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Budget 2018 The Good, the Bad and theMarch | 2018ChallengeDignity Dialogue FIRST WORD
pon reflection, it seems that finally, when we have retired from active life and are free U to spend our time the way we want to, what it all really boils down to are two important things: money and health. This point was driven home a few days back in Huned Contractor the course of a conversation with a businessman who, after almost five decades of hard work, has handed over the reins of his burgeoning empire to his two sons. Now, he wishes to spend time in spiritual pursuits and looking after his health. “Due to my hectic work schedule and the almost 10-15 days of travel each month, I never had the time to look after my diet or do something about my obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Last year, I came very close to getting a heart attack and my cholesterol levels were found to be too high. Now, the first thing I have done is to start on a strict diet along with yoga and walking,” he told me. It’s a kind of refrain I hear from many of the senior citizens I meet. When family commitments have been taken care of and there is a sense of achievement about having done well in professional life, the agenda shifts to what’s the body up to and how much money is there in the bank and locked up in investments to see if it is enough to help you tide over the remaining years. As such, you will notice a gradual shift in the editorial content of Dignity Dialogue. We now have independent sections on various themes and within this structure, health and money matters are being given more importance along with various ways to make your life more interesting and exciting. Travel, of course, seems to be a big favourite among those who have retired and are still active enough to pack their suitcases whenever the urge to take off becomes too hard to resist. In most cases, children settled in the US, UK or other countries is enough excuse to travel. In some cases, as is evident from the articles that are sent to us, people are taking advantage of the group packages offered by travel agencies to visit places they hitherto had no time or money for. In fact, I was quite surprised when I recently bumped into two gentlemen in their mid-sixties at Kamshet near Pune who were trying to find out from a local how they could indulge in paragliding. Kamshet, incidentally, is famous for its paragliding spot. In short, now is the time to get your new priorities in order! .
March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 LETTERS
Dignity Foundation: A an explanation of any without having a clue March 2018 VOL 23 ISSUE 03 confusing terms on your what else the patient is Perfect Role Model prescription. There’s taking. It turns out that n the Dignity upon the DF members really no such thing as a only one or two of the IFoundation’s Annual to participate in helpline safe drug. The best drugs assortments of drugs Report 2017, what got and companionship are simply those whose are really needed and my attention was Dr. projects, which are an benefits far outweigh once the unnecessary Sheilu Sreenivasan’s integral part of DF’s message, which struck activities. A visit to the me as most essential Dignity Lifestyle Homes in comprehending the near Neral is enough ideal motto of DF. I for a visitor to realise quote: “I would want to the urgent requirement imagine that the focus for help to be extended on the mission and not to single, lonely and the money should be the helpless aged, more so guiding force, because in the disabled or the semi- the social sector, money invalids with various is a means to an end, not ailments. DLH is an ideal an end in itself.” It is very model of a township for difficult to drive home elders, a paradise in the their hazards. Aspirin, medicines are eliminated this point to the present wilderness. for example, is an the patient starts feeling excellent painkiller and much better. generation, especially Kusum Gokarn for whom commercial prevents heart attacks, A good doctor is one who E-mail: gain and profit is an end but can sometimes cause knows about all drugs, gokarnkusum@gmail. in itself in any career serious gastrointestinal but who prescribes as com or profession they bleeding or, in rare few drugs as possible pursue. Gone are the Pill Precautions cases, leads to Reye’s — someone who days of’ simple living he right medicine syndrome in children. believes in therapeutic and high thinking that Tfor the right patient Older people are minimalism. In contrast our ancestors taught us in the right dose by especially prone to the to today’s enthusiasm as the ideal goal to be the right route at the problem of unnecessary for drugs, it is wiser for achieved in life. right time: this golden drugging. Often, once a you to be a therapeutic It is also encouraging rule sums up the ideal doctor starts a patient to see that all DF Chai prescription. Your first on a medicine, the Masti centres are taking step should be to clearly latter continues taking such an enthusiastic understand what the it, whether or not he interest in promoting doctor has written! Don’t needs it anymore. And various social and leave with questions each specialist adds his entertainment activities. unanswered: ask your prescription to the drug I would like to stress doctor or chemist for overload, invariably
March | 2018 04 March | 2018Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 05 LETTERS
nihilist as well, in order striving to achieve here. medical care. Each medical and surgical was held on Sunday, to Chhatrapati Shivaji to let the body heal itself I have been associated family has to spend specialties should be January 21, 2018. It is Railway Terminus whenever possible. It with the DF through more for their medical better utilised and the richest race in India (CSRT) through Azad is important that you its Kolkata Chapter for expenses from their the general public can with a prize pool of Maidan. The run continue to keep track nearly two decades and hard-earned savings. consult them after duty USD 4,05,000 for the started at 7.25 am. of your medicines even enjoying my time as an In order to cater to the hours by payment of winners. And a matter We were greeted and while you are in hospital. octogenarian. It may be growing population, prescribed fees. There of pride was that the cheered profusely by Don’t automatically a good idea to sell this the government should is no doubt that this Versova Chai Masti the crowd standing on assume that the nurse idea more forcefully so start more peripheral goal of ‘Health for All’ members participated the footpaths. There will give you the right that elders do not suffer care centres in the urban can be achieved through enthusiastically and were stages were medicine at the right on this count. Let this areas. The tertiary proper planning and experienced the joy erected on the roads by time; after all, they are be our pledge in year medical care provided implementation. of walking. About NGOs and companies human too. 2018!. by city medical college R Bhaskar 44,000 people from all promoting fun, music Adi F. Merchant Dipak Ranjan Nag hospitals should be walks of life, including and dance. It was like upgraded to provide E-mail: None Bollywood celebrities, a mini-cultural India E-mail: None E-mail: dipak.nag@ facilities for advanced Mumbai sports personalities, and a heritage walk gmail.com Dealing with medical and surgical Marathon: A business tycoons and with nostalgia. The care. amateur athletes, route was CSRT, Flora Loneliness Health must be a Fun Event This will obviate the joined the run. World- Fountain, Churchgate, recently read an National Priority he Mumbai need for the public class arrangements and Marine Drive, Princess article in the Times very citizen has a Marathon is an I to approach private T facilities were made on Street Bridge, Girgaon of India and thought of right to protected international sports E medical hospitals for the entire route. and Metro Cinema. The sharing the same with water supply sanitation medical emergencies, spirit of Mumbai your readers. It says and also healthcare. trauma care and was on full display. that to mitigate the The government has advanced surgical By 9.15 am we loneliness of nearly one to allocate more for procedures. In order were back at the crore population out of universal healthcare in to provide excellent finish line where 6.5 crore inhabitants its annual budget. The medical care, the refreshments in the UK, the required funds can be healthcare personnel awaited us. government is going to derived from levying should update their Thanks to good create a ministry with cess as in education. At knowledge and surgical weather, we were a portfolio to deal with present, the public has skills. The government not at all tired loneliness. This once to approach a private should regularly send and it certainly more proves the value medical practitioner them for training to turned out to be of togetherness that for common ailments prestigious institutions. an experience to Dignity Foundation is and emergency Consultants in various cherish. The meeting place for Raghavendra event held every year. It the Senior Citizens Run Prabhu is the largest marathon According to a notification issued by the Income Tax Department, as per Section 35AC of the was at Home Guard in Asia. This year the E-mail: ragoprabhu@ Finance Act, 2016, no deduction shall be allowed in respect of any assessment year commencing ground near Metro on or after April 1, 2018. As such, 100% tax exemption that was available for all donations to Tata Mumbai Marathon hotmail.com dementia care has now been withdrawn. Cinema. We were taken
06 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 07 68 Pages Subscription: `.1100 p.a. COVER STORY 10
THE MAGAZINE FOR PRODUCTIVE AGEING March 2018 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
46. DON’T PITY THE 59. DESERT HERMIT SHARES Budget 2018 The Good, the Bad and BUDGET 2018 OLD AND THE HIS SECRET TO HAPPINESS theMarch | 2018ChallengeDignity Dialogue THE GOOD, THE BAD AND DISABLED THE CHALLENGE 48. A METAPHOR FOR What does this year’s Union Budget hold out for LIFE senior citizens? Meenakshi Doraiswami studies 50. TWILIGHT MUSINGS the bold and the fine print to come up with an 52. DISCARD THOSE analysis. The conclusion is that the budget has been MEMORIES a step in the right direction 53. TAKE TIME TO LAUGH
62. NEWS UPDATE 64. RECOMMENDATIONS 65. DO YOU KNOW? 18. WHAT’S YOUR 66. LAST WORD PERSONALITY QUOTIENT?
21. MANAGE YOUR ANGER 28. THE TOY MAKER 36. THE DREAMING 56. DYING TO SELF 24. ALCOHOL: A 30. A LEGEND SANDS OF DEATH DANGEROUS WHO SHAPED VALLEY REGULARS ADDICTION INDIA’S SPACE 42. AMAZING Letters 4; PROGRAMME AMERICA! 26. DO YOU HAVE 33. “DANCE IS A VISUAL A DANDRUFF AND POETIC PROBLEM? EXPERIENCE”
March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 08 09 COVER STORY
be claimed citing Traces 26 AS from Budget 2018 the Income Tax website. However, in such a case, a hard copy of Form 13 The Good, the Bad and the Challenge to the TDS Department requesting lower TDS can be submitted. Since it is a time-consuming process, online submission like e-filing of Income Tax Returns will be welcome. The advantage is that one need not invest Education comes into the limelight again additional amount to claim this 80DDB A raised from the previous cap deduction as senior citizens derive of Rs 60,000 for those above 60 and most of their income from bank Rs 80,000 for very senior citizens over interests. 80 years of age. Dependents include Rs 50,000 deduction of medical spouse, children, siblings and/or insurance premium from the total parents but only residents can claim income u/s 80D: An increase from this deduction. You need a medical Bureaucracy should not nip the Union Budget Interest on bank deposits amended Rs 30,000 last year. In case of certificate from a public or a private single premium health insurance hospital or specialists. Again, tax What does this year’s Union Budget hold out for senior policy covering more than one year, benefit is for one bearing the expenses. citizens? Meenakshi Doraiswami studies the bold and deduction will be on a proportionate Rs 40,000 standard deduction for the fine print to come up with an analysis. The conclusion basis for the number of years the cover pensioners: The FM cited statistics to is that the budget has been a step in the right direction is provided. Insurance will cover both show how the honest salary earners, senior citizen and spouse. Tax benefit including pensioners, pay more tax inance Minister Arun Jaitley has Specific Measures for Tax Paying is to be claimed by the payer, either the than independent businesses and gladdened our hearts. When we Senior Citizens beneficiary or children. A higher cover professionals and brought back the old Fthought our cry had not reached Rs 50,000 deduction from bank can be negotiated now with the insurer scheme of standard deduction removed anyone and our despondency was being deposit interest income u/s 80TTB because of enhanced premium. more than 10 years ago. Previously, the overlooked in these times of falling Budget 2012 introduced tax-free Rs 1 lakh deduction of actual medical medical perquisite, from ex-employer, bank and small savings’ interests and treatment for up to Rs 10,000 on if any, was added to the income and up medical bills going up and up, you expenses for treatment in respect of savings bank (SB) interests u/s 80 certain specific chronic illnesses u/s to Rs 15, 000 was deductible from the proved otherwise and listened to us. TTA. This section has been amended domiciliary medical expenses u/s 17(2) “To care of those who cared for us for senior citizens and interests of up (5). Now, all pensioners, irrespective is one of the highest honours” was to Rs 50,000 on not only SB but also of whether their medical expenses are your opening remark, following it up fixed and recurring deposits in banks, borne by the ex-employer or not, get with some concrete measures for us, post offices and cooperative societies this benefit of deduction from their total directly and indirectly. Sir, we feel will now be tax-free. There will be no income, eliminating the need to keep relieved and almost vindicated that our tax deducted at source (TDS) up to Rs a record of medical expenses. Medical various suggestions and complaints to 50,000. If the bank interests cross the reimbursement for hospitalisation, etc. the PM, the Finance Ministry and you new limit, TDS will attract on the whole continues. This measure will bring have finally found favour in this year’s interest income as before and if it is relief in view of the fixed source of Union Budget. Treatment and expenses will be monitored higher than tax payable, refund can for malpractices income and health issues.
