Month: June 2020

How obesity affects our health……

In simpler terms obesity is weight above what’s considered healthy, it is often measured using Body Mass Index (BMI). It is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. The symptoms may include overweight, abdominal obesity and back pain. A term ‘Childhood Obesity ‘ is becoming more popular nowadays, it is nothing but a condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his/her age and height. The symptoms are same in most cases, overweight, abdominal obesity or shortness of breath.

Obesity also throws light on two psychological disorders called ‘Binge Eating’ and ‘ Bulimia Nervosa’. Binge eating is something in which a person has to eat in really small intervals of time, let’s say, a person eats large amount of food in every hour or so and take it out immediately by the method of purging. Where as bulimia nervosa is a disorder in which a person intakes large quantities of food at small intervals but not purging. Hence, these to disorders also results in obesity. If a person is suffering from these disorders, he/she is giving signs of anxiety, depression and other depressive disorders.

Some solutions to remove obesity:-

1. Eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

2. Exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes a day.

3. Cutting down consumption on fatty and sugary foods.

4. Using vegetable- based oils rather than animal- based fats.

Obesity should be prevented because the longer a person is obese, the more significant obesity-related risk factors become. Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is hard to treat, prevention is extremely important. This puts the person at high risks of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and various heart diseases. Preventing obesity in adults involves regular physical activity, a decrease in saturated fat intake, a decrease in sugar consumption, and an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. In addition, family and healthcare professional involvement may help to maintain a healthy weight.

Some basic things we can do for the self treatment of obesity are consuming fewer calories, making healthy food choices, doing more exercises and getting monitoring weight may help reduce body mass. Other things we can do is seeking medical care. Getting advice on nutrition and exercise, finding out weight loss medications that might help, and disussing weight loss surgery.

Many factors play an important role in the development of obesity. Genetic traits can increase the risk in some people. A healthful diet that contains plenty of fresh food, together with regular exercise, will definitely reduce the risk of obesity in most people. However, those that have a genetic predisposition may find it harder to maintain a healthy weight.

It is rightly said by doctors and other professionals that obesity comes with various other diseases also,that have been already mentioned. It is really very important for everyone to be healthy and keep their intake healthy. After all we are doing this all for ourselves and no one else will take care of this issue.

Refrences:- http://www.healthcare.com

LADAKH

Location and history

Ladakh (“land of high passes”) is a region in northern India. It is located between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is well-known for its remote mountain scenery. It is inhabited by a mix of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan people. Their la nguage is an archaic dialect of the Tibetan language. It is sometimes called “Little Tibet”, because it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Ladakh is one of the least populated regions in the area.

Historically, the region of Ladakh included neighboring Baltistan, the Indus and Zanskar Valleys, Lahaul and Spiti, Aksai Chin and the Nubra Valley. The modern region borders Tibet to the east, Lahaul and Spiti to the south, and Kashmir, Jammu and Baltistan to the west. The largest town in Ladakh is Leh. It is one of the few remaining places in South Asia where Buddhism is very strong. A majority of Ladakhis are Tibeta Buddhists and the rest are mostly Shia Muslims. Leh is followed by Kargil as the second largest town in Ladakh. 

How to go

The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh which is just 3.8 km from the main city. The cabs are available outside the airport; by which you can get transferred to the heart of Ladakh easily. This is one of the highest commercial airports that is directly connected to the major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu. The International travelers can directly board a flight from the major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi to reach Leh Airport by air and then ultimately to Ladakh, by a cab.

Places to Visit

Pangong Lake:

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies within the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. All together it covers 604 km2. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water. It is not a part of the Indus river basin area and geographically a separate landlocked river basin.

Zanskar valley:

Zanskar or Zahar (locally) or Zangskar is a subdistrict or tehsil of the Kargil district, which lies in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The administrative centre is Padum. Zanskar, together with the neighboring region of Ladakh, was briefly a part of the kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet. The Zanskar Range is a mountain range in the union territory of Ladakh that separates Zanskar from Ladakh. Geologically, the Zanskar Range is part of the Tethys Himalaya, an approximately 100-km-wide synclinorium formed by strongly folded and imbricated, weakly metamorphosed sedimentary series. The average height of the Zanskar Range is about 6,000 m (19,700 ft). Its eastern part is known as Rupshu.

