APRIL 2021 Vol 45, Issue No. 1112 womansera.com BUILDS HAPPY HOMES

5 Articles 14 18 34 LIFE AS A TEEN HIGH A FRIENDLY ADVICE TECH SAVVY DRESS TO IMPRESS OR LOW? NANDINI KUMAR TEENS AND PARENTS RICHA GOEL A. KARTIKEYAN HIMSHIKHA SHUKLA

44 GETTING LOST IN 78 LADIES, DON’T CORN MAZE IGNORE ABNORMAL HIMSHIKHA SHUKLA BLEEDING! DR. V. K. NIGAM 46 AYURSOMA AYURVEDA ROYAL 84 STRANGE MALADY RETREAT SHALINI BHARDWAJ 36 SWEET MELODY ADITI MAHESHWARI 51 STOP ABDICATING 92 NIGHTMARES A REFLECTION OWN YOUR CHARUTA MALSHE AMAZEMENT! ADITI MAHESHWARI 94 LIFE AS A NYMPHOMANIAC! 59 EXPERIENCE THE RAMA DIFFERENCE WITH SCULPT INDIA 96 SHOPAHOLICS : BEWARE OF SHOPPING 60 THE LURE OF SPREES NEW FAMILY FAVORITE! YESTERYEARS SANTOSH PATTANAIK REEMA BANSAL MEHTA ● Chandrakala Cookery ● Gatta 100 RARE IS STRONG ● 68 ALZHEIMER’S SUJATHA RAO Ghevar FATE THROUGH AN ● Hara Bhara Kabab EXCEPTIONAL 104 DIMOND MINING ● Kalakand WOMAN IN INDIA ● Ker Sangri RAM SRIDHAR G.V. JOSHI ● Matar Kachori ● Methi Muthia ● Plain Khakra ● Potli Samosa ● Ring Dhokla (Corn Filling) ● Till Khoya Laddo 70 62 FROM SWEAT- CENTRIC TO BREATH-CENTRIC MUNIZA TARIQ 16 VACATION TIME (POEM) 32 TODDLER TRENDS 48 PERSONAL PROBLEMS 50 TEENACHE 58 DRIFTING (POEM) 66 KITCHEN QUERIES 67 BEAUTY QUERIES 83 YOUR BODY 91 I AM PREGNANT 99 CHILD CHALLENGES Fiction 6 103 MY DAUGHTER IS MY SON (POEM) 40 A TYPICAL TEENAGER 88 FOOD FOR LOCKDOWN SUJATHA RAO MUNIZA TARIQ CINEPLEX 56 THE SMOKELESS 106 THE TRUTH BEHIND BLUE FLAME MEMORIES Features LEILA RAU JASLEEN KAUR SETHI

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The names of characters used in all ISSN 0971-1503 fiction and semi-fiction articles are No article, story, photo or any other matter can be reproduced Jewellery fictitious. from this magazine without written permission. COPYRIGHT NOTICE This copy is sold on the condition that © Delhi Printing & Publishing jurisdiction for all disputes concerning 30 Co. Pvt. Ltd. sale, subscription and published matter New Delhi-110 055. INDIA. will be forums/tribunals at Delhi. EXPERIMENTAL GLAM! PRETTY AND PLUM! Self-addressed stamped envelopes must be enclosed with all manuscripts, otherwise the rejected material will not be returned. No responsibility is assumed for material submitted for publication. Life as a Teen! High or Low? Dealing with ups and downs By A. Kartikeyan

he life of a teenager seems to But if a teenager displays setting, so it's only fitting for the Tchange daily. One minute a symptoms of depression for more school counselor to be the primary teen seems interested in a than two consecutive weeks, it source of relief for these stresses. new sport, topic in school, or type might point to something beyond School counselors help teenagers to of music, only to completely shift normal teenage mood swings. A balance their social and academic gears the next. Constantly exposed variety of factors cause teens to lives, while providing guidance and to new ideas, social situations, and feel “down” and depressed. The advice about the future. people, teenagers work to develop negative events – both within the their personalities and interests realms of family and friends – Dealing With It during this time of great change. greatly affect a teen's mental Parents need to provide these health. Those who encounter both rules, while also remaining flexible UnExcited? negative interpersonal and and respectful of the growing Many teenagers find class and achievement events will likely suffer teen's need for independence. Even school work “unexciting” or from lower self-esteem, which acts if a parent doesn't enjoy the music “pointless”, and report they don't as a significant barrier to treating his or her teen listens to, it's feel motivated or challenged by the depression. Teens who do not unlikely that the choice of music will material. According to “The Silent receive proper care are at higher prevent that teen from entering a Epidemic,” a report from Civic risk for self-medicating through good college, or lead to health Enterprises, most students drop out drugs and other high-risk behaviors consequences. However, if that of school because they are that put their futures on the line. teen is drinking alcohol and driving, “uninterested” in the material. Teenagers consider developing parents must enact strict And of the students who friendships and engaging in social punishments to teach that there are dropped out of school, most were situations as some of the most consequences for poor choices that not failing students. In fact, many of important aspects of adolescence, come with increased freedom. the students had C averages or so when problems arise in these Parents who do not consistently better, and indicated that if they areas, teenagers feel hurt, stressed, enforce their set rules run the risk had felt like it, they could have and rejected. Most of these of losing credibility with their graduated from high school without situations happen in the school teenager. Parents without much trouble. credibility will likely see most of TEENS WHO DO NOT their rules broken, and face an “out- Down Days in Teen Life of-control teen,” who doesn't Maybe it's the bad weather, or RECEIVE PROPER CARE respect their rules, their lifestyles, the disappointing grades on a hard ARE AT HIGHER RISK or their wishes. test, but some days teenagers just FOR SELF-MEDICATING During adolescence, teenagers act uninterested in life or school. develop emotionally, cognitively, But these symptoms often pass THROUGH DRUGS AND and physically. These changes aren't quickly, as teens move on to new OTHER HIGH-RISK without challenges, but education school subjects, or meet with BEHAVIORS THAT PUT professionals, family members, friends to distract themselves from counselors, and psychologists are what bothered them at the THEIR FUTURES ON THE available to help the teens navigate moment. LINE. this difficult period. We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 5 CinePlex

Nora Fatehi Couldn’t Stop Her Tears While Talking About Her Bollywood Struggles, “I Had The Biggest Slap On The Face” ora Fatehi is a common Nname in the industry now and no one can stop from grooving to the beats of her dance numbers. She rose to fame with the song Dilbar and has never looked back. But her journey from Canada to India hasn’t been as easy as it seems on the surface. In an interview shared by Brut India, Nora Fatehi got emotional as she recalled all her struggles and traumatic experience. “It was nothing like that. I had the biggest shock of my life, the biggest slap in the face,” she said. She talked about meeting vicious people, who stole her passport, after which she was deported. She had to go back to Canada and people laughed at her and asked why she went to India in the first place. idya Balan has had quite an Viconic career in the Bollywood industry. She recently recalled how she was worried about her family reacting “Dad clapped, mom cried”: to the infamous movie, ‘The Dirty Vidya Balan on her parents’ reactions to Picture’. She also took to revealing her mother and father’s reaction to ‘The Dirty Picture’ the film, as they came out after the screening. She told The Times of India, “We have had support; we were never judged. For example, during the screening of The Dirty Picture, I was worried about how they would react and was waiting outside the screening room during the interval. But when they came out of the screening, my father actually clapped and said, ‘I didn’t see my daughter anywhere in the film’. And my mother cried when the movie ended. She said that not for a moment she feels that I looked cheap, which is a huge compliment was coming from her.” From Bollywood... Priyanka Chopra Opens Up On Getting riyanka Chopra Jonas is in Negativity From ‘Own Community’, “Notice Pthe news lately after the A Sense Of Cynicism For No Reason…” launch of her memoir titled Unfinished. In the book, she has shared some hidden details of her personal life which many of us were unaware of until we read the book. In a recent interview, Priyanka Chopra talked about the not-so-welcome response she has received from the South Asian community. Talking to the BBC, Priyanka said, “I do notice a sense of protectiveness from a lot of people but also a sense of cynicism from a lot of people and a sense of negativity from a lot of people that have known me for a really long time. Picking on me for no reason…”

Kareena Kapoor And Saif Ali Khan Have Decided To Follow Virat Anushka’s Parenting Tip: Will Keep Second Son Out Of Public Eye aif Ali Khan and Kareena SKapoor welcomed their second child on 21 February. Kareena Kapoor gave birth to a baby boy via C-section delivery. Now, it has been more than a week since the arrival of Taimur’s younger brother and everyone is eagerly waiting to get a glimpse of the newborn. Sadly, people will not get to see Saif and Kareen’s second child as they’ve decided to keep him out of the public eye. A close friend of Kareena has shut down the reports and said, “This is just desktop conjecture. Media hounds know that anything on Taimur’s brother will sell. So they make up harmless stories about Saif and Kareena and their baby, when in fact they’ve decided to keep their second Son completely out of the public eye,” says the friend. Pooja Bhatt On The Time When She Hated Father Mahesh Bhatt’s Second Wife Soni Razdan ahesh Bhatt is considered Mone of the most controversial people in Bollywood, especially when it comes to relationships. In an old interview with Stardust, Pooja Bhatt revealed that she resented Soni Razdan and considered her to be someone who snatched her father away. Pooja was quoted saying, “He never hid anything from me. Once I was fall asleep and at around one-thirty in the morning, he woke me up from my deep slumber and told me, ‘Pooja I’m seeing another woman. I’m having an affair with her and I want you to know first’. This was even before my mom knew of it. So it shows how open and honest he is with me.” She also stated that she hated Soni Razdan for ‘snatching away’ Mahesh Bhatt. “There used to be times when I used to flare up at the very mention of her name,” she expressed.

Ananya Pandey On Struggling With Body- nanya Pandey has been at Shaming For Being Skinny, “People Said I Athe receiving end of trolling and criticism since Look Flat Screen” the day she made her entry into the glamor world. In a recent interview, Ananya Pandey opened up about getting body-shamed for being skinny. She was quoted saying, “People used to say I look like a boy, flat screen. At that time it did hurt because those are the years where you are forming self- confidence. You are learning to love yourself and someone else is pulling you down when you really start doubting yourself.” Ananya further added, “Now, I am reaching a point where I am focusing on accepting myself. If that is sorted and that is my foundation then nothing can hurt me since I am at peace with myself and I love myself.”

angana Ranaut is not new to Kangana Ranaut Shames Female Kcontroversies. She finds her way into the news in some Achievers For Wearing Torn American way or the other, the recent one Jeans, Gets Trolled For Wearing The being her remark on female achievers for wearing torn jeans. Same Herself We think Kangana forgot that Twitter can be merciless at times, and that trolling knows no limits. Kangana boasted as she tweeted, “Appreciation tweet for ancient women who not only represented their individuality but their entire civilization, cultures, and nations. Today if such achievers are to be clicked they will all wear torn American jeans and rags like blouses, representing nothing but American marketing.”

Raveena Tandon Completes 30 Years In Bollywood, Says “I am In This Industry By aveena Tandon got candid Default, Never Wanted To Become An Sctor” Rabout her feelings of never wanting to become an actor. She is of the belief that she had no choice, but to become an actor. Since then, it’s been three decades for Raveena, and she is doing pretty well for the most of it. She laughs and says, “It makes me feel like some ancient veteran. When you say it out to yourself that it’s been 30 years you have been doing this, it doesn’t feel like that. Every new film or show or scene I do, I still have butterflies in my stomach. I am still learning there is so much new technology; one is always a learner till the end. That’s the way it is.” She actress continued, “I am in this industry by default, I never wanted to be an actress.” Ranbir Kapoor Had To Pay A Big Price For Breakup With Katrina Kaif: It Cost Him Rs 21 Crore?

atrina Kaif and Ranbir KKapoor fell for each other when they were shooting for Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani. However, the two broke up after dating for 6 long years and the news of their breakup came as shock for the fans. While break- ups come with a lot of stress and emotional baggage, in Ranbir’s case, it was a monetary loss too. A source close to Ranbir’s family had told Bollywoodlife, “Ranbir’s break-up is going to cost him financially. He will lose about Rs 21 crore after moving out from the house he shared with Katrina.” It is said that Ranbir and Katrina had also invested a lot in their penthouse, where they were living in.

Anusha Dandekar Opens On Receiving Racist Remarks In Australia, I Was Called “Dark Milk Chocolate” ow VJ Anusha Dandekar, Nwho also happens to be star Karan Kundra’s ex- girlfriend, has also opened up on facing racial discrimination for her colour. In an interview with Koimoi, the actress shared a disheartening incident of facing racism in Australia during her stay. Anusha was quoted saying, “I’ve gone through my share of bullying in Australia as I grew up there. Everybody thinks ‘Oh, what do you know about being brown?’ In Australia, I was brown, very brown. I would be called dark milk chocolate or chocolate milk and things like that. I was often teased like that when I was younger.” rjun Kapoor revealed his Afeelings about falling in Arjun Kapoor Finally Reveals His Feeling love with Malaika Arora. During the chat show Koffee With About Falling In Love With Much Older Karan, Arjun Kapoor had gotten Malaika Arora candid about his relationship with Malaika Arora and how he’s in love with her, enjoying the feeling of having someone to lean on to. The actor said, “No I am not single, it has to fall into place. There’s a lot that happened in the family and my life in the last few months, and it has helped me gain perspective.” Arjun further added, “Last six months have taught me more about life than I imagined. I was just doing the right thing at one point in time and then I realised it has snowballed into something way more relevant and important in life. I finally feel like I have a sense of belonging and a family.”

Kangana Ranaut Says, “I Have Raw Talent Like Meryl Streep, Can Also Do Skilled Action Like Gal Gadot”

t’s safe to call Kangana a I‘Controversy Queen’ at this point. She is sure to turn heads and have eyes rolled as soon as she tweets something. The fact that she was comparing herself to Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Gal Gadot didn’t sit well with the internet. Once again, Kangana was subjected to a lot of memes and trolling. Kangana tweeted, “Massive transformation alert, The kind of range I display as a performer no other actress on this globe has that right now, I have raw talent like Meryl Streep for layered character depictions but I can also do skilled action and glamour like Gal Gadot #Thalaivi #Dhaakad“ We

A Friendly Advice

How to Save Your Husband From Your Family. By Nandini Kumar

ow wonderful it would be if which ought to be full of warmth, Hall the relationships in our love and joy, turn out to be lives just clicked together uncomfortable, stressful and full of perfectly like the pieces of a jigsaw cold-hearted confrontations. puzzle! When our families get Because now we do not come together on holidays or for some alone, we bring our spouses with us, functions, how we wish we could and even in the best of families, gossip with our sisters, spend time there resides one person who can with mothers and enjoyed our make everyone else (your spouse family reunions without any included) uncomfortable. stressful background track running As we transition from being a in our minds over and over again. carefree single to a more mature However, in reality, many family married person, our families must gatherings, dinners and parties also make space for a new member. It may be surprising, but most of the families find it difficult to do so and if the new member is different from them, then they make sure he knows it. If you are facing the same difficulty of making your spouse and your family happy at the same time, then rest assured, you are not the first person of the last one to feel disheartened. It is one of the most common issues that almost all married couples face and like everything else in life, it needs to be worked upon. Yes, you can have some good times with your family without your husband sulking in a corner. You can also get him to enjoy the company of your parents or siblings without wondering with guilt, if ‘he’s just pretending to be happy because of me’. To begin this transformation, you must work with your partner and reach a level where both of you feel FAMILY MEMBERS, comfortable. The change may not ESPECIALLY SIBLINGS, LEADING FASHION be visible overnight, but if you are HAVE A HARD TIME AND GLAMOUR diligent in your effort and supportive of your partner, there ADJUSTING TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER will be a great difference the next FACT THAT NOW THEY time both of you show up for a ARE PART OF YOUR family dinner. ‘EXTENDED FAMILY’ Here are five easy ways to help AND NOT THE you get started: ‘IMMEDIATE FAMILY’. Be a team: In his book ‘Wired for SO, IF THEY MAKE love’, author Stan Tatkin introduces a beautiful and very effective PLANS FOR YOU concept of ‘Couple Bubble’. It is an WITHOUT ASKING OR imaginary bubble in which two loving DECIDE FOR YOU partners almost always stay in. It is a pact or a guarantee between the WITHOUT INCLUDING partners stating, we come first. Yes, YOUR HUSBAND, THEN neither you nor I, but we. It is a great POLITELY BUT FIRMLY, way to see the world as a team and SAY “LET ME TALK TO take actions for the benefit of both harat Chandra is a fashion and its members. Most often, women MY HUSBAND AND I’LL Sglamour photographer and complain that their husbands avoid a YOU KNOW”. film producer from Mumbai. He visit to their wives’ families; what has shot many fashion brands these wives fail to see, however, is especially siblings, have a hard time and editorials. He has developed that the husband is not as close or as adjusting to the fact that now they an individual style that’s artistic comfortable with the members as are part of your ‘extended family’ and glamorous. He is known for she is. He needs her guidance and and not the ‘immediate family’. So, if his unconventional lighting and assurance to deal with all these new they make plans for you without angles. people. If the wife, instead of asking or decide for you without complaining, stands by his side, including your husband, then politely Please follow his Instagram helping him steer lear of difficult but firmly, say “let me talk to my handle. situations, then getting his husband and I’ll you know”. This will @Sharatchandraphotography cooperation at other times would as do two things: firstly, it will let your easy as a pie. family know that they cannot drag You can get in touch with him on Let your family know that you are you into everything they come up [email protected] not single anymore: Family members, with and, secondly, the respect you

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 15 show to your spouse will go a long Your may feel that your family is activities that may be going on. way and help him adjust with your being supportive when everyone Hold his hand and touch him on the family better. sympathetically listens to you but shoulder every now and then. You soon you will find them ganging up can also fix his plate at a family Never make your husband the against your husband. They may not dinner to show affection. ‘bad guy’: As tempting as it may say anything but will find ways to If your partner feels look to get out of a tough situation show their disgust through their overwhelmed then respect his quickly, the repercussions of calling behaviour. Your clueless husband, decision and happily end the your spouse the bad person are who has done nothing to deserve evening early. Thank him for grave. If you are in the habit of this cold treatment, may be left coming with you and being so good blaming your partner for all the with a bad taste in his mouth. Your to everyone. Next time, he will be difficult decisions you have to make, family does not know your spouse more comfortable because he feels your family will surely start as much as you do and so, naturally, appreciated for his efforts. resenting him. On the other hand, if it will not be easy for them to let go As they say, ‘a little goes long you inform your family about your of the hurt he caused you when you, way’, these small but important plans, which do not match with on the other hand, could be over it gestures on your part assure your them, using the words like, ‘we’, in 10 minutes. husband that you are on his side ‘us’ and ‘together’, it will help them and not against him. If your family understand that you value and Body language: When you are sees that you respect and love your respect your spouse’s decisions. As with your partner in a gathering husband in every situation, they a result of which, they will value and which is made up of people only you will start to love and respect him respect your partner as well. know about, then it becomes too. On the other hand, if you imperative that you check on him blame him for ruining a family Honour the privacy that a every now and then. It is not always gathering or sulking in a corner husband and wife share: Some possible to ask what’s bothering when everyone else is happy, he is people have an urgent need to tell him but you can use your body bound to feel bitter and cheated. their families everything that is language to your advantage. Be Do remember to preserve your going on in their marriage. From the sure to look him in the eyes to read ‘couple bubble’ all through and let smallest of fights to the biggest of unspoken words, introduce him to your husband feel through your secrets, everything is out there for all the relatives, and include him in actions, that for you, “we” comes everyone to see and talk about. all the conversations or other first. We VacationTime Vacations are wonderful time Spent in serenity and bliss With friends and families Away from the work and worries Away from the daily drudgeries A few good moments of pleasure Of relaxation and leisure To rejuvenate the minds and bodies Battered by life's conflicts and worries In the fast pace of modern life Amidst everyday struggles and strife Vacations are much needed breaks To keep the mind body on right track So once in a while While our days are still full of sunshine We need sweet dreams For a little leisure and rejuvenation. – Vijaylaxmi Sarmah.

16 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

Tech SavvyTeens And Parents

Raising balanced kids In a hyper-connected world. By Himshikha Shukla

hese days, with smart phones ● Teens are naturally adept at responsibility and boundaries to our Tthat do it all in addition to using computer interfaces and have children when it comes to our computers and tablets, a knack for troubleshooting (a skill electronics? teenagers have round-the-clock that eludes many adults who freeze ● Talk to your kids — explain to access to, well, everyone and when confronted with a technology them why they need to limit use and everything: texting, Snapchat, glitch). develop a plan together so you can YouTube, Twitter, email, friends, ● Perhaps the most important both be on board. foes, strangers and much, much lesson teens can teach us is ● Set limits — for example no more. technical jargon. For example, phone use after 8 p.m. Tell them And, let’s face it: we parents dropping articles is absolutely they have to maintain grades, and often have no idea what our complete homework before getting teenagers are up to. These devices WHILE THE REST OF US on social networks. Follow through are not hanging on our kitchen with consequences if they break walls. Teenagers can take them HAVE ADOPTED rules. wherever they want—and they do. TECHNOLOGY AS A ● Encourage outside activities — Of course, there are upsides to all CONVENIENT NEW try to talk your teen into taking a this. Thanks to cell phones, we can walk with friends to the park, or reach our teenagers when we need TOOL TO MAKE LIFE plan a bike ride to get a special to and, more importantly, they can EASIER, TODAY’S TEENS treat; encourage sports. reach us. HAVE EMBRACED IT AS ● Set a good example — it is easy But experts warn that there are A WAY OF LIFE. SO, as adults to get caught up in pitfalls too. Spending too much technology but if your child time online can mean missing out WHO BETTER TO TEACH constantly sees you on your devices on sleep or neglecting schoolwork. TECH THAN TEENS? then of course they think it is ok. Social media and teenagers have Create no-phone zones, such as the proven to be a volatile mix. And critical. Never ever precede your dinner table or bedrooms. Leave teenagers sometimes make poor reference to a social networking the phones in the house and go play decisions with technology—such as site with the word "the" as in "the a game outside or go for a bike ride. texting while driving or sexting— Facebook" or "the Twitter." Have a game night. Find ways to that can have severe consequences. ● Teens speak the language of spend time together as a family Teens have surpassed all other texting. It’s full of funky minus technology. age groups in their use of abbreviations and colloquialisms But it’s important to support connected devices (e.g., that will serve you well to learn. them to balance that with physical smartphone, Xbox, iPod, and exercise, learning, and other types laptop). While the rest of us have It’s All About Balance of play, and to make sure they leave adopted technology as a convenient We live in what is quickly enough time in their week for face- new tool to make life easier, today’s becoming a digital age. Cell phones, to-face time with people...Your teen teens have embraced it as a way of computers, Facebook, Wii, and X- is never too old to go for a screen- life. So, who better to teach tech Box are words even the youngest free walk with you, or have screen- than teens? children know. How do we teach free dinners around a table! We

18 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

Indian Royalty!

A mix of modern Aesthetics.

Let the rustic looks of your wedding churn out some happy vibes around you. Let all the beautiful brides who love pops of colour enjoy their big day in this gorgeous lehenga. Blending in traditionalism into the modern design so lightly, with so much profuse, this Lehenga will look amazing on you. This elegant Lehenga set will make any bride look straight out of the runway. This elegant lehenga speaks volumes of luxe and sophistication. Paint the town with shimmer against the backdrop of the city skyline. This extravagant shimmery lehenga will take you all the way through the night! This super gorgeous Lehenga with a wholesome statement will attract many.

Fashion & Jewellery by: Bridal Jewelry Shop Shop no 13 main market, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi 110017, 9811682800 Instagram handle: Jewellery:@bridaljewelleryshop Model: Vanshika Gidwani Makeup: Riya Hairstylist: Suhanshak Photographer: Ramesh Sharma Pretty and Plum!

Timeless and classic Jewellery. Radiance your aura with the grace held in these jewels developed with the spirit of dedication. Go ahead and pamper yourself with this lovely jewellery set.

Take your ethnic accessories up a notch with this magnificent It would go jewellery set. perfectly well with ethnic wear. Wear it with your formal outfits to emanate a classy aura and to transform them into after work party essentials. Team it with a saree or any traditional attire to make heads turn at the next wedding or festive occasion.

Add more grace to your attire with this jewellery.

Wear it with your ethnic or party ensembles and keep your hair Wear it with your sweep back for a formal outfits to stunning look. exude a classy aura

Make a unique style statement with these intricately designed bangles. The gleaming shine Team these bangles with and shimmering a conventional saree and effect of this ring is embellished sandals for sure to win hearts. utmost effect. Jewellery:@bridaljewelleryshop

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 29 ExperimentalGlam! Easy Makeup Idea for Your Summer Parties.

Step 1 Applying a light layer of concealer Step 2 under the brow with a brush or lightly blending it with your finger It's always important to pay will bring instant shape and attention to your arch, as this Step 3 definition to your eyebrows. is a crucial focal point for your brows. Prep lids for any eye look with a matte base shadow that matches the lightest part of your face. Step 5

Apply eyelashes.

Step 4

Dust the pigment all over lids and up to the brow bone with the help of brush.

Step 6 Step 7 Prepare your skin by applying Then apply colour moisturizer. corrector concealer. Step 9

Apply foundation shade that suits your complexion all over your face.

Step 8 Step With the help of beauty blender, 10 blend your concealer. Bronzer should be applied around the edges of the face and under the cheekbones.

Step 11

Pat the coloured blush onto the apples of your Step 12 cheeks. After your Step 13 eyelashes are curled, grab For even lipstick your tube of application, start at the Kajal. Cupid’s bow and extend out to the corners of the mouth before blotting.

Your party glam makeup is ready.

