat, although it is not C mineral Selenium are • Women ready to our taste buds, especially during the that surrounds it since two countries – what you eat that kills the leading ones in that conceive or already early morning hour. When taken at Ethiopia and Yemen – have laid claim you, but what eats you category. Please try to pregnant need extra this time, it energizes the body and sets to the credit of introducing coffee to the (negative thoughts) get them in the daily 400 mcg of folic acid the tone for the day. In South India, world. However, it is generally believed that kills you. That diet and not through daily. for instance, starting the day without a that coffee plants were discovered as early pills. Carrots, sweet said I must hasten to cup of steaming coffee is unthinkable. as 11th century and spread through the • People over 60 years potatoes, red pepper, add that fussing over Even in western countries coffee has Arabian Peninsula to the rest of the world. pumpkin, tomatoes, who do not get a what one eats is more become a favourite beverage. It is Coffee in India spinach, greens, balanced diet or stressful than eating said that more than 60% of the people mangoes, peaches, and who have any one of the wrong food. Enjoy prefer coffee than any other drink India is the sixth-largest coffee producer apricots are the main the gastrointestinal what you eat but try across the world. In India, it is filter in the world. Although coffee is not sources of the above diseases coming in to include the necessary coffee that is preferable. That apart, very popular in North India, it is widely anti-oxidants. Oranges, the way of proper things mentioned there are different kinds of coffee such consumed in the southern parts, grapefruit, cauliflower, absorption. above in the diet. as espresso, ristretto, flat white, long especially in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. cabbage, frozen peas, • Pregnant women, An occasional binge black, cafe latte, mocha, cappuccino, Coffee has become increasingly popular nuts of different kinds, women with very at some things, which and affogato. not only among traditional drinkers, but do not come under also among youth, students and office- chickpeas, sweet corn, heavy menstrual Espresso coffee is a strong black coffee the above category, is goers. Small wonder then that coffee soya, and wholegrain flow, some infants made by forcing steam through ground not a sin. The golden houses are now spread everywhere, products are an added and adolescents coffee beads with steamed milk and foam. rule is to enjoy what especially the big global brands that have bonus in diet. might need extra Espresso is an Italian word that means you do. made coffee drinking a trend. This is Who Should Take iron supplements as . ‘pressed out’. To prepare filter coffee because we generally believe that coffee Vitamins? also very old people. Courtesy: www. we put coffee powder into the filter by stimulates our nerves and increases our • Vegans might pubmedinfo.com adding some boiling water and brew the Most people do not brain function and moreover some

20 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 21 people need to drink this beverage for as coffee contains antioxidant properties. increased concentration and for effective Generally it is said that 400 milligrams i.e. Kitchen Remedies participation in discussions. four cups of coffee is ideal for any adult ou already know that consuming for healthy living. Finally, here is good Benefits of Coffee the right foods can boost your There are many commonplace news for elderly people who want to slow intake of minerals, vitamins, items in our kitchen that Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that down their process of ageing. A study by Y and nutrients. But there are a few out is absorbed into our blood stream. It Stanford University, California, suggests can be used for prevention there that could also alleviate some of helps activate the brain cells. The brain, that a daily cup of coffee could help fight or cure of body ailments your most pesky daily problems, like in turn, produces neurotransmitters like ageing. norepinephrine and dopamine which hiccups or even rashes like eczema. been shown to prevent infection by boost memory, mood, energy level and Harmful Effects of Coffee Though it’s important to keep in keeping the bacteria from attaching to cognitive functions. Studies have shown Just as a coin has two sides, there are mind that serious conditions need the the bladder walls. If you already have a that caffeine increases our metabolic rate certain disadvantages too. Bad coffee can attention of a doctor, it might not hurt UTI, cranberries probably won’t cure it, from 3% to 11% that helps in burning be toxic since it may have many impurities to reach for one of these items the next but consuming cranberries daily may our body fat. Studies further show that in it, which can cause sickness, headache time you have a minor health problem. help protect against future infections. drinking coffee lowers the risk of several or a general bad feeling. This can happen Ginger for Cramps About 20% of women who get a UTI will serious diseases, including cardiovascular, if your coffee is made from beans that have contract another one, so drinking one to stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and been over-ripped or otherwise ruined. two glasses a day of 20% pure cranberry liver diseases like cirrhosis. It fights against Even one ruined bean can make your cup juice will help prevent recurrence. some types of cancers like colorectal. toxic. If you invest and buy high-quality, Oatmeal for Eczema Overall, it improves our physical health speciality coffee you don’t have to worry as it is loaded with antioxidants and other about this. Coffee can cause insomnia Calm itchy, inflamed skin using this nutrients such as Vitamin B2, B3, B5, and restlessness. Again, it’s the caffeine magnesium, and potassium. working here. Your recommended One who drinks coffee can overcome maximum amount of caffeine is 400 mg, depression as it stimulates the nerves roughly the amount that you will get from and leads to feelings of happiness and four cups of coffee. energy. Studies show that coffee drinkers If you are caffeine-sensitive, be careful Traditional Chinese medicine has relied live longer and have a lower risk of with coffee. You are probably already on ginger for more than 2,000 years. premature death than the non-drinkers aware what amount and what kind of Ginger can improve blood flow and coffee suits, or doesn’t suit you. The reduce inflammation in your muscles, amount of caffeine that is safe for human including those in the uterus where breakfast food. Oatmeal soothes rashes consumption is actually written in our cramps originate. because it’s packed with phytochemicals DNA. If you have high cholesterol, choose Cranberries for Urinary Tract that have anti-inflammatory properties. filtered coffee. Coffee beans contain Infections Create a soothing bath by grinding 1/3 cafestol and kahweol, two ingredients that cup of plain oatmeal (no flavours) into a Cranberries contain proantho-cyanidins, appear to raise LDL cholesterol levels. fine powder using your blender; pour the a compound that fends off the bacteria Filtering the coffee traps most of the powder into lukewarm water and stir in that cause urinary tract infections (UTI). LDL, but cafestol and kahweol are found evenly with your hands until the water is E. coli is one of the top offenders in in espresso, Turkish coffee, French press a milky colour. Another option: use 1/4 triggering a UTI. This substance has and Scandinavian style ‘cooked coffee’. . cup of oatmeal and enough water to

22 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 23 make a paste that you can apply directly Prunes also contain two substances that fat beef, and anything fried is the best to the skin for 10 minutes. act as natural laxatives – sorbitol and way to deal with acid reflux. One food Sea Salt for Dry Skin dihydrophenylisatin, which will work that should keep in your diet: apples. much better for your system over time Apples have pectin, a soluble fiber that’s You don’t need an expensive skincare than drugstore constipation aids. The really great at absorbing stomach acid. product to treat rough patches on your body can become desensitized over time Plus, the fruit contains two types of acid knees, elbows, and heels. A sea salt scrub to over-the-counter laxatives. Start with (malic and tartaric) that work to beat made at home will work just as well. just one prune a day first and bump back any juices that flow up from your Sea salt is a good exfoliator because it stomach. Buy organic red or golden has thicker grains that do a good job of delicious apples that are sweeter than clearing away dry skin. Just mix one cup the tart granny smiths. Sweet apples are of sea salt with 1/2 cup of light massage considered alkaline foods that work at a oil. Use a bowl to make sure the mixture stays moist, like wet sand, and not runny. It’s best to keep this scrub away from your more sensitive areas like face and the back of your arms, though. It can be harsh on skin that doesn’t require as much exfoliation. Cucumbers for Puffy Eyes