10 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 11 A Comparable Look at Taxable Income and Total Income Tax the 8% RBI bonds from January 10 demand and a welcome step. this year. Maturity period is seven (Including Cess between FY17-18 and FY18-19) Some of the other measures include years; interest can be half-yearly or 10% LTCG also on redemption of Total Less Less Less Total Less Less Less Total Total cumulative; TDS now introduced; can Income TTA* 80D~ 17(2)(5)^ Tax 80TTB* 80D~ Standard Tax Tax ELSS in contrast to PPF withdrawals (Note FY17-18 FY17-18 FY17-18 Age 60- FY18-19 FY18-19 Deduction^ Above Above invest any amount, anytime, singly as of now; 15% tax on short-term gains Below) 80; FY18-19 60 80 or jointly; nomination possible; not (In More Cess @ Cess @ with no indexation also stays; deemed Lakhs) than 80 4% 4% transferable and not listed; only on dividends which were taxed at the FY17-18 FY18- FY18- demat form; cannot be as collateral receiver’s end will also now be subject 19 19 for loans; pre-mature exit possible for 05 4,90,000 4,60,000 4,45,000 7,468; 0 4,50,000 4,00,000 3,60,000 3,120 0 to Dividend Distribution Tax in the 06 5,90,000 5,60,000 5,45,000 19,570; 5,50,000 5,00,000 4,60,000 8,320 0 senior citizens but at a cost of interest hands of the company at 30%. This 9,270 loss; lock- in period for age 60 to 70 07l 6,90,000 6,60,000 6,45,000 35,020; 6,50,000 6,00,000 5,60,000 22,880 12,480 prevents camouflaging dividends 29,870 years is now six years instead of seven; as loans and advances. Further, tax 11 10,90,000 10,60,000 10,45,000 1,27,205; 10,50,000 10,00,000 9,60,000 1,06,080 95,680 for 70 to 80 is five and anyone over 80 relief for realty sales where sale price 1,16,905 it is four. This is an additional safe 12 11,90,000 11,60,000 11,45,000 1,58,105; 11,50,000 11,00,000 10,60,000 1,33,120 1,22,720 is just 5% lower than the circle price 1,47,805 avenue of investment for us. fixed by the government. Tax will be Notes: had pointed out. “Welcome step as 4% education and health cess replaces on the actual price in such an instance. • Total income in the first column a social security measure in days of 3% education cess on Income Tax and The new problem arises due to falling denotes income after deductions decreasing interest rates but limiting surcharge. This 1% increase will mean prices after a cash transaction has u/s 80C, 80G, 80GG, etc. and it to one year of launch is a cruel a cess of Rs 40 instead of Rs 30 on tax been penalised. joke. All do not have ready cash and excludes the changes in this budget. of Rs 1,000. The greater the tax, the Long-term Capital Gains Tax benefit what of those who complete 60 years larger will be the difference. Long- u/s 54EC will now be available on sale • Calculates deductions as applicable in times to come?” But the difficulty term Capital Gains Tax reintroduced of immovable property of only land and to each year, presuming an assessee about the Annual Life Certificate for listed equity shares and equity- building after three years of holding is able to use all the replaced remains. Unlike the time-consuming oriented mutual funds at10% if held while assets like plants, machinery, deductions. So, a pensioner having hard copy, acknowledgement of for more than one year. Gains up to bonds or unlisted shares no longer bank deposits, who pays for her/his online copy is almost absent. If the Rs 1 lakh a year exempted. There is enjoy this benefit. The period of own medical insurance, will enjoy Income Tax Department can accept no indexation benefit. It brings parity holding in specified assets within six the maximum tax reduction. and acknowledge Income Tax Returns with other incomes barring large months of sale is increased from three why cannot all pension schemes, • Deduction u/s 80DDB is not dealt farm income. The grandfathering to five years. 25% Corporate Tax for including the above from LIC, follow here and so those eligible for it can clause exempts existing investors individual businesses with turnover it? There is 40% exemption for non- add this deduction also. from paying tax for gains made before below Rs 250 crore has strong potential Prathan Mantri Vaya salaried NPS subscribers, on closure January 31. Security Transaction Tax Vandana Yojana: A Welcome or opting out of the account, just like (STT) stays and is considered negative, Improvement the salaried. impacting capital raising. This tax-free Other Common Measures treatment was found to be used more The scheme will remain open for by the corporates parking business subscription till March 2020 and the Impacting Senior Citizen Tax Payers surpluses in this avenue instead of maximum amount has been increased starting manufacturing industries to Rs 15 lakhs @ 8% interest for 10 7.75% Government of India (GOI) and the high net worth individuals. years. The scheme announced last savings (taxable) bonds available The small investor is spared and pays year had shortcomings which we with specific bank branches replaces no tax at all. This was a long pending Gold monetization has been reworked
12 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 13 extended across the country to not cover announced in the 2016 budget. and acted upon. only facilitate speedy assessment This will replace the 2008 Rashtriya • Solar power in farms with government including clearing refunds but also Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) help where the excess power will to ensure greater transparency by with annual coverage of Rs 30,000. be bought by the government to eliminating personal contact with Premium is expected to be between increase farm income. the assessing officers. Rs 1,000-2,000 per year and could be Nods and Shakes • Escalators for busy railway stations shared by the centre and the state at to facilitate easier access, especially 60:40 and paid to willing insurance In conclusion, while we, the senior to senior citizens. companies who will directly credit, citizens, are thankful that our efforts at fixed rates, select empanelled have borne fruit to an extent, we Escalators will come up for senior citizens • Comprehensive beneficial scheme at major railway stations group of public and private clinics or will continue with our requests for old widows. for job creation. Last year’s cap was Rs hospitals that are ready to use their and suggestions for concessions at 50 crore. This covers about 99% of the • Automatic regulation of the salaries excess capacity to help the poor. different times. To quote: companies and the rest of them, about and allowances of members of Some of the salient aspects are: • Will the finance minister seriously parliament (MPs) every five years, 7,000, continue to pay 30% tax. But • Treatment and expenses will be consider abolishing TDS, making with exemptions, most get to pay only indexed to inflation. This eliminates bank deposits tax-free like share the anomaly of the parliament monitored for malpractices. As about 22%! The FM clarified that he many as 24 medical colleges and dividends and removing Income has not been able to keep his promise of discussing every once in a while the Tax on medical insurance premium quantum of their own emoluments! hospitals, each covering at least lowering Corporate Tax for all to 25% three parliamentary constituents, and reimbursed medical expenses as he is waiting for the termination of • Custom duties are up on products will be set up to overcome the in the future in line with CGHS for a sunset clause for exemptions given that are already being made in shortage of doctors. Details of the government retirees? – Somewhat to the industries when they were set India, making imported mobile scheme will be worked out in 3-6 accepted. up. phones, TV components, furniture, months and launched in select • While moving towards the Direct Meanwhile: etc. costlier. This is to promote the states initially by October. This will Tax Code, Pranab Mukherjee ‘Make in India’ project. • Crypto currency is not considered be a major benefit to senior citizens could have paid heed to the legal currency and measures will Impact of Health, Farm, Rural in poor families. Parliamentary Finance Committee be taken to eliminate its use. and Social Sector Reforms • Free nutritional support at Rs 500 a recommendations on DTC and Therefore, users beware! The National Health Care System month for all tuberculosis patients. given relief to senior citizens by (NHCS), called the Ayushman Health raising basic exemption, removing • Gold monetization will be reworked • Increase in Minimum Procurement unnecessary TDS including that on to make it more hassle-free. Programme (dubbed NaMo Care by Price (MSP) to promote higher the media), is for providing medical income for farmers. It covers nor • Compulsory PAN for firms with care to the poor and vulnerable transaction of over Rs 2.5 lakhs just cereals but all summer (kharif) 10 crore families (about 50 crore and winter (rabi) crops. The price to also cover directors, partners, beneficiaries) at 40% of the entire principal officers, office-bearers will be at 150% of the total input/ population. This ambitious world’s production cost of both materials and persons competent to act on largest government-funded health behalf of such firms individually. and non-family labour. This too insurance scheme aims to cover will be through direct credit to the This widens and deepens the tax expensive secondary and tertiary base. farmers’ bank accounts. Finally, hospitalisation up to Rs 5 lakhs per the M S Swaminathan Committee • family in an upgrade of Rs 1 lakh Electronic mode assessment to be recommendation has been accepted Crypto currency is not legal any more
14 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 15 • bank deposits, raising exemption of tax on medical expenses to Rs 50,000 from Rs 15,000 and making health insurance premium fully free from tax. He could have easily made up any possible shortfall by taxing share dividends, long-term capital gains on sale of shares and raising tax on income above Rs 50 lakhs. – Accepted to an extent. • Our concern continues to be the different tax-free treatment meted out to stock market investors in the way of dividends and capital gains. The world over, especially The budget is in favour of the farmers developing countries in our both our cash flow and morale. We immediate neighbourhoods, the can ill-afford to advance money to governments tax them up to 25%. the government especially when Why this fascination for this class high income individuals in the for the FM who stopped taxing agricultural sector are treated as them in the first place? If this holy cows and not taxed at all! – were brought in, all taxes could Not accepted as yet. be rationalized further and more sustainable plan expenditure can Conclusion be entertained. All current account The devil here lies not in the fine print and fiscal deficits could be brought but in implementation and execution! down to manageable levels. – A It’s like saying that god imposes but the welcome start has been made. priest disposes. The intent in the Union • To make our life easier, we had also Budget is fine but even a single slacker asked the government to accept in our infamous red-taped bureaucratic Justice Eswaran Committee’s system can put a speed-breaker and strong recommendation of delay or block it by just pushing the reducing TDS to 5% as it hurts files from one table to another. One hopes that with the General Elections looming, the time taken by the various ministries to iron out the details and start implementing the measures will be as minimum as possible so that the social security measures can start benefiting the targeted Imported furniture to cost more people. .