Makeup Artist: Chetna Madan Model: Asmita Photographer: Ramesh Sharma Everyday

Cute outfit for your little one.

Let your little fashionista slay in her cute outfit.

When styled with shoes, your darling is sure to rock the show in this Dungaree. Crafted using premium quality fabric; This Jumpsuit will be very soft to the skin.

Combination of great style & comfort. Picture your little girl in this beautiful outfit. Dress to Impress!

Tips for the first date. By Richa Goel

lanning for the first date and PLEASE DO NOT OFFEND Do not act as a Dominating Pgetting nervous? Well, it can YOUR PARTNER BY partner: For God's sake; don’t start be fun and exciting, your list of expectations from your depending upon “YOU”; the ASKING AWKWARD OR partner. A partner should be caring, initiatives you are taking to connect PERSONAL QUESTIONS. loving, understanding and the one with each other. Have you planned START CONVERSATION who respects you. You should not out something or still searching for consider a partner as a servant who the ways how to impress your WITH THE HOBBIES, will fulfill your desires. partner? LIKES, DISLIKES, Well, if you are going for the first FRIENDS, FAMILY, Do not sound desperate: Please date and keen to know how to do not try to get close to your react, here are some key points a CAREER. partner that he/she may regret partner should keep in mind while Choose a cozy place: You should meeting you. Do not try to get going for the first date. Remember, plan out where to go instead of physical, as they may feel you should focus on spending selecting random places. The place uncomfortable. quality of time instead of quantity should not be too dark or too noisy of time. with loud music that you can’t even Do not be over-anxious: It’s okay Someone said it right- The first see and hear each other. Go to a to feel a little nervous when you impression is the last impression. café with proper lightings and a meet someone for the first time. Make the best use of time and aims soothing atmosphere. But take your time, make yourself to hit the person for another comfortable and try to gain trust by meeting. Share your experiences: Try to doing easy-go-on-mode talks. get open up with your partner by Here, it goes- sharing your experiences, make Do not forget to drop her safely Carry a small token of love: A them laugh as sharing makes bond back home: The most important small gift, chocolates, greeting stronger. thing is that your partner reaches cards or flowers for the partner will their respective home safely. Drop show your affection and kind Be a good listener: Do not make them to their home or safe place. gesture. What could be more your date boring, one side talk In the end what matters the amazing than starting your day with always loses the interest of the most is finding a suitable partner a wide smile on your partner’s face? other partner. So, give the chance who matches your understanding Memories are something that lasts to your partner also to speak and level. If you find that partner which forever. express their point of view. is suitable for you never ever let that person go. Remember basic Make them feel comfortable: Focus on your partner instead of words like thank you, sorry, please. Please do not offend your laptops and mobiles: Mobiles are Use these words politely, not for partner by asking awkward or the priorities in everybody’s life but just the sake of saying. Spend personal questions. Start should be kept aside when it comes quality time with each other so that conversation with the hobbies, to your partner. Do not make them you may have memories to cherish likes, dislikes, friends, family, career, feel ignorant; these small things in the future! Wishing You Happy workplace etc. may offend the other person. Times With Your Loved Ones! We

34 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

Music and Your Brain! By A. Maheshwari

usic is not a limited sphere Min the case of energy frequency. Every rhythm has a specific special effect on our body. There is nothing more powerful than a musical connection. It’s a consciousness in itself. It connects you with the higher realms with ease and depth. Your Brain on Music Music acts as a distractor focusing the attention away from negative stimuli to something pleasant and encouraging. Music has the ability to after breathing Listening to music causes the and heart rate. brain to release dopamine, a feet-good chemical. Music also has the power to improve your state of mind. This helps keep things like depression and anxiety at bay.

Music with a strong beat can Music can help stimulate brainwaves. Slow beats reduce the encourage the slow brainwaves perception of pain. that are associate with hypnotic or meditative states. Faster beats may encourage more alert and concentrated thinking. Music occupies the mind with something familiar ans soothing.

Music is a worthwhile mystery LEARNING A NEW Does musical genre matter? that keeps evolving itself. INSTRUMENT CREATES Different genres have different Music plays a role in brain impacts. Sounds interesting to development, mood and health. NEURAL CONNECTIONS know. Music triggers pleasure centers that THAT BUILD ON EACH ● Classical (Chamber) Music- release dopamine, a Enhances dopamine secretion and neurotransmitter that makes you OTHER AND CREATE AN synaptic function, learning, and joyful. Its effect is quick, it triggers OPTIMAL memory. Also improves visual anticipation, helping recap the past ENVIRONMENT FOR attention, encourages harmony. and predict the future. Brain ● Heavy Metal- Elicits a sense of networking creates expectations of LEARNING. IT identity and encourages connecting how the music should sound. Any ENHANCES YOUR with community development. sort of negative feeling reduces on COGNITIVE SPHERE. IT’S ● Pop/Rock- Increases endurance hearing a good piece of music. As a capabilities and enhances physical result, it helps in treating THE SOURCE OF THE performances. Energy booster but depression, anxiety, nervous MOST RELAXING also has a great distracting effect temperament syndromes, etc. It EXPERIENCE WITHOUT on us. boosts pro-immunity antibodies, ● Punk- Anti-authoritarian stimulates endorphins, oxytocin and HAVING TO TRAVEL ideologies are encouraged, cultural improves our mood and energy FOR. IT IMPROVES revolt, expressing youthful frequency. AUDITORY rebellion. Learning a new instrument ● Folk- Traditional ballads, tune- creates new neural connections PROCESSING. family as rightly called, living that build on each other and create and gives peace. It’s the source of tradition of a community. an optimal environment for the most relaxing experience ● Rap (Rhythm & Poetry) - learning. It enhances your cognitive without having to travel for. Invigorates beauty and intensity of sphere. It improves your auditory Vocabulary and Nonverbal emotions, language, processing processing, learning, and memory. reasoning skills are enhanced due to with ease, motor functions, it Promotes wellness reduces stress learning a new instrument. motivates.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 37 Music in correlation with your at the same time, it’s more that are embedded into the textile. personality favorable to play music than no The soundshirt’s idiosyncrasy is its In relation to our musical music at all. The circumspect is to 30 micro-actuators implanted in the preferences, different genres reveal play unfamiliar, jarring, cloth, which enables these sensors different personality traits. uninteresting music while driving to to translate the sound of each piece Classical music fans are artistic keep your senses alert. of music into a tactual dialect. In but reticent with high self-regard. this way a deaf person can enjoy a Rap fans are gregarious, aplomb. Music and exercise complete musical experience; this is Western fans are affable but A good piece of music helps in the power of technology. nonetheless, they are hard workers. inundating out our brain's cries of The shirt design reveals the Jazz and Blues fans have high self- lassitude, though this is mostly relationship frequency between esteem, are creative, and genial. beneficial for the low and vibrations and sound waves. Also, Reggae fans are unconventional. moderate-intensity workout. During the sound shirt has derived its name Opera fans are gentle and artistic, high-intensity workouts, music isn’t from hugs shirt, the world’s first courtly and decorous. Dance fans as powerful at pulling our brain's haptic telecommunication wearable are expressive, talented, but not attention away from the pain of invented by CuteCircuit in 2002. gentle. Indie fans have low self- exercise. Fast temp music increases worth but are artistic and fertile at the cortisol levels, while calming Music enhances productivity the same time. Bollywood fans are music has the opposite effect. and creativity creative and exuberant. Chart pop Nonetheless, exercising makes us Music augments the completion fans have high self-esteem, are hard joyful and healthier and music adds of routine mundane tasks. Office workers but not very artistic. Rock to the experience of being happy workers are more enthusiastic and fans are resourceful, gentle, and and healthy. are ignited with better ideas if they easy-going people but usually have are allowed to hear their choice of low self-esteem. Soul fans are Music and technology music while working. The sound sociable, highly dignified, ingenious Technological advancements environment affects cognitive hero’s and courteous. have enabled a fashion tech tasks, efficacy, stress levels, pro- These are general traits and thus company CuteCircuit to design the social effect directly. Thus, it’s great have the potential to vary at an sound shirt- tactile apparel that to exercise control over our sound individual level. allows the deaf to feel the music on environment. their skin using a series of sensors Driving and music The benefits of music on A study reveals that drivers make DURING HIGH- brains more mistakes and drive INTENSITY WORKOUTS, ● The development of aggressively when listening to their MUSIC ISN’T AS neurophysiologic distinction favorite piece of music because the enhances literary skills. distraction levels are high. Although POWERFUL AT PULLING ● It is beneficial in the treatment OUR BRAIN'S of chronic pain, mental disorders, ATTENTION AWAY autism, Alzheimer's, emotional trauma, dementia, etc. FROM THE PAIN OF ● Good music enhances superior EXERCISE. FAST TEMP working memory, auditory skills, MUSIC INCREASES THE and cognitive flexibility. CORTISOL LEVELS, ● Oxytocin helps build bonds and trust others. WHILE CALMING MUSIC ● Meliorate communication HAS THE OPPOSITE skills. EFFECT. ● Music revamps brain plasticity resulting in the brain's capability to change. Flexibility to adapt oneself to different conditions is enhanced. ● Even the newborns feel relaxed. Music boosts energy during bathing, exercising, yoga, etc. Helps in relaxing the tense muscles. ● Escalate spatial intelligence. ● Strengthen brain connectivity. ● Top-up’s IQ. We

Short Story A Typical Teenager

Strangeness. S. Rao I asked Padma to hanks to my wife We got into the train, as behind me all the while, wait while I wiped TPadma and her soon as the doors of our settled into her seat in a overzealousness, we compartment were huff. I tried to ignore her the seat clean with reached Kacheguda opened. When we reached visible frustration as I had old newspapers I railway station almost two our seats, I was put off by gotten used to her always carried with hours before the the sight of the torn and irritation with my me. I laid down a scheduled time of tacky upholstery that fastidiousness which she departure of our train. I awaited us there. refers to as my OCD. couple of started pacing the I asked Padma to wait We traveled by that newspaper sheets platform impatiently while while I wiped the seat train quite frequently, as on the floor Padma, who loved clean with old newspapers our son Abhishek was underneath our everything about the train I always carried with me. I working for Infosys in travel, sat on a bench laid down a couple of Bengaluru. Since seats and gently happily observing the newspaper sheets on the Abhishek generally placed our luggage goings on in the station. floor underneath our seats booked the tickets well in on top of those. To me it seemed that she and gently placed our advance, we were assured reveled in the noisy luggage on top of those. of lower berths almost atmosphere of Indian Padma, who had been every time. Unfortunately railway stations. standing impatiently this time around, both of After about an hour, us didn’t get the lower the raucous, metallic “But you were so very berths and that had screech heralded the right Padma. She become a cause of arrival of the train indeed a typical concern for Padma. dragging its teenager, thanks to Abhishek kept telling his dilapidated corroded technology.” mother not to worry. He iron carriages along. said after we board the people, this girl had to felt an aversion towards made the matters only train, we could try land next to Padma, I mobile phones. Maybe it worse. exchanging one of our mused. was a bit of both. Overhearing what she seats for a lower berth. The minute she got “Did you see how said, the lady in the front into her window seat, the arrogant she is! Acting as seat laughed at Padma’s o my wife’s great young girl got busy with though she didn’t hear words and Padma too Tdisappointment, a her mobile phone. She me.” Padma spat out. joined her. Both the ladies lady who appeared to be had her ear phones on and “She might not have started talking to each in her mid-seventies appeared to be listening heard you. She has her ear other animatedly settled down in the to some music. She was phones on. She seems thereafter. As they started window seat in front of us. also busy texting in busy right now. Please exchanging some tidbits A few minutes later a parallel. She had a variety keep quiet Padma. It about their lives, I felt young woman with an of rings on most of her won’t be nice if the girl relieved that Padma found infant child slid into the fingers. Some of them hears you.” I whispered. a kindred soul in the lady, side lower berth seat had beads of different turning her attention away crushing Padma’s hopes colour. Her nails were Padma feared from the girl. of an exchange of the long and painted in bright technology in In a few minutes, the TC lower birth with either of purple. But for the sound general and used walked into our them. Now the occupant of her fingers texting compartment to check on of the window seat on our away and her intermittent her mobile phone our tickets. When the girl berth was our last hope. giggles, she was silent only for making and failed to respond even to As an answer to that throughout. receiving calls. She the TC, Padma tapped the lingering question in our Padma turned towards girl on her arm. Pulling out mind, a teenage girl me and whispered “Should found people’s her ear phones, the girl hurriedly got into the seat I ask her for the exchange obsession with stared at Padma. next to Padma just as the of berths now?” mobile phones quite Noticing that the TC train started pulling out of As the girl had her ear was standing impatiently the station. As she was phones on, I gestured to loathsome. I with an outstretched trying to catch her breath, Padma to wait for a while. cannot say whether hand, she smiled Padma looked at me with But Padma would have it is because of her embarrassedly and hurried expectant eyes. none of it. non-expertise with over to show her e-ticket The girl unstrapped her Turning to the girl, she from her phone. Once the backpack and dropped it tried to pull her into a technology that TC left, she got busy with onto the compartment conversation by asking caused it, or her phone once again. floor. She was tall and “Are you getting down at whether she By now, Padma had lean. As she bent over to Bengaluru?” given up on the girl. She push her bag underneath The girl’s head was genuinely felt an got back to her happy the berth, her black hair bent over her phone and aversion towards chatter with the old lady fell onto her shoulders in a her hair was covering her mobile phones. once again. Around 8 PM, natural wave. face partially. The girl, we decided to have our She was wearing a who was totally focused “You don’t have to dinner. The lady in the black T shirt with “Being on her mobile phone, worry about that. Like a front seat offered some Human” written. The T acted as though she didn’t typical teenager, she is in homemade pickle to shirt was tucked into a hear Padma’s question her own world. These days Padma and Padma offered pair of faded torn blue and continued with her all these young kids want her the Potato curry she denim jeans. texting. in their lives is their had made. Meanwhile, Padma looked at the Padma feared phones. Nothing else the girl took out a small torn part across the girl’s technology in general and matters to them” Padma tiffin box from inside her knees and turned her eyes used her mobile phone said sarcastically. hand bag and ate her away. For the life of her, only for making and This has been her dinner quietly. Padma could never receiving calls. She found constant complaint about By now Padma had understand how such torn people’s obsession with her own children and my reconciled to getting onto things could become a mobile phones quite little grandson who the middle berth. At fashionable rage. loathsome. I cannot say normally visited us once a around 8.45 PM, she was Knowing her strong views whether it is because of year along with his surprised when the girl in this regard, I tried to her non-expertise with parents. I guess, the fact tapped on her left arm stifle a smile and turned technology that caused it, that she suffered from lightly. my face away. Of all the or whether she genuinely techno-phobia of sorts As Padma stared at her

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 41 face, the girl broke into a repeated the same gesture regained her composure from the upper berth. smile. She pointed at the about the lower berth to and she answered “I will Padma whispered to lower berth and indicated her. wake you up Beta.” me in a voice full of through her gestures that Seeing the confused Then realizing that she remorse “I shouldn’t have Padma could take it. expression on Padma’s might not have heard it, passed those adverse Padma, who didn’t face, thinking that Padma she touched the girl’s hand comments without believe what she saw, failed to understand what reassuringly and nodded knowing about her asked the girl in Telugu she was trying to say, she her head. condition.” “What are you saying?” typed the words “U may The girl flashed a big I nodded my head in Realising that the girl take the lower berth” on smile at Padma and silence feeling good about perhaps may not her mobile and held it up mouthed the words Padma acknowledging her understand Telugu, she to us both to see. “Thank you aunty.” slip-up so quickly. That switched over to English in While Padma continued She deftly threw her was the good thing about a hurry and asked her the to stare at those words as hand bag and the Padma. Many a time, she same question in very though she was backpack on to the upper accepted her mistakes as basic conversational dumbstruck, I replied berth and within seconds quickly as she jumped to words. “Thank you.” had dragged herself up conclusions. My eyes The girl smiled at her. She typed back “U r there. As I lowered the turned moist, as I Pushing her hair back and welcome. Will U wake me middle berth and readied whispered back to her, cocking her head a little up before Bengaluru City ours berths to lie down, I “But you were so very sideways, she showed the station?” and flashed it heard the girl laughing at right Padma. She indeed hearing aid hidden behind before us both. something she was is a typical teenager, her ear to Padma. Then By now, Padma had watching on her laptop thanks to technology.” We

doorkeeper, I occupied the seat. there was a very long queue and I After a while, I realised that a had a feeling that I would not get young boy was sitting next to me the ticket for the show. (of course, 2of his friends were also When I glanced at the queue there) the film was very interesting. again another surprise was awaiting After half an hour or so there was a me. The same boy, with his friends, sudden power breakdown which was in the queue. He smiled when I irritated the audience and they looked at him. That gave me some started shouting and whistling. courage and I moved towards him. In our row, almost everyone Hesitantly, I requested him to get One Fine Day started moving towards the door in one more ticket if possible, as the This incident took place about order to relax for a while. At that woman queue was very long. He 49 years ago. At that time I was very minute, someone pushed back readily agreed. unmarried and had just completed the girl next to her and like a chain Just 10 days were left for my my masters from a reputed college reaction one started falling on the departure from Lucknow and in Lucknow. Since I was a hosteller other and ultimately the boy next to suddenly my parents asked me to and was away from my native place me lost his balance and leaned on accompany them to one of our Mahoba (a small town in UP, having me. Since I was about to stand up, relatives and see a boy as they no recreation facilities those days) I he almost sat in my lap. At that intended to settle my marriage wanted to finish some of my moment the power supply was before I returned to my first posting favourite movies before leaving restored and the boy, who was very at Kanpur. Lucknow in summer vacations. handsome and smart, said 'sorry Holding a tray in my hand with, During my college days, and 'with a blush. I accepted his apology some sweets and samosas, I raised even after that, I was a fan of a with a smile. my head to see his face. Yeah! The Hindi film hero and planned to see Three-four days after the same boy was sitting in front of me. some of his old and new movies. incident another new picture was We both winked at each other. Joy One day I managed to get a ticket released with the same hero. This and surprise were writ large on our for a movie in which my favourite time I planned to see that movie on faces. On 2nd March 1970, we got hero had a special role and was the first day and the first show. So I married in Kanpur, and are living released recently. When I entered went to the cinema hall 2hours happily since then. the theatre the film had just started before the scheduled time to stand and with the help of the in the queue. But to my surprise, –By Pushpa Bhatia

42 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

Getting lost in Corn Maze Eating corn in summer is not corny. By Himshikha Shukla

lthough the yellow color you can—and you probably should. Miracle for those underweight: Acorn/maze is very common Eating raw corn is healthy, tasty, Are you underweight? And finding it around the world, did you and completely risk-free. Just make hard to gain weight in a healthy know that corn varieties come in sure to source the freshest possible way? Don’t worry, corn should do many other colors too such as red, corn and clean it thoroughly before the trick. It can be a healthy orange, purple, blue, white and you put it in your vegan dish or addition to your meals if you want even black. Corn or maze is a grain munch it straight from the cob. to gain a few kgs. Eating junk and plant, which originated in southern Boiling dissolves most of corn's bad fats will only land you up with Mexico. The kernels of the seeds of (and other veggies') nutrients into other health issues in the long run. corn hold the majority of nutrients the cooking water. Instead, and are the most consumed parts. microwave or grill corn to retain all Healthy Skin: Corn contains If you love munching these little of its health benefits. Vitamin C and lycopene golden kernels then here are more (antioxidants) that increase the reasons to add them to your diet. IF YOU LOVE production of collagen and prevent Corn may be high in sugar (sucrose), MUNCHING THESE UV generated free radicals from but there are several other LITTLE GOLDEN damaging the skin. Besides being properties of this grain that must eaten, its products like corn oil, corn not be overlooked. KERNELS THEN HERE starch can be directly applied on the Being a rich source of vitamins A, ARE MORE REASONS skin and often used as an ingredient B, E and many minerals, it is TO ADD THEM TO in many cosmetic products. extremely high in fibre and plays a significant role in the prevention of YOUR DIET. Pregnancy and corn: It has a digestive ailments like constipation. To microwave: Cut off the silks number of benefits during that extend outside the husks, pregnancy for both mother and the Cooking And Eating Corn because they burn easily. Do not cut baby. Corn is rich in folic acid, and If you're still wondering if you or open the husk itself. Arrange contains zeaxanthin and pathogenic can eat corn raw, the answer is yes, corn evenly in the microwave and acid which reduces the risk of birth cook on high, 3 to 4 minutes for one defects in baby. ear. Allow to cool 5 minutes before It can protect the baby from husking and removing the silk. muscular degeneration and physiological problems. Due to its To grill: After steps 1 and 2, grill high fiber content, it also soothes the corn in the husks 5 minutes, constipation, which is a very turning several times, and then husk common concern for expecting and grill to color. mothers. Many of us have great summer Amazing Corn Maze memories surrounding sweet corn. Energy Booster: If you are an When sweet corn is ready, our athlete or love sweating it out in the meals take on a different look as gym, then include corn in your ears of corn make their way to our meals more often. Corn contains plates. But there’s more to corn complex carbohydrate which gets than just the version on the cob. digested at a slower pace, which in This summer, try your cooking skills turn provides energy for a longer with various versions of corn. duration of time. There’s nothing corny in it. We

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Woman’s Era ● April 2021 47 sacrifice for me. But they do not understand how Personal Problems close we are. Besides, my sister says that she cannot give up the pleasures of life herself and that this is her way of helping people. & Will she let me down? A Your sister probably means what she says now. Q But that is no guarantee that she will feel like this the rest of her life. Suppose her own career does AM A 30-YEAR-OLD MARRIED WOMAN. I AM A VERY SOCIAl not go well, suppose she gets married and her husband Iperson and as a result I have many friends. Many people does not think that it is necessary to support you the rest of are very particular about the people they befriend, but I your days, suppose she has children and wants to spend make friends very easily, even with people I have little in her money on them, suppose her in-laws or your parents common with. I think this is because I am very interested in need help...... the list of possibilities is endless and in all human beings. these cases, your sister may not be able to help you. One such friend is a very simple woman who lives a few There is also the matter of your own self-respect. Do houses away from me. She shares none of my interests, you want to be dependent on your sister all your life? And but is a good person whom I quite like. But recently I got a suppose you get married and have children? great shock when I received a letter from her husband. In it Presumably, your parents and friends have thought of he wrote that he “reciprocated” my love and that he had such possibilities and that is why they do not take you come to understand that I was friendly with his wife who seriously. was barely educated, because I was attracted to him. It would therefore be better if you fulfil your worthwhile I was dumbfounded to read this letter and my first dream of doing social work in some other way. You could reaction was to stop interacting with my friend. But she join a social service organisation and be paid a salary for reacted to that very badly and came to my home and cried your work, for instance. and asked me what she had done wrong that had made ● me stop talking to her. I then had to make an excuse for my AM JUST 14, BUT I AM WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE I HAVE AN behaviour. Now I do not know what to do. I cannot tell Iadult problem. This is that ever since I was 11 or 12, I my husband because he would be shocked and also have had strong sexual desires. Initially, I satisfied because my friend’s husband is basically a very decent man myself by masturbating, but soon, that wasn’t enough for and is a good friend of my husband’s. me and I got involved with a 17-year-old boy who somehow Please advise. sensed my needs. But after some months his father was Since your friend’s husband is basically a decent man, transferred and he left with his family. he must have been swept off his feet by you – which is Whenever I had been with him I had always been quite a compliment! Anyway, his decency will make him nervous that someone would find out about us and since easy to deal with. he left a month ago, I have tried to do without sex. But I You should get him alone and tell him that he has am reaching the end of the tether. Is something wrong completely misunderstood you – that you have no with me? My classmates and friends are definitely not romantic feelings for him and that you are sincerely fond of like me. his wife. Point out that he is a friend of your husband’s and Children, at your age may sometimes be interested in that is another reason why you are friends with his wife. sex and giggle and discuss it, but they usually do not He will certainly get the message if you say all this, but experiment with it. So yes, you are unusually highly sexed, you should also tell him that he is wrong in thinking that his but this does not mean that you are abnormal or wife can be treated with disdain just because she has not something is wrong with you. studied much. Tell him that a person’s worth depends on However, as you are so young, you need to learn how to character and in that matter, his wife is a fine person. control yourself so that you do not have promiscuous sex ● or get into trouble. AM A 21-YEAR-OLD WOMAN. I COME FROM AN ORDINARY For this you need to consult a in sex specialist who will Imiddle-class family, but money and all it can buy do guide you. A doctor can refer you to such a specialist. not attract me at all. Instead, I dream of living a simple, You should, in the meantime, try to keep your mind off tension-free life, helping people. sex and on your studies, friends, and activities suitable for Of course, I understand that I need money for my basic your age. But do not worry needlessly. A good specialist needs, but my sister who is older than me by three years, will definitely be able to help you. has promised me that she will always take care of my basic needs and leave me free to help people. Have you a personal problem of any nature, I think that this arrangement will work well, but to my which you hesitate to discuss with your family or friends? surprise, my parents and all my friends, see my plan as Share it with us. WE will try to help you. Address your letters to: absurd and refuse to even discuss it with me. I think that WOMAN’S ERA they feel that it is unfair to expect my sister to make such a E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055.