Chadar trek:

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter trail in the Zanskar, in the Indian administered union territory of Ladakh. Traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months, the trail has become popular with international adventure tourists.

Nubra valley:

Nubra is a subdivision and a tehsil in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers. Its Tibetan name Ldumra means “the valley of flowers”. Diskit, the headquarters of Nubra, is about 150 km north from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. i.e. 3048 metres above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La pass from Leh town.

Hemis National Park:

Hemis National Park (or Hemis High Altitude National Park) is a high altitude national park in the eastern Ladakh Union Territory of the Republic of India. Globally famous for its snow leopards, it is believed to have the highest density of them in any protected area in the world It is the only national park in India that is north of the Himalayas, the largest notified protected area in India (largest National park) and is the second largest contiguous protected area, after the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and surrounding protected areas. The park is home to a number of species of endangered mammals, including the snow leopard. Hemis National Park is India’s protected area inside the Palearctic ecozone, outside the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary northeast of Hemis, and the proposed Tso Lhamo Cold Desert Conservation Area in North Sikkim. The park is bounded on the north by the banks of the Indus River, and includes the catchments of Markha, Sumdah and Rumbak, and parts of the Zanskar Range.

Magnetic Hill:

Magnet Hill is a “Cyclops hill” located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The layout of the area and surrounding slopes create the optical illusion of a hill. The hill road is actually a downhill road. Objects and cars on the hill road may appear to roll uphill in defiance of gravity when they are, in fact, rolling downhill. It is 7.5 km southeast of Nimmoo and 26.5 km west of Leh on Srinagar-Ladakh road.

Why visit Ladakh?

Sweeping scenic beauty

Enclosed in between the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, the Ladakh region is a highland that is layered in spectral of red, orange, brown, green, and grey with large crystal blue water bodies. The rugged landscape under the stark blue sky, aligned by snow crested peaks and some lush green patches of vegetation along the valleys formed by the perennial streams together make for a surreal scenic beauty. So if you are still thinking that Ladakh is just a barren landscape, I’m afraid, you are going to miss the shelter in heaven.

Foodie benefits

I know you must have tried out both momos and thukkpas out here in the city at some Indo-Tibetan restaurant or at any edge eateries. But out there in the mass of indigenous Indo-Tibetan sphere you will just relish each bite of momos and slurp of thukkpa. Just imagine that there is a mystical spice hidden in the valley that top-ups the steamy momos to a lip smacking snack and lashing of red chilli in the bowl of thukkpa will just counteract the chilly and dry winds ensuing a great solace.

Vibrant and indigenous festivals

You might have read or heard about the indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans – about their lifestyle, rituals and festivals. I bet it will be a pleasure to your eyes if you are visiting Ladakh during the auspicious festivals of Losar, Hemis, Naro Nasjal, Kalachakra, Dosmoche, Tak, and Phyang. These festivals are not just vibrant and unique in their own ways, but if you trigger the traveler inside you, you will find a sensational vibe of ritual that drives away the evil spirit. And if you can’t trigger that out, you have got to capture and enjoy the drama performance, which is a fusion of drums and trumpets, and thumping steps of the masked Lamas.

Lose yourself in the barren panorama

So, when you can afford your sound health to that altitude then why not to spend a bit more and explore the barren and rugged beauty that is dispersed throughout the region.  It is a region where you can breathe in some fresh air, let go all the weariness and explore the untraceable landscape of Ladakh.

Limber up your photography skills

The mountainscapes, desertscapes and riverscapes altogether offers a wonderful scenic frame to limber up your photography skills. So you have got a chance to click countless candid moments. Not to miss moments are the heavenly horizons, unplugged landscapes, wildlife and culture and sparkling blue lakes.

