Stories From Around The World

Riding The Waves Of Queer Pride

/ Pozicool Raga / Leave a comment


The football fever has hit hard. Two announcements that hit me harder than the loss of Argentina was the sudden ban on alcohol sale and the discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals at the world cup arena. However, the ban on ‘OneLove’ anti-hate armbands at FIFA World Cup did not stop the rock sales of the armbands and how supportive the world reacted to it. 

"Pride is for everyone."
"We're here. We're queer."
"Celebrate Trans Pride."
"Not gonna hide my pride."
"We're all born naked, and the rest is drag."
"I fell out of the womb and landed in my mother's high heels."

I am sure you all would have read these slogans and quotes in your cities during Pride Month (celebrated in India in June). However, the last quote is my favourite! It touched me and many others. 

In the last few years, many have shared how they or their friends were ready to come out about their sexual preferences and gender orientations. Though unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. A thought that disturbed me was: why we need permission to be what we are and who we want to be. It saddened me that gender and sexual discrimination did not allow so many of us to live our lives as we wanted.

In the same way, when you fall in love with someone or are attracted to someone, you are driven by instinct and your heart. It shouldn’t matter whether you love someone from the same sex or the opposite sex. So why be called queer for going against “norms”? Why be shamed for loving someone from the same sex? Love doesn’t change definitions whether you are a homosexual or a heterosexual. The feelings, emotions, and bodily reactions remain the same.

So, what is the meaning of queer? We all know queer is a word in the English dictionary to describe a person who is odd or different or did things differently. Interestingly, queer has been referred to as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer). 

But how did the word enter the LGBTQ+ lexicon? In the 19th century, “queer” came to be referred to as people in same-sex relationships. Back then, homophobia was widespread, and violence against the homosexual community increased. As a result, a group of activists enraged by the brutality wanted to raise their voices in protest. So, a group of HIV/AIDS activists formed the “Queer Nation” organization in New York on March 20, 1990.

Nearly 60 people from the LGBTQ+ community gathered for the event. Their message to the world was to accept them as they were and instill a sense of Pride among the community members. Many movements like these came later and encouraged them to get themselves as they are and come out of the closet to accept their sexuality. Hence the term “Queer Pride” was born. 

Queer Pride is accepting one’s sexual orientation openly and being proud of it. There is nothing incorrect with being different and having different sexual preferences. However, it doesn’t reflect on you as a person. This shouldn’t be a reason for discrimination. Each person has their personal choice and right to live their life as they want to. But ever since countries were born, boundaries were drawn, and they started drawing lines for citizens – how they must behave, dress in public, set rules and laws, and their gender and sexual preferences. 

Sadly, even spiritual sects, political forces, cults, and self-proclaimed moral police did not remain far behind in crusading against the LGBTQ+ community to date. People for centuries have been trying hard to “treat” or rather “cure” homosexuality. This “abnormality” supposedly goes against their idea of sexuality. Yet, they are still discriminated against and denied access to fundamental human rights like food and shelter. 

Even though it is hard, many opt to come out of the closet, face the world, and be who they indeed are. The world is more accepting now. Maybe a few… However, it takes time…more time to get a mindset change. Even more, time to gain acceptance. It is indeed a difficult road ahead in India. The number of Pride marches is increasing every year in most cities worldwide. There is better acceptance and more tolerance now in mainstream cities or metros. Smaller towns and cities in India are also beginning to organize seminars, conferences, and events for the public. It is crucial people are made aware of LGBTQ+ individuals and their struggles and gives space for them to share their life.

Of late, there are laws supporting LGBTQ+ Community. Gay and lesbian marriages have become legal in some parts of the world. Celebs are also coming out of their closet about their LGBTQ+ identities without worrying or fearing being judged. Recently, two former beauty pageant winners, Mariana Varela from Argentina and Fabiola Valentin from Puerto Rico, publicly announced their two-year-old relationship and marriage ceremony through social media. Their cute love story has left many more people to talk about their relationships openly. Public acceptance is slowly taking precedence in some countries, yet a long way to go. 

India has a long journey to bring up a sensitive and tolerant generation. Recently, the most horrifying case was that of a schoolboy in a leading Delhi school who committed suicide. He could not take in the atrocities of his seniors bullying him over his sexuality. It is heartbreaking to see how much intolerance is seeded by families who pre-define sexual and gender identities. Unfortunately, many such cases go unreported or shoved under the carpet. The only way things can change is when schools and academic institutions take the initiative to organize workshops and seminars to sensitize children. It will ensure lesser crimes and encourage inclusivity among children, irrespective of their gender or sexual preferences. 

Rainbow of Hope Expanding

Since the Supreme Court of India decriminalized consensual homosexual intercourse, it has proven to be a ray of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in India. Unfortunately, India is yet to legalize homosexual marriages, and there is still a long way to go for the complete acceptance of homosexuals. However, more stories about their identity and relationships emerge thanks to the ruling. Some have migrated abroad to LGBTQ+-friendly countries and got married there too. 

Social media accounts like Official Humans of Queer, Queers of India, and many more handles are helping more and more people get comfortable with their sex and gender identities and accept themselves for what they are. 

In an age where body shaming and toxic positivity are viral, these initiatives are a rainbow of hope for humans to walk with our heads held high on a road not taken at all. So, cheers to all of us who want to be what we are – pure, unfiltered! 

Do share your experiences/stories in our feedback box. We would love to feature them.

The top 10 countries ranked on the LGBTQ Global Acceptance Index (GAI) index developed by UCLA researchers in 2021 are in the following order – Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Ireland, Great Britain, and New Zealand. In addition, Human Rights Watch, based in New York, has profiled 132 countries on its website. It gives information on human rights for the LGBTQ+ communities there. There are also maps accompanying these country profiles, showing countries that criminalize homosexuality and are ridden with gender-based crimes.

Most countries have different timelines for celebrating Pride Month. For example, India and the United States celebrate Pride Month every year in June. Others celebrate in February, August, and September. Pride Month is yet to be recognized internationally, hence the different timelines of celebrations too. India celebrates Pride Month every year in June.

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Kappa Cassava Tapioca

/ Chippy Kurian Chacko / Leave a comment

Kappa is the only dish that brings joy to my life. Kappa, AKA Tapioca. Some call it Cassava. Full of carbs and Oops, no nutritional value. That is a simple truth; however, if you make Kappa in Malabar style and have it with Spicy Fish Curry, your heart goes sprinting up and down, and you keep coming back for more. Give me Kappa for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I will take it gladly without any qualms. That’s just me. 

In Kerala, a tropical coast in the south-west of India Tapioca is a staple food in our cuisine. Once or twice a week, at home we have Tapioca for breakfast. With afternoon tea, we have Tapioca chips and even better at times, boiled Tapioca with shallots and birds-eye chilli chutney with or without Yoghurt. Sometimes for dinner we have mashed Tapioca with meat or fish. It’s just delicious.


The Great Famine of 1876 in India contributed significantly to how Tapioca came to existence in today’s Kerala culture. The then Maharaja of Tranvancore, Vishakham Thirunal Rama Varma, introduced Kappa as a replacement for rice between 1880 -1885. To beat the hunger, people vastly cultivated Tapioca, which helped them through the hard years. Even today, most Kerala farmers and select households still produce Tapioca for sale and for personal daily use. 

In fact, Tapioca is native to Brazil. It comes from the native plant, Cassava. It is a starchy plant grown and reaped throughout Brazil, Thailand, and Nigeria. People in North and South America, West Indies, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe all have Cassava in their cuisine.