16 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 17 onents of all the three the predominant should try to get into a main personalities. emotion of such people profession that is well- What’s Your However, in most is anxiety – they can structured and the people one personality be quite nervous and environment is stress- Personality Quotient? tends to dominate. We fearful. Their memory free and friendly. can learn about our tends to be poor but Pitta Type Knowing our natural own unique personality they are highly creative blend by reflecting on and ideas come to them People with fire- personality is the predominant personality door to keeping a variety of physical easily. They are likely and psychological to become good artists, tend to be well-built ourselves healthy and characteristics. In the musicians, painters, with a ruddy and oily balanced. Suresh next paragraphs we writers and poets. skin. Their body remains Chandra takes note warm, and their gait is will describe the main Effects of Unbalanced of how Ayurveda characteristics of each steady but impatient. Vata: When Vata They tend to sleep well, helps us in doing so personality. By studying becomes unbalanced these characteristics we and have intense dreams. the person becomes They have strong appetite can identify those that restless, feels cold reflect our own mind and and good digestion. They and exhausted. He are generally able to body. As we learn more experiences a loss of and more about our maintain a steady weight, appetite with bowl have good endurance and inherent personality, disturbances. He may vadhyaya’ is a plation, meditation, In Ayurveda, knowing we can make changes to usually enjoy physical develop low blood activity. Such people Sanskrit word reflection of oneself, or our natural personality our lifestyle in order to pressure, insomnia, and is commonly simply to study one’s is svadhyaya. To know balance the personality tend to be energetic ‘S headaches, experience and passionate about translated as the study own self. one’s nature requires elements that may be anxiety, panic attacks, what they do. They are of scriptures and Svadhyaya in observation as well causing ill health – and chaotic thinking. ‘darshanas’. The word is as knowledge of the mental as well physical. good at making quick Ayurveda Remedial Measures: decisions and are action- also used for self-study or body’s physical features, Vata Type ‘spiritual self-education’. Ayurveda literally emotional responses, To maintain balance oriented people. They are Svadhyaya is a compound means knowledge of feelings and patterns of The predominant such people should try persistent and can even be word composed of sva life. It suggests that thought. This knowledge personality tends to be to ensure that they get stubborn. Their memory + adhyaya. Sva means there are three basic can be refined and thin with dry, cold skin. long hours of sleep every is very sharp. They form one’s own and adhyaya natural personalities expanded through deep They are often restless night. Their preferred relationships very quickly means a lesson or of human beings with self-observation. In sleepers, and have many tastes are sweet, salty but for a long-lasting chapter. Some scholars numerous combinations other words, to know dreams. They may have and sour. Food should relationship they need a also translate it as sva + and permutations. our natural self means an irregular appetite and be accompanied with cough type personality. dhyaya. Dhyaya means These personalities are opening the book of our poor digestion. Their plenty of warm liquid. Pitta type persons are to meditate, contemplate the expression of one’s life and studying it. weight may fluctuate They should undertake often activists, political or think of. The term natural self. These basic rapidly. They can moderate and calming and business leaders, and natural personalities There is no pure move rapidly but their exercises like yoga and are pioneers. svadhyaya, therefore, personality – each also connotes contem- are Vata (wind), Pitta endurance of exercise walking. Meditation Effects of Unbalanced (fire) and Kapha (earth). individual has comp- is very poor. Mentally, is best for them. They
18 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 19 Pitta: When Pitta Kapha Type managers. becomes unbalanced the People in whom the earth Unbalanced Kapha: When Manage person becomes restless, element is dominant have the Kapha personality Compiling develops rashes, and heart a stocky build, a graceful in a person becomes information burn. He or she develops slow walk, lustrous skin, unbalanced, he or she Your from various high blood pressure and hair and eyes and a cool becomes overweight and insomnia and becomes internet body temperature, They retains water in the body. Anger sources, V N irritable, revengeful and tend to sleep well, with The person may become Gopalakrishnan destructive. The person few dreams. They have an lethargic, feel cold and may develop excessive acute sense of smell and sleep excessively, while writes about why anger which may lead to taste and are fond of food. also feeling withdrawn anger can be very depression. They easily gain weight and depressed. damaging and the Remedial Measures: To but may have difficulty Remedial Action: People steps you should maintain the balance of losing it. They tend to with unbalanced Kapha take to keep it Pitta, good sleep every undertake slow exercises personality should take in check night is necessary. Their but have good endurance. care not to over-sleep, preferred tastes are bitter, These people may take which can create a feeling astringent and sweet. some time to remember of sluggishness. They These have pacifying and but they retain memories should make it a habit to cooling qualities which for a long time. They rise early in the morning. are helpful in balancing tend to be calm, caring These people must watch their personality. Cold and nurturing. They tend their diet closely because nger is a one’s emotions. Anger the adrenaline rush of water and cooling foods to ponder things deeply of their tendency to gain completely nor- has power but there are an emotional explosion, are also helpful. These and make thoughtful weight. Dry, warm food Amal, usually healthy and unhealthy not to mention the fact people should choose decisions. They can in small quantities is best healthy, human emotion ways to deal with that that the onslaught can forms of exercise that be slow in making up for them. People with this but when it gets out power. Some people are mean they get their way are moderate and their minds on an issue. personality have great of control and turns prone to anger more at least in the short term. calming. Yoga will help Because of the stable and endurance and should destructive, it can lead often than others, but It is virtually impossible to calm them. Meditation accommodating nature, exercise as much as they to problems at work, in anger is a feeling that to feel compassion and practices are well-suited these people tend to enjoy can. Even yoga should personal relationships, many of us could use a anger simultaneously. to such a personality. long-lasting relationships. be in active form such as and in the overall bit of help in handling. So, in the heat of the They should avoid They can partner with Surya Namaskar. They quality of life. Keeping Prof. Andrea Bonior, moment, you are more confrontation with others any other personality should choose new goals one’s temper in check clinical psychologist and likely to say and do since it aggravates their type. Kapha persons to stimulate their minds can be challenging. If author of ‘The Friendship exceedingly harsh things fiery nature. These people tend to pursue careers in and reach their highest one is experiencing Fix’ has analysed that you later regret. have natural leadership the health or education potential. Persons with overwhelming anger, it the cause of anger “Research has shown qualities and hence they sectors where their calm Kapha personality can could be damaging one’s and has given useful that the neurological should set challenging and caring nature is a great thrive in any environment mental and physical suggestions. According anger response lasts goals for themselves in blessing. They can also be and can tolerate even health. Everyone gets to Prof. Andrea Bonior, less than two seconds. which logical thinking found pursuing careers as demanding schedules angry occasionally but it some people are anger Beyond that, it takes and action are involved. athletes, negotiators and such as night shifts. . is important to control junkies, who get off on a commitment to stay 20 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 21 angry,” says Dr. Ronald “Avoidance often does State your concerns • yourself somewhere may help in getting Potter-Efron, an anger more damage to families and needs clearly peaceful. your anger under management specialist and friendships than any and directly, without Many people think that control. Slow down and co-author of ‘Letting expression of anger,” hurting others or to acknowledge anger your breathing through Go of Anger’. Mentally adds Dr. Potter-Efron. trying to control them. is the same as acting long, deep breaths. count up to 10 and see if Although some people • Physical activity inappropriately on it. Loosen your muscles the urge to explode has insist that mockery is can help reduce stress Admitting that you are through clenching and diminished. Somewhere a form of intellectual which causes anger. upset, whether to yourself, unclenching your fists along the line, your self- humour, the word If one feels his/her or as calmly as possible and slowly do a neck esteem took a beating and ‘sarcasm’ has its origin anger is rising, go for to the person you are in roll. Control the anger you decided to be mad at in the Greek word a brisk walk or run, conflict with can validate into an activity that can yourself than at someone release tension. If you ‘sarkazein’, which or do some enjoyable your feelings. This in turn may seem to be resolved, else. Constantly turning are still feeling agitated means “to tear flesh physical activities. can help you feel more but anger still lingers angry feelings inward can from that interaction with like dogs”. Sarcasm empowered towards residually, in the form of set you up for continued • Take short breaks your colleague, it might is passive aggressive working a solution. If irritability, insomnia, or disappointments and during times that be time to make a list of communication. you jot down some of even depression. Increase even depression. tend to be stressful. A the things you are grateful Exercising assertiveness your thoughts, you will your mindfulness and the few moments of quiet for. You might also choose “Get angry and you could prior to arriving at your gain some clarity as to triggers that seem to cause time may help without to think about the person lose your reputation, breaking point can help how they are serving as them; this can serve as an getting irritated or whom you think has marriage, friends, or prevent a sarcastic streak the antecedents to your early warning symptom angry. wronged you, and imagine job,” says Dr. Potter- from popping out. feelings. In the process, for future conflicts. Even • Instead of focusing what unique challenges Efron. The primary you can sort out why you though implied in wit, Following are some of the on what made one they may be reacting to. function of anger is to are upset and what steps your cutting comments anger management tips: angry, work on signal that something you can take work through If there is a friend or loved can damage your • In the heat of the resolving the issue at is wrong and encourage the situation. Putting your one you trust, share your relationships. If you turn moment, it is easy hand. resolution. By ignoring feelings into words can feelings with them. But to passive aggression when to say something that warning sign, you • Getting away from make others feel more not everyone is equipped you are uncomfortable but will be regretted may end up engaging whatever is upsetting substantial and hence to hear difficult feelings with what is expected of later. Take a few in self-destructive will make it infinitely more manageable. in a supportive way. Some you, it is important to do moments to collect behaviour. You are also easier to calm down. may not be good listeners something to take the reins your thoughts before Anger can be very basically giving the green If one is experiencing and could try to bottle of your situation. Become saying anything and similar to other forms of light to other people’s road rage, pull over up your emotions but aware of the actions and allow others involved provocation, like anxiety bad behavior or denying on a side road and others may try to fan the feelings associated with in the situation to do or even excitement. them the opportunity turn off the vehicle. If Consoling those impulses flames. Sometimes things your irritation. to make amends. If the same. one is angry at work, . someone has ticked you • As soon as go to a room or step off, tell the person in a you are thinking outside for a moment. Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers positive, constructive clearly, express your If one is upset at way. He or she may be frustration in an home, go for a walk. After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s surprised, possibly even assertive but non- Close your eyes waiting room when you visit one angered, by your words. confrontational way. and try to imagine
