Understanding the Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is about taking deliberate actions to preserve or improve one’s health. It encompasses activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Understanding the importance of self-care starts with recognizing its benefits. Regular self-care practices can reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize the risk of illness, and increase energy levels. Moreover, self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself, which can improve relationships with others.

Effective Self-Care Practices for Daily Life

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet effective self-care practices that can be easily integrated into your day:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. This practice involves focusing on the present moment and letting go of any distractions or negative thoughts.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is not only good for your body but also your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout at the gym, moving your body can help reduce anxiety and depression.
• Healthy Eating: Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function. Avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods can also prevent mood swings and energy crashes.
• Sleep Hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for mental well-being. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding screens before bed can improve sleep quality and overall mental health.

How Self-Care Routines Enhance Mental Health

Self-care routines are beneficial for mental health in several ways. They provide a sense of control, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. By setting aside time for yourself, you signal to your mind and body that you are worth taking care of. This can boost self-esteem and self-worth, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

Additionally, self-care routines can help break the cycle of negative thinking. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can shift your focus away from worries and stressors. Over time, these practices can create new, healthier thought patterns and behaviors.

The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health

The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. Physical activities, such as exercise, can directly impact mental well-being by releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. Furthermore, physical health issues, such as chronic pain or fatigue, can contribute to mental health problems. Therefore, taking care of your body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can significantly improve mental health.

Self-Care and Personal Appearance

Taking care of your physical appearance is another important aspect of self-care. Feeling good about your appearance can boost your confidence and self-esteem, which are crucial for mental well-being. Skincare routines, grooming, and even cosmetic treatments can play a role in this.

For instance, incorporating a skincare routine can be both a relaxing and rewarding practice. Investing time in taking care of your skin can not only improve your physical appearance but also provide a sense of accomplishment and routine. Treatments like facials, massages, and even botox offers various benefits, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and boosting confidence. Feeling good about your appearance can significantly improve your overall mental health and well-being.

Making Self-Care a Priority

One of the biggest challenges to effective self-care is making it a priority. Many people feel guilty for taking time for themselves or believe they lack time. However, it’s important to remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary. Prioritizing self-care can lead to better productivity, improved relationships, and a higher quality of life.

Start by setting small, achievable goals. Schedule self-care activities as you would any other important appointment. Gradually, these practices will become habits, and you’ll begin to notice the positive impact on your mental health.

Tips for Sustaining Self-Care Practices

Consistency is key when it comes to self-care. Here are some tips to help sustain your self-care practices:

• Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually build up your self-care routine.
• Create a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly self-care schedule that fits your lifestyle.
• Stay Flexible: Be adaptable and willing to adjust your self-care practices as needed. Life can be unpredictable, so it’s important to remain flexible.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. Support from others can enhance your self-care efforts.

Embracing a Healthier, Happier You

In conclusion, self-care is a powerful tool for improving mental health. By incorporating daily self-care routines, you can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and enhance overall well-being. Remember, taking time for yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for a balanced, fulfilling life. Embrace the journey of self-care and discover the profound impact it can have on your mental health. By prioritizing self-care, you’re investing in a healthier, happier you.

Embarking on a solo adventure in a new city brings a mix of excitement and apprehension. As you set out to explore uncharted territories, safety concerns may cast a shadow on the thrill of the journey. Navigating unknown streets alone can be both empowering and challenging, especially for female solo travellers.
In this blog, we’ll discover the secrets to ensure your safety while embracing the spirit of solo exploration. We’ll delve into expert tips and practical advice tailored for you, addressing the specific challenges faced by female adventurers in unfamiliar environments.

Research and Planning

Before stepping into the unknown of a new city solo, thorough research and meticulous planning become your best companions. Delve into the specifics of your destination, understanding its cultural nuances, local customs, and any gender-specific considerations.