Let’s find out the different ways people around the world prepare and enjoy Cassava.

Kappa Vevichathu (Kerala, India)

In two ways, people enjoy Kappa in this region. The first way it is prepared is where tapioca skin is removed, chopped into cubes, boiled in water with salt to taste, and set aside. Next, mix the boiled cubes with a ground paste containing grated coconut, green chilies, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, garlic, and shallots, and cook for five minutes. Some like it mashed, and some like it a little chunky. Finish it by heating coconut oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds and frying curry leaves. In Kerala, this dish is served with Fish Curry or Beef Curry.

The second way it is prepared is where tapioca skin is removed, diced course lengthy, boiled in water with salt to taste, and set aside. Then, people enjoy it alone or with Kanthari mulaku Chutney/BirdsEye Chilli Chutney. 

Casabe (Central America, Latin America & The Caribbean)

Casabe is made from a single component, Just Cassava. It contains nothing else, giving it a tough and crunchy consistency. Casabe means flat bread.

To prepare Casabe, fresh Cassava is peeled, grated very finely, pressed to yank all of its liquid, and hung for several hours until it forms a sort of cassava paste, from which later patties are made. The cakes are then flatted and cooked in a large hot pan until the dampness has evaporated and the patty is crunchy. Finally, it is broken up and eaten as crackers, dipped in fantastic.

Saka Saka (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Saka Saka, also called Cassava leaf soup, is a Congolese dish. But, no, it is not a soup but a type of stew made with fish or any meat of choice with Cassava leaves. Time management is critical in the preparation of this dish, which is also called Pondu. 

How is it made? In a reasonably medium to a large pot, add onions, your choice of fish or meat, and season with salt. Simmer until tender, and this leaves you with two cups of stock. Separate the fish or meat from the stock and set it aside. Again a large pot, heat the oil and saute onions and crayfish for a few minutes, and then add more fish or meat(not the meat or fish we separated earlier from the stock water), preferably smoked beef or turkey or chicken or fish. Next, add peanut butter, pour in the stock water we set aside earlier, and cook for 10 minutes. To this mix, we add Cassava leaves (in case it’s not available, spinach leaves are substituted) and cook for nearly 30 minutes and at the last phase, add shrimp and cook for another 4 minutes. Saka Saka is served with steaming hot rice. 

Fufu (Nigeria)

Simple and satisfying is the only way to describe Fufu, the famous African Swallow food. It is filling and an easy dish prepared in every West African household. 

Remove the tapioca skin, chop into cubes and boil till tender. Mix it in a blender to make it a smooth paste. Transfer to a pot and stir energetically until a thick, smooth semi-solid paste. Shape it into balls, wrap it in plastic foils to retain the dampness, and set it aside. Fufu is eaten with your right hand. Pinch a little bit from the ball and have it with flavourful stew or soups. Fufu is not chewed. It’s swallowed, definitely a dish not to miss. 

Sago Gula Melaka / Sago Pudding (Indonesia and Malaysia)

This sweet pudding is made by mixing Tapioca pearls with water or milk and adding sugar. Sago Gula Melaka is a Tapioca pudding made by boiling pearl sago in water and then serving it with syrup of palm sugar (known as Gula Melaka) and coconut milk. It is simple and tasty.

No matter where you are in the world, Cassava is loved. Once a poor man’s food, it’s highly sought after and the most fulfilling food. Yes, it’s full of carbs, yet, it’s uncomplicated. One can spice it up based on ones liking, and it can be feasted with full flavours or not. People of all ages love it. Next time you want something different, try a restaurant near you that specialises in African cuisine or order a Sogu Pudding after your meal from your Asian diner. Try Malabari cooking or Kerala Restaurant and enjoy Cassava at its many best. Did you know the black pearls in your favourite Bubble tea… it’s Tapioca? Check it out . They are delicious.

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Shefali Shah: Breaking Convention

/ Pozicool Raga / Leave a comment

The essay is about the ‘Journey of a Woman of Substance,’ and I say she deserves a standing ovation. For all her hard-hitting movies and roles, she sure is a woman who inspires and motivates me. After subtly making her way into the ‘World of Indian Cinema,’ she captured hearts with her acting mastery and a genuine sense of satire and humour. In 1993, she debuted in Gujarati Theatre, and her latest role in 2022 was in the Hindi movie Darlings. Let me take this moment to compliment her on completing twenty-nine years in an industry where most people find it hard to stay relevant. Shefali Shah is one of the few women in the Indian Film Industry who stood their ground and played parts that impacted people of all forms and with no gender divide.

The 2022 TV Series, ‘Delhi Crime,’ has added one more feather to her cap. Shefali has always played vital female lead roles that break conventional codes. Those from the 1990s will remember her quite well for her many of her roles. For an outsider like myself, it feels like an exciting journey from stage dramas to TV Series to Cinema. Her roles in these series were outstanding- Ant Vagarni Antakshari, Tara, Doctor Tame Pan, Mano Ya Na Mano, Aarohan, Banegi Apni Baat, Kabhie Kabhie, and Hasratein.

One of her earlier roles was a character named Savi in the 1997 television soap Hasratein. The show concentrates on extramarital relationships at a time in India such topics were dreaded to be spoken about. She played the role of Savi with aplomb. This role brought her into the spotlight for portraying a non-conventional position when women in traditional roles were considered ideals. This show was top-rated because it broke all time-honoured codes of relationships at the time. The same year, she played a lawyer Radha Pathak in Kabhie Kabhie. It was a tale about friendship and the professional feud between two friends in the law fraternity who fall in love with the same man. Oops!

Bollywood became her canvas, where she painted her characters successfully. In 2001, Shefali played a pivotal role in the movie Monsoon Wedding as Ria Verma, an abuse survivor. Ria stays in every one of us; we felt her pain and saw through her agony, helplessness, shame, anger, and every emotion one can fathom. Even after twenty-one years, Ria stays with me. The character Shefali portrayed is unforgettable. Another influential role was Pyari Mhatre in the movie Satya, and she got the Best Actress award in the Critics category of the 44th Filmfare Awards in 1999. Shefali has always been highly selective in choosing her roles and has an extensive filmography in her pot. She has won hearts in each of her roles and parts. 

In the Indian Film Industry, Ageism is obvious. The casting of women half the age of the film’s famous mannish protagonist as their mothers or partners is accepted. For Shefali, age was never a bar to recreating any role. In 2005, she played Amitabh Bachchan’s wife and leading man’s mother in Waqt: A Race Against Time. She proved beyond doubt that if you have passion for the craft, being typecast in a specific role will not affect your career. I am sure she must have worked harder than most not to get stereotyped. 

Her role as Kasturba Gandhi in the 2007 biographical drama Gandhi, My Father won international recognition when she bagged the Best Actress award at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Her next movie in 2007 was opposite Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a veteran theatre artist passionate about Shakespeare in the Last Lear, directed by Rituparno Ghosh. Her film with Rahul Bose, Kuch Luv Jaisa, brought out the mixed elements of a frustrated rich housewife whose birthday is forgotten by her family, yet she decides to celebrate solo. Her understated charm and calmness in every character reveal her subtlety in each role she essays. Her character in the film Lakshmi as a brothel owner struggling to get her daughter educated, is significant, especially as she helps the protagonist to expose the world of child trafficking.