22 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 23
Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s waiting room when you visit one that a drink or two a day is good for the conclusion that moderate drinkers Alcohol: A heart. Well, maybe not. were healthier than lifelong abstainers. Time was when the prestigious medical Without the error, the analysis shows, journals, including the ‘British Heart the health outcomes for moderate Dangerous Addiction Journal’, went as far as to advise everyone drinkers and non-drinkers were about to start drinking in moderation to fight the same. Dr. B M Hegde debunks the popular theory that alcohol consumption in the deadly enemy of mankind, heart “This reopens the debate about the moderation is good for the heart. The best thing is to simply avoid it at all costs diseases. Every now and then there validity of the findings of a protective appears a significant controlled study effect for moderate drinkers, and it that highlights the virtues of moderate suggests that studies in the future be drinking. I have been consistently better designed to take this potential warning both the profession and the error into account,” said Kaye Fillmore, lay public, both through scientific a sociologist at the UCSF School of articles and the lay media, that this is Nursing. Ever since 1979, when ‘The not the whole story and the fact is that Lancet’ published an article claiming while the profession is not sure of the moderate drinking had a heart protective dangers of small amounts of alcohol in effect, the conventional wisdom both the long run, we have enough evidence in the medical world and the laity was to refute the myth that small amounts that a pint of beer or two glasses of are good for the system. In fact, this wine a day are good for the heart. This was the opinion of the team appointed recent re-examination of all the data he wise is he who does not by the WHO to go into this myth years over the last four decades has led to a indulge in alcohol and has ago. Unfortunately, that report never totally opposite conclusion. controlled his senses. He “T saw the light of the day in print and is When one starts with small amounts does not fall a victim to physical or still collecting dust in the Copenhagen mental illness.” Charaka in ‘Chikista’ initially, it invariably leads to more press of the WHO! 24: 206. drinking. Most deaths resulting from There seems to be a change of heart over consumption include car crashes, Alcohol is a powerful addicting drug lately. A special advisory panel of the suicides, homicides, alcohol poisoning, lobby, this myth has disseminated far which has multitude of actions inside American Heart Association issued a acute pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis and a and wide. Even the common man on the human system; there is hardly formal statement, published in January, whole range of cancers. Then there is the street is aware of the “good” that any human organ that alcohol does 2001 in the journal ‘Circulation’, urging the whole circuit of family disruptions alcohol does for the system. not touch. The medical profession, doctors not to recommend alcohol to that have great social impact. There following the pseudo-science of linear The illiterate masses get attracted to their patients as a means of reducing seems to be no justification for the laws, has been advising the gullible alcohol through so many other means the risk of heart disease. Researchers medical fraternity to patronize alcohol public over the last few decades that used by the arrack lobby in India. Among at UCSF went through more than 30 now that the ‘scientific truth’ is out drinking a small amount of alcohol, the intellectuals, drinking is a status years of studies that seem to show and the lie has been nailed. To quote red wine in particular, is, in fact, good symbol. But with all the contradictory health benefits from moderate alcohol a Malayan proverb: “Don’t think there for positive health and specially for claims made these days about the health consumption, and concluded that are no crocodiles because the water is the heart where alcohol is supposed to benefits of low-fat diets, the harm of nearly all contained a fundamental calm.” reduce the incidence of heart attacks. hormone replacements and the dangers . error that skewed the results. That Courtesy: www.pubmedinfo.com Aided and abetted by the alcohol of pain relievers, at least we still know error may have led to an erroneous
24 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 25 Do You Have a Dandruff Problem? Get rid of dandruff really fast with these home remedies
of coconut or neem oil. Massage this oil into the scalp and keep it overnight. Wash it off the next morning. You can also mix 1 teaspoon each of castor, mustard and coconut oil and massage the mix into the scalp. Keep the mix overnight and rinse it in the morning with warm water. Amla Massage your scalp with warm amla oil. hen dry skin flakes come off Then wrap a hot damp towel around the scalp, it is referred to as your head for 30 minutes. Wash with Wdandruff. The embarrassing lukewarm water. skin disorder of the scalp also causes itching. There is no dearth of products Vinegar available in the market to get rid of Vinegar treatment is one of the excellent dandruff. However, there is another choice ways to correct the pH balance within that is not expensive as products. You can your hair. It also removes residue that cure dandruff naturally inexpensively shampoos and hair care products leave with the help of items commonly found behind. Combine a tablespoon of apple at home. Here are some of the effective cider vinegar with 1 cup of distilled home remedies to cure dandruff. water. Apply the mix to the hair and Lemon give your scalp a nice massage. Leave it overnight and rinse the next morning Lemon juice contains various extracts with a medicating shampoo. to help rejuvenate the hair and alleviate dandruff. All you need to do is rub the Baking Soda mixture over the affected part of the scalp Wet your hair and then rub a handful and leave it in the hair overnight. Wash the of baking soda vigorously into your mixture out of the hair the next morning scalp. Skip the shampoo and go right to with cold water. You can also mix one part rinsing. Baking soda reduces overactive of lemon juice with two parts of warm fungi that can cause dandruff. Your hair coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the may get dried out at first, but after a few hair regularly to get rid of dandruff. weeks your scalp will start producing Natural Oil Treatments natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup .
26 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 27 propagated a myth that Gupta’s website (www. from Uttar Pradesh, he is science can only be done arvindguptatoys.com) “deeply aware of poverty The Toy in fancy labs with glass holds instructions, of material in Hindi.” He burettes and pipettes. including short video clips has so far done more than It has made out to be on YouTube, in a number 155 translations. He has Maker a bookish affair in our of languages, for making written 23 books so far, schools – something in hundreds of improvised most of which are available which you have to mug up toys, which he makes for free download on his definitions and formulae available freely without website. Gupta believes in and spit them out in exams. copyright restrictions. sharing. “Life is short. We But this is patently untrue. Gupta draws inspiration must make it beautiful. For children, the whole from a number of people, We aren’t going to take world is a laboratory. We including Gautama anything when we go, are have forgotten the task of Buddha, George we?” he says. bringing children closer Washington Carver and his Meanwhile, a good toy, to nature. If you can mother as well as children according to him, is that show them that scientific who, according to him, which is designed such principles such as the laws Arvind Gupta, who was awarded the Padma Shri on January are great experimenters. that a child can “rip apart of motion or the principles “Each child is a true and see what is inside the 26 this year, is an Indian toy inventor who uses them to of geometry exist in scientist. If you give them tummy and put it back popularize science among children, writes Huned Contractor familiar daily use and in one idea, they will always together.” For, children are objects around them, then carry it forward; they ever curious. And what’s ost children well deserved. politically volatile period, they internalize science modify it and take it to the work satisfaction stop playing Arvind Gupta was born in when Mahatma Gandhi’s better and relate it to their greater heights. This is a he derives from such as Mwith toys the 1953, one of four children ideas were re-emerging daily lives,’ he says. great hope with children,” task? “There’s a gleam in moment they start their whose parents had never and there was a drive to So, while at HSTP, Gupta he says. Among his many their eyes when they see schooling. Surprisingly, been to school. As a child go to the masses, to start developed his idea of experiments, Gupta has a small motor work. It’s Arvind Gupta, at the age he engaged in playtime from what they knew, and creating simple toys and shown how cycle tube this hunger in their eyes of 64, hasn’t yet been able by creating toys from to build on what they had. educational experiments can be used to teach the that has been driving me to shake off his attraction household trash. After a After IIT he worked for using locally available working of pumps and ahead. Children should for toys. But there’s a successful school career he two years at TELCO, but materials as well as items has used straws to teach nurse the dream of doing difference. And it is in the was accepted as a student finding it unsatisfactory, usually thrown as trash. centrifugal force along something original,” he way he uses them. For him, at IIT, Kanpur, where he went to work for These simple toys, he with teaching geometrical says. Gupta has been to toys and games make for he stayed for five years, six months with the found, fascinated children structures using nothing over 1,500 schools and excellent items to promote gathering knowledge and, Hoshangabad Science and he went on to make but a rubber tube and a impacted the lives of science. And such has been according to him, learning Teaching Programme these as the hallmark few matchsticks. millions of children across his successful track record more from his peers than (HSTP) in Madhya of his movement of the world through his of popularizing scientific Another way of imparting from the curriculum. Pradesh. The purpose of popularizing science. His education, he feels, is experiments. And through thinking using toys that Together they made many the programme was to first book, ‘Matchstick it all, Gupta remains a child the Indian government through books. Gupta different kinds of working revitalize science teaching Models and other Science translates with passion at heart, at his happiest has now honoured with models. Gupta also read through the ‘discovery Experiments’ was when surrounded with the Padma Shri, an honour books from English to a great deal. It was a approach’. “We have reprinted in 12 languages. Hindi. For, as a person toys! .