Laying cold cucumber slices over your study in the Biochemical Journal even eyes may look a little silly, but the age-old up your intake to two if you don’t see a response. found that curcumin has the ability to beauty trick really does reduce puffiness. stop bacteria from multiplying. If your Cucumbers, which are 95% water, offer Sugar for Hiccups cellular level to restore pH balance and prevent GERD. medicine cabinet is running low on a nice cooling sensation and the cold When you hiccup, the diaphragm antibiotic ointment, try dabbing a little temperature causes blood vessels to undergoes a series of spasms, but you Turmeric for Infections turmeric on your cut or scrape instead, constrict and reduce inflammation. can fool your body into stopping that Turmeric is revered in India as a but only for minor or superficial And there’s a reason why cucumbers reaction by putting a teaspoon of sugar ‘holy powder’ that can be used to wounds. Use half a teaspoon of in particular work even better than ice underneath your tongue. The sweet prevent infections and treat wounds. turmeric powder with a drop or two of packs. Cucumber slices perfectly fit to sensation is strong enough to stimulate That’s thanks to a compound called water to make a paste, or if the wound the contours of your eyes to help reduce the vagus nerve. That’s the longest cranial curcumin. Foods with curcumin is still bleeding a bit, you can apply the swelling. You will only need to leave them nerve in your body, starting at your brain have strong anti-inflammatory and powder without water. After the area on for 10 minutes for fresher-looking stem and extending as far down as your antioxidant properties so they can is dry, cover with a dressing and let the eyes. diaphragm to control the stomach. Keep help with cleansing and healing. A healing begin. Prunes for Constipation the sugar under your tongue until you .

Dried plums are rich in insoluble fiber, stop hiccupping, and then swallow to fill Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers a key nutrient to help fight constipation. the back of your throat with even more Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water sensation. After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s and creates more bulk so waste can Apples for Heartburn push through the digestive system. Avoiding trigger foods like soda, high- waiting room when you visit one

24 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 25

Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s waiting room when you visit one To Live Longer, Go Out More Often Leaving the house has been linked to longevity in older adults or older people, colleagues analyzed data however, remained getting out of the on 3,375 adults at ages after the researchers Fhouse regularly 70, 78, 85 and 90 who accounted for medical may contribute to a were participating in the or mobility issues such longer life - and the Jerusalem Longitudinal as chronic pain, vision effect is independent Study. Based on their or hearing impairment, of medical problems responses to questions diabetes, hypertension, or mobility issues, about how often they left heart disease and kidney according to new the house, participants disease. research from Israel. were grouped into three “We included people who For study participants categories: frequently had mobility difficulties, in their 70s, 80s and (six or seven days per so this isn’t just about 90s, the frequency with week), often (two to people moving their legs which they left the house five times per week) or up and down,” Jacobs predicted how likely rarely (once a week or said. The study did not they were to make it to less). People who left examine the effect on the next age milestone, the house frequently at participants of leaving researchers report in any of the ages examined the house, such as their Journal of the American were significantly more sense of wellbeing or Geriatrics Society. “The likely to live to the next purpose. It also didn’t simple act of getting age group. look at environmental out of the house every At all ages, people who factors that might foster day propels people into left home less frequently or prevent going out, engagement with the tended to be male, less the authors note. Future world,” said lead author educated and to have studies will look at the Dr. Jeremy Jacobs higher rates of loneliness, oldest cohort (age 95) as of Hadassah-Hebrew financial difficulties, they reach 98 to 100 in University Medical poor health, fatigue, coming years, Jacobs said. Center in Jerusalem. poor sleep, less physical He and his colleagues “We saw similar benefits activity, bladder and are also interested in that you would expect bowel problems, history the role that optimism, from treating blood of falling in the last year, social engagement and pressure or cholesterol fear of falling, visual and environmental aspects with medicine,” Jacobs hearing impairments, such as community said. “Social factors are chronic pain and frailty. sidewalks play in longer important in the process The link between leaving life. . of ageing.” Jacobs and the house and longevity,

26 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 27 something about Keeping the yourself? I come from a simple middle-class family and Past Preserved have always resided with my parents. My father Janina Gomes interviews architect Vikas Dilawari expired in June last who has been the man behind several restoration year. I am married to projects of ancient, heritage-value structures Seema, who is a micro- biologist by profession istoric homes, he specializes as a Architecture (New Delhi) but presently a home ancient palaces, conservation architect. and from the University maker. We have two crumbling For the last 26 years, of York. He was the daughters, one now in H her final year of MBBS edifices, monuments his firm, Vikas Dilawari head of the Department started then. In fact, I was architectural conse- and the other preparing symbolic of a rich past, Architects, has been of Conservation at among the first batch of rvation. I later got for her Class X exams. churches, temples, engaged in architecture, the Kamla Raheja students in 1971, passing the prestigious I originally hail from grand old office heritage management Vidyanidhi Institute of out in 1981. This school Charles Wallace Amritsar, and our family buildings, fountains – and urban design with Architecture (KRVIA) initiated in me a love India Scholarship to had a trading business in all these and much more projects that have fetched Mumbai from its for history. Thereafter, I York, UK, where I saffron, which is why we are of special interest it several national inception in 2007 till went to Mithibai College pursued conservation had a close connection to Vikas Dilawari. He and international August 2014. He has to do science with the architecture at a deeper with Kashmir. History loves nothing more awards, including the also lectured and written intention to taking up level. as a subject always used than to study such UNESCO Asia Pacific extensively on the medicine but then did to delight me in school; Why did structures and work out Award. Dilawari has subject of conservation. not get the required as a result I developed conservation plans on how to restore a double Masters in Excerpts from the percentage to take it a special love for the architecture them to their original Conservation from the interview: ahead. I therefore opted subject. Our ancestral fascinate you? glory. That’s because School of Planning and to study architecture at Could you tell us house in Amritsar the LS Raheja School of As said earlier, history always used to fascinate Architecture. This was a was my favourite me with its narrow turning point in my life subject in school and streets, typical of inner and I have never looked architecture helped city architecture. This back since. I enjoyed take it further because is what sparked my those five years, training we were taught the interest in heritage with architect Ved Segan, history of architecture buildings. who was then handling in relation to ancient What led you to study the country’s first civilisations and architecture? conservation project. European and Indian architecture. Site visits I did my schooling from I then decided to do a and tours to historic the Jamnabai Narsee Masters in Conservation, places drew me closer School, which had just specializing in to the subject. And then