Ensemble dramas usually have diverse characters; standing amidst those characters is no mean feat. For example, the 2015 movie Dil Dhadakne Do had an ensemble cast of all stellar actors. Her role as Neelam Kamal Mehra, the wealthy Socialite, stuck in patriarchal matrimony and a stereotypical business family, brought out the inner conflicts of a woman who wanted to liberate her daughter from her toxic marriage. However, she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, because of the elite societal intimidations and peer pressures. Her characterization was impressive. 

The 2017 short film ‘Juice‘ won the Filmfare Short Film Award for Fiction stays with me, especially Manju’s final stare. The short film attempts to stress the gender roles in our homes and how the route to transforming it does not need to be filled with noisy rallies but straightforward silences as hard and penetrating as Manju’s stare. The film disclosed the misogyny hidden in every nook and corner of the male-dominated society. Shefali won Best Actress in a Short Film.

In 2020, she did two short films, Someday (her maiden directorial venture) and Happy Birthday, Mummyji, a women-oriented movie scripted by Shefali. Shefali’s 2021 crime drama Delhi Crime, directed by Richie Mehta, left a deep impression on the audience as she played the real-life cop DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, who investigates the true story behind the gang rape that shocked the world. The seven-episode drama in the first Season won Best series at the 48th Emmy International Awards and four Asian Creative Awards. In addition, Shefali won the Best Actress award. This drama proved to be a turning point in her career.

In the 2021 Anthology film ‘Ajeeb Dastan‘, Shefali plays Natasha in the fourth film Ankahi. She depicts Natasha as a woman who struggles to keep a truce at home and her misery to let go of an accidental friendship that blooms into love and the betrayal she had to give, all with no words. The power of her eyes and how she communicates with them in a few seconds take your breath away.

Other noteworthy mentions are ‘Human‘, a medical TV Series where she plays a ruthless neurosurgeon, and Shefali as Ruksana in ‘Jalsa‘, a slow-burn, suspense-filled, shocking must-watch. Her latest venture, the dark comedy Darlings, has swept the audience off their feet with the two lead women stealing the limelight as a mother-daughter duo.

Apart from acting, she has an artist in her. Shefali once said, “art has made me content.” She is an artist who plays on canvas with acrylic and ink. Black, red and white are her favourite colours. Do check out her work on Shefali Shah.

Shefali Shah, Actor & Artist in Indian Film, Television, and Theatre, has proven that one can make it big, break conventional codes and shine in an industry riddled with whatnot! So let us wish to see more amazing performances and characters that will inspire and navigate us to be a better version of ourselves through her roles and more and more accolades her way, local, national, and international. Shefali Shah, the sky’s the limit. Keep glowing.

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Europe In 14 Days

/ ksyamala1954 / 2 Comments 
Oh, wanderer, where are you going?
Oh, gypsy, take me with you,
I am not afraid of the roaring sea,
Nor the hot melting sun,
The snow-studded mountains,
The world is my home.
My beautiful home.

Travel helps make the unfamiliar familiar. It is said to be an effective remedy for adjusting one’s life, stresses are relieved, and a feeling of refreshment comes along. So let’s travel and travel again. Our first part of the trip took us through the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Germany. We made our way to Switzerland from Germany, and our journey continued to more exciting towns and cities.

Switzerland

It is a mountainous central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages, and the high peak of the alps. The land is also known for its ski resort and hiking trails. Switzerland is famous for its mesmerising alpine scenery, branded watches, and deliciously milky chocolates. A melting pot of many cultures, it is also known for its fascinating cities and scenic train rides that showcase the best of the country’s natural vistas.

Famous chocolate brands like Toblerone and Lindt are worldwide household names. Alpine milk from the high altitude is its special ingredient. Swiss cheese is another renowned food product. Every kind of swiss cheese boasts its unique flavour. Swiss fondue is the most popular national dish. Swiss watches are the benchmark in terms of quality and make excellent gifts. Another popular item is the swiss army knife featuring plenty of utility tools in addition to the primary blade.

Engelberg is an alpine town in central Switzerland. The highest mountain, Titlis, a revolving rotary Golconda, leads to the summit. On the way, the sight of the flock of cows and sheep grazing and the sound of the bell on their neck was a fantastic experience. Titlis cliff walks to the suspension bridge, and the glacial park Trubsee offered a heavenly experience, ice walk, playing with ice forgetting age, health conditions, and the extremes of temperature. In the base, there were restaurants and shopping malls. Everywhere there was a strict rule to be in line. The queue systematically followed. They are famous for timeliness. For the swiss, being on time isn’t simply a gesture of courtesy. It is said it is a way of life. It is famous for being one of the safest countries in the world.

Albert Einstein and Roger Federer are world-famous alumni of Switzerland. We all knew that the origin of the Red Cross was also Switzerland. It’s truly a beautiful place in more ways than one, also living there seems quite expensive.

Austria

Officially the republic of Austria is a landlocked country in central Europe, situated in the Eastern alps, a federation of nine States. Its capital Vienna is the largest city and state by population. It is famous for Art & Opera. The infamous Marie Antoinette, then Emperor of Rome from Austria’s youngest daughter, Archduchess of Austria, married King Louis XVI, hailed from this part of the world.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the North end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. Lichtenstein, a German-speaking 25km Principality between Austria and Switzerland, is known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and villages linked by a network of trails. No crime, no military, and people wouldn’t lock the doors of their houses. Dentistry is the main business of the people. Interestingly, Aug.15 is independence day. On that day prince invited everyone to his castle for lunch.

Innsbruck

The capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, a city in the Alps, has long been a distinction in winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its imperial and modern architecture. From Innsbruck to Hungerburg, we traveled by funicular drive cable car to 2750 ft. It was famous for snaps, a locally made fruit brandy. The classic movie sound music was shot in this country.

We visited the Goldenes Dachl in the Old Town. Believed to be the city’s most famous landmark, it was a delight seeing the structure constructed in 1500 still standing with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza is now an open museum. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

Venice

The wealthiest city in Europe, a group of more than 100 islands, is sinking to the backwaters. When we crossed a bridge, we entered one island to the other. We enjoyed boat riding to see the scenic beauty of Venice. The streets were densely crowded. If we were a little bit careless, our belongings were to be someone else. The jail where the legendary Shylock got imprisoned is a monument now. Venice was famous for its pizzas and glass wares. We visited a glass factory. The artists there demonstrated how beautiful Ferrari motifs were made with a molten goblet.

Padua

Even a slight wind can change the course of the tide; that’s why God intervened in everything. Saints are human beings who God directs to serve the people. St.Antony, a Portugal, abandoned everything to help the poor people. St.Antony’s tomb was kept in the famous basilica of St. Antony’s church. The visit to the church was soothing to the mind and body.

Proceeded to the Tuscany region on either side of the road, apples, peaches, Vineyards, and sunflower farms were seen. Stone pine trees and conical pine trees added beauty to the region. The place was famous for cattle breeding and leather goods. Shopping was worth buying original leather goods at a cheaper rate.

Rain was a deficit in Italy. For the past two years, there has been no rain. But we didn’t feel any drought-like situation. On the contrary, the sight of Vineyards and apple farms added cooling to the eye. Breakfast was very nominal in Italy. Italians took little time to cook but took hours to enjoy food. The pasta was the main dish. They prefer a three-course menu including chicken and sweets.

Florence

Leonardo Da Vinci’s buildings were all in terra cotta style in the city of Michelangelo. On the way, we saw the magnificent the sculpture of David. What an incredible sight! Colosseum, the Amphi theatre was an incredible sight too.