28 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 29 was he the youngest to be appointed to the prestigious position, he would go on A Legend Who Shaped to remain the institution’s longest-serving, and undoubtedly most distinguished, director. After serving as IISc’s director for India’s Space Programme nearly nine years, in 1971, Dhawan went on a year’s sabbatical to Caltech, his alma mater in the USA. It was during this time that he got a call from the Indian embassy, conveying Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s NAL’s trisonic wind tunnel facility is request that he return to India and take currently being used extensively to charge of the Indian space programme characterize the aerodynamics of ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle technology following the sudden death of Vikram Sarabhai on December 30, 1971. from Caltech in 1951, which he pursued The founder of India’s space programme, with eminent aerospace scientist Professor Sarabhai was passionate about harnessing Hans Liepmann as an adviser. It was also the power of space science to find solutions during this time that he began his path- to the hurdles India was facing in the breaking research career in the field of fields of communication, meteorology and fluid dynamics. education. His association with Dhawan Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Satish Dhawan Soon after, he returned to join Bengaluru’s had already begun a little earlier when he Indian Institute of Science (IISc) as Senior Amidst the euphoria surrounding ISRO’s audacious achievements, wrote to him asking him for technical advice Scientific Officer. A few years later, he in setting up a solid rocket motor facility few Indians pause to think about the legendary man who made was promoted to the post of Head of the in India. After Sarabhai’s tragic death, it all possible. Here’s his inspiring story by Sanchari Pal Department of Aeronautical Engineering. Dhawan acquiesced to take over the helm Under his exemplary stewardship, the of the country’s space programme. It was n recent years, the audacious Born on September 25, 1920, in Srinagar, department quickly became the epicentre in May 1972 that Dhawan took over as the achievements of the Indian Space Satish Dhawan graduated from the of the experimental fluid dynamic research Secretary of India’s Department of Space. IResearch Organisation (ISRO) in University of Punjab with an unusual happening in India. In fact, it was a pilot the field of space technology have been combination of subjects – a BA in project conducted by Dhawan that paved frequently making headlines, giving the Mathematics, an MA in English Literature the way for the creation of the world-class nation a sense of justifiable pride and and a BE in Mechanical Engineering. In wind tunnel facilities (for aerodynamic inspiring many youngsters to reach for 1947, as India took its first steps as a newly testing of aircrafts, missiles and space the stars. However, amidst the euphoria independent nation, Dhawan left for the vehicles) at Bengaluru’s National surrounding such events, few Indians United States to pursue his higher studies. Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). NAL’s pause to think about the legendary man He joined the University of Minnesota, trisonic wind tunnel facility is currently who made it all possible — Professor from where he obtained an MS in being used extensively to characterize the Satish Dhawan. Although India’s space Aeronautical Engineering, before moving aerodynamics of ISRO’s Reusable Launch programme owes its birth to the vision of to the California Institute of Technology Vehicle (RLV) technology. Vikram Sarabhai, it was Dhawan who lent (Caltech) for a degree in Aeronautical substance to this vision and built ISRO Engineering. Dhawan followed this up with Such was his dynamism and dedication into the world-class body that it is today. a PhD in Aeronautics and Mathematics towards his work that, in 1962, he was Professor Satish Dhawan at the Indian appointed the Director of IISC. Not only Institute of Science
30 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 31 sophisticated projects within stipulated time frames. He insisted on a significant role “Dance is a Visual and for indigenous industry in ISRO projects — today, hundreds of industrial firms, both public and private, manufacture a wide Poetic Experience” range of space-quality hardware for ISRO. He was also responsible for hand-picking young, bright and dedicated professionals Even after six decades of dancing for ISRO, such as APJ Abdul Kalam to lead and creating innovations in the project that developed SLV-3, India’s Satish Dhawan (left) and Roddam Bharatnatyam, Alarmel Valli Narasimha (centre), with KR Narayanan first launch vehicle, Roddam Narasimha to continues to infuse the art with the (right) lead the research being done at NAL, and same amount of energy, passion U R Rao to head the team that made the This was also when ISRO and the Space and dedication Commission were formally born, with country’s first satellite, Aryabhata. Dhawan becoming the chairman of both. Under Dhawan’s aegis, ISRO also worked Ever since, these three posts have been towards fulfilling Vikram Sarabhai’s concurrently held — ensuring seamless dream of using space science to address f dance had not interesting that would dancer to be conferred integration between conceptualization, the development needs India. As such, become her calling, keep the audience the President’s award funding of programmes, and timely pioneering programmes and carefully Alarmel Valli engrossed and ensure a of Padma Shri after delivery of technologies! thought out experiments were carried out I would have been an conclusion that would actress Vyjayanthimala. in rural education, remote sensing and In the decade that followed, Dhawan astrophysicist or a make them remember She was awarded the satellite communications. The development guided the Indian space programme diplomat. Now, after the performance. That is Sangeet Natak Akademi through a period of extraordinary growth of operational communication systems (like INSAT) and remote sensing systems six decades of dancing, exactly what I do when I Award in 2001 followed and spectacular achievement. At ISRO, finding new nuances choreograph my pieces,” by the Padma Bhushan he introduced a dynamic management (like IRS) are outcomes of these crucial efforts. Even after retirement, he continued and style and taking the she adds. in 2004.[5] structure that encouraged innovation and art across the world, that was capable of producing results time to devote his attention to matters of public Born September 14, 1956, Alarmel Valli was policy in science and technology, especially she can look back, smile Alarmel Valli is known as born and brought up and time again. In this system, the project and say that the best director presided over a small team of space technology. With his death on the foremost exponent in Chennai, where January 3, 2002, India did not just lose thing to have happened of the Pandanallur she did her schooling experts from different centres. This ensured to her was that her that independent efforts of the entire one of its most distinguished scientists, style of the Indian from The Sacred Heart mother spotted her ISRO community were co-ordinated and it lost a legend who transformed every classical dance form Matriculation School inclination and talent channelized towards realising a common organisation he worked for, leading it to of Bharatnatyam and and later studied at the for dancing at an early goal – be it a satellite or a launch vehicle. achieve what it had often not thought itself also her own distinctive Stella Maris College, age. “And that’s how Transparency and professionalism was capable of. . style. She is the founder Chennai. She trained it turned into a career, also encouraged by involving specialists This article first appeared in The Better of Dipashikha, a in the Pandanallur passion and devotion,” from outside the organisation. India (www.thebetterindia.com) – Asia’s centre for fine arts in style of Bharatnatyam says the 60-year- largest impact media platform that uses Chennai, established under Pandanallur By giving the project director the ultimate old Bharatnatyam say in every aspect of the project, Dhawan solution-based journalism for in 1984, where she also Chokkalingam Pillai change. exponent. “My mother teaches Bharatnatyam. and his son Subbaraya also showed how bureaucracy could always told me to be skipped to systematically execute In 1991, Alarmel was Pillai. She studied music start with something the second youngest under T Muktha of the
32 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 33 ANECDOTES
Veena Dhanammal style National Award for Best It understands abstr- of music for many years. Film on Art and Culture. action, but is never Her debut was the early In 1986, Valli founded abstruse. It is capable of age of nine under the the Dipasikha Dance soaring, but it never loses auspices of the Indian Foundation and its vital connectedness Institute of Fine Arts Educational Trust. with the earth.” But all and soon won laurels on Through lecture this acclaim came much the international scene demonstrations, master later. As she recalls, her when she was barely classes, workshops initial tryst with dance 16 at the International and seminars in India was hardly a serious Dance Festival of and abroad, Valli matter. “I was too young Theatre organised by shares her thoughts on to realise how great the prestigious Sarah Bharatanatyam as a dance is. My mother Bernhardt Theatre de dynamic, contemporary was a lady of artistic la Ville in Paris. She has dance language. Poetry sensitivity and she took been performing ever and musicality of me to Chokkalingam since, both in India and movement are core Pillai and Subbaraya aboard. elements in Alarmel’s Pillai. I was a dreamer Alarmel also learned approach to dance. and lacked focus. I did Odissi under Guru Her early training not have the kind of Kelucharan Mohapatra in music has helped commitment serious and his disciple Guru shape her ideal of an dancing demands,” she Ramani Ranjan Jena, and intensely musical dance says. studied classical Tamil style and honed her “And then I understood literature anthologies approach to dance as a that dance is a visual of the 2000-years-old harmonious extension and poetic experience. ‘Sangam’ poetry. In of verbal melody. It is a Reading a poem is an 2004, the Films Division tradition that deepened art that demands one to of India commissioned her awareness of the understand the layers of a documentary on her seamless connection – poetry. Similarly, dance for the Indian National between word, meaning needs to have layers to Archives. Titled and music and also it too. Unfortunately, ‘Pravahi’, it was directed inspires her, as she often it is becoming a linear by Arun Khopkar. The says, to ‘write’ with her narrative these days. It BBC also made a film body, ‘sing’ with her art. has to be a combination on her for the Omnibus Noted poet and of movements creating series. In 2012, ‘Lasya writer Arundathi visual poetry and music. Kavya - The World of Subramaniam says of I have always said that if Alarmel Valli’, a film her work, “Her art may you can see music, you on her by Sankalp invoke the mystical, should be able to hear Meshram, won the but it never mystifies. dance,” she says. .
34 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 35 borax. Once upon a time Armagossa Opera and the sets and painted the The Dreaming Sands of there happened to be Hotel stands at the murals on the adobe one such town called junction of 608 Death walls. She started her Rhyolite. It is today a Valley. It is a Spanish dance performance Death Valley time fossil. It reminds colonial style artsy without an audience. us of how the good and hotel and fresco-lined Another feature of the Sujoy (Roy) Bagchi recounts his trip to the simmering Death bad are temporary states opera house, located Death Valley is that in Valley in the US, accompanied by photographer Abhik Roy of time. Now it stands as a few miles west of spite of the overwhelming a ghost town drawing the California-Nevada heat and sparse rainfall, tourists. border. It is a historic it exhibits considerable Just outside Rhyolite, building and cultural biodiversity. under the searing heat centre. Resident artist Wildflowers, watered of Nevada’s Mojave Marta Becket staged by snowmelt, carpet the Desert, stands one of dance and mime shows desert floor each spring, the most surrealistic from 1960 until her continuing into June. open art installations final show came about Bighorn sheep, red- of American West. in February 2012. tailed hawks, and wild ‘Dance on Sands’ is the The sands of Death Valley Rhyolite remains of a mule wagon ‘The Last Supper’ is a burros may be seen. collection of ghost-like autobiography of Marta, Death Valley has over merica is a Auschwitz became area. It is a large intricate figures of monumental a story of a fiercely 600 springs and ponds. land of vast Nazi concentration and masterpiece, a thing size at elevated view, independent woman Salt Creek, a mile-long plenitude and extermination camps of severe beauty, an A draped in white. These driven by creative muse shallow depression in variety of ecological in annexed Polish areas illustrated scripture, and are the works of several to live life on her own the centre of the valley, features. On the other during the Second World a fantastic philosophy Belgian artists who terms. When the town of supports pupfish. hand, Europe has had War. encapsulated in stone. travelled hereabout in Armagossa was booming Darwin Falls, on the paucity of space. Adolf Taking that as a kind It is over here that 1984 to find inspiration due to the borax western edge of Death Hitler coined a word – of reference point, the man’s handiwork and from the desert in a mining business, it was Valley Monument, falls Lebansurum in German Death Valley National human habitat came up. bid to escape the urban positioned at a railway 100 feet into a large – meaning living space Park is a unique spot As early as 7000 BC, tedium. They sought terminus with only about pond surrounded by in his initial territorial at the junction of Native American groups out a place of adventure 350 people living there. willows and cottonwood expansion before the California and Nevada, inhabited the area. A in art-making while Marta Becket rented trees. Over 80 species of war, referring to the 91% of the park being group of European- blending with the the recreation hall in birds have been spotted policies and practices wilderness area. It is the American people came challenging landscape. 1967, and with a flash around the pond. of settler colonialism in hottest, most arid and this way while looking of inspiration created . East-Central Europe. lowest of the national for a shortcut to the Lebansurum became parks in the US. In 1913 gold fields of California. a territorial quest of it recorded 56.7 degrees Short-lived ‘boom and Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers Imperial Germany Celsius as the highest bust’ towns came up in World War during ambient temperature in about 19th and early After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s 1914-1918, supported ever recorded on the 20th centuries in the by the Nazi party. The surface of earth in the business of mining waiting room when you visit one