Conquer the highest trekkable peaks and mountain passes

You know Ladakh is quite popular for certain trekkable peaks like Stok Kangri, Nun-Kun and Kang-Yatse? Well conquering that altitude isn’t a cup of tea but you are still fit to go for it. You can dream of a strenuous climb and days like Eskimos! Even if you think it is hard for you to get acclimatized to the high altitude of 6,000 meters and above, you got those historical mountain passes that used to be the trade routes once upon a time between India and China. Once you conquer one of these mountain passes I bet you will receive the best bird’s eye view of the distant valleys and remote villages tucked in the midst of the Trans-Himalayan ranges. Some of the notable mountain passes are the Khardung La, Tanglang La, Chang La, Wari La, and Namshang La.

Being an abode of some of the ancient Buddhist monasteries and gompas

The Ladakh region is also notable for housing some of the ancient Buddhist monasteries and gompas that chronicle the footsteps of Buddhism in India. The vibrant festivals, indigenous attire and strange rituals are some other things that you are going to see in addition when you visit these monasteries. Further, the artistic décor, ancient manuscripts and antiques like statues, thangkas and murals are simply going to take you back to the pre-historic era. Some of the notable Buddhist monasteries and gompas in the Ladakh region are the Hemis monastery, Alchi monastery, Matho monastery, Spituk monastery, Thiksey monastery, Stakna monastery, Stok monastery, and Lamayuru monastery.

Acclimatize your driving skills and snaking through mountain passes

If you are a traveler on wheels the aslant roads snaking through the barren mountains will give you an opportunity to acclimatize your driving skills. The drive from Manali to Leh, crossing some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world; an expedition through Khardung La to Nubra Valley; and a thrilling journey from Leh to Srinagar is some of the best routes in Ladakh region where you can whizz and snake through the mountainscapes.

Stretch your money with cheap accomodations

Ladakh is one such destination where you are going to spend much on travelling than lodging. You will find neat and tidy rooms in Leh starting at just Rs. 600 even during the peak tourist season. Then you can also find accommodation in some local villages in the Ladakh region and experience the local culture throughout your trip. Further, you have plenty of options for camping in Ladakh.

Away from the Hi-tech life, live like a nomad

Overlooking the sparkling blue Pangong Lake an overnight camping is much needed for techies like you. Just imagine a life other than technology, civilization and infrastructure and you step into the wide open space of nature. How about a part of your life spending at the Hunder Sand Dunes? It is beyond your dreams. Amid the towering mountains camping in Hunder Sand Dunes makes you feel like you are living life like a nomad. There again if you can afford further couple of days, camping at the Tso Moriri Wetland will surely give you an opportunity to get acquainted with some of the beautiful species of high altitude birds and animals.

So if you are still thinking why to visit the Ladakh region once in your lifetime, you have got your own vibe to add further as another reason. If you are an adventurer then the winter is the best time to exploit every bit of Ladakh. The Snow Leopard trek and Frozen River trek are some of the notable winter expeditions in the Ladakh region which you can go for. If you are a leisurescaper, then you have time to plan a customized trip starting from April and continuing till October. So what are you waiting for?

CALL AGAINST RACISM

The death of the African American man, George Floyd aged 45 years old who got kneeled down on the neck by  white police officer, for nine minutes  in Minneapolis on 25th of May,2020 has set the whole world on fire. This has become the rallying point for protest against the black lives. It has even ignited fire in continents  beyond ,like Europe. In  no time since the video got viral on social media, George has become the most famous man on earth, and everyone took his an opportunity to express their anger by coming out on the  streets in huge numbers. His last words “I can’t breathe ,sir” remains engraved in people mind till now. Derek Chauvin, the culprit along with three controller present their have been charged of offence.

The activist aim of bringing drastic change to policing has been finally been seen achieving because of the death of George Floyd. People now seem to have a ray of hope for a complete transformation of public safety .Majority of Minneapolis city  council wants to put an end to discrimination by police superiors. A nine member council came together to pledge dismantle and disrupt police administration. They want to do this by rebuilding   the police administration from scratch, the objective behind this was to eliminate the bitter relationship developed between the people and the police department. This would finally put a full stop to “legal” racial discrimination. The whole scenario have now pushed the democrats to get  a bill passed, which would be aimed at reforming law enforcement in the country.