28 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 29 training with Ved Segan helped too ceiling and cladding, we saw the Control Act and hence buildings have because he was handling the Gaiety original fabric and we started restoring been neglected unlike the scenario in Theatre restoration project in Shimla. it, thereby making it the first bank to the western countries where they are I then did my undergraduate thesis on do so. This was followed by restoring maintained and looked after well. conservation which revolved around the D Wing of Amerchand Mansion for Jardine Fleming India that had just How can the common man help restoring the Crawford Market way in preserving our past? back in 1987 when this discipline had moved in. This was followed by the not emerged as it has now. Bombay University Library building, Ideally, we need a campaign like i.e. Rajabai Tower, whose stained Swachh Bharat, which can be called What was your first important glass was restored. This was the first ‘Conserve our glorious Past’, as the conservation project? ‘significant’ project I ventured on since present architecture that is being built My first good break was the a British stained glass expert came to will not last long and will not become refurbishment of the American provide training. the heritage of tomorrow. The reason Express Bank branch office at Oriental There have been other important is that it is greed-based on the part Buildings at Flora Fountain, where projects down the line; including of builders and not need-based for I was a consultant and an interior restoring the fire-damaged hall of the citizens. Awareness is the first thing turnkey team was restoring the Bombay Municipal Corporation as and that should start young. All schools interiors. As we removed the false well as the restoration of the Dr. Bhau should start a campaign that can begin Daji Lad Museum under the guidance with imparting information about of Tasneem Mehta in 2003-2005. their neighbourhood and its historical This raised raised the professional structures. Heritage walks and talks bar as it received the UNESCO Asia for ordinary citizens can also help in creating awareness. The government Pacific Award. The restoration of the government-owned buildings and the Archiepiscopal Palace in Old Goa should set up a dedicated ministry for urban built heritage and conservation. government follows its own system of was the most challenging structural selecting the architect and contractor conservation project. Very recently, What have been the ups and on the basis of lowest bidding, which we have worked on the repairs and downs of your career? can often be detrimental to heritage refurbishment of St. John the Baptist Conservation work has never been conservation. Strangely, they don’t Church in Thane. The restoration financially rewarding as it is more do that when it comes to selecting of the Aga Khan Palace in Pune was of activism and a fight for a cause, lawyers, chartered accountants and another important project. convincing people to go for it. So doctors! Are we Indians very negligent of that has been a low point for most What drives you on? historical landmarks? good conservationists. However, the Conservation of built heritage can Yes, since heritage is in abundance joy and success in seeing a building or area being transformed well after happen only if there is a passion in India, we usually don’t care much which is the fuel that keeps me going about it. Actually there is very little conservation is the high which keeps us going. I am often taunted with the on despite the several challengers awareness and hence we don’t take and road-blocks. It is a field where pride in our history. The normal words, ‘your career lies in ruins.’ Also, not finding good artists and craftsmen art, science and philosophical urban fabric suffers as we have frozen under-standing are all used rents since the 1940s due to the Rent is another issue in conservation. Most works of conservation are of simultaneously. .

30 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 31 aback by the short, plump University. She was then appointed as Assistant An Exceptional Woman colourfully dressed lady enrolled as an advocate Law Professor at Canada’s whose enthusiastic and in the High Court of University of Manitoba, active personality belied Judicature at Bombay, in 1969. Ever since, she Dr Veena Adige her 74 years. She seemed working with Mulla and was in the international profiles 75-year- to be here there and Mulla, Craigie, Blunt and academic circuit, till she old Dame Dr. Prof everywhere and spoke Cairoe. retired in 2004, after Meher Master- to several people at the Having practised in the 33 years of teaching Moos, the first same time and listened law field for a while, International Law and Parsi Zoroastrian to a great many while she her avocation was in Jurisprudence. lady to become went through her files and jurisprudence – teaching Dame Master-Moos a law graduate looked for some exclusive law at University post- is a bundle of energy from the Oxford paper. graduate level, which and is continuously University and a Born in Bombay in 1943, necessitated a Master’s on the move. She gave name to reckon Meher grew up with strong degree in law. So, in her sweet charming with in teaching family values. She spent 1968, she became the smile and hugged me law at leading most of her childhood in first Oriental woman to as she welcomed me to Delhi, Hyderabad and be granted the Barbour the college. In a brisk universities across Bombay, before moving to Scholarship for Law no-nonsense tone she the world Tanganyika for nine years studies. In an era where outlined what I would in 1951. Her connection it was extremely difficult have to do and how to go Parsi Zoroastrian with the United Nations for even white American about it. “Come to Sanjan lady to become a law (UN) was laid in those women to be appointed on May 2 for at least four graduate from the Oxford formative years as in university law faculties, days and you can do some ow many different at the United Nations University in 1964, the Tanganyika was a UN she became the first and research there,” she said. things can a single ECOSOC of SBBS and The first non-European lady Trust Territory mandated youngest non-WASP She then told me how to person do? To get Zoroastrian College. She to be appointed as a law to Great Britain, and (White Anglo-Saxon go to Sanjan, a place on H professor in Canada, the maintained high levels of Protestant) woman to be the Maharashtra-Gujarat an answer, turn to Dame has won the prestigious Dr. Prof. Meher Master- Albert Schweitzer Medal first oriental woman to win culture. In that era, school Moos, principal of The for Humanitarian Work the Barbour Fellowship education was available Zoroastrian College, the by the Polish Academy in Law at Michigan up to Class XII, after only one of its kind in the of Medicine. She was University, USA and has which Asian children world, who has several conferred a medal for been a visiting senior pursued higher education firsts to her credit. She is Inter-Faith Peace by lecturer at the University in India or England. As the first and only Indian Pope John Paul II in of Adelaide, Australia. Meher’s father was a lady to be knighted 1986 and the medal of The list is endless. An barrister, she opted to and conferred the title Chokan Valikanov by the interesting, multifaceted, study at the Oxford High of Dame in Belgium, Kazakhstan Academy of colourful lady, I met Dame School for girls in England Italy, Netherlands, and Sciences in 1992. Master-Moos a year back and became the first Parsi when I applied for my Zoroastrian woman to Russia besides England. Further, she is first She is a representative PhD. I was quite taken graduate in Law at Oxford

32 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 33 ANECDOTES

border where the college and boxes filled with the It is not only organising is situated. I just nodded thesis of hundreds of programmes that is her my head. “A torch, students who had passed forte; she gives brilliant sunglasses, your personal from this college in the talks and has been items and your laptop, last couple of decades, and invited for seminars and pens and paper is what also plenty of open space discussions from all parts you must bring. You will and a river in the distance. of the world, including have to study a lot and do While going through the Poland, Canada, Sri a lot of research there,” books I found out that Lanka, Tajikistan, Taiwan, she added. Dame Master-Moos is Ecuador, Germany, Here was a professor also a prolific writer and Denmark, Brazil, and who had held the reins has authored as many as many other places. of International Law 23 books on such subjects Dame Master-Moos is and Jurisprudence in as international law, also deeply religious and the LLM Department of alternate medicine and respects all religions; she Mumbai University from the ancient occult wisdom is spiritual and believes 1972 to 2004. I vaguely of the Mazdayasnie strongly in the positive remembered seeing her in Zarathushtrian Daena. energies of life. the late 1970s when I had Her first book – ‘Dual When I was in Sanjan, gone to the department Nationality and the every sunrise and sunset of Mumbai University Constitution of India’ were welcomed with open for some work. She had – was released by the arms. She would advise looked quite different then president of India, us to inhale and gather at that time – slimmer, V V Giri, in 1970 at the the strength of the sun younger but with the same Rashtrapati Bhavan. A and we would do some charming smile. “It was in book titled ‘The Rainbow simple exercises which the early 1980s when I was Colours of Light and energized us. Before given an offer of starting a Medicina Alternativa’ was meals we would all hold spiritual college in Sanjan released in Copenhagan, hands and say prayers by a person who was in Denmark and translated - a prayer of different my opposite chamber into German and Russian. faiths before every meal and I felt that god wanted It is used as a textbook in and only then sit down me to do it,” she told me many countries. to eat. ‘She is one in a when I went to Sanjanin In February this year million – loving, caring, during sweltering heat of she organised the very intelligent, and a May last year. World Conference in grounded person,’ says The four-storied college Mumbai and Sanjan. The Dr Jasmi Doshi-Sarvaiya, is interesting. A huge occasion was graced by Tarot Grandmaster, who library, a big dining room, distinguished guests and is an ardent admirer of plenty of rooms to stay but participants from various Dame Master-Moos. . all overloaded with trunks places, including Croati.