Utilize online resources, travel forums, and social media platforms to gain insights from fellow female travelers who have trodden the same paths. Investigate the safety reputation of neighborhoods and accommodations to make informed choices that align with your preferences and security concerns.

Familiarize yourself with the public transit system and walking routes. Knowing the law of the land not only enhances your confidence but also minimizes the risk of wandering into unfamiliar or potentially unsafe areas.

Accommodation Selection

Choosing the right accommodation is pivotal to ensuring a safe and enjoyable solo adventure in a new city. Design Dash states that hotels are the most preferable choice since they provide more privacy and security, round-the-clock service, and secure room access. Although inexpensive and offering a communal atmosphere, hostels require cautious selection and strong security measures, such as lockers.

A genuine local experience combined with a feeling of security in a home environment is provided by homestays, which can be another option. Considering these, travelling women can select accommodations comfortably and welcome places with a good safety record.

Consider the location carefully. Proximity to public transportation, central areas, and well-traveled routes can enhance your overall safety. It’s wise to avoid secluded accommodations in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Research the reviews from fellow solo female travellers to gain valuable insights into their experiences at specific lodgings.

Local Customs and Cultural Awareness

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the destination, understanding the appropriate attire, greetings, and gestures. Respect for local customs not only fosters a positive interaction with the community but also enhances your overall safety.

Cultural awareness extends beyond mere observation; it involves adapting your behaviour to align with local norms. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, showcasing a genuine effort to connect with the residents. It not only facilitates communication but also earns you the respect and goodwill of the locals.

Communication and Connectivity

Ensure your smartphone is equipped with a local SIM card or an international roaming plan to always stay connected. It provides a lifeline for navigation, communication, and access to emergency services. Get to know the emergency numbers in your local area and keep them easily accessible. Stay in touch with family, friends, or fellow travellers by sharing your itinerary and checking in regularly.

According to Be My Travel Muse, by using various techniques to maintain contact, female travellers travelling alone can increase their safety. Maintaining a consistent presence on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter creates an online breadcrumb trail. It reassures loved ones about your well-being. Live location sharing is made possible by apps like WhatsApp. It allows others to follow you around for extra security, especially when you’re in strange places.

Also, communicating with someone about your travel arrangements, including sharing your schedule and any modifications, can be helpful. It guarantees that someone trustworthy will know your whereabouts, improving your safety when travelling alone.

Engage with the local community when seeking information or assistance. Locals often provide valuable insights and can guide you to safe places.

Communication is not just about technology; it’s also about non-verbal cues. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and use body language to convey confidence.

Cautious Transportation Choices

Solo female travellers often face unique challenges regarding transportation in new cities, with concerns about personal safety topping the list. Cases involving sexual assault in rideshare services have raised significant alarm.

It underscores the importance of cautious transportation choices for solo adventurers. Navigating unfamiliar routes and relying on transportation services can expose travellers to potential risks, making it crucial to adopt a vigilant approach. Among these transportation services, the most notable company under scrutiny nowadays is Uber.

There have been recorded incidents of sexual assault in Uber rides that have highlighted the need for increased awareness and stringent safety measures. Numerous incidences of sexual violence, including harassment, false imprisonment, sexual assault, and rape, have been reported by thousands of female Uber users. It’s advisable to verify the details of your ride, share trip information with trusted contacts, and choose well-lit and populated pick-up points.

According to TorHoerman Law, it’s essential for solo female travellers to prioritize their safety by being cautious about transportation choices. If they have been a victim, then legal avenues are available for them to take action for the problem they went through. They have the power to sue Uber due to a concerning trend of sexual assault & violence committed by Uber drivers.

Trusting Instincts and Saying No

Intuition is a powerful guide; if a situation or person feels uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to remove yourself. Cultivate awareness of your surroundings, listen to that inner voice, and be ready to act accordingly. Embrace the strength of saying no when faced with offers, invitations, or situations that don’t align with your comfort or safety.