48 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 Curated Art for your Spaces

Sunil Das Untitled, 30x30 inch Charcoal on Paper

Jogen Chowdhury Untitled, 5x7 inch Ink & Pastel on Paper

The 10, Southern Avenue, Maharani Bagh, New Delhi 110065 +91 9560528881 LexiconArt [email protected] [email protected] TheLexiconArt.com friends and make me the butt of jokes. Is Teenache there any help for me? Will I just have to wait till I grow out of this habit? Nocturnal teeth-grinding or bruxism is & quite common in children and even some A adults, The causes can be varied: stress and Q anxiety, abnormal bite, missing teeth, crooked teeth, misaligned jaw. Sometimes, sleep apnea could also be the cause. AM A 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHOSE MARRIAGE HAS BEEN FIXED Your dentist can prescribe a mouth guard or splints Ifew years ago!! Our parents are close friends and which will keep the teeth separated to prevent clenching decided that their children should marry each other. and grinding in sleep. If your teeth are misaligned, dental At that time, I was innocent enough to accept their correction could be called for. decision, but now, I feel trapped and resentful. Our The effects of this condition, are damage to teeth, wedding will take place after two years. I want to tell my headaches, pain in the jaws, tense jaw or facial muscles, parents that I want to break off the engagement, but bruising of inner cheeks, wearing off tooth enamel,etc. this could also break their hearts. I have nothing against If you want to go on your school trip and have this boy specifically. It is just that I do not believe in peaceful sleep, the mouth guard could be the answer. arranged marriages….all my friends have boyfriends, and Consult a specialist and decide on the course of action. will have love marriages. I am denied all this just because ● of my parents’ arbitrary action.I am confused and HAVE A VERY CLOSE FRIEND IN OUR CLASS 8, WE HAVE BEEN unhappy. I cannot even date my fiancé because he works IFRIENDS from kindergarten. She has had a boyfriend in New York. Please advise. who is from class 12. They have been together for It is understandable that you feel deprived of all the three years. Two months back, they had a massive spat excitement of having boyfriends, dating, courting…the and split up and are now not even on talking terms. To whole works…because you are already spoken for. It my utter surprise, this boy met me last week and invited would have been better if your parents had involved both me to his girl friend! He claims he has completely you young people’s feelings and opinions before deciding got over my friend and finds me much more attractive to marry you off! than her! I asked him to give me time to consider You can first explain your sentiments to your parents his proposal. And am now, confused and disturbed. I so that they can take steps to help you. They could help have not told my friend about this. Please tell me what you get to know your fiancé better by communicating I can do. with each other through skype, facetime etc. It is not It is entirely your call. If you accept his proposal, you difficult to cultivate a long distance relationship with will antagonise your friend, and hurt her immensely. each other with all the modern technology available to She will feel betrayed and cheated by you. Without a us. Do realise, he too might be keen to learn things about doubt ,she will distance herself from you and you will the girl who is scheduled to be his life partner. lose a relationship cemented by several years. Also, maybe you could even make a trip to New York If you accept this boy, it could be simply because you with your parents to meet up with him and find out the are blown away by his praise, and your ego is getting a lifestyle he is leading. massive boost, and you are enjoying the feeling. It is not realistic to think love marriages are better Just think, how you would feel if your friend did this than arranged ones either. It is only that in the latter, with you.Loyalty and trust are paramount in a the wooing and courting begins after tying the knot, friendship. and this can be more romantic and satisfying. Also, this boy is feckless, insensitive and uncouth to If after getting to know about each other, you find even try to woo you, when he knows your friend will find you are not at all compatible and have different values, it devastating. In fact, in all probability, he is trying to goals, expectations and needs, you should think of hurt his ex-friend with this plan. breaking off instead of living a life of discord. It is definitely advisable, to reject his overture. It is ● simply not worth it. It is, however,you who have to HAVE A VERY EMBARRASSING PROBLEM. ATNIGHTS, WHEN I decide…. Ifew asleep, I grind my teeth, making loud noises. Of course, I don’t realise this but my sister who sleeps This column is especially for teenagers. Adolescence can, we know, be a with me and my parents too know about this. My mother trying and confusing time. There are so many questions which seem to tells me not to worry, and that I will grow out of this evade solutions. A wrong decision, or an indiscreet move, can spell tendency. I am a 13-year-old girl. Next month, our class disaster and ruin a life. Share your problem, worry or doubt with us and WE will help you find a way out — to a happier, healthier and more is going to Dharmashala on a school trip. We will spend successful adult life. Send your problems to: three nights in that town. Now, I am scared to go WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055, Womansera.com because of my teeth-grinding habit which will startle my

50 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 Stop Abdicating - Own Your Amazement! Wear it and live it with confidence! By Aditi Maheshwari

here is incredible potential in Tfemale natives of the African contine nt, that’s going unnoticed. The pandemonium of stereotypes ruling societal consciousness makes it hard to acknowledge the strength of women's power. Stop being ice sculptures The one choice that can change your life forever is to own who you truly are. Own your dreams and believe it’s possible to achieve them. There might be real obstacles like lack of skills or experience, financial constraints, child responsibility, lack of time, health deficits, etc; yet if you believe it’s possible, the way to achieve them will automatically present itself before you. Often what is holding us back from living a life true to ourselves are our insecurities, fear, familiarity, lack of self-worth, painful past experiences, lack of awareness, lack of confidence in ourselves, lack of advocating women representations in a professional capacity, etc. Once we learn to get in touch with our inner-self and give ourselves the gift of acceptance whether it’s for our weaknesses or strengths, we can drive ourselves out of whatever is holding us back from living our best life. Challenging the status quo will not be an easy experience but have remarkable benefits in women REMEMBER, JUST AS playing your favourite music at least empowerment. But the only thing once a day. These little things will that will help you sustain the WE ARE HELPFUL AND ignite a spark of freshness within process is willpower and belief in KIND TOWARDS you and make you more joyful. yourself and the confidence to OTHERS, THE SAME Moreover, these simple activities reject anything that drives you off will help you understand and get in the needed change. WAY WE NEED TO BE touch with your self-worth that you KIND AND HELPFUL lost in the process of valuing others Be the chess player, not the TOWARDS OURSELVES more than yourself. chess piece. TOO. THE BEST WAY TO Make yourself a priority. We Listen to your body because often give others a special place in DO SO IS TO RAISE it’s the temple of your our lives and forget we are special YOUR STANDARDS AND existence. too. The best way to practice STOP YOURSELF FROM Give it rest when it demands rest. making yourself a priority is to Pamper yourself with head spend some time each day doing WONDERING IF YOU massages, salt baths, sit in the sun, activities you enjoy doing. It can be ARE GOOD ENOUGH take a bubble bath with candles, really simple like drinking coffee or FOR PEOPLE AND START listen to music, drive with the tea from your favourite mug or windows down, buy a bouquet, WONDERING IF THEY wear your favorite perfume, dance ARE GOOD ENOUGH to your favourite tune, laugh loudly, FOR YOU. schedule any needed checkups, buy a new water bottle, wear soft comfortable clothes, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and many other ways you can take care of yourself. Make exercise and nutrition your priority. This will enhance your productivity and will give you confidence by making you feel good about yourself. Make it a habit to squeeze some time of the day for yourself where you are all alone and you can spend that time on meditation and also talk to the incredible person that is “YOU” and process your thoughts and emotions. This practice is important for your well-being. It will be a great activity to ground yourself and remind you where you are playing it small. We often assume humility means playing small, but in true sense humility means to be you- no more, no less than that which you are. If you constantly keep yourself less than what you truly are, it will keep you from living an abundant life.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Remember, just as we are helpful and kind towards others, the same way we need to be kind and helpful towards ourselves too. The best way to do so is to raise your standards and stop yourself

52 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 Beauty with Purity

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www.facebook.com/Manik-Chand-Jewellers-96975243149007 9678068937 from wondering if you are good you cannot pour from an empty to be yourself in any set of enough for people and start vessel. You cannot give others what circumstances, you’ll start wondering if they are good enough you don’t have yourself. Own your acknowledging your greatness and for you. A lover doesn’t discourage uniqueness. Own your live more abundantly. your growth, a lover says “I see wonderment. It’s an incredible who you are today; I cannot wait to experience. Don’t devoid yourself Celebrate the journey. see who you will become from such an experience. Once you Transformation is a process, tomorrow”. So, learn that any give yourself the wings of freedom not a destination! relationship whether it’s family, You are a treasure hidden within friends, or anyone else who claims YOU ARE WORTHY OF social conditioning. Let the to love you will help you shine your transformation take place at the brilliance and will not hold you THE BEST. TAKE A core level. Stand up for yourself and back from your greatness. MOMENT TO FEEL HOW other incredible ladies. Surround yourself with genuine TRULY SPECIAL YOU people who are good for your Let the world see you for who mental and emotional health. ARE AS AN INDIVIDUAL. you truly are. Surround yourself with people who IMAGINE YOURSELF Take a minute to compliment are transparent in their approaches LIVING A LIFE TRUE TO yourself and your journey. Give and who are wise enough to value YOURSELF, WHERE YOU yourself the credit for overcoming everyone equally. the obstacles and shining with The right people will celebrate CAN BE YOUR TRUE integrity despite the odds you had who you are while helping you SELF WITHOUT ANY to face. Despite the stronghold, you becomes a better version of RESTRICTIONS. YOU dare to live pleasantly and yourself. Also, you need to be your productively. Your contribution to lover. HAVE TO IMAGINE your family and society deserves to The butterfly is only beautiful YOURSELF FLYING WITH applaud and recognition, don’t hold because the caterpillar is brave. JOY, SECURE IN YOUR yourself from receiving this honour, Learn to say “NO” to whatever you so rightfully deserve it. derails you from the life you OWN BEING WITH NO deserve. Stop self-sabotaging. FALSE MASKS TO HIDE You are worthy of the best. Choose “YOU” first. Remember, YOUR GREATNESS. Take a moment to feel how truly special you are as an individual. Imagine yourself living a life true to yourself, where you can be your true self without any restrictions. You have to imagine yourself flying with joy, secure in your own being with no false masks to hide your greatness. You’ll then realize how powerful you are and how beautiful life can be for you. Astonish yourself with your own brilliance. There is no greater force than a dedicated woman. African female leads have set examples for women hailing in other parts of the globe as to the courage needed to break the status quo and stereotypes confining women's power due to their mere ignorance and inability to acknowledge such astonishing bravery. Reveal your beauty and brilliance by simply accepting yourself for who you really are. Your voice matters, YOU matter! We

54 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

Short Story The Smokeless Blue Flame

It went up in smoke me fateful day. By Leila Rau t was a strange up employing Pushpa. She timings did not was a good solution and Icoincidence that both was barely 16 years old and synchronise. Moreover, she would benefit all three of “Asha” the brand name was very thin and skinny. felt that the holidays would us. I would have somebody of the stove and “Pushpa” She had a wheatish be another serious problem to run the errands in the the maid, came to me on complexion, and large as she could neither leave house, the mother would the same day, I had just black eyes that looked nor take the child to the be free from tension while moved in and had bought a solemnly at me. I on work spot. She persuaded working and Pushpa herself good kerosene stove which principle hated employing me that if I employed her, could learn and earn would serve my daily children, as I felt that their Pushpa would be spending something, during the time cooking needs. It was an rightful place was the her time usefully and she spent here. ordinary stove with a steel school. earning something as well. bottom, a black stand and a However, Pushpa’s Looking back I thought this hough I agreed smokeless blue flame and it mother, the sole Treluctantly I soon found was quite adequate for the breadwinner of the It was a strange coincidence her to be an asset. She was simple meals that I family, convinced me that that both”Asha” the brand a quick learner and able to preferred. I had just retired it was difficult for her to name of the stove and manage on her own. I now and wanted somebody to leave the girl alone in the “Pushpa” the maid, came to concentrated on my work help me with the washing house, while she was away me on the same day, I had just while she attended to all moved in and had bought a and cleaning of the house nor was she willing to send good kerosene stove which the household chores. She and that was how I ended her to school, as their would serve my daily would sweep and swab, cooking needs. wash and clean, cut the vegetables and keep the cooker ready. What fascinated her most was the new stove, “Asha”. It was a pleasure watching her trim the wicks, make sure that there was enough kerosene for it to burn properly and wipe it till it gleamed. She would watch with great delight the blue, smokeless flame licking the vessel as the food was being cooked. It was very often my carelessness that the milk over-boiled or the stew ran down the sides and defaced the shine. What horrified her was when in a hurry I splashed water to put off the fire. She insisted that the wick be lowered first and I put the topper to put the flame off. I wondered whether her passionate care of the stove sprang from an ancient symbolical worship with her as she was to leave how this immature girl her new surroundings and of Agni, the god of fire or the security and warmth of would cope with all the cope with her in-laws. They was it a premonition of her my home. I taught her to responsibilities she would had already shown their destiny. I had never come read and write and prepare have to shoulder – a hand when they personally across anybody so totally her for the Board exams. mother-in-law, and an made their individual obsessed by a stove. It was It was only months later unmarried sister-in-law. dowry demands. It was sad undoubtedly new and that I came to know Her mother was to see though the mother exciting to watch the flame Pushpa’s marriage had adamant as usual and could ill afford it she was light up. All the same, it been fixed and that she insisted that once the prepared to take a loan and was only a mechanical would not be working for nuptial knot was tied she meet it. Pushpa left for her gadget, but for her it was me much longer. Her fiance would be secure. She, new home with a bag full of something mystical and had a government job as a however, never revealed to new clothes, the kerosene valuable. She would peon, and was earning a me nor did I try to find out, occasionally compare and good salary. No amount of what the mother was Slowly our relationship talk about the use of remonstrance on my part trying to secure her child blossomed into something firewood at her own home. convinced the mother that from a drunken father, deeper and I was as reluctant The smoke and the grime, to part with her as she was to leave the security and she said would cover No matter how hard warmth of my home. I taught everything in their tiny they tried they never her to read and write and room. No matter how hard succeeded in keeping prepare her for the they tried they never Board exams. succeeded in keeping themselves or the themselves or the place place clean. Most of clean. Most of the people in the people in her her neighbourhood she said were bleary eyed and neighbour-hood she coughed incessantly said were bleary because of the smoke. In a eyed and coughed mischievous moment she incessantly because would add that the smoke helped in chasing the of the smoke. In a mosquitoes from their slum mischievous moment to the surrounding big she would add that houses. the smoke helped in n festive days for her chasing the Othe cooking stove held mosquitoes from the pride of place in the kitchen. It would be their slum to the colourfully decorated with surrounding big rangoli powder and houses. flowers. One one occasion on seeing the love and care the girl was too young for lecherous relatives or the stove and all her mother’s that she bestowed on it, I marriage and Pushpa could idle youth of the slum. earnings, leaving behind a casually mentioned that I not be considered a burden Whatever it was the load of heavy debts on her would give it to her on the as she was earning and mother felt that marriage mother’s shoulders. day she sets up her own contributing to the family would safeguard her Months passed, what house. Her face lit up for a income. All that the mother daughter from all these irks me even today was moment then it clouded could think of was the dangers, little did she that I an educated with fear that I might be steady income and security realise that the peril could woman, gave in so easily intending to send her away. that her would be son-in- be from within. I had come to all these age-old It took me some time to law would provide for her to know the girl quite well. arguments, and did not reassure her and convince daughter. Her She was efficient, involve myself deeply in her that she could stay as responsibility would be affectionate and what Pushpa’s affairs. I felt long as she wanted. Slowly over once the marriage was bothered me most was she satisfied that I had done our relationship blossomed finalised and Pushpa safely was very sensitive. I what I could do as a into something deeper and ensconced in her in-laws’ wondered whether she responsible citizen. I had I was as reluctant to part house. I could not imagine would be able to adjust to smugly fulfilled my social

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 57 obligations by sincerely responsible for this landed at my doorstep. I were out at the time of the talking about the evils of tragedy. never knew for certain blaze. I was sure that “all child marriage to the Days passed onto reasons what had but one” must have been mother, I had tried to weeks and months and happened. I could only Pushpa. What was dissuade her by offering only occasionally in my conjecture what might puzzling me was did the to keep the child with me busy schedule. I would have happened on seeing stove lure the unfortunate for the next couple of year think about Pushpa, so you the state of the damaged girl to her death or was it till she came of age and can imagine when almost a stove. only pointing out at those found somebody better. year later, I opened my who might have Then had done to a front door and found an as the burnt stove a perpetuated this gastly certain extent, what her old battered stove in the Wdumb testimony of crime. Was it an accident or own mother did, washed front. It was black with Pushapa’s in-laws’ greed, another case of “dowry my hands off from the soot misshapen and badly her mother’s negligence or death”? Neither have I been entire affair. Once the girl damaged. It took me some my own indifference? I able to figure out as to how was settled I felt that my time to recoginse that it cannot say I know, many of us were directly or social responsibilities had was the same stove “Asha” however, that the indirectly responsible for ended with Pushpa’s that I had given to the smokeless blue flame the loss of one life. A marriage which now I young bride, Pushpa. As I must have been a silent young girl doomed to face realise I should have had not heard from either abettor in the grim a terrible death. None of worked harder to prevent. of them nor had I tried to tragedy that followed. If us heard her cry for help I realised it now too late keep track of them I was the rumours were to be before her soul merged that my ignorance or surprised to see the stove. believed all the inmates of forever into the blue indifference was partly I still do not know how it the house – i.e. all but one smokeless flame. We

Sometimes, You just drift apart Soundlessly and unknowingly, Just like time That fleeces away Without any thumping Of its shoes! Sometimes, You drift apart Like two distributaries fork out, From one single river Never to meet again! Sometimes, You drift apart violently, Like a bullet that goes astray From the trigger And kills all that was good! Sometimes, You drift apart And yet stay connected Beyond the relationship Of the five senses! Important Is not the way you drifted; But the way you connected When you were together! – Neelam Saxena Chandra.

58 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 Experience The Difference With Sculpt India A Celebration of Skincare Excellence.

culpt India is the leading from India and Abroad. Currently Saesthetic and cosmetic clinic. she is the medical director at Sculpt It is expanding and is present Aesthetic and Cosmetic Clinic in Dr. Hema Pant in Defence Colony Delhi and is now defence colony, Delhi. Medical Director offshooting in Guwahati. At sculpt SCULPT Aesthetic and clinic in Guwahati, there is a team of Below we explore the common Cosmetic Clinic. highly qualified doctors, special issues, that Dr. Hema pant and her visiting consultants from Delhi, team deals with and the treatments Hair Removal therapists, nurses and staff they offer in Guwahati. Do you wish the dispose off the members. They work together to normal waxing method for hair help you look your best. They Acne Treatment removal? Why not go for the laser continue to grow larger each year, Skin breakouts the most well hair reduction treatment? The reinstating their position as India's known imperfections that nearly dermatologist offers hair reduction leading skincare clinic. They deal everybody has once in a blue moon. treatments utilising the laser that with clients of vast variety of needs Some skin breakouts may get eliminates the hair permanently. and wants. Sculpt Aesthetic clinic in effectively treated. While some may Along these lines, you don't need to Guwahati is known for offering leave inflexible scars all over. The go for the month to month salon excellent patient care. Guwahati dermatologist can help you in timetable to get your hair taken out branch is a well-equipped space disposing such skin breakouts and through the excruciating process of with all the modern equipments. further more left over scars can be waxing. treated. Likewise, the They offer a wide range of dermatologist can recommend Hydrating Facial services and is the best skin clinic various courses through which you A hydrating facial is appropriate setting a high benchmark for quality can avoid such skin inflammations for almost all skin types. Skin losses and care. Some of these services later also. its dampness. Skin looses due to are: countless reasons that can setted ● Laser hair removal Skin Enhancement on the pathway of untimely ● Laser skin resurfacing Aside from skin breakout and maturing. The hydra facial is an ● Hair transplant scar, there can be additional intense skin rejuvenating treatment ● Acne scar treatment numerous different imperfection that gives a most natural and ● Fractional photo rejuvenation that makes you look lesser alluring. thorough skin rejuvenation against The dermatologist offers treatment free radicals, pollution and sun. This Dr. Hema Pant is a cosmetic in pigmentation, skin rash, stretch treatment assets with the dermatologist in practice for past 21 marks, tanning and uneven skin remodeling of the fragile years. She was a head medical tone. Various systems are utilised so equilibrium of the skin and makes advisor at Kaya skin clinic for 10 that such issues can be cured skin looks clear, soft and supple. years from 2008-2017. She was the totally. The dermatologist likewise first certified International trainer offers significant management tips For any query, please contact for fillers in India. She has the so you can keep up the Delhi: 9560052618 privilege to train more than 300 magnificence of the skin for a Guwahati: 7099044330 dermatologists and plastic surgeons longer time. The Lure of Ye s te r ye a rs Itʼs effecting the present. By Reema Bansal Mehta

ften we sit and reminisce of O the old times. As a professor, I often find these conversations going on in the staff room. “Do you remember the Kulfi waala who used to visit the street during scorching afternoon hours of June”, or “I miss the days my siblings and entire cousin gang used to sleep on the roof” are oft- repeated themes, special in their own way. Same is the scenario when we sit with family, both immediate and extended. “ Didi, do you remember the chabootra outside naani’s home,” my mother would say to her sister, or, “ I once found a five- rupee note on the ground and felt like I’d won a lottery,” my father would tell his grand daughter. Why does the past, unless particularly painful, seem memorable and pleasant? Why does it always beckon? Theorists explain that when involved in daily petty annoyances liking doing laundry, or paying bills, we tend to give more weightage to these only. The ongoing happy experiences don’t find limelight in our mindset. But, when thinking of the days gone by, we forget those little monotonous/draining mundane things. This highlights the juicy and enjoyable parts of the past, thus making its view rose-tinted. Also the outcomes of times living in the moment is worthwhile future. (And it’s equally imperative bygone are clear, but, we don’t by all means. to learn from our past mistakes.) know the outcomes of our present; But to make it a dogma that the and that grey area of uncertainty is Be a ‘present’: past was absolutely better, and the stressful. Not knowing whether a Whatever one’s strengths and present or forthcoming times are certain decision will prove limitations are, their best version inferior, won’t do much help. Even worthwhile, whether the efforts will would undoubtedly be a gift to the research has shown that the bear fruit or not, whether a certain world. We need to be at our best, youngsters today have once again investment will be beneficial - lends always. Don’t feel like attending the started believing in spiritual and heaviness to our present. However, office party? Dress up and show up familial pursuits, apart from career. it is always better borne in mind anyway – there’s bound to be at This is a huge hope and much that neither was the past as joyous least one person who’ll be thankful required source of hope. So let’s as it seems, nor present as gloomy for your presence. relish the past, savour our present as it appears. If times ‘back then’ Leave no stone unturned, things and hope plus dream for the future. seem to be more relaxed and easy- have a way of getting resolved for Borrowing the lyrics from a going, the present times provide such people. famous song sung by Kishore Kumar better and speedier contact-modes. All said and done, it’s a welcome – ‘aane waala pal jaane waala hai, If things were simpler back then, thing to cherish the past times’ ho sake toh ismein zindagi bita do, the present provides us with more memories and to plan for the pal joy eh jaane waala hai’. We customized options. Gadgets, facilities, productivity, their importance can’t be undermined. Myth - You should start each day by The only catch is that with so many drinking lemon water stimuli around, the human mind forgets its own power. There can be Natural vegetables & fruits are God’s gift to mankind & a three step ‘present’ mantra for consuming them in right manner is Divine Learning. acquiring this realisation… Most people start their day with a glass of warm lemon water - main reasons- weight loss, detoxification. Be Present: Is it correct or needs rectification? “Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the Reality Dr Vidushi Agrawal ● present”, said Albert Camus, a Nutrients in lemon promotes removal of waste & DHMS (Mum),HMD (Lon), French philosopher and Nobel Prize toxins by increasing urine production because of MSc.DFSM (IGNOU) winner. Indeed, wherever we are, diuretic properties & eliminating excess fluid. whatever we are doing; and, for ● Other side - If consumed on waking in morning –we have already lost whatever reason that might be – considerable amount of water thru respiration & urination – makes us giving our 100 per cent presence to lose more water. that will inevitably enhance our ● Helps body form & maintain bones, blood vessels, & skin. well-being. In no moment can one ● High vitamin C content in Lemon aids digestion - Slows absorption of enjoy everything that life is offering. food, giving body time to break - derives maximum nutrients & aids in Something will be missed while we digestion. enjoy some other thing. So, stay Other side: tuned to the present. And that 1. Boiling in water can quickly decrease vitamin C content by 10% in 10 brings us to the second step. minutes. 2. Outside body - Lemon Juice is acidic, hence consuming lemon water Live in the present: directly can erode tooth enamel. Oft-repeated advice by various management and religious gurus RIGHT WAY OF HAVING LEMON alike, this still can’t be Traditional Way - Before A Meal ONLY overemphasized. “Yesterday is Squeezing in Vegetables AFTER BEING COOKED / As Lemon Water history, tomorrow is a mystery, TAKE YOUR DECISION today is a gift of god, which is why Want to know more on Mother Nature’s Diet we call it the present”, said Bil Keane, a famous American Build your Immunity with cartoonist. It’s tempting, almost Natural Healthy Diet - addictive; to slip into past times Whatsapp – 9969526918 or write to [email protected] and/or worry about the future; but, !! âßðü Öß‹Ìé âéç¹Ù: âßðü â‹Ìé çÙÚUæ×Øæ !! that usually gets us nothing. So,

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 61 Whether you are into Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, cardio dance, barre, or outdoor activities like running and cycling, or a moody fitness enthusiast, it is important to remember the one thing that makes all and any workout worth your while: the breath. While the focus in most exercises is mainly on the form and how graceful, strong, or fierce a person is looking while working out, or how many calories one is burning, the breath takes a back seat. For most of us, it is something to be focused upon when in a meditation class but not while working out. While all instructors give breathing cues, and students follow them, it is rarely a mindful activity. Even in Yoga, where the focus on breathing is of utmost importance, most of us end up focusing on the Yang part of it (the asanas) more than the From Sweat- awareness of breath. The result: we unconsciously pick fitness, bypassing wellness when we have Centric to the choice of having both! Breath-Centric The shift our workouts deserve. By M. Tariq

f the growth figures are to be Ibelieved, Fitness Industry never had it so good. From 18-20 percent growth in 2012 to a survey prediction that says 30 million Indians will use fitness services by 2023, it is obvious that love for fitness is spreading like wildfire and it is all set to become a commoner choice and a family affair in times to come. The choices are endless and customer-centric. There is something for everyone and every day new fitness formats, diet plans are being launched to ensure fitness enthusiasts have something ‘new’ and challenging to try, post, and pay for.