The Vatican

With a population of just 850, the Vatican is the smallest country where the Pope, the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church, resides. Unfortunately, our visit was scheduled for Tuesday, so we missed the opportunity to get blessings from the Pope. Nevertheless, the visit was beyond description. 

Now it was time for us to return home. Fourteen days passed away, like a few hours. On the way back to Milan airport, we visited the leaning Tower of Pisa and splurged on some shopping.

Travelling promotes new memories and makes us learn new things, discover different cultures, and make new friends. History surrounds us everywhere we go. Getting out of our comfort zone doesn’t only reduce stress. It’s also great for physical health and makes us feel more positive about life.

Travel helps make the unfamiliar familiar. It is said to be an effective remedy for adjusting one’s life, stresses are relieved, and a feeling of refreshment comes along. So let’s travel and travel again.

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Radio Still Relevant

/ Naveeta Shokeen / Leave a comment

The impact of Radio in India is monumental. The country as a whole was fundamentally reshaped as a result. Over time, there has been a shift in the dynamic of how people consume entertainment. Television, printed media, mobile music apps, and Radio are just a few of the media that have evolved alongside the progression of time. For example, it was predicted that Radio would cease to exist soon after the turn of the century, giving way to the dominance of television in people’s homes. At first, Radio’s popularity dropped for a short time. However, in the decades that followed, Radio made a strong comeback by adapting its programming to the tastes of a new generation of listeners. As the number of listeners grows, competitors in many fields are moving up the success ladder by offering valuable and different services from their rivals. 

Expansion of Private FM Stations 

Private radio stations first appeared after the reform of 1991, mostly in major cities. As of December 2018, there are more than 369 private Radio stations nationwide. However, commercial Radio turned into a lucrative market after the second stage of development, which included new auctions and altered license prices, and overseas competitors entered the fray. The administration has made significant attempts to have a presence in even the most remote towns and villages after realising the reach and usefulness of this medium. The frequencies now reach out to people in the country’s most remote areas, where other forms of connectivity and communication may still be non-existent.

RJs – The new celebrities

When we think of Radio, the first thing that comes to mind is tuning into a frequency and hearing a voice that enchants you through the show and the music. This is what we picture when we hear the word “radio.” While this remains true even in the present day, the connection that listeners have with the RJs has developed over the years because they are increasingly interested in getting to know them personally. Today, Radio is listening to your favourite RJ, with whom you can easily connect on Facebook live, meet them as contest winners, and interact with them during on-ground activities. You may also meet them as a contest winner. Because of their increased popularity, radio jockeys (RJs) are now frequently asked to appear on various types of reality television shows. The connection between a radio host and his listeners is of such a nature that listeners adore them even when they are broadcasting on other mediums. RJs have celebrity status and are recognised wherever they go, which contributes to the popularity of Radio and further strengthens its appeal.

Shows across different genres finding their way on Radio

To sustain its listenership at a time when Radio is closely compared to television as a favoured medium for infotainment, radio show formats have experienced a dramatic alteration. Rather than focusing primarily on comedy and romance, the networks are now running a variety of programming that appeals to various audiences and caters to niche needs. Sports, popular culture, trivia, the mechanics of generating music, and other intriguing show formats have created a whole new universe of thought-provoking entertainment that can be enjoyed while travelling. This has also enabled it to effectively reach more than one group of people with a single brand. 

The innovations pandemic brought to the industry?

Despite obstacles, some opportunities can be taken advantage of by using locally sourced goods and services. The options made possible by developing digital connectivity have significantly boosted consumer and content provider involvement. More innovation in content formats and economic strategies is expected as we advance. Radio has long been recognized for bringing together communities in trying circumstances. Additionally, radio stations have successfully innovated through collaborations with music streaming applications to get the best of Radio to the digital landscape for a broader range of people as the world continues to advance with enormous advances in the digital arena. Radio has also become more futuristic thanks to its many partnerships with the digital world and active ties to virtual audio platforms. This makes it ready for technological changes in the next few years and the next several decades. 

Radio-jockeying – From a part-time job to a career

When privately owned FM stations first appeared, radio jockeying was a part-time occupation. People questioned the RJs’ means of subsistence, thinking they weren’t making much money and should seek another profession to secure their financial future. The recognition of being an RJ then gradually began to emerge. Like celebrities, they have followers, are taken seriously, and have an impact. Everyone was made aware of how much effort goes into being an RJ due to this. Radio jockeying is currently recognised as a viable career choice because of its fame, the obligation of being the empowering voice behind a brand, and the technical skills and expertise needed to succeed. For those who are eager to become RJs, RJs have also taken on the role of career counselors. They get advice from the RJs with more experience, who also show them how hard it is to get famous. 

Radio expanding in the digital arena

To reach its broader target audience, Radio has increased its presence in this area with the arrival of the digital era. As a result, radio shows and RJs have become much more accessible to the digitally savvy population. And as a result of RJs’ acting in contextual videos, bringing contests to social media, connecting with listeners through Live digital broadcasting for live polling on contentious issues, posting real-time local updates, and much more.

The trend of Radio itself moulded the radio industry as it is today. It has developed into a powerful medium that reaches millions of people with a sense of purpose. 

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First Trip To Europe

/ ksyamala1954 / 1 Comment

As the saying goes, a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step. Although life’s short and the world is vast, and those who don’t travel read only one page of the world’s book, when you travel, the whole world opens up. Each time we travel, we see the world with new eyes. The more we get lost in our travels, the richer our lives become. We began our journey as a group of forty people. It was a capsule journey, not an elaborate one, so here are few of the cities, let’s go.

Europe is the continent of hopeless romantics. A place that radiates warmth, happiness, and enchantment in the form of hot summer nights under the stars. I saw youngsters thronged in front of pubs with beer, vine, and cigarettes in their hands; when asked out of curiosity, it was customary during weekends. Each magical European city writes a love letter to the past through its customs and architecture.

Let’s visit the UK and Europe. My European Tour highlights.

United Kingdom

Our start. The UK, comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe. The birthplace of Shakespeare and the Beatles is home to the capital, London, a royal city surrounded by a rush of modern life. The city is full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces, and a few surprises, a city jam-packed with culture going on around the clock. Unfortunately, due to the unexpected sad demise of The Queen, the authorities shut the city down. Furthermore, they did seal off all tourists’ access to Buckingham palace and the surrounding areas. Unfortunate but understandable.

A ride through the London Eye offers the most beautiful views of London city. For example, London Bridge, which we hear as a nursery rhyme, passed through it. In my mind, the verse just kept playing. 

London Bridge is falling down

London Bridge is falling down

Falling down, falling down

London Bridge is falling down

My fair lady.

A visit to the Madame Tussauds wax museum was a magical experience. We met Indian celebrities and enjoyed a photo shoot with legendary figurines. A ride through the magical world with light and sound was enjoyable to both young and old. 

Our next stop was from Heathrow to Amsterdam by Eurostar. The train journey was fascinating. We travel under the tunnel through the sea. We didn’t feel anything unusual, only darkness everywhere. 

Amsterdam

Famous for cheese and vine. A city and port in the Netherlands known for its historical inducements, collection of excellent arts, and commercial and financial center of the Netherlands. About 1/5th of the workforce still relies on the honoured bicycle for transportation. Thousands of different types of cycles were seen on the curb-sides. All roads had red coloured cycle corridors, and both young and old were comfortable riding them. I do feel a need to appreciate this. The sight itself occurred, rejuvenating the eye.