Politeness is essential, but your well-being takes precedence. Firmly declining unwanted advances or unsolicited help is not just acceptable but crucial. Trust that your decision to say no is valid, and don’t be swayed by external pressures. Surround yourself with confidence, projecting self-assurance in your movements and decisions.

Secure Valuables and Stay Informed

Invest in a quality anti-theft backpack or purse with lockable zippers to deter pickpockets. Keep essential items like identification, money, and travel documents in a secure and easily accessible pouch.

Y Travel advises solo female travellers to use the safes or lockers provided in hotels and hostels to protect their belongings when travelling. For individualized security, switch up your safe codes. Put locks on luggage or use a padlock to keep them safe.

Carry a doorstop with you in lone rooms for further security and peace of mind over possible intruders. If you want extra security, think about carrying a whistle for emergencies. These inexpensive, lightweight precautions improve your safety and the security of your goods when travelling.

Stay informed about the local safety landscape by keeping abreast of news and updates. Be aware of any areas with reported incidents and adjust your itinerary accordingly. Utilize travel apps that provide real-time information about your surroundings, helping you make informed decisions about where to go and when.

In conclusion, embarking on solo adventures in new cities as a female traveller is a journey of empowerment and discovery. By blending careful planning, cultural awareness, and instinctual wisdom, every step becomes an opportunity for growth. Trusting your instincts, securing valuables, and making informed choices create a secure framework for exploration.

Love is a powerful feeling, in fact, the most powerful emotion that exists on this planet and universe otherwise. Love has the power to strengthen and create. It has the power to build and boost a living being and that is why it feels amazing to be in love. We feel on cloud 9, jumping hoping and flying in the crystal clear skies with rainbows around. If the person we are in love with has equal admiration for us I say this is a lucky thing to have for anyone. A power that one holds because that one person could give them the fulfilment of a lifetime in a moment, acknowledgement, admiration and a sense of wholeness and exactly because of this reason why it feels like death when that someone special breaks your heart. He or she goes away with everything nice that they bestowed on you by their mere presence. With the feeling of admiration, acknowledgement and wholeness gone, loathing, resentment and helplessness takes place in one’s heart which is one of the most powerful and dynamic center of anyone’s being. And there… it feels like death. So, what does one do? Not fall in love at all or move on but how…. continue reading the article if you are looking for answers

Fall in Love but Love yourself first

It is important to love yourself first before you love anyone else. Until and unless you are not in love with yourself and dont possess a sense of acceptance, admiration and wholeness in your being you will have difficulty dealing with the other person.

Allow space in relationships

Khalil Gibran has emphasised the importance of space in love which acts as oxygen in any relationship. Relationships are not about clinging to each other or suffocating the other person with too much of your presence but being the air in which they could float freely towards their destinations with your loving air beneath their wings. That love grows and sustains.

Be respectful of the other person’s being

Respect is of utmost importance between two people in a relationship. If you dont have it in your heart to respect the other person why is the meaning of love between two people at all? Love, care, nurture and respect are natural byproducts of a loving relationship. If the other person is disrespectful towards your being and requirements that should be your biggest red flag in a relationship.

Understand and Forgive

Sometimes understanding and forgiving things which were committed out of sheer ignorance and not intent is the way to move forward with a person whom you value the most. Your instinct and haunch will state clearly the intent of the person who committed something you did not like. Your heart will tell you the right thing You need to listen to it carefully and move accordingly if the person is too precious for you and you are assured he or she will not commit the same mistake twice.

Grieve and heal

Grieving and healing are two important aspects of love. Not every relationship will be successful not every relationship will give you a sense of fulfilment but every relationship will help you grow as a person in pursuit of better things and people. You must accept heartbreaks and grieve as much as is needed by you, it is also important to go through the period of healing and embrace these phases in totality without any regret or grudge. If you have not undergone these two phases, chances are you will never be successful in establishing a successful partnership with your spouse or the person who matters to you.