It teaches you to be patient and persistent. Let us be very clear at this point: mindful breathing, as easy as it sounds, is not without challenges. For days, months at end, you will find yourself luring your wandering mind to return to the miracle that is your breath. Deep breathing seems odd to a lot of us at first but slowly, it begins to reveal its magic, patience being one of its biggest merits. The patience you show while trying to focus on your breathing carries itself forward into your How mindful breathing can EVEN IN YOGA, WHERE workout and your life. A more transform your workouts? patient fitness enthusiast is relaxed, Mindful breathing = better focus THE FOCUS ON happier, and calmer, is aware that = better workout BREATHING IS OF fitness isn’t low-hanging fruit, and Use the first few minutes of your doesn’t get frustrated if the body workout (even before the warm- UTMOST IMPORTANCE, takes longer than expected to show up)just focusing on your breath, MOST OF US END UP results. setting the intention for your FOCUSING ON THE workout. Is it to lose weight, to gain All yours, anytime, anywhere muscles, to get over a breakup, or YANG PART OF IT (THE You don’t have to be in a just to feel good? Whatever it is, ASANAS) MORE THAN fragrant room with candle lights breath into it. Sit in a half-lotus and bamboo mats to focus on your position or Sukh Asana with your THE AWARENESS OF breathing. Your breath is available spine long and neutral, never BREATH. THE RESULT: to you every single moment. What arching or curving. Take a deep you need to do is reach out for it, breath, hold it for the count of 3, WE UNCONSCIOUSLY acknowledge it and let it take care then 4, and finally 5 then slowly PICK FITNESS, of you. Sparing a few minutes release, all the while feeling the before a workout session is just one blood rushing through your body, BYPASSING WELLNESS of the many ways of incorporating it supplying oxygen to your body cells WHEN WE HAVE THE into your routine. You can begin as they prepare for the work ahead. CHOICE OF HAVING your day or end it with a 5-minute or longer session. Stressed at work? Sit Mindful breathing means a BOTH! back in your chair and focus on your more relaxed you breath. Remember that 10 mindful The second you draw in a deep The fact is that leading an otherwise breathes are better than no mindful breath; your brain gets the signal: it sedentary life has left us in the breaths. Don’t let the distractions is time to relax. A conscious switch company of constant pain in places be in your way. Every time you lose from shallow and irregular like our neck, lower back, and stiff focus, gently bring it back. breathing to mindful breathing that legs. While the pain registers itself Time is money and we are rises from the belly helps reduce in the beginning, as time passes, we spending it in the real and digital stress and anxiety. It is also known learn to live with it. When you focus world. We owe it to ourselves to to bring down pain levels and is a on your breathing, you also become make the most of the time that we perfect way to prepare your body aware of your joints, muscles and spend in shaping our bodies. Fitness for a workout. the pain points begin to come to is good but wellness is the real deal. your attention. How does this help Dashboard abs, tiny waist, great A great way to study your you? It helps you in choosing a safe calves may be worth a million bucks, own body workout for your body. For but a peaceful mind is priceless. So, When you sit down with your example, if your lower back is tight, the next time while you are hitting a eyes closed, focusing on your you know that it is better to choose gym or burning it out at home or in breath, start scanning your own Yin Yoga over Power Yoga. If your a park, do spare a few moments to body. What do your toes feel like? knees are bothering you, then escape to the happy, peaceful place Shins? Are your hamstrings tight? Is maybe walking is what your body that only mindful breathing can the lower back stiff, or neck sore? needs and not a sprint. open for you. We

64 Woman’s Era ● April 2021

old. Pickling is a process of preserving food through Kitchen queries fermentation. The ingredients used in pickling help extend the lifespan of the vegetable, fruit or meat. Pickles have health benefits as well, as they aid in & digestion. Fermented pickles are loaded with A probiotics, the good bacteria. Pickles can be made Q with any vegetable you can think of for example mango, chilli, lemon, ginger, cauliflower, carrot AN YOU PLEASE TELL US HOW TO GET CHICKEN AND MEAT etc. Pickles are often prepared using seeds such as Cstock ready at home. How long can we store it and mustard, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, coriander etc. It is a how can we use it? simple art to master if we understand how the climate Save all the vegetable trimmings and freeze them. Put affects the food time, temperature and humidity. them in a pressure cooker with water, bay leaves and ● pepper. Wait for 4-5 whistles and get this vegetable broth PLEASE LIST THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF “BLACK TEA”. after straining the mixture. Same goes with chicken stock, Black Tea or our favourite ‘chai’ also has a number of using a pressure cooker to extract the maximum flavour. health benefits. It helps to control high blood pressure and Freeze the stock in ice cube trays and use it when required. thus helps our heart to be healthy. According to modern You can use the stock in soups, bhaji, to make pulao, the research, ‘catechins’ a certain compound in green and list is endless depending on your imagination. black tea helps relax blood vessels through the activation ● of ion channel proteins. OGURT PARFAITS MAKE FOR A WHOLESOME SNACK AND even ● Ya healthy dessert. Please tell us more about it. IS THERE A WAY TO TAKE OUT THE STARCH FROM POTATOES TO MAKE them healthy? Yogurt parfaits are one of the quickest, easiest and It is not known if it is possible to completely extract the healthiest snacks. The name may sound fancy but only starch from potatoes, though there are some methods to some easy-to-find ingredients are required to assemble it. reduce the water soluble starch from potatoes. One is by If you want to make a nice healthy parfait you will need cutting and soaking in water and second is freezing them. yogurt, honey, granola, nuts, fresh or frozen fruits and trail Freezing ruptures the internal cells of the potatoes and mix or seeds. Just keep in mind to avoid ingredients that releases the starch that is present inside. So after freezing, have excessive sugar. You can use normal milk yogurt but take potatoes out and wash with some water to take out greek yogurt will be a better choice because of its texture the starch. If you have cooked and froze them and then and flavour. You should add the granola right before reheat, they do not cause as much blood sugar surge. the serving. ● body starts treating them like fibres. ● PLEASE TELL US IF IT MATTERS WHAT TYPE OF SALT WE USE IN A “COLOURFUL FOODS SPELL HAPPINESS” HOW TRUE IS THIS recipe? statement. Salt is an integral part of cooking as it extracts flavour Before we even taste our food, the real feast is for our from the particular dish. While frying onion or garlic, a eyes, as looks make an impact. Colourful food pumps up dash of salt helps speed up the process. There are various the mood, a pop of colour on our plate is something that types of salt. Kosher salt or sea salt should be used while doesn’t fail to delight. Food presentation matters more baking, because of it’s texture. There is a dish in which fish than ever. Colourful dishes instantly brighten up a meal is baked inside kosher salt, since it firms up and does not and also whets the appetite. Different colours evoke crumble while baking. Himalayan pink salt is more of a different emotions within us and bright and colourful table condiment and is a seasoning, while send namak is a dishes create a sense of joy. There are several natural non-iodine salt and is used to cook holy food while fasting. ingredients in our kitchens that can add colour and joy to While kala namak works best with spicy chats, panipuri, food. Colourful food and vegetables are super healthy, shikanji, sherbet, boiled eggs, fruit chutney and lassi. Send some natural ingredients to add colour to our food on the namak goes with green mint, kuttu puri, sweet pickle, plate are beetroot, spinach, carrots, avocado, broccoli, khandvi, pakoras and kosher salt compliments baked fish orange or orange peels, strawberries and bell peppers. and bread rolls. ● Spices such as turmeric, red chillies and saffron also bring in colour to a preparation. THIS IS THE PICKLING SEASON, HOW IMPORTANT ARE PICKLES IN OUR — SAVITA BHARGAVA daily diets? Pickling is a delicate art that has evolved over the ages. If you have any problem in cooking or kitchen, write to This art has to be learnt with trial and error methods. Pickle Woman’s Era. We shall try to help you sort it out. paired with parantha is like music to the soul. Uppinakayi in Address your queries to: Kannada, pachadi in Telugu, Loncha in Marathi, Athanu in WOMAN'S ERA, E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg, Gujrati and Achar in Hindi, India’s tradition of pickle is ages New Delhi-110 055. Click womansera.com to lodge your queries.

66 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 slopes backwards and this affects appearances Beauty Queries greatly. You should consult a good orthodontist who can suggest treatments to improve your look. A chin implant could be inserted in the & chin with minimal scarring. More severe A conditions can be helped with sliding Q genioplasty where a part of the chin bone is removed and a small metal plate is inserted. This is a more complicated and costly surgery which can Y PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE A VERY BROAD FOREHEAD also have some scarring and infection There are a few Mwhich is almost like half my face! This is a family exercises like mewing which help in strengthening the jaw trait and both my elder brothers and father have muscles and chin to improve the lower face contours. this feature. Although it does not bother them much being These are taught by the orthodontist which could help to a males, but I find it very distressing. I feel it makes me look certain degree. The use of cosmetics to create a more firm very odd. Friends tell me kindly that it is a sign of high chin can be attempted although it will not help in intelligence but I don’t care! I want a narrower forehead. improving your profile. Please tell me what I can do about it. I am an 18-year-old In short, your best bet is to seek the advice of a girl. cosmetic surgeon or orthodontist, and to be prepared to Understandably, that this feature bothers you, but there spend a considerable sum to treat your problem. are various remedies to deal with this. Hair grafting at the ● hairline is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which tiny hairs INCE MY HAIR TENDS TO GET ROUGH AND OF COURSE, I HAVE are grafted into the skin to lower the hairline. This being an Sstarted to use a conditioner frequently to help to expensive procedure and one which may need regular make it smoother and softer. This has helped but attention and correction at the surgeon’s hand, it may not now my hair has started to fall! Is it because of the be a good option for you at this age. conditioner? I buy a good brand and take great pains to Wear your hair in bangs or flicks which cover your massage it into my scalp …so what could be the problem? forehead considerably. A good hairstylist can help you do If you are using a good hair conditioner, there should be this. no reason for your hair to fall. Perhaps, you are not using You can wear a trendy hairband on the top of your the right procedure when conditioning your hair? forehead to make it look narrower. First shampoo your hair in the normal way. Choose your Don’t apply foundation near your hairline as this will shampoo carefully to suit your hair type which could be create a shadow which will make your forehead appear normal, dry or oily. Do not use too much shampoo ; narrower. squeeze a little on your palm, rub your palms together to Wear large ear accessories like hoops or chandeliers work up a lather and then apply it on your hair. Use a little which will remove attention from your forehead. warm water to get a good lather to spread all over your Cosmetic shops sell net hair weaves which can be worn scalp. Do not tangle your hair, which could cause knots over the hair to cover a part of your forehead with false and hair fall. hair. There are small switches too which can be used for Wash off the shampoo , putting your fingers through occasions to camouflage forehead width. your tresses to wash off all traces. There is a special darkening powder which is applied Now apply the conditioner. Again mix it well on your on thinning parts of the scalp, which you can use discreetly palms and apply on hair length…but not on the scalp. on the hairline to make it look lower Never massage it in the scalp but only smoothen it firmly ● along your hair shafts from the top to the ends. LTHOUGH I HAVE QUITE ATTRACTIVE FACIAL FEATURES, MY Keep on for a minute or two and then wash off with Achin recedes a little and this is more prominent luke warm water. Don’t shampoo hair again. But dab dry when viewed from the side. I am a 26 -year-old with towel. Comb and distangle hair when it is semi-dry. woman who has some chances of doing some modelling There are leave-in conditioners which you spray on hair assignments, and I am afraid that my receding chin can and comb through, without washing off. cause problems. Can you suggest some methods of dealing Using too many hair treatments like perming, with this? straightening, curling, streaking, etc, could also weaken The chin is a facial features which contributes hair and make it break and fall. Avoid these till your hair tremendously to the person’s self confidence, esteem and condition improves. general appearance. In certain extreme cases, a receding chin could affect eating and speaking as well. Thankfully, Readers are invited to send their beauty problems and there are several measures which can help you dealing questions regarding face, complexion, hair, skin, eyes, etc to with this issue, and these are both surgical and non- this column. Address your letters, written legibly or typed on white paper, to: surgical. WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. A receding chin occurs when the chin is small, short or

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 67 Alzheimer's Fate Through An Exceptional Woman

A thought provoking ʻgenetic pedigreeʼ By Ram Sridhar

With reports from Science impacts a small subset of Alert / New York Times & Nature Alzheimer's patients, many of Medicine~~ whom live in this one city and it almost always leads to cognitive mong the world's largest decline, beginning as early as age Afamily to suffer from 44. Alzheimer's, one older For decades, neurologists have woman may hold the key to future been fascinated by this mutation prevention. and the family that carries it. But of For generations, thousands of the 6,000 or so living members in her relatives in the city of Medellín, this large extended clan, there's Colombia, have been plagued by a one individual who stands out. genetic mutation (known as E280A) Despite having the same genetic that leads to early onset dementia – risk as many of her relatives and a what locals call "La Bobera", or "the brain filled with hallmark signs of Merlin Colombia, the exceptional woman foolishness". Alzheimer's, this woman's memory having Alzheimer’s fate. This particular genetic quirk only has remained remarkably resilient.

68 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 In fact, neurologists say this lady THESE CLUMPS ARE did not show any signs of cognitive decline until she reached her 70s, HALLMARKS OF which is three decades later than ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE expected. AND WHILE THEY WERE Now, researchers think they've figured out why and it might have ONCE THOUGHT TO to do with another chance TRIGGER THE DISEASE, mutation. NO DRUGS THAT HAVE Scanning the brains and TARGETED THEM HAVE sequencing the genomes of 1,200 Yadong Huang is Neuroscientist from family members, the team has Gladston Institutes in San Francisco. WORKED AS YET. discovered a rare genetic quirk that INSTEAD, ANOTHER could provide immunity to early onset. HALLMARK, KNOWN AS The authors suspect two copies TAU HAS STARTED of a gene called APOE3 Christchurch are responsible for her good RECEIVING MORE fortune, as the woman appeared to ATTENTION. be the only one in the group that had both. Those with just one copy Colombian woman's genetic of the variation still showed early mutation, E280A, is linked to the onset cognitive decline. Michael Greicius from over-production of amyloid plaques. Neuroscientist Yadong Huang stanford university calls the study But instead of progressing further, from the Gladstone Institutes in San excellent and thought provoking. the authors think her additional Francisco who was not involved in mutations are somehow postponing the research told Science magazine the process, potentially by the case was "very special" and may hindering the rapid spread of tau. open up new avenues for research At this stage, the idea is just a and therapy. hunch, but previous studies have But while Michael Greicius of linked variations in APOE, a major Stanford University agrees, calling cholesterol-carrying protein, to the study "excellent and thought- Alzheimer's and tau pathology. provoking", he reminded STAT "This study underscores the News this was just one case, and an importance of APOE in the exceedingly uncommon one at that Francisco Lopera Colombian development, treatment and neurologist sees it as secret of bilogy. prevention of Alzheimer's, not to mention the profound impact that GENE MUTATION even one research volunteer can In fact, this woman's 'genetic have in the fight against this terrible pedigree', he says, may be wholly disease," neuroscientist Eric Reiman unique and that could make it really from the Banner Alzheimer's difficult to extend to other patients. Institute told the Harvard Gazette. The authors of the study, on the "We hope that our findings other hand, think her special genes galvanize and inform the discovery are an asset. of ALOE-related drug and gene "She has a secret in her biology," therapies, such that we can put Colombian neurologist Francisco Eric Reiman is Neuroscientist from the them to the test in treatment and Lopera told The New York Times. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. prevention studies as soon as "This case is a big window to possible." discover new approaches." This, however, could simply be When scanning the woman's wishful thinking. There are brain, the researchers say they disease, no drugs that have thousands of other genomes at found the highest levels of amyloid targeted them have worked as yet. play, and while APOE is a good lead, proteins. Instead, another hallmark, known much more research will need to be These clumps are hallmarks of as tau has started receiving more done before we can say for sure Alzheimer's disease and while they attention. what its relationship is to this were once thought to trigger the Just like her relatives, the common neurological disease. We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 69 Must- Eat Foods Ultimate bucket meal.

a firm dough using water as saffron and stir. Keep the syrup CHANDRAKALA required. Cover with a damp cloth hot. Divide the dough into twenty INGREDIENTS: and set aside. For the filling, cook equal portions. Roll out each 1 cup Refined Flour the khoya in a non-stick pan on portion into a three-inch puri. Khoya a pinch low heat, stirring continuously, for Take two puri at a time. Place one 1/2 tablespoons Ghee three to four minutes. tablespoon of khoya filling in the 3/4 cup Khoya/mawa grated Add the caster sugar, almonds, centre of one puri and cover with Castor sugar (caster sugar) 1/2 cup cashew nuts and cardamom the other puri. Moisten the edges Almonds coarsely powdered 6 powder, and remove from heat. and pinch or twist the edges in a Green cardamom powder 1/2 Set aside to cool. For the syrup, pattern to seal firmly. Heat teaspoon cook the sugar with one and one- sufficient ghee in a non-stick kadai Sugar 1 1/4 cups fourth cups of water in a non-stick and deep-fry the chandrakala, on Saffron (kesar) a few threads pan, stirring till the sugar medium heat, till golden brown. dissolves. Add the milk and collect Drain and soak immediately in the METHOD the scum which rises to the hot syrup. When the chandrakala For the pastry, Take flour into a surface with a ladle and discard. are coated on all sides with the bowl. Rub in one and a half Cook till the syrup attains a one- sugar syrup, gently remove and teaspoons of ghee and knead into thread consistency. Add the serve.

Chandrakala GATTA INGREDIENTS: For gatte 1 cup Besan ¼ cup yogurt ¼ teaspoon red chili powder ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ¾ teaspoon coriander powder ½ teaspoon ajwain ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder salt to taste 1-2 teaspoon vegetable oil For curry 1 inch ginger 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 cup whisked yogurt at room temperature 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1.25 teaspoon coriander powder ½ teaspoon garam masala powder ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ¼ teaspoon amchur 1 teaspoon sugar optional 1 teaspoon kasuri methi crushed [dried fenugreek leaves] water as required Gatta salt to taste

METHOD cut them in 1/2 inch rounds. Heat 1 tablespoons of water (so that the Make the gatte: tablespoon of oil in a pan and pan spices don't burn). Cook the spice In a bowl mix together besan, fry the gatte for few minutes or till for a minute or two. Also add the turmeric powder, red chili they start turning golden brown in salt. Now reduce the flame to low powder, ajwain, garam masala color. and add whisked yogurt. Keep powder and coriander powder. Drain on kitchen towel and set whisking till the yogurt has totally Add oil, yogurt, salt and mix aside. This step is optional - mixed it. everything together. Form a traditionally this is not done but I Once it has mixed well, dough by mixing in everything like doing it. increase the flame to medium. together. If the dough isn't Add water, as required. I added coming together you can add little Make the curry: around 2-3 cups and let it all come water. To the same pan, add 1 more to a boil. Also this will be sticky, so it's a tablespoon of oil and once oil is At this point check the salt and good idea to oil your hands before hot add cumin seeds and let them spices and adjust accordingly. You mixing this dough. Once you have crackle. Meanwhile make a paste can also add little sugar if the formed the dough, divide it into 4 of the onion, ginger and garlic. curry taste too sour to you. Once equal parts and shape each part Add ginger and onion paste the water comes to a boil, add the into a log. Boil water in pan. Once next and cook till raw smell goes gatte to the curry and let it it comes to a boil add the away completely, around 4-5 simmer at medium-low for 10 prepared rolls into it. Boil for minutes. minutes. Add crushed kasuri around 15 minutes, or till knife Add spices - coriander powder, methi and remove from heat. inserted in the rolls comes out amchur, turmeric powder and serve gatte ki sabzi immediately clean. Take gatte out of water and garam masala along with 1-2 with rice or roti.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 71 Ghevar

well into a smooth and pouring batter.Take 1- 2 min interval GHEVAR consistency. The consistency of between pouring of batter. Turn INGREDIENTS: the batter should be one string the heat to low once you have 1-1/2 cups All Purpose Flour (such that if we drop the batter poured batter into the ghee. Let it (Maida) from the spoon, then it should fall fry until it turns light brown in 1/2 cup ghee, more to fry like a string). Heat ghee in a deep color. Once the ghevar has turned 1/2 cup Milk frying pan. The quantity of ghee to brown in color, means it is 1-1/2 cups Water should be half of the density of cooked now. Take out the ghevar kesar the vessel. Heat it on high flame in a plate lined with tissue paper. For sugar syrup: till the ghee gets very hot. Check A beautiful net shape would have 1-1/2 cups Sugar the right temperature by dropping formed. 1 cup Water a small amount of the batter and see if it immediately comes up To prepare sugar syrup: METHOD without any delay. Pour batter Add water and sugar to To begin making the Ghevar into the ghee to make a big circle saucepan. Bring them to boil with Recipe, get all the ingredients depending on the how thick occasional stirring. After the boil, ready. Pour ghee and cold milk in ghevar you want to make. I used heat it on low flame for 5-6 a bowl and whisk it well. Blend it two spoonsful of batter. Pour the minutes till you get a one-string till ghee and milk emulsify into a batter slowly in one continuous consistency. Now dip the ghevar smooth mixture and do not thin stream in the centre of the into the sugar syrup for 1 to 2 min separate. Sieve the maida and pan. Bubbles start spluttering all and take it out. Keep the ghevar add into the mixture above and over the surface of oil. Let the dipped in the syrup on a plate and whisk again. Make sure that no foam settle down. If the centre tilt it, so that any excess syrup lumps and the batter is smooth. point is totally covered , then use gets drained. Your delicious Add kesar for colour and add ladle to make little space in the Ghevar recipe is ready. Garnish water little at a time and mix it centre and keep on pouring the the Ghevar with nuts.

72 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 HARA BHARA KABAB INGREDIENTS Spinach 10 leaves Mashed Paneer Green chillies chopped 3 Ginger chopped 2 inch pieces Fresh coriander leaves chopped 2 tablespoons Chaat masala 1 teaspoon Salt to taste Cornflour/ corn starch 2 tablespoons Oil for deep-frying Hara Bhara Kabab METHOD Blanch spinach leaves in two paper. Serve hot with a chutney or 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) cups of boiling salted water for tea.. 1 teaspoon rose water (optional) five minutes. Drain, refresh in cold 10 to 12 pistachios (pista) water and squeeze out excess 10 to 12 almonds (badam) water. Finely chop. Mix spinach, 7 to 8 strands of saffron (kesar) - paneer. Add green chillies, ginger, KALAKAND optional coriander leaves, chaat masala INGREDIENTS: and salt to taste. Add cornflour 400 grams sweetened condensed METHOD for binding. milk or 1 tin or can Grease a pan or a thali with some ghee or oil. 250 to 300 grams Paneer or 2 cups Divide the mixture into twenty- Crush coarsely pistachios, four equal portions. Shape each tightly packed grated or crumbled saffron and cashews or almonds portion into a ball and then press paneer in a mortar-pestle. You can also it between your palms to give it a ¾ teaspoon cardamom powder slice the dry fruits. flat tikki shape. Heat sufficient oil (choti elaichi powder) or Grate 250 to 300 grams paneer. in a kadai. Deep-fry the tikkis on 6 to 7 green cardamoms - crushed You can also crumble the paneer. medium heat for three to four in a mortar-pestle to a fine If the paneer is refrigerated, then I minutes. Drain onto an absorbent powder suggest to grate it. If freshly made, then you can crumble it. Kalakand Crumble finely. Making Kalakand Sweet: Take 1 tin/can (400 grams) of sweetened condensed milk in a thick bottomed pan or kadai. I used amul mithai mate. Add the grated or crumbled paneer to the condensed milk. Mix very well. Keep the flame on low or sim and cook this mixture of condensed milk and grated paneer. The kalakand mixture will start thickening as it simmers and begins to cook. When the mixture gets thickened well and looks like one mass, switch off the flame. It took me 15 minutes on a low flame. Depending on the quality of your pan, pan thickness and KER SANGRI MATAR size, flame intensity it may take 12 INGREDIENTS: to 16 minutes. The kalakand KACHORI mixture should have some 5 Gram Berries INGREDIENTS: moisture and should look dry. 75 Gram Dried beans For Kachori Remove the pan from the 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour flame. Add 3/4 tsp cardamom For main preparation: 2 tablespoon Ghee powder. Stir very well. 2 tsp Oil 1/4 teaspoon Salt 1 tsp Cumin seeds For the filling Setting Kalakand 5-6 Whole red chillies 1 cup Green peas (Matar) , Now pour the kalakand mixture 1 tsp Coriander powder in the prepared pan (plate or steamed 1 tsp Red chilli powder thali). 2 Green Chillies , chopped Shake the pan gently so that 1 tsp Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder the mixture spreads evenly. You 1 tsp Raw Mango powder 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala can also level with a spoon or 5-6 Dried pieces of raw mango powder spatula. 1 tsp Salt 1 teaspoon Amchur (Dry Mango Sprinkle coarsely crushed dry Powder) fruits all over the kalakand. METHOD 2 teaspoon Fennel seeds (Saunf) Gently press the dry fruits with Soak the berries and the dried 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder a spoon. Cover and allow the beans in beaten yogurt and keep kalakand to become warm or cool it overnight. Boil for 15-20 min in (Haldi) completely at room temperature. water and clean them properly 2 tablespoon ghee Then keep in the fridge for a with water. Heat oil in pan. Add Salt , to taste couple of hours for it to set. cumin seeds, whole red chillies, Mustard oil , for deep frying After it sets, slice the kalakand coriander powder, red chilli and serve. In case if you cannot powder, turmeric powder, raw METHOD slice the kalakand, then don't mango powder, dried raw mango To begin making the Matar worry. You can just serve it with a pieces. Saute the masala well. Kachori, we will first make the spoon like a halwa. It still tastes Then add ker sangri and salt. Mix dough. In a mixing bowl, add the delicious. it well. flour, ghee and salt. Combine to Serve kalakand as a sweet or as make a coarse crumb mixture. a dessert. Add little water at a time to make a soft smooth dough. Cover the Ker sangri kachori dough and allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes. Keep it aside. To make the matar kachori filling, add the green peas, green chilli in a blender and blend to make a coarse mixture. Heat a teaspoon of mustard oil in a heavy bottomed pan; add the fennel seeds and saute for two seconds. Add the matar kachori mixture, chilli powder, garam masla, amchur powder, salt to taste and saute till all the ingredients are well combined. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the matar kachori mixture to cool completely. Finally, to make the Matar Kachori roll the dough into 2 inch circles. Add the kachori mixture in the center and bring edges together & form a ball. Press down to make a disc and make all the kachoris like this. Matar kachori Making the Methi Muthiya: Divide the dough into 2 halves. Roll each half into a log about 1.5" in diameter. In a pressure cooker or steamer, add enough water for a 7-10 minute steam. Bring the water to a boil. Place the rolls in a steamer or a flat colander. Steam the rolls for 7 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rolls cool a bit. Cut the steamed rolls into 1/2" slices.