Amsterdam is famous for its Asian restaurants. I noticed marijuana in numerous varieties sold in every small and prominent shop. It is legal, and people are seen relishing smoking marijuana or, as we call it, ganja after a sumptuous banquet. Tourism accounts for about 1/10th of all jobs, and local people appear friendly. The major attractions were canal cruising. We enjoyed it very much. 

A very intriguing happening on the train trip shows the typical South Indian trait. The train canteen offered unlimited ingredients for a cup of coffee. Our fellow tourists used milk, sugar, and coffee powder to make self-made coffee. The fun fact, no one bothered to take a spoonful of hot water. The person in charge’s watchful eyes turned red with anger seeing the mess they made with the empty packet of milk and spilled milk on the ground. Soon he put up a board showing canteen closed. 

Getting anything for free is a weakness for us. We grab as much as possible; whether we require it or not is out of the question. Frittering food is considered an offense in Europe. The authorities may have thought we were seizing someone’s food and wasting it. Take only what we need, and respect another person’s right to survival—something we need to learn.

Brussels

Our next journey was towards Belgium. It is the most densely populated and prosperous region in Belgium. La.grand Palace in Brussels is a remarkably homogenous body of public and private buildings. Mannequin piss and Atomium were the most significant attraction in Brussels. Mannequin, the lucky charm of Brussels, pisses beer during festivals. Yes, one could enjoy unlimited beer from him.

When it comes to food, the world is so diverse, and each country has its specialty. Unlike us, European prefer to eat cold foods. They didn’t drink tea. Belgium is famous for its Waffles and the tastiest ones in the world.

Transfer to Paris from Brussels took about 4hrs to 320kms. Going through the highway on either side, we saw Birch trees, maple trees, and cedar trees. The leaves were falling. The same tree holds different colours of leaves, like green, yellow, brown, and golden. The beginning of Autumn. It was so beautiful to witness.

We should also learn to shed our ego by gathering together, unbundling what is undesirable to our inner self, and forgetting about what we are or who we are. Explore the Autumn in splendour, and even the trees began relieving their coverings, so metamorphosis yourself into a new one.

Paris

Apart from “Baguettes, Croissants, and Eclairs, Paris is “The city of love, fashion, and chocolates. Love birds flocked together and flooded the Seine river with love locks, a mad belief that by doing so, one could get your love forever. Unable to hold it anymore, the river was recently cleaned, and the city banned people from dropping love locks into the river.

Your love could exist in every object you pass through, not limited to one person or one entity, and bearing the burden of proving its worthiness is not at all a good idea. Love to be bloomed and its fragrance to be spread everywhere you exist. Let’s love unconditionally.

We missed the opportunity to visit the famous Louvre museum, where the beauty queen Monalisa mesmerised the whole world with her ever-charming smile. However, we are satisfied with the photo in the gallery.

Eiffel Tower is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel. The wrought iron lattice is a powerful and distinctive symbol of Paris, impressed by its stature and daring design. We were lucky enough to ascend to the entire third level and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

In the evening, we saw the wholly rhetorical Eiffel Tower under much pomp and vigour, and its beacon reached 80km at 360 degrees. The Tower had witnessed and sometimes been an actor in important events, both sumptuous and tragic in France’s history.

The water cruise through the river seine also gave us some refreshments for the mind and body. The roads were well maintained, and it was said every six months, roads were repaired. Whether it requires or not was out of the question. No trace of waste was seen elsewhere, and there was no foul smell. An interesting thing I noticed was that the seat behind the driver was always kept unoccupied. It was a precautionary measure to avoid the driver’s attention, if any, from the action of people sitting behind. Unlike us, the drivers had a specific duty time. Working beyond that was not permitted. I wondered whether the whole of Europe was a no-horn area. Yes, blowing the horn means they were reprimanding. People were crossing the road only through zebra crossing and walking through the walkway. Even though no one was crossing, the driver stopped the vehicle at the pedestrian crossing. The disciplined way of following the road rules was to be learned.

Karlsruhe (Germany)

The Tower of the 18th-century palace offers views of its fan-shaped layout. From the city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, we proceeded to The Black Forest, a mountainous province in Germany bordering France. It was known for its dense evergreen villages, associated with the Brothers Grim Fairy tales. The place has been renowned for the Cuckoo Clocks factory since the 1700s. A visit to the factory was a memorable one, and there was a presentation on how the clock was taking shape practically handmade. We saw Titi See (lake), and the Rhine falls on the way. Shopping inside was perplexing because each one occurred better than the other. 

There are many other places and cities and stories to share, and I will share them other time. I was really in a trance. Words are not enough to explain. More to come soon.

Follow K. Syamala

Professions By Zodiac

/ msveenagupta / 2 Comments

“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” — Charles Bukowski. Remember when as kids, we were asked this question repeatedly – What will you become when you grow up? Of course, we all had different answers, vivid dreams, and aspirations about what we would like to evolve as we grow up!

Then Adulthood happened! We woke up to reality – the reality of working or running a business for survival rather than pursuing our dream. Adulthood is complex. You got to work to pursue your dream, and you cannot at times follow your dream because you got to work!

For those who are actually into their dream profession – A BIG Congratulations!!! For the lesser fortunate mortals like me who feel like Elsa singing into the unknown, “I am not where I am meant to be.” – We take fleeting respites in dreaming about the profession we would choose had we not been where we are! 

And to tell you a secret, what you would rather be, is dictated far and wide by your Zodiac! Don’t believe me? Read on to find out! These are professions your Zodiac naturally inclines toward. 

Aries

They are Born-leaders and therefore do well with ‘authority’ professions. Leading comes naturally to them, and they usually prefer to be their boss. They are assertive, strong-willed, and competitive. Because of their eternal optimism, they start many projects and get into many fortes but quickly lose track and leave them halfway. Explain why they are good bosses, as they take the initiative to begin projects and later expect their teams to carry forward.

Symbolised by the ‘RAM,’ they are also stalwarts and fighters of the Zodiac. And for this reason, they usually gravitate to occupations dealing with competition, physical stamina, or combat sports viz athletics, boxing, etc.

Preferred career choices: 
Boss, Managers, Athlete, Firefighter, Stunt-Performer, Business Owner, Political Figure, Professional Gamer

Taurus

Symbolised by the ‘Bull,’ Taurus seeks stability in everything they do. They have no qualms following a routine and make good, punctual employees. Grounded and practical, they can stick with an organization for a long time and grow to the top hierarchy. Dependable, determined, honest, and hardworking, they are also great with money and finances. Taurus, secretly, also likes food and beauty. So, they can make great chefs too.

Their love for motherland, and land in general, makes Farming their top choice as it caters to land-love, food-love, and nature-love (beauty) too!

Preferred career choices: 
Farmer, Landscaper, Designers, Bankers, Financial Advisors, Chefs, Food critics, Artists.

Gemini

They are people’s people. They like people around them and have impeccable interpersonal skills, which makes them good public speakers too. Moreover, they love the fast-paced life, just like the wind breeze. So anything that can stimulate their minds/environment that offers them lots of people interaction, variety, and the opportunity to do many different things, and play different roles simultaneously, can make it their career choice, like Project Management. Moreover, they are always mentally active and love to process many other aspects of a topic so they can do excellently as Project Managers!

Communication and people skills make them apt for careers like Teaching, Public relations, Public speaking, etc.

Preferred career choices: 
Public Relations, Public Speakers, Motivational Speakers, Teachers, Communication Consultants, Storytellers, Journalists, Publicity Consultants, and Project Managers.