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Seeking Help from Subscribers and Readers After reading this magazine please leave it at a Doctor’s waiting room when you visit one March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 1776’ (in Roman numerals), the day of Empire State Building Amazing American Independence. The height This is another attraction in the city of of the statue is 305 feet. It functioned New York. This 102-storied building as a lighthouse from 1886 to 1902, has situated in Manhattan is one of the America! 192 steps from the ground to the top tallest buildings in the US that attracts of the pedestal and 354 steps from the millions of visitors. When World pedestal to the crown. By climbing the Trade Centre with its 120 stories was interior stairs of the statue, one can constructed, it was the tallest building, V Anand reach up to the crown of the statue but after the terrorist attack on this and one cannot miss the breathtaking Kumar describes building, the Empire State Building has panoramic view of New York Harbor now become the tallest building in the some of the awesome from here. It is advisable to book the places that he has city. We were allowed to go up to the tickets in advance. 86th floor and enjoyed a breathtaking visited in the US Niagara Falls panoramic view of the city. At present Lake Erie, before draining into Lake the 108-storied Willis Towers (earlier Ontario, forms the Niagara Falls on known as Sears Towers) in Chicago is The author posing against an ocean backdrop the boarders of Ontario, Canada on the tallest building in America, which one side and New York City, US on the we visited during our last visit. merica, indeed an amazing New York City. There is no way you other side. An international bridge, The White House country, attracts everybody can miss this huge, colossal statue, called The Rainbow Bridge, separates today, not only because of her gifted by the French people to the This is the official residence of the A the two countries. During our visit we president of the US, since its first abundance in resources and richness, US. This is a statue of a woman called witnessed a spectacular and colourful but also because of the social and Libertas, a Roman goddess. She holds occupant John Adams in 1800. fireworks show that took place on both economic conditions that prevail a torch in her right hand raised above Construction was started during 1792 sides. The ‘Maid of the Mist’, a boat there. The nation’s job opportunities her head, and her left hand carries a and was completed in 1800 by an Irish cruise, took us below the falls and we attract our students and once our tablet with the inscription ‘July 4, architect, James Hoban, encompassing enjoyed getting soaked in the spray. children go and settle there they invite 55,000 sq. feet. This building has 132 their parents to live there for some Statue of Liberty rooms and 35 bathrooms at six levels time. That is how I, along with my and the whole building is divided into wife, have been to the US three times, the eastern and western wings. Though during 2013, 2014 and 2017. Each protected with a high security cover time we stayed there for six months by the US Secret Service, visitors are with our daughters. The experience allowed inside the building with prior was fabulous and fantastic. During our permission. stay we visited a number of interesting Salem Witch Museum places, some of which are listed below. This is situated at Washington Square Statue of Liberty in Salem, Massachusetts. During the A landmark in the city of New York, 17th century, under English law, the it is the freedom of icon of America practice of witchcraft was an offence. which fascinates all tourists who visit Many cases of witchcraft were brought to the courts during this period. In
42 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 43 this museum we were able to witness exhibit we came to understand about these cases through audio-visual aviation technology and its early shows in an exhibit titled ‘Witches: history. Here we can experience Evolving Perceptions’. Inside the the pilot’s eye perception from the museum we came across the history of cockpit, handling the controls and the witch trials through stages, with flight equipment. Models of aircraft audio narration in the background. During the narration, we enjoyed the script with scenery and lighting, and the images of the witches in their original costumes. The entire city
New England Air Museum built and flown by Wright Brothers, full motion flight simulation, balloon basket, which is the oldest surviving American built aircraft, are some of the other attractions that we saw in this museum. Other Places New Bury Port is yet another Salem Witch Museum fascinating site. We went whale of Salem is dedicated to the art of watching quite a distance from the witchcraft and we found a number of shore to witness whales that leap shops selling books, souvenirs and out from the water with a loud noise. gift items related to witchcraft. This Other than this, the Light House city gets lit up during the festival of and beautiful beaches in Rhode Halloween. Island, Canoby Lake Park, Space New England Air Museum Museum in Boston, Stone Zoo, Air Museum in Connecticut, Natural Located at the Bradley International History Museum and the Duck Tour Airport in Windsor Locks, New in Boston where the amphibious England, US, this is one of the vehicle becomes a boat when it enters largest aviation museums where the river, are some of the other one can see historical aircrafts, and places of tourist interest that related artifacts. In this educational captivated us. . 44 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 45 grind of daily life. There is also a special develop a kind of compassion, kindness spirituality for caregivers. I am not and patience that makes them deeply Don’t Pity the Old speaking only of doctors and nurses and spiritual beings. That is why we should paramedical staff, but also of volunteers never pity or feel sorry for the old and and the Disabled and family members who have to take the disabled. Often their determination on the task of care-giving. They have to live the best they can is a lesson to us, Why is it that society treats the to have infinite patience, the ability to that even though to our eyes they may Janina Gomes understand, empathize and challenge seem to live truncated lives, they are in physically challenged or senior such people to be as self-sufficient as fact living heroic lives. citizens differently? Janina people. Society has no norms for them. they can and to help themselves to the For those of us whom God allows to have Gomes ponders over this serious The fact that they are unable to do many extent possible. But they need physical all our normal faculties and to remain things that ‘normal’ people do and take issue and expresses her feelings aids and devices that help them to lucid even in old age, we are all the for granted, especially in our society, manage, such as walking sticks and more expected to realise the inherent means that those who are ‘normal’ treat recently read the testimony of a young walkers for the old who can no longer dignity of these people. Is there really a them with little respect. They are treated disabled woman in a wheelchair physically balance themselves. definition of human beings that leaves offensively and their right to be treated who was manhandled, groped and For those who have long years of struggle out the old and the disabled? For the I in a way that does not detract from their molested by porters at Mumbai Central and days of incomprehension of why old, who experience the irreversible dignity as human beings is violated. Station whilst embarking on a train. such things happen, and why the gift of ageing process – the phase of life when The woman, who was deeply hurt and It is the same with the old who are life is given in such a manner to these they reach the evening – life makes humiliated, has protested and drawn helpless and reach a stage where they people, the only answer that we have is them more mellow and accepting. Next attention to the incident by using the are no longer in full possession of their that god loves the sick, the old and the time you see a wheelchair bound person, social media to agitate for her rights as faculties. Don’t ever pity such people. weak as he does the orphans and widows a blind man or a woman walking with a disabled woman and to plead for more That is the last thing they want and in a special way. The gift wrapping is and tapping a white stick, a cerebral disabled-friendly features at the station. expect. Rather, give a helping hand different but the gift is the same. palsy patient gesticulating, an old man This is only one instance of the disabled without making them feel small and For those who have been caregivers and or woman stumbling along, remember being treated in inhuman ways. insignificant. Spirituality for such gone through such difficult experiences that they challenge us to be kind in our people is in a way different. There are The disabled and the old, especially and find themselves worn out, god dealings with everyone and to respect times when they are not able to conform when they are helpless, are often promises a reward not necessarily in the the lives they live – lives that are often to the same standards of hygiene and treated like objects and are the victims afterlife but now. That is because they dignified and beautiful. . of disdain, pity and rejection. There is self care that others manage with ease. a whole spirituality for those who are Many suffer from incontinence and are in this condition which involves the often not able to handle the daily pain affirmation and right to life of such they have to live with, making them irritable, irascible, and hard to get along with. For those who are lucky to escape such a fate sometimes ordained for the old and the disabled in our country, we need to have special supportive rules and assistance and features of help for daily living for those who cannot negotiate traffic, crowds, travel and the
46 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 47 begins from a level superior to terrestrial A Metaphor for Life existence. Is our life like a river? Indira Ananthakrishnan believes it is The river flows down to the plains. Life begins to long innings of flow when the biological life has set me mother gives birth on thinking more A mother earth. The river about it. The time is now keeps flowing with never ripe to take a wholesome a stop. I realise that river drying up during have to face hurdles, my view of it. A 70-decade my life, too, has been drought. When the feelings and thinking, canvas of life is a large one flowing non-stop. Never rains come, it is going more often than not, and it exhibits a splash of for a moment has my to flow again. My life, turn murky. A river, too, various hues. The more I heart stopped beating too, isn’t going to be turns murky and muddy dwell my eyes on it, the and never has the mind dry forever. There are due to disturbances in its more is the urge to view it stopped thinking. You better days ahead. The path. It flows crystal clear metaphorically. With the can’t step into the same river cannot avoid swirls when it has overcome its variety of experiences, river twice, they say. How and whirlpools along its disturbances. My mind’s actions, reactions and true of life! I can’t live course. They depict the confusion cannot be long interactions that life any part of my life again difficulties we face in lasting, whispers the river. has presented to us our lives. At this point, a and help us live the except perhaps vaguely life. Anything that gets The river is a generous over the years, we can question arises. Is it really remaining years of our in my dream. Sometimes caught in a whirlpool is storehouse of living all have different things useful to do this exercise lives usefully, cheerfully, life seems to move very swallowed by it. In order creatures, all different to compare life with, of completing the phrase, courageously and most fast, sometimes it slows not to get swallowed by from one another. They depending on how we ‘Life is like a…………’ and of all, peacefully. They down. So is the case with life’s difficult phases, I live and die in the river. have faced life and dealt elaborating upon it? The go on to add that the the river. The slow river learn not to tarry in it and How long they live, with it. The metaphors answer is ‘yes’. metaphor of life may is certainly more peaceful try to get out of it in the how and when they die will be amazingly similar, be one in adolescence, Metaphors are not mere and less disturbing than least possible time. depends mainly on the too, for the ultimate another in adulthood and poetical or rhetorical the river in spate during A river may change its species and composition message of existence yet another in later life. embellishments. A heavy rains. course for whatever of the water. The journey is the same for all of However, the last one metaphor of life will I love the gurgling reason, to keep itself going. of the river ends when it humankind. will be the most mature reveal to us the ways in sound of the river. It Life, too, takes unexpected reaches the vast ocean and However, letting our and the most valuable. which we have played our reminds me of the joyful turns. One chapter closes there it loses its identity. think tanks whirring I would like to say that cards. So, the exercise is sound of laughter of and a new one begins to It is not a river any more. will make a mosaic of life is like a river, a free going to mirror us, our my grandchildren. The keep up the balance in It becomes one with the metaphors come up. They flowing, natural river thinking and our outlook. river ceases to gurgle living. A feel-good, think- ocean. Sounds very much will vary because all of us with no man-made dams when it moves on. My good time appears in life like my life that will end have different personality Psychologists incre- to stop its flow. The river grandchildren, too, now and then. My mind one day when I will lose traits and have been asingly believe that it will sources from a higher have moved on to young is clear at such times. my identity and merge moulded differently by help us to change our level of the geographical adulthood. When life A confused mind is no with the supreme. the way we have lived attitude for the better landscape. Human life . seems dry it is like the stranger to me. When I