Tempering the Methi Muthiya: In a pan, heat the oil. Add the Heat the required oil in a heavy Mix together atta, besan, red mustard seeds and wait till they bottomed pan to fry the kachoris. chilli powder, turmeric, green splutter. Add the sesame seeds, Add the kachoris and fry till they chilli paste, ginger paste, sesame curry leaves, and hing. Stir-fry for turn golden brown on both sides. seeds, sugar, and salt. Add the a few seconds. Add the Methi Once it is done, take them out on chopped and washed methi Muthiya. With a gentle hand, stir- a kitchen towel so that it absorbs leaves. Mix well Add the lemon fry for 3 to 5 minutes till the the excess oil and serve Matar juice. Mix well. Using a little muthia just start to change colour. Kachori hot. Serve this delicious water, mix to create a firm yet Serve hot with khati mithi and tasty Matar Kachori with pliable dough. Add 1 tbsp oil. Mix chutney. Tamarind chutney. well. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Methi Muthia METHI MUTHIA INGREDIENTS: 2.5 Cups Fresh Methi (Fenugreek) Leaves 1.5 Cups Atta, Wheat Flour 0.5 Cups Besan, Gram Flour 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds 1 tsp Green Chilli Paste 1 tsp Fresh Ginger Paste 2 tbsp Lemon Juice 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder 1 tsp Sugar 1 tbsp Oil To Taste Salt As Required Water Ingredients for Tempering 1-2 tbsp Oil 1 tsp Rai, Mustard Seeds 1 tbsp Til, Sesame Seeds A Few Curry Leaves A Pinch Hing, Asafoetida

METHOD Chop the fenugreek leaves. Wash them and set aside to drain in a colander. PLAIN KHAKRA INGREDIENTS: 1 cup whole wheat flour (gehun ka atta) salt to taste 1 tbsp oil whole wheat flour (gehun ka atta) for rolling 3 tsp ghee for cooking

METHOD To make the whole wheat khakhras, combine the whole wheat flour, salt and oil in a deep bowl and knead into a soft dough Poltli Samosa using enough water. Cover it with a lid and keep aside for 15 fennel seeds and dry fenugreek minutes. POTLI SAMOSA leaves each. Sauté for 30 seconds. Divide the dough into 6 equal INGREDIENTS Add boiled potatoes and dry portions. Roll a portion of the 2 tsp oil spices and cook Add in 4 large dough into a 200 mm. (8") 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf) boiled and mashed potatoes. Add diameter circle using a little whole 1 tsp coriander seeds (sabut salt to taste, 1 tsp red chilli wheat flour for rolling. Heat a dhaniya) powder, 1 tsp dry pomegranate non-stick tava (griddle) and place 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves, powder, 1 tsp garam masala a roti on it and cook on both sides crushed (kasuri methi) powder. Mix everything well and for a few seconds. 4 large potatoes, boiled and cook for 10 minutes. Let the Apply ¼ tsp ghee on each side mashed mixture cool down then shape and cook on a slow flame until 1 tsp garam masala powder into lemon size balls Take out the crisp using little pressure with 1tsp red chilli powder as per taste mixture in a plate. Let it cool help of a muslin cloth or with a 1 tsp dry pomegranate down completely. Thereafter take khakhra press. (anaardana) powder a tablespoon of stuffing and make Repeat steps 3 to 5 to make 5 Salt to taste. small balls. Keep aside. more whole wheat khakhras. Allow the whole wheat khakhras METHOD Ingredients for samosa sheet: to cool completely and store in an Prepare tempering Heat 2 tsp 2 cups all purpose flour (maida) air-tight container. of oil. Add 1 tsp coriander seeds, Salt to taste 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain) 1/4 cup oil Plain Khahra 1/2 cup cold water to make the dough or as required

Mix ingredients In a mixing bowl add 2 cups all purpose flour, ¼ cup oil, salt to taste, ½ tsp carom seeds. Mix everything well. Use cold water to make stiff dough and leave it to rest Add cold water gradually to make stiff dough. I used ½ cup water. Cover with a damp cloth and leave for 15-20 minutes. Tip: Making stiff dough ensures that the samosas are crisp and remain crisp and flaky. Tip: Do not leave the dough for more than 15-20 minutes otherwise bubbles arise on samosa when fried. Make portions and roll After 15 minutes, knead dough once. Divide dough into 4 logs. Cut each log into 6 portions. Shape into flat balls. Roll.

Step for potli samosa Shape potli samosa Cut the rolled portion into a Ring Dhokla perfect round using a large bowl or cap of a container. Place the well with a spoon. Add the green ball of stuffing. Apply water ½ TILL KHOYA chilli paste, oil and salt and mix inch away from the edges. And well. Cover it with a lid for 5 LADOO seal. minutes. Just before steaming INGREDIENTS: Heat oil and fry add the fruit salt and mix gently. 1 cup Mawa (khoya) grated Heat enough oil in a pan. The Grease the dhokla moulds with oil. 1 cup White sesame seeds oil should be moderately hot. Put Pour the batter into 12 of the 1/4 cup Ghee the samosa and fry on low flame moulds and steam in a steamer for 1 cup Powdered sugar till golden brown. 10 to 12 minutes or till the dhoklas 2 tablespoons Cashew nuts Tip: Do not add samosas for are cooked. Cool slightly and chopped frying in very hot oil. Otherwise demould by tapping them and 1/4 teaspoon Green cardamom they will cook from outside and turning them upside down and powder inside will remain un-cooked. not using a knife. Fill the Bon appétit depression in the dhokla with ¼ Serve potli samosas hot with tsp sweet corn. Repeat steps 7 to METHOD tandoori chutney or imli chutney. 9 to make 12 more dhoklas. Serve Dry roast sesame seeds in a immediately. non-stick pan till light brown in color.Cool, put in a mixer jar and RING DHOKLA Till Khoya ladoo grind coarsely. Add khoya to the same pan and saute for a minute. (CORN FILLING) Add ghee and sauté till khoya INGREDIENTS: turns golden. 1/2 cup boiled and coarsely Transfer the mixture into a crushed sweet corn kernels bowl, add ground sesame seeds, 3/4 cup of sooji powdered sugar, cashew nuts, 1/2 cup curd and cardamom powder and mix 1/2 tsp green chilli paste well. 1 tsp oil Divide the mixture into equal salt to taste medium sized portions and roll 1/2 tsp fruit salt them into laddoos while the 1 tsp oil for greasing mixture is warm. Arrange them on 6 tsp green chutney a serving plate and serve. ReciepÏes by : METHOD Mr. Bharti Sanghi Combine the suji, curds and ½ (Founder, Life-Home alone brand) cup water in a deep bowl and mix We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 77 Ladies, Don’t Ignore Abnormal Bleeding!

It may be cancer of the cervix. By Dr V. K. Nigam

If you have a pap smear every year, there’s no reason to develop cervical cancer. – Laurie Glimcher

n unusual type of discharge Afrom the vagina or bleeding can be a symptom of cancer of the cervix which can be a serious threat to life if neglected. Even when one is not having abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina, one should go for screening for cancer of the cervix. American Cancer Society advised pap (papanicolaou) test for every women aged 21 to 29 every three years. After the age of 30 to 65 years, HPV test should be done every 5 years. Cancer of the cervix is arising from the uterine cervix. In this case early on, typically no symptoms are seen. Later symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. 90 per cent of the cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papilloma virus infection (HPV). Most people who have had HPV infections, however, do not develop cervical cancer. Screening programmes have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in developed countries, whereas in low-income countries, it is one of the most common causes of cancer death. Mrs Poonam Khetrapal Singh, cancer incidence is 55-59 years. regional director, WHO, Southeast Internal Radiotherapy ✿ HPV infections are asymptomatic Asia Region, writes that cervical for Cervical Cancer and generally individuals are not cancer is a deadly threat to aware of being infected, thus women’s health. Across the world, facilitating the spread easily and the disease kills one woman every Womb Fallopian tube unknowingly. two minutes, with women between ✿ HPV to associated with 50,000 the ages of 30-39 most at risk of new cases of cervical cancer and developing it. But, while cervical 250,000 associated cervical cancer can affect all women cancer deaths worldwide each everywhere, it’s impact is far from year. ✿ uniform. Nearly 90% of the women Ovary Cancer of the cervix develops in of cervical cancer deaths are in low Radioactive cells of the cervix over 10-20 and middle income countries, Applicators source years. It doesn’t develop including those of the WHO overnight. It gives sufficient time Southeast Asian Region. Vagina for prevention. Pap tests can Cancer of the cervix is a sexually diagnose precancerous changes transmitted disease. HPV is in the cells of the cervix which transmitted through sexual contact can be treated and cancer of the (normal, oral and anal), and is cervix can be prevented. prevalent in both heterosexual and IN 2006, A VACCINE ✿ Survival or prognosis of cancer of homosexual relationships. While the cervix depends upon early males are asymptomatic carriers, AGAINST HPV detection. they can transmit to women. 90 per INFECTION WAS ✿ About 70 per cent of cervical cent of all HPV infections are DEVELOPED IN THE cancer occurs in developing preventable. countries and 90 per cent of the USA. IN THE EARLY deaths. Historical background 20TH CENTURY, The first description of cervical Dee Standley, 37, director of the cancer was given by the Father of EPIDEMIOLOGISTS life-coaching group, “Aspire NLP”, Medicine, Hippocrates, around 400 DISCOVERED THAT is a survivor of the cancer of the BCE. In 1934, cervical cancer was CERVICAL CANCER IS cervix. Standley said that “After the identified as a sexually transmitted colposcopies and extensive surgery, disease. In 1898, removal of uterus COMMON IN FEMALE was given the all clear in June 2006 was considered as the treatment of SEX WORKERS. and became pregnant in October cancer of the the cervix, which is 2007. …. It was very difficult. The still in practice. discovered that cervical cancer is baby was born but I stayed positive, Greek cytopathologist Georgios common in female sex workers and ate well and now I am a blissfully Papanicolaou, developed a cervical also common in women whose happy mother with a new, healthier cytology smear test (today called husbands have a higher number of outlook on life it would like to do Pap smear) to detect cancer cells. sexual partners or were regular whatever it takes to other women This test will save thousands of lives customers of prostitutes. to make a priority of having a and help reduce cervical cancer smear. Worldwide, cervical cancer is mortality by a wide margin. The Pap Some facts about cancer both the fourth most common test is first generalized as a of the cervix cause of cancer and the fourth most procedure, enabling doctors to ✿ Cancer of the cervix is the second common cause of death from detect and begin treating cervical most common cancer in females cancer in women. In 2012, an cancer before it has spread. Over after breast cancer. estimated 5,28,000 cases of cervical the following decades, the Pap test ✿ Lack of awareness is an cancer occurred, with 2,66,000 is credited with driving down important risk factor. deaths. cervical cancer death rates in ✿ Multiple sexual partners and developed countries. multiple pregnancies increase the Cervical cancer risk factors In 1999, the DNA test was risk of cervical cancer. ✿ HPV (Human Papillomavirus) approved to detect HPV, the virus ✿ Every year in India 1,22,844 inection. that causes cervical cancer. In 2006, women are diagnosed with ✿ Multiple sex partners a vaccine against HPV infection was cervical cancer and 67,477 die ✿ Multiple pregnancies developed in the USA. In the early from the disease. ✿ Smoking doubles the risk of 20th century, epidemiologists ✿ In India the peak age for cervical cervical cancer.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 79 ✿ Prolonged use of oral ✿ Overweight or obesity increases her vagina, in her undergarment. contraceptive pills. the risk of developing cancer of She was living alone in a paying ✿ According to the American the cervix. guest home and was not following a Cancer Society, the first full-term ✿ Long-term use of oral balanced diet. She ultimately pregnancy before the age of 17 contraceptives or birth control consulted a physician who referred years doubles the risk of cervical pills (Oral contraceptives) her to a gynaecologist. The cancer. increase the risk of cancer of Gynaecologist examined her and cervix if used for a long time and advised a pap smear after Who are at high risk this effect remains for 10 years pervaginal examination. The pap of cancer of cervix after stopping oral smear result came positive for HPV There are certain factors which contraceptives. and precancerous changes. She was increase the risk of developing ✿ The first full-term pregnancy also having low immunity due to her cervical cancer in a lady these are: before the age of 17 doubles the irregular and unbalanced lifestyle. ✿ HPV infection – is the most risk of developing cancer of the She was advised to correct her important factor making a lady at cervix. lifestyle and diet. She underwent high risk of developing cancer of ✿ Low socio-economic factors – loop electrosurgical excision of the cervix. Women from low-income cervical lesion. She was lucky that ✿ Weak immune system or any households have more risk of she was cured within a few months immune-deficiency disease such developing cancer the of cervix of treatment. She was also trained as AIDS. Some drugs affect the as they have no access to for meditation and visualisation immune system of the body and screening for cancer of the which she is doing regularly and suppress it and these are used in cervix. now enjoying good health. This autoimmune disease treatment. Ms Namita was a kindergarten proves that early diagnosis can save These drugs increase the risk of teacher of 30 years of age. She was a life. developing cancer of the cervix. good looking with a jolly nature. ✿ A lady suffering with chlamydia She wanted to enjoy life and have How to prevent cancer cervix infection. Chlamydia infection is a best of the world. She had several HPV vaccination: It reduces the common infection without male friends. She was smoking and risk of cancer of the cervix. The symptoms, caused by sexual enjoying drinks also. She was a vaccines are between 92 per cent contact. It increases the risk of regular partygoer. She was enjoying and 100 per cent effective against developing cancer of the cervix. good health. Gradually she realised HPV 16 and 18 up to at least 8 years. ✿ Smoking women have double the that she sometimes feels very weak risk of developing cervical cancer and she is becoming susceptible to Barrier protection: Use of than non-smoking women. common cold and throat infection. condoms during sexual intercourse Smoking also damages cervical Throat infection became more decreases cervical cancer risk. cells and suppress as immune frequent and started lasting longer. Cancer doesn’t differentiate rich systems. She of late started having low-grade from poor, it treats every body ✿ The husband has several sex fever also. For the last two months equally. Cervical cancer has killed partners. she noticed some discharge from various celebrities also such as, Maria Eva Duarte de Peron, who A LADY SUFFERING was the wife of Argentine President Juan Peron, Angelique Petting John WITH CHLAMYDIA an American actress, Jade Cersia INFECTION. Lorraine Goody- an English TV personality and Henritta Lacks etc. CHLAMYDIA Henritta Lacks was the source of INFECTION IS A first known human immortal cell COMMON INFECTION line for medical research – hela cells. WITHOUT Cancer does not differentiate SYMPTOMS, CAUSED between a poor and a royal. Eva BY SEXUAL CONTACT. Peron, wife of the President of Argentina, first lady of Argentina, IT INCREASES THE was born in poverty but luck and RISK OF DEVELOPING her charm to took to the royal CANCER OF THE palace. She developed cancer of the cervix. It was a rapidly growing CERVIX. cancer. She underwent

80 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 hysterectomy but cancer had metastasised and returned rapidly. Cervix Pap test She also undervent chemotherapy but could not be saved and died in 1952. In India, the number of people with cervical cancer is rising, but overall the age-adjusted rates are decreasing. Usage of condoms in the female population has improved Brush the survival of women with cancer of the cervix. Uterus India accounts for one-third of the cervical cancer deaths globally, 130,000 new cases of cervical Cervix cancer cases every year. Liz Lange, American fashion designer, was diagnosed with cancer of the cervix at the age of 35. Now she is cancer- free and is a spokesperson for cervical cancer awareness. She says that Pap smear and examination by Speculum a gynaecologist are important for Vagina early detection. Rectum Pap test The Pap test is also known as Pap smear or cervical smear. Pap is an USAGE OF CONDOMS IN opportunistic screening or after the abbreviation of Papanicolaou test. onset of symptoms. Although the This test was invented by Dr THE FEMALE data from the 20 population-based Georgios Papanicolou and Dr Aurel POPULATION HAS studies shows as decline in Babes. carcinoma of the cervix incidences The Pap test is a method of IMPROVED THE over the last two decades, the cervical screening which can detect SURVIVAL OF WOMEN disease still occupies number two precancerous and cancerous cells in WITH CANCER OF THE position with a high risk of the the cervix. disease. CERVIX. INDIA In a study conducted in tertiary- How it is done ACCOUNTS FOR ONE- care hospitals in the rural area of The vaginal canal is opened by a THIRD OF THE CERVICAL Himachal Pradesh, cervical cancer speculum and cells are collected at screening was done in symptomatic the outer opening of the cervix. CANCER DEATHS women using Pap smear and Pap Collected cells are examined by a GLOBALLY, 130,000 smear was found to be as sensitive microscope. It detects and specific method in detecting precancerous cells, cancerous cells NEW CASES OF pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. and HPV infections. CERVICAL CANCER In a cervical cancer screening CASES EVERY YEAR. programme conducted in a tertiary Pap test sensitivity in care hospital of Tripura abnormal Indian population contains to be prevalent. The usual Pap smear were observed. Pap Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is 10-20 years of natural history of smears was suggested to be an a major health problem faced by the progression from mild dysplasia to elementary, economical, safe and Indian women, and every year carcinoma cervix makes this cancer yet highly sensitive screening test approximately 1,20,000 women as relatively early preventable for early detection of carcinoma of develop this disease. India accounts disease and provides the rationale the cervix. for 15.2 per cent of the total cervical for screening.10 Despite existence About a year back, the newly cancer deaths in the world. of national guidelines, the screening married female got a Pap smear Although the incident of carcinoma coverage in India is appalling, low. done casually and came to know cervix has declined in the urban As a result, the diagnosis of that she is suffering with cancer of population, in the rural areas it carcinoma of the cervix is based on the cervix. It was a shock to her and

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 81 her family. It was diagnosed by a HPV vaccination is very effective was evicted from the show and she casual routine health check-up to prevent HPV infection but it must apologised for the racial bullying. In without any symptom. Cervical be given before infection occurs 2008 she learned she developed cancer usually goes undetected. Dr and therefore to be used between cancer of the cervix which grew fast Rajender Akerkar, HOD the ages of nine and 13. The and metastasised. She died on 22 gynaecological oncology at the Tata recommendation for vaccine is two March 2009, at the age of 27. This Memorial Hospital says that over shots at an interval of six months was a case of late detection and the 1,35,000 women get infected by it in for those aged 11-12, and three hurricane course of disease. India every year and we contribute doses for those 13 and older. The Cervical cancer is a lethal disease to over 25 per cent of the global vaccine has little therapeutic effect but luckily preventable and count for cancer. Due to insufficient on precancerous lesions and no treatable. There are many survivors information, it often goes therapeutic effect on existing HPV of this disease, specially those who undetected until fatal. To put it in cervical lesions. were diagnosed early. Early perspective, the detection and Jade Cerisa Lorvaine Goody was detection is vital and a life-saving prevention is so long that by the an English reality television artist. routine screening with time 1,35,000 cases came to light, She was branded as the most hated gynaecologist and Pap smear are 73,000 women died. woman in Britain. She appeared in essential for early diagnosis. Many celebrity Big Brother 5 and was celebrities had cervical cancer and Human papilloma virus (HPV) blamed for racial bullying Indian survived though many also died. Human papilloma virus infection actress Shilpa Shetty. Later on she Erin Jill Andrew is an American is a common viral infection and sportscaster and television most of these infections resolve CERVICAL CANCER IS A personality; she was voted as spontaneously 16 without “America’s sexiest sportscaster” in producing any symptoms. Some LETHAL DISEASE BUT 2007 and 2008 by Playboy HPV infections do not subside and LUCKILY PREVENTABLE magazine. lead to precancerous changes in AND TREATABLE. THERE In January 2017, Andrews cells and lead to cancer of the announced that she was diagnosed cervix. HPVs are of various types ARE MANY SURVIVORS with cervical cancer in September but most of cancer of the cervix are OF THIS DISEASE, 2016 for which she received caused by HPV16 and HPV 18 types. SPECIALLY THOSE WHO treatment. After two surgeries, she Most of the HPV infections are was pronounced cancer-free. After caused by sexual contact and infect WERE DIAGNOSED defeating cancer she launched a the anus and genitals including the EARLY. EARLY campaign, called We Can Change. cervix. HPV commonly spreads by The STAT encourages women to go vaginal and anal sex and cannot DETECTION IS VITAL to the doctor for their annual spread by the toilet seat. HPV is the AND A LIFE-SAVING exams, as well as getting men to most common sexually transmitted ROUTINE SCREENING encourage the women in their lives infection globally. to take their exams. In 2018, an estimated 5,69,000 WITH GYNAECOLOGIST. The take-home message is very new cases and 3,11,000 deaths well done by WHO which indicates occurred from cervical cancer that comprehensive cervical cancer worldwide.18 HPV causes warts and control includes primary prevention cancer. HPV is a communicable (vaccination against HPV), disease and its communicability is secondary prevention (screening unknown but it is believed that it and treatment of pre-cancerous may be transmitted even after the lesions), tertiary prevention lesions are treated and no longer (diagnosis and treatment of visible or present. invasive cervical cancer) and Diagnosis of HPV is based on a palliative treatment. Cervical cancer Pap test which is found abnormal is curable if diagnosed at an early indicates a need for other tests. stage. According to the National Cancer Institute (USA) the most common “Be patient and don’t give up. test detects DNA for several high- Trust me when I say, you will come risk HPV types. The HPV DNA and out changed and stronger, on the RNA tests could be used to identify other end of this” HPV infections in cells taken from – Brenda Jones, a cancer the cervix. survivor.