There is only one way to break up

There is only one way to break up i.e. ‘things did not work out between us and it is over for good now.’ There is no point holding onto that person through feelings of hate, grudges or anger. In an attempt to bring him down you basically bring yourself down and be stuck in the vicious circle of pain and suffering even after the other person is gone and happily settled. Any emotion any thought invested is power given to your lover (turned foe) you better use that emotion on you and your growth allowing space and conditions for better people to arrive in your life at a better time.

At the end, I would like to say ‘Always keep your faith over fear’ Have faith in the divine design that everything that this universe has conspired has conspired in your favour even if you dont feel and understand it right now.

Love and spread love! DOnt be the person you hated!

Be the best version of yourself no matter what!

There is a lot of distrust around psychics, seemingly, for good reason. Those who don’t have the best intentions seek to con others by masquerading as an authentic psychic. As a result, genuine psychics and their methods have always been held under scrutiny by the public. But there are still honest services available that can give you a proper psychic reading; it just takes proper vetting efforts to find them.

If you’re wondering why you should get a psychic reading, you also need to understand what psychic readings offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the best reasons to go see a psychic. 

What a Psychic Reading Can Offer

Once you dig deep enough, you’ll be surprised how much psychic readings can offer you. If you’re going through a rough patch or having doubts about important decisions in your life, psychic readings can benefit you immensely. Sometimes people have a hard time having closure with their past because the involved has passed away. A psychic reading can somewhat remedy this conundrum.

A psychic reading often might exactly be what you need to encourage you to pursue your dreams and ambitions. Psychic readings can also be highly beneficial in your love life, especially when it comes to attaining long-lasting relationships. They can also help you realize a more positive perspective on life and what the future has to offer. 

If you’re worried about privacy, then rest assured that true psychics consider their clients as sacred as a doctor. So getting a second opinion on struggles you’re going through from a psychic will never leave your information vulnerable or compromised.  

Why You Should See a Psychic

Not that you need them, but here are some of the best reasons (or excuses) to see a psychic.

Your Astrological Sign and Birth Chart

Psychics are not just good at communicating with the dead; they’re also very good with astrology. If you have any questions regarding your astrological sign or birth chart, visiting a psychic will help you understand things better.

To Try It Out at Least Once

You can always try a psychic reading just for the novelty, if nothing else. You would be surprised to hear how many people start believing in psychic reasons after getting one down just out of a whim.

The accusations of fraud quickly fall out the window when the psychic has no chance of knowing anything about your intimate personal details beforehand.

You Are Feeling Stuck in Life

To be honest, feeling stuck in life is one of the worse feelings ever. You can get stuck for multiple reasons- procrastination, being unable to make major decisions when it comes to love, relationships, finances, etc, and more.

The more time you waste being stuck in life the more opportunities and chances of success are lost. A good psychic can help pull you out of this rut.

You Want Some Kind of Sign

In order to move forward on a project or plan you’ve been hesitant about, sometimes you need a sign from the divine or the other side.

Spirits and other entities of the other side often are privy to information or future projections normal people can’t make in the mortal world. A psychic can help you get these supervisions and forecasts from spirits who want the best for you in life.

You Want To Understand Your Past Decisions

If past mistakes are haunting you, then it’s only natural that you want to understand those decisions and learn from them. However, this might not be possible if the person involved is dead. A psychic helps bridge the gap between the living and the dead so that both can gain long-term closure for good.

When everything is said and done, you’ll need to find a good psychic whom you can trust in the first place. Thanks to the internet, you can easily find good ones reading online reviews.

Finding the Right One

If you’re new to the world of spirituality, all this talk of communicating with the dead might seem hokey at first, but once you understand the basics, it will all make sense.

A good psychic can be a lifelong friend if you might right one. So the next time you’re feeling stuck, lookup for an authentic psychic to help you out with your problems.