34 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 35 European libraries. With the afternoon but as the ‘Dome of the Wind’, a pavilion HISTORY GAZING IN CAIRO sun beating down in all its fiery heat, I created in 810 by Hatim Ibn Hartama, visited the Khedivial Opera House, the who was then governor. It was built While attending a religious event in Cairo, Sakina Das found time original opera house that was built on only to provide a good view of Cairo to visit the capital city’s old monuments and unravel its history November 1, 1869 and burned down on and it was not until 1176 that Salah October 28, 1971. ad-Din fortified the area to protect it against attacks by the crusaders. It now The author posing with a pyramid in According to a local guide, the opera the background house was built to celebrate the houses a military garrison. Fortifying opening of the Suez Canal. Verdi’s myself with lamb and rotis at a small opera ‘Rigoletto’ was chosen as the first restaurant in an alley, I took a ride to opera to be performed here. After the the Madrasa of Sultan Hassan which is original building was destroyed, Cairo believed to be one of the world’s largest was without an opera house for nearly mosques. A splendid example of Islamic two decades until the opening of the architecture, it was completed in 1366

On the waterfront of Cairo rying to go from Jerusalem to Hussein became a martyr is long but Egypt is not as easy task. This is suffice it to say that his battle with Tsomething I discovered the hard Yazid in the Middle East is one of the way after having endured a bone-jolting most gruesome and tragic tales of this bus journey out of Jerusalem where region. Imam Hussein was among the we had to be careful not to mention last to have been killed by Yazid whose our next destination. That’s because army attacked him on the 10th day of Muslims coming from Jerusalem are Moharram and then mercilessly cut his not permitted entry into other Arab- head off and raised it on a spear. The Sculptures of earlier rulers ruled countries. But after several halts head is believed to have been buried Cairo Opera House for security clearance where huge in Cairo’s shrine. Imam Hussein is new Cairo Opera House in 1988. “Aren’t using stones from the pyramids. sniffer dogs checked out our baggage, remembered as a symbol of freedom you doing the pyramids in case you are And then there was time for just one I was finally in Cairo. Having read and dignity against tyranny and slavery. looking for Egypt’s history?” asked an more stop - the S Mercurius Church American tourist who had become my enough about this bustling city, I The next day I visited the Cairo Geniza that dates back to the 6th century AD. knew what to expect. Pollution, traffic, companion. However, skipping the It was restored in the 12th century and which has in its collection almost pyramids, I found the Egyptian museum vendors, guides fleecing tourists – all 2,00,000 Jewish manuscripts that forms the basis of Cairo’s significant this reminded me of home. I, however, at Tahrir Square more interesting. Built Christian faith. Known as the ‘Saint were found in the ‘genizah’ (store room) in 1902, it has 107 halls and the most did not want to fall prey to the usual of the Ben Ezra Synagogue (built 882) of the Two Swords’, the church still itinerary of shopping and a boat ride on impressive is the ground floor that sits on its original foundations. With of Fostat, Egypt, the Basatin cemetery houses huge statues. The upper floor the river Nile. I was looking for history. east of old Cairo, and a number of all that done, it was now time for the has jewels, Tutankhamon treasures pyramids. Suffice it to say that they are My first stop was the shrine of Imam ancient documents that were bought and the mummies. Hussein, the grandson of Prophet to Cairo in later 19th century. These truly impressive and, like everything Mohammad from his daughter Fatima documents were written from about And of course you can’t be in Cairo and else, present a slice of Cairo’s enticing and his cousin and son-in-law Ali Bin 870 to as late as 1880 AD and have now not visit The Citadel whose life began history. . Abi Talib. The story of how Imam been archived in various American and not as a great military base of operations

36 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 37 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 DIGNITY ENRICHMENT PAYMENT OPTIONS W.E.F 01-03-2018

MEMEBERSHIP OPTION BENEFITS TYPE

DIGNITY DIGNITY SINGLE 3150 5110 ENLIGHTENMENT DIALOGUE

DIGNITY 5700 9300 COMPANIONSHIP CHAI MASTI SINGLE COUPLE 7125 11625

DIGNITY DIGNITY TOTAL SINGLE 7400 12000 DIALOGUE +

CHAI MASTI COUPLE 10250 16750

April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 sort. What makes Hanoi Monuments, Volcanoes, very lively are the small eateries and cafes by the roadside with youngsters Lakes and Much More occupying small stools and enjoying their snacks K Shamala and banter. Anandaram The next day we left for shares the fun she Siem Reap of Cambodia. had during a recent In the morning we went to visit to Vietnam the huge temple premise and Cambodia of Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple. So huge is and stegamites that have the entire complex that it Mahabharata. There are cruise lasting about an evolved over millions is believed to be the size of more than 200 ‘apsaras’ hour. This is one of the of years. The following Singapore with hundreds carved on the walls, most biggest fresh water lakes day we visited the city of of small and big temples. of them sporting different in the world, supplying Hanoi where we could It is a UNESCO heritage hairstyles. We entered the water to five million visit the Ho Chi Min sanctum sanctorum via people. We observed e are very fond are seniors and strict site. The main temple is Mausoleum, dedicated steep steps and reached here floating villages with of travelling. vegetarians. We therefore grand with five lotus-like to the country’s founder the highest point of the people living on boats and When our signed up with Kesari towers rising 165 meters W leader who made Vietnam into the sky. The main temple that offers a making a living by fishing. children were young, we Travels. This was our independent. spectacular view of the Next day we visited Ho took them to different seventh tour with them. temple was built with We also visited the One sandstone brought form surroundings. It is said Chi Min, the capital city parts of India and now Vietnam was the first Pillar Pagoda as well as the quarries about 50 km that the region was ruled of Vietnam, which was that they are settled in place we visited, flying an ethnic museum and from the site. The temple is by Hindu kings about 10 earlier known as Saigon life, we are free to be from Bangalore via Kuala an army museum. In the surrounded by a moat and centuries ago. and which made it to on our own. Each year Lumpur, where we joined evening we were treated on its walls are chiselled Our next stop was the the history books for the we visit a country and the rest of the group of to a water puppet show images from the stories Tonic Sap Lake with a brave fight put up by in the process we have thirty eight travellers which was very unique. of the Ramayana and the Vietnamese against covered many such as going to Hanoi and then All of us also had the fun the Americans for 27 China, Japan, Europe, to Halong by coach. Our of commuting in cycle long years. Here we saw Scandinavian countries, first destination of tourist rickshaws that took us the tunnels of Củ Chi, Russia, the US, the UK, interest was the Halong through the by-lanes of an immense network of Indonesia, Singapore, Bay where we enjoyed the the old city in about 40 connecting underground Malaysia, Canada and picturesque landscape minutes. This indeed tunnels located in the Củ Alaska, to name a few. of mountains and a river presented a memorable Chi district. This year we visited cruise that lasted for sight since there were These are a part of a Vietnam and Cambodia. three hours. We visited 40 such cycle rickshaws larger network of tunnels These are truly offbeat a grotto, known for its ferrying 40 tourists – as that underlie much of places. We usually take formation of stalagmites a package tour as we if in a parade of some the country. The Củ Chi

42 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 43 tunnels were the location such a clean city with Viewed from Tagaytay of several military spacious roads. There Ridge, Taal Volcano campaigns during the was no garbage and no and Lake presents one Vietnam War, and were plastic waste anywhere. of the most picturesque the Viet Cong’s base of Here we were treated and attractive views in operations for the Tet to a panoramic view the Philippines. We also Offensive in 1968. The of the Taal Volcano, a visited the American tunnels were used by Viet complex volcano located Cemetery and Memorial Cong soldiers as hiding on the island of Luzon. that is spread across 152 spots during combat, It is the second most acres. There are about as well as serving as active volcano in the 17,000 marble crosses communication and Philippines with 33 erected in the memory of supply routes, hospitals, historical eruptions. All American soldiers who food and weapon caches of these eruptions are lost their lives during and living quarters concentrated on Volcano World War II. In essence, for numerous North Island, an island near this turned out to be a Vietnamese fighters. the middle of Taal Lake. truly enchanting 10-day Next, we flew to Manila, The lake partially fills tour where we not only the capital city of Taal Caldera, which was enjoyed grand views but Philippines. It was an formed by prehistoric also made a lot of new amazing sight to see eruptions. friends. .

Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s waiting room when you visit one

44 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 45

Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s waiting room when you visit one part of life and its ups and Don’t let your past ruin your present Transform the Past downs. We will then cease to be too harsh on ourselves Once we live in the present, the fears of and see how all these experiences contributed the future do not altogether disappear to the present, making us but we become better at living one compassionate human Janina Gomes day at a time, says Janina Gomes beings. The past may have seen times when we were hich Nhat Hanh, see things differently. within ourselves because we realise that given humiliated and humbled. Vietnamese In a way it is looking at What seemed unbearable Buddhist monk our circumstances and T the past with perspective. conditioning, we could not then becomes more and peace activisit, When we were young and have acted differently. bearable in the present. talks about living in immature, we did and The past is transformed. It the present because Self-recrimination is never said many things which no longer becomes a drag worship a rich experience. with the joys of the past. the past is over. Our healthy unless the past is were not exemplary. The on the present. Sometimes, we may recall appointment with life is looked at positively. That Did I miss out on these same could be true of friendships from the past. in the now. But we can very experience was a Once we live in the things in the past? our adulthood too. We In the present there is no make the past a part of stepping stone to where present, the fears of the Maybe I did. But my past could become too hard on connection between us the present by looking we are in the present. future do not altogether experiences of worship, ourselves because of that and those who once were at it through the eyes of In a sense, the past is disappear but we become however unconscious they and allow feelings of regret, friends. But the webs of compassion and seeing transformed and stripped better at living one day at a may have been, are an shame and self-judgment connectivity still connect it in a new way. Much of regret and feelings of time. The present moment integral part of the chain to mar our happiness us with them. I have often of our unassimilated failure. There could have is all that we have. I am of my life and present in the present. But once been advised to connect experiences from the been times in our working realising slowly that I experience. It is in this we look at ourselves with those living life with past can keep surfacing career when our output was sometimes miss out on sense only that the past compassionately, we are a higher consciousness to when we least suspect not the optimum. We may many details of life in the lives on in the present. able to find deep peace really live in the present. they would. Only now we have spent time on travel present. When I take a When I concentrate on I do that by reaching out when there were more cup of tea, I am thinking my breath just before to those I encounter in important responsibilities of so many other things falling off to sleep, the any which way I can. But on hand. There could have instead of concentrating present becomes alive. at the same time I also been times of confusion with mindfulness on the When I enjoy the fresh cherish memories of the when we spent our lives in cup of tea I am drinking. breeze wafting in through past and feel connected a non-focused way. There However, when I pray at the window at night, once invisibly with people who could have been periods the altar these days I do again I am in the present. not miss the sun filtering are no longer part of my of mediocrity when we The past had its enjoyable in through the windows. life today. In that way my achieved little. moments too. I bring I pick up the scent of life is transformed with memories of these to the Looking back, if we look flowers. I look at the rich the past not sneaking in present not to distract at ourselves with eyes of tapestry in the chapel. I unawares, but becoming me from the present but compassion we will see that notice the candles and all a link with life now, as I all these moments were to enrich the present Zen philosopher Thich Nhat Hanh the small details that make experience it. .

46 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 47 girl in the smocked dress Cartoons: The Spice of Life is everybody’s pet. She has a witty take on every G Sankaran takes a look at the humorous and at times scathing situation. A great one world of cartoons is about the Uruguay football star Luis Suarez who had been banned from a few matches as punishment for biting the shoulder of Italian defender Giorgio during a World Cup Match. He had already been nicknamed ‘the cannibal of Ajax’ for a similar mischief earlier. Amul promptly came out with a scintillating one: don’t know about attractions “Canniball!...Amul – you but I start my of ‘You Anytime bite!” morning newspaper Said audience: “This walk-out I is going to be a flop – he A spoof on the mass read with a quick look It’ by R K Laxman? nurse’s uniform, bearing “Lara, kya mara!” sterilisation diktat of the at the cartoon page, The Common Man is following us with the a plate of ‘utterly, butterly Take the Lockhorns, a infamous Emergency immediately after a (CM) may be a silent, speech!” Or: “Patience, delicious’ Amul butter perpetually bickering years showed the unique glance through the bewildered and often gentlemen, patience! and says: “We have couple. The grumpy Amul ability to take a headlines. They have amused witness to the We have announced our always practised Comp- husband has only dislike controversial subject and the power to lift your happenings around policy (Import Trade ulsory Steri-lisaion.” for his mother-in-law, Control) only a few turn it into a joke. The spirits, induce a smile him in everyday life but In early 1994, Brian his wife’s cooking. Ever days ago – give us some Amul girl appeared in a or a chuckle and make the situations are such Charles so often, the wife packs time to understand it!” your day. They may be that you instinctively Lara broke her bag and leaves for Here is another gem: A a tad exaggerated but, empathise with him. cricket’s her mother’s home. pavement dweller to his for the most part, they For example, consider (then) On one such occasion, wife: “You think you are only represent real- this one: He makes an greatest she is crossing the cleverer than all those life situations with a unobtrusive entry into record threshold with her bag. economists, statisticians touch of much-needed the Income Tax office. of Gary The husband is inwardly and ministers? Our irreverence – a quality The PRO rushes to him: Sobers: 365 happy at the prospect standard of living has that is badly needed for “May I help you, Sir?” The not out. of a relaxed day, gone up considerably! the healthy growth of any Common Man says he has Seizing the watching baseball on the You don’t know it because society that claims to be come only to have a look moment, television. Instinctively, it has been neutralised by democratic. Can anyone at the persons for whom Amul went though, he feels that high cost!” truthfully say he or she he is working! Again: On to town something is grievously is immune from the a politico haranguing an Or take Amul. The little chanting: going wrong. He puts on a pleading look and tells