Protesters in their journey towards demanding justice, had to deal with smoke grenades, tear gas and nonlethal projectiles.Another video which went viral showed how  a old man, aged 75 years of age was protesting singlehandedly against the police officers, and he laid injured in the streets.US President Donald Trump got  slammed by New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo for tweeting without any proof that this was all a “setup”.

The continuous rising rage of the protests had led Trump to go down to the extend of sending army troops to the streets , in order to control the crowd. This could’ve been a possible solution for a country dominated by dictatorship, but not a country where democracy stands for long. People are protesting in huge number amidst the coronavirus, trying to break through all the stores in US and looting the government. The situation went to such an extent, that Donald Trump in fear had to go under bunkers. The government which  had earlier promised of building walls in lieu of their protection, now  has a covering made of steel all around The White House. The protest was even seen in Europe , after New York, Los Angeles ,London,etc. In Europe statue of Slave Trader Edward Colston was pulled down by protesters, made to roll down  through the streets to the green waters of the harbour.

Derek Chauvin ,  was addressed by the title “Sir” by George Floyd , seconds before he closed his eyes permanently . In a video clip recorded, it was seen that he is not set bail at $ 1.25 millions during a hearing. People crowded around Floyd’s last rites in hometown, Texas in order to pay him their tribute. He got buried next to his mother.

Philonise Floyd , George Floyd’s  brother  complained about how people from their background  have been ignored , and not paid importance. Democratic lawmaker Karen Bass told the house hearing that hopes America would pass the Rightful Police Reform by the end of December. George Floyd’s  brother  pleaded top the congress that his brother death should not go in vain , and he should be remembered , not as a mere picture. George Floyd  name has been engraved in the history pages, forever. He would now act as a catalyst to bring profound change.

✨-Effect of COVID-19 on Automobile Industry-✨

“THE WORLD IS DISAPPEARING” THIS SENTENCE MAYBE MOST CONTINENT FOR  TODAY’S SITUATION. BECAUSE OF ONE DISEASE CALLED -CORONA-. THAT  BATS 🦇 ARE REALLY CULPRIT OF THIS SITUATION? , SOMEONE SAYS, THIS IS HAPPENING ONLY BOCOZ OF THAT BATS.., SOMEONE SAYS THIS IS HAPPENING BECOZ OF CHAINA, SOMEONE SAYS THIS IS HAPPENING BOCOZ OF EATING ANIMALS.. BUT NO ONE IS ABLE TO FIND ACTUAL REASON. WE HUMANS ARE PULLING OUR FAULTS ON ANOTHER. DUE TO THIS WORLD WIDE DISEASE WORLD🌏 IS FACING WITH MANY PROBLEMS. AND ONE OF THE CRITICAL PROBLEM IS EFFECT ON AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY. COVID-19 LED TO SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION AND PRODUCTION HALT IN LETTER HALF OF MARCH 2020.THE IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND THE LOCKDOWN IS TRIGGERED IS CLEARLY  VISIBLE IN FINANCIAL MARKSHEETS. BUT THERE IS STILL CLARITY ON THE DEEPER IMPACT THAT IS HAVING ACROSS BUSINESS &INDUSTRIAL SECTORS. BASED ON ASSESSMENT MADE BY DIFFERENT ANALYSTS &INDUSTRY BODY FICCI.. THE WORLD’S ECONOMY IS DANGLING. THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HAS DEALT A DEADLY BELOW TO HUMALITY AND TO THE INDUSTRIES GLOBALLY. THIS UNPRECEDENTED CRISIS HAS UNLEASHED A GLOBAL TRAUMA & HAS BECOME THE BIGGEST THREAT TO BE GLOBAL ECONOMY IN MODERN HISTORY -MAJOR IMPACTED BUSINESS ARE TRAVELL &TOURISM, COSTUMERS GOODS, AUTOMOBILE, IT & INSURANCE. INDIA WILL BE THE WORLD’S FOURTH LARGEST PASSENGRS VEHICLE MARKET BY 2021.IT TOOK INDIA AROUND SEVEN YEARS TO INCREASE ITS ANNUAL PRODUCTION TO FOUR MILLION VEHICLES FROM THREE MILLION -FIVE MILLION IS EXPECTED IS LESS THAN FIVE YEARS . THESE HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS.DUE TO COVID-19, AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS THE WORLD OVER ARE FACED WITH A SUDDEN SLUMP IN DEMANDS . THIS CULPTED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. TECHNOLOGICAL UPHEAVALS & COMPLEX REGULATORS FRAMEWORKS ARE GOING TO RESULT IN TOUGHEST TIMES FOR INDUSTRY. BUT WE HOPE THIS ALL CRISIS WILL BE CURE SOON. BUT IT WILL TAKE LITTLE BIT OF TIME.