A mask with powers to scare not just the Corona Virus but also people

An evil laugher mask perfect to haunt your dreams

What do you think of it.. A panty on the mouth..case of mistaken identity?

Talking about panties mask how about a mask with bra feel? Fashion feminism whatsoever….. A mask which is certainly capable of rolling eyeballs.

Female favourite? Well look at it they can easily show off the lipstick shades you have along with your pretty smile.

Talking about smiles through your mask at times when pandemic has really hit hard this mask will certainly made people to smile and spread some cheer in the air. Thinking of grabbing one ?

Some people just can not stop being fashionable and blingy. One thing is clear their arrival at a party will seek for attention even at the time of social distancing.

Well ask Nutella lovers… Nutella is just not chocolate but a feeling

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Netflix Indian web series Indian Matchmaking, though a successful web series is creating controversies at various level. Indian Matchmaking web series is not just an attempt to stereotype the Indian matchmaking scenario among international communities but also the webseries itself is very regressive and promotes patriarchy, jingoism and misanthropic mindset. This show is also anti feminist where women are portrayed gold digger psychopaths or docile cows with an emphasis on adjust and compromise. Man Childs in complete grip of their mothers are also portrayed in Indian matchmaking webseries who are completely incapable of running their marriage or relationship without their mother’s help.

I also saw some of the interviews Seema Taparia gave later where she justified the show by saying this is the harsh truth and not showing these means polishing the reality and through her web series she wishes that the mind set changes soon.

“Talking about honesty and truth I really want to ask her why did not she features even one single progressive couple whose marriages are not based on adjustmated or compromise but on mutual trust and understanding?”

The relationships which are based on love serving as the sole source to move ahead,move together as married couple?

Why were no such couples shown with powers to instigate faith into the bond as important as Marriage that a usual young man or woman feel inspired to be married for right reasons?

In an attempt to show another side of Indian matchmaking and mostly to give youngsters the right reasons to get married I gathered some wonderful beautiful couples myself whose stories will not only warm your heart but also establish faith in this institution established by our ancestors called ‘Marriage’

Mahvish and Omar

Your heart melts truly when you meet Mahvish and Omar. The dashing couple are fond of cooking and the lovely food pictures gather much attention and friends blame them to instigate gastronomical temptations through the food they cook together.

Their relationship mantra is based on gender neutrality, a relationship where cooking or cleaning are not gender specific jobs rather necessity oriented.

Omar does not feel shy in changing nappies of his son or cleaning his house. They both compliment each other perfectly when it comes to running their house.

Omar Shadab Hashmi is Cluster Programming Head Bihar,Jharkhand,East UP 92.7 BIG FM Reliance Broadcast Network ltd while Mahvish Rahman is Indian information Service Officer with Ministry of Information and Technology Government of India. They met each other during a professional business meeting and the love sparked. The love so powerful that this Indian matchmaking pushed families to meet each other and eventually a grand arranged marriage ceremony bonded their relationship on 15th August 2 They share the love of travelling and watching movies together along with teaching movie dialogues to their adorable 2 year old son Yusuf.

Their advise to couple looking forward to get married

” The couple should look forward to build their foundation on love,respect and trust with oodles of fun and humour than anything else.”

Aparajita and Dhananjay

The truly dashing couple who easily compete with any page 3 Bollywood celebrity couple are true blue millennials. Smart,ambitious,liberated and completely in love. Dhananjay Choubey is an e-commerce professional and currently associated with Dubai based e commerce giant while Aprajita Pandey is an HR professional with a Dutch firm.

The hot shot corporate professional met each other in a train while their respective MBA college interviews in 2009,exactly like the plots of half of Bollywood romantic movies. They both belonged to Ranchi, Jharkhand and later discovered that their families have known each other since 1972. Eventually after a courtship period of 8 years (more like growing up together) they prepared themselves for the Indian matchmaking scenarios and sought approvals of their parents. The fairytale wedding where the princess meets her prince charming( the Indian way) actually concluded on 28 November 2017 to live happily ever after. Though the happily ever after has spanned over 12 countries by now where they have travelled together and experienced life, histories and cultures through each other’s eyes.

