tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134384855561346682024-03-26T08:56:09.725-07:00Mixed bagUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-64175895563802376042024-03-10T04:45:00.000-07:002024-03-10T04:47:19.346-07:00My Yoga journey on GCC Guwahati FB Page<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hello, everyone, In GCC Guwahati's 'My Fitness Journey' section today we are featuring Kakoli Thakur. She is a Delhi-based freelance journalist, Counsellor and an Internationally certified Yoga Teacher as well. She also has a YouTube well being channel.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Z4WkAgEZv7KyGqbMwYskENHbIr4sKjhL8KG1zR8kxMLW2KJH73RAa_WJMh4pjmP1XFzfu9bfOuRv3Y-4LhSR4sZT6djL2N9qGIwC3I4j9Uco3VE2b9fbbk4pgGoHaSuwWq8TD6AmYCTngSzn80URF78ZwAuZ5UtSjIcg8vHQMkJ1EGw9Rgc5FTIj-ji/s661/soul%20sutra%20halasana.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="661" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Z4WkAgEZv7KyGqbMwYskENHbIr4sKjhL8KG1zR8kxMLW2KJH73RAa_WJMh4pjmP1XFzfu9bfOuRv3Y-4LhSR4sZT6djL2N9qGIwC3I4j9Uco3VE2b9fbbk4pgGoHaSuwWq8TD6AmYCTngSzn80URF78ZwAuZ5UtSjIcg8vHQMkJ1EGw9Rgc5FTIj-ji/s320/soul%20sutra%20halasana.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://www.youtube.com/@thinkpositivlivhealthy?fbclid=IwAR2aApuVulfnH2ak0G24bWHoEnhjGCJuQ6mUn-5YQVE_-mNoc9YifI8lJrM" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@thinkpositivlivhealthy</a></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">My initiation into Yoga</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3-GqAOBfaxu5rgvvH6V8zdwiz-CYyxY7VgWDltmaFJJbJzrdJ4DxTV8gU-BiVyS-_pde1RwUP6uDqMm0Ko-UxdqH4yBW96Y_ZitYTh1g50QZorF5WIY6Lb7Bc5ITnALku-_ETkr7kunj5CD03hjKFWubfiebtxaXMCUwWvMdnbFaEf0m9M404Kkb-jYG/s1600/temple%20outside.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3-GqAOBfaxu5rgvvH6V8zdwiz-CYyxY7VgWDltmaFJJbJzrdJ4DxTV8gU-BiVyS-_pde1RwUP6uDqMm0Ko-UxdqH4yBW96Y_ZitYTh1g50QZorF5WIY6Lb7Bc5ITnALku-_ETkr7kunj5CD03hjKFWubfiebtxaXMCUwWvMdnbFaEf0m9M404Kkb-jYG/s320/temple%20outside.jpeg" width="182" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>was when Swami Ramdevji made the term ‘yoga’ popular in almost every household that I cultivated an interest in the subject. I often watched him on television and started practising.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">During my pregnancy period, I read an article about prenatal yoga that had a few yoga asanas and pranayamas. I kept that paper cutting. And religiously and carefully, I practised throughout my term and my pregnancy went smoothly. But, as it happens to most people, I was out of touch with yoga when I joined full-time work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh5Wc_5K-249SGE6t264KZ5MSqS4S0wf71grBqBGdF8YoIil91cMfI8w4wauTDI__wk9DKKDH4uki4SabGza5_jsTl2aIZSzmx37AMtiWAWZgwVqeOKLo2ElliKSGZwMvuxveZg0nY_g4IPL_vxbDOKLC8tXWWMavDJN_h4oTOkd_VLgTA9kkCnYmEoII/s1440/fb%20pic%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh5Wc_5K-249SGE6t264KZ5MSqS4S0wf71grBqBGdF8YoIil91cMfI8w4wauTDI__wk9DKKDH4uki4SabGza5_jsTl2aIZSzmx37AMtiWAWZgwVqeOKLo2ElliKSGZwMvuxveZg0nY_g4IPL_vxbDOKLC8tXWWMavDJN_h4oTOkd_VLgTA9kkCnYmEoII/s320/fb%20pic%201.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">A few years hence, I started working from home, and I revived my yoga practice by watching online videos. I shot a few videos on yoga asanas and posted them on my YouTube channel. And, along with views, I got requests to upload more such videos and I obliged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa2lxb4POOYas7tzpy5Bi8FozhuA6DrVfM0RPakjekmU3Xx2Hdy0ZBQwo3qne-XNJqV-HevqTHJkv04oaDWH1J8OXRhBa08ojc7KagKnT5fL4G_tmEdHImP2QP-9TELst_qjtftk7zjuhnmFKv7pC8YvEch_f6-yLFAwWDiQmy3HCXzRJ5szYdUpcRA0Y/s1315/monastery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa2lxb4POOYas7tzpy5Bi8FozhuA6DrVfM0RPakjekmU3Xx2Hdy0ZBQwo3qne-XNJqV-HevqTHJkv04oaDWH1J8OXRhBa08ojc7KagKnT5fL4G_tmEdHImP2QP-9TELst_qjtftk7zjuhnmFKv7pC8YvEch_f6-yLFAwWDiQmy3HCXzRJ5szYdUpcRA0Y/s320/monastery.jpeg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">One day, while scrolling my Facebook account, I came across an advertisement about an online yoga teacher training programme from an institute in Hyderabad. And the immediate thought was — should I give it a try? Initially, I was a bit hesitant as it was online. But I joined, and over the course of the classes, I started learning the intricacies of yoga. Along with asanas, I learned about pranayama, meditation, relaxation, mudras, the basics of Ayurveda, energy anatomy, nutrition, and a lot of things in detail. I realised how yoga unites the mind, body and the soul.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVo5c64LL5HUfb802IR8OMH8T8py0hvUXK0Ey7acZ_qyAm-_X2Lyhd8G15x4Uor1ZBFgyafbew-x5KMAzNyqUmWFzgXCDArF8QCMXoavMDpTwMWAI3HoD3Oot5HlJ_WhFp8JMu-s1-wG4N6WeX9bTtFlnk_kpvcohyphenhyphenfQ6vKni0K42k_mBNH_l_FOYFc9i/s1080/poster%20pic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVo5c64LL5HUfb802IR8OMH8T8py0hvUXK0Ey7acZ_qyAm-_X2Lyhd8G15x4Uor1ZBFgyafbew-x5KMAzNyqUmWFzgXCDArF8QCMXoavMDpTwMWAI3HoD3Oot5HlJ_WhFp8JMu-s1-wG4N6WeX9bTtFlnk_kpvcohyphenhyphenfQ6vKni0K42k_mBNH_l_FOYFc9i/s320/poster%20pic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And the icing on the cake was the certificate, which enabled me to teach yoga anywhere in the world. I started my yoga classes online and offline. When my first student wrote a review about my class that she finds herself relaxed after every session, I was smiling ear to ear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp091V-_qV1ZjJpZHfaXymrV6EWnH5q4N15VIjUpIFTmWmGKbKKaJHMrRj5bdnOwgiFijEmyhr2fBRO0czBEIrFM9eetEf2SyqUtmxFfjLyNWgt5S_OGtr1s4rJG_fatNmfhMBHxGldD2tsmqsTwJ_FkVqHYZbRv5GFQYZwW7JX_6vm5PByTfaGCc7_lj/s1600/fb%20ad%20new%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp091V-_qV1ZjJpZHfaXymrV6EWnH5q4N15VIjUpIFTmWmGKbKKaJHMrRj5bdnOwgiFijEmyhr2fBRO0czBEIrFM9eetEf2SyqUtmxFfjLyNWgt5S_OGtr1s4rJG_fatNmfhMBHxGldD2tsmqsTwJ_FkVqHYZbRv5GFQYZwW7JX_6vm5PByTfaGCc7_lj/s320/fb%20ad%20new%201.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Now I am a regular yoga practitioner. The best part is my husband and my teenage son practises a few asanas daily. I also make my mother practise meditation regularly over the phone. Looking forward to continuing my journey as a yoga teacher and spreading the benefits of this ancient practice.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-66067024075694281322023-02-12T23:19:00.001-08:002023-02-12T23:19:13.120-08:00Why the Gauhati Super Speciality Hospital is a ray of hope for many-- published in EastMojo<p>Published in EastMojo </p><p>https://www.eastmojo.com/news/2023/02/13/why-the-gauhati-super-speciality-hospital-is-a-ray-of-hope-for-many/</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Stories of optimism and determination amid the
gloomy atmosphere from Assam’s biggest healthcare facility</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Last month, due to a family health emergency, I had
to stay at the new Gauhati Medical College Super Speciality Hospital for around
a fortnight as an attendant. This stay was my first such experience. Before
that, I have been to hospitals to pay visits to different people I knew — with
fruits or bouquets or ‘get well soon’ cards. I too had stayed at a nursing home
when my son was born but that was a happy occasion. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">This stay changed my perspective about life. I
realised how blessed I was to stay at a hospital just as an attendant and not
as a patient. At least I was free to take a walk or go home to freshen up or
rest at home for a night when someone else came to relieve me.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvkYMrHt8ti6fWaQoe6H8Y_kSFsXkCksWq0okE9Ec351AhHx744913g70o2hERW3kf50jJR9KnMYMF0xgomQtDPrtB38XOGaQfduvMiVcdUpcnUtlr0zBlgc1NawR7UOm6RdnHB060r_d0qLMk3cW5KvjzHmHAefpD3BtVulCJT2_yJH-AyFLTHBWIWQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvkYMrHt8ti6fWaQoe6H8Y_kSFsXkCksWq0okE9Ec351AhHx744913g70o2hERW3kf50jJR9KnMYMF0xgomQtDPrtB38XOGaQfduvMiVcdUpcnUtlr0zBlgc1NawR7UOm6RdnHB060r_d0qLMk3cW5KvjzHmHAefpD3BtVulCJT2_yJH-AyFLTHBWIWQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">This was a nephrology ward at the new campus, as my
dear one was a kidney patient. It was a general female ward with patients from
different backgrounds and age groups. The youngest patient was hardly 10 years
old. The mere thought of her cries in agony still gives me shivers. Whenever
she cried, there was pin drop silence in the whole ward.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The senior doctors would come on rounds once a day
but the junior doctors were on their toes throughout the day, monitoring
patients, taking updates and advising attendants. Once the new campus is fully
operational, the cardiology, neurology, cardiac surgery and neurosurgery
departments will be shifted there from the old Gauhati Medical College and
Hospital (GMCH) </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">building on the other side of the road.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Breathlessness is a common symptom among kidney
patients. Most of the patients had to be on oxygen for the first two-three
nights. The feeling of helplessness — just watching, not able to do anything —
when a person in front of you is not able to breathe, and feeling relieved once
oxygen support is given, can’t be expressed in words.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I have seen patients spending nights just sitting —
putting their head down on a side table as lying down aggravated their
breathing problem. One of the patients was so serious that she had to be
shifted to the ICU.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Another </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">patient was diabetic with high pressure. Her
daughter-in-law was a nurse at some other hospital. The patient shared how they
grow everything in their own farm but she can’t eat anything as her
daughter-in-law is too strict, and serves her just a little rice and moong dal
all the time — maybe out of concern or fear. But sometimes we should think from
the patient’s perspective too and give them something variety to eat, albeit
healthy.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The nephrology ward </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">was maintained</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">very well. Twice a day, the cleaners would sweep and mop the floors,
something hardly seen in government hospitals. But the toilets were pathetic,
and it was not the fault of the cleaners. The toilets were also cleaned twice.
It was the attendants who were at fault this time. Though there was an ample
supply of water, very few would flush properly. There were separate bathrooms
with a warm water facility. But the attendants would use the space to wash
utensils. Most of the time, the wash basins would be blocked with food
leftovers. And sometimes they would use the bath space for other uses also.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I would really salute the junior doctors who would
work diligently from 8.30 am for almost 10-12 hours, taking care of each
patient of the ward. Even the nurses were on their toes — some of them though
would get irritated with small things, but some were sweet. I understand their
job is tiring but they should also not forget their job is to serve with love
and compassion.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste and excess
fluid from blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It often involves
diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned. It’s a room of hope: as at least with
the help of a machine, a patient’s symptoms would improve, especially the
appetite to consume something.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Outside the waiting space at the dialysis room,
often there were simple village people who felt lost in that atmosphere. I felt
content helping them with simple things like approaching the doctor, taking a
patient to the dialysis room, forwarding reports on WhatsApp, etc. An </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">elderly in-patient </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">came with her son so I helped her change her clothes. When she was
discharged, she touched my head and blessed me. It brought tears to my eyes, I
felt so happy.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Once I had to go to the GMC old building for my
patient’s hand fistula check-up. A ward boy helped us, going out of the way.
Seeing the unhygienic condition there, I just wished it was also maintained like
the new campus. The old building is like a labyrinth but there are help desks
to help people lost in the maze.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Usually I was busy with my patient during day time
— taking her for tests, dialysis etc. But the rest of the time, I was busy
observing people, especially some stories of hope amid the gloom.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A teenager who cleared her medical entrance was on
dialysis. She was waiting for a kidney transplant from her mother. Her parents
were staying with her at the hospital and it was their home for months. The
girl is so determined to become a doctor that she said she would let her mother
give her a kidney only on the condition that she allows her to sit for the
medical entrance again. But her mother didn’t want that. She thought if her
daughter takes stress, her blood pressure would again shoot up — which is
another cause of kidney damage.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Then there was a folk singer who was admitted for a
long time for her urinary tract infection. Determined to go back to stage, she
asserted that even with this health condition, she could sing. She said she
would just need a chair as standing and singing won’t be possible any more.
Later, when she was being shifted to the urology ward, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">just two floors above, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">everybody bid adieu to her as if someone from the
family was leaving. Yes that ward became a mini family for everyone — a home
away from home.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Early in the morning, I used to go out to bring
black tea, roti and sabji for my patient and would observe how people rose so
early to earn their livelihood, selling fresh breakfast. As the day progressed,
I had to go out to buy medicines — at times from the pharmacies outside the
campus. I saw how the medical college had become a source of earning for many
and how an entire ecosystem had sprung up in its surroundings. There were rows
of street kiosks and permanent shops selling different things attendants would
need for their patients — fruits, warm water, water bottles, blankets, floor
mats, buckets, stools, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A newly married girl shared her helplessness as her
mother didn’t know that she was a kidney patient and had heart problems too. So
she was unable to convince her mother for dialysis. The day we were given
discharge, we counselled her mother giving our example. We explained how
dialysis would improve her health and that she would even be discharged soon.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Thanks to the Almighty, my patient is better now
and is at home. On the day of release, I felt such government hospitals are a
blessing for people of all backgrounds, especially when people suffer from
diseases where lifelong treatment is required. I just hope that our
governments, both at centre and states, make more such affordable healthcare
centres,</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;"> as most private hospitals, if not all, are just turning out to be
money-making machines. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/news/2023/02/13/why-the-gauhati-super-speciality-hospital-is-a-ray-of-hope-for-many/">Why the Gauhati Super Speciality Hospital is a ray of hope for many</a><br /></span></p><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></i></b><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-55536962359784962022-08-16T23:26:00.000-07:002022-08-16T23:26:59.198-07:00 Crazy Trio: Our sudden trip to Manali--- published in Momspresso<p> <b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Crazy Trio: Our sudden trip to Manali</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We — I, my husband and son — are one crazy traveller
trio. We love to plan instantly and just venture out on a trip. It could be
inside the city or someplace far away. And some of our most memorable trips
happened just at the snap of a finger. Sharing one such instance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once, on a Tuesday night, our son announced that
Thursday and Friday were holidays that week and Saturday and Sunday he had no
school, which meant four days of holidays at a stretch. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He
rued </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">he would be
bored at home without his school friends. I and Nil (my husband) looked at each
other and we all went to sleep. Next morning I drove my son to school as usual.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When I returned after dropping him, we were casually
discussing that we could have planned a short trip as there was a long weekend
ahead. And Nil immediately exclaimed, “Let’s go to Manali”! Without wasting any
time, he checked availability of AC deluxe buses but everything was booked. We
didn’t want to drive down as it was a 14-hour journey and the roads were bad. Some
seats were, however, left on ordinary, non-AC state roadways buses. He asked me
if I was ready to take the risk on an ordinary bus but cautioned that the
journey won’t be comfortable at all. I don’t remember the last time I had travelled
on one such bus. Summer was blazing at 45-46 degrees Celsius but the crazy
traveller inside me said ‘yes’. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We booked a hotel as looking for one after reaching
the spot would have been a hassle in a peak tourist week. We just had two hours
in hand before picking up our son from school. We stashed three backpacks with
minimum clothes and essentials. We ordered lunch and also packed dinner as we
were not sure where the bus would stop at night. Our son was surprisingly shocked
to hear our plan when we picked him up but was all game for it as he had
inherited our craziness. He </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">switched to travel gear and had
lunch </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">inside the car
as there was hardly any time left to go to our apartment. We parked the car in
the campus and boarded the cab that was waiting for us. It took an hour to
reach the ISBT, just in time to board the bus — which was not exactly the kind
one would want for a 14-hour journey during a scorching summer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Finally, we were seated in the non-AC bus, which was </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">almost
like an oven</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">. For our son, it
was his first such experience as we always drove, booked a cab or took a plane
or train. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Needlessly to say, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the journey was not so comfortable but we killed our
time by observing all sorts of people and how they behave differently in a
journey— and gulping down gallons of water. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After half-a-dozen traffic jams that delayed our
journey by a couple of hours, we reached Manali on a chilly morning. We were
shivering as we just had thin shawls to cover ourselves. The live day
temperature was 16 degrees a day earlier and so we didn’t take any heavy woollens.
But we forgot that weather changes very frequently on hills. We walked briskly to
the hotel to warm up. On reaching our room, the view of the mountains from our
window made us forget all our tiredness of the previous night’s journey and
rejuvenated us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKy15aJz896BRDtPv4dv0cT8yzWlAzFuQb_U7ga7AVBdYJYaAQlVOm4HazEPN3Ut2ebniyiWDPx94_65ujmSj3VcNloez5DBh4UxYJJTUbB2Pw3Vb9mr_IfhfqkTGOCHgwdEtnTCzgKGPaVCWSF1qOmf16LlYUDJLhE-pPxTbHjhV7Ny3LocDVxEVUA/s4608/moms%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKy15aJz896BRDtPv4dv0cT8yzWlAzFuQb_U7ga7AVBdYJYaAQlVOm4HazEPN3Ut2ebniyiWDPx94_65ujmSj3VcNloez5DBh4UxYJJTUbB2Pw3Vb9mr_IfhfqkTGOCHgwdEtnTCzgKGPaVCWSF1qOmf16LlYUDJLhE-pPxTbHjhV7Ny3LocDVxEVUA/s320/moms%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We freshened up, had breakfast and quickly walked to
the famous Mall Road, which was at a walking distance. The first thing to do
was buy woollen jackets as we didn’t want to fall ill because of the icy chill.
The sharp contrast from Delhi’s heat wave made us feel the cold even more. We walked
to the Beas river side and spent some time there for the customary travel photo
shoot. We, however, could not touch the waters as restrictions were in place in
Manali to avoid accidents. This was unlike years before when we visited the
hill station for our honeymoon. When we could feel the cool waters and sit on
the rocks. A lot of constructions have taken place. Manali has grown but also lost
a lot of green cover in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIJw7HHmxLfKf5A780qABhjDyTIvkVGRk29jBu77D7N89ufCc16I4igysVb1hQ6TYunjVf4hIcjD08CeU_PilKQOg36VXOI1v8VxwX_8TAQTDXLsf1m4prOw_MfKEenPpvaaJW5kDgLqgI8G-ZMpvtOgA5kT5Lp2AZ-xpgwyN8mRjewpW8Q5IXSXpUw/s4608/moms%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIJw7HHmxLfKf5A780qABhjDyTIvkVGRk29jBu77D7N89ufCc16I4igysVb1hQ6TYunjVf4hIcjD08CeU_PilKQOg36VXOI1v8VxwX_8TAQTDXLsf1m4prOw_MfKEenPpvaaJW5kDgLqgI8G-ZMpvtOgA5kT5Lp2AZ-xpgwyN8mRjewpW8Q5IXSXpUw/s320/moms%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As it was a holiday week, there was a mad rush of tourists
who were seen busy booking taxis for other locales at a distance from Manali.