48 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 49 the missus: “Don’t take house has, nevertheless, station. A couple of days away the remote”. The a soft corner for him later, a local journal had Empower People to ultimate revenge on the in his heart. A few a cartoon in which the wife’s part! days have passed since conductor was shown Change their Lives Dennis made his daily asking a Central-bound Another: Loretta As we grow older, the word empowerment (Le Roy’s wife) tells appearance. Wilson passenger: “To which platform do you want takes on a slightly different meaning. her friend: “Le Roy Jeanette Saldanha practices preventive a ticket?” Wordless Jeanette Saldanha offers her perspective cartoons are a class napping. He rests o you have the Empowering is about a busy schedule filled before he gets tired.” To by themselves. One with different activities. that I saw decades hunger within having or taking more another friend: “I dread you that refuses to control over all aspects You will be more happy his retirement. Twice as back but is fresh in D and energetic if you my memory relates to settle for anything less? of your life. On an much Le Roy at half the Do you have the urge individual level, we eliminate strict time- income.” The husband a VIP ceremoniously regulated rules and be unveiling the statue of to win and the drive to see empowerment has a poor opinion of his punch through obstacles as building confi- like children so that you wife’s cooking: “Don’t a great man. A couple can have fun until you of pigeons perched and empowering people dence, insight and get up, Loretta! I can to change their lives in a understanding and feel sleepy or hungry. If burn my own breakfast.” on a nearby tree look you love the work you down at the statue with positive way? What does personal skills such Or the sharp-tongued ‘empowering people’ as the ability to are doing, then you do and sharp-witted Dennis tells his Dennis-loving longing eyes! not have to retire from wife: “I am getting really mean? Empowering is analyze situations and ‘the menace’. He twists A wordless cartoon: the to approve or having communicate more life. If you ask me how around his thumb his worried. Dennis has not first frame: An army I empower myself, the showed up since a few qualities that give a effectively with others. mom and dad and the officer is shown at his person or a group of answer is, I don’t let grouchy neighbour, days now!” See Dennis’ desk, with his fierce, Being empowered anything frustrate me. sharp play on words people the means to take presupposes some level Wilson. In one incident, waxed, moustache control of their lives You have to be in control his parents shout at him when on an occasion he twirled up, berating a of common sense and of yourself. has done a particularly and become stronger emotional maturity for some misdemeanour subordinate. Second and more independent. I decide what happens, on his part. He says: irritating mischief, he frame: he is going home and access to tells his dad:” If nothing appropriate where I am headed “Okay, but do you have in his car. Third: He and what I am going to shout in stereophonic I do surprises you, crosses the entrance information and how come you look so it also implies to achieve. I never sound?” door. Fourth: his wife let stress, failure or surprised?” comes to greet him and someone who He is up to some mischief cares about frustration get the all the time so that one A few years back, the the moustache is shown better of me. I don’t feel driver of a city bus drooping! Serious and others and day when no sound is tolerant of content because being comes out of his room for coming towards Madras pompous persons who content can stop you Central station lost say they don’t look at others views a long time, the worried and behaviour. from growing, but I feel dad shouts: “Dennis, control of the bus which cartoons since they are happy in whatever I do. crashed through the ‘frivolous’, don’t know If you want to stop doing whatever enjoy life better, There are always good you are doing.” Wilson, perimeter fence and what they are missing. times and bad times, but came to a stop almost They are to be pitied you have to be who resents Dennis’ active and have that should not change frequent forays into his near the entrance to the than envied. . you as a person. point,

50 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 51 but you should not let it who act superior teaches fear of self-confidence over power you so much tact, patience and or cognitive decline that your forth coming diplomacy. You should associated with growing years get affected. There see yourself as the old. Arranging fun is an important lesson I warrior. Empowerment activities to doing learned from my father: is a key to achieving research and helping He said that while you sustainable values. them connect with may jump one metre How can we empower family members and old with ease, in order to the elderly people who friends is a great way jump two metres you place an emphasis on to help them empower may have to retrace enabling them to adapt themselves. The goal some steps backward to the changes arising of ensuring that people and then run and make from old age? Many have the opportunities the jump. In life too, to elderly face problems they need to live better go ahead, you will have of powerlessness, lives with dignity and to take a couple of steps helplessness, low self- security should be given back. Never be afraid of esteem and low self- paramount importance. that. efficacy. A community What happens if you have In a workplace, em- work approach mentally challenged powerment is a then can be a useful grandchildren in the management practice of method to change old house? How do we sharing information and people from passive empower them? In our rewards with employees clients into active and own way, we should so that they can initiate empowered individuals help children with and make decisions with a positive self special needs not to be to solve problems and image. It is effective in more dependent than improve service and strengthening elderly necessary. Each child performance. This is to people’s contact with has different potential. increase confidence and community, eliminating Try to maintain a balance understanding. Today elderly people’s negative between encouraging everything is about self-image, protecting independence and survival of the fittest. If elderly rights and in providing enough you don’t fight how will increasing their capacity assistance to prevent you survive? You have to influence policy- frustration. Every new to be strong to fight for making. task learned is like a what you believe in. I It becomes difficult to high hill climbed and like the environment I motivate seniors with the view from the top have created for myself. disabilities to remain can be rewarding for There is only so much active. It’s not just the child, parents and you can control in your mobility issues that grandparents. . life. Dealing with people hold them back but a

52 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 53 It talks of tolerance emotions, feelings and ‘nirvana’ or ‘moksha’. Sufism: Origin, and avoidance of one’s sense of self) The status of a ‘pir’ or violence and hatred. as gifts of god or as ‘murshad’ is similar to Philosophy and Meaning It was almost a revolt manifestations of god. that of a ‘guru’. Like against the extreme So his love, obedience Hindu saints, Sufis Islamic transcendence, and unconditional value highly the love materialism and false surrender to god of god and all their K R K Moorthy piety. Many Muslims, remain immersed in the poems, stories and to Hindu mys- who considered these ocean of ‘divine love’. lyrics are allegorical in as against the principles A Sufi tries to attain connection with divine K R K Moorthy ticism. Tasawwuf is primarily of true Islamic life, a mystical state in love. explores the world renounced the world to which the direct vision of the Sufis and concerned with The Sufi philosophy “the relationship lead a life of abstinence of reality is possible. how they help us rests on seven cardinal between the and renunciation, and He exercises great principles: 1) yearning learn the meaning human soul became mystics. Though spiritual discipline in for union with god, of love for god and god, Sufism had its origin in his desire to seek god. which is achieved various degrees the mystical verses of A great Sufi, Khwaja through complete of spiritual Koran and the life of Banda Nawaz has given detachment from he origin of The Sufis feel that the perfection on the divine Prophet Muhammad, a detailed account of possessions and the word Sufi spiritual world can be path, the merging of the it was influenced by the various steps a relationships, 2) pure is from Arabic reached only through T individual will with the Greek philosophy and Sufi has to undergo to and unconditional love word ‘soof’ which feelings. Sufism lays divine will, the gnosis metaphysics, Christian achieve the ultimate which comes when one means ‘wool’, probably emphasis on the of esoteric knowledge, monastic life and mystical stage. These practices humility, referring to the simple personal experience of the annihilation of all Hindu mysticism. The include remembrance 3) enlightenment woolen cloaks the early god, which is beyond human qualities and Tasawwuf has played or recollection of god, which is seeing god’s ascetics wore. Another the reach of our senses the realisation of divine a significant role in contemplation or effulgence in every less known version is and reasoning. attributes, the soul’s Arabic and Islamic meditation of god and creation or particle, that the root for Sufi is The Sufis believe in effacement (fana), literature and poetry. a close association with 4) absorption which from the Arabic word purity of thought and which is the threshold In a world of increasing the ‘pir’ or spiritual means passing away, for purity (the state of action, with virtues like to eternal life, and intolerance, Tasawwuf preceptor (rabita). disappearance, and heart at peace) –‘safaa’. truth, love, beauty and permanency (baga), the has taught tolerance. One can find a annihilation, 5) unity Sufism or Tasawwuf is creativity. They believe truth (al-Haqq), which In spite of many correlation between of consciousness which the mysticism of Islam that a divine essence represents god, and the variations and Sufism and Hindu is experiencing god’s developed from the 7th permeates the whole perfect man (Insan- explanations, Sufi mysticism. There is unity in multiplicity, century. It is generally world and all that is ul-Kamil), which are practice is quite simple. a striking similarity 6) amazement at the understood as a mystic in it. At the highest personally experienced A Sufi surrenders to god, between Sufi glorious experience and psycho-spiritual stage a Sufi through by the Sufis in their continuously, which conception of Wahadat- of enlightenment, dimension of Islam. his spiritual insight mystical states.” involves embracing al-Wahaud and and 7) annihilation of Tasawwuf has been feels nothing but the with love the content Advaita. The concept ego, which is the total broadly defined as the Tasawwuf advocates existence of the divine. of one’s consciousness of ‘fana’ corresponds effacement of ‘I’ and emotional approach active benevolence and It has a lot of similarity (perceptions, thoughts, to the doctrine of body consciousness. to the reality of life. service to mankind. .