Their advise to couple looking forward to get married

” Looks can be deceptive so it certainly should not be the criteria to get married. Marry someone you know and can be friends with.”

Vibhuti and Himanshu

When I first met the couple in their beautifully done up house, inside the idyllic majestic Raj Bhawan, Bihar the simplicity of their lives touched me deeply. The lovingly cooked fancy lunch which I had with the couple was so delicious that I did not realise how much I ate or perhaps it was because both of them treated Vibhuti’s guest equally.

The couple truly epitomise Indian matchmaking and I wonder if the producers of Netflix Indian matchmaking 2 would like to showcase them for their next season?

I mean their marriage is completely arranged,the parents introduced them together and since then, their love for each other knew no bound. They got married on 28 February 2017.

Himanshu is an Army officer working as an Aide-De-Camp to Governor of Bihar while Vibhuti is an interior stylist whose passion can be found at every corner of her bewitching house. When I asked them what do they dislike about each other. They laughed out loud and said I dislike Vibhuti when she scolds me and Vibhuti mocked him and said she also dislikes him when he does not listen to her. There was only love,happiness and bliss at that moment. If you ever wondered about the stories of knights in shining armors and the sweet maiden they are the one to look for.

Their advise to couple looking forward to get married

“Love and happiness should be your criteria during matchmaking, rest everything is futile. Also do support and trust each other when things go wrong.”

Nithya and Nishanth

My quest for a couple from the southernmost croners of India for real Indian matchmaking ended up with Nithya and Nishanth. The fun loving,funky and chirpy Nithya is completely opposite to calm,composed and sensitive Nishanth. Their matchmaking was done by their parents so traditionally that they met each other for the first time straight at their engagement ceremony. But the couple truly define the essence of modern marriages where respect and space walk alongside love and concern.

Nithya shared with me how they rarely shared any common hobbies together but as love conquers all, they did not base their marriage on criterias rather took time to grow fondness towards each other’s hobbies and interests.

Today the typical Indian couple enjoy a relationship where mutual respect and space balance their personal and professional life beautifully

While Nithya ia a software engineer with Cognizant and Nishanth is a civil engineer with Service and Trade. Life has been like exotic picture postcards since 12th July 2008 where they have spent 8 years of their marriage living and experiencing different countries and cultures namely Dubai,Muscat,USA etc and now that their daughter Hrishika is 8 years old the couple have settled in Kerala…for a while.

Their advice to couple looking forward to get married

“Don’t be pretentious with your perspective partner. Do not also over expect or over plan. Embrace life as it comes and look forward to live every moment with your beloved. We also insist on basing your relationship on the foundation of space and respect.”

Neha and Anuj

Music,dance, beauty,poetry,prose,magic and LOVE how do you imagine a couple whose lives are bonded by the most beautiful forms of art with powers to touch people’s hearts and move them to tears?

Neha Singh Sengar and Anuj Arjun Mishra are one such couple whose marriage truly spans over seven lives; otherwise how do define a couple who are saviours of Indian culture,tradition and most importantly heritage?

They first met during a stage performance and the spark flew between them, Anuj very strategically suggested Neha to learn Kathak from his father who is one of the best gurus in India. That allowed Anuj to mingle more with Neha and eventually the similar passion for dance and music sealed their relationship together through their wedding on 12 December 2016.

Neha is Artist Director of Kathak Academy and Anuj Arjun Mishra Dance Company while Anuj is president of the same academies in Lucknow. They have also been part of many realities shows receiving standing ovation from judges. They also roam around the world for international performances. They did not allow winds of urbanisation to blow off their passion for dancing rather they built a niche together as one true power couple whose marriage only aids in growth,development and also spiritual enlightenment of just not the couple but of people,society and nation. Today their little son Ansh seals their relationship even more strongly.