But we had gone to relax there for two days. Our routine was loitering around
the river side, eco-park, Mall Road and back to the hotel. Enjoying ice-cream,
golgappas, rolls, pakoras and whatever lip-smacking gastronomous delicacies tempted
our eyes. We thought we could indulge now and detox after returning home. And
finally it was Saturday evening and we were again in another non-AC bus,
heading back to the heat of Delhi. But this time it was better because the
weather was quite cool till Punjab. We reached Delhi early Sunday morning and
on Monday, we were back to our daily grind — all charged up after the short
trip. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzytaINEYaSsYLsYtmcg1qbUNfTeyA0BmNbPmkNj9wddUx4hQOeQHi7L88E0Tj_GqEDVcIIq-Rs6qnn5ks-9VmDYLkN-Oi-qOOh5HD6Nxu2pi2nD9sEisev01u2-7YZrqc1yko6Oc4m1poGPQW52ISJCincgFAnNW5u_IVQ6MfCHnlthZy2osRm4qSw/s4608/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzytaINEYaSsYLsYtmcg1qbUNfTeyA0BmNbPmkNj9wddUx4hQOeQHi7L88E0Tj_GqEDVcIIq-Rs6qnn5ks-9VmDYLkN-Oi-qOOh5HD6Nxu2pi2nD9sEisev01u2-7YZrqc1yko6Oc4m1poGPQW52ISJCincgFAnNW5u_IVQ6MfCHnlthZy2osRm4qSw/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We stayed put at Manali but if you love to explore
every corner of the exotic hill station, you can visit these places — Hadimba
Temple, Solang Valley, Old Manali, Manali Gompa, Hampta Pass, Manikaran, Jogini
Waterfalls, Great Himalayan National Park, Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Manu
Temple, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Solang Valley</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is a side valley, at the top of the Kullu Valley, 14
km northwest of Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass, which is on the way to Leh.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One can enjoy open valleys of meadows, cobalt blue
skies and spectacular vistas. It is a great melange of nature surrounded by the
heavenly ranges of Himalayas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">During summers, tourists enjoy adventure activities
such as paragliding, zorbing, camping, rock climbing and gondola ride among
others while in winters, the valley turns into a snow territory with exciting
snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hamta Pass</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is a corridor in the Himalayas, between Chandra
Valley in Lahaul and Kullu valley. The pass is named after Hamta Village, below
Sethan village.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hampta Pass is located on the Pir Panjal Range and a
trekker scales the maximum altitude of about 14,000 feet on their way to the
pass. The pass has a journey of river crossings and lush-green meadows with
pine and deodar forests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Manikaran</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is located in the Parvati Valley on river Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar
in Kullu District. A pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs, it is known
as a land where two different Gods live together. Located just 79.3 km from
Manali, the town houses the pious shrine of Sri Gurunanak Dev called Gurudwara
Manikaran Sahib. According to legend, while traveling amid the Himalayas, Guru
Nanak Dev’s disciples were hungry and there was no food. Guru Ji sent his
friend, Bhai Mardana, to collect food for the langar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Many people donated food but the only problem was that
there was no fire to cook. Then Guru Nanak Dev lifted a rock and a hot spring
appeared from the place on which the food was cooked later. The hot spring still
exists and the Sikhs cook food using the holy water. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you are looking for a serene spot, <b>Jogini Falls</b>
is a must visit. Just 3 km from Manali city centre, the falls offer a short
trek through wild orchards, small creeks and pine woods. With many small
shrines at the base of this waterfall, Jogini is considered sacred by the
locals. The white cascading beauty on the rocks is just amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Great Himalayan National Park</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is located in Kullu region and is spread over 1,171
km. Altitudes range between 1500 and 6000 m. The great alpine grasslands with
dense pine and deodar forests hide wild creatures of the Himalayas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The park houses some endangered species — 1,000
plants, 209 species of birds and 31 species of mammals. The snow leopard is the
apex predator of the park. Tourists can indulge in hiking and camping in the
allowed zones of the park.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Rohtang Pass</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is a high mountain pass on the eastern end of the Pir
Panjal Range of the Himalayas, around 51 km from Manali. It connects Kullu
Valley with Lahaul and Spiti. The pass offers access to Lahaul and Spiti in
summers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Due to immense snowfall, the pass remains closed
during winters from November-end. Tourists can also enjoy thrilling adventures such
as skiing, paragliding and trekking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To protect the delicate beauty of the pass, alpine
ecosystem and small creeks, the Government has restricted overcrowding by o
tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Bhrigu Lake</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> is located in Kullu district at an elevation of
around 4,300 metres. It is located to the east of Rohtang Pass and at the base
of Bhrigu peak. Known for trekking trails, the lake is surrounded by snow-clad
peaks on all sides.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According to folklore, Maharishi Bhrigu used to
meditate here. This is why the lake is rendered sacred. Even when the
temperature goes down to sub-zero, the lake never freezes completely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The locals also believe that all Gods and Goddesses
come down from heaven to take a dip in this holy lake.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">While returning, we spotted a lot of brisk construction
of some mega projects along the highway, which is like a double-edged sword. While
development is necessary, it has its flip side too, which we can see in the
form of flash floods and landslides. I just hope God saves the region from
nature’s fury. Places such as Manali are losing its charm because of
overcrowding and over tourism. Personally, I feel there should be a cap on the
number of tourists during peak season to save the place and to restore its
charm and beauty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/296306a51a4547dabe251982e76eba3d/article/crazy-trio-our-sudden-trip-to-manali-x3zolc1dhngk">Crazy Trio: Our sudden trip to Manali</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> Our channel link:</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO4D6VGcwUg&t=5s">Our Manali trip's video</a><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></b><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-21637514898352952682022-07-22T04:48:00.003-07:002022-07-22T04:48:48.024-07:00Top tourist destinations to explore in Assam: published in momspresso<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">What to explore in
Assam</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">My friends in Delhi
often ask me which places in Assam they should visit to have a best feel of the
state and its culture. To cater to their wishes, and many such other people who
would want to visit the Northeast but stop short because of lack of information,
I thought of writing on the major attractions of Assam. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Guwahati, the capital
city of Assam, is the gateway to the north-east. In Guwahati itself—which is
surrounded by hills on three sides and the might Brahmaputra river flowing by—you
have lots to see. Even if you are on an official tour to the city, you can find
some time and do a quick explore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">First let’s talk
about the capital city. You can reach Guwahati by train from any state capital
and other major cities, or you can take a flight. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIwKl3_QmjJO7VPSt6BVPax2Pja1KTnKEsKMzwipa0HKa7fjit_7F0-v0AE2-0orBE3JBuqwM8f08-MAIvN-I6dDMt9yjxMKZ1_G7zLfOYI2Hr6x0PMmd_Tckc_7sm1z_0CdGMVJ2zCuRz7cy5__iOIQRbWur_xzN6teyVDbToCk39us1JNsSO8qRVw/s1599/cover%20momspresso.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIwKl3_QmjJO7VPSt6BVPax2Pja1KTnKEsKMzwipa0HKa7fjit_7F0-v0AE2-0orBE3JBuqwM8f08-MAIvN-I6dDMt9yjxMKZ1_G7zLfOYI2Hr6x0PMmd_Tckc_7sm1z_0CdGMVJ2zCuRz7cy5__iOIQRbWur_xzN6teyVDbToCk39us1JNsSO8qRVw/s320/cover%20momspresso.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The famous <b>Kamakhya
temple</b>, a Shaktipeeth dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, is located
on the Nilachal hills, which overlook Guwahati and the river Brahmaputra. It’s
a breath-taking sight which you will remember for your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0ZiMgBQdPDKmdxn4QaW9ivGY_l2n92vsZjnGCJlmsjcu55AR71kUWVsEnxGZZPwLZUi-YFuSBn6UN8aXg_5LTp3u2cu6IeWCvb4jBIp3KAOiDHYQikS6twpjBFouupqCZsyE9iK0Q9dNTaMh2rFTmnPQ2w-sU82OS7q8KF9f7aufVBHjp8OvzVcrCA/s4608/Guwahati%20momspresso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0ZiMgBQdPDKmdxn4QaW9ivGY_l2n92vsZjnGCJlmsjcu55AR71kUWVsEnxGZZPwLZUi-YFuSBn6UN8aXg_5LTp3u2cu6IeWCvb4jBIp3KAOiDHYQikS6twpjBFouupqCZsyE9iK0Q9dNTaMh2rFTmnPQ2w-sU82OS7q8KF9f7aufVBHjp8OvzVcrCA/s320/Guwahati%20momspresso.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Umananda,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> the smallest
inhabited river islet in the middle of Brahmaputra, is a must visit. You can
reach there by boat or a state-run ferry. The 15-minute ride through the
rocking waters of the mighty Brahmaputra is just incredible. The green and
quiet surroundings of the temple are a haven for nature lovers and music to the
ears. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBQ680ezHDrI4bpqv10eTL-hhzyB0vtyigU-mPqbGCeaEjZzD4_v4NcbvVPKYfEOCt0Eh3jIRpfMrlm_c7ai6uhE4Ct0xrCRhVUZwhiQXhb157xgVQwCku0BigeXlvSkV-dapY8Kag-wIww_6bIdUaHiLepLj5toDp323jVK5DqJ4yUU0UQhoxgzgg/s4608/20210316_111106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBQ680ezHDrI4bpqv10eTL-hhzyB0vtyigU-mPqbGCeaEjZzD4_v4NcbvVPKYfEOCt0Eh3jIRpfMrlm_c7ai6uhE4Ct0xrCRhVUZwhiQXhb157xgVQwCku0BigeXlvSkV-dapY8Kag-wIww_6bIdUaHiLepLj5toDp323jVK5DqJ4yUU0UQhoxgzgg/s320/20210316_111106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">*If you are a water
lover, then you should visit </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Deepor Beel</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">, a Ramsar site located to the
south-west of Guwahati. It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel
of the Brahmaputra, to the south of the main river, a fresh water wetland and home
to migratory birds. The state government has plans to develop boat houses to attract
more tourists.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAakfkOQgMMaphqHnqB7WRl1UlAx2pd4a_AocazxVuRsnqs2o70-oWrTJT8kBKeSGYxicDPFtLzPSeV39hnl1WQ-jtjQ0GGolr0jQZQpaFF_YDNnOOGdz2oS5B9VE-pndbmzJHPz5Q3s81_k3YB3pcOzFpqJRLgFoDoPB6BcfNBEV0G35o5wY7xMDpQ/s4608/ropeway%20momspresso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAakfkOQgMMaphqHnqB7WRl1UlAx2pd4a_AocazxVuRsnqs2o70-oWrTJT8kBKeSGYxicDPFtLzPSeV39hnl1WQ-jtjQ0GGolr0jQZQpaFF_YDNnOOGdz2oS5B9VE-pndbmzJHPz5Q3s81_k3YB3pcOzFpqJRLgFoDoPB6BcfNBEV0G35o5wY7xMDpQ/s320/ropeway%20momspresso.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxYSQdg9ucI&t=62s">Ropeway over Brahmaputra</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*The next spot is
India’s longest <b>ropeway</b> built <b>over the Brahmaputra</b>. It provides a
spectacular view of the river. From Kachari Ghat on the south banks, you can
take the ropeway to North Guwahati and spend quality time on the other side of
the river. You can visit the Doul Govinda Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna on
the northern banks, on the foothills of Chandra Bharati hill at Rajaduar. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*There are a few <b>river
cruises</b> on the river from where you can enjoy the sunset or have dinner,
enjoying the ride that will make you forget all your stress and worries. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you have more time,
you can visit the Assam State Museum, Guwahati Zoo, Guwahati Planetarium,
ISKCON temple, Nabagraha temple, Srimanta Shankardeva Kalashetra, Guwahati War
Memorial, Sukreshwar temple, again on the banks of the Brahmaputra, and the Basistha
Ashram on the city outskirts, bordering Meghalaya, where there is a beautiful
waterfall and a stream.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBSsrgwsZaWkCKOaQ28LxKPusHgMlI22K5-84eTQEPRrb3TV_IQo8UhqDDL06Y53bs76pnjvdaWEX8clE7w8D5Od6L2bKX0qk0k13kf0tI4Pg6kw_lQ_XRakRju8ZP_XQ9LUYDiAojWkQcnZt3dwjccAGr15vEkTFXFN5D3VeEOzSSeuHzWYz2iMf8w/s4608/chanddubi%20momspresso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBSsrgwsZaWkCKOaQ28LxKPusHgMlI22K5-84eTQEPRrb3TV_IQo8UhqDDL06Y53bs76pnjvdaWEX8clE7w8D5Od6L2bKX0qk0k13kf0tI4Pg6kw_lQ_XRakRju8ZP_XQ9LUYDiAojWkQcnZt3dwjccAGr15vEkTFXFN5D3VeEOzSSeuHzWYz2iMf8w/s320/chanddubi%20momspresso.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*You can visit the <b>Chandubi</b>
Lake, a sprawling natural lake located in the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council,
Kamrup district, at a distance of 64 kilometres from Guwahati. Cabs are
available from Guwahati to the lake that was formed after an earthquake. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X2m_ehnS0A">Chandubi Lake </a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">You can enjoy the
beautiful tea gardens and the raw jungles on the way and the culture and life of
the villagers. There are resorts on the other side of the lake. Visitors can
opt for fishing in the lake. The lake administrators also offer provisions to
go rowing in the calm waters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*<b>Haflong:</b> To
explore Haflong, you can take Vistadome train from Guwahati to Haflong. You can
stay for a few hours and return on the same evening by the same train. If you
stay there, you can visit the Haflong Lake, where you can enjoy boating and the
picturesque surroundings. You can also visit Maibang and Jatinga, the valley of
birds. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Kaziranga:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> You can take a bus
or book a cab from Guwahati to reach the Kaziranga National Park. Spread across
the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, its forests, wetlands and grasslands are
home to one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants and tigers. Ganges river dolphins
are also found in the park’s waters. It is visited by many rare migratory birds
and gray pelicans roost. You can try elephant safari or jeep safari. One night
is enough to explore the national park if you are short on time. You can also
try the Brahmaputra cruise for a different perspective of the Kaziranga.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*<b>Manas National Park:</b>
This UNESCO heritage site is a tiger and elephant reserve, where you can go for
a safari and enjoy on the banks of the Manas River. You can also visit Bogamati
near the river Barnadi. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Sualkuchi:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Also called
'Manchester of East' it is a small village that displays the culture and
traditions of Assam. The weaving village is known for its skills and
craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk, and you can buy the
fabric at a much lesser price than cities. Don’t forget to visit the nearby banks
of Brahmaputra in the evening to calm your mind. If you love spiritual places,
you can visit Hatisatra, a monastery dedicated to Lord Krishna, Sidheswar
Devalaya, Ganesh Bigrah temple, Hayagriva Madhava Temple at Hajo.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Majuli:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> It is the largest
riverine island in the world. Enjoy the unspoilt water bodies and village life
in Majuli, visit different satras (monasteries). Do visit Tengapania, located
on the banks of the Brahmaputra, a popular picnic spot of the region and a
major attraction for tourists. Do visit the Thengal manor—a lovely Assamese
bungalow with a vintage charm— in nearby Jorhat. And the tea belt in upper
Assam, which offers a lush green landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">*Dhola Sadiya bridge</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">: Have a spectacular
view of the Brahmaputra river from the Dhola Sadiya Bridge or the Bhupen
Hazarika Setu, the longest river bridge in India that serves as a major link
between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The <b>Dibru Saikhowa national park</b>,
home to wild horses, is not far off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*Panimur waterfall</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> is located in
Umrangso of Dima Hasao district of Assam in the North Cachar hills. It is
called the Niagara of Assam as it has a stunning resemblance. The view of the beautiful
Kopili river water hitting the rocks finally gushing down is breath-taking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">All the places have
connectivity from Guwahati through buses and cabs. It’s better to visit the
state from September to March. You can also visit other <b>state capitals of
the north-east</b> <b>from Guwahati</b> and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of
the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/296306a51a4547dabe251982e76eba3d/article/top-tourist-destinations-to-explore-in-assam-14mqcp052kef">Top tourist destinations to explore in Assam</a><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p>Also watch video from our youtube channel</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_7M6dIiIdg&t=19s">Top destinations in Assam</a> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></b><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-58786628925757779442022-04-12T07:51:00.003-07:002022-04-12T07:56:27.668-07:00Want to improve your English? Don’t depend too much on writing apps --East Mojo<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Published on East Mojo in April 12, 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Want to improve your English? Don’t be over-dependent on writing apps</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">The jury is still out on
the efficacy </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">of
grammar-checkers. While some feel there’s no harm in using them, there is
unanimity in one fact — if you want to improve your English, you have to get
your basics right</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Most of you must have noticed the writing and grammar suggestions your
email composer or word processor offers when you start typing a mail. These are
just two examples of the myriad of English writing apps available out
there—offering services such as grammar-check, spell-<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">check, writing styles, and vocabulary and syntax
suggestions.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Some may find them irritating but there are many who firmly believe or
are even confident that these apps would help them improve their English
language skills and grammar. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN2s5XLfU7OWVfMX53ZzW0rPRObp2ujXDPeLTzkLOykDRbXWES1xXqaHMNyMseEiBebwItSsI-JQgyi3_NT8zj2nh8xnGe8FtzBy5t4EfhHTacAWpaR78YrPh5zul-jwB53ljsM-1tw8ZtwpjFDm2OY_l99BpLELJjnIe3HOHBMvU6VQc9FTQ9iseukA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN2s5XLfU7OWVfMX53ZzW0rPRObp2ujXDPeLTzkLOykDRbXWES1xXqaHMNyMseEiBebwItSsI-JQgyi3_NT8zj2nh8xnGe8FtzBy5t4EfhHTacAWpaR78YrPh5zul-jwB53ljsM-1tw8ZtwpjFDm2OY_l99BpLELJjnIe3HOHBMvU6VQc9FTQ9iseukA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So the million-dollar question is — do these apps really help and if so,
to what extent? Experts say while they may help you detect typos and errors, or
even offer alternatives and suggestions, you won’t really get your English
grammar and language right unless you are thorough with your Wren and Martin
and well-read at the same time.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Learning a language doesn’t happen in one day; it’s a process. The more
you read and write, the more refined will be your language skills, the experts
say.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Then there are others who feel there are people who may not be strong in
the English language and so there is nothing wrong if they use such a facility
to correct their mails and communication. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">All experts are, however, unanimous in stating that over-dependence on
these apps won’t do any good. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Sajni Mukherji, a former Professor of English at Jadavpur University,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> finds such apps irritating and prefers to stay away from them.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“I am conservative and don’t believe in the efficacy of these apps,
which automatically without my asking correct my spellings as I send messages
or write letters on the phone<span style="color: black;">. And it is usually wron</span>g
because they are assuming something and I want to say something completely
different,” Mukherji says. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">“I would rather do it
myself because</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> I think my English is good
enough for grammar or spelling or for rearrangement of a sentence. I think I
can do it much quicker and better myself.” </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Mukherji says such suggestions<b> </b>obstruct the flow of writing when
you want to write a creative piece. “I think ‘O good Lord’, I didn’t say that,
so why is it saying that? I get very angry and so frankly I don’t like spell or
grammar check by apps on phone or computer. I prefer to do it myself.”</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Some well-known apps are Gammarly, ProWritingAid, Linguix, Writer.com,
Beewriter, Scribendi, WhiteSmoke, Sapling, Slick Write, After The Deadline,
Hemmingway, etc.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Grammarly</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> is used for checking
grammar and plagiarism. It offers numerous writing styles, suggestions for
grammar, vocabulary and syntax.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">At the same time, Mukherji feels such apps could be useful for people
who have a problem with writing in English or with spellings and so on. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Mukherji thinks these apps are too mechanical and the best way to make
sure that one doesn’t make mistakes in grammar or spelling is to read a lot of
good books so that there is much less likelihood of making any mistakes. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“I have taught for so many years. When I found somebody making too many
spelling mistakes, I would say to him/her ‘I want you to read one chapter of
something very carefully and I will ask <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">you the spellings afterwards</span>.’ I pressed upon them that they have
to read carefully and keep their eyes wide open so that they don't make
spelling mistakes.” </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Mukherji says if somebody corrects her grammar, then she would want to
know the reason why he or she corrected it. “And usually it’s not the reason
that convinces me. <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">But I guess
if people need it, they need it, that’s their requirement. I don’t want to say
don’t u</span>se them at all. But I wouldn’t and I won’t recommend them to
people either,” Mukherji said.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">How reliable are such apps? </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">ProWritingAid</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> says it
checks grammar, readability and plagiarism-related issues. It offers a detailed
report on all grammar errors, runs a readability analysis, allows you to test
how easy it is to read and understand your draft and provides a thesaurus for
word suggestions.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">KV Sridhar (Pops), Global Chief Creative Officer, Nihilent
Hypercollective at Nihilent Limited,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> feels it is okay to use them if they make your work faster. But when it
comes to professional writing, one has to learn the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">language from the beginning.</span><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Technology provides you with
clues to check grammar, spelling, etc. It is far more accepted today in any
word document. We have been using it for a very long time. The predictive
nature of computer intelligence allows you to type even WhatsApp messages with
a bit of prediction. Today 90% of Wikipedia is not done by human beings but by
bots. So technology is helping people. But I am not talking about professional
writers,” said Sridhar.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A lot of content today is written by machine and not by human beings and
so taking the help of technology is accepted now. “Earlier, if you didn’t know
how to form a sentence, or a sentence was grammatically wrong, people used to
curse you and correct it. Today, even in newspapers or spoken English if the
grammar is wrong, people forgive them,” Sridhar says. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Today, even if something is not written in proper English, it is
accepted but earlier it was not the same. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“On Twitter, famous people or celebrities write using auto correct.
Earlier, grammar Nazis used to spot mistakes. It was quite a rage. The old
school people from, say, Hindu and Statesman, who subscribe to the right
language, used to get annoyed by celebrities not writing in the proper
language. It was quite a phenomenon then but later they gave up because in the
ocean of words, which is moving so quickly, nobody can hold anything.”</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">All these apps, including Microsoft Word, give spell check, grammar, and
predictive writing indication, which help you do your job a little better and
quicker, Sridhar explained. He thinks it’s far more advisable to run a grammar
and spell check in a piece of content or article than going through it alphabet
by alphabet, word by word or sentence by sentence as we are living in a LIVE
world.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">“In a way you can call it
laziness or incompetence. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But on
the other side it is agility, convenience and precision. You may make mistakes
but computers don’t. Often if you don’t set the language, whether it is British
English or American English you may face inconsistency in the way you spell or
frame sentences or use certain words. But if you set all your parameters right
and take the help of any of these tools, its fine for me. It is okay to take
the help of technology to do anything better. It is always a good thing,” said
Sridhar. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But to learn the language and to frame sentences to express your ideas
better; you have to learn it from the beginning, from school.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“If you are a professional writer, you have to be extra cautious and
should know the language well. <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Learn
it properly, and </span>then take the help of technology because the pace at
which you are working today is much faster then what it used to be 20 or 30
years ago,” added Sridhar. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Elaborating on his argument, Sridhar said that today if a person doesn’t
respond on WhatsApp, you wonder what happened and within two seconds you move
on. It is the same with Twitter, where three minutes is the time to respond. If
a company or brand doesn’t respond within three minutes, a brand or company is
not excused. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Choice of words on the computer will be a little advanced and
appropriate words help you to express your thoughts better or the personality
of your writing style. And this is where technology helps. “You just need to
use it wisely and judiciously,” Sridhar says.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Sridhar says human voice is coming in a big way and who knows tomorrow
spoken English would be converted into proper English by the computer and sent
across, which is fine because you need to express your thoughts. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Thoughts and ideas are far more important than the play of words, he
says. “Responding quicker is far more important than writing proper English. If
auto correct can correct two or three things, it is fine. Running a grammar
check before sending a mail to someone in a split second is far more
appreciative than not sending or sending it the next day,” Sridhar said.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Linguix</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> is said to be an AI-based
writing assistant and a grammar checker tool that helps you to check real-time
errors. It provides alerts and recommendations for grammar and punctuation. It
allows you to copy-paste your existing text and provides alternative words and
phrases and spelling corrections. It eliminates poor phrase and sentence
structures and typos.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Benita Sen</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">, <b>a
journalist, editor, children's author and creative writing teacher</b>, feels
such apps are shortcuts. “If you want to learn the grammar, is there any
shortcut to learning the rules and then using them? I doubt that. Unless you
learn correct usage, you will be app-dependent for far longer than you need to
be. I advise my students to read books on grammar. My favourite is, Eats Shoots
and Leaves.” </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But don’t these suggestions hamper the spontaneity of a writer? “It would
not hamper the flow of thoughts if you decide to write come what may, and then
put the completed piece through the checker,” added Sen.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">If you are bound to use some app, do some research about its veracity.
“I would do some background research if I have to fall back on an app. I have
been teaching creative writing to students in India and abroad. I would not
suggest that my students trust any app blindly. If the app makes a suggestion,
look up the context of the suggestion before incorporating it. Nuances may be
lost if we leave all our writing to AI,” added Sen.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The Writer.com</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> grammar
corrector tool claims it helps keep content quality consistent by providing
brand-specific feedback. It enables you to build a custom style guide. You can
check the content according to your company’s style guide and enable you to
turn on/off different types of writing suggestions.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">These artificial intelligence-based grammar-checking apps come in handy
in finding missing articles or punctuations or errors but one should never be
over-dependent on them <span style="color: #0070c0;">— </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">definitely not to learn and improve
English or grammar, </span>feels <b>Nilutpal Thakur</b>, <b>a senior
journalist.</b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Many such apps make unnecessary suggestions, and so it’s not good to
follow them blindly, he says. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“These are not learning tools, they are reviewers. Anyway, a review
suggested may or may not be always correct because they are based on algorithms
and artificial intelligence. They do not recognise complex sentences and those
with multiple clauses. They may suggest alternative sentences and words that
may have different, nuanced meanings,” Thakur added. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Many experts</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">
explained that people who use these apps do not actually get to the bottom of
why artificial intelligence may have suggested a change. So they tend to
blindly correct a sentence without understanding their mistake and forget about
it the next moment. And this is not helpful because they are not learning from
their mistakes.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So if you want to be a better writer in English, learn the language from
the beginning and read more because no app can help you much, besides finding
errors here or a typo there. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The writer is an independent journalist and video content creator based
in Delhi-NCR. Runs a YouTube channel Think Positive: Live Healthy.</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/news/2022/04/12/want-to-improve-your-english-dont-depend-too-much-on-writing-apps/">Want to improve your English? Don’t depend too much on writing apps</a> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-41953174047680738292022-03-21T02:33:00.003-07:002022-04-12T07:55:43.396-07:00India’s mainstream entertainment scene & the rarely seen northeast faces--- East Mojo<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Published in East Mojo on March 21, 2022</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Why northeast faces
are rare in India’s mainstream entertainment scene<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Spotting a
northeasterner in Hindi cinema, ads or OTT is like looking for needle in a
haystack. Though things are changing for good, a lot more needs to be done<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no dearth of
good movies and actors from the northeast but even then, there is not much
representation of the region in mainstream Indian movies, television and even
ads. Northeast language films are also mostly missing from leading OTT platforms.
And although things are changing gradually and slowly, it is a long road ahead,
feel cine makers from the region. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In recent times,
besides a few examples such as Andrea Tariang in Pink, Karma Takapa in the
Amazon Prime Series ‘The Last Hour’ or Chum Darang in ‘Badhaai Do’ — and names
such as Seema Biswas and Adil Hussain — one hardly encounters a character or
actor from the northeast in popular Indian entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGhJSGyAgElulrVsA2xVCcuTJFMR6tKAZtmafu2F7Y4ssA1PdvJWuUPnAYZX245M58v-cHlGb3qe_5TOPbRAvepP6dKfkEkIxeug1DpTq150u6nNLhLZYJ8aXHpZMQbgN9o04BH46hLGmLbFYpXlptzoCmeqVNRplBM7nHFjoKk2flj7gQaqXdRfXG_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGhJSGyAgElulrVsA2xVCcuTJFMR6tKAZtmafu2F7Y4ssA1PdvJWuUPnAYZX245M58v-cHlGb3qe_5TOPbRAvepP6dKfkEkIxeug1DpTq150u6nNLhLZYJ8aXHpZMQbgN9o04BH46hLGmLbFYpXlptzoCmeqVNRplBM7nHFjoKk2flj7gQaqXdRfXG_w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The movie 'Mary Kom',
based on the life of the ace boxer from Manipur, would have looked more
convincing had there been a face from the northeast instead of Priyanka Chopra,
though Chopra did a good job. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mainstream Hindi
cinema, unfortunately, follows the logic of ‘saleability’ over ‘credibility’.
That is why in the film Mary Kom, an actress was cast who looks nothing like an
ethnic northeastern person of what is known as ‘Mongoloid’ or ‘Asian’
features,” said<b> Utpal Borpujari,</b> a journalist turned filmmaker. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Borpujari said it is
like a White actor playing Nelson Mandela, however great the actor may be,
while pointing out that these issues are more minutely followed even in an
extremely commercial industry such as Hollywood though. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“A good film will
pass the test of time with any actor, even newbies, and a mainstream film can
also become a big box office success if it can engage with the viewers in some
way no matter if it stars a known name or not (and vice versa, a film with a
huge star cast can be a super flop — and there are examples galore),” said
Borpujari.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Borpujari has<b> </b>made
documentaries such as ‘Mayong: Myth/Reality’, ‘Songs of the Blue Hills’,
‘Soccer Queens of Rani’, ‘For a Durbar of the People,’ feature-length
documentary ‘Memories of a Forgotten War’, a children's film in Assamese ‘Ishu’
and others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Director and writer<b>
Ahsan Muzid</b> feels if biopic films such as Mary Kom or Milkha Singh are made
with the commercial aspect in mind, they can’t do proper justice. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mary Kom couldn’t be
screened in Manipur as Hindi films were not allowed there. If you have seen
‘Aśoka’, they have hardly done any research on the dress, structural,
architectural details of those times,” said Muzid, the maker of ‘Sonam ...the
fortunate one’, which was the first dialect feature film from Arunachal
Pradesh, and Assamese film ‘Pokhilar Pakhi’ (Wings of Butterfly). He also produced
a doc-feature, “…and ripples, not waves” and produced, directed documentaries
and telefilms for Doordarshan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Little representation
on TV, ads<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Colors TV had
launched a TV show titled ‘Nima Denzongpa’, starring Assamese actor Surabhi Das
in the lead role, putting the spotlight on the struggles of a northeastern girl
named Nima, who moved from her village in Sikkim to Mumbai for her love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Initially, the
serial’s aim was to highlight the racial discrimination subjected to people
from the northeast in mainstream cities. But the show later lost track, turning
into a saas-bahu saga. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“As for TV serials,
more often than not, they lose track of the initial idea, hence it's not
surprising. However, in the OTT space, we see serious efforts to cast actors
who look the part, and here the so-called star system has bitten the dust as we
have seen in the case of shows like Pataal Lok,” said Borpujari. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A few years ago, reality show ‘Roadies’ was shot in
various locations across the northeast; places which mainland Indians had never
seen before. The season's theme song 'Jajabor', in Assamese and Hindi, was a
collaboration between singer Papon and Raghu.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Not much is different
when it comes to advertisements, which hardly show any character from the northeast.