Can animals talk?

We often wonder if animals can communicate with each other or if they understand the language of the humans.The answer to the question is that the animals don’t particularly have any language but they do communicate with each other. Communication is essential for the survival of all the species on earth. As for animals, they […]

Can animals talk?

Can animals talk?

We often wonder if animals can communicate with each other or if they understand the language of the humans.
The answer to the question is that the animals don’t particularly have any language but they do communicate with each other. Communication is essential for the survival of all the species on earth. As for animals, they use signs and signals to communicate.
• Types of signs
• Smell
• Touch
• Sounds
• Visual signals


• Communication through smell
Animals use a chemical known as Pheromone for communicating through smell. Pheromone is a Greek word, phero- to bear and mone- hormone.
This signal is passed between members of same species. They are used by animals to give various signs like marking own territory, leaving a trail of Pheromones to mark their path, alarm for threats and also to attract male and female species for mating.
The trail of Pheromones should be renewed again and again because it evaporates quickly.
Examples of animals using Pheromones:
• Ants mark their paths with Pheromones for other ants to follow and reach to the point where the source of food is available.
• The butterfly Edith’s checker spot use Pheromones for mating. The virgin female species release Pheromone to attract male species for mating.

• Communication through touch
This form of communication is called Tactile communication. In case of poor vision or hearing, physical communication proves to be very important. Touching in animals is used in different contexts like defense, mating, playing, etc
Examples of animals using sense of touch:
• Elephants rub their ears to one another when in a playful mode or they poke their tusks to show aggression.
• Mammals stroke or rub themselves against each other to initiate mating.
• Ants tap each other with their antina or foreleg and lead to the source of food.

• Communication through sound
Auditory communication is used by animals as well as birds. The everyday sounds that we hear like barking, meowing, chirping, etc. Each have a unique purpose.
Examples of animals and using sonic signal:
• The crocking of the bullfrogs is to signal that they are finding love.
• Vervet monkeys from Eastern Africa warn others when they spot predator species nearby by a different type of call.
• Gorillas hum to show happiness.

• Communication through the sense of vision

Visual communications are communication that can be seen by others like colour, body posture, gestures and facial expressions.
Examples of animals using visual communications:

• Dogs perking up their ears is the sign of alertness. When in attack mode, their eyes is fixed on the target with wrinkles on their forehead.
• The size of the antlers of the male white tailed deer determines power. The bigger the antler the more powerful the deer is for another male deer.
• Gorillas stick their tongue out when they are angry.
• The male peacock spreading its feathers and dancing signifies its need of mating.

Hence, animals talk with each other. Maybe we don’t always understand them but they have a unique way in sending every possible type of signal to communicate.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: UNDERSTANDING KHATNA

PC: Sahiyo & StoryCentre. A screenshot from a video uploaded by The Indian Express.

WHAT IS ‘KHATNA’?

Khatna, a genital cutting in women, is practised by the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sub-sect of Shia Muslims. It involves the removal of either part or all of a woman’s genitalia or clitoral hood or closure of vulva with a small opening only for the urine to pass.