I wonder people’s reaction who held Indian matchmaking in poor light when they get to see a husband and wife as regal and pretty as Neha and Anuj.

Advise for couple looking forward to get married

“Marriage is a beautiful thing and one must think to get married only if they feel they are ready for it. It is wonderful to hold a companionship together with a person who will stick with you during your thick and thin. Care is also one important aspect to look forward in your future life partner.”

There are millions such beautiful stories of Indian matchmaking originating at every nook and corner of our great nation India and it is totally upto us which truth do we want as Our Truth. Be wise when you choose your truth. I’d also advise Bollywood production houses to make movies OTT platform contents or even TV serials close to reality than propagate regressive and misogynistic mindset. We all have a responsibility towards our next generation.

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FOR ALL THE COUPLES IN LOVE,HERE IS YOUR MUST READ

As Covid-19 pandemic has swept across the globe and taking worst of its toll in India, have you ever thought about what it means to be a Doctor at frontline during Corona times? Almost all the doctors across the globe are potential Covid Carriers and they know it. Many doctors have also lost their lives, while serving the humankind and fighting against Corona but they have not backed down. Do you understand what it means to be the family members of a Doctor at such times? Have you ever wondered what stir their hearts when the beloved is serving the society at the frontline? The family members of doctors are living in an inherent fear of losing him or her.

Call of Duty is certainly tough. Let me introduce you to one such family,

Dr Anil Kumar Jha, his wife Dr Priyanka Tripathi and their son Peeyush!!

Dr Anil Kumar Jha lost his father in 1980s when he was just 11. He also had eight siblings and they were all lost in his absence. They all supported each other in their journey to rise. When his elder sister became a doctor from Jamshedpur,he also wished to be the one someday. It was a tough road for him to be a doctor. He fought against all odds,poverty and social injustice to become a neuro physician. He got married in 2003 with his sweetheart Priyanka after a courtship of around a year. He had met her for the first time at his workplace; the hospital. They instantly clicked and tied the nuptial knots after their families approved. Priyanka was passionate about her career and wanted to do something in life. She completed her Phd while Dr Anil completed his DNB and other specialities. Their son was really small that time. He shares

“When Priyanka was completing her Phd from IIT Kharagpur I was in Kolkata pursuing my DNB. Our son was just 2 years old and lived with his grandmothers. That was particularly a tough period for us. While we travelled rigorously to meet each other, I also lost my elder sister to cancer. My mother was also detected with cancer. We also suffered from guilt of not giving time to our young son,Priyanka missed him desperately but I kept motivating her. I knew how important it was to be self independent and education was the key to it. During early years of our marriage we hardly stayed together.”

Soon Dr Priyanka got her dream job at IIT Patna she asked her husband if he could leave his cosy job at TMH Jamshedpur for her job and the progressive man actually left his job. They finally settled in Patna which has been their home and workplace since 2013. While Dr Priyanka is associate professor of English at Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, at IIT Patna, Dr Anil is a senior consultant, neurology at the corporate hospital Patna. They finally built the life they always dreamed off and worked really really hard for it.

But COVID has turned their lives upside down. It is been long since Dr Anil has met his wife and son who live at IIT campus while he stays at his Patna accommodation. Once his son even asked him to leave everything and join them at IIT campus and live with them. He shares

“I know he is scared for me. So many news of Doctors dying because of Covid, floats in the news and he is young. My wife does not shares her fear but I am aware she is tensioned too. But I can not run away from my job. That is why I trained for years. I am not one of those showing my back at tough times when I am needed the most.

Serving society and people is what we doctors vouch for and though I have the option of staying safe with them than roaming in a COVID hospital, I would prefer to stay firm and fight the pandemic in whatever ways I can.”