A recent exception was an ad by WhatsApp ‘Message Privately,’ which shows a
Tamil-speaking family's efforts to learn Assamese in order to help their
daughter-in-law feel more at ease. Such ads with a northeast face are very
rare.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But filmmaker <b>Nicholas
Kharkongor</b>—who<b> </b>made his directorial debut with ‘Fair and Lowly’, and
made feature films such as ‘Mantra’ and the much-acclaimed ‘Axone’—is very
positive and feels things are changing for good. “I have seen a lot more ads on
TV or YouTube with northeastern faces then it used to be earlier. Like a bunch
of friends with a northeasterner, and I feel it’s a good thing.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kharkongor says
nowadays, he doesn’t feel it becomes necessary to explain that this is not a
foreigner but from our own country and this means there is acceptance. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, more needs to be done
but we are in the right direction. Even in the fashion world, a lot of
northeast models can be seen. We just
hope things will get better.” <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Removed from mainland
but getting closer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Once a KBC promo
showed a participant from the northeast sitting on the hotseat — at which point
a cutaway shows a few young men watching on TV, who quip, “Arrey, yeh hotseat
tak pahunch gayi!” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The girl, when asked
the question, ‘Kohima is a part of which country?’, and given the options of
India, Bhutan, Nepal and China, opts to use the audience poll lifeline.
Thereafter, when Amitabh Bachchan announces the audience poll results with
“100% logon ne kaha, India,” and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">asks </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">her, “Yeh baat toh sabhi jaante hain,” the contestant
replies, “Jaante sab hain, par maante kitne hain?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The ad irked a
government official who filed a complaint with the Broadcasting Content
Complaints Council (BCCC) against the promo, demanding that it be taken off air,
as it could create controversy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But the BCCC found
nothing objectionable in it; the trailer was highlighting the problem that
northeastern people faced, and was a step in the right direction. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kharkongor<b> </b>explained
how<b> </b>we all have to remember that historically and culturally, the
northeast has been aloof from the rest of India. “Assam has had the largest
association with the subcontinent of India since pre-independence times. But if
we look at the Naga Hills, the Lushai Hills, they had absolutely no
association, these were just unreachable land. It’s only after 1947 that things
have changed,” Kharkongor said.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Cable television
happened in the late ’80s, internet in the ’90s. Social media and internet are
all recent phenomena and brought places closer. Before that, everything was
removed, everything was about what was happening in Delhi or Bombay,”
Kharkongor added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">According to Muzid,
India’s northeast is a distinct geographic, cultural, political and
administrative entity. Assamese cinema was the first to achieve a separate
identity when it started its journey with Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s ‘Joymoti’ in
1935, he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When ‘Sonam’ attained
double triumphs at the 37th International Film Festival of India 2006 in Goa,
and in Competitive Section and Indian Panorama; one famous pictorial magazine
mentioned the film as from Himachal Pradesh instead of Arunachal Pradesh, Muzid
said. “In spite of several email correspondence, the correction was not done.
It reflects the ignorance about our region in other parts of the country and
that’s why sometimes the people feel alienated.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Almost absent from
OTT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There are good movies
from other regional languages such as Malayalam, Tamil, etc., on popular OTT
platforms but one can’t find good northeast language movies in this space. The
Assamese acclaimed movie 'Aamis' was initially available only on moviesaints.com.
After a long time, it was available on SonyLiv.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Acknowledging the
limited presence of Assamese or other northeastern language films on OTT,
Borpujari said it is really unfortunate that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">streaming platforms </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">are falling prey to
the numbers game in a lopsided way. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yes, the OTTs need
hit shows and films to sustain, but given that the virtual space is a very
democratic space, there is a possibility of getting good ‘business’ out of a
film in a language which is ‘smaller’ in terms of population speaking it.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If the OTTs acquire,
say an Assamese film, and does not promote it well, it gets drowned in the
ocean of content, Borpujari explained. “So, if I don't know that a particular
film exists on a particular OTT, I won't find it in and since viewers wanting
to watch good films across languages won't find it, it would not be viewed, and
thus it would give rise to the logic that films in such languages don't have
enough viewers. Thus, acquisition of such films gets stopped.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Borpujari said it
happens with even films like, say ‘Disciple’ or ‘Soni’ or ‘Meel Patthar’, which
are on Netflix but because of the algorithm, they would never get displayed in
any of the panels. “It's a chicken 'n' egg situation really and unfortunately.
That is why we need more platforms like MovieSaints to give space to Indie
cinema in various languages, provided these platforms are marketed well among
the discerning viewers,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Even Rima Das’ work
came into limelight following the selection of her film Village Rockstar as an
official entry for India to the Oscars in 2018. The Assamese film that came out
in 2017 is one of the few native language films now available on Netflix. Das
single-handedly has written, directed, produced and edited the film.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kharkongor’s<b> </b>directorial
venture in Hindi ‘Axone’, now on Netflix, introduced the pungent cuisine from
the northeast to the world but at the same time intelligently told the story of
the people from the region often facing casual racism in metros.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Character
sensitisation is important<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to
films, there needs to be lot of sensitisation with directors, casting
directors, producers or people at the helm, to be aware about the whole process
of casting, Kharkongor said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Across the world,
things are being worked out to have a department that looks at cultivating
diversity and inclusion in the work place. Sensitisation is happening globally
across the corporate sector and other sectors. The same needs to be done in the
Indian film industry in a small way at least,” Kharkongor said.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaborating further,
Kharkongor said attention needs to be given on even small characters in a
story. “Suppose, a story is written around Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar. So the
protagonist here has to be shown as a north Indian. Besides the lead, there are
lot of characters. But the minute details of those characters are not given
importance at all.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Giving an example,
Kharkongor said if<b> </b>the hero goes to a shop or to a government office and
meets an officer, in the script they only write ‘a government officer or a
shopkeeper’ and give no other details, which is in a way lazy and dangerous
thinking at one level. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“They will always
show a north Indian middle-aged man as a shopkeeper or government officer. Why
not a woman, or a physically disabled person, or a person from the northeast or
a person with different sexual orientation? That is where things need to be
changed to change people’s perception at a larger level. Details of each
character should be looked after and this way you can make the film pan-India,”
he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kharkongor said if different
types of people who are also good actors are cast each time, they will offer
different things to a work place and at the same time it won’t make any
difference or compromise the storyline. “Then it becomes responsible filmmaking
and can bring a big change and make a difference in society. The more of these
faces we see in the media, there will be more inclusivity in this country. The
beautiful thing about art is that it changes things at a subconscious level.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Very few northeast
faces in national scene<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There are only a few
well-known actors from the region such as Seema Biswas or Adil Hussain in
mainstream cinema.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Filmmaker <b>Anshuman
Barua</b>, who made ‘Door’, a film based on the insurgency problem in Assam,
said we are ourselves to blame for this as very few people from the northeast
tend to go out of their comfort zone. He also made a Hindi remake of ‘Dr Bezbarua’,
a popular Assamese movie of the 1960s made by his uncle Brajen Barua. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We can't blame the
film industry if we ourselves are not available. Danny Denzongpa, Adil Hussain,
Zubeen, Papon, Joi and the Late Bhupen Hazarika in earlier times had done some
stupendous work in Mumbai and other places outside of NE. When you first step
into Mumbai, the city tends to overwhelm you, but if one can negotiate the
initial days, then it is a city of dreams. This holds true for all sectors —
corporate, film, music, banking, services or manufacturing,” said Barua.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Muzid feels certain things
are not fair for northeast cinema and questioned why only one movie from Assam
is entered in the Indian Panorama segment at The International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) when other languages get more opportunities. “I would say it is
harming the future of Assamese and other northeast cinema.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Muzid is not happy
with how things work at the Indian Panorama and National Film Awards. “Now even
commercial cinema has entered the Panorama section, which was exclusively for
art house films earlier.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Talking about why Indie
films don’t work when compared to commercial movies with a big star cast, Muzid
shared a personal experience about how a prominent Bollywood producer told him
why Sonam’s music was good but “it won’t work commercially since it was not
made by any big composer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Muzid said the same
producer, who made many award-winning art house movies, told him that he
stopped doing such films as in India only commercial films and big star cast
movies work. Muzid said the producer told him that if he gave the film ‘Sonam’
to his market exploring team, they would reject it </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">because </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">it doesn’t have any star cast or commercial value.
“He asked me to direct a low budget film like ‘Bheja Fry’ in Mumbai under his
banner. It was not my cup of tea so I did not take the opportunity as I make
regional movies only.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Muzid thinks it’s sad that
in India, cinema means Mumbai and the South's commercial industry. Financial
support is a very important point, so can’t filmmakers of the region form a
strong, united lobby? “In commercial movies, money comes from multiple sides.
Unfortunately northeast has no billionaire and corporate house and the government
is also always not supportive to promote art house movies.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The writer is an
independent journalist and video content creator based in Delhi-NCR. Runs a
YouTube channel Think Positive: Live Healthy.</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/sikkim/2022/03/21/why-northeast-faces-are-rare-in-indias-mainstream-entertainment-scene/">India’s mainstream entertainment scene & the rarely seen northeast faces</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-91669974716090247092022-03-02T09:23:00.004-08:002022-04-12T09:15:33.441-07:00Psyche of a troll: A peek into social media justice --East Mojo <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Published in EastMojo
on Feb 15<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A peek into the psyche of a troll<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A survey found out that eight out of 10 people experienced some form of
online harassment in India. Celebrities are often soft targets. Experts say
anonymity is one single factor that makes many interaction ethics go off track
on online platforms<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Actor Shah Rukh Khan was trolled endlessly on social media after he went
to singer Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral, over false allegations that he ‘spat’
after offering his respects. He was actually blowing a ‘dua’ as per an Islamic
practice. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">People went gaga on social media after a man accused of lynching a
student leader died, after jumping off a police vehicle in a bid to escape in
Assam’s Jorhat. Netizens “saluted” what they called was “instant justice”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Netizens posted insensitive and nasty comments about actor Salman Khan
after he was bitten by a snake at his farmhouse near Mumbai a couple of months
ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Trolling and social media justice seems to have become a norm nowadays
with people venting out for reasons that could range from the bizarre to
obnoxious and even dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjV2Xb4djjIwkXqJVMRjgKQjd2-7e17odYtPBPOq_e4kjAJGBmvZRT1vXafv9nTqsMgS3naTL90vlqrP5iw5QLRPvPAD2stNWLFrG9LHprFL81btAiDwmbvHKl3kXUFZUD3-zsMTznttzhHPPs8MJ042JHa356t65a90w3sHlwk1V5zg2iGrTTtHTGSQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjV2Xb4djjIwkXqJVMRjgKQjd2-7e17odYtPBPOq_e4kjAJGBmvZRT1vXafv9nTqsMgS3naTL90vlqrP5iw5QLRPvPAD2stNWLFrG9LHprFL81btAiDwmbvHKl3kXUFZUD3-zsMTznttzhHPPs8MJ042JHa356t65a90w3sHlwk1V5zg2iGrTTtHTGSQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Celebrities, especially, are soft targets with people targeting them
even for their dresses and not thinking twice before posting nasty comments on
social media. Just because it’s an open medium to express, people think that
they can do anything and everything and get away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So what drives this pattern of behaviour on social media that has become
so common nowadays? And what pleasure do people derive from such a morally
depraved mindset?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Rajesh Sagar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">, says a lot can be explained with the proliferation of technology in
our lives, when especially during the lockdown, people were indoors and heavily
dependent on social media to meet their need for connectedness and
belongingness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“However, online interaction is always different from in-person
interactions and there lies the difference. On online platforms, anonymity is
one single factor that turns many interaction ethics go off track, such as
expressing judgement and providing negative feedback,” Dr Sagar said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Explaining further, Dr Sagar said trolls almost know that they may never
personally know the celebrities or may never be able to see the reactions of
such profound words used online on their faces, or the impact of it on their
real lives. And this causes loosening of inhibitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“People often tend to express some of the most raw or primitive thoughts
with no further need to engage further in conversation. And these comments, with
a simple click, can always be deleted, which further reinforces expression of
any initial thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Online abuse</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In 2017 a study by Norton by Symantec showed that 8 out of 10 people
surveyed experienced some form of online harassment in India. The most common
forms of online harassment were abuse and insults at 63 per cent followed by
malicious gossip and rumours at 59 per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The aim of the study was to understand India’s exposure to online
harassment that ranged from unwanted conflict, trolling, character
assassinations, and cyberbullying to sexual harassment and threats of physical
violence, and the impacts of these experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Incidence of online harassment was high for people under 40s, with 65
per cent reporting online abuse and insults. 87 per cent of people with
disabilities or poor mental health and 77 per cent of those with weight issues
reported abuse or insults online.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Sagar feels there are plenty of cognitive biases at action for such
behaviour. Such as the halo effect, which means letting one impression about a
person or object dominate the evaluation of the whole person. So, if one
celebrity has fought for a significant social cause, people generalise their
impressions and tend to consider all their actions as good. This happens vice-versa
as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“Often this bias is fuelled by another bias called confirmatory bias,
which is one tendency to interpret and recall new information in a way that
confirms one’s prior beliefs. Thus, people end up forming a rigid sense of
opinions about them which is often expressed in extreme form of judgements.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">With rumours and fake news circulating on social media like wildfire,
people often get trapped into quick judgements that are emotionally loaded
rather than checking full facts and then forming a more balanced opinion about
someone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Do such people get sadistic pleasure by celebrating others' pain on
social media? Dr Sagar says, “It’s difficult to say that people exactly enjoy
the pain or derive some sort of sadistic pleasure when a culprit is punished publically
or killed in a police encounter.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In the Assam incident last November, a mob of at least 50 attacked a
student leader, who later died, and two others after an old man fell off his
scooter and got injured. The mob had suspected them of hitting the man with
their car.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The prime accused died after being reportedly hit by a trailing police
vehicle when he jumped out of the police car to escape. Later, people expressed
their “happiness” on social media at the death of the main accused.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“If people celebrate a criminal getting punished publically, it’s not
right. Even a criminal has the right to defend himself; people should have
trust in the law of our country. I would say they do not think logically and
cannot be called mentally sound completely,” says LN Rao, a former DCP with
Delhi Police and now a criminal lawyer, adding people should never take law in
their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Rao said it is basically people’s nature that when they do not like
someone’s post or their opinion does not match with others, they opt to
trolling them on social media. “Some do it because of jealousy, or do it as a
confrontation to others’ opinions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Actor Anushka Sharma was trolled more than once for India’s defeat, just
for being wife of former captain of Indian cricket team Virat Kohli.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">TV host Mandira Bedi faced trolls over her attire during her husband's
funeral and also because she was performing his last rites.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Brands have also faced social media backlash because some people did not
like their idea of creativity, forcing them to take back the controversial ads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A sense of power</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">To be able to become a part of practice like trolling gives people an
extra sense of power and self-correctness, says <b>Dr Samir Parikh, an eminent
psychiatrist and Director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioural
Sciences, Fortis Healthcare</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“People want very instant gratification for everything. So when it comes
to a solution for somebody’s crime or mistake, they need to have an immediate
solution. To be able to become a part of it gives them an extra sense of power
and self-correctness,” Dr Parikh said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">When Kollywood actor Dhanush announced he ended his 18 years of marriage
with Aishwarya by sharing a note on Twitter, the news spread like wildfire.
While some fans understood and accepted the decision of the duo, others started
trolling the star. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Similar was the reaction when Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao announced their
divorce.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu faced trolls on social media, be it for her
divorce from Naga Chaitanya or her professional choices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Parikh thinks such people feel a sense of validation and
encouragement that others also think ‘like them’ and they also want their views
to go out there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">All this mostly happens with a sense of anonymity because the individual
feels people wouldn’t know who he is. They let out whatever is their angst, and
what they feel strongly about, in an uncensored way, because they are seeing
lots of other people doing it and so they get reinforced, Dr Parikh said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“This is how trolling becomes a part of our life, which is very
unfortunate because it can have a very negative impact on people’s lives. We
have views about almost anything and everything — from body image to clothes to
background to education to societal norms.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So when you see that somebody either on your side of belief is saying
something, you amplify it, or somebody is saying the opposite, you try and run
it down, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Recently, actor Sunny Leone got trolled for not holding daughter Nisha
Kaur Weber’s hand in public, with netizens questioning her motherhood and
accusing her of adopting a girl only for publicity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Just a few days after Shah Rukh Khan’s son’s release from jail in an
alleged drugs case, a video surfaced on social media of a man resembling Aryan
Khan, peeing inside the Los Angeles International Airport. It turned out that
the man in the photo was a Canadian actor and the incident happened in 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Sanjay Chugh, a Senior Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> says when people celebrate violence or violent behaviour, which would
even include lynching, it serves as a reminder that we need the veneer of
civilisation that all of us have.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“We are still uncivilised beings who descended from animals. A civilised
veneer arises from the fact that there is a desensitisation to violence. We
would not indulge in violence ourselves but if we see it happening, we tend to
have an opinion. If there is a righteous indignation that this guy has been
rightly punished, this culprit has been punished or is being lynched, that
righteous indignation allows us to give vent to our own baser instinct and that
is why the celebration. There is no merit in this of course,” Dr Chugh says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Chugh equates trolling with bitching. But why do people bitch?
Firstly it helps them to distract their own minds from their own problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“People also bitch because their mind in a very perverse kind of way
tells them that if they can show someone else down, it means that person is now
on a lower pedestal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Why it happens</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Giving a detailed psychological assessment, Dr Sagar says one of the biggest
factors behind such uncontrolled online behaviour is what he called the
‘infodemic’.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“These days, there are unreliable sources of information that spread
very rapidly. Many of us tend to believe in it immediately. Many people are not
sophisticated social media users, and overly trust content forwarded by their
friends and family members. Though fact check is a great initiative in this
regard, not many people run their mind across multiple perspectives. As a
result, they get socio-politically motivated easily and can indulge easily into
supporting extreme claims and actions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Sagar said humans are social animals and there is an inherent need to
be socially accepted by people. And because most social interactions are
online, this need for social acceptance has shifted to people online, whom we
call netizens. “So, acceptance by netizens or fear of being isolated by
netizens is pronounced and so many people tend to follow the mass trends. It’s
like a domino effect where often people start doing what others are doing
merely to fulfil the need for social belongingness.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">One of the biggest issues with this approach, he said, is that the
extremist opinion gets heard most and those having moderate or mild individual
opinion gets sidelined or suppressed. Thus, it’s very common to find online
platforms easily divided into two categories of supporters and haters. “People
are left with limited opinion to belong to one of the groups, which leads to a
kind of online social pressure situation,” Dr Sagar said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Based on the acceptance needed, it’s almost a trend for people to keep
working on content that gives them the highest views and the most number of
likes. For this simple need to gain more online popularity and increase the
number of their followers (which brings some other perks as well— financial,
publicity, etc), people may create and support sensational content, Dr Sagar
said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“The advantage of online moral policing is that it helps a person to
feel empowered (by belonging to the ‘just/right’ group) as well as helps in
getting immediate support and encouragement from people online (which is often
difficult to achieve that quickly in real social scenarios),” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The way out</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But is there any solution? Dr Parikh feels the society should be zero
tolerant towards such behaviour. And those who are trolled should not bother
about those who do not think about others and are not rational enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Sagar said people need psychological skills to regulate themselves.
There is a rising need to make people aware about self-regulation skills on
social media as well with more awareness on the legal consequences of their
cyber behaviour, he said. “Cyber hygiene should be a way forward and must be
endorsed by everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The writer is an independent journalist and video content creator based in
Delhi-NCR.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/technology/2022/02/15/psyche-of-a-troll-a-peek-into-social-media-justice/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Psyche of a troll: A peek into social media justice</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-32312057285907036982022-03-02T09:18:00.007-08:002022-04-12T09:28:45.948-07:00 Why Northeast India has high prevalence of cancer cases -- East Mojo<p> published in EastMojo on Feb 4, 2022</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Here is why Northeast has high prevalence of
cancer cases <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Northeast is becoming the cancer capital of India
and there is an urgent need to take a deep dive into the grave issue if we want
to stem the rise</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The increasing number of cancer cases in the
Northeast is a matter of concern and detailed studies are needed to find out
the reasons behind the high prevalence in the region, say experts, who also
stressed on the need to eradicate the use of tobacco, one of the key reasons
behind the killer disease.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Last year, the Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Informatics & Research (NCDIR),
Bengaluru, had projected that the number of new cancer cases in the Northeast
region is likely to increase to 57,131 by 2025, in comparison to the estimated
50,317 in 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">These estimates are based on cancer data compiled
by eleven Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) in all the eight states.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">The report titled “Profile of cancer and related
health indicators in the Northeast Region of India” also includes data from
seven hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and
Tripura from 2012 to 2016.</span></span></div><p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">“Yes, the scenario is very alarming. A number of
well-designed epidemiological studies combined with molecular biomarkers are
needed to understand high prevalence of cancer in the region,” said Dr Tapan
Saikia, a medical oncologist and blood stem cell transplant physician, said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A native of Assam, Dr Saikia is the Head of Medical
Oncology and Research Director, Prince Ali Khan Hospital, Mumbai. He is also a
pro bono visiting professor and consultant at State Cancer Institute, Gauhati
Medical College and Hospital, Assam.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Northeastern states have a high burden of cancer,
the report says. The highest incidence rate in males (269.4 per 100,000
population) was recorded in Aizawl district in Mizoram, among females (219.8
per 100,000) in Papumpare district in Arunachal Pradesh.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Another important aspect the report points out is
the disparity in cancer cases between males and females. It says the proportion
of tobacco-related cancers was 49.3% in males and 22.8 % in females. Again, in
all the NE states, the incidence of cancer was higher in males than in females,
except in Manipur and Sikkim. “The sex disparity is a complex issue. Again,
very well-designed population-based studies are needed to find out details.
Hospital-based registries are skewed,” Dr Saikia says.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The prevalence of obesity among women aged 15-49
years was highest in Sikkim (34.7%) followed by Manipur (34.1%). While in men,
it was highest in Sikkim (36.3%) and lowest in Meghalaya (13.9%). Sikkim had
the highest prevalence of hypertension in men (41.6%) and women (34.5%),
followed by Manipur (men 33.2% and women 23.0%). In all the eight states, men
had a higher blood sugar level when compared to women.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">But how are obesity and hypertension linked to
cancer? Dr Saikia said that non communicable diseases (NCD) are interrelated,
especially diabetes and obesity, with cancer. “Additionally, diabetes and
hypertension are interrelated.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">According to the report, the commonly occurring
cancers among males were cancer of the oesophagus (13.6%) and lung (10.9%). In
females, cancer of the breast was the leading cause (14.5%), followed by that
of cervix uteri (12.2%).</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Saikia says, “Tobacco and alcohol are etiological
factors for most of the NCDs, directly or indirectly. However, there are many
cancers that develop due to genetic predispositions. In recent years, a number
of models have been discussed and published in high-impact value journals such
as Nature and Science. In coming years, further understanding of molecular
genetics in the development of cancers will clarify these issues.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Less than 50% of households in Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura were using clean fuel for cooking,
mentions the report. So is poverty or poor economic condition another factor?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Saikia says, “There are multiple factors for
diagnosis of cancer at advanced stages — socio-economic, poor education about
health among lay people, lack of required health care system for early
diagnosis.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The report mentions that the proportion of cancer
patients seeking treatment outside the north east was highest for Sikkim
(95.3%) and Nagaland (58.1%). For years, people </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">have been generally traveling outside the region
for treatment, so hasn’t the situation improved? Dr Saikia said that many
states in a country don’t have cancer-focused health care programs. “Of late,
some states are waking up.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At the time of diagnosis of
breast, cervix, head and neck, stomach and lung cancers, less than one-third
were localised, while the remaining were spread either nearby or distantly in
the body.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The use of tobacco, both smokeless and chewing, is
widely linked to cancer. In Assam, for example, offering tamul-paan (betel nut
and leaf) with raw tobacco to guests is a common practice. People consume paan
and are addicted to zarda across all ages so much so that in the Northeast,
tobacco is kind of engrained in the culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Oncosurgeon Dr Shekhar Salkar says, “All over
India, the percentage of smoking cigarettes or bidis is less than 20%. The
maximum use is of smokeless tobacco such as gutka, paan masala, zarda, khaini,
paan, etc. There is a liquid tobacco found in states like Mizoram, where the
cancer rates are high. In the Northeast, the use of tobacco rate is around
45-55 %. Even in weddings if you don’t serve tobacco, they consider it a
taboo.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Dr Salkar, who is Chief of Department of Oncology
at Manipal Hospital, Panaji, Goa, and president for the National Organisation
for Tobacco Eradication, said it will take a long time for such habits to go as
it is ingrained in the culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0cm;">The Global Adult Tobacco
Survey (GATS) India, 2016-17, had highlighted the high use of tobacco in the
Northeast. The highest prevalence of tobacco use has been reported in Tripura
(64.5%).</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0cm;">All the seven states from
the Northeast with high tobacco prevalence together account for less
than 7% of tobacco users in the country.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0cm;">Tripura is followed by
Mizoram at 58.7 %, Manipur 55.1 %, Assam 48.2 %, Meghalaya 47.0 %, Arunachal
Pradesh 45.5 % and Nagaland 43.3 %. The all-India prevalence is 29%.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So how do we check this? “We will have to continue
our awareness programme. The people themselves must know that these are the
side effects of tobacco. If we continue, we will have problems and suffer and
we have to stop all these habits,” Dr Salkar said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The word cancer itself is scary for the common man.