48 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 49 pertinent to mention that divine in more depth as much to their chagrin Twilight Musings this voyage in the third we have ample time on and others’ too. ship is the most exciting our hands. We appreciate Essentially, every human There are many who view old age with loads of pessimism and and enriching. All our and feel blessed for the life is either a lesson on thereby destroy the entire experience of ageing. Hema Rengarajan ambitions and goals are happenings in our life. how to live (example) or almost fulfilled. We can takes a look at how positivity could turn the tables around Retirement does not mark how not to (warning). now feel the cool breeze the end of an active life. Every human life is a live on our faces and the wind ll of us are Like a river it only changes encyclopedia, a testimony in our hair. apprehensive its course and one can put to the understanding Aabout old age The next ship that we his head, heart and hands of life along with its although we know that board in our twilight into social work, cultural associated experiences. it is an inevitable phase years is called worship. activities, hobbies and Life is something of of life. One has to pass Throughout our pursuit of art. In a sense what happens to you and through it, come what childhood and youth we you start living a new everything else of how you may. But it need not be are busy achieving various kind of life. This brings respond to it. It always perceived in a negative goals of education, career, us to ruminate that a gives the test first and the or fearful way. It depends marriage, settling lives positive attitude in life lessons later. We should on how a person views of our children, etc; that is one of the strongest therefore not spend an it. “Every happening, though we are aware of the predictors of both entire lifetime staying de- big or small, is a parable presence of the ‘supreme’ longevity and happiness motivated for the same in our subconscious, in retirement. reasons as in such cases our whereby god speaks to There are four journeys that we must take on the ship of life us, and the art of life is we are not really able to Unfortunately, some attitude has a ripple effect to get the message,” says this is possible by a little The third is the focus. But after retirement people are pessimistic. on those surrounding us. Malcolm Muggeridge, planning and preparation. partnership that we get when most of our goals With age they become In synopsis, with no a well-known British Someone has beautifully into after marriage which are achieved, we are cynical, insecure and rewind option in life, with journalist and satirist. and metaphorically is perhaps the longest and able to connect with the develop a complex no CTRL+Z and with no William Wordsworth explained that we have to most challenging innings ‘undo’ possibilities, we says, “For old age has an pass through four ships due to the innumerable must simply learn the opportunity no less; it in our journey of life. The adjustments one has to lessons, erase the past is youth itself, different four ships are as follows: make to avoid a bumpy and look into the future though in a different As soon as we are born voyage in the high seas with renewed vigour. dress.” Henry Amiel we enter the first ship – of life. This phase is of The only way to erase a describes it as one of the a relationship with our paramount importance negative is to produce most difficult chapters kith and kin. That is the in the journey of life and enough positives. Let us in the great art of living. bond that we develop with it is very volatile and not dwell on our failures This is absolutely true. everyone around us. The turbulent like the sea and and mistakes for too long One becomes old only next one is friendship that requires great sacrifices but look forward with when one ceases to grow. we develop during our and patience to navigate renewed enthusiasm. Life How do we keep growing school and college years smoothly. Any wrong is sweet, life is short, life is when we are in the which also has a deep move can capsize the uncertain. Let us live it to twilight years of life? Well, impact on our lives. ship. At this juncture it is the fullest. . 50 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 51 Discard Those Memories Take Time Nostalgia is the worst enemy of senior citizens, says Sumit Paul to Laugh he very title (paracinations in medical Adi F. Merchant credits his sense of humour to this article parlance) while thinking of Sumit Paul Adi F. Merchant sounds ironic, nay memories of the past. The for getting him through the terrible grind T Though this is a very oxymoronic, because images are often unreal and and boredom that is an inevitable part of life important and useful advice one feels that the only full of might have beens. psychotherapist tells us to old people, excessive s time went on I relief. How can we get ‘true’ friend of senior As it is, nostalgia at any about a patient who was nostalgia is bad at any age came to feel that more laughter into our citizens is a bagful of old age might degenerate into a chronic worrier. One and phase of human life. a human being’s lives? Here’s what all memories that may help an obsession if indulged A day, the doctor had the The past is often replete ability to laugh is just as the experts prescribe: them while away the excessively in it. That’s the woman make a ‘worry with memories that we all valid an indicator of his twilight days. This has reason, there’s a medical 1. Mix with people who list’. It was a long one. tend to forget, but cannot. health as are all those been comprehensively advice: Let nostalgia laugh. A schoolteacher She then told her to read debunked by a team of remain in the past lest it other things that doctors It’s being surmised that was once painfully all her worries and at the researchers at Montreal check. Now, gradually, by 2020, geriatric science shy and had a hard end of each one she was University, Canada. many members of the and neurobiology will time laughing. Then instructed to say, “Tee According to the doctors medical establishment come out with a pragmatic she married a circus hee”. The patient did as and neurologists, namely, are coming around to solution, known in theory enthusiast. She became she was told, surprising Eric Boon, Meryl Crispin the same thinking. A as selective amnesia. We intrigued with the herself when she couldn’t and Roy Greens, “Old medical researcher, all will be able to forget the clowns. One day, she hold back a giggle. Then, people must never who has studied the memories we want to and put on a funny costume seeing the silliness of it dwell upon their past beneficial effects of retain only those that have and asked a clown to all, she let out a hearty memories, whether make you pathologically laughter for more a positive ring to them. paint her face. That day laugh – her first in a long desirable or undesirable. sentimental (Lancet, July A couple of light yogic than 30 years, reports her whole life changed. It’s regressively and 1979). time. A good idea would postures for old people that when we laugh She learnt to laugh and degeneratively geriatric be to join a local laughter Because of this reason, and ‘surya namaskaram’ we activate certain enjoy life in a way she and may create club or, if there isn’t one, western old homes where at any age helps the brain muscles. When we stop had never done before. neurological problems like start one yourself. doctors are present round retain its vitality and when laughing, these muscles She even went on to dementia, hallucinations, 3. Faking laughter the clock, inmates (of old the brain remains sound, relax. Since muscle teach clowning in a local insomnia and scores of triggers the diaphragm. homes) are constantly healthy and vital, it blocks tension magnifies high school. To this day other mental problems It’s like starting a car. encouraged to live in the all unwanted memories pain, may people with she still makes a point of usually associated with The engine catches and present and doctors see and even stops baser arthritis, rheumatism mixing with people who the advancing age.” instincts. And an active turns over. Much the to it that the seniors don’t and other painful enjoy life and laughing – brain is a fertile ground same thing happens The reason is: At an lapse into past memories, conditions benefit because their joy rubs off for only the best of with a fake laugh. Your advanced age, brain cells which often appear painful greatly from a healthy on those around them. tend to work in an acutely because of a phenomenon thoughts and has no dose of laughter. Many diaphragm interprets wistful manner and it called TGD (Tendentious place for regressive headache and migraine 2. Practise the this as a real one and, creates hyper images Geriatric Devolution). nostalgia. . sufferers feel the same art of laughing. A before you know it, a
52 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 53 genuine laugh follows. humour lovers. is opened. You too will 4. Keep a laughter file. 5. Make time for laughter. start laughing. Sharing a bit of fun A salesman used humour 7. Laugh when you need and laughter with his with his customers it most. Gene Perret, kids made a professor setting aside some a comedy writer for come up with the idea moments for collecting Bob Hope and other of starting a humour and practicing funny performers, tells of being scrapbook. Working stories. This became taken suddenly ill at an on it caused them to a key for him to build airport. He was rushed come closer together. some warm and lasting into an ambulance, A humour scrapbook, business relationships. and the paramedics of course, takes time, A well-known comedian strapped him down, but keeping a simple once said, “Laughter is head towards the front laughter file can be easy the shortest distance of the ambulance, a big, and inexpensive. Clip between two people.” orange oxygen-tank favourite cartoons and 6. Try doing this: Instead jammed between his jokes. Also, keep a pad for of buying readymade legs. “Are you okay?” jotting down the humour greeting cards, make the attendant asked. you find in everyday life. funny ones of your own; “Yes,” Perret replied, Take turns in reading let your imagination “unless you make a your collection at least run wild. And next time sudden stop.” Seeing once a day, sitting in a there is an occasion to the humour in his own family circle. You will celebrate in the family, helpless plight made soon find that laughter along with your birthday the whole experience is not only catching or anniversary gift, slip easier for him – and but spreads around the in your funny cards and for everyone else in the entire room, making it watch the recipient have ambulance. a happy home for hearty a hearty laugh when it Through humour you can soften the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it. Laughter is a skill we can all acquire – it comes spontaneously. But it’s also some- thing that has to be nurtured. .
54 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 55 of ‘dying to self” is the The Number 40 essence of Christianity. Dying to Self It is about dying to the The number 40 has many Biblical references: Monica Fernandes writes about baser instinct within us. • Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with god. This dark side is about • Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to the importance of spiritual self-indulgence. We are Mount Horeb. salvation during Lent constantly bombarded • God sent 40 days and nights of rain in the great Monica Fernandes by advertisements and flood of Noah. the media, inviting us • The Hebrew people wandered 40 years in the for 40 days in the desert to splurge on clothes, desert while traveling to the Promised Land. and spurned the devil’s foreign trips, jewelry and • Jonah’s prophecy of judgment gave 40 days temptations of worldly enjoyment. Regrettably, to the city of Nineveh in which to repent or be pleasures. Let me recount our social worth is destroyed. an incident: I was standing often pegged to our • Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where he at the bus stop with a acquisitions. fasted for 40 days, and was tempted by the devil. box of confectionaries He overcame all three of Satan’s temptations by when a group of urchins We are selfish while we started milling around indulge in retail therapy, citing scripture to the devil, at which point the me. I passed the box to buying clothes we scarcely devil left him. use. In our mad rush for the leader, a 10-year- wished to give up their empathetic towards others earthly goods, we do not old girl, whose eyes sinful ways into the fold and are more likely to give spare a thought for god and lit up. I was sure that by immersing them in them a helping hand. The he word ‘Lent’ is in the shape of a cross on for others. We are corrupt she would devour the water and then pulling word ‘Pharisee’ is derived a shortened form the believer’s forehead, and harbour greed, hatred contents. Surprisingly, them out. The immersion from the Aramaic word of an old English he says, “Dust thou art and revenge. That is why T she distributed them all symbolised dying to a meaning ‘separated’. The word ‘len(c)ten’ meaning and into dust thou shall Jesus said, “How hard it is to her younger siblings sinful life and coming out Pharisees were religious spring season. return” and reminds him for a rich man to enter the and deprived herself of of the water symbolised conservatives during or her that life on earth is kingdom of god.” During The observance of Lent the treat and then sported the resurrection. So in the time of Jesus. They temporary for the pauper Lent we are reminded, by Christians spans from a broad smile seeing baptism itself we are given were experts in the Law and for the king. All will with grace from above, to Ash Wednesday for 40 her siblings relishing the message that our of Moses. Jesus berated have the same fate when give up our sinful lives. days, ending before Easter the cakes. This was an vision of life should not be them for being selfish their mortal bodies turn When we die to ourselves Sunday. Easter is the example of ‘dying to self’. myopic. It should not be hypocrites and showoffs into ashes after death. by making sacrifices such festival commemorating The mother who scrimps confined to this world but who manipulated others Hence, we should not as fasting and abstaining the resurrection of Jesus and saves, denying herself to the hereafter. for temporal gain. Dying focus on the temporal but from meat and alcohol, we Christ and it also heralds of luxuries, in order to to self during Lent on the eternal. are working towards being Voluntarily ‘dying to self’ the arrival of spring. This spend on her daughter’s implies making sacrifices, better people and towards helps an individual to year, Ash Wednesday was Lent is a time for prayer, education is another sometimes for others, not our future joy with Jesus accept difficulties without on February 14. It ushers alms-giving, penance, example of someone who with a long face and by in the solemn period of repentance and self- for eternity. complaints. Furthermore, dies to self. She has the we are able to better making a show like the Lent in the Christian denial. It replicates the John the Baptist was satisfaction of giving her appreciate the hard lives Pharisees but willingly liturgical calendar. As sacrifices of Jesus when the precursor of Christ. daughter a better life others may be going and cheerfully like the the celebrant puts ashes he prayed and fasted He welcomed those who than hers. The concept through. We are more 10-year-old girl. .