Dawoodi Bohra community came to India as traders from West Asian and African countries and predominantly resided in Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi. They have been practising this secret ritual of female circumcision for centuries. “They describe this as ‘Religious Purity’. They also say that according to Da’im al-Islam (a 10th-century book on jurisprudence), this practice is for hygiene or taharat- not just physical but also ‘spiritual’ and ‘religious’.”[1] They believe that the clitoral head is ‘unwanted skin’. It is a ‘source of sin’ that will make them ‘stray’ out of their marriages are reasons that lie at the heart of a practice that predates Islam but thrives amongst Bohras. The Prophet does not consider this practice as a religious requirement and does not ordain it. “The Holy Koran preaches that the Prophet breathes life into each body and that each body is in perfect shape. It is indicative in the following verse: “We have indeed created man in the ‘best of moulds’.” (Qur’an 95:4)[2]

The objective of the practice is to control a woman’s sexual desire and preserve her “honour” before marriage. The community believes that the clitoris causes sexual deviance in women. In a patriarchal society, a woman has no right to partake in sexual pleasure. Sex is a sin and a taboo, which ironically, only men have the freedom to enjoy.

As we know, in India no such practice goes without a challenge. In this article will refer an important case dealing with the matter at hand. It is an attempt to analyse the issues.

SUNITA TIWARI v UNION OF INDIA[3]

The three-judge bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, found that the practice of Khatna or Female Genital Mutilation (for short “FGM”) is a crime punishable under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

The issues before the bench were-

  1. Whether the practice of female circumcision violates the right to privacy of the girls on whom the procedure is performed without their consent?
  2. Whether the practise violates the right to life and bodily autonomy of women and girls and infringes on Article 21 of the Constitution?
  3. Whether the practise is discriminatory against women and girls, and whether it violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution?
  4. Whether the practice is protected as a religious practice under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution?

The Petitioner, Sunita Tiwari, contended that the practice of Khatna, as performed on every girl child within the Dawoodi Bohra religious community, does not have any reference in the Quran and is carried out without any medical reason. It thereby expresses anguish over the atrocity, bodily pain, in-humanness and mental torture faced by the girls and women. All this because of traumatic, unhygienic and illegal surgeries performed on them in their childhood. She also argued that this practice violates women’s right to equality, right to privacy, and the right to personal liberty. She signed to make Khatna a cognizable, non-compoundable and non-bailable offence. She petitioned so as to declare this practice unconstitutional and illegal.

She also stated that the World Health Organization had declared Khatna or FGM to be a highly degrading practice. It is considered to be a violation of fundamental human rights and integrity of girls and women. It burdens young women with a slew of psychological problems such as trauma, depression, fear of sexual intimacy and nightmares. Also, in December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution which called for the elimination of FGM.

Hygiene is another appalling issue. Often, Khatna is conducted by untrained midwives without anaesthesia, using unsterilised tools. This may cause infections or in some cases, even death. It is sad to observe that instead of standing strong together, women are guilty of harming other women through this practice. Khatna is a hushed affair, as shame and discomfort shroud female sexuality in a patriarchal society. Due to this secrecy, there is no actual data on FGM in India.

The respondents in their defence said that it is a religious practice and hence is protected under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution. They also stated that this practice is not discriminatory against women. Both men and women are required to be circumcised. The community considered this practice as an integral part of their religion.

At present day, this judgement is still pending before the Supreme Court. The original court referred the case to a five-judge bench which further referred to a seven-judge bench.

CONCLUSION

They promise you a bar of chocolate, a movie or just an outing; they take you instead to a dingy, dark room, pin you to a bed, take off your pants and cut that tiny part of you that was eventually supposed to make you experience one of the greatest pleasures of being a woman. With blades, knives or anything remotely sharp and long, they cut off your clitoris, and say it’s in the name of culture. All this happens when you are a girl of seven or eight. In spite of being banned by such a big organisation as the UN and WHO, there is no ban on this act in India. This practice prima facie violates the rights of women in India. It’s the worst nightmare a girl can ever have. Even the ones who remember look at sexual intercourse as just an activity they need to do after marriage; the idea of pleasure thrown out of the window. Above all, the irony is, the Bohra Community is known to be a more ‘open’ Muslim community than most others, as it allows for its girls to get an education and travel if they wish to. This case may become a landmark case if it results in banning FGM in India. Just like Talaq e-biddat Judgement, this case may also curb this arbitrary practice in which consent of women is not considered, and exploitation is on its zenith.