Do those with a family history of cancer have more chances of getting cancer?
Dr Saikia concluded, “Cancer is a complex and multifactorial group of disease.
A simplified example — if a person has some genetic predilection for
development of a particular cancer: if s/he is a heavy tobacco user, the cancer
will develop early. Otherwise, it might’ve manifested a few years later or
never experienced clinical cancer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The writer
is an independent journalist and video content creator based in Delhi-NCR and
runs a YouTube channel Think Positive Live Healthy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"> </span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/northeast-news/2022/02/04/here-is-why-northeast-has-high-prevalence-of-cancer-cases/">Why Northeast India has high prevalence of cancer cases</a></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-12512371000245616202022-02-15T22:31:00.005-08:002022-04-12T09:40:49.548-07:00What goes behind making a memorable ad-- e4m<p> Published in e4m published on Feb 15, 2022</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Idea, creativity, emotions:
What it takes to make a good advertisement<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Some ads remain etched in
our memories forever while others are blink-and-miss. Ad veterans share what
goes behind making a memorable ad<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember Fevicol’s sofa ad?
It showcased the 60-year-journey of a sofa, a silent timekeeper. It was used
for years, its upholstery was changed umpteen times, but nothing
happened, all thanks to Fevicol.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The film was made so
beautifully that no matter how many times it played, we felt like watching it
again even though it was 90 seconds long, quite lengthy considering it was an
ad.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s the power of the
idea behind a beautifully made ad film.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Is the idea supreme or
brand objective?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But how does one define
what is a good advertisement? According to <b>KV Sridhar (Pops), Global
Chief Creative Officer, Nihilent Hypercollective at Nihilent Limited,</b> we
recognise a good ad “when it has a simple idea, a relevant insight, memorable
story and beautiful execution”.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For example, the Ariel film
that showed a father apologising to his daughter for never helping out around
the house could connect with the audience as this is what was happening for
very long – the women doing the bulk of household chores, though things are
changing now.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Manisha Kapoor, Secretary
General, (Advertising Standards Council of India) ASCI, said </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">an advertisement can be
considered good from the point of view of the advertiser when it delivers on
brand objectives.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“A good ad would usually
inform, entertain, provoke, or nudge — essentially elicit a response that can
be considered favourable. Today with the explosion of media, the biggest
challenge ads have is to hold the audiences’ attention and not be relegated to
one of the many forgettable pieces of communication one glosses through daily,”
Kapoor told this writer.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Of course from an ASCI
perspective, we believe that being authentic, honest and fair, while being
creative, is the winning combination in the long run,” Kapoor said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of Tata Tea’s ads in
the Jaago Re campaign initiative left a lasting impact on our minds as they
touched sensitive issues right from corruption, bribery, women empowerment,
safety and voting rights. The credit, of course, goes to the ideas of all the
creative minds.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shivaji Dasgupta, Founder
and Managing Director at Inexgro Brand Advisory, </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">felt that a “piece of work
that entertains while conveying a valuable message can be termed as a good ad
film”.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Airtel’s ‘Har Ek Friend
Zaroori Hota Hain’ campaign instantly connected with the youth as it conveyed a
message. Because, we all need friends in every phase of life and this is a
relationship that we choose.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A good film rewards the
attention you pay, said <b>Niranjan Natarajan, Creative Director,
Bangalore Urban</b>. It tells you a story, uplifts your emotions and leaves you
enriched and better informed. It moves you to action or commits you to a path.
A choice you take, Natarajan explained.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I like the John Lewis
Christmas ads done in the UK. They've been consistent, warm and raised the bar,
year after year. That's difficult to do,” Natarajan said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Evoking emotions</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When one talks of emotion
and warmth, a Cadbury ad comes to the mind. In 2020, when Covid struck, Cadbury
in their Diwali campaign promoted a number of local stores that lacked digital
presence. The aim was to lighten up the stores that found it difficult to
survive during the first wave. That year, Diwali was not just about
distributing sweets but to show solidarity with others and the brand did just
that.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Elaborating on the
topicality of ads, <b>Sumit Vashisth, Creative Director at Ogilvy, </b>said
a good audio-visual piece of communication tickles, prickles or mingles with us
for a few seconds.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“What makes it memorable or
etched in our memories is how it struck a chord with our state of mind of the
times we are or were in. Trends, economic, social, political and cultural views
that resonate or break the clutter also make our communication relevant to the
consumer and the communication medium we are using,”<b> </b>Vashisth said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In his book ‘Nawabs Nudes
Noodles’, Ambi Parameswaran mentioned iconic ads from 'Only Vimal' and 'Jai
Jawan Jai Kisan' to 'Jo biwi se kare pyaar' and the controversial Tuffs shoes
campaign.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ambi wrote how Dada became
Dalda, how a pressure cooker’s gasket system has been sold as a gauge for measuring
a husband’s love for his wifey. Why ‘Har ek friend zaroori hota hai’ worked as
an ad.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As an audience we often
remember the taglines of popular ads that struck a chord with us. Vashisth
recalls, “I have grown up liking ads from Amul’s ‘Piyo glass full doodh’
jingle, Dhara Oil’s Jalebi loving boy, SBI Life Insurance’s old couple telling
‘Heere ko kya pata tumhari umar’, Maruti Suzuki’s ‘Petrol khatam hi nahi hunda’
to currently Cadbury supporting local retailers in ‘Not just a Cadbury ad
campaign’.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Some ads become immortal</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But why do some
advertisements remain etched in our memory for long and some we forget?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If we go on a flashback
mode to the ads in the old Doordarshan days, everything seems so fresh in our
mind. Remember the cute ‘Dhara’ cooking oil ad where a little boy changes his
decision to leave home on hearing that ‘jalebi’ is being made?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Or the jingle of Hamara
Bajaj, Preity Zinta under the waterfall in the Liril ad, Sachin Tendulkar in
‘Dil Maange More’ Pepsi ad, the tune of Vicco Vajradanti, the devil in the
Onida TV ad and the girl dancing in the cricket field in Cadbury Dairy Milk’s
film?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s the power of ideas,
said Sridhar. “When you see a great idea, it’s difficult to forget -- eg;
Fevicol, McDonalds, ThumsUp, 5Star, etc.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be it Deepikaji of the
Nirma washing powder ad or Lalitaji of Surf ad of DD days, they connected so
well with the housewives.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kapoor says what we connect
to remains with us. Some ads speak to us at a personal level, or speak a truth
that resonates with us. “The deeper this connection, the more memorable the ad.
Ads become iconic when they make deep connections for a large segment of
people. They get etched in collective memory, and become a part of our
vocabulary and popular culture.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Maggi was launched in the
mid-80s and is the favourite of most of us today. Many ads were made but those
who grew up in the ’80s will always reminisce those memorable lines in the
first ad, “Mummy Bhookh Lagi Hai” and “Bas Do Minute”, the moment they hear the
word Maggi.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Truthfully, the quality of
the entertainment is what makes messaging stay sticky,” Dasgupta says.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Creativity is keyword</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We all went on a nostalgic
tour watching the recent remake of the iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk ad, where, in
a role reversal, a boy was shown dancing on the cricket field watching his girl
perform well.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What about creative talent
in the advertising world? Is there a dearth of talent that we no longer
have such memorable ads?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The sheer volume of ads we
see today, and the fact that we are consuming many of them on personal screens
rather than viewing them as a collective, makes it more difficult for newer ads
to gain the iconic stature of some of the classic ones, Kapoor explained.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But powerful human ideas,
expressed well, have the potential to connect with us at a fundamental level.
And these would be the ingredients of iconic and unforgettable ads,” Kapoor
said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sridhar said talent in our
country is plenty but there aren’t enough colleges or seniors to guide them.
“Today most of the creative talent that can narrate a good story have migrated
to Bollywood, eg., R Balki, Ram Madhvani, Nitesh Tiwari, Gauri Shinde, Amit
Mishra, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari … the list will go on..”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Asked about the ads he
liked most, Sridhar said, “From the old ones, Fevicol's entire series and from
the current lot, ‘Swiggy’.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Often we hear about ads
facing backlash on social media. Some brands even have had to withdraw their
ads.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last year, a Tanishq ad on
interfaith marriage triggered a backlash on social media with some accusing the
jewellery brand of promoting 'love jihad', after which the company withdrew the
film.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So, doesn’t such action
affect creativity?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dasgupta said it actually
thwarts creativity as public opinion, especially when vitiated, is a deterrent
for the imagination. “But equally, creators of ads are responsible for being
societally accountable and there can be no compromise.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Tickling our brains</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If we talk psychologically,
when we watch a good ad film, it’s like a feel-good factor to us. It brings a
smile to our face. And it exactly does the opposite when we see a bad one.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">During the cricket world
cup, many brands release ads to boost the morale of the Indian team, be it
Pepsi, Nike, adidas or others. These ads not only support the Indian team but
also increase the enthusiasm of the audience.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“We are all well aware that
good and bad experiences are part and parcel of our lives,” explains <b>Mimansa
Singh Tanwar,</b> <b>Clinical Psychologist, Fortis Healthcare.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“When you are exposed to
any positive events within your families, workplace, social sphere and larger
community, you experience positive emotions and there is a boost in your
feel-good factor and vice-versa. It has an influence on your feelings, thoughts,
judgement and behaviour,” Tanwar said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The writer is an
independent journalist and video content creator based in Delhi-NCR. Runs a
YouTube channel Think Positive: Live Healthy</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.exchange4media.com/advertising-news/idea-creativity-emotions-what-it-takes-to-make-a-good-advertisement-118486.html">Idea, creativity, emotions: What it takes to make a good advertisement</a></span></i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-19716905847937158002022-01-17T06:24:00.007-08:002022-04-12T09:32:46.565-07:00Here’s what one of India’s top virologist Dr T Jacob John says about Covid vaccination<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">published on EastMojo on Jan 17, 2022</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Vaccinate before it is too
late, warns top virologist<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr T Jacob John, a
retired professor </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">of </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Christian Medical College, Vellore, says India
should have acted fast when the first warnings came in<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Covid-19’s omicron
variant is capable of </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">stealthily infecting in spite of all precautions
taken and can cause severe disease, even death, among the vulnerable, and so people
should vaccinate before it is too late, a top virologist has said. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Earlier, Delta was more
efficient in transmission and it dominated the epidemiology. Today Omicron is
even more transmissible,” </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr T Jacob John, a retired professor and head of
departments of clinical virology and microbiology at Christian Medical College,
Vellore, told this writer.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5fsGZhsLtrRw1xE5ocPVhJd_ROQM2_KwUO--wmdmTA7ysZTzcfcwGwqCmBbGySqAjQa3ZG2HI6yJmGuLyasyvX7Fb3NNJCwIT7KLA2qHrHD08RoEiORNzrCLQs1Cvw8y-vxFQKMdtQsSpmA0AiK4Ind5V4_LJaDhsoQ7czapYV1DrFs_bc-spLp9qng=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5fsGZhsLtrRw1xE5ocPVhJd_ROQM2_KwUO--wmdmTA7ysZTzcfcwGwqCmBbGySqAjQa3ZG2HI6yJmGuLyasyvX7Fb3NNJCwIT7KLA2qHrHD08RoEiORNzrCLQs1Cvw8y-vxFQKMdtQsSpmA0AiK4Ind5V4_LJaDhsoQ7czapYV1DrFs_bc-spLp9qng=w568-h340" width="568" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 24.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 24.0pt; margin: 24pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether vaccinated or not,
following Covid protocol is a must, but even the educated often forget this
point. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Masks must be compulsorily worn, but all masks are
not good enough. The other precautions regarding social distancing etc., are
well known. But even in spite of these, Omicron can stealthily infect,” Dr
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">John said on </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">how to stay safe</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John explained how
Japan experienced two months of endemic prevalence since the end of September last
year and disallowed travellers from outside in a bid to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">stop </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Omicron. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But Omicron entered
Japan through a twice-vaccinated diplomat. Now Japan is bracing for a new wave
with all the known defences, including booster doses,” Dr John said in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">an email interview</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For the last two
years, the Covid pandemic has </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">taken</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> the world by storm
that refuses to subside. The virus is getting muted and new variants are
cropping up. People are in the midst of uncertainty as no one seems to have any
answer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">During the first
wave, the virus was new and as an experiment, a lockdown was announced. Vaccines
were not available then and we could not flatten the curve. The result: the economy
suffered and lives were lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">During the second
wave, though vaccines were available, many other factors came into play – Kumbh
mela, elections, people’s resistance to take vaccines, unavailability of enough
vaccine stock. All this led to a devastating result with India losing too many lives
along with the rest of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After the horrifying
second wave caused by the Delta variant, from early July to the last week of
December 2021, India experienced a period of low daily cases, settling down to
an endemic state. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Next cropped up the
Omicron variant of the SARS Cov-2 virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on
November 26, 2021 alerted about the next wave with huge numbers of infections. The
initial relief was that it was a diluted version of Covid caused by Delta. People
took it lightly, thinking the variant to be mild. The vaccinated ones were
confident that now the virus can’t attack them. The result is in front of us.
Omicron is now spreading like a wild fire. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The government has opened
vaccination from 15-18 age groups from January 3, 2022. But the point is even
if we achieve high coverage, will the response affect the shape or mass of a
third wave? Stressing the importance of vaccines, Dr John says, “Those who
are due for the second dose must take it before it is too late. Now boosters
are available to government-stipulated categories. Take it. Even 15-18 (age
group) likewise.”</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The government has opened up </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">booster dose for certain
categories but what if another variant comes, another booster dose? </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We must find out by
studies. Another variant may not be immunity dodger. If found necessary,
yes another booster. If not wait for waning of immunity — boosted
immunity may last longer than un-boosted,” he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Last year, the fatalities were
very high due to the Delta variant, how scared should we be this time? </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John says, “</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Omicron case-fatality rate
is about 10% (roughly) that of Delta. For vulnerable people, Omicron can cause
severe disease and even death.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Taking a vaccine does not
make us say protected forever. So, for how long does a vaccine’s effect last? </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John says, “</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In the UK, effectiveness
against disease requiring hospitalisation was 72% till 25 weeks after the second
dose; fell to 52% after 25 weeks, but rose to 88% two weeks after a
booster. Although we use different vaccines, the principle is the same.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Some people are of the view
that a human body can build natural immunity, and when we take vaccines, we
become dependent and our body gradually reduces the ability to build natural
immunity. Dr John dismisses this concept. “Wrong notion. Vaccine is just like
infection in stimulating immune system with no risk of diseases (no infection
is introduced). Immunity is specific to each infectious agent.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So apart from vaccines, how
do we build our immunity? </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John says, “</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Immunity is specific to one
agent or its vaccine. Either get infected (with attendant risks) or get
vaccinated.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John said WHO took just
two days after the announcement from South Africa about this variant to issue
its warning, and declared Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26 last
year. He said scientists in South Africa provided early signals of two sinister
properties — transmission efficiency higher than Delta, and Omicron’s ability
to dodge immunity, whether induced by infection with other variants or the
locally used vaccines, mainly mRNA, even two doses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">India, Dr John said, should
have acted promptly immediately after the warning from WHO. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">W</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">hat can the central and state governments do now to
stop the virus from spreading more?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> “</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Far too late to consider
that,” </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr John concludes.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(The writer is an
independent journalist and content creator based in Delhi)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: white; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 24pt 0cm; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8qtK5_RVrM" style="text-align: justify;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8qtK5_RVrM</a></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 24.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 24.0pt; margin: 24pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: white; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 24pt 0cm; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="color: #111111; font-family: Lora, Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The writer is an independent journalist and content creator
based in Delhi.</span></i></strong></p><aside class="scaip scaip-4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #111111; font-family: Lora, Georgia, "serif"; font-size: 20px; margin: 32px 0px; max-width: 100%;"><aside class="widget_block widget_text clearfix" id="block-26" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><p><a href="https://www.eastmojo.com/national/2022/01/17/heres-what-one-of-indias-top-virologist-says-about-covid-vaccination/">Here’s what one of India’s top virologist says about Covid vaccination</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;" /></p></aside></aside>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-90799954827212245192021-12-08T22:17:00.003-08:002022-02-03T06:16:34.636-08:00Best places to visit in Kashmir <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Want to visit Kashmir for a short trip but want to see
the maximum? Then just read this<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You want to visit Kashmir but you don’t have enough
leaves. No worry, if you have weekend offs, just take four days leave and it can be the most amazing
trip. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Don’t believe me? Then just see this plan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We reached <b>Srinagar</b> on a Thursday morning. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg88HiuOStopNbYuzxXev2diU1Ljq5Qy-HDZukcjUuYb76Fh5M2IClzcOrlAHw1O8JIlm9F6Vbv51PDY_7bkGrPjBuiMJypZIHvtPbh4uIrKQvXu8KORJCReoqPRiJzdoPp_pJ5hTp-LCa2SPt74OozpoNkXKFzE7kAgjZ_Qb3WvRcvV6HQkQ-XhSMDpA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg88HiuOStopNbYuzxXev2diU1Ljq5Qy-HDZukcjUuYb76Fh5M2IClzcOrlAHw1O8JIlm9F6Vbv51PDY_7bkGrPjBuiMJypZIHvtPbh4uIrKQvXu8KORJCReoqPRiJzdoPp_pJ5hTp-LCa2SPt74OozpoNkXKFzE7kAgjZ_Qb3WvRcvV6HQkQ-XhSMDpA=w572-h180" width="572" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Day 1:</b> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Book an early
morning flight. Our hotel was just opposite Dal Lake. Visit local tourist sites
such as Pari Mahal, Chasme Shahi, Mughal Garden, Botanical Garden and Hazratbal
Sharif.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When you are in
Srinagar, a shikara ride is a must. You can opt to stay on a houseboat one day.
You can shop at the Floating Market on the lake or just enjoy window shopping
and enjoy different snacks. Sunset at the lake is amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to
visit the famous tulip garden, plan your trip in April. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Other places to
visit in the Srinagar city are Nishat garden, Nigeen lake, Badamwari garden,
Shalimar Bagh, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are a
shopping buff, do visit the wholesale and the Lal Chowk markets for Kashmiri handicraft
and other unique items. A tour of the Old City is also a must for Wazwan
cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You can also plan a
day’s visit to Doodhpathri, some 40 km from Srinagar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaHCRS2QYMo4MX8uyqaoLEEIkQCNHSbzFjoJtt3dmKjEhnGFZ4JgG1lwNwkXk7XAl3ZwMBzurWwUCPwUg6tVrbBC0SRX3z5NK0uC1m2A5EM_sQm_wSUCuad6pXRM1hRsDJgU19qNjSugJaHheMaTGZ_uGrYR7C1lxyAcUTb7MhxycXjPc1NJNoB5-WA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaHCRS2QYMo4MX8uyqaoLEEIkQCNHSbzFjoJtt3dmKjEhnGFZ4JgG1lwNwkXk7XAl3ZwMBzurWwUCPwUg6tVrbBC0SRX3z5NK0uC1m2A5EM_sQm_wSUCuad6pXRM1hRsDJgU19qNjSugJaHheMaTGZ_uGrYR7C1lxyAcUTb7MhxycXjPc1NJNoB5-WA=w580-h180" width="580" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Day 2:</b> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">On the second day,
visit Sonmarg by taxi from Srinagar. At Sonmarg, you can enjoy horse riding on
the green valley and a few local points. But if you are an adventurer, then do
visit Zero Point, to enjoy snow, on the highway towards Leh. But for, that you
have to book a local taxi from Sonmarg and have to do little bargaining too, as
you can’t take the Srinagar taxi. You can view the famed Zojila Pass too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have few
days time from Sonmarg, you can go to Thajwas Glacier, Gangabal lake, Gadsar
lake, Vishansar lake, Baltal valley, Satsar lake, Krishnasar lake, Nichinai
Pass, Satsaran Pass, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivlvPF7vBa1cwF8AqpuS7LyhMkew4uLXhqppBpJ6syljNiMDC0E3LxcijoXqr5a8LSAEWM5mGMgEfFS1bTPD0hdqhDWYXsTyGhqY_SqJ4_u9QDX4MF6nTuItDZbn2ISwsaL_8tz_SoQGQOnhD1THk2mWrqHvilaEP-mq-iYGvX5LVVjXwO7JiLSNRVA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivlvPF7vBa1cwF8AqpuS7LyhMkew4uLXhqppBpJ6syljNiMDC0E3LxcijoXqr5a8LSAEWM5mGMgEfFS1bTPD0hdqhDWYXsTyGhqY_SqJ4_u9QDX4MF6nTuItDZbn2ISwsaL_8tz_SoQGQOnhD1THk2mWrqHvilaEP-mq-iYGvX5LVVjXwO7JiLSNRVA=w566-h180" width="566" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Day 3:</b> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">The third day,
reach Pahalgam by taxi and book horses with guides and, of course, do some
bargaining. You can enjoy the Kashmir valley, mini-Switzerland, waterfall
point, etc. It will be almost a one-and-half hour horse ride. You can visit the
Chandanwari snow point too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you stay in
Pahalgam, some of the attractions are Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Tulian lake,
Kashmir valley, Sheshnag lake, Harbagwan lake, Dabyan valley. If you love
trekking, go for one definitely. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQEGysJdAougQcHVkMayWqCpsqJvBt_h4IPVLswkP7SwEUtMxPvoZ-Hv0702r3Mj1Eyb3JlJfrJLGsSW5wONOz3yttesyMzlfbdBrHOUJqZR1eX0zrlkJzWy3A-wlJsr7FXjJ8tUqCG9mTyWaGwwT1xtN87gzLusljrHfpxqJhsDnaEIEjSBRTLxi3tQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQEGysJdAougQcHVkMayWqCpsqJvBt_h4IPVLswkP7SwEUtMxPvoZ-Hv0702r3Mj1Eyb3JlJfrJLGsSW5wONOz3yttesyMzlfbdBrHOUJqZR1eX0zrlkJzWy3A-wlJsr7FXjJ8tUqCG9mTyWaGwwT1xtN87gzLusljrHfpxqJhsDnaEIEjSBRTLxi3tQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hX0tFhRTTDw" width="320" youtube-src-id="hX0tFhRTTDw"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>Day 4:</b> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">The fourth day,
reach Gulmarg by taxi to enjoy the (Gondola) ropeway ride. There are two
phases. From Phase II, one can have a skiing experience in the snow and have a
glance of the LoC border. We opted for phase I as there was much more variety
there. Our guide told us there was much less snow in Gulmarg compared to Zero
Point near Kargil as it was summer. You can have a view of the Apharwat peak
from phase I.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Gulmarg is a place
where tourists can experience everything if they have short time in hand. Horse
riding, sledge ride, snow bike ride, skiing experience, et all. But for the
best snow experience, visit in winters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">At phase I, again
book a horse ride after bargaining. You can enjoy a high-speed snow bike ride
with guides. You can view the Kashmir valley, seven-point spring and Khilanmarg
at phase I.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you stay in
Gulmarg, you can visit the Alpather lake and Ningle Nullah. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hiking lovers can
go for Outer Circle Walk. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For scenic drives,
Drang is amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You can give a
visit to Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve too. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">After coming back to
Srinagar, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">in the evening,
you can take an auto or taxi and do visit the wholesale market. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Don’t forget to enjoy the delicious Kashmiri local Wazwan
cuisine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Day 5:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The next day, we
had a return flight back to Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A special mention
of the people; they are very warm, friendly and helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Don’t forget to read my experience in this blog itself
with the headline <a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/2017/06/kashmir-and-kashmiris-made-special.html">Kashmir and Kashmiris made a special place in my heart</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Follow my blog <a href="http://kakolithakur.blogspot.com">mixed bag</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-67423385266989461752021-11-22T06:56:00.006-08:002022-02-17T09:24:10.333-08:00Dhanaulti — An amazing weekend getaway from Delhi <p> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Dhanaulti: Mountains, water,
snow — all at one destination</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you are looking
for a weekend getaway from Delhi, then Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand is a beautiful
place to explore. It takes around seven hours from the national capital by
road. I share my beautiful winter experience in the snow-clad and trust me it
is worth to give it a try. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Last winter, we had
read in newspapers that there was snowfall in many places in Uttarakhand and to
feel the chill, we chose Dhanaulti this time. We started at 7 on a Friday morning
and after 3-4 hours, we were already crossing Dehradun, situated on the
foothills. As the hilly terrain started and the climb towards Mussoorie began, we
could already feel the temperature going down. I was prepared for it and took
out a thin blanket. I and my sonny were sitting cosily at the back seat of the
car. My husband, who was in the front seat chatting with the driver so that he
doesn’t fall asleep, gave us an envious look. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As we rode up the
hills, the view was getting beautiful, unlike the polluted city that we live
in. After some time, we crossed the turning towards Mussoorie and we remembered
our trip to the Queen of Hills, as it is called, a few years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5GZ8EQcO98/YZuujNtSuvI/AAAAAAAABgY/PgFheCE9UuIBUm9sItMGc7M4suBREPegACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20191219_155923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5GZ8EQcO98/YZuujNtSuvI/AAAAAAAABgY/PgFheCE9UuIBUm9sItMGc7M4suBREPegACNcBGAsYHQ/w554-h240/20191219_155923.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">By then, we could
have a glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayas. The road was narrow at places but
there were no dearth of daredevils on bikes not paying any heed to signboards that
said, ‘speed kills’. The sun was going down slowly and fog was descending at
places. After some time, we could see remains of snow at many places as there
was snowfall a week ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some places,
there was a white carpet of snow covering rooftops of resorts, gardens, trees
and the view was breath-taking.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCMRtpN_Zk/YZutl9432XI/AAAAAAAABgI/NA6fhdw67oAhtIFMTtyTF02nIJjbUm6NwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20191219_163705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cCMRtpN_Zk/YZutl9432XI/AAAAAAAABgI/NA6fhdw67oAhtIFMTtyTF02nIJjbUm6NwCNcBGAsYHQ/w522-h392/20191219_163705.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Finally, we reached
our pre-booked resort at around 3 pm. The view was amazing and we were indeed nearer
to the mountains. The white mountains behind the green ones were clearer and
seemed just a walk away. Our room was huge with French windows on one side
facing the mountains. We had a quick snack as we already had lunch on the way and
went to explore the neighbourhood. It was a small town with tourists all
around. The centre of the town had a small market. The famed eco parks were just
at a walking distance. There was no dearth of hotels, resorts, home stays of
all budgets— so in case we hadn’t booked our resort, it wouldn’t have been a
problem finding another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">How many days needed
for Dhanaulti trip?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Two to three days are
enough. You can plan it on weekends. You just have to take leave on Friday or
Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Must-visit places<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The first thing we
had were roast maize (bhuttas) and then ice-cream. It’s a different experience
to have ice-cream in such a cold weather. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">We saw the </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Eco Park</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> gate and
decided to explore. You need a ticket to enter, which is available on the spot.