Leo

They are the Zodiac’s ‘Celebrity.’ They love attention, exposure and fame. Notable entertainers in performing arts, acting, singing, dancing, drama, and much more. They also make some of the greatest Orators. Since being the center of attention also calls for excellent presentation skills, they are among the best-dressed people. Always a cut above the rest. The reason why they are also inclined to fashion designing/ consulting. 

They also love taking the lead and therefore make some of the best leaders in their fields. Teaching and Politics come naturally to them.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Fashion Designer, Actor, Singers, Artists, Stage performers, Public Speakers, Teachers, Politicians, Managers, and Business leaders.

Virgo

They are full of a mother’s love for everyone around them. They are compassionate, empathetic, and considerate and the most well-behaved people around. Always having an eye for detail, they seek perfection in everything they do. Sometimes err on the side of being over-critical. 

Virgos are good at following instructions and have a knack for good customer service, making them ideal for the Hospitality industry. They also do exceptionally well in Service and Care functions like Customer services, Handling the Front Desk, and working as Therapists.

Having an eye for detail and being a perfectionist makes them ideal for jobs requiring mass amounts of research or statistics — e.g., Data analysts, Detectives, etc. They also have a secret talent – Dancing. Most Virgos can dance incredibly well. It’s almost a pre-installed program they are born with!

Preferred Career Choices: 
Data Analysis, Researchers, Statistician, Editors, Detectives, Palliative and Geriatric caregivers, Running NGOs for lesser fortunate, Dancers, Dance directors, and Choreographers.

Cancer

Cancerians are the most traditional and nurturing sign of the Zodiac. They carry motherly instincts for all living creatures. They have an innate sense of love and responsibility towards their creator. They make great ‘Mothers’ themselves and admire their mothers too much to desert them ever. No wonder they gravitate towards protecting their motherland and choose Defence or Farming as their career choices.

Due to their motherly instincts, they are great caretakers and agony aunts, too —so any job that requires Counseling and problem solving to make everyone happy is an excellent choice for them. They make great social workers and change catalysts too. They love their food and have excellent culinary skills – talk, travel, and food that’s their forte.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Chefs, Travel and Food shows, Dieticians, Veterinaries, Social workers, Nursing, Caregivers, Motivational speakers, Human resources, Counsellors, teachers, Midwives, and Gynaecologists.

Scorpio

They are incredibly meticulous, intelligent, and competitive people. They are the masters of disguise and discretion. Rule breakers of the first order, no wonder they make great spies and clever detectives. They love all things with the ‘secret’ tag. They understand mental games like no other and, therefore, can be amid intelligence organizations, top-level secret associations, or handling confidential papers. Curious and cunning, they pursue a case until they’ve found an answer.

Extremely passionate about whatever they do, they also work well in crisis management careers. In addition, they are highly competitive and follow their dream relentlessly, making them ideal CEOs and athletes. For some working at the FBI or such detective agencies as a secret agent is a dream job for them!
Preferred Career Choices: 
Interpol, Detectives, Spy, Performers, Actors, Scientists, Researchers, Business Analysts, Investigators, Engineers, Judge, Lawmakers, Government Officials.

Libra

Libra is a sign of ‘Balance.’ They like to see balance in every aspect of life. Therefore, professions of law and judiciary come naturally to them. They are also great at social skills and are adept at bringing people together, which makes them amazing arbitrators, mediators, and negotiators.

They can easily see through people’s motives and are good at reading people and understanding their motivations, which makes Sales a natural choice. Incredibly charming and friendly, they can sweet-talk you into any deal. And for the same reason, Customer Service, Hospitality, and Diplomacy are natural fits too. They also have a knack for languages, so literature and translation careers come easy. Nursing love for the land; some Liberians are farmers too – remember ‘balance?’ – this is balance in nature for them.

Preferred Career choices: 
Diplomats, Crime/Hostage Negotiators, Judges, Lawyers, Brokers, Legal consultants, Salespersons, Language translators, Travel and hospitality industry, Realtors.

Capricorn

They are the ‘Professionals’ of the Zodiac. Their professional identity means everything to them. Extremely hardworking and serious about their work, they have a no-nonsense approach to everything they set their mind to. They are notorious workaholics, which does not mean they do not enjoy life. ‘Work Hard And Party Harder’ is their mantra for life.

Capricorns are serious, pragmatic, and organized and use their hard work, ambition, and commitment to reach the top. Managing and Administration jobs are their natural choices. Scaling corporate hierarchies is their motto. And they thrive in high-pressure environments. But, being the ‘Mountain goat,’ they can also choose mountaineering or trekking as their profession. Whatever they choose, they put in their best and work hard till they achieve their goals.

Preferred Career Choices: 
Manager, Directors, CEO, Top Corporate jobs, Government Officials, Computer programmers, Athletes, Trekkers, Mountaineers

Aquarius

They have unusual working methods and take pride as the Rule-benders. They are clever, hardworking, and always take an out-of-the-box approach to every problem. Many perceive the aquarian as a disobedient, aggressive, belligerent Antagonist because they are unconventional! Trust me; they are NOT! They are not trying to defy anyone, just attempting to show the world an unconventional way of doing mundane things. 

Due to their non-conforming attitude, they mostly gravitate towards careers of science, discoveries, research, Technology, and entrepreneurship. However, design and product development are their areas of interest – different ways of doing things. Being able to see things from a different angle also makes ‘Photography’ a quite literal choice. Their curiosity and free-spiritedness make them avid traveler’s too. Meeting new people and working on their own schedule appeals to them, making freelancing an appealing option of occupation. 

Preferred Career Choices: 
Photographers, Graphic Designers, Project Management, Entrepreneur, Freelancer or Independent Contractors, Scientists, Researchers, Inventors, and Product Designers.

Sagittarius

They are flamboyant and fun-loving. Extroverts and party-hoppers of the first order. People skills come naturally to them, and they have a knack for conversing well with others and making them suitable Public Speakers. Fun and public speaking sometimes culminate into being great Comedians too!

Motivating others and inspiring morale are their USPs, which is why they do well in Managerial and Team Leading roles. They also love to travel and yearn for a nomadic life which makes them good traveler’s and makes Tourism their favourite profession. Since they love inspiring others, they also make good teachers, youth leaders, and motivational speakers.

Preferred career Choices: 
Stand-up Comedians, Motivational Speakers, Teachers, Managers, Guides, Mentors, Public Relations, Travel Consultants, Travellers, and Tour Guides.

Pisces

They have parental tendencies. If you have a Piscean around, they will look after you like a parent looks after a child. Be it your safety, well-being, food, clothing, or shelter. They are designed for parenting you! So, they naturally gravitate towards nursing or caregiving vocations. They are intuitive and understand the emotional side of a person a little too well, which is why they make great sounding boards and agony aunts.

Careers that cater to your sensitive, healing side is what appeal to them. So, alternative healing like reiki, sound healing, and chakra healing is their go-to occupation. Piscean’s are intelligent and compassionate, making them great in areas that require healing and rejuvenation, like arts, medicine, and alternative healing. Piscean’s domain is anything to do with healthcare and caregiving – where you can restore ‘life’ in the other person. They are sea creatures and also like everything marine.

Preferred Career Choice: 
Nurse, Doctor, Therapist, psychologist, Counsellors, Tarot card readers, Reiki healers, Philanthropist, Social Activist, Social worker, Deep-sea divers, Marine biologist, Merchant navy.

While following your career, your heart is your best guide. But you could take a little help from the stars too. What say?

Follow Veena Gupta

The Shepard

/ ksyamala1954 / Leave a comment

As restricted to night phone calls after 8 pm for various reasons, I was a little weary when my mobile rang that night. Well! On the other end, it was none other than my eldest sister from my homestead.