[1] Aarefa Johari, Why do Dawoodi Bohras practice Khatna, or female genital mutilation, May 19, 2017, https://sahiyo.com/2017/05/19/why-do-dawoodi-bohras-practice-khatna-or-female-genital-cutting/ (Last Visited on October 4, 2018).

[2] The Indian Economist, Female genital Mutilation: The case of the Bohra Muslims in India, March 24, 2017 https://www.magzter.com/news/764/2674/032017/d7evp (Last Visited on October 4, 2018).

[3] Sunita Tiwari v Union of India, W.P. (C) No.286/2017.

Study For Knowledge, Not For Marks!

In today’s generation, students study to score more marks and not to gain knowledge. Exams are just taken to test our knowledge and marks are indicators that where we stand among our classmates and it creates a good competition. Scoring good marks is also important for a student but these marks cannot decide their life, happiness and future.
In modern life, students study for marks, which is as a villian for them. It has broken the relationship of few children with their parents. Scoring marks are not completely our life. In modern world, children life has become very busy. When they are only of three years, they start going to school which snatch them away from their childhood. They have to live away from their parents 5-6 hours. Their life become busy from their childhood. They suffer exams. Marks and exams have made the modern day children coward.
Exams are just a medium to know one’s understanding in a subject. If a person scores low, it just means that the person has not yet understood the concept, it doesn’t mean that he/she has less understanding power or less potential. Some students are very talented but they get bad marks and become demotivated due to which they feel bad. Parents should also understand these things. Some parents make pressure on their child to get good marks but they should understand that knowledge is more important. Understanding of a subject matters. Some students rote and get good marks but they cannot be successful in future. The competition level of modern world is very tough. Sometimes a student who scores 50-60% in 12th becomes successful in life, but a student who scores 90 above cannot get success because they do not have knowledge.
But exams are also important too, from the knowledge point of view. There is a positive side of examination as well. In todays generation, the reality of students is that around 80-85% of them do not study regularly. Studying regularly is a proper way. If exams are completely removed from the system, these type of students will never study, which will spoil their future. So, we can say examination is  a tool which helps in maintaining an appropriate level of knowledge among the average students.
Then there is a confusion that exams and knowledge both are related to each other, which one is important. It can be solved. While studying, when no exams are near,the students have freedom to go into depth of the topics and get details and knowledge about it. During studying for examination, they need to be very specific. Students should stick to the topics needed and the portions most important from the examination point of view. Students should be pragmatic in their approach towards gaining knowledge and then utilise it for gaining better result.

5 tips you must follow if you’re quarantining with a narcissistic personality

Hey everyone, This time around, I’m coming with some very raw & real tips. If you are spending your quarantine with a narcissist or an emotionally abusive person, I know how uneasy, frustrated, and drained you must feel. You may feel as though you are walking on eggshells- anticipating what you may or may not have to expect from this person. Because of this, I want to be here as a resource to give you tips on how you can keep your peace and weather this storm:

1. NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY TRY TO ENTICE YOU INTO AN ARGUMENT, YOU MUST STAY NEUTRAL & UNREACTIVE. 
You might be saying, “But! they are so hurtful! All they do is pick me apart and tear me apart! I have to say something back”. I get you. I have been there. But, what if I told you narcissists get their energy and their sense of self from your attention- negative or positive. No matter if the attention is negative or positive it communicates the same message to them- it communicates to them that they are important. This is what they seek. A sense of importance. So my tip to you is to be like a grey rock- neutral, unreactive, & boring. One word answers like “okay” and “sure” “yes” and “no” will take you far. I promise if you do this enough times you will start to notice they bother you less than usual. Why? Because they can’t get much out of you. I know this will be tough but remember one thing, you don’t have to defend yourself against them- they won’t hear you anyway.