82 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 allowance. A diet containing 100 gm of carbohydrate Your Body ad 50 gm of protein cannot include more than 40 to 45 gm of fat. The diet should contain plenty of green vegetables and fruits, since they contain few calories, & while their bulk helps to fill the stomach and relieve A hunger. Their vitamin A activity and vitamin C will Q be sufficient to meet the body's needs. The only minerals that need serious AM A 48-YEAR-OLD WORKING WOMAN. SINCE LAST SIX MONTHS I consideration are calcium and iron. Provided the diet Ideveloped irregular and excessive bleeding in my includes 300 ml of skimmed milk, there is little vagina. I am confused by this type of bleeding tendency likehlihood of a negative calcium balance developing in of menopause or premenopausal symptoms. I have an adult. The supply of iron is less sure and may call for consulted a gynaecologist for this problem. After the prescription of iron supplements. Sweetened juices examination and investigations she told me that you are must be avoided except those sold for diabetic patients, suffering from cancer of the uterus. I want to know about which have a low caloric content. this problem in detail. ● There is much variation in the manner in which the Y DAUGHTER IS ABOUT THREE MONTHS OLD AND SHE IS menstrual periods cease at the time of the menopause. Msuffering from venous angioma (cavernous) as Only three variations should be regarded as physiological – told by a surgeon and advised treatment. I want to i.e. sudden cessation, gradual diminution in the amount know in detail about this disease. of loss with each regular period until they disappear, Venous angioma (cavernous) is relatively uncommon. gradual increase in the spacing of the periods until they It is present at birth and consists of a multiplicity of cease for an interval of six months. Any departure from venous channels of varying calibre usually it shows no these three forms should be regarded as pathological. It is tendency to involution and may become larger and more a common misconception that irregular and excessive troublesome later. Sometimes the whole of one limb and uterine haemorrhage is a characteristic symptom of the adjacent part of the trunk is affected. Occasionally menopause. Even to this day cases of carcinoma (cancer) the naevus is associated with a lipoma (naevo-lipoma). In of the uterus are missed in their early stages because the some cases arteriovenous communications are present. irregular haemorrhage caused by the carcinoma is The skin overlying the naevus may be atrophic and regarded as menopausal. besides being in danger of severe haemorrhage from Any form of irregular haemorrhage arising in women trauma, the patient may suffer from septicaemia if of menopausal age should be investigated with the utmost organisms gain entry, in which case the energetic use of care. Vaginal speculum and cytological examination must antibiotics is an urgent matter. Treatment, in general, be insisted upon. The uterus should be curetted and the this is conservative. The repeated injection of hot water curettings must be examined histologically. One of the and other sclerosing agents may help, but the method is worst mistakes ever made in gynaecology is to fail to uncertain. If arteriography reveals a feeding artery, diagnose carcinoma of the uterus when the growth is at therapeutic embolisation may be possible. any early stage of development. Apart from carcinoma of ● the uterus, other gynecological conditions such as Y DAUGHTER IS ABOUT 3 YEARS OLD AND SUFFERING FROM myomata polypi (fibroid) etc give rise to irregular Mhypo-thyroidism and taking treatment. I want to haemorrhage which very often can be easily treated and know about the signs, symptoms, complications cured. All patients who suffer from irregular haemorrhage and treatment of the disease. at the time of the menopause should therefore be carefully The child appears short and stocky. The ratio between examined to determine the cause of this irregularity. the upper and lower segments is immature. Bone age is ● delayed. Sexual development is usually infantile. The AM A 48-EAYRS-OLD HOUSEWIFE AND OVERWEIGHT. I WANT TO abdomen is often protuberant with umbilical hernia. The Iknow about a weight reducing diet and that should not face appears puffy and cretinoid. The skin and be harmful for the body. subcutaneous tissue are thickened with myxedematous A weekly weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg should be the general appearance. The child appears lethargic and reaction time aim. An obese middle-aged housewife will usually lose is increased. The facial expression is dull and these weight satisfactorily on a diet providing 800 to 1000 K.Cal children are unusually susceptible to cold. The diagnosis is per day. Dietary protein of 50 gm per day is sufficient to confirmed by low T3 and T4 levels. The protein bound maintain nitrogen balance. High-protein diets may satisfy iodine level is usually low but may be normal. The plasma appetite more effectively than high carbohydrate diets but TSH level is elevated. Blood cholesterol level is elevated in they are expensive. children older than 2 years. Treatment with dry extract of The intake of foods rich in carbohydrate must be thyroid, thyroxine or tri-iodo-thyronine helps in reduced since overindulgence in these is common. In a diet acceleration of physical growth. of 1000 Kcal per day, 100 gm of carbohydrate is a suitable – Dr Sanjay Teotia.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 83 Strange Malady Mysterious diseases you never knew existed. By Shalini Bhardwaj.

ave you ever thought that a Here are eight Alice in the wonderland syndrome Hrelaxing bath can cause strange diseases Alice in Wonderland syndrome also burning pain all over the known as Todd’s syndrome is a rare body or a burst of deep laughter you never knew condition that temporarily changes how could literally be fatal? No, this is existed: the brain perceives things. not a bizarre jest, but an unpleasant The syndrome associated with reality for few people, a kind of rare migraine headaches is named after Lewis disease. The world is a queer place Carroll’s book, Alice’s Adventures in and many medical conditions can Wonderland, in which the protagonist, throw people for a loop. Alice, experiences the same kind of Rare diseases also referred to as situations to those that occur to the orphan diseases, are mostly genetic 1 sufferers of this syndrome. This rare diseases and appear early in life. neurological disorder is characterized by These diseases affect a small distortions of visual perception, body percentage of the population all image, and the experience of time. As over the world and remain present sufferers may see things smaller than they throughout the person’s entire life. are, feel their body size altered. The Unfortunately, there is still no individual also loses a sense of time and definite cure for most of these some experience strong hallucinations diseases. Many of us are not aware (visualising things that are not there). The that the last day of February each condition, also known as micropsia or year is marked as Rare Disease Day Lilliput sight, can also affect the sense of to raise awareness among the hearing and touch. Most common public, policymakers, perceptions occur at night. The researchers, and health syndrome can affect people at any professionals about these age, but it mainly occurs in children diseases and empathise and adolescents. The episodes of them with people who AIWS are temporary and are affected by generally considered harmless these diseases. in nature. Water allergy Aquagenic urticaria or water allergy is an extremely rare condition in which hives (a type of itchy rash) develop rapidly, 2 soon after water touches the skin. The individual affected by this disease may also have burning sensations, welts, and inflammation. The allergy mostly affects women and any contact with water, sometimes one’s own sweat or tears leaves intensely itchy, painful, and swollen rashes on the skin. The conditions trigger only by skin contact with water, not by drinking water so those who suffer from this disease do not have a risk of dehydration. Scientists have found that it happens due to hypersensitivity to the ions found in non-distilled water and often a consequence of a hormonal imbalance in the person. Allergy can occur anywhere on the body and changing water temperature has no impact on the allergic reaction. Once the water source is removed and the skin is dry, the rash generally fades within 30 to 60 minutes.

Foreign accent syndrome Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a speech disorder that causes a sudden change in speech pattern. Affected persons inexplicably 3 start talking in an unrecognizable dialect that is different from their native accent. Sometimes their dialect closely resembles toa foreign accent which they had never acquired or been exposed to. They may have never been to the country of origin of the new accent. Scientists have found that the sufferers of this syndrome shared the same brain abnormalities that are mostly caused by an injury to the central nervous system. The changes in speech like pitch, voice intonation, substituting words, putting sentences together in the wrong way, and lengthening of vowel sounds tend to remain consistent in sufferers for over months and sometimes may last years.

Laughing death Laughing death, more commonly known as Kuru, was found among people of Papua New Guinea was characterized by 4 sudden bursts of pathologic or maniacal laughter. The disease hit the headlines in the 1950s and physicians observed men and women with shaking limbs, begin to sway and stumble, become cross-eyed and lose the power of coherent speech. Individuals also suffered from joint pains, headaches, became unable to stand or eat before eventually dying. The American physician Carleton Gajdusek later discovered that the infection was being passed on to sufferers through cannibalism (a practice of eating the brains of dead people) as a part of the funeral ritual. The people of Papua New Guinea followed this practice as they believed that this would free the spirit of the dead. The physician, Gajdusek was awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of this disease. Cannibalism was eliminated in early 1960, but the disease lingered for several decades due to its long incubation period.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 85 Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, which is simply known as progeria is an extremely rare genetic disorder that 5 causes quick and dramatic aging appearance in childhood. This starts in the first two years of life. A mutation in the Lamin A gene is responsible for Progeria. Children who are affected by this disease grow more slowly than normal children and develop aged- looking facial appearances like the beaked tip of the thin nose, protruding ears, prominent eyes, and thin lips. These children also develop physical traits like a bigger head, wrinkled skin, loss of muscles, and high- pitched voice. The complications associated with this disease like hardening of the arteries, joint abnormalities can worsen over time and are life- threatening for the sufferers.

Moebius syndrome Moebius is an extremely rare, congenital neurological disorder that primarily affects the nerves that control facial expressions and eye movement. 6 Affected individuals cannot smile, close their eyes, or raise their eyebrows. The weakness of multiple cranial nerves also affects the muscles that are responsible for chewing, speech, and swallowing. Along with facial paralysis, some limb abnormalities may also be present like clubbed feet and missing fingers. Other conditions include bone abnormalities in the hands and feet, hearing loss, and weak muscles. According to the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, most cases are isolated, with no notable family history, and sufferers go on to lead long and healthy lives.

THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE SOFT TISSUES SUCH AS MUSCLE, TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS, Stoneman syndrome Stoneman syndrome also known as Fibro dysplasia FUSE AS NEW ossificans progressivaor Munch Meyer’s disease is a BONES. BONES 7 ultrarare connective tissue disorder in which bones KEEP GROWING develop in areas of body where they are not normally WITH TIMEAND present. This happens because soft tissues such as muscle, tendons and ligaments, fuse as new bones. EVENTUALLY Bones keep growing with timeand eventually form a FORM A secondary skeleton in patient’s body. Major Joints of SECONDARY the body are locked,and the movement of affected person becomes difficult. Sufferershave malformed SKELETON IN big toes or thumbs present at birth. Due to painful PATIENT’S multiple lumps and stiffness patients may face early BODY. disability. Morgellons syndrome This is a rare disorder in which the patient complaints of parasites or fibre moving or coming out 8 of their skin. They feel that fibres are embedded underneath their skin and erupting from sores. It is a delusional disorder where patients mistakenly believe that they are infested with skin parasite. People with this disease complain of skin itching, burning, biting or crawling sensations under feeling like there is something crawling under their skin. The condition is often accompanied by exhaustion, Disturbed sleep and tiredness. It may also cause short-term memory loss, joint pain, and changes in vision.

Conclusion "Eight mysterious diseases you never knew existed "."Scientists are learning more each year and research has made progress to find the cause and understand these mysterious diseases. Hopefully, one day experts will find a way of treating these rare diseases and inoculate us. Hopefully in future these strange, puzzling diseases will fade into history. An optimistic saying goes "A disease may be rare but hope should not be." We

Maybe at this point, grooms, From the second two or three you start to wonder how long meets, our wedding you’re going to be here, or when photographer and the agreement you’re ever going to use any of is made, till the wedding date, it these hundreds of photos again is typically a while. It is because it should be perfect. What unthinkable for the wedding you might not realize then is that photographer or for us to your pre-wedding shoot is a demo recollect all that was said. A pre- of the actual day. Without the wedding shoot does not just actual tension of your wedding reaffirm the connection between day! There’s no rushed pre- the photographer and us yet it wedding ceremony, hurrying for additionally has other significant second march-ins and squeezing favorable circumstances. Capturing memories between banquet tables to take The big day is the greatest in I It was really awkward at the candid photos. the couple's life. beginning! When the wedding Yet the makeup artist has As we feel that now we are photographer told us to gaze already worked his magic brushes under extreme pressure without fondly into one another’s eyes, I on me to make me look every bit confronting a total outsider remember thinking: We don’t do of beautiful. Plus, you deserve to directing a camera towards us that in real life much! I couldn’t look amazing in your wedding and asking us toward the present. stop giggling. But it certainly felt attire. And there’s the time and Despite the significance of those like we were in the movie scene – space to capture the romance pictures, it is an excessive lot to and that’s a fun experience! Then, between you both. That’s what request from them. the day to choose the makes pre-wedding photography But our photographer was so photographs comes. We were an extra special experience! It is friendly and we will cherish our shown hundreds of raw shots. At also from the pre-wedding pictures forever. nearly every photo, my eyes photography that you get to retell gleaned and I never stopped your chemistry. So it was the most – Dr Meera Rajput smiling. unforgettable experience for me.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 87 Short Story Food For Lockdown

After three years The new normal. Muniza Tariq of a fairly smooth “You look lovely!” said Avi eating, how often he camera, the very device courtship, when Avi. was cleaning up the house, guilty of adding ten nd…?” Meera how bad was the spread in pounds on everyone Meera and Avi “A knew more was his area and other drab without any exception. got married in coming her way. affairs. Her distance- After three years of a January 2020, the She held her phone farther husband’s cruel admission fairly smooth courtship, away from her, tilted her simmered fresh in her when Meera and Avi got pandemic seemed face so her chin was jutting mind. married in January 2020, every bit real but out, and sucked her cheeks Like dealing with the the pandemic seemed somebody else’s in. pandemic, managing a every bit real but problem. “Do I have to say it even long distance marriage and somebody else’s problem. if I don’t feel it?” frantic sanitization wasn’t Sure they would come up “No!” she barked. enough, she had to prove with a vaccine! Sure they “You look lovely, baby, that she was getting would find a cure! Sure it but not thinner. I am sorry thinner! That too on a would be over soon! but I don’t see it.” When Avi flew back to Meera sighed. Quickly, Canada after ten days of “You look lovely, she moved on to discuss baby, but not thinner. their marriage and Meera other things like what was I am sorry but I bid him a teary goodbye, don’t see it.” she knew she would join him as soon as her application was through. But March knocked with bad news. When the lockdown was announced, Meera’s first thought was why me! Of course with time she understood that what she was treating as a bake cakes and cookies— this is how it would have hand. He texted her it was personal tragedy was really was just hers to eat and stayed had she not shared ok and she could take her a universal one and that she keep! a screenshot of her video own time to calm down. would have to wait it out, Love is tough to hide; chat as her Instagram post: CALM DOWN! I will with sanity and grace. What love for food, specially so! Our late night chats be show him how to calm she was thankful for was It wasn’t till June end that like! down, she thought as she that she had retained her her husband voiced his She had been careful switched her phone off, one-room set in Saket and concern and they had their not to reveal her body, stuffed her face with had a space she could call first virtual but real fight focused on her face and chocolate chip cookies her own. She had spent a where Meera kept sucked in her cheeks and that she had thought she week with her in-laws then repeating that Avi was no clenched her jaw to lend would treat herself to, a week with her folks longer interested in her her face a fake definition. after the workout but she before returning to her and Avi kept clarifying that Avi, on the other hand, didn’t care anymore. apartment. the only reason he was looked drop dead concerned was because he handsome, his neck long, he emailed her folks ll of April went into loved her and wanted her face chiseled and his t-shirt S(her father checked his Aadjusting to the new to stay fit like before. It sitting tight on his lean inbox every 30 minutes in norm: WFH. Meera worked had ended with Avi the hope of hearing from a in an advertising agency. apologizing for being To her, food seemed publishing house), some of She worked at odd hours blunt, and Meera, for completely selfless. her close friends, feeling through the week but WFH stress-eating and not It gave taste, victorious about the silent turned out to be a more coping with distance- satisfaction, punishment she was demanding animal than marriage better. Avi inflicting on the man she she was ready for. Endless promised to be gentle the comfort, and the loved the most. video conferences, phone next time he reminded her much-needed On the third day, the calls, not to mention the to watch her weight. She breaks from calls doorbell rang. It was 10 pandemic paranoia, promised to find time for am. She hadn’t ordered worried parents, early morning Yoga or late and presentations. anything. She peeped concerned in-laws and a evening pilates. With time, cooking through the eye-hole and husband in a different time Day one she managed became more than the ground from under her zone, everything left her to get out of bed at 7 am. feet shifted. so exhausted that the only Day two she slept in a skill she had There she stood, her thing she could turn to for because evening was learnt for survival; mother-in-law, looking like comfort was food. always an option. Till she it became the the principal that she had To her, food seemed found out it wasn’t. Again centre of her been all her life! completely selfless. It gave she turned towards her She opened the door, taste, satisfaction, friends, sobbed about how existence. faking excitement and comfort, and the much- she tried but failed every muscular body. More than leaned in to hug her. needed breaks from calls single day to commit to anything, he looked “What a pleasant and presentations. With even 30 minutes of physical effortless hence amazing. surprise, Ma! How are time, cooking became activity and all they told her So, one of their common you?” more than a skill she had was: it was like their life friends pointed out: They sat opposite each learnt for survival; it story! As long as she was “If I didn’t know you other in the sitting area became the centre of her trying! And —a little guys, I’d think @VeryAvi is that stretched between existence. Yes, there was hesitant—her husband your toy boy, the kitchen and her something therapeutic couldn’t set her fitness @MeeraSerene! LOL!” bedroom. about chopping and slicing goals for her! Some of them TOY BOY overshad- “Surprise? What were and grinding, most her went ahead and told her owed LOL. Meera you thinking: you’ll switch friends agreed, What she she was ‘de-selfing’ way immediately took the post off your phone and that’ll didn’t take into account too early in her marriage off. What she also did was be the end of it?” was the fact that most her and she needed to put her vent her anger on her “I mailed dad so you approving friends stayed foot down. husband. So when he guys don’t worry. I was with families. So what they Now two months had video-called the following just…you know…I am cooked was sought by slipped by and she was yet night, she disconnected trying social media many mouths whereas to see any changes in her and texted him that she cleanse…” what she cooked — waistline and her troubled was tired and not in the “Then switch off social potatoes of all kinds, mind craved food as much mood to talk. Avi knew media, not your phone!” versions of biryani, no- as she craved results. And Meera like the back of his “Good that I switched

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 89 my phone off. That way I workload isn’t even in your “These are really, before the damn pandemic got to see you! Come on, hands! I am not talking struck. You used to run, what will you have, tea or about that. I am talking really nice! You are you used to go for coffee?” about what is in your good at this!” said weekend Yoga classes, you “I’d like to know your hands: the food part and Meera’s mother-in- used to find time and not version of the fight.” She the happiness part!” Her law thoroughly excuses. Hell, I once heard stared at Meera, adjusting mother-in-law left her spot Avi crib about you her thick black glasses. and walked towards the enjoying every bite. cancelling a date because “ Avi called it a fight? kitchen. There she found a Her candid praise you had to attend a dance He has been after my life pan, filled it with two cups put a smile on class. I even heard you to loose weight ever since of water and started used to work for a year and the lockdown started. I am making tea under Meera’s Meera’s face. travel for a year…You were working day and night, I stupefied vigil. “I am glad you like so – what’s the word – so am cooking, cleaning, Soon the two women them! I have more. recklessly me-centric!” trying to keep myself free walked back to their spots Please take some at night so I can chat with and started sipping tea and eera just looked on, him, see him and all he munched on the chocolate for dad!” Mstruck by her mother- ever sees is my fat! If food cookies. in-law’s words even as makes me happy, why “These are really, really to share,” she said, looked realization started can’t he be happy for me? nice! You are good at this!” at Meera then winked, crawling back in. Why can’t I catch a break!” said Meera’s mother-in- “but I am shamelessly “I miss that There, she spewed all law thoroughly enjoying selfish. As were you, till woman…”she mumbled. the venom that she had every bite. Her candid sometime ago.” “Yeah, well, why miss held back for Avi. praise put a smile on Meera, who was about her when you can bring her “Did you ever tell him Meera’s face. to dunk a cookie into the back?” Her mother-in-law this?” Her mother-in-law “I am glad you like teacup, stopped midway. bit into the chocolate was surprisingly calm as them! I have more. Please “What do you mean?” cookie and winked once she slumped back in her take some for dad!” “I mean exactly what more. chair. “I will take them but he my stupid son has been The two women “I did…I mean…not is only getting a few. I like failing to communicate to chuckled the rest of the exactly these words but I you! It’s not about losing day away. When Meera’s did tell him I am weight, it is about finding mother-in-law left, she “These are really nice! You time for yourself, doing overworked.” are good at this,” said took with her a jar of “Well, overworked is Meera’s mother-in-law exactly what you used to chocolate cookies, just one part of it. Your enjoying every bite.” before you got married, threatened Meera to be ready with more before her next visit and got her a huge order from a friend who ran a cloud kitchen! A satisfied smile played on Meera’s lips as she switched her phone on and dialed Avi. He didn’t pick up. It was 6 pm, which was 7:30 AM Canada time. Certain that he was sleeping in, she left him a message: Guess you are sleeping! I am sorry about the whole thing. Let’s talk after 9 pm, my time! Gotta prep for my first official cookie order! What she didn’t mention was the But Yoga class she signed up for that very night, for nobody else’s sake but her own. We individual. If you have to undergo a cesarean I am Pregnant section for any reason the open method is best for it can be done along with the cesarean. Sterilisation by the open method & can also be done a day or two after normal A delivery, the advantage being that you will Q be able to rest and recoup in the same time as it is necessary for recovery from childbirth AM SEVEN AND A HALF MONTHS PREGNANT. THE PROBLEM and usually people have someone to help IIS that I get heart burn that is making life intolerable. them around that time. Please tell me what should I do about it? The disadvantage is that it requires longer Heartburn, belching, gas etc occur because the hospitalisation and a bigger cut. Lapaoscopic growing uterus pushes the stomach upwards and the sterilisation does the entire procedure through a acid from the stomach enters the food pipe leading to a keyhole but can be be done earliest at least 4-6 weeks burning sensation in the chest. In order to avoid this after delivery when you may or may not be prepared problem take small frequent meals; do not take for re-hospitalisation, even for a few hours. An oily/spicy/sour foodstuff. Decrease your intake of tea important point to remember is that in a small and coffee. Stay upright for at least two hours after percentage of cases the operation can fail by whatever meals. Sometimes, a glass of milk with honey helps. If method it has been done. the above simple measures fail, your doctor can ● recommend some kind of medication to decrease the I AM FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT WITH MY FIRST CHILD. PLEASE TELL heartburn. ● ME what is the best position to sleep in? Try not to sleep on your back from the beginning of HAVE PAIN IN THE CENTRAL LOWER REGION JUST BELOW MY the fifth month onwards. This is because the growing Iabdomen in the bone. It has become so severe that I uterus presses upon the big blood vessels that lie am unable to stand on one foot. Please tell me why immediately behind it leading to breathlessness and has it occurred and what should be done about it. fainting attacks at times. It also inhibits digestion. The joints loosen up during pregnancy to facilitate Sleeping on the side, especially the left side increases labour. This causes the problems that you are the flow to the placenta thereby increasing the transfer experiencing. A warm compress can feel really good for of oxygen and nutrients to the baby optimising his this odd sore spot. Visit your obstetrician/orthopaedic growth. It also enhances the flow of blood to the specialist for treatment if the condition does not kidneys which leads to better elimination of waste improve. products. ● ● AM IN THE EIGHTH MONTH OF MY THIRD PREGNANCY. I WOULD IS IT ADVISABLE TO CLIMB STAIRS AND LIFT WEIGHTS DURING Ilike to get a sterilisation operation done after pregnancy? delivery. Please tell me what is the right method and If you are not advised bed rest due to complications the right time to get such an an operation done and what and if you live on the upper floor, you can climb the are the side-effects. I would also like to know what stairs. Make sure that you do not wear heels. Take your exactly is done to prevent conception. Some people tell time while climbing up or down the stairs. Do not haul me that they take out the uterus. I would not like that for yourself up by holding the railings and pulling yourself I am only 32 years old. up by your arms. Instead put each foot firmly on the First of all let me enlighten you regarding the next step and climb. procedure. On both sides of the uterus are tubes called As for weights, avoid lifting things that are heavy. fallopian tubes that end in finger like processes called For lifting smaller objects from the floor do not bend fimbria. These hang over the ovaries, which again are at the level of your waist to do so. Go near the object, present on either side of the uterus and pick up the egg lower yourself into a squatting position by bending your when it comes out of the ovary, once in a month. The knees and then pick it up. tube carries the egg towards its middle and the sperms – Dr Amrinder Kaur Bajaj, MD swim up to fertilise it in the tube. These tubes that play such a vital role in conception Readers are invited to send in any health and medical are occluded during the sterislation operation. The queries they would like to be answered. Woman’s Era will uterus is definitely not removed so rest assured on that provide answers to your questions and offer solutions to your account. problems. Individual replies cannot be sent. Address your letters The tubes are either tied and cut in the open method (neatly written on white paper) to: and cauterised or have a tight band fitted over a loop on WOMAN'S ERA, both sides during laparoscopic or keyhole surgery. The E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com exact method and time varies from individual to

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 91 Nightmares A Reflection

Are dreams and life just an illusion? By Charuta Malshe

he science of psychology and unpleasant everyday dreams lepers and eunuchs. The deformed Tdefines dreaming as a are in some way related to one's faces, hands, and feet of the lepers, sequence of perceptions, psychological health. normally begging in pairs with one thoughts, and emotions during This is an effort to look back to sitting on a makeshift cart and the sleep that is experienced as a series my nightmares with this other pulling the cart, both singing of actual events. The dream content perspective. some devotional song in the most is based on the happenings in the In my pre-school days, my dreadful voices, an ultimate picture person’s everyday life. Dreams nightmares used to be about lepers of pathos. There was the fear of one dramatize people's conceptions and and eunuchs. contacting the contagious disease concerns about personal issues. Visually there used to be and becoming a social outcast like And recurrent dreams, nightmares, something frightening about the them. As for the eunuchs, their rough dark green mossy depths or getting or non-correctable. These real-life and rogue like looks, their talking stuck on a crumbly mountain where situations would invariably make me and singing in incongruous loud I am unable to get hold of anything feel helpless and lonely and possibly voices, the loud clapping, their to haul myself up onto some safe resulted in reducing self-confidence shameful and threatening gesture place. and pseudo daredevilry. of pulling up their sarees, their And invariably I would get into My mother used to get a forced entries into households such situations by following some nightmare towards the last years of having new-borns, and the rumours company, who would go on to their her life- she would be walking alone, about their abducting children for own ways, leaving me behind alone gradually getting into some dark converting them into eunuchs were stranded. alley, losing sight of others walking an ideal nightmare content. I find a direct relation of these the same path, and the alley The prospect of getting nightmares to some stressful gradually going darker, narrower, caught/abducted by either of these financial issues encountered or and more silent. Gradually even the categories would give me sleepless some interpersonal relationship sounds of people talking, vehicles nights. These nightmares probably issues which seem insurmountable being driven by and in general of resulted from the childhood insecurities where we did not have a very secure childhood under a non- loving, tyrannous father and a relatively non-strong mother. At the back of one’s mind, there was the fear of getting lost and no one making any efforts to find you out or rescuing you.

SERIOUS REFLECTION In the school and college days, the nightmares used to be predominantly about missing an examination paper or getting late for a particular test and not being able to complete all the answers. These nightmares had a direct correlation to my anxiety for performing well in the examinations, under family, teachers’ and peer pressure, and my mental make-up. I don’t recollect any young prime age nightmares. Probably this was a period when I THE PROSPECT OF life, would reduce and go silent, and had a secure, well-paying job, had GETTING the initial light around her would go finished the minimum desired level dim and more dim to ultimately of education, and was living in a CAUGHT/ABDUCTED BY pitch darkness. She would suddenly relatively safe and comfortable EITHER OF THESE find herself walking on all alone and marital household, with nothing CATEGORIES WOULD wake up frightened. much to worry about in life. Was the nightmare some sort of Post the age of 60, the GIVE ME SLEEPLESS foreboding of her life progressing nightmares pertain to my going to NIGHTS. THESE towards death? some difficult, dangerous, slippery NIGHTMARES To end this rather serious terrain inadvertently and getting reflection on a lighter note, I at stranded there, seeing other people PROBABLY RESULTED times go very early morning for going by about their ways but FROM THE CHILDHOOD walks and try and imagine how one myself getting into a place which is INSECURITIES WHERE would feel walking all alone on inaccessible for my rescue. It would WE DID NOT HAVE A dimly lit roads with hardly any be some steep slippery slope external sound. This has failed to descending into a deep dangerous VERY SECURE frighten me so far. Perhaps my time spot with springs of boiling water or CHILDHOOD. is yet to come! We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 93 Life as a Nymphomaniac!