There were lot of adventure activities for all ages. My son tried flying fox
and we enjoyed the sunset.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">After some time, we
came on the road again and some locals approached us to enjoy a horse ride till
the <b>Snow Point</b>. We agreed instantly and the next moment, we were on the
hilly terrain surrounded by trees. When we reached the snow point, it seemed as
if we reached a valley covered with snow and our photo sessions began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTVPm5Gtjaw/YZuuQd8R8XI/AAAAAAAABgQ/xV0Yzo0cncwNakKfkxvztVvf5NdKobw8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTVPm5Gtjaw/YZuuQd8R8XI/AAAAAAAABgQ/xV0Yzo0cncwNakKfkxvztVvf5NdKobw8ACNcBGAsYHQ/w560-h240/1.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">On Saturday, we
started for the <b>Tehri dam,</b> which is a must-visit for tourists. It took
around one hour to reach the dam and, believe me, the view was no less than an
exotic foreign locale. The blue water was a sight for the eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We immediately booked a motor boat and went
for a ride. I couldn’t stop myself from taking a ride on a water scooter. My
husband was not a daredevil like me and he was happy shooting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">On Sunday, we woke up
early to have a view of the beautiful sunny morning, had a delicious breakfast of
aloo parathas with hot steaming tea and started for Delhi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">How to reach
Dhanaulti<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">You can hire a taxi
or take your own car. It takes around six to seven hours, depending on the
traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dhanaulti can be
reached via buses from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Nainital. There are
buses from the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate, in Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The nearest railway
station is Dehradun. One can take the Doon Express, the Sangam Express Slip,
the Mussoorie Express, and the Delhi to Dehradun Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi to
reach Dehradun. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">The nearest airport
is the Jolly Grant Airport, in Dehradun. It is located at a distance of 86
kilometres from the town.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you are a biking
enthusiast, you can opt for a circular, week-long tour of Dehradun, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti,
Kanatal, Chamba, Tehri, Rishikesh, Haridwar or vice-versa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Watch the video:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6FslP0M7K4" width="320" youtube-src-id="n6FslP0M7K4"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While in Dhanaulti you can also explore:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Deogarh Fort<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Surkanda Devi Temple<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Potato Farm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Dashavatar Temple<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*There are several adventure camps, you can look for
one<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">#dhanaulti, #uttarakhand, #Tehridam, #mussoorie, #dehradun, #kanatal, #chamba, #rishikesh, #haridwar</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> Follow my blog: <a href="http://kakolithakur.blogspot.in">mixed bag</a> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-44428366094224378462021-06-10T23:54:00.007-07:002022-02-15T06:48:35.097-08:00Print is not dying yet...Long live print<p>published in Best Media Info </p><p><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/</a><br /></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">Alternative view:
Print is not going anywhere yet</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Contrary to what some
people may like to believe, the print media still holds relevance among the
masses as a source of credible information and it is in the interest of us all
for the industry to stay afloat<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My day starts with
reading the newspaper. Yes I am old school, maybe because I started my career
with a daily newspaper. Whenever I see headlines that suggest ‘Is print going
to die?’ it really pains me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The newspaper still
holds relevance among the common people as there is a different trust factor.
They still believe if something is in print, it is authentic; it can’t be fake
— unlike on social media, which still lacks that trust factor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoudM45h2oQ/YMMIVZjg4dI/AAAAAAAABb4/lGqVlJNNydEmx7oEgapGFoCm0FynfZYawCNcBGAsYHQ/s1300/magazine-and-newspapers-mumbai-india-C25135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoudM45h2oQ/YMMIVZjg4dI/AAAAAAAABb4/lGqVlJNNydEmx7oEgapGFoCm0FynfZYawCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/magazine-and-newspapers-mumbai-india-C25135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a reason
behind this. Newspapers don’t have to run after daily TRPs, they are not in the
daily competition to be the first ones to announce any breaking news at
breakneck speed. They get enough time to cross-check facts. I can say this as I
have seen for years how things are on the ground. Editors have to be extra
careful, because once it’s gone for print, it’s gone; it can’t change. A
mistake ends with an apology the next day. On very rare occasions, emergency
calls are made and changes are done at the press on the last few copies left to
be printed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2020, when Covid
started spreading, it took a toll on the circulation of newspapers as people
had initial doubts about newspapers being possible carriers of the virus. But
thankfully, PDFs of English and regional language newspapers were circulated at
that time. There was so much of fake news doing rounds on social media that
people just wanted to be sure about the real truth and were looking for an authentic
source. In those crucial hours, those newspapers PDFs gave a sense of relief.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After the lockdowns
were over, newspapers were slowly back on track— even during the second wave — as
people were no more scared to hold their favourite newspaper with their morning
cuppa. The pleasant sound of newspapers dropping at doorsteps every morning was
back again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Magazines are also a
pillar of the print media. I know many Bengali women who wait for Durga Puja
special annual issues from Anandabazar Patrika and other media houses. Similarly
Nobo Kollol, Desh, Anandolok have a huge readership. Malayala Manorama magazine
in Kerala has an unbeatable fan base. A lot of other women-centric magazines such
as Femina, Elle, Sakhi, Sananda are very popular among women and widely
circulated, and revenue-earners too. These magazines create a different world
for women, especially for homemakers, away from their mundane routine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">English magazines too
have their own popularity. I remember during my initial days as a journalist, I
used to buy two national magazines, alternately, to learn the art of feature
writing. When I got the opportunity to work with a Northeast-focused magazine,
I realised it was quite popular in metros such as Delhi and Mumbai too when I
attended press meets and events. Magazines such as India Today, Outlook, The
Week and Frontline are big names in the urban areas. Fresh names have been
added over the years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The masses are still
in love with newspapers. Once when my car was sent for servicing, I took an auto-rickshaw
to pick my son from school. The auto stand is just outside our campus gate. I
saw most of the auto drivers reading newspapers while waiting for their turn
for passengers. On the way to school, my auto driver told me how by reading
newspapers he gets to know what is happening everywhere —it helps to kill time
too. He leaves no page unread. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When we have to
travel, we book a taxi from a nearby travel agency. There is one particular driver
who is quite interesting. When he comes to pick us, we are happy because he
talks so much that we don’t have to worry about our one-and-half-hour journey
to the airport. Once I went to Mumbai alone, we asked him to drop and pick me from
the airport. When I returned, we were stuck in jam and it took me nearly three
hours to reach home. But I was not bored, all thanks to him. He spoke to me on a
variety of topics, and he spoke logic. He had an opinion of his own. When I
asked him about his education, he said </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">he </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">didn’t get the opportunity to study much, but he reads
newspapers a lot. I asked him why newspaper when nowadays one gets everything
on the phone, he answered the newspaper has a different charm. He said it’s easy
on the eyes too. Reading something for long on the mobile causes burning and
itching in the eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In fact if we check
facts and figures, we will find that newspapers still have huge circulation.
The more if we go into the rural belts, regional newspaper circulation is hard
to beat. The purpose of newspapers is not just to circulate news but to earn
revenue too. If circulation is robust, then they will automatically get ads. In
such a scenario, why would media houses down their shutters?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Newspaper is mass
media and is definitely still attracting the masses and leaders alike. Even
today during Parliament and Assembly discussions, members wave copies of
newspapers to prove their point and not mobile phones. So the newspaper is not
going anywhere soon. It’s here to stay, and that’s good news for a newspaper
reader like me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/06/alternative-view-print-is-not-going-anywhere-yet/">Alternative view: Print is not going anywhere yet</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on: <a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">Mixed Bag</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MakeADifferenceInLife">Think Positive: Make A Difference in Life </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0JzDmrcCHG_m4HttFR6Jw/videos">Kakoli Thakur</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg/videos">Think Positive: Make a difference in life </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-75878764740221706142021-06-06T22:50:00.005-07:002021-12-16T06:11:23.557-08:00Lost your job? <p> <b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: BN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is not the end. This is just another beginning</span></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The years 2020 and 2021 have taught us how a small virus can turn
life upside down. People have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQQs_s3n7eA&t=37s">lost their jobs</a>; there have been salary cuts and
business losses, and what not. People are feeling low and don’t know what to do,
mostly contained in their homes. I will say, don’t give up. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">No storm can last forever. Like every dark night is
followed by a beautiful day, this too shall pass. Like every coin has two
sides, this phase also has two sides. The most important thing is we are alive.
Life is precious and there can be nothing important than that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: BN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Work from home has become the norm. A lot of people
are working from home. Yes, working from home has its own pressure. But what is important is you are with your family.
All these while you have been complaining that you don’t get time to spend with
your family because of your hectic schedule. So the virus has given you that
opportunity. Utilise it and spend quality time with your family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdsUYJyE1IA/YL2xtaQNiYI/AAAAAAAABbc/Qt5rFy7Hfe0F9hJR4sorfqKggfjiK3pFQCNcBGAsYHQ/s735/lost%2Bjob.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="735" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdsUYJyE1IA/YL2xtaQNiYI/AAAAAAAABbc/Qt5rFy7Hfe0F9hJR4sorfqKggfjiK3pFQCNcBGAsYHQ/w366-h273/lost%2Bjob.png" width="366" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If, unfortunately, you have lost your job, never think
that this is the end. Maybe life is opening another door for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jQQs_s3n7eA" width="320" youtube-src-id="jQQs_s3n7eA"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Spend your money rationally</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> <b>till you get your next job</b>. Try to connect
with your old network. Who knows something better is waiting for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are lot of short-term online professional
courses</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">; <b>look for
one</b> that will add another skill in your resume and will open more
opportunities for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you have ever dreamt of starting something of your
own</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">, <b>and if you
have enough savings, then this is the time to give it a try — your very own
venture</b>. Sometimes taking a risk is
worth it. If you are successful, you can be a source of employment to more
people and get blessings in return. If not, you will definitely learn a lot
from the experience. Most successful people in the world have taken risks,
learnt from their failures, and today their failures have become stories behind
their success for other people to learn from. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Look at your children, you will know how to be happy
without any reason</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">.
Observe how when they are bored, how creatively they create a new game for
themselves. Play with them, talk with them, try to look at the world from their
perspective. Yes, you will know that not only children are fast learners, they
are great teachers too. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Things will be like before again, till then, hold on
with patience, be positive. Don’t forget to follow me on my blog --<b><a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">Mixed Bag</a></b>--
for more such write-ups. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel -- <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg/videos">ThinkPositive Make a Difference in Life</a></b>, or follow me on Facebook -- <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MakeADifferenceInLife">ThinkPositive Make a Difference in Life</a></b>. You can write to me in the comment
section. </span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-51216617211653216272021-05-29T07:25:00.006-07:002021-12-16T06:13:12.455-08:00How to keep your sanity intact during Covid<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mental Health Matters<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As we are fighting the second wave of the deadly corona virus
pandemic, mental health has become an issue all over. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jp1TaTIPuo&t=104s">How to maintain our sanit</a>y is a big question<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Those who are safe at home should feel blessed that at
least we are sleeping in our homes and not in a hospital. Spend quality time
with your family in between work. Play some indoor games such as carom, ludo,
chess and play antakshri. Let kids know about these games too. If you have an independent
house or have some space on the terrace, you can play outdoor games too. This
is the best thing Covid has given us, family time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Many are constantly working for office from home and
doing household chores at the same time. Most of us are working without helpers
or maids. All family members should come forward to help each other in managing
the chores, so that the woman of the house is not burdened with all the work. The
lady of the house should also get some free time in between office and house
work. And if the woman is a homemaker, she should not be taken for granted that
all household work is her duty. Instead tell her that you always are on your
toes, so now start sharing your load with us and see the million dollar smile
on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jp1TaTIPuo" width="320" youtube-src-id="2jp1TaTIPuo"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Make a garden of your own in your balcony or terrace.
You just have to collect seeds from the kitchen and plant them. There are ample
details on the internet on how to grow them. And once the first sapling starts
growing, you will experience what is called real joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you have never entered the kitchen, try that. It’s
said that cooking is a great stress buster. To say, “I can cook” is much cooler
than saying, “Sorry I can’t cook”. Or you can start from baking. Baking a cake
is literally a cake walk. And the first cake that you will bake will be the
most memorable one and the tastiest too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Try to connect with old friends; nowadays social media
has made it very easy. Try to find all childhood friends and call them, talk
with them about all your childhood mischiefs and get nostalgic. Video-call
them, see how they look now and pull each other’s legs. Friends are life’s best
gift to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ4d2g1mdtI/YLJPMTL9S3I/AAAAAAAABbE/jJVVDBc4zJcZ5u3iCZzEdhlmWu5P-Eu8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s268/mental%2Bhealth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ4d2g1mdtI/YLJPMTL9S3I/AAAAAAAABbE/jJVVDBc4zJcZ5u3iCZzEdhlmWu5P-Eu8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/mental%2Bhealth.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Music is another magic that you can explore. Listen to
all types of music, sing along and dance even if you have two left feet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you had a hidden wish
to learn some musical instrument, but could never fulfil it, this is the time
to do that. There are lot of weekend classes available online. In the next
get-together, you can proudly show off your new skill. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you have a knack
of writing but never got time to do that, then start now. Start with writing
your feelings in a diary; gradually you can even start your own blog. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ladies, if you like
the way celebrities look you can learn how to do make-up on internet and when
things will be back to normal, you can surprise your friends, colleagues,
neighbours by getting ready like a pro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who knows one day
your newly explored hobby can turn into your profession. And when your hobby
becomes your profession, life becomes beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Be positive. Don’t forget to follow me on my blog --<b><a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">MixedBag</a></b>-- for more such write-ups. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel
-- <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg/videos">Think Positive Make a Difference in Life</a></b>, or follow me on Facebook --
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MakeADifferenceInLife">Think Positive Make a Difference in Life</a></b>. You can write to me in the
comment section. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-18187977008631827022021-05-17T23:24:00.012-07:002021-12-16T06:13:51.240-08:00I am not mad, why would I visit a counsellor?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Why is mental health important?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">People in India still openly don’t say that they visit
a counsellor. They don’t understand that if it’s important to visit a doctor
when someone has a physical problem, it is the same with the mind. Mental
health is equally important. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I had a nature of counselling people when they felt
low and loved to bring a smile on people’s faces. Naturally, I had the knack of
reading articles on parenting and other counselling topics. While working for a
newspaper, I decided to do a course on counselling. I used to attend classes on
weekends and later interned in a hospital set-up in my 30s with very young
girls.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When my family and friends came to know about it, they
would confide in me with their problems as they felt comfortable talking to me.
They would compliment me often after I counselled them. So one day, I decided
to give an ad in a local newspaper and started counselling people on weekends
as on other days, I had the journalism job. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I started getting calls. But often, the queries were
strange, “What type of counselling do you do?”
“From where have you done the course?” “What procedure you follow?”
“What is counselling?” “What does a counsellor actually do?” “Can you counsel
me on phone?”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Once a lady even requested me that she would send me
the fees but I should counsel her on the phone. Though I tried to convince her
that face-to-face counselling is always better but she insisted. So I agreed to
counsel her over the phone. But she didn’t turn up nor did she call. That’s the
problem. Sometimes people make up their mind to talk to a counsellor and then
they take a step back.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EZxINx8WeQ/YKNboS1YO4I/AAAAAAAABZY/M3cFXIxZT5oLGo5lGupRlatwLBR_79ZHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s306/mentla%2Bhealth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" height="387" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EZxINx8WeQ/YKNboS1YO4I/AAAAAAAABZY/M3cFXIxZT5oLGo5lGupRlatwLBR_79ZHwCNcBGAsYHQ/w629-h387/mentla%2Bhealth.jpg" width="629" /></a></p><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One of my relatives from a different city often used
to call me as she felt better talking to me, sometimes for hours. I advised
that she should visit a local counsellor as I knew she was lonely and had some
past issues. She replied, “I am not mad, why I would visit a counsellor?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I still smile remembering a man who addressed me
doctor while fixing the appointment and throughout the session though I kept on
telling him that “I am a counsellor”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One day, a young girl came to me. She felt so good
talking to me that after reaching downstairs, her father (who came to pick her
up) called me to say that she wanted to talk more. I advised them to come after
seven days as talking again the same day wouldn’t have helped much. They never returned. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once a housewife came to me for counselling, and after
her session I advised her to bring her husband in her next session. Sometimes
family counselling is important to better heal the person. But she said, “No,
that’s not possible.” Instead she asked me if I could teach her to speak
English. I said yes so that at least she should turn up for the next session,
at least to learn English. But she never came. I even called her as I really
wanted to bring her confidence back. But she never responded. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg/videos">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg/videos</a><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Child counselling is difficult as they don’t open up
so easily. I remember once a mother coming to me with her son, who was around 12 years old. The
mother requested that she would be present during the session. Though I wanted
to talk to the child alone, sometimes mothers won’t understand, and they feel
insecure too to leave the child alone. The moment the child started confiding in
me, the mother started interfering in between and gave her own advice. One of
the questions I asked the child was, “Do you somehow feel your mom loves your
younger sister a little more than you?” The child just moved his head in
affirmation. His mother immediately asked, “Don’t I love you?” The child became
quiet again. That session was of not much help because of the mother. I
requested her to bring the child after seven days and said I would talk to the
child alone for some time. But they never turned up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Some came with genuine problems. And returned for
multiple sessions, and felt better too. In some cases, when I felt that only
counselling won’t help, I would refer them to psychiatrists as they would need
medicines to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The problem was that one fine day they felt, ‘okay let’s
visit a counsellor and meet her for a day and everything would be fine’. It was
difficult to make them understand that day one was only history-taking and
introductory session. Most of them didn’t turn up for the next session. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In an hour-long session, they would continue talking
even after the time limit. Then I started putting an alarm to make them aware
that the day’s session was over. But that would rarely help. Often my one hour’s
session would extend to one-and-half hours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fee was another issue. I started with Rs 300 for an
hour-long session (that was long time back). One day, an old lady came with her son who was addicted to
some medicine and was drowsy throughout the session. That lady requested me to
take Rs 200 and I obliged. I advised her that her son would need
hospitalisation to heal completely. I suggested a few names where she can call
and admit her son. But she never called me to inform about the developments
of her son.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A young boy came to me for counselling and forgot to
bring his wallet. And he remembered that after the session was over. I never
asked for my fee before the sessions. That day, I felt like laughing at myself.
One of my friends knew his mother and so she transferred my fee online. I still
don’t ask for fee before the session, lesson not learnt. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What did I learn as a
counsellor? I became a good listener, I became empathetic, I don’t judge people
and I became more forgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">People in India still openly don’t say that they visit
a counsellor. They don’t understand that if it’s important to visit a doctor
when someone has a physical problem, it is the same with the mind. Mental
health is equally important. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mental health and physical health are connected.
Mental health plays an important role in maintaining good physical health. Often,
mental issues such as depression and anxiety, affect people's capacity to maintain
health-promoting behaviours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When mental illness is left untreated, it can cause major
emotional, behavioural and physical health issues. Sometimes they lead to unhappiness
and decreased enjoyment of life and even family conflicts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now with the pandemic
taking the world in its grip, mental health is a big concern with people mostly
indoors. With everything going digital, even counselling sessions are being
taken online. The need is only for people to understand that if they feel
something is bothering their minds all the time, they should not shy away from
talking to a counsellor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Follow me on </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><u>My Facebook Page:</u> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MakeADifferenceInLife"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Think Positive: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Make a Difference In Life </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Subscribe </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><u>My YouTube Channel:</u> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTZirredJupZZs65UfnmJg">Think Positive: Make a Difference in Life </a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u>Follow my blog: </u><a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">Mixed Bag </a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-53551800964685075782021-05-09T22:33:00.008-07:002022-02-15T06:47:34.377-08:00How Covid changed the life of an ‘Aam Aadmi’ <p> <a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/05/how-covid-changed-the-life-of-an-aam-admi/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/05/how-covid-changed-the-life-of-an-aam-admi/</a></p><p>Published in BestMediaInfo</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How Covid changed the life of an ‘Aam Aadmi’<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After a tough 2020 and hoping for a better 2021, we
are all back to square one – the ravaging coronavirus in a stronger and
deadlier avatar, the same old lockdowns, work for and from home, fear, uncertainty
and again hoping that this too shall pass<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Life has taken a 360-degree turn ever since Covid
struck us. Now, everything revolves around the virus — yet again. Till Covid
entered our lives, our mantra was to be positive always. But now ‘positive’ is
the most dreaded word.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The moment we open our eyes in the morning, the first
thing we do is check our society WhatsApp group to see if there is any new case.
Ever since the cases have been surging recklessly all over, a sense of fear has
dawned — at least in our campus — and people do not go out unnecessarily — the
only bright thing in an otherwise gloomy atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tm9fSNvnIh8/YJjFTXlgSVI/AAAAAAAABYY/ij2DZ0zJa9sSkGgWWlKIWdYd5myPv9VpgCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tm9fSNvnIh8/YJjFTXlgSVI/AAAAAAAABYY/ij2DZ0zJa9sSkGgWWlKIWdYd5myPv9VpgCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Until Holi, the atmosphere was like — where is Covid?
And people celebrated the festival of colours as if there is no tomorrow. And
now the virus is doing <i>tandav </i>all over — and in multiple and stronger
strains. Some people partied too early and celebrated victory over Covid, and just
because of those foolish few, we all are suffering, locked inside our homes once
again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Just two weeks before Holi, we went home 2,000 kms
away from Delhi. Things were much better then. There was a semblance of
normalcy. We just needed to be patient. Had people waited another year to
celebrate their favourite festival, maybe things wouldn’t have turned so bad.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We just can’t blame Holi. Just look at the gatherings
at election rallies; as if Covid had bid adieu. But we are not allowed to speak
or write on that. In a digital India, election campaigning could have been easily
done virtually as the internet has reached Bharat (rural India) too. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Or even better had the
local and state elections been postponed by at least a year.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some leaders
even claimed that cases in their states were going down, making a fool of
themselves and even the </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">aam janata</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, who otherwise seem to know
everything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Religious gatherings made things worse. Don’t
understand why we Indians become blind when it comes to religion. If we believe
God is everywhere, why can’t we pray inside our four walls till things get back
to normal?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Another topic of discussion has come into our lives</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> <span lang="EN-GB">whether to take the vaccine jab or
not, and if yes, which one to take — Covishield or Covaxin or wait for Sputnik?