54 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 55 Miracle on the Expressway

Miracles are surprising coincidences or Arvind Narvekar unexplainable experiences. Nobody knows what the future is like! But when you have car went on hitting the firm faith in that unseen higher power, steel curb on the right you are secure, says Arvind Narvekar with violent thuds. n one occasion, turn ahead. Thanks to the strong construction of the we were to Suddenly, my wife visit Pune car, it took the hit O Uma noticed that the without turning over. from Mumbai for driver was sitting like Had it turned over and which we hired a a zombie without the rental ‘Qualis’ car for drifted, it could have slightest movement. been a catastrophe. It the journey by road. Uma’s sixth sense The driver reported was god’s mysterious warned her that the way of letting us know early morning at six driver was snoozing at and we commenced that he cared for us. the controls. By this We embraced this our journey after time, the left turn was praying for safety and miracle with a deep just a blink away but sense of gratitude. convenience. We were our car was still going to take the expressway After this incident, straight. Uma shouted the realisation struck to reach early. We were from the back seat, cruising at 80 km per me that no matter “Wake up, we are going whatever difficulties hour and everything to hit the steel railings was okay until we are there in life, one on the right.” I was in should not lose hope. reached a stretch which the front seat with the ran straight for a couple There is always an driver, but I was in unknown higher entity of miles without turns. slumber at the precise The driver was at ease that makes us wake moment. Luckily by up every morning and on the steering as there then, the driver came to was not much effort breathe and welcome his senses and perhaps the sunshine. God with the clutch and through reflex, slowed brake. After a while, pervades our life as down the car and a silent benefactor, the straight stretch was turned the steering coming to an end and doing everything but to the left. But it was saying nothing! there was a gradual left a bit too late and the .

56 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 57 of 21 years and above Where There’s a Will, and of sound mind can write a will. There’s a Way The Making of a Will • Give information Advocate Narendra Ahuja writes about why it is essential to about legal heirs. In write a will and ensure that no one cheats you of your assets. Most case of male, state importantly, it helps avoid confrontations and legal issues after death the name, age and relationship to wife, person who to the possibility of succession prescribed by daughter, son and normally insists their dying after making law can be changed by a mother. If divorced, A on taking the a will. An effort should simple document called mention the fact. In the absence of a proper will, there will be many claimants most trivial decisions be made to overcome a registered will, which In case of female, to your property concerning his or her these inhibitions. The is a legal declaration state the name, age affairs is quite likely issue of succession of the intention of a and relationship to to depose before a information about to avoid the most opens up with the testator (writer of will) husband, son and court. registration with important decision of death of a person and with respect to his own daughter only. • In the will, provide full the concerned Sub his life i.e. he refuses property devolves to property which he desires Registrar’s Office. • Every page of the will information about to make a registered heirs (in accordance to to be carried into effect If one has booked must be signed along all legal heirs, your will. Death does not Hindu law), namely, the after his death. A will immovable property with the left thumb assets – including have a calling card and widow, son, daughter is a necessity for those that has not yet been impression by the bank accounts, comes unannounced and mother (not father) persons also who marry allotted, the same person writing the fixed deposits, at any age. Some and, in case of female, persons of different can also be added in will. locker, insurance individuals suffer to son, daughter and religions or nationality. policies with name the will by providing • The will must be from superstitious husband equally. Such persons must of company and reference to the attested by two allotment letter. reluctance even to refer However, the course of write and register their address, shares, known, preferably will. In the absence of debentures, and In case one has young, reliable and a will confusion shall any other financial business interest, dependable local occur regarding which products, vehicle this can also be witnesses. Each law (Hindu/Muslim/ number and make, bequeathed to legal witness must sign in Christian) or nationality etc. Also provide full heirs by mentioning the presence of the law would apply to such information about particulars of the writer of the will, persons. Hence it is immovable property same. preferably in a Sub- advisable that everyone and from whom • Every senior citizen Registrar’s Office. – single, married, it was purchased should get a medical Witnesses need not divorced, widow, young, such as individual, certificate along with read the contents old, rich, not-so-rich cooperative society, the will, testifying of the will. In case should write a will so government that he or she is of of dispute between that the assets go to the authorities like DDA, sound mind and legal heirs, a witness Let not your assets become a matter of dispute after your right heirs as per his or NOIDA, HUDA, etc. capable of writing may be required death her wishes. Every person along with detailed the will.

58 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 59 Nominee and Will: demise the property will after consulting the and relatives when assets should settle these Sub-Registrar Office. The Difference go to his spouse and spouse and without were transferred prior to issues while still alive. Hopefully this will In most financial later to his children. being influenced by demise. Distribution of A registered will can become effective all products, such as saving Later, the spouse must any of his children. wealth must wait until be changed completely over India in time to account, fixed deposit, write a new will. Many However, it is advisable demise. at any point of time by come. The will is a secret insurance, post office, falsely assume that on to bequeath wealth first If there is no will, the registering another will. document and should gratuity, provident fund, demise movable and to the spouse. This is estate of the deceased The surviving spouse be kept in a locker. public provident fund, immovable property will more important if the is distributed according should write his or her Its location should be etc., there is a provision automatically pass on to surviving spouse is the to the law of succession. own will by including known at least to the for nominee to whom spouse and they need wife as in India a widow However, such cases the property received spouse. payment shall be made not write will. Similarly, is only respected if she usually end up in from the spouse. A will Is Gifting a Better in case of demise. Most many falsely assume that has immovable and court or are settled needs to be periodically Option? nominees erroneously in case of joint property, movable property in her after acrimonious reviewed and updated the property will pass name. It is not advisable Instead of going through believe that they are negotiations. Also, there to reflect changing the rigmarole of making owners of such money. on automatically to the to transfer wealth to is cost involved. Courts circumstances, surviving spouse. There any beneficiary during a will, one can simply In fact the nominee is charge around 5% of the relationships and make a gift. However, only a trustee of the is no such automatic your lifetime. There value of assets towards preferences. In Delhi, clause under any law. have been many cases gifting has its own property and if there fees. However, only in as per a High Court limitations whereas a are other heirs of the Points to Note of senior citizens being Mumbai is this sum directive, video-filming financially, emotionally will has negligible costs. deceased owner, the Every owner of property limited to Rs 75,000. of every registered Gifting costs around nominee must hand and physically tortured This is also why one will has started in the should write a will and abused by children 3-5% of the circle rate over the entire money to of property in the city. legal heirs. If, however, Moreover, once the asset the owner wishes that is given, it immediately the nominee inherits becomes the property of movable and immovable the new owner. Experts assets after his demise, say it is risky for a he must clearly mention senior person to give his this fact in his will. immovable and movable In case of shares, only property during his the nominee will inherit lifetime and be at the them in compliance of mercy of beneficiaries. a Bombay High Court On the other hand, one judgment. Hence it is can change a will any advisable that in case number of times while of shares the nominee alive. Always add a and the person named residuary clause in the in the will should be the will which will include same. While writing a all missed assets being will one cannot legally bequeathed. . mention that on his Make a will while still of sound health and mind

60 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 61 NEWS UPDATE

56% of Senior Citizens Have Vitamin D Deficiency NDTV: enior citizens of India suffer the was severely high among the elderly Smaximum Vitamin D deficiency population in Hyderabad. For the after women said a recent survey study, researchers randomly selected by National Institution of Nutrition 298 people aged over 60 and collected (NIN), Hyderabad. According to two blood samples to asses concentrations separate research studies released by of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D in the NIN, there is a severe deficiency of serum. Insufficiency or non-exposure Vitamin D among elderly population to sunlight, staying in air-conditioned (above 60 years) and women. Around rooms for long hours during the day 56% of senior citizens suffer from could be the prime reason behind the Vitamin D deficiency and related health deficiency according to city doctors. issues. The NIN’s study published Vitamin D deficiency has been linked in the latest issue of the ‘Journal of with various health consequences like Annals of Human Biology’ revealed stiffening of arteries, bone pain and that prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency muscle weakness. .