56 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 57 Desert Hermit Shares His Secret to Happiness While searching the internet for blogs related to senior citizens, we came across this interesting piece written by Andrew Hallam asey Coleman California business begins each day graduate was never part Cmuch the same of that race. He has also way. The fit 75-year old lived in his car for the wakes up at 4:30 am, past 25 years. after getting nine hours There are a few places he of sleep. He meditates. especially likes to park. He walks for two to One of his favorites is three hours. He does in the Kaibab National Casey Coleman believes that life should be simple 30 pushups, followed Forest. It’s a quarter of by a series of flexibility a mile from the south a hermit if you want to exercises that he does entrance of Grand be happy. But Casey with a long stick. Then Canyon National Park. Coleman has a lot to he has breakfast and Camping is free. He also teach about the benefits starts his daily reading. likes the mountains of of simple living. I met Casey in Redlands, the Anza-Borrego Desert California. Talking to state park, in southern “I have enjoyed plenty Casey, you might think California. “Casey is the of jobs over the years. you are speaking to a most consistently happy But there’s nothing I retired college professor person I know,” says his wanted to keep doing or a retired business long-time friend, Ingrid for 30 years,” he executive. He’s well Dahlgren. The retired says. He worked as a read. His hair is cropped teacher enjoys having bartender, a lifeguard, short. He dresses in him visit her Redlands, a condominium main- neat, casual clothes, and California home. But tenance worker. He his eyes twinkle when he when he stays, he has raised funds speaks. At first, I figured prefers to sleep in his for Greenpeace he had left the rat race car. I am not suggesting International and made behind to focus on you should sell your candy in a factory. But something else. But this possessions, move into he hasn’t had to work University of Southern your car and live like for the past 26 years. “I
58 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 59 learned a long time ago,” them were in the United 1950s. Juliet B. Schor he says, “that if I wanted States. says such misery comes to buy something, there Using data from the from a target that we was always somebody, US Consensus Bureau, keep pushing up. In her somewhere, throwing Alexander Harris reports book, ‘The Overspent that thing away. I just that money spent on self- American’, she says had to find it.” storage construction that in 1986, “the Roper Casey sleeps in the tripled between 2014 polling organisation front seat of his 2014 and 2017. Author James asked Americans how Subaru Outback. He much income they would earns about USD need to fulfill all their 1,600 a month. dreams. The answer Social Security was USD 50,000. By provides about USD 1994 the ‘dreams- 600 a month. The fulfilling’ level of remaining USD income had doubled, 1,000 comes from from USD 50,000 to money he invested USD 102,000.” in a lifetime annuity. Casey Coleman “I probably spend chuckles. He reaches about USD 500 a into his car and pulls month,” he says. In Is increasing consumerism destroying us? out a copy of ‘The other words, Casey Philokalia’. Reading earns a lot more than Wallman wrote about from the collection of he needs, so he isn’t the growing American ancient texts, he says, financially stressed. Let storage industry in his “Pointless effort and me digress a bit: while book, ‘Stuffication’. He endless labour wasted driving across the United also says our growing on what is unnecessary States, I have marveled love affair with stuff, only serve to increase at the number of self- and chasing Mr. and our longing for it.” He storage facilities. I don’t Mrs. Jones, leads to a lot then laughs during his recall seeing them 20 of misery. Psychologist favourite part. “Once a years ago. Liam Plevin, Oliver James agrees. man has passed beyond reporting for ‘The Wall He’s the author of the limits of his natural Street Journal’, says the ‘Affluenza’. He says needs, as he grows industry’s growth is an materialism is causing more materialistic he American phenomenon. widespread depression wants to put jam on There were about and that Americans are his bread.” It’s worth 58,000 self-storage three times more likely laughing at. But the centers worldwide in to be depressed today overall message rings 2009. About 46,000 of than they were in the true. .
60 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 61 world since my son doesn’t look If he fails to turn up we may Passport Fee for Senior Citizens will be Cheaper after me. Please help me leave this then have to take action as per NDTV: world peacefully,” she said in her provisions of the Maintenance xternal Affairs Minister Sushma was adopting a citizen-centric plea. Speaking to News 18, Sub and Welfare of Parents and Senior ESwaraj recently said that the approach for passport services. Divisional Officer Sankar Santra Citizens Act,” the SDO said. The government was continuously “We are committed to simplifying said, “I was taken aback by the Maintenance and Welfare of working towards taking passport the entire process of passport plight of this lady. I have assured Parents and Senior Citizens Act, serv-ices virtually to the doorsteps services with a view to processing her all assistance. She wished to 2007 is a legislation enforced all applications die, but we counseled her and sent by the Union Ministry of Social in a speedy and her back home with some help. We Justice and Empowerment. The Act transparent then contacted the son’s office in makes it mandatory for children to manner and have Kolkata and came to know that he provide for maintenance to senior taken a series of is well-settled. Despite repeated citizens and parents by means of reforms,” she said. reminders, there was no response. monthly allowance. Recently, an According to her, Finally, we managed to get in touch elderly couple in Mumbai wrote to the ministry has with him and have asked him to President Ram Nath Kovind also decided to appear before the tribunal, meant seeking permission for active offer 10% reduction for the welfare of elderly people. euthanasia. . in passport appli- cation fee for children below eight years of age and senior citizens. She further said of citizens residing even in remote that passport ‘seva kendras’ in the villages. Declaring open a Post Office country had last year processed Passport Service Kendra (POPSK) 19% more passport applications in the country, she said her ministry compared to the previous year. WORLD CLASS Senior Citizen in Bengal Wishes to Die, Seeks QUALITY MEDICINES Administration Help AT AFFORDABLE PRICES News 18: n a heart-wrenching plea, a of Durgapur, claims her son has I woman in her late 70s has abandoned her and she is left with written to the local authorities in no money to take care of her daily West Bengal seeking permission to needs. “My husband died a few die by means of ‘assisted suicide’. years ago and now I am too old. Purnima Pramanik, a resident I no longer feel at home in this
62 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 63 RECOMMENDATIONS Do You Know? New Arrivals in Books, Films and Music Krishna Moorthy lists some things that you probably never gave a serious thought to Books to fuse learnings from sports with managerial thinking The Winning Way 2.0: hy men’s Then both men would and have added new Learnings from Sport for clothes drink at the same time. perspectives and Krishna Moorthy Managers have When the guest trusted fresh examples to W pronounced as ‘ca-day’, buttons on the right the host, he would only Authors: Anita Bhogle and keep it relevant to the and women’s clothes touch or clink the host’s which Scots changed to Harsha Bhogle times. As has been on the left? glass with his. ‘caddie’. s there a secret to winning all the proven many times When buttons were In golf, where does Why jars used for time? What is the stuff champions over, ability is not a I invented they were very the term ‘caddie’ collection of coins are made of? What gives victorious major distinguishing expensive and worn come from? called ‘piggy banks’? teams that edge? Six years after sports factor in success, mainly by the rich. Since commentator and writer Harsha Bhogle especially as the When Mary, Queen of In earlier days dishes most people are right- and advertising and communication level of competition Scots, went to France and cookware were handed, it is easier to consultant Anita Bhogle (both IIM-A increases. But if you combine your as a young girl, the king made from thick organic push the buttons from alumni) first explored these questions ability with the right attitude and the of France learnt that clay called ‘pygg’. When the right through the and more in ‘The Winning Way’, they passion to excel, you too can become people started to use jars holes in the left. Wealthy are back with a new, revised edition, the best that you can be; which is indeed made of clay for collecting women had maids to ‘The Winning Way 2.0’. They continue what winning is all about. or saving coins, the jars dress them. So the were called ‘pygg banks’. Music buttons were put on the When an English potter Ustad Amir Khan left side of the clothes, misunderstood the word, which is the right side he made jars resembling Publisher: RP – Sanjiv for the maid facing her a pig, and the practice Goenka Group mistress. she loved the game golf continued. he album features the Why do people clink played by the Scots. So Why is shifting the works of Ustad Amir Khan T their glasses before he built the first golf responsibility to (August 15, 1912 – February 13, proposing a toast? course outside Scotland someone else called 1974) who was a well-known In olden days, if for her sake. To make ‘passing the buck’? Indian classical vocalist. He sure she was properly someone wanted to kill In card games, once it is considered one of the most guarded while she an enemy, he offered was customary to pass influential figures in Hindustani played, the king hired him a poisoned drink. an item called ‘buck’ classical music, and the founder cadets from the military To prove to the guest from player to player to of the Indore ‘gharana’. Amir school to accompany her. that the drink was safe, indicate whose turn it Khan had a rich baritone voice When Mary returned to it was customary to was to deal the cards. If with a three-octave range, and (singing style), which blends the spiritual Scotland, she continued pour a small amount of a person did not wish to could move equally effortlessly in any flavour and grandeur of ‘dhrupad’ with this practice. In French the guest’s drink into deal, the buck was passed octave. He developed his own ‘gayaki’ the ornate vividness of ‘khyal’. . the word ‘cadet’ is the of the host’s glass. to the next player. . 64 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 65 LAST WORD
Be a Healthy Centenarian C P Balasubramanian offers some useful tips to keep ailments away C P Balasubramanian Following are the face and improve the ways by which you eyesight. it corrodes the body just can be a healthy Yellow ripe pumpkin like sea water. All dairy centenarian: contains beta-carotene, products and spices Food also found in carrots, increase the chances of cardio vascular diseases. Always eat less than what that provides energy to your hunger demands. the heart. Avoid tea and Exercise restrict the use of coffee. Reducing food intake The human body is like Avoid sugar as far as Phase II of by 40% helps increase an automobile. It needs: the life expectancy of possible for it works as Dignity Lifestyle • Lubrication: Proper a person by up to two a harmful agent, leading exercise is like times. Eat pomegranates to ageing, cataract, Retirement Township lubrication for the that contain several diabetes and acidity. body that increases Spanking important minerals and Add sprouts to your circulation and vitamins required by meals, including black new buildings. flexibility. our body. Honey is a gram, moong, methi, superb gift from nature. soyabean and wheat • Battery Charging: You Excellence of Care Coconut milk from green grain which provide the can charge your body and Services tender coconut works essential vitamins and with yoga, pranayam as a health nectar. Amla proteins. Bottle Gourd and meditation. is packed with nutrition provides many essential • Cooling System: vitamins and is highly and recommended for high blood pressure Relaxation works like recommended for all a coolant for the body. types of heart diseases. and urinary disorders. At least three times a • Fuel: Proper diet, Increase your intake of Very affordable Onetime deposit, of which 65% is refundable at the fibrous vegetables and week consume dry fruits water and sunlight fruits and avoid fried and like almonds, peanuts, provide the required time of giving up the membership. Plus inflation-proof monthly greasy snacks. Include raisin, pistachios, fuel to keep the body maintenance schemes including food, medical consultation, 24x7 dates and walnuts. running. in your daily diet curd, security. Assisted Living with fulltime attendar care is also available. amla, honey, lemon, raw Keep changing your • Balanced Driver: The onions, roasted garlic cooking oil to supply mind is the driver of General Practitioner is a fulltime resident in the township. and sprouted grams. the body with all types the body and must Enquiries: 7588186025;9403533025 of necessary nutrients. Green leafy vegetables be kept balanced and Email: [email protected] reduce wrinkles on the Avoid salt in excess since stable at all times. . www.dignitylifestyle.org. Byculla Office :022-61381100 66 March | 2018 Dignity Dialogue Dignity Dialogue March | 2018 October | 2017 6 RNI No 62985/1995 Reg No. MCE/255/2017-2019 WPP Licence No. MR/Tech/WPP-251/East/2018 Published on 28th of every previous month. Posted on 28th and 29th of every previous month at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai-400001
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