2. IMAGINE A MIRROR IS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE WHEN THEY SPEAK NEGATIVELY TOWARDS YOU. 
The narcissist is incredibly critical, you know this and you know how painful it can be. Remember this, as they criticize you, they are really just projecting how they feel about themselves to you. They hold themselves AND unfortunately, you, to an impossible standard. Understand that they cannot tell the difference between you and themselves. They believe everyone is an extension of themselves. This is why I say to imagine a mirror is in front of your face when they speak to you, because it will help you consciously remember that as they are criticizing you, they are really criticizing themselves. I promise, none of what they are saying about you is true.

3. DO SOMETHING THAT ONLY INVOLVES YOURSELF, DAILY. 
This is critical. This is huge. This is for your sanity. This helps you ground within yourself and stay rooted within yourself. Take a walk for a couple of minutes per day, take an extra long shower or bath, and/or do some yoga/stretches. These all sound like simple suggestions, I know, but try it. You’ll see how much of a difference it makes in remembering how much you and your peace matters- and is within your reach.

4. AFFIRM YOURSELF EVERY MORNING.
 Affirm that you know your experiences are valid. Affirm that you know you are not going crazy. Affirm that even if you are the only one who is aware of the discord going on within your home- your experiences are real and true. Affirm that eventually you will get out of this situation and that this situation will not get a hold of you. For more affirmations, make sure you check out my inner child healing affirmations and meditations here.

5. SOOTHE YOUR INNER CHILD. 
When we feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even anxious, sometimes it is our inner child feeling triggered by the memories she once experienced during childhood. So when the narcissist in your life triggers those feelings- and subconscious memories, take a moment to be with yourself- when you get the chance- to remind the younger you that the adult you is here now. There is nothing to fear. Remind her how loved and lovable she is and how she will be okay, she’ll make it through.

I hope you implement these tips during quarantine and that you remember that this is just a season, that you are dong the best that you can, and that things may not look as though you want them to now, but they will all get better in a matter of time.

P.S~ The major inspiration for writing this article has been the podcast on Google titled as “The Self Love Fix”. It’s amazing. You all must give it a try.

Commercialization of Education

Back in the 90s, getting 60 percent on your boards meant having a party in the whole neighborhood; it was a celebration. Today, even 95 percent is not enough to secure your admission in the college and course of your choice. So, what changed during all these years? Not the NCERTs for sure.

India is fast becoming a country where education is just another commodity. With everyone obsessing over education and paying any amount of money to get the best, the real essence of education has been devalued. It is no longer a noble cause; it is a mere means for people to earn a profit, to scam others into paying for a basic necessity.

To educate someone means to impart that person the knowledge so that he or she can survive in society. But the commercialization of education has turned almost every institution into a business or a money-making factory, charging huge amounts for all the facilities that they provide. And the sad part of it all is that these facilities aren’t even required most of the time.

Today, every nook and corner has a new coaching institute being run by someone who is not even a professional of the field they are teaching or tutoring students in. As a result, most of the students going from schools to colleges are not using any prior knowledge from their formative years. Furthermore, the students passing out of colleges are not ready to be employed right away. Yet they are being employed, many even as teachers. A teacher is a pillar of a child’s future, but what will happen if the teacher himself fails to build a strong foundation for his student’s life?

Another important parameter for quality education is having the right infrastructure. The environment of the place where you send your child to study matters a lot. As a student, it is important to keep in mind that nurture plays a huge role in the development of our minds and the correct environment is the first step towards nurturing the feeling of learning in our minds. Schools and colleges are spending way more on advertising their institutions and finding prospective customers in the name of students rather than spending that same money on improving the infrastructure and the facilities available for the students. The parents are falling prey to these lucrative ads, readily paying a huge amount of money to get their ward into the said institution, without even realizing that their hard-earned money will be used to catch other prey. Basically, they are being cheated in the name of education.

Instead of being the solution to a problem, education itself is becoming more of a problem. Even though the education industry is rising, it is lagging behind in fulfilling its social responsibility towards the society.

The education system has to improve, thereby improving the meaning of education. Providing education should no longer equate to just paying the fees. The youth has to be provided with quality education and the whole society has to work together to convey this message to the world.

Image Courtesy: Google