WORLD CLASS QUALITY MEDICINES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

62 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 63 BOOK REVIEW

When Adi sent the book and queens has been tries to convey is the idea Tracing the Persian Lineage to me, I had strong graphically portrayed that the history of the reservations of reading a by the author for their Persian Empire was a book on Persian history military strengths, complete and continuous Gopal Srinivasan reviews author Adi Merchant’s By Gopal Srinivasan monumental work on the kings of Persia and the and thought that I would nobility, pride, egos, whole, spanning over history of the community up to this day be better off reading weaknesses and final nearly 6,000 years. more about our own annihilation. The battle Adi Merchant must Indian history. However, scenes have been so The Saga of the Shahanshas avoidance of all negative be complimented for after reading the first realistically depicted in Author: Adi F.Merchant human attributes and the excellent work he Publisher: Bhavan’s Book University few pages, the book the book by the author championed high human has produced for the Pages: 250. literally gripped me and that it was like watching values for the upliftment younger generation Price: Rs 675. I finished it on a note of the dramatic battles live. of humankind. He lived not so familiar with great excitement. have reached ‘Odyssey’. Shahnameh for 80 years (940-1020 It is interesting to Persia’s ancient history. the end of this literally means the AD). note how the various It is a monumental great history, name of kings. kings were – Jamsheed and majestic work on “I Commissioned by the and all the land will talk played god, Faridoon the history of Persia In his work, which took king to undertake this of me; I shall not die, was just and generous, and narrated very 35 years to complete, humongous epic, he these seeds I have sown Minuchehr was kind fascinatingly. The he covered the entire worked on it with all will save; My name and munificent, Naudar book also has several gamut of Persian the passion in him but and reputation from was cruel and Kai Kaus interesting sketches history beginning with died heart-broken due the grave, and men of proud and foolish. The and photographs of the creation of the to the measly amount sense and wisdom will book also includes the the emperors. We in world till the complete that he was paid for proclaim; When I have unforgettable Rustom India know how the takeover of Persia by this monumental task. gone, my praises and and Sohrab saga as well Zoroastrians who the Arab invaders. Though the king tried to my fame.” This is the as Sikander (Alexander fled Persia due to the The Shahnameh recompense him for the concluding verse of the Great) and Khusraw persecution by Arabs is an impressive shabby treatment meted ‘Shahnameh’ composed Written in a simple Parwiz who had the landed on our West Coast monument of poetry out to him by sending by Abu I-Quasim and lucid style, the misfortune of presiding at Sanjana in the 8th and historiography. It is him gold coins and other Firdausi Toosi. Known author has taken great over the beginning of the century and continued essentially the poetical gifts, it was too late in as just Firdausi, he pains to undertake end of the great Persian to keep their faith in recast of what Firdausi the day. His daughter, was a Persian poet and extensive research to dynasty caused by the Ahura Mazda and the and his predecessors with the little money gained fame as the chronologically trace the invasion of the Arabs. holy fire that remains regarded as the account Toosi had earned, built a author of ‘Shahnameh’. rise and fall of what was a Finally, the roaming king lit to this day. Known as of Persia’s history. memorial for her father He has the distinction of great empire in the annals of Iran, Yazdigird III, fled Parsis, they continue to Three main dynasties in his native village. being the sole composer of human civilisation. to Khuraasaan and was contribute immensely to of Persia were covered All this and more has of the world’s longest The book traces Persian killed in 652 AD. This India which they have by Toosi. They were the been covered in author epic poem consisting of history from the time of brought to an end the adopted as their own. Peshdaad, Kayaan and Adi Merchant’s work of about 60,000 couplets Kaiomars who founded saga of the ‘shahanshas’ The book enriches our Sasanid. Toosi was a bringing alive the history written in early modern the Persian nation and on a most tragic note. The mind with everything person with outstanding of Persia right up to Persian and even longer from then onwards main message that the you need to know about ethical values and the present generation. than the ‘Illiad’ or the emphasized the the succession of kings Shahnameh of Firdausi their lineage. .

64 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 65 LAST WORD

Mental Enslavement Should we allow others to influence us to such an extent that we discard our own thinking and personality? No, says Monica Fernandes Monica Fernandes re we narrow personality to don that and compart- of another person. repeatedly told by our A mentalized in Beware of confirmation parents and elders that our thinking? Are we bias. We associate with our religion is the only opinionated on certain likeminded people who ‘true’ one or that our issues and think we are do not see any fault caste is superior or always right? Do we with a certain leader. that boys are superior refuse to see somebody We accept his or her in brawn and brain else’s point of view? views without thinking. than girls. Our parents Phase II of If the answers to the We have closed minds may have also made Dignity Lifestyle above are affirmative, to any other point of a difference between then we are mentally view and are not open their male and female Retirement Township enslaved and, funnily to sensible debate. The children, leading us enough, we may not be Nazis supported Adolf to the conclusion Spanking aware of this invasion Hitler’s warped thinking that women’s place is new buildings. of our minds. Perhaps wholeheartedly. As we in the kitchen. This we idolize a certain know, this led to the conditioning makes Excellence of Care high-profile achiever – slaughter of millions us fossilized in our a politician, religious of innocents. If a thinking. We love and Services leader, movie star politician makes false to be praised and or sportsperson. In promises, look up his or appreciated. Insincere our mind this person her track record. Before praise is another tool can do no wrong. In you buy an expensive used by manipulators extreme cases, we product such as a car or to get others to do the mimic this person in washing machine, find work while they bask dress, actions and out their utility value in glory. Pope Francis Very affordable Onetime deposit, of which 65% is refundable at the speech even when our from your friends who says, “Do not forget time of giving up the membership. Plus inflation-proof monthly idol is not aware of use this product. Let that your life is the maintenance schemes including food, medical consultation, 24x7 our existence. Such us put our education to greatest enterprise in ‘experience taking’ good use. the world.” Why then security. Assisted Living with fulltime attendar care is also available. behaviour is a clear should we allow others The fact of the matter General Practitioner is a fulltime resident in the township. indication that we to conquer our minds, is that our minds are do not have a feeling to make us dance to Enquiries: 7588186025;9403533025 conditioned from of self worth. We their tune like puppets Email: [email protected] an early age. We are have shed our own on a string? . www.dignitylifestyle.org. Byculla Office :022-61381100 66 April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue April | 2018 October | 2017 6 RNI No 62985/1995 Reg No. MCE/255/2017-2019 WPP Licence No. MR/Tech/WPP-251/East/2018 Published on 28th of every previous month. Posted on 28th and 29th of every previous month at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai-400001

INDUSTRIES

Authorised Distributor:

POWMEX GRAPHITE INDIA LTD., POWMEX STEELS DIVISION

April | 2018 Dignity Dialogue