Are you high on sex? By Roma Chouhan

huge number of individuals Abattle with sex habits, and it makes it intense for them to carry on with their lives ordinarily. Sex habits can keep you down in life since you're continually engaging in ground- breaking sexual desires and other psychological wellness issues. Your psychological well-being can endure in different manners when you have a sex habit, and you may be thinking about how you're truly going to get things back to normal. Fortunately, there are medicines for sex addiction that have been demonstrated to be very viable. Explore the sex addiction treatment alternatives beneath, and you'll find out about how well they function just as getting some answers concerning different things that you ought to consider about your psychological well-being. Individuals with sex addiction will be not able to stop the conduct except if there is a type of interceding time. Subsequently, individual and expert connections may endure. There may even be an expanded danger of explicitly communicated contamination, including HIV if an individual can't get control over their sexual driving forces. Individuals with a sex addiction regularly will utilize sex as a type of break from other enthusiastic and mental issues, including pressure, tension, unhappiness, and social seclusion. What are the symptoms of sex craving? One trait might be the mystery of behavior, in which the individual with the issue gets capable of hiding their behavior and can even keep the condition mysterious from mates, accomplices, and relatives. They may lie about their exercises or take part in them now and again and places where they will not be discovered. However, now and then SEX ADDICTION IS RELATED TO indications are available and recognizable. An individual may A TENSION ISSUE OR have a sex compulsion if they show TEMPERAMENT ISSUE; DRUGS a few or the entirety of the MIGHT BE ENDORSED AS A accompanying signs: ● Obsessive relations with FEATURE OF THE TREATMENT various accomplices, including PLAN. THERE ARE RIGHT NOW NO outsiders SETTLED SUGGESTIONS ON THE ● Lying to cover behavior ● Preoccupation with having PROPER UTILIZATION OF DRUGS intercourse, in any event, when it TO TREAT SEX ADDICTION meddles with day by day life, OUTSIDE OF THE DOMAIN OF efficiency, work execution, and so on THESE CLINICALLY ORDERED ● Inability to stop or control the PROBLEMS. behavior ● Feeling regret or blame after sex Keen behavior can strain connections, for instance, with the pressure of unfaithfulness — albeit a few people may profess to have can be a family specialist or nearby Intellectual behavior sex addiction as an approach to mental affiliation, the two of which treatment clarify betrayal in a relationship. can refer to the suitable trained This kind of treatment can assist professional. Conjugal treatment an individual with distinguishing Finding support may likewise be helpful. triggers for sexual motivations and Sexual habit requires therapy There are additionally several sex at last show them how to modify from a clinical expert experienced in compulsion uphold gatherings, practices. This is accomplished the field, for example, an analyst, some of which manage co-options, through one-on-one meetings with specialist, or sex therapist. (for example, sex and substance an authorized wellness specialist. Treatment can differ dependent on misuse) and others of which are the basic reason, however will based on a 12-venture recuperation Medicine regularly be led on an outpatient model. A few people may profit from a premise with directing and conduct course of medication treatment. treatments. 12-venture recuperation model Certain antidepressants may help Sex addiction is related to a Programs, for example, Sex reduce urges (which is discrete tension issue or temperament issue; Addicts Anonymous (SAA) follow a from the possible results of certain drugs might be endorsed as a similar recuperation model as antidepressants that can cause feature of the treatment plan. There Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They diminished drive. or debilitate are right now no settled can be exceptionally useful for different parts of the sexual suggestions on the proper tending to sex addiction. Individuals experience). Treatment for utilization of drugs to treat sex aren't needed to give up sex totally, Nymphomaniac include, family or addiction outside of the domain of yet they are urged to abstain from social theraphy. With treatment, it these clinically ordered problems. enthusiastic and damaging sexual is possible to cope compulisive The primary purpose of contact conduct. sexual behaviour. We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 95 Shopaholics: Beware of Shopping Sprees In fact, at any time. By Santosh Pattanaik

hopping is a necessary activity, depression and other mood-related desire to acquire large amounts of Sand we all enjoy shopping. But problems). items which would affect their there are also people who Shopping in general is still a appearance – i.e. cosmetics, “shop till they drop”. They have a woman’s pursuit and a culturally jewellery, shoes, clothing, etc – deeper problem with the buying accepted norm, and shopaholics suggesting that compulsive buyers syndrome known as oniomania, a often, though not always, are are extremely conscious of their term first coined by Emil Kraepelin, women. Establishing a self-identity appearance. Compulsive buying a German psychiatrist in 1915 from is a social phenomenon, and since develops in the late teens, although the Greek verb ‘to buy’. Oniomanics possessions are viewed as an a decade passes before the victim have fantasies of grandiosity when extension of oneself, women seem realises the magnitude of the buying and compulsively shop to to consider possessions as symbolic problem. experience feelings of being rich of interpersonal integration and Shopaholics, when they are and respected. Some experts emotional attachment. Young feeling ‘out of sorts’, shop for a believe that the addiction is women tend to express themselves symptomatic of other problems through their clothing and such as bipolar or obsessive jewellery, and have an irresistible compulsive disorder, others believe it is a distinct illness. The American Psychological Association calls oniomania a form of self-medication against depression. The human mind craves the stimulation of new and different things, and shopping is an exhilarating experience for the shopaholics. What experts believe is that you are shopping not because you need something, but because the very act of shopping itself makes you feel better and relaxed, so you become compelled to do so. The adrenaline rush, the fantasy which surrounds the episode and everything which precedes the actual spending spree - all add to the sense of unreality which brings a false sense of freedom from life’s problems. It is a thought that the act of shopping releases a chemical in the brain known as serotonin, which is closely involved in the control of mood (low levels of serotonin have been linked to ‘pick-me-up’ and go out to buy to BUYING, WHICH experienced by the shopaholic. This get a ‘high’, a ‘rush’ – just like a drug pattern closely resembles the or alcohol addict. Women with such OCCURRED IN sequence of thoughts and compulsive disorder, often have RESPONSE TO THESE behaviours associated with racks of clothes and possessions obsessive compulsive disorder with the price tags still intact URGES, IS SEEN AS AN (OCD), wherein a behaviour or without being ever used! In some ATTEMPT TO compulsion is performed in order to cases, shopaholics have an NEUTRALISE THE neutralise the discomfort emotional ‘black out’ and do not associated with an intrusive even remember having bought ANXIETY AND thought or obsession. these articles. In such cases, it DISCOMFORT becomes a thing of secrecy, money EXPERIENCED BY THE gets borrowed, credit cards are TYPES OF COMPULSIVE maxed, bills go unpaid, shame and SHOPAHOLIC. BUYERS Elizabeth Hirschman(1922) guilt become constant companions, divided compulsive consumers into and fear of discovery haunts their two categories: ‘distressed’ and minds every now and then. ‘sociopathic’. Distressed compulsive Compulsive buying turns into a consumers ‘turn to an external behaviour that is ‘uncontrollable’ substance or behavior to (i) help and ‘significantly distressing, time- them escape their anxiety and (ii) to consuming and resulting in social help them feel more in control of and financial difficulties’. Studies themselves. Sociopathic compulsive have found that compulsive buyers consumers exhibit strong impulsive suffer from recurrent and intrusive drives that are irresistible and urges to buy, which are exhibit low levels of remorse and accompanied by mounting guilt over their reactions. Hirschman anxiety. Buying, which categorised compulsive buyers as occurred in response to distressed compulsive consumers these urges, is seen as an because of the degree to which attempt to neutralise the they express guilt and remorse over anxiety and discomfort their actions. One report shows that were not concerned with what they Compulsive shoppers experience had purchased; they were simply other disorders too, such as stimulated by the buying process alcoholism, pathologic gambling or itself! Many compulsive buyers impulsive sexual activity and, as with reported feelings of guilt, remorse all addictions, the resulting sense of and frustration over their lack of shame, remorse and guilt, control over their behaviour, and accompanied by feelings of the detrimental effects on their hopelessness and helplessness inter-personal relationships. leading to despair. Often the remedy for the despair is more addictive behaviour resulting in more self- THE BEHAVIOURAL destructive feelings. DISORDER Treatment of compulsive Oniomania typically occurs in shopping may be more complicated cycles. Depression, boredom, anger than treating a physical addiction, or emotional distress may set off an like drug or alcohol abuse, because impulse to shop. Shopping gives shopping is something that cannot oniomanics a sort of euphoria – a be avoided altogether. However, like ‘high’. They are very susceptible to other compulsive disorders, advertising and will buy things to scientists are working on a cure for make themselves feel more powerful oniomania. At Stanford University, and secure. There is usually a let- researchers are testing a drug to down afterwards, followed by guilt treat a shopaholic’s desire to spend, over the wasted money or debt. This and it could be just around the leads to depression, which can set corner. The most drastic method as much as 10 per cent of the off another episode of shopping advocated by psychiatrists involves consumer population engages in spree. A holiday is particularly limiting the shopaholic’s access to compulsive shopping and as a mark difficult for the compulsive shopper. money, together with counselling of protest against such over- With the advent of festivals and and family therapy. A lot, however, consumerism, ‘buy-nothing-day’ is birthdays, there is an increase in the depends on the shopaholics being observed in the western buying level of these people. themselves. countries immediately after the Thanksgiving Day. Some tips to protect yourself, if you feel you O’Guinn and Faber (1989 ) in may be at risk : their study of 386 self-identified Recognise your depression, talk compulsive buyers and 250 normal to your doctor who may buyers found that compulsive recommend some counselling to buyers were largely female, had help you get to the bottom of the similar income levels to the normal problem. Talk to family and friends group and were generally younger about your feelings and try to (eight years) than the non- identify and address the problems. compulsive buyers. Other results Shopping is not the only thing to showed that compulsive buyers raise your serotonin level. Exercise scored higher on the obsessive and certain foods including compulsive dimension, had lower carbohydrates and chocolates, self-esteem, tended to fantasise help it explains why some people more than the ‘normal’ buyers. eat to feel better. Several anti- recreational activity. If you feel Compulsive buyers experienced depressants also work in serotonin bored, get involved in some hobby. negative consequences as a result levels, and your doctor may Don’t window-shop. Check your of their spending, they had greater suggest you try taking a course of temptation for buying on number of credit cards, paid fewer one of them. instalments. Draw up a budget at in full each month, spent 42 per Don’t carry credit cards, unless the beginning of the month. If you cent of their monthly income on you have decided beforehand on a have any surplus, buy something paying off debts, while the general purchase which warrants one. useful. Go shopping with someone sample spent only 22 per cent. A Don’t carry your cheque book who understands your oniomanic surprising finding was that unless it is absolutely necessary. tendency, make a list of the possessiveness was not a motive for Don’t make shopping your essentials and stick to it. We their binge buying behaviour, they

98 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 child is kept under blue lights for days with the Child Challenges eyes and genitalia covered for protection. This will probably suffice in the case of your baby and he will be right as rain in a few days. & Exchange transfusion is required when the A bilirubin levels are so high that there is a Q possibility of the brain being affected. The baby’s blood is replaced by fresh blood to bring HIS IS THE FIRST WINTER OF MY SEVEN MONTHS OLD down the biluribin levels with immediate effect Tdaughter. I would like to keep her warm and so that brain damage is minimised. completely covered but my mother-in-law says that I ● should either cover her head or her feet and one should Y LITTLE DAUGHTER IS SUFFERING FROM IRRITATION IN THE not put a cap and booties on together. Is that right? Mvaginal area from a year and a half. We have No. you should keep her covered well and that includes already consulted skin specialists and urinary both head and feet. The head of the baby is large in experts too with no relief. Kindly help. proportion to her body and she can lose heat very easily if it First of all we have to look for the cause of irritation in is left uncovered, even for a short while. the vaginal area. She could be suffering from pinworms ● that can travel from the anal region to the vagina. De- I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY MILK TEETH A CHILD HAS AND worming helps in such cases and can be repeated after what is the order of their eruption? a while. A child has a set of 20 milk teeth (upper and lower jaw A gynecological consult will be useful. Local application combined) that comprise of two incisors or front teeth, a of estrogen (a female hormone) cream helps cases of canine on either side of the incisors and the first and intractable irritation of the vaginal area but have to be second molar at the back on either side on each jaw. given over prolonged periods and under medical Dentition begins at six months of age and is completed by supervision. 24 months. The first to appear are the lower central Other causes are fungal and/or trichomonal infections. incisors at six months of age while the upper central Treatment is easily available for the same. If she has incisors and the lower lateral incisors erupt at seven vaginal discharge it can be tested by the pathologist and months. The first molars appear between 12 to 14 months, treatment decided accordingly. Very occasionally, only if the canines between 16-18 months and the second molars no other cause is found can a psychological reason be between 20-24 months. attributed to the above symptoms. ● ● YWIFEHADANORMALDELIVERY. DUE TO PAUCITY OF BEDS HAVE A SEVEN MONTHS OLD SON. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT Min the hospital we were sent home the very next Ifood should I give him? I have started cereals, rice day and asked to bring the baby back for a check with vegetables etc. please advice what else should up after five days. To our horror we were told that he has I give him. developed jaundice and needs to be readmitted. What are The foods you have started are good enough. the repercussions of such a situation? I am very worried. Commercially available weaning foods like Cerelac and Physiological jaundice occurs in approximately 50% of Nestum can also be given though they work out to be more newborns. It is characterised by yellowish discoloration of expensive. You could mash bananas, potatoes etc and give the skin and the white of the eyes and appears on the him a small amount at a time or even give her half-boiled second or third day of birth, disappearing within 1 to 2 eggs and fruit juice. Semolina, rice kheer, custard, thin weeks. The yellowing begins in the upper par of the body khichdi can also be given. and spreads downwards. This is not an infective condition Do not bombard her taste buds with different kinds of but occurs because the baby in the womb has higher food at one go lest they get confused! You could introduce heamoglobin levels than a newborn as the former has to one type of food in a week so that she gets used to it and extract oxygen from the maternal blood while the latter then add another the next week. Make sure that you keep gets it directly from the air. her likes and dislikes in mind and don’t force feed her foods As there is no need for the extra red blood cells after that she throws out just because you think are good birth they are destroyed. Jaundice is caused by the for her. accumulation of bilirubin (a waste product produced by – Dr Amrinder Bajaj, MD. the breakdown of red blood cells) in the blood, skin, and other tissues as the immature liver of the newborn is unable to remove this substance effectively from Readers are invited to send their problems of child care and child rearing. WOMAN’S ERA will provide the answers, the body. solutions to problems usually encountered by mothers, young If the jaundice appears earlier or the bilirubin levels are and old. Address your letters (neatly written on white paper) to: high (as in your case), the baby may need phototherapy WOMAN’S ERA E-3, Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110 055. or even exchange transfusion. During phototherapy the

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 99 Rare Is Strong It feels like you donʼt care; oh, why donʼt you recognize Iʼm so Rare? By Sujatha Rao

was reminded of these words When? have a “rare” number of days Ifrom Selena Gomez’s song The first Rare Disease Day was across the 12 months of the year. “Rare” when I recently read celebrated on 29th February 2008 – about the thought behind starting a rare day that occurs only once in Where? the “World Rare Disease Day” to four years so that the day Though the campaign started as raise awareness amongst the symbolically stands for the rareness a European event with just 18 general public and decision-makers of the diseases being countries joining it in the year 2008, about the rare diseases that afflict commemorated. Since then it has it has progressively become a around 300 million people across taken place every year on the last worldwide phenomenon with over the world. day of February– a month known to 100 countries taking part in it in the year 2019 through conducting various events across the globe. In 2013, Spain took it further by declaring it as the National Year for Rare Diseases. In India patient organizations first got involved in the Rare Disease Day in the year 2010. Why? Due to the rarity and wide ranging diversity of the rare diseases, research needs to be carried out across the globe while ensuring that researchers, clinicians stay connected to benefit from the pooling of not only the resources but also the knowledge without any constraints of boundaries. Celebrating Rare Disease Day is a step towards creating such an inclusive society. It also creates an opportunity to advocate for them THE FIRST RARE industry representatives, as human rights priority at all levels DISEASE DAY WAS researchers, health professionals, across the globe. caretakers, and anyone who has a The long-term aim of the Rare CELEBRATED ON 29TH genuine interest in rare diseases. Disease Day campaign is to achieve FEBRUARY 2008 – A equitable access to diagnosis, RARE DAY THAT Key Figures treatment, health, and care for There are over 6,000 identified people affected by rare diseases. OCCURS ONLY ONCE IN rare diseases around the world, FOUR YEARS SO THAT though each of these diseases may What? THE DAY affect very few people. For Some of the key facts and figures SYMBOLICALLY STANDS instance, in Europe, a rare disease is associated with the rare diseases defined as a disease that affects less are: FOR THE RARENESS OF than 2000 people. But collectively THE DISEASES BEING these diseases wreak havoc on 3.5% Key Characteristics COMMEMORATED. - 5.9% of the world population. Rare diseases display a very 72% of the rare diseases are broad diversity of symptoms which SINCE THEN IT HAS genetic with 70% of them starting in not only vary from disease to TAKEN PLACE EVERY childhood. The rest 28% are mostly disease but also differ from person YEAR ON THE LAST DAY the result of infections, allergies, to person. This diversity makes it all environmental causes, etc. the more difficult for arriving at a OF FEBRUARY. proper diagnosis. Numbers in India Most of these diseases are As India is the second-most disabling and they also tend to be populous country in the world, progressively degenerating, thereby there are more than 70 million severely impacting the quality of life people affected by the rare diseases of the people afflicted by the said in the country, proving that the diseases. For the majority of these rarity of the disease doesn’t extend diseases, no effective cures are to the rarity in the number of leading to an extremely high level of patients suffering from it. trauma, both in the patients and Due to its very high population their caretakers. The campaign and a very low number of doctors around the Day targets primarily the per thousand people, diagnosis and general public while also seeking to affordability become even more raise awareness amongst the difficult in a developing country like policymakers, public authorities, India.

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 101 properly) over the last 35 years. I look back now at my life and I wonder if I was born without Sickle Cell, would I have had so much concern for certain things which I now have concern for, like access to healthcare, maternal mortality, rare diseases, and the rights of persons living with it, learning to appreciate the little things in life which would have been just too banal? I do not know, but I believe that having Sickle Cell may have made my body weak, but my mind, my intellect, and my view of life have been greatly powered up. As per Medlife, the top five rare “LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH And so yes, I have Sickle Cell diseases in India are Haemophilia, Disease and I do not give a hoot of Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, NO REGRETS, LEARN what anyone may think about me. Pompe’s disease, and Cystic FROM YOUR MISTAKES, Anne-Chantal, a mother of two Fibrosis. AND DON’T EVER WISH children from France has the rare Sickle Cell Disease (a group of Who? TO CHANGE A THING OR disorders that distort the red blood ● Hundreds of patient WISH TO HAVE DONE cells into a sickle shape) organizations are involved in ANYTHING I live with Agammaglobulinemia, conducting events at the grass- DIFFERENTLY. and no, it is not the name of my pet roots levels across the globe to but my disease. raise awareness about Rare every ounce of your soul, if you give I can say that I am the only man Diseases. that kind of love, someone, with a period, I have 10 good days, ● Eurordis is the global somewhere will want to give it back and the rest ... are with coordinator of the Rare Disease Day to you.” unpredictable symptoms that you campaign. ‘Organisation for Rare Vanamala from India has been do not know how it will affect you. Diseases in India’ and ‘India living with the rare disease mixed Despite this, to this day I am Organisation for Rare Diseases’ is connective tissue disease (a proud of everything I have the two national alliances combination of disorders – primarily achieved. I work for a great associated with it. Lupus, Scleroderma, and company with a position of ● The website Polymyositis) over the last 30 years. responsibility and wanting to “rarediseaseday.org” proclaims “He (the rare disease) is not a continue growing and developing “Rare is many. Rare is strong. Rare faceless attacker. The more personally. is proud.” humanity is hungry for wrong, the Don't give up, anything is more closely we shall find him. possible! Th e “Rare” Voices It's not the strongest or the Hicham from Spain lives with the It was an extremely humbling intellectuals who survive his attack, rare disease Agammaglobulinemia and uplifting experience to feel the instead (it is) personalities most (a group of inherited immune indomitable spirit behind these responsive to change.” deficiencies) extraordinarily “rare” human beings Rachit from India has the rare from their stories posted on the disease Isaac Syndrome (an Conclusion rarediseaseday.org website. immune-mediated peripheral “Awareness precedes change,” neuron disorder) said Robin Sharma. The following quotes are culled out “Without giving up hope—that The concerted efforts of the from a few inspiring ones: there’s somewhere better to be, global campaign around the ‘Rare “Live your life with no regrets, that there’s someone better to be— Disease Day’ seem to have definitely learn from your mistakes, and don’t we will never relax with where we succeeded in not only creating ever wish to change a thing or wish are or who we are.” awareness but also in bringing to have done anything differently. Nabila, from Ahmedabad, India about change for the better Everything that has happened has been battling the rare disease through the collective power of happens for a reason, it gets you to Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder these “rare” stories. where you are today. Love with where the blood does not clot We

102 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 My Daughter is My Son

The baby girl was born but the family wasn't so delighted. Her papa took her in arms: she was gentle, sweet-faced, dark-haired, and pink lips. Looking at her beauty, her papa fell in love. First, she learned to walk and then talk. Meanwhile, her papa got a peon's job in a school so they considered the girl lucky and they lived merrily. She grew up by playing: making paper dolls, hide and seek, jump roop, tag, blind men's bluff etc.. Her papa pampered her a lot.

An accident happened to her papa, when she completed her school In which, he lost his legs. The family were appalled. Luckily, the surgery of her papa was successful. After that, the life was walking sadly. Her papa was lying on a bed with sets of medicines, teary-eyed Mother sat with him. Slowly, financial problems started to occur. So she asked the school principal to give her the job at her papa's Place and the principal agreed.

She started working as a peon. Her juniors had often laughed at her but she never took it in mind. When the tired girl would returned in the evening, meal early, takes three-four hours rest and then went to attend the night college classes. Sometimes, she was exhausted to attend the class but somehow She would convinced herself by standing in front of the mirror. She endeavoured and never gave up.

Eventually, the dark days came to end. Her graduation completed and She gave an interview in a company Due to her working experience, she selected as a supervisor. When she gave the sweets to her papa, he put his hand on her shoulder with proud and said "My daughter is my son.” – Soniya Girap

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 103 Diamond Mining In India Facts about diamonds. By G. V. Joshi

29.5-carat diamond (one Acarat is 200 milligrams) was unearthed in a diamond mine in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh (MP) on September 13, 2019. According to local experts, the diamond is likely to fetch a price of Rs 1.5 to two crore in the market. Brajesh Upadhyay, a diamond miner, found this high-quality diamond during excavation at a mine, 15 km from Panna city. He deposited it with the local diamond office which sells them by auction once every year. The person who discovered the diamond gets proceeds of the auction, minus government royalty and taxes. In the words of Brajesh Upadhyay, “I have been working in DIAMOND MINING IN INDIA EXTENDS BACK INTO the mines for the last 25 years. ANTIQUITY. FROM ANCIENT TIMES, INDIA WAS Earlier I have found smaller diamonds, but this is for the first THE SOURCE OF NEARLY THE ENTIRE WORLD'S time I have got a diamond of this WELL-KNOWN AS WELL AS FAMOUS DIAMONDS size and weight.” Panna diamond mines are estimated to have LIKE KOH-I-NOOR, HOPE, ORLOV, GREAT reserves of about 12 lakh carats of MUGHUL AND THE LIKE. diamonds.