And ever since the government has announced that every adult is eligible to
take the vaccine, the enthusiasm has only increased. As if we will all get our <i>boondh
of amrit</i>. But folks, don’t forget you will still have to follow
Covid-appropriate behaviour even after taking the vaccine. Else, even if you
might be shielded a bit, you will be the carrier and infect people around who
are yet to get be vaccinated. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymJxlPnf4LE/YJjFapZnDcI/AAAAAAAABYc/UgFZPHQDAAMiY6ycEeH5nlVYtTcRyIJGACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="400" height="182" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymJxlPnf4LE/YJjFapZnDcI/AAAAAAAABYc/UgFZPHQDAAMiY6ycEeH5nlVYtTcRyIJGACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A new trend that is emerging on social media is a selfie
after taking the jab with the hasthag #vaccinated. Nice to see that people are
taking it seriously. But in a hugely populated country like ours, it will take
time and patience to vaccinate one and all. We tried twice but the crowd was
scary. There have been instances of people getting infected at the vaccine
centre itself, and we didn’t want to be among them. And seeing very old people
standing in long queues, we felt that we can wait as they need it more than us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Now that a lockdown is being imposed phase-wise all
over India again, an atmosphere of panic is gradually sinking in. There are
queues in grocery shops to buy essentials and stock up, lest we die of hunger. If
there is less space in the kitchen, then our living room has become a mini-grocery
shop with all sorts of food items stocked. The unwritten rule is leave the
things as it is for the first 12 hours, then sanitise each and everything in
case the virus dares to stay even after so many hours in May’s scorching heat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our hunger pangs have also increased in the lockdown,
and we tend to have too many meals throughout the day — breakfast, brunch,
lunch, early evening snack, mid-evening snack, dinner, midnight snack and more
the better.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Having helpers at home was a normal thing during pre-Covid
days but now we have to manage everything on our own, including brushing our
cooking skills like last year. Good for us, at least some exercise after all
the overeating we do throughout the day. But don’t forget to help the helpers
who are dependent on us. We can all become mini-chefs and try our hands in our
retirement days if the virus lets us live.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fake forwards are doing the rounds all over social
media yet again. Every second person starts giving advice on how to boost
immunity, what to do and what not to do. And we the obedient people are tempted
to follow them too often. Ayurveda is ruling again as home remedies to boost
immunity are flying thick and fast — garlic, lemon, amla (Indian gooseberry),
turmeric, ginger, chyawanprash and what not. At least in our home, we take them
all as a regular ritual depending on availability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mask is another debatable point. Initially it was
advised that only medical professionals need to wear masks. Then it became
essential for all to wear masks. And now it’s safe only if we wear a double
mask. The best part is we don’t have to apply make-up as the mask comes to our
rescue. For some it has also become a fashion statement but don’t forget the
safety factor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Now it <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">seems
no family will be left untouched by Covid. Recently, my brother-in-law tested
positive in Guwahati. A doctor friend of ours arranged a bed in a hospital. As
we could not go, my mother-in-law called 108 for ambulance but it was not
available, so she tried for private ones and they demanded Rs 5,000 to drop him
to hospital and Rs 5,000 for PPE kit. <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is just a single
instance; there is black marketing all over in the whole health structure till the cremation ground. </span> Guess in these uncertain times, some people are
forgetting there is a law of karma. Karma is smiling, saying “As you sow, so
shall you reap”. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But everything is not
that bad as there are lot of good Samaritans all over serving people
selflessly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Fortunately my brother-in-law had mild symptoms and he
remained in home isolation. By God’s grace, he is fit and fine now. Yes God’s
grace is the only silver lining in the cloud in these uncertain times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Even if it’s a conspiracy as many articles doing
rounds say, till there is a supreme power above us, we should not lose hope and
just keep our fingers crossed and pray that things will be back to normal like
before — and not the new normal we are going through.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2021/05/how-covid-changed-the-life-of-an-aam-admi/">How Covid changed the life of an ‘Aam Aadmi’</a><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-23937974084014636652020-10-21T23:04:00.007-07:002022-02-15T06:45:33.663-08:00A different kind of Durga Puja in 2020, all thanks to Corona<p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Published in Best Media Info<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A different kind of Durga Puja in 2020, all thanks to
Corona<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The pandemic has forced most of us to remain indoors
and limit the festivities, but no virus has the ability to dampen a Bengali’s
Durga Puja spirit. So what if there are a few pandals? A Bengali can celebrate
Durga Puja from anywhere — even from
homes!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><a href=" https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/10/a-different-kind-of-durga-puja-in-2020-all-thanks-to-corona/" style="text-align: left;"> https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/10/a-different-kind-of-durga-puja-in-2020-all-thanks-to-corona/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Kakoli Thakur | Delhi | October 22, 2020 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Durga Puja is an emotion for a Bengali which only a
Bengali can understand. But this year, an invisible virus has entered our lives,
forcing us to adjust to a new way of life — ‘the new normal’ of maintaining
social distance and wearing masks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So what are we missing out this year? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To start with, puja shopping starts a month ago or
even more for some. This time as it was not safe to visit crowded markets, most
of the shopping was done online; at least the sensible ones did so. So we
already missed the craze of puja crowds in markets, trying out dozens of
clothes in trial rooms. Though some disturbing pictures are doing the rounds
where people are seen crowding markets for last-minute puja shopping even amid
the corona threat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Before puja days, we all ask each other “kota holo”,
(how many dresses this year?) and fashion is one of the main topics of
discussion. This year we can’t do that in our puja pandal but we can always
video call our friends and relatives and show off our new dresses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We will miss eating bhog, especially khichuri-labra in
community pandals. Yes we can make it at home but we will miss for sure that
taste and the wonderful community feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The late risers will miss the Ashtami puspanjali as in
most pandals, only limited people will be allowed, so first-come, first-served basis
will apply mostly. So the late comers, this year you don’t have the chance to
request the purohit (again and again) to do another round of puspanjali!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Witnessing and experiencing puja rituals sitting in
front of Ma Durga give us goose bumps. This year, most pandals will live stream
those moments. So at least something is better than nothing, the perks of
having internet. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sGWuclBgZ4/X5EgCdepZXI/AAAAAAAABMc/UGTd0bODcXQxFEFe7sm0uthIyHf6g2fFACNcBGAsYHQ/s1040/durga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1040" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sGWuclBgZ4/X5EgCdepZXI/AAAAAAAABMc/UGTd0bODcXQxFEFe7sm0uthIyHf6g2fFACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/durga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Puja evenings mean eating out and having all kinds of food
— rolls, biryani, chop, cutlet and what not. This year, there are no food stalls
in pandals. But you can always put on your chef’s hat and fulfil those food
cravings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cultural programmes are a major attraction during
puja, staying at the pandal till the wee hours and indulging in a lot of adda
(chit-chat). This year due to restrictions, we have to behave like early birds.
But nobody can stop us from playing antakshri at home and dance to the dhak
beats, chanting “Durga Mai Ki Jai”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pandal hopping will take a backseat as it’s no use
traveling the whole city to each and every pandal as most won’t allow any sort
of crowds. But at night, you can try to visit one or two nearby pandals and
have Ma’s darshan. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wearing mask is compulsory, so a no make-up look will
also do. Especially, lipstick would be of no use. So ladies, don’t dig a hole
in your pocket on make-up. But I am sure as it is Puja time, most of you will
put full make-up, even below the mask.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Kola kuli (hugging each other) on Dashami gives us a
warm feeling after bidding an emotional adieu to Ma Durga. This year we have to
say Shubho Bijoya only with a nomoskar. But we will definitely say “Ashche
bochor abar hobe” (Ma Durga will visit us next year as well), with the hope
that everything will be back to normal in the next Puja and we Bengalies will
again go crazy, asking “Pujor koto din baki re” (How many days left for Puja) —
months before the actual date.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/10/a-different-kind-of-durga-puja-in-2020-all-thanks-to-corona/">A different kind of Durga Puja in 2020, all thanks to Corona</a><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-15882671906245110122020-09-28T22:43:00.005-07:002022-02-15T06:44:33.844-08:00Coding: Need of the hour or just FOMO <p> <a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/09/coding-need-of-the-hour-or-just-fomo/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/09/coding-need-of-the-hour-or-just-fomo/</a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Coding: Need of the hour or just FOMO <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Coding is all over social media and TV these days. The
government plans to introduce coding from class 6. But is the hype really
justified? What should be the ripe age to teach coding to kids? Is exposing
kids as small as five or six to coding good?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I came across the word ‘coding’ on social media when
celebrity influencers were seen talking about it, often arguing that it is the most
‘in’ thing and that is why they are enrolling their children for the course. It
was all over on most social media platforms, so it was bound to catch my
attention again and again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When the Government of India introduced the National
Education Policy 2020, one of the prominent reforms was the initiation of
classes on ‘coding’ for students from class 6. The argument is introducing
coding and increasing exposure to technology at a young age will help the youth
lead the way to a world of innovation and creativity, and give them an
opportunity to set their goals and reach new heights. So it made me think more
about coding. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">But while talking to a professor in NEHU
(North-Eastern Hill University), it made me ponder. He was talking about ads,
promoting teaching coding to very young kids. He says, “This really baffles me
to see how this new phenomenon is being pushed into our lives. Kids are meant
to play, let them be kids and not a programmer. It is worrying that parents are
going with the flow, and people are calling me to teach coding to their
kids.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I told him that if the new education policy is
implemented, then they might introduce coding from class 6 in schools. To that
he smiled and said, “Class 6 is still acceptable, but primary level?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-810TxnOW4oo/X3LI_lnFs3I/AAAAAAAABLQ/f6qS44PHH_Y1AzjWXswR4eB_9pg-TDNQwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="620" height="181" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-810TxnOW4oo/X3LI_lnFs3I/AAAAAAAABLQ/f6qS44PHH_Y1AzjWXswR4eB_9pg-TDNQwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The death of Sushant Singh Rajput was all over the
news and one of the things that was said about him was that he was intelligent,
a thinker and a visionary. After the announcement of several reforms under the
New Education Policy, a clip of Sushant Singh Rajput's video went viral, where
he was stressing on the need to have coding in school curriculum. "65% of
the students who are going to kindergarten this year will do jobs in technology
that we haven't invented yet," Sushant said in an old interview, adding
that in a situation like this, even schools are clueless as to what to teach. He
said coding will have to be included in the curriculum as this is going to be
the language we will need in the next few years. So I got another point to
convince myself that yes, may be coding is the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Immediately after, I came across one such ad on social
media promoting free one-hour coding session on weekends for children up to 14
years. The ad had the picture of Sundar Pichai, the Chief Executive Officer of
Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google LLC. To be frank, the picture of Pichai
convinced me more to give a thought about it as I have a 12-year-old at home. In
the comment section, a lot of parents even enquired whether Pichai would take
the session. But I was sure he won’t. But still, we registered for our son and
finally the day came. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After a few initial glitches, the class started. And
we were in the next room, we could hear our son’s voice on and off. After about
45 minutes, we just thought we should peep what our son was doing. And we could
see him engrossed in the session. After the session was over, the teacher
called us to give feedback about our son. We could make from our son’s face
that he liked the session. The teacher told us that they don’t try to convince
all parents to enrol their kids for the course but only do that when they see real
interest in the children. And that our son had completed the session
successfully. They also sent us the programing he made with the help of the
online teacher. The education counsellor tried hard to convince us, but for now,
we said no to enrolling for the classes as his exam was going on — even though
we are bombarded with emails almost every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Meanwhile, one of the ads being telecast on television
and is all over social media. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjmGvPD5A7s<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Whenever our son sees this ad, he keeps on reminding
us that he really liked the coding session. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We told him that let’s see if coding is introduced in
school in the next academic session. If yes, then definitely he could choose
that option. If no, then we would enrol him in some coding course for a month
in the next summer vacations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My son will be in class 8 next year and I will be
happy if coding is introduced in schools. I am okay with it because he
understood it and he is really interested to explore more of it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My son is old enough to understand if he should go for
coding or if he has that aptitude so that he can pursue it further in life.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Now the question remains how right is it to force children
as young as six or seven years to introduce coding in their lives — in fact most
coding ads show very young children who seem to be very happy making their own
apps, marking it as some kind of achievement. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In fact, there have been studies galore on how
over-exposure to technology can have a negative bearing on children and lead to
health and psychological problems. Social media users have also not taken
kindly to the carpet-bombing of coding ads, perceiving them as an intention to<b>
</b>force-feed parents into accepting coding — creating some kind of FOMO (fear
of missing out).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Should parents go with the flow just because it’s all
over social media? Or should we not let kids be happy in their own beautiful world
and enjoy their childhood and let them take a call when time is ripe for them? Maybe
it is time for a debate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href=" https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/09/coding-need-of-the-hour-or-just-fomo/">Coding: Need of the hour or just FOMO</a><br /></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-52869128228165210102020-06-22T22:33:00.002-07:002022-02-15T06:43:50.609-08:00Is it really possible to ban Made In China products?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/06/an-indian-home-made-in-china/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/06/an-indian-home-made-in-china/</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">An Indian home made in China! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Look around, right from the mobile phone to the hair
dryer, you will find almost everything has a Chinese connection. So just saying
boycott Made-in-China products is easier said than done <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Kakoli Thakur | Delhi | June 22, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ever since the India-China violent stand-off in
Ladakh, social media in India is going hammer and tongs with anti-China
sentiment — calling for banning Made-in-China products and going local by
embracing Made-in-India stuff. But, thinking practically, given the way Chinese
have made inroads in India, is it really possible, I wondered? I thought of
starting off with my own house and looked around if I could junk some Chinese
products.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To start with, I thought of the most important thing in
our lives today — the mobile phone. And found myself facing the Shakespearean
dialogue, ‘Et Tu Brutus?’ For, I possessed a Redmi (read Chinese phone), using
it for the last six months. To be honest, I would think twice before dumping it
as I had to dig deep into my pocket to get one. In fact, India’s mobile phone
market is dominated by China. Xiaomi, Lenovo, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus to name a few
— these are all Chinese mobile companies, assembling and manufacturing
smartphones in India as a part of the Make-in-India initiative.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I work from home and my son has to attend online
classes. Luckily we have two computers at home. I have an HP all-in-one, an American
company. So far, so good! I dug a little deeper into their website to find that
</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hewlett-Packard sources</span><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a lot of its components from China. But I can’t dump
my comp for that one reason. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Then o<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">ur
old computer, which our son uses, had become very slow and so we took it to a
computer shop to see if it can be salvaged. The technician convinced us that he
would reassemble it with the price less than a new computer by changing just a
few parts. No prizes for guessing where the parts came from—all Made in China
of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I looked down and noticed that the two UPS inverters attached
to the two computers were made in China. Now if we have to go with the flow and
ban China-made products, we need to dump them and buy that of Indian brands. Not
a cost-effective proposition at all!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Visit any toy shop
and the shopkeeper would always try to convince you to buy China-made toys as you
will get exact replicas of branded toys and at a much lesser price (he would
never mention the huge margin he gets, of course). When all the hue and cry
began about boycotting China-made products, out of curiosity, we checked a few
old toys, including a Holi phichkari, of our son, and to our surprise, we found
that most of them had a tag written in tiny alphabets — Made in China. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the lockdown, we started ordering grocery online. The
payment would be through Paytm, as it was convenient. An Indian e-commerce
payment company at last! But no, Paytm also has Chinese investors investing big
in the company. In the meantime, my help called and asked me to send her salary
through Paytm as she is in a containment zone now, and so am I, due to Covid
positive cases in the areas. Now if I tell her, no I can’t do that as the
company has a China connection and it will be ‘unpatriotic’ to do so, will she even
understand it? But I am sure she must have heard that ‘China ko ban karna
chahiye’, as everywhere people are talking about it in every strata of society.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Surfing news websites, I found quite a lot of
information about where Chinese firms had invested big in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In 2018, Alibaba invested huge in online grocer
BigBasket (from where we order stuff). It had also invested in food delivery
app Zomato (so, no online ordering of food). Tencent has a huge investment on
ride-hailing app Ola, and e-commerce platform Flipkart too. Alibaba is a large
investor also in Paytm, while Tencent has invested in BYJU’s, the education
start-up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Seeing the medicine box I remembered coming across an
article that had this para: “Your medicine, prescription or otherwise, may not
come from China (although many do), but there’s a high likelihood it contains
ingredients that originated in China and other countries affected by the
coronavirus.” And it is true — China is a major producer of drug ingredients,
known as ‘active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)’. In fact, two-thirds of the
total imports of bulk drugs come from China, Union Minister for Chemicals and
Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda had told the Lok Sabha earlier this year. So
does that mean, we will stop taking medicines? Absolutely not!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">You all must have LED bulbs at home, emitting that
brilliant white light. Well, even these have a China link with manufacturing
hubs located in China or the use of China technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Love your silk sarees? Well, then don’t forget that
silk fabric was invented in ancient China and played an important role in their
culture and economy for thousands of years. We got it much later when the
famous Silk Road opened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">How to forget the popular app TikTok, which is an
American video-sharing social networking service but owned by ByteDance, a
Beijing-based internet technology company? But how many people will uninstall
TikTok, which is a craze among youngsters, from their phones? The irony is that
a lot of anti-China memes and videos are being made on TikTok and shared. Even
otherwise, people are enjoying funny videos made on the platform and sharing it
freely — forgetting at that moment the ‘ban China’ sentiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If asked what is your favourite food many of us would
promptly reply Chinese — until now, maybe. Now we have to think of a second
best option. Being a Bengali, I would prefer Bengali cuisine. For many, may be,
Punjabi would be the best reply. But is it really possible to say no to noodles
if it is made in India as the concept after all is Chinese? Though the Indian
version of Chinese food is different from that of original Chinese cuisine,
after all it has a China connection.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Felt like laughing when I read on a website that a political
figure said that the best option is to shut down Chinese restaurants. But is it
really possible? Or will it really help to counter the Chinese by banning some
eateries, which, obviously, would be owned by Indians. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Even that morning cuppa you have to begin your day afresh
has a Chinese connection as tea is said to have originated in north Burma and
southwestern China as a medicated drink.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Such is the craze of people to ban China that some
political party worker in Bengal’s Asansol burnt the effigy of North Korea’s
Kim Jong-un confusing him with China’s Xi Jinping. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is no dearth of memes on social media. A video
was doing the rounds where a group bought a Chinese TV just to throw it and
break it into pieces. Who will tell those people that you have wasted your
money, not China’s. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I read that while India exports mostly a basket of
primary goods to China, including cotton, yarn, organic chemicals, ores, natural
pearls, precious stones and fabrics. Chinese imports into India include
electric machinery, electronic equipment, nuclear reactors, boilers, solar
energy components, etc. The list of China’s footprint is long.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In our childhood, having a Wing Sung pen was a prized
possession, which again was manufactured in China from The Shanghai Hero Pen
Company. China is everywhere and we have been using Made-in-China products for
the longest time. And banning Made-in-China products, at least in the present
times when there are no sufficient valid Indian alternatives, is easier said
than done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When I as an ordinary citizen am finding it difficult
to ban China from my small home, I wonder how India as a country with billions
of dollars at stake, will ban China. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/06/an-indian-home-made-in-china/">An Indian home made in China!</a><br /></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-25645981044412826662020-04-13T01:04:00.001-07:002022-02-15T06:43:07.463-08:00Commentary: Do consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/04/commentary-do-consumers-really-care-about-brands-when-bare-essential-is-top-priority/">https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/04/commentary-do-consumers-really-care-about-brands-when-bare-essential-is-top-priority/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Commentary: Do
consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As consumers scramble
to get their supply of daily essentials, it remains to be seen if they look for
their preferred brands or just manage with whatever they can lay their hands on<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Kakoli Thakur | April
13, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In this hour of a
global health crisis, when the Covid-19 threat has spread to every corner of
the world, it is interesting to observe how relevant brands are to a consumer whose
primary concern is now getting hold of his supply of daily essentials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As mandated by the
government, though grocery shops and pharmacies are open during the 21-day lockdown—which
many states have extended till April 30—essential items are vanishing off the
shelves either due to the non-availability or panic buying. The result: scarcity
of items of daily use, forget your favourite brand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sample this. Suppose
a consumer prefers Dettol hand wash over any other brand. But what happens when
he goes to a nearby shop to get one and the shopkeeper informs him that only Savlon
and some other brand is available. What will the consumer do? He will obviously
buy whatever is available instead of thinking about his preference, knowing the
importance of hand wash to keep the coronavirus at bay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Again, there has been
a lot of debate regarding the use of hand sanitiser in the absence of soap and
water. Awareness ads and videos in different mediums say only sanitiser with at
least 60% alcohol content should be used. Knowing the urgency, people are even
hoarding sanitisers at home as they are not sure how long the lockdown will
last. As such, branded ones are flying off shelves and people are buying
whatever they are getting their hands on — even local products offered by
fly-by-night operators. Though it’s specified on the bottles that there is 60%
alcohol, what is the guarantee about it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Some people argue
that washing hands with soap and water is enough and also doubt the efficacy of
hand sanitisers. Lifebuoy even went to the extent of creating an ad, showing a
doctor saying, “Not only Lifebuoy, whatever hand wash or soap or hand sanitiser
is handy, wash and clean your hand to save yourself from coronavirus”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlFhlJ2WHTc"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlFhlJ2WHTc</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">Veterans and
old-timers are saying the world has never faced such a crisis ever since World
War-II. In fact, during World War II, only countries in war zones were affected
but Covid-19 has spared no one and forced a global shutdown. So in this hour,
food is the most essential thing anyone would need — branded or non-branded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">If a consumer visits
a shop to buy Aashirvaad Atta, for example, and the shopkeeper says only some
other brand or a local variant is available, that person will not return empty
handed. Because the foremost thought in his mind would be choosing between
staying hungry and getting something, at least. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">For students staying
away from home and bachelors who don’t know how to cook, the anytime favourite is
Maggi instant noodles. So at the onset of this crisis, such people, and even
families, hoarded Maggi packets — even in cartons. Three weeks into the
lockdown, when home stocks have started drying out, people are buying whatever
they are getting —it could be either Yippee or some other Maggi lookalike as it’s
easy to make for whom cooking is an alien concept. The thought behind this is,
obviously, getting an instant snack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">As positive cases
increase every hour and people are scared to even step out of home, they are
not even thinking of buying anything beyond essential — leave aside anything
luxurious. Food takeaways are available but are people really getting what they
want? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">When a KFC fan called
an outlet in a posh Delhi locality in the evening, he was told they were done
for the day and nothing was left. So that person had to skip his evening snack
that day. This is just an instance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">A lot of brands are
delivering essentials at the doorstep — with a waiting time extending up to
even days in some cases such as Bigbasket as one NCR resident pointed out — but
even they can supply till stocks are available. But what about places where
such deliveries are not available? In remote pockets? In unauthorised colonies
in big cities? Or even in posh high-rises where delivery boys are not allowed
in?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">So manufacturing and
distribution of essentials is more crucial at this hour at a time when staying
safe, and alive, has become the top priority and people are not even thinking
about brand preferences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2020/04/commentary-do-consumers-really-care-about-brands-when-bare-essential-is-top-priority/">Commentary: Do consumers really care about brands when bare essential is top priority?</a><br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-89217668882666192322019-09-18T01:50:00.002-07:002022-02-15T06:42:11.769-08:00'The good old days of Doordarshan'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2019/09/the-good-old-days-of-doordarshan/">
https://bestmediainfo.com/2019/09/the-good-old-days-of-doordarshan/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The good old days of Doordarshan!</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A nostalgic look at the days when TV was synonymous with the national
broadcaster and when good content ruled the air waves</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Kakoli Thakur | Delhi | September 18, 2019</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Last Sunday, good old Doordarshan turned 60. When I came across this
news, I became nostalgic and went down memory lane. I recalled how important DD
was to us back then in the ’80s when there was no DTH or cable or OTT players
or Internet. Filled with nostalgia, I could not stop myself from writing this
small piece as a tribute and celebrate 60 years of our national channel. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Doordarshan, which began as an experiment on September 15, 1959, and
became a service in 1965, turned 60 on September 15, 2019. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Those were the days of no cable and DD was the only channel as a mode of
entertainment. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I remember, during the early DD days, we didn’t even have a television
and only one or two houses in our neighbourhood had the luxury of buying a TV
set. We as children were allowed to visit our neighbours only on weekends to
watch our favourite programmes. Before that, television was only part of our
social study books. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gradually, more and more houses started making television a part of
their drawing rooms, a thing to show off in those days. But I am only talking
about black and white television. Having a colour TV set was a super luxury and
only a few could afford it. <i>Samosa</i> and <i>mithai</i> treat was given to
neighbours to announce the good news of a TV set — as if a newborn had arrived
in the house. That was a time when television united families in their drawing
rooms. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSf9oUTI0I8/XYHseSQNCzI/AAAAAAAABDI/WI02wB0WEPgvdliri_BepzxQvbbyueGhACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Blogo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="337" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSf9oUTI0I8/XYHseSQNCzI/AAAAAAAABDI/WI02wB0WEPgvdliri_BepzxQvbbyueGhACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD%2Blogo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In the initial days, at 5 pm, a striped screen appeared as one would
switch on the set and patiently wait for the channel to go live. It was not a
24-hour channel then and broadcast was limited to the evening hours. Slowly, the
famous DD tune would play along as the logo rotated from a hazy background and
appeared on screen as people cheered and clapped. We often used to hum along the
soothing music. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Over time, the broadcast timings got extended to morning and afternoon
hours and years later, Doordarshan got a sibling in DD Metro.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdpHCKPigw0/XYHskt0FEvI/AAAAAAAABDM/_i5hiSuXMcs8IfX7KNIuj3aXrRvlAbF5wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bramayan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="673" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdpHCKPigw0/XYHskt0FEvI/AAAAAAAABDM/_i5hiSuXMcs8IfX7KNIuj3aXrRvlAbF5wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD%2Bramayan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ramanand Sagar’s <i>Ramayan</i> was a craze those days. On Sunday
mornings, when the show aired, the roads had a deserted look. People followed
it religiously and the elderly people even showed <i>agarbatti</i> and <i>diya</i>
to the television when the title song played every Sunday. People wanted to
touch the feet of Arun Govil and Deepika Chikhalia, who played Ram and Sita,
whenever they were seen in public. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE_-kXJXUps/XYHspfKNclI/AAAAAAAABDQ/GoT3DJmJRncSafpzlAfgVNclV0eD3n_UwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bmahabharat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1200" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE_-kXJXUps/XYHspfKNclI/AAAAAAAABDQ/GoT3DJmJRncSafpzlAfgVNclV0eD3n_UwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD%2Bmahabharat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">BR Chopra’s <i>Mahabharat</i> was another popular show those days. We all
came to know about the story and characters of the epic better through the
show. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The daily evening <i>Samachar</i> was a must watch for all as it was
time to get information about city, state, country and the world. The news and
anchors both were simple and sober unlike today when noise rules. Those were
the days when anchors Salma Sultan, Geetanjali Aiyer, Komal.G.B.Singh, Neethi
Ravindran, Rini Simon Khanna, Sarla Maheshwari, Minu and Shammi Narang were
household names. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Chitrahaar</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> was another popular programme on DD National,
featuring song clips from Bollywood films. It was aired twice a week and I
remember we studied extra hours so that we were allowed to have a glimpse of the
Bollywood world. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We eagerly waited for Sunday evenings as a movie was aired every week. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-themecolor: text1;">No one cared if </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">it
was an old movie or a recent one; we watched them all. Sometimes electricity
played the spoilsport but we as children took that opportunity to play outside
and the moment power came back, we shouted in chorus, and sometimes got scolded
for that, but those were fun days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHMBavC2iXE/XYHsvSqSxnI/AAAAAAAABDY/1IwaZKJzS8Q-rOLjwbA1_IV-2TYg5WDcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bsuravi.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHMBavC2iXE/XYHsvSqSxnI/AAAAAAAABDY/1IwaZKJzS8Q-rOLjwbA1_IV-2TYg5WDcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bsuravi.png" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Other popular shows were<i> Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Rajni, Karamchand, Dekh
Bhai Dekh, Malgudi Days, Surabhi</i> and the list is endless. Who can forget
the first daily soap operas <i>Hum Log</i> and <i>Buniyaad</i>? And <i>Bharat
Ek Khoj</i>, the 53-episode Indian historical drama based on the book The
Discovery of India (1946) by Jawaharlal Nehru? And, of course, the evergreen
Duck Tales, Tom and Jerry and <i>Mowgli</i>!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Programmes such as <i>Krishi Darshan</i> were boring for us as kids but
for adults, it was information and we could not even giggle about it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roas2b1-brk/XYHs6sPSjlI/AAAAAAAABDk/gfrrRShN1poG0Y2qwOZI-PSVX6Eflo3BQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bfauji.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1080" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roas2b1-brk/XYHs6sPSjlI/AAAAAAAABDk/gfrrRShN1poG0Y2qwOZI-PSVX6Eflo3BQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD%2Bfauji.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Today’s ‘the’ Shah Rukh Khan became a household name with the serial <i>Fauji</i>
and we as teenagers blushed watching him on television and it was a topic of
hot discussion in school.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihHTrzsBXHg/XYHs0iXdpxI/AAAAAAAABDc/8mVhTXjJPccOYMsf0se8LrHQ9TckWUunwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DD%2Bshanti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihHTrzsBXHg/XYHs0iXdpxI/AAAAAAAABDc/8mVhTXjJPccOYMsf0se8LrHQ9TckWUunwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DD%2Bshanti.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Then came the turn of the mega dramas such as <i>Shanti</i> and <i>Swabhiman</i>
that had real good content, unlike today’s daily soaps that are stretched
beyond imagination. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Today, there is no dearth of 24-hour channels but none can match the
charm of DD days and only people of that generation can relate to it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://bestmediainfo.com/2019/09/the-good-old-days-of-doordarshan/">The good old days of Doordarshan!</a><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-47174470411489741902018-11-26T23:03:00.008-08:002022-06-09T02:08:14.607-07:00# Enchanting East Europe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: lime;"><i>Exploring the Dalmatian coast</i></span></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: lime;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">East Europe was our
dream destination and even now when we think about the trip, we are in
disbelief as it was like a dream.</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b><i>We didn’t go
to the crowded places or popular tourist destinations. But </i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">all places </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">we visited were picturesque
locations, and we would love to go there again and again. Do read our trip plan
at the end. </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: blue;"></span><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">A visit to Europe was a
dream and even now sometimes I am still in disbelief whether it’s really been
fulfilled or if it was some beautiful dream. The plan started almost six months
back. Finally the day arrived on Dussehra early morning. After a long wait at
Delhi airport, we boarded the plane to Helsinki, Finland. I, husband and sonny
were smiling ear to ear as all through we have been very hush-hush about the
plan; we were very superstitious, in case it gets cancelled. </span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I was little unwell but the
moment I landed, I forgot everything. The surroundings outside was like a
painting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We had a long wait at the
airport for our next flight to Budapest, Hungary. Now we feel we could have
spent some time at Helsinki city, but we will definitely do it next time.