” Oh, are you asleep?” my sister asked. 

“Ah.” I couldn’t resist showing my indifference to disrupting my sleep. “Why this late-night call? Anything urgent?” I inquired. 

“That shepherd boy passed away,” she told me as if telling something dreadful in a lower voice. 

Now I was in a dazed mind. The sleep that was twittering in my eyes was no more present. Instead, I was between reality and a dream phase that took me into an era of black and white where the reels unwound vigorously and stuck me in a pool of haunted memories.

Everyone agrees that we have fond memories of our cherished ones. Memories, we keep safe in the vault of our hearts. Whenever we want, we can unlock it and enjoy those catches. But now, I found another chest in our mind. A chest of unpleasant and weary memories we love to look back on safely fastened in a double barrel, but it came out like a citadel. There was space for the adorable as well as the haunting memories. Yes undoubtedly.

It was drizzling but not raining hard. I went down to the water’s edge of the small stream. I found a small rock on which one could sit dangling one’s feet in the cold water watching the little fishes swim. I spat on the water, and so many slimy fishes flashed to swallow my saliva. The sight was exciting while watching and oozing the bubbling water beneath my feet. The sun was scrambling to say bye to the earth. I felt some scary sounds nearby. I wanted to rush to my home, but my eyes were smarting the scene behind me. 

A boy and a sheep were there, the sheep was chewing continuously, and the foam started flowing from its mouth. He holds a rope in his hand with which he tied the sheep; his looks are blank, emotionless. I became aware that I was alone and scared.

“Hey, what’s this”? I asked, crying. 

Suddenly the reply came “goat” in a husky voice. Within no time, I got up and ran like some wild animals chased me. 

I just wanted to catch fish to keep them as my pet in the glass jar I hid in my bag. That was my secret plan. Unfortunately, he and his goat ruined my plans. My glass jar fell and broke while running, which I collected after much effort. I was disappointed and angry while seeing the boy at a safe distance, like a weird painting somebody brushed on the canvas of the setting sun.

The sky was dark with clouds. I had to rush home before the spell of rain. Black hair streamed across my face, and my heart started pumping, vigorously making a thud. Suddenly, it began raining in a swift hiss as water began trickling to my head and face and streaming toward my body, but I was oblivious. It was getting darker, and I had to go furthermore to reach my home, and I was all alone. Then, he and his sheep began moving toward me in the opposite direction. It was a narrow lane, and there was little space available. I closed my eyes but felt him and his sheep in my body.

That night I couldn’t sleep properly. I wished to share this with somebody, but scared, so I kept it a secret. I hid the urge to open up due to my incapacity to find a trustworthy companion my age. I need shelter under the peepul tree, the sacred tree that splitters were eagerly fanning me from the hot summer inside me in my dream. I wished the holy tree would ward off the evil eye of the tricky boy, the abode of the evil spirit, I thought.

I spotted the boy here and there driving his goat on my way like they were devoted companions. Sometimes he followed me behind to some distance; whenever I saw him. So I started running and hurt myself by tumbling upon the stones, drenched and soiled my clothes by the puddle of water in the paddy field on my way home.

As days went by, even though I was shoddy at Mathematics, I was not interested in further following the tuition classes. However, my paternal aunt was the one who recommended my father and convinced him to enlist in the tuition, as I had to attend and return only after twilight. So one day, I approached her, who was living nearby. She made ornamental ‘rentas’ using coloured thread with steel knitting needles conformed to women’s undergarments. She was a master craftsman who lost her husband at a young age. When I noticed she was in a good mood, I tiptoed and sat beside her. I watched her skilled hands knitting beautiful ‘rentas,’ which I wished to master myself but was refused by her because I should give more importance to study.

“Aunty, I think I should stop attending tuition classes,” I said in a low voice. 

“Ahha… Why?” She was curious to know the reason as I was the one who insisted on going. I narrated my woes to my aunt. She heard me and grumbled and agreed to come and confront the boy. 

She asked me what he looked like, and I said: “had two horns, a tail, the colour… white with dark spots”. Upon hearing my narration, my aunt’s jaw dropped, and with a suspicious look, she asked, “is it an animal?” 

“Yes,” I affirmed, “he and his goat.” 

“Aha…now tell me something about the boy, his name, house,” my aunt asked.

I told her I did not know anything. Yes, I revealed my ignorance. Who wanted to know the details of a dirtbag, and how would I have enquired about something I was ashamed of to somebody? As days passed, it was a holiday and a festivity day too. I was attending the marriage ceremony of a close relative. Although there was usually a small crowd, I spotted the boy to my dismay. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Embarrassed, I ran toward my aunt. She was chatting with her relatives. Restless and panting heavily, I held her hands and showed the boy. “Aunty, that is the devil.” “Ghe”  she made an unusual sound while hurrying towards him. I was waiting for something to happen, at least some cuss words to the gawking stupid while watching anxiously in the distance.

The sight was heartbreaking. Now my aunt was laughing and talking to the older man with the boy. I saw her hugging him and patting his head lovingly. Oh, that was unbelievable and unbearable, a cold chill started spreading over my body, and I could not stand upright. Tears started flowing, a state where everything was silent or simply absent, a position ready to be missing in the crowd, more than a raindrop in the drizzling wind.

Now a funeral pyre was lifting like fires everywhere, half hidden by the smoke, but I couldn’t draw a picture-perfect of my one-time nameless enemy. A farewell necessarily brought up tears and those memories popped even if the contact was once irritating and shameful. So I am here watching the fire engulfing thousands of adolescent whims and fancies perishing in the flame. Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly yet sadly on the heart. I couldn’t validate my thoughts like a true friend doing lots of self-care, an enemy who brought trauma and pain, and now the news of his demise would also feel upsetting and a cause of heartache, which felt like making a vacuum in the mind that I didn’t want to fill.

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Breast Feeding And Milk Banks

/ Pozicool Raga / Leave a comment

Breast milk is also called liquid gold, which is literally “gold” for a baby since it is the most precious lifetime gift. Gold is precious, and so is mom’s milk, hence the comparison. Her milk is full of nutrition and has all the supplements needed to sustain a baby outside the womb. A baby inside the womb has all the warmth and nourishment to survive. But after the child’s birth, the outside environment we provide the baby, along with the equivalent nutrition it receives inside the mother’s womb, is crucial for its survival. 

The “Golden Hour” is considered the most important for every baby. It refers to the first hour after birth when the baby needs feeding via skin-to-skin contact with the mother. The mother’s warmth is crucial to a baby’s survival; hence the term. Once this golden hour crosses, consider the baby survived the critical phase.

After childbirth, a mom’s body naturally tailors to produce milk for the baby. But most people think a mom’s milk is insufficient and must introduce solids early. Even the World Health Organization certifies that a mother must feed a baby for at least two years (a minimum of six months). 

A disclaimer here: The article is not to look down on mothers who are unable to feed their babies or made a choice not to. It is perfectly okay if a mother knows what she is doing and is happy. Breastfeeding alone cannot define motherhood. It is not an easy journey for any mom, so let's create a beautiful, empathetic space for all mothers. 

Not-enough-milk shaming?!