104 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 Earlier in June 2010, the National The town of Karwan, near the city Mineral Development Corporation of Golkonda, near Hyderabad, (NMDC) which carried out diamond became the world's largest mining at Panna had found a 34.4 diamond-cutting and diamond- carat diamond. This is the biggest trading centre. The diamonds diamond found at Panna diamond became known as Golconda mines. The diamond fetched the Diamonds. Diamond mining in the company handsome money. NMDC Panna region around 1675 AD was had earlier found a 32 carat initiated during the rule of diamond in the Panna mine, but it Chhatrasal, the Bundela ruler. had some defects. Even then, it was Diamond mining has continued in sold for Rs 95 lakh in the auction. Panna region since then. Diamond mining in India extends back into antiquity. From ancient times, India was the source of THE TRADITION OF nearly the entire world's well- DIAMOND RINGS known as well as famous diamonds Diamonds were discovered in like Koh-I-Noor, Hope, Orlov, Great South Africa by a child playing with Mughul and the like. brightly coloured stones by a river Until the discovery of diamonds in 1866. One of the stones was in Brazil in 1726, India was the only recognised to be a diamond and the country where diamonds were gem cut from it was appropriately mined. India has not been a major named "Eureka". This created a diamond-producing country since massive diamond rush and the start the 1700s, and diamond mining of M/S De Beers. Diamonds mined in continues on a very small scale even South Africa still continue to make today at Panna. In 2013, India mined up a large percentage of the world's 37,515 carats of diamonds. diamond jewellery. However, this is negligible Diamond rings are today compared to the world production considered to be a token of love, of 132.9 million carats. particularly when given to one by a As of today, there is only one suitor. The tradition of diamond diamond mine in India, the rings being used for engagements is Majhgawan mine, near the town of believed to have begun when Panna, Madhya Pradesh. Austria's Archduke Maximilian The mine is owned by the made a gift of a diamond ring upon National Mineral Development his engagement to Mary of Corporation (NMDC). The mine The well-known Rio Tinto Group Burgundy. began regular production in 1967, had discovered the Bunder diamond The wearing of a diamond ring and to date, has yielded slightly deposit in 2004 in Chhatarpur on the ring finger, or fourth finger more than a million carats of district near Buxwaha. The deposit of the left hand, is derived from the diamonds. was in an ecologically sensitive area ancient Egyptians. This is due to There are also numerous small - and involved cutting of very large their belief that the vein that scale mines. The Madhya Pradesh number of trees for further extends from this particular finger government leases 8×8 metre plots development. In February 2017, Rio to the heart is also the 'vein of love'. to individuals at Panna, who wash Tinto quit work on the project, and No article on diamonds can be the gravel for diamonds. All surrendered the discovery and all complete without mentioning the diamonds found are required to be on-site equipment to the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the history of handed over to the government Government of Madhya Pradesh. which is known to every Indian. diamond office in Panna, which Diamonds were reported from Many attempts to bring it back to markets the diamonds, and gives numerous places across India, but India from Britain have been made the sales proceeds to the finders, most of the diamond mining took but met no success. It is highly less taxes and 11.5 % royalty. In 2016, place in the drainages of the Pennar unlikely that Queen Elizabeth II will there were officially 952 small and Krishna rivers in Andhra part with it. Nevertheless most mines, which yielded only 835 carats Pradesh. This area was the source of Indian tourists who visit the UK see of diamonds. However, there are a many legendary gems, including the it in the Tower of London, where it large number of small illegal miners Koh-i-noor, Nizam, Hope, Regent, is displayed along with other crown whose output is not known. Great Mogul, and Orlov diamonds. jewels. We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 105 Short Story The Truth Behind Memories

They bring out realities. By Jasleen Kaur Sethi sit on the sofa facing sitting in front of me. His knowing smile one who sent his approval Ihim. The hands in my I had my doubts with snatched my breath away. for the wedding. lap are trembling as I him when he entered the He is sitting there enjoying I notice the change in his run my tongue over my dry room. I felt I had seen that himself, while I am expressions, from lips over and over again. My face somewhere, a long considering a way for him nervousness to disbelief eyes are focused on my red time ago. His face also to leave without creating a and then ultimately to and black sandals which are depicted the little signs of scene. And, as I feared, he anger and then shock. It trying to keep my feet recognition. When he dives into the ear of can be any moment now. stable. The effort is in vain, spread his lips into a broad Raghav, the man beside Any moment they would all anyone in hindsight can and crooked smile, I am him, who looks nervous. stand up; accuse me of see, I am shaking sure. Sure that devil has Anyone can confuse me being a girl with low moral frantically. The red suit I am been sent for this meeting. with having fits of standards and march out of wearing makes it too hard From past 15 minutes, I am nervousness right now. But the house. My family would for me to breathe normally. shivering like I had seen a I am terrified, terrified of stand against their My breathing pattern is ghost. He was a ghost, a what will happen next. How accusation but won't realise haphazard, either because ghost from the past. The will Raghav react? He is the that the fault lies with me. of the ill-fitting of the suit past I wished to erase; the one about whom I should I wish I could have or because of the person past I chose to forget. be worried about. He is the Hermione’s time turner to

I still remember that day very vividly. It was Saturday, I had an off and she took a voluntary off because “she was not feeling up to it.” I was just lying down casually in my room when she popped in. “Sana, do you mind if I host a party tonight at our place?” change the events of that a knock on my door. I was tell you, it is very difficult to were shooting me lusty horrid night. very reluctant but I opened stay upright in front of the glances and their fake It was the second month it nonetheless. There stood girls who have churned out nauseating laughter. of my job in Delhi. I had Vedika in a little silver dress your brain in the last half an Within one hour, I was moved from my hometown which barely covered her hour. They dolled me up ready to sneak back into to stay in a shared hips with her lips painted in and threw a ridiculous knee my room. Alas, that was accommodation in the a hot pink lipstick. The length dress on me. I surely not in my destiny. middle of the new city. My dress fitted her like the wasn’t going out wearing Vedika brought me flatmate, Vedika, was a second skin. She was the type of dress they were some lemon-green Delhiite but she wanted to stinking of booze and I wearing. coloured drink. move out of the home and consciously stepped back. They took me along to “I do not drink alcohol.” live on her own. Our “What?” the lobby where almost 30 “It is a soft drink.” personalities were poles “Why are you inside and people were jumping and I was not that stupid to apart. I was the reserved why are you not dressed shouting like crazy. Some buy that lie, but an teetotaler, and stayed up?” were making out on the argument with a drunken away from the danger type “I am not coming to the sofa, others drinking and Vedika was out of the whereas she was the party.” yet others grinding against question. I just nodded and outgoing, party animal and “Are you insane?” kept the drink at a side imprudent. We didn't “You wanted the party, After throwing out table. It was then that this interact much but we were so you have it. Don't make the contents of my guy sitting right now across not hostile to each other me a part of this.” whole wardrobe on me made his entrance. For either. “You should let my bed, they me, he was just another yourselves loose guy in the party; same still remember that day sometimes. I am not brought me a dress alcohol habits, sans kissing Ivery vividly. It was moving an inch from here from Vedika’s and erotic dancing. As the Saturday, I had an off and unless you get changed and cupboard. Let me party began to be more she took a voluntary off come outside.” tell you, it is very intense, my level of because “she was not “I am not going to difficult to stay uneasiness rose. feeling up to it.” I was just attend your party.” lying down casually in my “Why not?” upright in front of hen everyone was room when she popped in. “Because I am not the girls who have Wbusy in each other, “Sana, do you mind if I comfortable.” churned out your especially Vedika, I tried to host a party tonight at our “Listen, honey, this is brain in the last lock myself again in my place?” Delhi. If you want to live room. The room was locked For additional here, you have to have a half an hour. They from inside, I tried to kick information, I would like to social circle and a social dolled me up and the door and twist the say that her idea of the circle only forms when you threw a ridiculous knob, but to no avail. party included lots of move around in parties. knee length dress Suddenly, the voices from drinks, loud music, getting Especially, you don’t miss on me. inside the room were sweaty and climbing onto the one being held in your enough to draw me away other's people’s backs. I flat.” each other. I was an from it. I decided to opt for was frightened, to say the “I can survive without outsider and felt the same a place where no one could least; but, I was also one of parties.” way. She invited all the easily spot me. But no such those persons who found it “No, you cannot. Now eyes on me while place was there. Just a few difficult to refuse someone. come on, let’s get you introduction. That was way moments after I had settled Though I hesitated a lot, I dressed.” more attention than I had down, Vedika’s friends agreed. I thought I could She, along with two ever got. approached me again. This stay in my room other girls, pushed their Soon, everyone was by time holding multiple throughout the evening or way into my room and my side; asking me about drinks in their hand. I told maybe go for a stroll in the locked it up. my career, job, hometown them no, quite a few times, market. Oh, how wrong I “See, guys, I am really and all sorts of questions. I but they paid no heed to was! not going. So, you can quit would be lying if I say that I me. The evening brought trying.” didn’t enjoy some “One drink wouldn’t with it a swarm of people. I After throwing out the attention. However, at affect you.” was stuck in my room and contents of my whole these parties, attention is “There is nothing wrong had no plan of going out. wardrobe on my bed, they not synonymous with with having a taste.” When suddenly after an brought me a dress from positive aspects. I started “Come on, what are you hour into the party, I heard Vedika’s cupboard. Let me disliking how some people scared of?”

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 107 “You should try a career after the wedding. “He is my childhood best “So, you don’t exactly everything in this life.” So, one can easily friend. That is why he know what happened later Though I kept saying no, understand my fears tagged along today; he is that night?” somewhere in my mind I regarding this one. like my elder brother.” I shake my head in was actually thinking about Now that Raghav I nod again. disappointment. “Yes, I was having a sip. All I thought at knows, I am sure that the “So…,” he clears his so drunk that I can't recall that moment was, “I have further discussion is off throat, “he tells me about a anything much. You find it always wanted to know limits and he and his family party that happened long funny?” what it tastes like. Most of will stand up and leave any ago.” “Well, here is what my friends drink and even minute now. He leans I keep fidgeting with my Kashish told me. That night some ladies back home. against his mother and she dupatta while he settles on at the party, you were the Having it once won’t make nods. Well, here it goes. one of two chairs placed only one who looked timid me an alcoholic. No one “Raghav wants to talk to there. He remains silent for and helpless. However, all would even know. These her alone, only if you some moments. I believe of that changed when people right over here permit.” he is deliberating what to someone forced you to won’t even see me again. What? Oh, thank say next – i.e. how to refuse drink. Once you had too Also, who would goodness, I can handle this me as a prospect. many drinks, naturally, you remember?” alone. I am thankful that he “Is it…is it true?” let yourself loose and I exhale a deep sigh and rocked the dance floor,” he hat was the thought What does he nod again. Why should I chuckles. “These are the Tthat I wish to change mean? That, if reply in my croaky voice exact words of Kashish.” now. I want to go back, given an when my body is giving all This is embarrassing. pause that moment, and opportunity, would the answers? Why is he laughing? Do I change the direction of my “And… if something like look like a joke to him? hand which eventually I still choose that happens again, would “Next, a few guys tried reached for the drink. alcohol to numb my you react in the same to dance with you but you The next morning, senses? No. Would manner?” pushed them off. They memories of that night I allow any random What does he mean? approached you again and were hazy. I was only able guy to touch me That, if given an again until one guy started to recall a few moments opportunity, would I still misbehaving with you. And and they were so scary inappropriately? choose alcohol to numb my then…” enough I left that flat that No. No. No. What senses? No. Would I allow very morning. I wasn’t is he exactly any random guy to touch do not want to hear what going to stay anymore with asking? I raise my me inappropriately? No. Iis next, but somehow I Vedika. For almost a week, eyes to his face No. No. What is he exactly should know what I cried because of what has asking? I raise my eyes to happened that day. “And happened. I remembered and gather up the his face and gather up the then?” having too many drinks, courage to speak. courage to speak. “If I am to quote dancing like a lunatic; a “See, I really appreciate Kashish, ‘she punched him strange, muscular body is not dragging our families that you didn’t bring this up till he got a bloody nose glued with me, into this. Let's get this over in front of our families. I will and kicked his balls.’ And inappropriate touching; his with. It is what it is now. be honest with you. I…I do soon, the party mood was hands touching the curves “Arrey, why would we not remember what over and everyone, of my body and the most have a problem? Take happened that night. I can shocked with the sudden sinister memory: some Raghav to the terrace, Sana only recall some bits. So, turn of events, went foreign lips landing on my beta.” you would have to explain home.” bare neck. That memory We both stood up and I what you are actually “Except for that guy, of still gives me shivers. lead the way to the terrace. asking about. But, I assure course, he had to go to a Undoubtedly, if this guy The journey along the you that nothing like that doctor. He said something sitting in front of me was corridors, on the steps and night has ever happened about a girl crying…one of there, he knows what till the door is eerily quiet. again. his friends…” happened and he has told Then he finally breaks the I even left that flat after I am not listening to his Raghav. This was the silence. that party. I do not allow further rambling. “I did second guy I was seeing as “Do you remember alcohol to take over my what?” a prospect for marriage. Kashish, that guy from mind now. I do not even He stops mid-sentence. The first one and his family downstairs?” drink.” “You broke his nose and were too conservative to I just nod avoiding his He looks puzzled and made him limp.” even think about me having gaze. then he grins. “Did I?”

108 Woman’s Era ● April 2021 He stands up from the chair, comes closer and asks, “Sana, are you interested in knowing me better? Do you… do you want to meet again? Think about having a future together maybe?”

“I will be more than “Well, that is what I have come to know.” happy to marry a girl Seriously? Out of all the who knows how to terrifying scenarios I had take care of herself. His smile widens, “That “Are you not upset that I imagined, this is what Some guys should be is all I needed to know. It is allowed alcohol to take exactly happened? Did I a yes from me.” over my brain?” punch him? Kicked him? shown their true “What?” “No, I am not against Where did I get the guts to place, I am glad you “I will be more than occasional drinking. do that all? Was it really reacted that way.” happy to marry a girl who Moreover, you did tell me me? Why didn't Vedika tell knows how to take care of you do not drink now. I me? Damn, I ignored all her “Ahem! This is why I herself. Some guys should think I can take your word calls. I would have known if be shown their true place, I for that.” Is he… is he really I had picked her call. So, asked if any other guy misbehaves with you again, am glad you reacted that saying yes? nothing happened? way. Not many girls have He stands up from the “Is it really true?” will you once more show the same ferocity?” the guts to stand up against chair, comes closer and “I can call Kashish over such guys. I already liked asks, “Sana, are you here to confirm.” Well. “If the drunk me did that, a sober me would you when my mother told interested in knowing me “No, no. Not right now. me all about you and your better? My parents may get definitely do better.” Somehow, I can’t help family. However, now I Do you… do you want to suspicious.” I try to wrap have a new and a better meet again? Think about around my head about this feeling proud this moment. I punched and kicked a guy! reason to say yes to this having a future together idea of me doing all those potential relationship.” maybe?” things. I am usually not like Woohoo! Why didn’t I know this before? This is so nice. I stand staring at him A broad, but hesitant, that. However, alcohol is and grasping his words smile covers my face. known to bring a different Nothing at all happened. Wow! slowly. “Definitely.” side up front. We

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 109 managed the good menu, catering, carried by us so speedily. DJ for us. Everything was done within the Half the preparation was done fixed budget which we set earlier due to the help of my collegue but was even the more interesting fact half of the preparations in which for us. we have to arrange the Now finally 27th February, the photographer, inviting guests, day of our parent’s marriage arrangement of the programmes anniversary came. My cousin was (Jaimala, cake cutting) and the given the responsibility to make shopping were still remaining and mom and dad available at the it was just 15 days left for our venue after dressing them up she The Precious Smile parents’ marriage anniversary. carried out her responsibility and It was the month of January In first week we looked for a mom and dad reached at the and I suddenly realised that in th good photographer as it was the venue. next month it’s our parent’s main requirement for the grand At first they were not able to marriage anniversary and it was evening so that those moments believe but after few minutes they not like every years anniversary. It could be preserved and can be got to realise that it is their was the 25th marriage anniversary. cherished later. children who have planned Wohooo!! We all just wondered Finally somehow we managed surprise for them. Our parents it is actually the silver jubilee and to arrange a good photographer. were so happy and their happiness that our parents have crossed a Now it was the turn to invite the had made us feel like all our hard quarter of their life together. guests. I had made al list of work had now paid off. So, we all three siblings after invitees so as to make sure who The smile on our parent’s faces discussing with each other had needed to invite. was an unforgettable moment for decided to make their 25th Moreover, to invite the guests me whom I cannot forget in my marriage anniversary a grand and an invitation was required as we entire life. That was the moment special event. want to invite them in style. An which had been captured in my We decided to surprise them invitation was elegantly designed memory and can never be erased. with a lavish and grand by my sister and we quickly sent Well, the entire event was so celebration. As we have no such that to everyone from our amazing; everyone from relatives past experience of organising an relatives to family and friends and to family members and friends event, we had no idea what to do we had even personally called enjoyed it to the fullest. and how to do everything. them and explained that we need We were worried that how we to keep his confidential as we are – Swati Gupta, Faridabad can manage everything on our actually surprising our parents. own. I took the initiative and set a Although, it was really tough to budget in which we have to carry out everything in secretive organise everything, after that we manner as many times mom was decided to celebrate the suspicious but somehow we anniversary at some banquet or managed to do so. Has something the farmhouse. Now only five days were left happened in your life Meanwhile, in the lunch time I and we were quicly doing that has left an indelible was discussing about this matter everything step by step. Now it impression on your mind? Some with my colleague in the office. So was the time to select a beautiful experience that gladdens your the person who himself was the Jaimala so that we could make heart or which makes you shudder event organiser had so quickly them remember their wedding day with pain or embarrassment even agreed to cooperate with me in when they were tied in the marital after years! Why not share it with bliss and started their journey as this regard. the readers of Woman’s Era? All husband and wife. We started searching out for published incidents will be paid After selecting the Jaimala, the venue, my colleague gave me a Rs 200. Send your entries to: mom and dad’s favourite cake was number of venue options and INCIDENT finally we selected one by keeping booked for the cake cutting the location, parking and ceremony at the day of marriage everything else in mind. anniversary celebration. E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055. Till this time we were so Womansera.com Moreover, he also made it so Name: affordable for us because of his exhausted but our excitement level had never made us felt so. Mobile: good contacts with them. Along E-mail: with venue bookings, he also Rest shooping part was also

Woman’s Era ● April 2021 110

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Canada, he was catch in every sense traffic took me about an hour, and of the term, and everyone was who should I see sitting there jealous of me, including my cousin getting all pally with Nitesh? My Vatsala, who kept saying it was her cousin Vatsala, who left me at the dream to go to Canada. So how was florist to reach the airport in time to it that I was marring him and nor receive him. Clearly, Nitesh was she? I always took it as light-hearted enamoured by this feisty young ribbing and never spared a thought thing who knew no restrain. The to it. Till it was this fateful day when wedding day dawned, both Vastala Nitesh, my fiance, was scheduled to and I dressed in identical nine kilo arrive. I was no excited! Both me and lehangas. I could see that people my cousin got dressed up to go to had eyes only for her. But she had How my cousin wed the airport together-she was a good been my little sister always, and here sport as always and insisted on too I could see no design in her you husband coming along with me. On the way ways. Nitesh left after the wedding I have been taken for a royal ride we stopped to collect a bouquet of and to my irritation, I found him by none other than my own cousin. red roses for him. There was a long interacting pretty frequently with Someone I have spent my vacations line at the counter, and I stood there my pretty cousin. When I objected to with, one who was closer to me than for paying the bill while she it I was told not to be paranoid, as my real sister, one who grew up sauntered around. As I came out I ‘jeeja-sali me mazak’ is a given. But listening to my latest gossip and could not see either Vatsala or our when it crossed the limits of my endless sob stories. I was more car. My phone calls were not being tolerance, I gave Nitesh an painful because it was so answered by her. I was so paranoid. ultimatum. He said he was unexpected. It was her brother’s Delhi being such an unsafe place, my disappointed in me for being so wedding, and we had planned first thought was kidnapping or car- narrow-minded, as opposed to my matching lehengas and chania-cholis. jacking, so I called home, but could cousin who was like a breath of fresh The house was full of relatives. I was not connect. A sense or terror air. The ‘breath of fresh air’ won, and on the seventh heaven because my prevailed upon me. I took a cab and I felt cheated, jilted, duped. fiance was coming-an NRI from rushed home, which in peak evening – Seema Sinha

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Mail with payment to: Delhi Printing & Publishing Co. Pvt.Ltd., E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055 Call: 9810160122 ❘ e-mail: [email protected] For offers to Library, Student and institutions as bulk booking Call 9810160122 to create awareness among the posing a new challenge and concern readers on how to maintain peace & to the user as well to government. harmony of the mind ,thereby Careless disposal by dumping used improving general health- digestion, gadgets in the open environment or blood flow, functioning of the sense by burying in the earth without organs ,thinking capacity ,indirectly segregating and removing hazardous boosting ones' own self-esteem & substances is bound to contaminate self- confidence, channelizing the soil and water and also bound to path for a man’s' dreams come true. spread around which can be a – Preetha Rengaswamy potential source of causing e-pollution ‘MEDITATION’ consequently posing danger to both "E--WASTE MANAGEMENT IN humans and animals living around. In The article on INDIA” 'MEDITATION' fact, poor management of hazardous March issue, is a the Appropos the article substances is primarily due to lax hour. With the "E--Waste enforcement of solid waste Management in India E-WasteBY Aditi Maheshwari managenent rules. Further lack of fers, but has anyone Challenges of E-Waste. luring of ter effects of considered the af Management in India E-waste commonly assumed as excessive dependency on pandemic and digital rubbish is not because the digitalization and obsession with n today’s technology consumed equipment’s stopped performing upgradation of technology in daily world, e-waste is a concept that I and therefore are being discarded, activities. people need to be more aware the technological advancements are The rapid ascension of e-waste is of. E-waste is an umbrella term used leading people to change devices a global concern. Most electronics to describe discarded electronic simply because of upgradation in contain high quantity of lead, awareness among people is the devices whether its laptops, air- technology leading the precursors mercury, cadmium, barium and conditioners, refrigerators, mobiles, to be rendered outdated. For bromine, etc. which are toxic to the by Aditi Maheshwari people forced to televisions, computers, VCRs, example: the concept of “smart environment when buried; as stereos, copiers, fax machines or homes” is encouraging choices leaching process damages the soil, any other digital device or electronic where people are vowed to more the ground water and thus the equipment. We have many shows comfortable living by use of nearby fresh water bodies are discussing the pros and cons of the advanced technology which infected too. The result is Meditation latest gadgets being introduced, we provides many services just by the contamination of crops, livestock have a comparison of the old with click of a tab; like the security of the and wildlife of the surrounding area. reason for dumping them at no man's 5 myths to bust regarding peacefulBy Disha act Sharma of attaining new electronic devices; yet there is house is in-tacked, switching lights, organize the whole day, and scarcity of knowledge among the air-conditioners, etc. and such other in WE--Feb'21 on the higher-self esteem. provides a sense of stay indoors, there layman, when it comes to the our working from home hectic and accomplishment of goals per day. concept of e-waste. editation is a solution to strenuous days in the present Interestingly, a report suggested cope with all the daily scenario, it is quite difficult to that in the coming years, the world Mproblems. Be it a toxic follow the meditative procedure as witness a growing population of it requires a lot of time. meditation. It has been estimated land, open places, street corners and working environment or a constant But if one tries to take out some that 200–500 million people quarrel, mostly we are minutes to allow them to breathe in meditate worldwide. challenges faced in recommended to practice mind, they can change the brain In the past years, the practice seems to be a meditation. No matter what, the waves in another direction. This has suddenly gained importance yoga experts’ videos and tips and direction generally leads to the end and immense popularity. Taking tricks are all over the internet of the positivity making you filled into the health benefits’ indicating it as a great stress-buster with optimism and enthusiasm. consideration, it’s no surprise that a and anxiety resolution. When a day starts with large number of people use it. also disposing them along with The sudden outbreak of a deadly meditation, your mind pandemic Coronavirus has given us automatically makes a plan, disposal of E- more reason to make it a habit of ● March 2021 steep increase in meditation. Unfortunately, due to 90 Woman’s Era Waste, it is general waste in the dumpster mental instability ● January 2021 2 among individuals. Loss of job, 2 Woman’s Era important that all causing irreparable and harmful with no means to earn, prompted stakeholders affects to the environment. Even as many to commit suicide. Importance involve for its effective rag pickers survey the heap of mixed is given to physical exercising since implementation. However, when the waste at the dump yard to remove school days but not much attention market of electronic gadgets has been metal from e-waste without is paid to the fitness of the mind. rising and newer gadgets upgraded protective gears are exposed to all Meditation is a 'wonderful' exercise with latest technology flooding the sorts of risks in the absence of clear- to the mind & it’s equally important market at a faster pace, the disposal cut rules on segregation of e- waste to keep it healthy. of older gadgets containing is disturbing, it is unfortunate that no The Myths published in WE ,is sure hazardous substances has been facility is established for treatment and recycling of e-waste so far throwing a big challenge to “LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH BY DR. attention to children .The serving attitude of a wife slowly vanishes government to plan for its effective SANJAY TEOTIA” disposal. ove is an intense feeling of deep affection, in other Lwords, love is what one feels, and often suggestions are heard – R. Srinivasan Love should be seen not as a feeling but as an enacted emotion. To love is to feel and act lovingly. People A captivating who are in love generally feel a powerful sense of empathy toward their beloved, feeling the other person's pain as their own and being willing to sacrifice anything for the other person. Love means to be deeply committed and are heard to do them themselves. connected to someone or something. The basic meaning of article by Dr. Sanjay love is to feel more than liking someone. It is a bond that two people share. There are a few things you need to avoid when building a new relationship like being too demanding. According to psychology, if you find yourself abandoning usual activities or The writer also dealt with feeling unusually optimistic, you might be falling in love. Teotia. The writer Falling in love is one of the strangest and most wonderful things a human being can The prize is awarded to: Love has dealt with all matter of fact sex after a few is not A. Raghavendra Rao Enough pertinent points in years. Sex is the only conduit pipe Scarcity of love in married life. By Dr. Sanjay Teotia experience. And while it's different for everyone, there are some to keep up the love. A frigid wife common thoughts and feelings that can help people identify when it's the essay about love happening. You might be experiencing one of the obvious WOMAN'S ERA indicators like not being able to think about anyone or anything else does not deserve love and a and relationship. He invites readers’ briefly reveals that the wayward husband does not deserve love. This situation leads opinions and psychologists identified clear signs reactions on that one might be falling in love. I to loose talk by both the husband articles, short stories would say, many times, it is and wife on themselves. This and features published 'infatuation' but not love. At further gives rise to hate in Woman’s Era. The best young age, young get attracted to relationships. So, both wife and letter will be given a prize of each other. The love culminates husband should sit together sort `500. Address your letters by into marriage. When the out the failing relationship and E-mail to: [email protected] attraction dwindles naturally the explore avenues to bring back or by post to: love which bloomed ab initio takes love, affection and smoothness in AS YOU SAY a backseat subsequently. Too love. This is all the more important much of intimacy brings to sustain the healthy relationship E-3 Jhandewala Estate, contempt. Further, the sex after and to happily live throughout. New Delhi-110055. Womansera.com begetting children abates. The Thanks to the writer and reasons may be: timelessness, woman's era in this regard. Name: postnatal health issues and more – A. RAGHAVENDRA RAO, Mobile: Telangana E-mail:

114 Woman’s Era ● April 2021