What’s the harm in dreaming? </span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We reached <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z942TfEtUZo&t=44s">Budapest</a> at
midnight and our hotel car was waiting for us at the airport. On our way to the
hotel, we had a night view of the city — glittering in what looked like tiny
sparkling lights from a distance. We were already in love with the city and
were just waiting for the sun to rise so that we could explore the beautiful place.
So excited we were that we had no signs of jetlag. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We had an elaborate
breakfast in the hotel and the first thing we experienced was a cruise on the Danube
River on a chilly, windy but sunny morning, which gave us a river’s eye glimpse
of the city from the blue waters. Though the city was new to us, it was not at
all tough to locate a hop-on hop-off tourist bus and we went around the city
admiring the picturesque locations. The best part was we could avail of the bus
facility the next day too with the same tickets as they were valid for 48
hours. For lunch, we opted for Hungarian cuisine and we loved it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As the day turned dusky, and
we were just strolling in the markets, we heard a familiar tune. As we turned,
we saw a group of ISKCON followers singing and dancing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hare Krishna Hare Rama</i> that too in Indian attire — <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saris</i> and <i>dhoti kurtas</i>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Mini India in Hungary! We had a smile on our
faces and I felt like dancing with them but then stopped myself, thinking not
to experiment too much in a foreign land. Nobody was bothered about what others
were doing and that is what I liked the most. In two days, we saw the Danube River,
Parliament, Chain Bridge, Synagogue (Jewish worship place), Heroes’ Square,
City Park, Citadella at Gellert Hill, Buda Castle (from a distance), Szechenyi
Burda (thermal bath), St. Stephens Basilica, et al. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKIvWLTfOcY/W_znxY56K1I/AAAAAAAAA74/zGDiBXwObwUtWFnhf3Pw-yFx103jCen7ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKIvWLTfOcY/W_znxY56K1I/AAAAAAAAA74/zGDiBXwObwUtWFnhf3Pw-yFx103jCen7ACLcBGAs/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Just in two days, the city had
become familiar to us and we already knew where to catch bus, where to find
food and how to take a taxi back to the hotel. But it was time to bid adieu to
the city as the next day we had a flight to Split, Croatia, via Bonn,
Germany.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As we waited at the Cologne
Bonne airport, we observed different people of different nationalities all
moving from one country to another, and the thought that came to my mind was — wow
the world is so small.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UC3jTKj0oQc/W_zoB93I2RI/AAAAAAAAA78/nFPgwxqNqxEfW0_HOI8Bqbk2Berb7akcgCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UC3jTKj0oQc/W_zoB93I2RI/AAAAAAAAA78/nFPgwxqNqxEfW0_HOI8Bqbk2Berb7akcgCLcBGAs/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As we flew to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=picP80jGChM&t=70s">Split</a>, we
could view the beautiful Swiss Alps from above. We were mesmerised by the
snow-clad mountains and started planning our Switzerland visit already — at
least once in this lifetime. As we neared our destination, we could see perfectly
blue seas and green islands and the view was breath-taking — just like a
picture postcard. My sonny was kind enough to give me the window seat for some
time as he saw I was busy clicking pictures from the middle seat itself, and
maybe he was disturbed by mommy too. I was so occupied looking down for quite long
that I started feeling dizzy but luckily the plane landed soon and all went
well. At the Split airport, we had a long interview with the immigration officials
as we were on a Schengen visa and Croatia didn’t fall under it, though it
allowed entry on that visa. One of the questions was, “Is this your beba (son
or maybe baby she meant)?”, pointing at our son. I and my husband almost echoed
together, “Yes”. Of course, didn’t want to lose sonny, never. She said, “Sorry,
part of our job” at the end, with a smile. It was finally over and by the time
we reached the conveyer’s belt, only our luggage was left. Our apartment driver,
a young girl, was waiting for us outside and seemed little restless but was
okay when she got to know the reason behind the delay. She was quite friendly
and I found her face familiar with our Bollywood’s Kalki Koechlin. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98h0PzG7ZfU/W_zoaFqhC5I/AAAAAAAAA8I/rz1mn_8w_wIjd_XDWU1XPyyBEqbicK38wCLcBGAs/s1600/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98h0PzG7ZfU/W_zoaFqhC5I/AAAAAAAAA8I/rz1mn_8w_wIjd_XDWU1XPyyBEqbicK38wCLcBGAs/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The drive was long and we discussed
various topics, even India’s population and the job scenario as she felt there were
not many industries in Split so there was not much scope for growth. We felt, ‘wow
no industry’ and that is what we wanted to enjoy, no industrial pollution —
away from the choked air of Delhi.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>After
about half an hour, we reached our apartment and there was a smile on my son’s
face as it was a duplex and there was a narrow staircase inside to reach the
bedroom. It was a cosy apartment and we loved it. Our host, after giving a
description of the apartment and the map of the place, left us on our own and
the apartment was ours for the next three days. The feeling was good to have a
temporary home in an alien country. We had hot coffee and some readymade snacks
we had carried from India, got ready and was outside to explore the new place. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FBHY2s_qx4/W_zqdWZHiiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/2ww7tfCCKYsPtYvJG1WZochp0HSV-mo4ACLcBGAs/s1600/blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FBHY2s_qx4/W_zqdWZHiiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/2ww7tfCCKYsPtYvJG1WZochp0HSV-mo4ACLcBGAs/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Our apartment was at a slope
and we had to go down to reach the main market and the sea. We were lucky to
have got an apartment in the old town; the moment we saw the dark blue seas, we
were all smiles. There were tourists from different countries — some were
strolling, some just sitting and enjoying the sunset. And we did what we loved
the most, clicked pictures. We got to know that a one-hour cruise-like-boat
ride was available and our itinerary for the next day was fixed. Saw multiples
of sea ducks and sea gulls flying down on the sea for a good meal of sea
fishes. We found a small food joint and packed our dinner which we customised
with some familiar ingredients of veggies and chicken. We shopped some
breakfast essentials from a neighbourhood shop. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After a good night sleep,
the next day the first thing we did in the morning was to go for the boat ride.
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We went to the top of the boat and took
the seats that had been tied with ropes to the iron grille. After some time, we
got to know the secret of the ropes. The sea was choppy. Some parts of the ride
were scary because of the huge waves. But we forgot everything as the view was
spectacular — blue sea, blue sky, green and brown hills. The guide gave us a description
of the places and also told us how at regular intervals the sea water is taken to
test how clean it is. On way, we saw some daredevil climbers negotiating the
flat rocks on the shore with bare hands. Others were kayaking amid the dancing waves.</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In the evening, we had a round of the local market and found a bakery. After
a pizza lunch, we were really hungry and relished on pastries and potato pie.
My husband found the potato filling similar to our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">samosa</i>. What else do we need to survive? We would settle ourselves
on a bench and observe how tourists came to holiday with their dogs of
different breeds as they were like their family; many aged people even came on
wheelchairs to relax, after all if one is a traveller at heart, age is no bar.
We still remember the camaraderie of a white couple who adopted three Asian
girls. We also saw a lot of couples of different nationalities. The </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">next morning, we decided we
should look for a beach as till that time we could not get down on the water.
And after 3-4km walk, we found one. And what beach it was. Spotlessly clean.
White sand. Just a couple of tourists. A cool breeze. Bright sun. Green and
white mountains in the backdrop. The Adriatic Sea looking just pristine — Italy
on the other side. Giant ship liners cruising at a far distance. Felt like
settling there forever. I even thought of a business idea. Selling coffee and snacks
to tourists. But life is not so easy. Since it was quite far from the old town,
there were very few people there, only a few mad ones like us who are always on
a lookout for an exclusive place. We got down, walked on the water but it was
chilly so decided to sit on the shore. Even my 10-year-old kept on looking at
the sea blankly like a philosopher. There was a park nearby and he played to
his heart’s content as there were very few kids to fight for the rides. In
three days, we felt we belonged to that city but every good thing comes to an
end and it was time for us to visit our next place — Dubrovnik. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhR9HiK-8cw/W_zovvR7FUI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/1cqflkjbE5YavOnQKDz54ECAUfJYI6JyQCLcBGAs/s1600/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhR9HiK-8cw/W_zovvR7FUI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/1cqflkjbE5YavOnQKDz54ECAUfJYI6JyQCLcBGAs/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We took a bus to Dubrovnik
and on our way crossed Neum, a tiny town of around 4,000 people in Bosnia, nestled
beside an inland extension of the Adriatic Sea. The landscape was equally
beautiful, especially the orange orchards, orange-roofed similar-looking even houses
and the blue sea moving with us all the way. We thought if the bus stopped for
some time, we could have a closer look. It did, but only for passport check and
a snack break and we had to click pictures from inside. By late afternoon, we
reached Dubrovnik — the gigantic cabled-stayed </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Franjo Tuđman </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">bridge, similar to the one
inaugurated in Delhi sometime back, and massive cruise liners, welcoming us to
the mystical hilly town that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to2Ms_EeXMA/W_zo5l75kwI/AAAAAAAAA8k/XGW0GvoVe5sZjj0xpDr3WfW8u8kRNmRQACEwYBhgL/s1600/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to2Ms_EeXMA/W_zo5l75kwI/AAAAAAAAA8k/XGW0GvoVe5sZjj0xpDr3WfW8u8kRNmRQACEwYBhgL/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">From the bus stand, we took
a taxi to our apartment, a short distance. As we got down and were looking for
our apartment <span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">number, I heard a
very welcoming voice, “Please come, I am waiting for you!” She was our new host.
</span>And I would say, this apartment was better and bigger. In the back lawns
behind the kitchen window, there were pomegranates, lemons, oranges hanging from
the trees. Felt like plucking but just like the forbidden apple, we stopped
ourselves. The host offered some handmade snacks and they were yummy. By then,
it was evening and we asked our host if it was safe to roam out and she was
like, “of course”. After a short chat, she left us on our own for the next
three days. We ventured out and opted to walk to the old town as our host told
us it was just 10-minute walk. But it was not so near as we found out. After
about half an hour of walking through neat roads and beautiful houses, we
reached the fortress housing the castle town, the place where parts of Game of
Thrones were shot. Quite a few musicians were playing different instruments on
the sideways — projecting a touch and feel of a Bollywood background score as
we were exploring the new city, almost like giving us a royal welcome.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">We were starved after the
long walk and started looking out for some good food. By then we were already
missing our rice and roti and Indian food. Where ever we looked, there was
bread, pizza, burger, pasta and we were like “NO.” And somewhere in between, I
had a glimpse of a poster that said, ‘Incredible India’. We were in disbelief. A
few Bollywood dialogues instantly came to my mind: ‘If you want something from
heart, you definitely get it.’ We ordered butter chicken and roti and we almost
devoured it like we hadn’t eaten in ages. Though the food was not that good, there
was a feeling of content.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Next morning, we went for
the famous Zicara, the ropeway/cable-car point to climb to the top of a hill
from where we could have a panoramic view of the city and it was worth
visiting. By then, we had become veteran walkers, including our 10-year-old. In
fact he took the lead to show off that he knows the way quite well. We again
visited the old castle and this time on the side of the sea. We saw huge boats
waiting for passengers and without any second thought; we took the ride to the Lokrum
Island — a </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Nature
Reserve and a Special Forest Vegetation Reserve, which is home to a variety of
flora and fauna and castles</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">. We would have missed an experience if we hadn’t
visited the island. There was loads of greenery with multiple green species,
peacocks, rabbits, all roaming here and there. We also passed a graveyard but
left the ghosts undisturbed, if any still there. We sat on the rocks admiring
the sea leisurely as the last boat to return to the mainland was 5 pm and we
had ample time in hand. We were on biscuits and chocolates almost the whole day
but we were okay as it was a lifetime experience. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfQoSlHvIKE">Dubrovnik</a><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After coming back to the old
town, my husband was adventurous enough to climb to the top of the castle and
walked the entire city wall, which must be about 2-4 km. I and sonny waited
down watching multiple tourists and listening to them. Though we didn’t
understand what they said, the excitement was clear in their voice, specially
the Japanese tourists. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We had dinner at 6pm, which
was evening snacks time back home, and this time we went for an Italian
restaurant. The chicken risotto, chicken salad and grilled chicken were
luscious. I would say chicken just saved us as most of the dishes had beef on
it, so we were very choosy. Though my husband was ready to experiment, I and my
sonny were happy with our chicken delicacies. On our way back home, my husband
went to a department store and bought eggs, milk, bread, cheese for breakfast the
next day. </span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">My husband was too excited
to cook something in the beautiful kitchen and served us some hot spaghetti,
cheese scrambled eggs with coffee and bread. We started a little late and went
in search for a beach location and found one after a half-an-hour walk. I and
sonny get mad to soak our feet in water but my husband needs a little push.
After some time, we made ourselves comfortable on a wooden platform and let sonny
play in the water. We saw a couple, must be 60 plus. They went for a swim and
it was too cute to watch them romancing in the water and teasing each other. Ageing
together in love! We went inside the castle city again in search for food. We
also had the opportunity to see a wedding inside. And most tourists like us
were waiting to see the bride and the groom and the moment they came outside
hand in hand, everybody started clapping. After all, it’s always a treat to see
newlyweds and everybody says ‘God bless’ automatically in their minds. These things
are the same everywhere, and what a wonderful feeling. One day, the newlyweds
will share their story of marriage to their grandchildren that they got married
at the same location where Game of Thrones was shot.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The next morning was October
28, when we would fly to capital Zagreb in the afternoon. My husband started
waking me up as it was 7 am. But when I checked my mobile, it was 6 am. The
confusion ended when we searched the internet and found that from that day,
every year, the clocks are set back by an hour in Europe as winter had set in.
Thank God, we didn’t have any flight to catch in the morning. The </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">weather </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">was very windy and chilly and later we got to
know that a very bad storm had hit the other side of the sea in Italy. We spent
some time beside the old town, having a last glimpse of the sea. God knows if
we would ever return. We hurried back to the apartment as we didn’t want to be
stuck in rain and storm. Our host requested us to take her neighbour’s car and
we readily agreed and understood the reason when we saw the old man who drove
us to the airport — maybe she wanted him to earn a few bucks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhFTj7Ky1EI/W_zphj6gQpI/AAAAAAAAA8w/L5kQ6-kdTeIXGHcO0n4VhFZh9oL1DIZLgCLcBGAs/s1600/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhFTj7Ky1EI/W_zphj6gQpI/AAAAAAAAA8w/L5kQ6-kdTeIXGHcO0n4VhFZh9oL1DIZLgCLcBGAs/s320/9.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It was raining heavily and
the flight got late by over an hour. By the time we reached the hotel in
Zagreb, it was quite late and after a quick dinner at a fine dine restaurant in
the Capitol Square, we went to bed. The next morning we went to explore the
nearby places as we had a flight to Vienna in the evening. What we loved most
was the local market with lot of flowers, cheese, fresh vegetables, fruits, et
al. The old town with gigantic churches and buildings with </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Gothic architecture</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px;">and tram lines running somewhat resembled Budapest. We
would have </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">loved to explore more but it started raining. We had a quick snack lunch
and hurried back. We had shopping bags in our hand and we covered our heads
with them. Though a few kids laughed at us, after some time we saw people
copying us as they also had no umbrellas — this is called Indian <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jugaad</i>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hwY4stbOK0/W_zpvM4vp9I/AAAAAAAAA80/TCM4Md67YdEX819GdYi20hFmSNuDufeVQCLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hwY4stbOK0/W_zpvM4vp9I/AAAAAAAAA80/TCM4Md67YdEX819GdYi20hFmSNuDufeVQCLcBGAs/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Our return flight to </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Delhi was via </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Vienna, where we had a
four-hour stopover. We were surprised to see the size of the tiny two-by-two
seater plane to Vienna and doubted if it would take off. But it did and we
reached safely after a short flight. When we were about to land in Vienna, the dazzling
city looked beautiful from above. Again we regretted, thinking that we could
have stayed there for a day at least. But we had a flight to catch at night for
Delhi. When we were waiting at the airport, we saw a lot of Indian faces after
days and felt good. It was a jumbo plane — the Air India dream liner — and
boarding started almost one and half hours early. I saw a group of European
tourists who seemed a little worried as their guide was scaring them by telling
not-so-good things about India. Though I didn’t understand their language, I
could clearly read the fear in their faces. On board, I killed time by watching
two Bollywood new movies. And finally the next morning, we reached our very own
Delhi. Everything seemed familiar now. Suddenly I saw the same European
tourists standing in a corner of the airport. I approached them and said,
“Welcome to India. India is a beautiful country and the people are good. Don’t
be scared. Enjoy!” And they smiled at me. I felt I am just back from their
place and had a beautiful experience and this was the least I could do to bring
a smile on their faces. After all, we belong to incredible India and there are
lot of good things here too.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our plan trip and journey in short <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">From the Delhi airport, we boarded the plane to <b>Helsinki,
Finland,</b> where we had a long wait for our next flight to <b>Budapest,
Hungary</b>. We later felt we could have spent a day at the city. But you can definitely
do that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We reached Budapest at midnight. Our hotel car was
waiting for us at the airport. The next morning, we experienced a cruise ride of
the <b>Danube River</b>. We boarded a <b>hop-on hop-off tourist bus</b> on
which we went around the city, exploring and admiring the picturesque
locations. We could avail of the bus facility the next day too with the same
tickets as they were valid for 48 hours. For lunch, we opted for Hungarian
cuisine. In two days, we saw the Danube River, Parliament, Chain Bridge,
Synagogue (Jewish worship place), Heroes’ Square, City Park, Citadella at
Gellert Hill, Buda Castle (from a distance), Szechenyi Burda (thermal bath),
St. Stephens Basilica, et al. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After three days, we had a flight to <b>Split,
Croatia,</b> via <b>Bonn, Germany</b>. We
had a layover at the Cologne Bonne airport for our next flight. If you want,
you can spend a day or two in Bonn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">As we flew to Split, we could view the beautiful Swiss
Alps from above. At the Split airport, we had a long interview with the
immigration officials as we were on a <b>Schengen visa</b> and Croatia didn’t
fall under it, though they allowed us entry on that visa after due checks. Our
apartment driver, a young girl, was waiting for us outside. After about half an
hour, we reached our apartment, it was a duplex and was ours for the next three
days. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our apartment was at a slope in the old town and we
had to go down to reach the main market and the dark blue seas. We got to know
that a one-hour cruise-like-boat ride was available and our itinerary for the
next day was fixed. In the evening, we had a round of the local market. The
next morning, we decided we should look for a beach. And after a 3-4km walk, we
found a beautiful one. The Adriatic Sea looked just pristine — Italy on the
other side. Giant ship liners were cruising at a far distance. If you want, you
can add Italy in your list and enjoy a cruise journey from Split. At the same
time, you can go to Dubrovnik from Italy on a ship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After three days in Split, it was time for us to visit
our next place — Dubrovnik. We took a bus and on our way crossed Neum, a tiny
town, nestled beside an inland extension of the Adriatic Sea. The landscape was
beautiful, especially the orange orchards, orange-roofed similar-looking even
houses and the blue sea moving with us all the way. The bus stopped for some
time for passport and visa check as we crossed 20-km stretch of Bosnia. By late
afternoon, we reached Dubrovnik — the gigantic cabled-stayed Franjo Tuđman Bridge
and massive cruise liners, welcoming us to the mystical hilly town that
overlooked the Mediterranean Sea.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">From the bus stand, we took a taxi to our apartment, a
short distance. This apartment was better and bigger. In the back lawns behind
the kitchen window, there were pomegranates, lemons, oranges hanging from the
trees. The host left us on our own for the next three days. We ventured out and
opted to walk to the old town. After about half an hour of walking through neat
roads and beautiful houses, we reached the fortress housing the castle town,
the place where parts of Game of Thrones were shot. That night, we had Indian
food. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Next morning, we went for the famous <b>Zicara</b>,
the ropeway/cable-car point to climb to the top of a hill from where we could
have a panoramic view of the city. We again visited the old castle and this
time on the side of the sea. We saw huge boats waiting for passengers; we took
the ride to the Lokrum Island — a Nature Reserve and a Special Forest
Vegetation Reserve, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna and castles. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After coming back to the old town, my husband was
adventurous enough to climb to the top of the castle and walked the entire city
wall, which must be about 2-4 km. If you are an adventurous one, you should try
the walk as the view from the top is breath-taking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We had dinner at 6pm— chicken risotto, chicken salad
and grilled chicken. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The next day, we started a little late and went in
search for a beach location and found one after a half-an-hour walk. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The next morning was October 28, when we would fly to
capital Zagreb in the afternoon. My husband started waking me up as it was 7
am. But when I checked my mobile, it was 6 am. The confusion ended when we
searched the internet and found that from that day, every year, the clocks are
set back by an hour in Europe as winter had set in. Thank God, we didn’t have
any flight to catch in the morning. We spent some time beside the old town,
having a last glimpse of the sea. We hurried back to the apartment and took a
car to the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It was raining heavily and the flight got late by over
an hour. By the time we reached the hotel in Zagreb, it was quite late and
after a quick dinner at a fine dine restaurant in the Capitol Square, we went
to bed. The next morning we went to explore the nearby places as we had a
flight to Vienna in the evening. Zagreb is good for a day or two. What we loved
most was the local market with lot of flowers, cheese, fresh vegetables,
fruits, et al. The old town with gigantic churches and buildings with Gothic
architecture and tram lines running somewhat resembled Budapest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our return flight to Delhi was via Vienna, where we
had a four-hour stopover. We were surprised to see the size of the tiny
two-by-two seater plane to Vienna. We reached safely after a short flight. When
we were about to land in Vienna, the dazzling city looked beautiful from above.