Sadly, there is still a majority of people who still do not give much importance to a mother’s milk in our country. They underestimate the power of breastmilk and often shame a mom for not producing enough milk and introducing the formula early. So, how do people conclude that a mother’s milk is not enough? A child crying. Each cry need not be for milk. There may be myriad reasons like distress, anxiety, sadness, or simply wanting to be comforted. More often than not, a mother gets blamed for producing less milk and hence enters the hero: the formula. Most families fail to understand that a newborn’s tummy is as big as the human fist; consequently, the body only makes the milk needed at that stage; since the stomach is still small and growing, the need to feed frequently. As the baby grows, the supply increases as the mother keep providing. Unless a medical complication and a mom cannot generate enough milk naturally, no good pediatrician will prescribe the formula. So, mothers under pressure from families about your supply, please consult a lactation consultant near you and get the needed counseling. Breastfeeding is all about demand and supply. So, a growing baby will feed continuously or frequently. 

World Breastfeeding Week & Nursing in public

We all know about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. The World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year between August 1-7. Networks across the globe celebrate the week through various awareness events, workshops, and sessions for parents and families. In the last few years, another movement has caught momentum – Nurse in public. Many mothers do not feel free to feed their babies in public spaces for fear of being looked down. This movement has also encouraged more mothers to start feeding their babies outside their homes. Breastfeeding needn’t mean staying indoors 24×7. Moms can move freely and travel comfortably (and lighter too). All they need is suitable clothing and covers to use in public spaces to feed. Normalizing breastfeeding in public is the aim, so mothers don’t get uncomfortable stares. Even be confined to closed rooms or smelly washrooms. There are visible changes everywhere – commercial spaces have designated corners/clean feeding rooms for mothers who want to feed babies or change diapers.

My Journey

I am completing eight years of motherhood with my son, and I feel blessed I could feed my baby for 4.8 years till he self-weaned. At the same time, I have had friends whose babies have self-weaned early or chosen to wean them. It always is the mother’s choice to do this. Every mom has the right to do so. It is perfectly okay if a mom doesn’t want to breastfeed her baby or continue to feed beyond the minimum time certified by the WHO. No mother should be looked down upon for her choices during her motherhood journey. Her options are not to be used as labels for whatever she chooses for herself and her baby. We do not know why or under what circumstances she chooses an unavoidable decision, so we have no right to judge her motherhood journey either. 

For mothers who cannot feed and still want their babies to receive human milk, it is possible to do so through human milk banks. There are Milk Banks at select government hospitals and a few private entities in some cities. These initiatives are a lifesaver even for infants who have lost their mothers. 

History of Human Milk Banks

The first human milk bank was established in Mumbai in 1989 in the Lokmanya Tilak municipal medical college. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), USA, in its study on comprehensive lactation management systems in India, formed 22 human milk banks 22 between 2005 and 2015. By 2021, 90 human milk banks should have been established. Mothers can now access human milk at no cost, thanks to initiatives like these. They have to approach the milk bank and tell their requirement. It is thanks to mothers willing to donate their milk to these milk banks. 

Indeed, a golden era for breastfeeding; many babies have survived the crucial phases of their survival thanks to the human milk banks. A prayer to all those mothers who have donated their milk to these tiny souls. 

Follow Priya Rajendran

Festivals Are For MEN

/ msveenagupta / 3 Comments

One Pandemic-lockdown afternoon my child was attending his pre-primary online school when lightning struck! No. Not from the sky. But in my mind.

Since I, too, was working from home, I was in the same room as him. The teacher educated the kids about Community Helpers. After she was done instructing, she asked them, “who cleans the house?” (Hint answer: Maid) One of the student answered, “MOTHERRRR!!” 

The teacher went silent. The entire class busted into laughter. Bwahahahaaaa…

So did I burst into laughter. Although, my heart pinched a little. Children speak what they see, and they talk about the truth with brutal honesty. The student said what he saw every day. 

This incident sent me pondering – Why could the child’s answer not be ‘Father’ instead? Men also need to feed themselves like every other human and have clean surroundings, clothes, and utensils to cook! So why is the answer to all the domestic work always ‘Mother’ or ‘Wife’? Why is Men’s contribution to household chores so less?

It is noteworthy that it has nothing to do with the Chores themselves…

If it involves cooking – there are Chefs who (mostly ) are men.

If it requires cleaning – there are Housekeeping staff who are men too.

If it consists of washing – there are Washermen all over. 

So, it’s not about the Chores, and it is all about Unpaid labour. 

The point is, Men do the same tasks, BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE PAID! 

Statistics show that all over the world, only 32% of men contribute to household chores, whereas 78% of women spend more than 3 hours of unpaid household chores each day. The scores are worse for Indian men who appear at the bottom of the list! Indian averages show that more than 90% of Indian women do unpaid domestic work compared to only 27% of men!

In world statistics, Slovenia tops the list of men contributing a whopping 114 minutes of housework every day on average, while our Indian men only manage a meager 19 minutes daily! 

The infographics from Statista shows a profound male-female gap when it comes to participating in domestic work.

For Indian men, this is proof of the ‘Raja Babu’ fodder that most women feed their little sons (and themselves) since childhood. 

The Raja Babu Syndrome

For starters, let the explanation be simple. Raja = King, Babu = Little Boy. So your ‘Raja Babu’ is nothing but your little son who you lovingly hail as the ‘King’ (of your heart and your little kingdom). So cute! 

Everyone loves their child, but the Indian obsession with male children spills onto everything Indians do in their day-to-day lives. The boys get pampered with so much love and attention that we mothers forget to teach them about responsibilities. Or even if we want to, our families wouldn’t let us because they are (still) suffering from the same syndrome; as the previous generation!

Coming back to ‘Raja Babu.’ Once these boys grow up, they have become so used to the pampering that the ‘responsibility’ thought never OCCURS for them. It never crosses their mind that housework is everybody’s responsibility. 

If you have guests over to your place, and you have a daughter and a son both of the same age group; you will, due to years of social and mental conditioning, by default summon the daughter to help you out with the chores, while your son will run around creating chaos or at best engaged in gadgets. 

We have taught ourselves and our boys over many years of conditioning that they are the Rajas and the Babus of our lives and need not move a muscle to help us out with household chores! So it is no wonder that when these Raja Babus grow up to become Men, they still feel as pampered and entitled as they have been since childhood.

The situation gets worse if you have festivals around! Bigger the festival, the bigger the load – for the Woman. Because no matter what, our men will only contribute their 19 minutes, that’s it! 

Imagine you have a Family gathering/upcoming Festival, and these thoughts run in the minds of the men and the women!

Some may reason that Men entrust with the more challenging goal of earning the family’s bread and butter, so it’s only fair that the other partner handles the additional responsibilities. FAIR. But what do you say for situations where the Woman is working almost as many hours as the men, to earn as much bread-n-butter as men, and still all these chores are only her responsibility? Women are primarily engrossed in the mental and physical work, while the Man gets away with just 19 Minutes! 

I hear Men taking pride in saying – ‘I Help With The Household Chores!!’

HELP? REALLY? It is as if saying it was the Woman’s job, to begin with, BUT I ‘HELPED’!!

Bravo! What a Noble Deed!!! 

Men get excused since they go out to work and presume as tired. All the while, women are still expected to manage work and home.

Honestly, I do not know how or when this will change, so don’t expect any answers from me.

I only have a thought – probably it is only the Men who get to enjoy a festival in the real sense, all the while, the women are drained and tired by the end of the D-day. So I say, festivals are only for Men to celebrate!

Over to you, my readers. Your thoughts?

For Statistical Reference: 
EIGE-2021 Gender Equality Index 2021 Report: Health
How Many Men Participate in Household Chores?
Where In The World Do Men Do The Most Housework?
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