Again we regretted, thinking that we could have stayed there for a day at
least. But you can always spend a day in the city. For Delhi, we boarded a
jumbo plane — the Air India dream liner. Boarding started almost one and half
hours early. And finally the next morning, we reached our very own Delhi. <o:p></o:p></span></p></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Follow my blog: <a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">Mixed Bag</a></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-37803149477195975092017-06-30T11:30:00.004-07:002021-06-06T23:29:49.883-07:00#Kashmir and Kashmiris made a special place in my heart <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">#Kashmir, where heaven meets earth</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hid1WRyj2Ao/WVaV4_0liiI/AAAAAAAAA3A/jJWz3DIyV8UtvYrTZBp9WN9lwoxmybBcgCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20170601_17_30_14_Pro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hid1WRyj2Ao/WVaV4_0liiI/AAAAAAAAA3A/jJWz3DIyV8UtvYrTZBp9WN9lwoxmybBcgCLcBGAs/s320/WP_20170601_17_30_14_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I was introduced to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0tFhRTTDw&t=40s">Kashmir</a> through my books when I
was a child. Since then, it was my dream to visit the paradise on earth.
Whenever I saw anything on television related to Kashmir there was only one question
in mind, ‘will I ever be able to visit the beautiful place’? But as it is said
when you wish something from your heart, it happens in real. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">When my husband asked if I want to go to Kashmir, I
was in awe and asked, ‘really?’ We booked our tickets and suddenly some
untoward incident happened and a bandh was declared in Kashmir. And it
continued for two days. And again we were in a dilemma whether to go or not. On
the third day, when life started getting back to normal at the valley we
decided to take risk and listen to our hearts and just go no matter what comes
our way.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Finally the day arrived and we were waiting at the
Delhi airport waiting for our flight announcement to Srinagar. I still couldn’t
believe that I was actually going and WhatsApped one of my friends who had visited
Kashmir a few years back. She replied, ‘Just go and enjoy, it’s heaven!’ Our
hotel driver Maqbool called, ‘I will pick you from the airport’. It was just
one hour and a few minutes flight from Delhi. We could make out the difference
that we are going to have an amazing experience. Suddenly the atmosphere
changed and we could see clouds and white mountains, which we are not used to
at all in and around Delhi. But it reminded me of the north-east, especially Meghalaya
(abode of clouds). And the passengers at the window seats felt lucky that they
could have the first glance of heaven. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hX0tFhRTTDw" width="320" youtube-src-id="hX0tFhRTTDw"></iframe></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The moment we landed, Maqbool called again ‘Have you
landed, I am here for you’. It sounded like a relief amidst tight security of
the airport. Soon we were on our way to the hotel and I could see women fully
dressed with their heads covered and security presence every half a km or even
less. We reached the hotel just opposite the famous Dal Lake and chose a room
facing it. We rested for some time and Maqbool was already waiting for us at
the lobby for local sight-seeing. At one place, we also had to get down from
our car and walk past the security post and it was considered a regular check. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Though we arrived at our dream destination,
there was a strange feeling inside whether we took the right decision but the
moment we arrived at the first tourist spot, all our fears vanished. There were
a lot of smiling tourists with kids and life seemed to be normal again and we
were smiling from ear to ear. We visited Pari Mahal, Chasme Shahi, Mughal
Garden, Botanical Garden and a few more gardens. When we reached Hazratbal
Dargah Sharif, it was namaz time and we were little hesitant whether to visit
or not. But Maqbool encouraged us ‘jao jao… koi baat nahi’ (please go, it’s
okay) and we followed suit. We felt they are very normal people like us, very
simple and peace-loving. Though women were traditionally dressed with heads
always covered, there was a sense of independence as we saw a lot of women
driving and roaming about on the roads on their own and it felt good.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yq1ixyiR6s/WVaXN90PDFI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/kwqkU795Tuolm1qGY8srbEUly-ihOk6rQCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20170601_11_52_07_Pro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yq1ixyiR6s/WVaXN90PDFI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/kwqkU795Tuolm1qGY8srbEUly-ihOk6rQCLcBGAs/s320/WP_20170601_11_52_07_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">For lunch, we had Kashmiri rogan josh and it was just lip-smacking.
We also did a little shopping at a wholesale shop. When we reached the hotel,
our shikara wala was waiting for us. After some time, we were on the Dal Lake
for a shikara ride. The first thing the boatman told us was, “Look at my face,
could you recognise me. I am the same person riding the shikara behind Vinod
Khanna and Simi Garewal during the shooting of the song Wada karle sajna tere bina
main na rahu…in the movie Hath ki safai. At that time I was young.” We smiled
and after coming back to Delhi, we checked the video on Youtube. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We felt the Dal Lake was a moving economy with lot of
people earning their livelihood – by selling handicrafts, shawls, dry fruits, clicking
photographs, running mini eating joints, water sports and what not. There was
also a meena bazar where shops of all kinds were available. We had delicious
chicken tikka with walnut chutney from a boat shop and thought the ride should
never end. There were a lot of house boats parked on the lake side with amazing
names like Mission Kashmir, Mobile House, Golu Palace, Sunflower, Fairy Queen,
et al. But we somehow felt life would be restricted staying in a houseboat so
we opted out.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We were curious to know what wood they used for the
house boats and shops that they last for so long in water and prompt came the
reply from our shikara man. This is deodar wood, ‘yeh pani mai kharab nahi
hota’ (It’s deodar wood it remains intact in water). But we felt a little
worried that the lake is so precious for the local people and for tourism to
flourish but it is getting dirty and cleanliness is the need of the hour.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As dusk set in, we sat by the side of the lake on
raised platforms and observed the lively city. It was the holy month of Ramzan
and people were breaking fasts and having ice-creams. Sound of holy songs from
the mosques echoed all around. Our day one was a pleasant one, much more than we
expected.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">According to Maqbool’s instructions, we got ready by 7
am the next day and we were off to Sonmarg, our first point outside Srinagar.
As we moved upwards we could see the beautiful landscape on the sides of the
river Sind, green hills and then we could see the white mountains in the
background. Seeing the beautiful river, I could not resist myself and got down
for a few clicks. I so wanted to touch the white and bluish water and soak my
foot on it but it was not a slow moving river but Maqbool promised that I would
get the opportunity to do that the next day. We reached Sonmarg and could see a
few tourists enjoying horse riding on the green valley. But the moment we heard
about Zero Point, snow and reaching halfway to Kargil, we just couldn’t say no.
After a little bargaining with the local taxiwala, we were off to experience
snow. As we advanced higher we crossed the high Zojila Pass and the road
getting treacherous. At some points, only one vehicle could pass. It was
dangerous and later after reaching Delhi, we got to know that it is one of the
dangerous roads in the world and felt a sense of pride that we overcame it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3V_AxRSfXAE/WVaXfyvG2kI/AAAAAAAAA3U/So_-apiPS2M4fqBz4HQ6kO_flkeBDfIsgCLcBGAs/s1600/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3V_AxRSfXAE/WVaXfyvG2kI/AAAAAAAAA3U/So_-apiPS2M4fqBz4HQ6kO_flkeBDfIsgCLcBGAs/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Our guide showed us the Amarnath yatra base camp at
Baltal and huts erected for pilgrims (as the yatra would start in a month). We
also saw the point till where Pakistan had made intrusions before they were
shooed away by our Army during the Kargil war in the late 90s. Some Pakistani
bunkers were still lying vacant, the ones not yet destroyed by snow. The
respect for our Indian Army was always there but for the first time witnessed
what a tough job they are doing. Salute to the Indian Army! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Some stretches were so dangerous that our driver
double-checked before moving ahead as landslides are very common there. Huge snow
patches were melting and it was a very dangerous point. We were told almost
everyday accidents happen in this area and it was scary indeed, our heart was
almost in our mouth. Snow clearing operations were still going on with huge
machines. But nothing could stop the mad traveling instinct in us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkZQKsQlaQ8/WVaWQBEnQ8I/AAAAAAAAA3E/dIy57RBrl5kVMwgmD48WV2z9z0-fKG2QACLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20170602_13_42_54_Pro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkZQKsQlaQ8/WVaWQBEnQ8I/AAAAAAAAA3E/dIy57RBrl5kVMwgmD48WV2z9z0-fKG2QACLcBGAs/s320/WP_20170602_13_42_54_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Finally we reached the Zero Point and our eyes just
couldn’t believe the amount of snow we saw all around. Everything was crystal
white and it was difficult for us to see without our glares as the sun was
strong and it was reflecting against the white mountains. We geared up with our
hired fur jackets and boots looking like aliens as if we landed in a different
planet straight from boiling Delhi. We could see the tip of the white clad
mountain so near below the dark blue sky. Sledge pullers started to lure us and
finally we agreed. But when we saw they had to pull us up, we got down. We felt
bad as we saw humans pulling humans for their livelihood. Life is very
difficult in the mountains. We walked up and had the sledge experience while
coming down the slope and it was fun. We were instructed again and again to be
careful with our valuables as if anything falls in the snow it’s impossible to
track them. We had Maggie and Kashmiri kahwa (tea) and it was amazing. We just
couldn’t stop taking clicks as it was a once-in-a-life time experience. My
husband smiled, saying it will be tough to select pictures to post on social
media as everything was so beautiful there. One could close the eyes and just
click click click and not a single shot would be missed!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Though we didn’t want to come back, we remembered the
rough path back and had to return before sunset. After reaching Sonmarg, our
guide showed us a few local points but after the experience at Zero Point,
nothing seemed impressive.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We reached the hotel, rested and went out for our
evening stroll by the side of the Dal. As mobile internet was banned, there was
nothing to check on mobile and for a change we liked it—a technology-free life
after a long, long time. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">On day three, we headed towards Pahalgam and on the
way Maqbool showed us saffron fields and walnut trees. We also stopped at a
shop and bought saffron, walnut, black berries, cranberries. The shop owners
have their own plantations of saffron, walnut, apples, <span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">fennel seeds</span> and showed us some trees at the
backyard. The simplicity of the people was very contagious and felt like our own
people. They told us how the soil of Kashmir is so rich that everything grows
very easily and so they consider Kashmir as the heart of India. The next
stopover was a restaurant with an apple orchard in the background. We had our
breakfast sitting under apple trees. The apples were still tender and a few
were lying on the ground and my son excitedly started playing with them. But
plucking apple from trees was strictly prohibited. Maqbool showing off his
contacts told us ‘just call me if you need apples’. We also saw rows and rows
of factories with huge stacks of little wooden planks that would become cricket
bats, which an aspiring Sachin or Kohli would play.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VUYIsh0Ykg/WVaWedBVhqI/AAAAAAAAA3I/e4CA30NE6pw7sBi1dYlhBgj-br4oVuTEgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170603_125850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VUYIsh0Ykg/WVaWedBVhqI/AAAAAAAAA3I/e4CA30NE6pw7sBi1dYlhBgj-br4oVuTEgCLcBGAs/s320/20170603_125850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Finally after a few hours, we reached Pahalgam and
after some bargaining we were on our horses with guides along. The names of the
horses were very interesting like Raja Hindustani, Badal, Dil Khush, Mastani,
Lalu. Some parts of the roads were smooth, some rocky, some stiff and after a
few instructions, we felt we were veteran horse riders as we had no option but
to trust our horses. We saw Kashmir valley, mini Switzerland, waterfall point and
saw locals waiting with sheep, rabbit, to click pictures with tourists to get
bakshish (tip). Shawl sellers were after us at every point, and everywhere we
felt how tough it was for villagers to earn their livelihood. Everywhere at the
end, the guides would ask us “Khush?” (Happy) And we would smile. While
returning we had our lunch sitting at a restaurant beside the river Lidder and
the view was just breath-taking. We realised the highway restaurants were quite
cheap unlike near Delhi.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYss6VvTgjA/WVaW46wY5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3M/AmPy20233Mk58hiM0ldymwIDvAomQvV2gCLcBGAs/s1600/WP_20170604_11_43_55_Pro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYss6VvTgjA/WVaW46wY5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3M/AmPy20233Mk58hiM0ldymwIDvAomQvV2gCLcBGAs/s320/WP_20170604_11_43_55_Pro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">On day four, my son was very excited as he heard that
he will be able to have a ropeway ride to the mountains at Gulmarg, his first
experience. Gulmarg is a place where tourists can experience everything if they
have short time in hand. Horse riding, sledge ride, snow bike ride, skiing
experience, et all. Two phases are available through ropeway. And from Phase II,
one can have a skiing experience in the snow and have a glance of the LOC
border. We opted for phase I as there was much more variety there. Our guide
told us there was much less snow in Gulmarg compared to Zero Point near Kargil.
And after the amount of snow experience we had at Zero Point, we thought to
give it a miss as there was both snow and waterfall at phase I. We felt a little
restless and short of breath as we reached high altitude all of a sudden on the
ropeway but were okay once outside. After the horse-riding experience at
Pahalgam, we were quite at ease on horseback. Here we enjoyed the high-speed snow
bike ride the most with a guide of course. Though we were tempted to ride on
our own, it was risky in the snow stiff slopes so we played safe. We also saw
Kashmir valley, seven-point spring and Khilanmarg at phase I. While returning,
Maqbool took us to a restaurant where we tasted Kashmiri wazwan chicken and it
was luscious. The India-Pakistan cricket match was going on and most of the
people there came to enjoy the match rather than having food as it was Ramzan
month. In the evening when we returned, we felt we were all sun burnt as we
were under the sun for three to four hours but the experience was worth it.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Later, we took an auto and went to wholesale market.
We were so impressed by the sincerity of the auto driver, very unlike what we
experience in Delhi. When we asked about the fare, he said Rs 20 and both ways
it’s Rs 40 and if we give him Rs 50, he would wait for us while we shop. My
husband asked if it’s per person. He said no he was saying the total fare and
he doesn’t want to charge the kid. Then suddenly he stopped and started
drinking water and said it’s iftar time. Realising that he was on fast, we
asked him to have something but he said it’s okay and that he would have
something while he waits for us at the market. The market was empty and we were
little hesitant. Suddenly we saw people serving sherbet to everyone as it was
iftar time and they offered us also. We felt so good in an unknown place in a
lonely street. In fact, I felt safer than Delhi and thought it was worth
mentioning in my article, especially our soft-spoken auto driver. We went to
the shop he showed us and did shopping without any hassle and the rates were
quite reasonable. Our auto-driver was waiting for us and got to know that they
have a business in Delhi also and in the tourist season, he drives auto in
Srinagar. He left us outside our hotel and bid adieu though I felt like
chatting with him more and know more about his people and his place.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">That evening we sat by the side of the Dal lake a little
longer as it was our last evening in Srinagar and wanted time to stop there. We
also spent time in our hotel garden and walked on the cool green grass. Finally
the last day came and we thought of relaxing at the hotel just watching the Dal
lake through our huge glass window as we were tired of travelling constantly
for four days. Maqbool told us not to have lunch at the hotel and that he would
take us to an amazing restaurant and he kept his promise like the last four
days on the last day also. After reaching the airport, we realised the security
check was very tight and the airport was looking like a fort. We and our
luggage were checked several times and finally we were also asked to recheck our
check-in luggage but the process was smooth and fast. While we were in Kashmir,
something or the other was going on in the borders, especially in south Kashmir
but we didn’t feel anything and our trip went smoothly. What we understood is if
one wants to go to Kashmir, one just needs to go without checking the news, the
state has the most amazing people. And if we get a chance, we will visit the
state again and this time in winter to witness snowfall.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We reached Delhi in the night amid loo, pollution and
traffic jams and were gearing ourselves for work the next day. But then we
consoled ourselves that this is our regular life and we can go for our next
holiday only when we work hard for the next few months. But Kashmir and
Kashmiris had made a permanent place in our hearts and we would love if we get
an opportunity to visit the paradise on earth again. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Follow my blog: <a href="https://kakolithakur.blogspot.com/">Mixed Bag</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Jammu and Kashmir33.778175 76.57617140000002130.4052485 71.412597400000024 37.151101499999996 81.739745400000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913438485556134668.post-80099158831430995662016-11-13T00:12:00.008-08:002022-01-04T21:53:07.376-08:00#Ganapatipule-- a jewel on the Konkan coast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 55.2px; margin: 0px;">Soaked in rains and greens in Ganapatipule</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you love the
sea, then Ganapatipule is an ideal destination for a short trip. But we love the
rains too, and so we opted for monsoon tourism. Do read our experience and our
plan trip at the end.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqSdzau8jrQ/WCgfJI82B6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/JSTAYxQRdMI34sDERmIMlcMuZ9f19hbWQCLcB/s1600/20160624_101731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqSdzau8jrQ/WCgfJI82B6I/AAAAAAAAAzo/JSTAYxQRdMI34sDERmIMlcMuZ9f19hbWQCLcB/s320/20160624_101731.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DpJNih-0TA/WCgfHNgh_YI/AAAAAAAAAzk/z9BJN7dYHCo9h8ZrDCVAHjgBoj-c_F73wCLcB/s1600/20160624_144422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DpJNih-0TA/WCgfHNgh_YI/AAAAAAAAAzk/z9BJN7dYHCo9h8ZrDCVAHjgBoj-c_F73wCLcB/s320/20160624_144422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">For
the last two years, we had been heading towards sea destinations for our summer
holidays -- Goa and then Kerala. So, this year, we thought we would go
somewhere near the hills but then we were not 100 per cent sure. So we tried of
checking the availability of train tickets, as a train journey is the best when
one wants to enjoy the abundance of nature. After some permutations and
combinations, we realised the sea was beckoning us again. In the next 10
minutes, we got confirmed tickets to Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and from there we
decided to go to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpCdO0QiG_w&t=84s">Ganapatipule</a> – a quiet but exotic seaside destination.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">For
the third time, we would be heading to the sea. I, my husband and my
eight-year-old son were smiling ear to ear as we are all in love with the sea
and that too in the monsoons. The first things to pack were umbrellas,
raincoats and crocs– even though we knew we would be drenched to the bone and
that we would love it. We applied for leave and after one month, we were in the
train heading to our monsoon destination. We crossed tunnels, hills, plateaus,
waterfalls, streams and we were glued to the windows to enjoy each second as we
will miss such views at least for the next six months.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">After
a 28-hour journey by Rajdhani, we reached Ratnagiri, and after one-and-half-hour
auto drive we reached Ganapatipule. The auto drive through the winding road and
meadows was just amazing. In between the hills and village settlements, the
view of the roaring and rocking sea from the top was just breath-taking.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VpCdO0QiG_w" width="320" youtube-src-id="VpCdO0QiG_w"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We
had booked a cottage in an MTDC resort in advance. We were amazed to see the huge
campus with a walking track, a children’s park and space to sit. Down a few
stairs was the sea beach. Our room faced the sea with a huge balcony. There
were lines of coconut trees in between and then the endless sea. The constant
sound of the waves was like magic to the ears – washing all our tension away.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We
freshened up and went for lunch at the campus restaurant and had an amazing
Maharashtrian fish thali. After satiating our taste buds, we could not wait to
go down to the beach. There was hardly any crowd and there were rocks to sit
and about a km away we could see the famous Ganapati temple after which the
place was christened Ganapatipule.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">That
evening there was heavy rain and the moment it slowed, we took out our
umbrellas and went out to explore the locality. There were lines of lounges and
restaurants nearby and that night we had delicious vegetarian dinner with the amazing
aroma of Konkani and Malwani masala.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHM0ivZolz8/WCgftoWpaAI/AAAAAAAAAzs/JHgKmIG344QqZ5x5lRC49QCl5sguWAobwCLcB/s1600/FB32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHM0ivZolz8/WCgftoWpaAI/AAAAAAAAAzs/JHgKmIG344QqZ5x5lRC49QCl5sguWAobwCLcB/s320/FB32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Every
morning and evening, our routine for those four days was go to the beach,
stroll, enjoy the waves and just sit and sit on the rocks -- doing nothing. My
son enjoyed getting wet and playing with the sand. We clicked pictures and
selfies like we went crazy. The rains were so unpredictable there, when we went
down to the beach the sky was clear and suddenly a few dark clouds would come
from nowhere and pour like cats and dogs. But we went to enjoy the monsoon and
we did every bit of it. Every day, we were soaked to our bones but we went back
again and again. We had to switch on our room fan and AC to dry our clothes.
And we had a blanket to warm ourselves.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We
found a panchkarma massage centre within the campus. My husband relaxed with a
body massage and I experienced shirodhara (head massage). The aroma and the
warmth of the ayurvedic oil pouring drop by drop on my forehead was so relaxing,
I felt all my stress vanishing. I would live there forever and never return to
a polluted city like Delhi if I could. But that is why it is said holidays are
short lived. It is always good to wait for holidays because once it arrives, it
ends too soon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MN05xiE2ubQ/WCggNIaxZRI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ccvWhzXncTglLrJUsgSh3mBHKFThp5v_wCLcB/s1600/20160626_112111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MN05xiE2ubQ/WCggNIaxZRI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ccvWhzXncTglLrJUsgSh3mBHKFThp5v_wCLcB/s320/20160626_112111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">On
our last day, we visited the Ganapati temple. Due to the heavy downpour, there
were very few devotees. There was no queue and we had our darshan and
experienced the aura of peace in the temple campus. The laddoo prasad was
divine. My son clicked pictures with the huge elephant and rat. When I told my
sonny he can wish whatever he wants in rat’s ears, he immediately complied. We
bought two torans as a memento of Ganapatiple from the temple lane for our home
mandir entrance.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Even
if we didn’t want to leave the place, we had to bid adieu to the astounding
place. On our way back to the Ratnagiri station, we got down from the auto and
clicked pictures from the hill top, which had amazing view of the sea below. We
knew the holidays were over and we had to join office the next day but that
could not stop us from planning our next holiday and that again brought smiles
in our faces. This is what life is all about -- plan beautiful holidays and get
charged to work for the next six months!</span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our plan
trip:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Train journey is the
best when one wants to enjoy the abundance of nature. We took the Rajdhani Express
from New Delhi to Ratnagiri in Maharashtra for our sea and monsoon destination,
Ganapatipule. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mumbai is 375 km away
via Mahad, and Pune is 331 km away via Satara.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Essentials to pack: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Umbrellas,
raincoats, crocs, shorts, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy nature in
abundance: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We crossed tunnels, hills, plateaus,
waterfalls and streams.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After a 28-hour journey
by Rajdhani, we reached Ratnagiri, and after an one-and-half-hour auto drive (around
30 km), we reached Ganapatipule. You can take a cab or bus too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Buses are available
from major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy sea view
throughout: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The auto drive was just amazing. In between
the hills and village settlements, the view of the roaring and rocking sea from
the top was breath-taking. We enjoyed on the <b>Bhandarpule </b>beach for some
time on the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where we stayed <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had booked a cottage
at an MTDC resort in advance. It has a huge campus with a walking track, a
children’s park and space to sit. So you can maintain social distancing too. Down
a few stairs was the sea beach <b>(Ganapatipule beach).</b> Our room faced the
sea with a huge balcony. The beach was almost empty, giving a feeling that we
were at our private beach.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Food:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We went for lunch at
the campus restaurant and had an amazing Maharashtrian fish thali. Near the
beach, there were rocks to sit and on the other end of the beach, a few hundred
metres away, we could see the famous <b>Ganapati temple</b> (a must visit), after
which the place was named Ganapatipule. The laddoo prasad at the temple is just
divine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were lines of
lounges and small restaurants nearby and that night we had delicious vegetarian
dinner with the amazing aroma of Konkani and Malwani spices.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stress-free in just
four days; you can plan a two-day trip too<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every morning and
evening, our routine for those four days was go to the beach, stroll, enjoy the
waves and just sit and sit on the rocks -- doing nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy massage:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We found a panchkarma
massage centre within the campus. My husband relaxed with a body massage and I
experienced shirodhara (head massage). The aroma and the warmth of the
ayurvedic oil pouring drop by drop on my forehead was so relaxing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other places to visit:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Different beaches:
Ganapatipule, Arey Ware, Advika, Malgund, Bhandarpule <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Prachin Konkan Museum<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Magic Garden<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Shree Mahalakshmi’s
House of Wax<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Jai Vinayak Temple<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Kavi Keshavsoot Smarak<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can take a bike on
rent and roam around the town<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At some points, scuba
diving, para motoring, paragliding are also available<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nearby places (3-4
hours’ drive or a day’s trip) <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Jaigad Fort &
Lighthouse <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Chiplun <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Ratnagiri city <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Kolhapur <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Guhagar Beach <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Vyadeshwar Temple <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Gopalgad Fort &
Anjanvel Lighthouse <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Hedvi Ganesh Temple
& Beach<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*You can also hire a
bike and ride the sea trail to Tarkali, another pristine beach, and further
down to Goa.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p></div>
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