Working as a Doctor is particularly tough during COVID times, no matter what your specialisation is,you are always working among and on, potential COVID suspects and you yourself become a potential carrier as a health care provider but despite the life risks all health care providers have truly done a commendable job.

Doctor Anil Kumar Jha shared how difficult it is to wear a PPE kit for hours and how masks make him super uncomfortable apart from the heat and suffocation. You can not drink water,can not use washroom and more. Also the PPE kits don’t provide a human touch and emotional connect which patients expect from a doctor. It is a baffling feeling. The work scenarios have completely changed. He also has not met his family staying just 27 km away from him for really long and also misses his personal and social life.

It becomes lonely sometimes.

He talks about his moral responsibility of following all protocols to prevent COVID because he is more exposed to Coronavirus than others. Once, despite being asymptomatic he got COVID test done before visiting his family but now as his hospital has turned into a COVID hospital he has decided not to meet them not just for his family’s safety but also for the safety of the people living around.

He shares though

“But what troubles is the social stigma and taboos around COVID. Despite giving our best to the society in the fight against COVID many a times I have felt social discriminations towards me. I have sensed fear lingering the moment I have visited my family or when I tell my patients that I could be a COVID carrier which is not right. I myself is responsible enough that I will not put others lives at risk. It is very important for common people to understand that discrimination does not win against COVID rather the unified following of COVID protocols.

All the doctors have the option of leaving their jobs and sit at the comfort of their houses away from COVID patients but we don’t do that and we keep people’s lives above us.

It is now people’s responsibility to fight against various stigmas around COVID and treat health care workers with respect.”

I decided to talk to his wife and understand what goes in the mind of a Doctor’s wife when a threat to her husband’s life is more than ever and how she is dealing with it. Dr Priyanka said

“ Not just the fear of him always being at risk but a whole new set of problems have crept in my life. I am a working professional and he was the main source of anchor for my teenage son but now it is just me. I try to uplift his mood and make up best for his father’s absence.

‘And then there is always a recurring thought,lingering tension in my mind. I relate too much with Army wives now.‘

These days I use to have migraines,my sleep cycles has reduced so much because that one feeling of knowing that my husband is exposed to danger all the time does not even leave me in my dreams. I am not able to get rid of this thought and then, this is the kind of danger which is not even perceptible. I also worry about how would I manage things if something happens to him.”

Dr Priyanka also shared many random things in her life like how she walks more just to reduce her stress level. She has started meditating during lockdown. Losing your spouse or any of your family member is an unfortunate thing to happen to any human being but losing someone to COVID is beyond unfortunate. Being an Army wife myself, I could totally relate with Dr Priyanka how harsh it could be for a doctor’s wife whose husband is at the frontline of the pandemic.

Fear,apprehension, the trepidation of unknown never truly leave you. We must salute our COVID Warriors and also their families for being the beacon of hope and reason to come back home for our doctors and health care providers.

We truly can not pay back to their passion and spirit with which they are serving the society,people and nation 24/7

In the end when I asked Dr Anil if he has any messages for people,he had two; one for covid patients and other for the society. He said

“I truly want to tell COVID patients not to fear the pandemic and equip themselves with more knowledge to fight the disease. They must have a basic knowledge of understanding the early symptoms of COVID and be ready to take timely action. Most times, COVID is easily treated with basic medicines. I want to tell society to hold onto their social responsibility and adhere to all the COVID protocols. Fighting COVID is just not doctors, system or government’s responsibility but also of people.The common people have the power to limit the pandemic themselves. Also I request them not to discriminate with the COVID patient and isolate them rather embrace them with empathy. I also urge family members to look after COVID patients after they recover and provide them full attention.”

“We all must accept the fact that any of us can be COVID victims and we must not discriminate the COVID patients or health care providers That is the worst harm us as individuals could do to society,people and nation.”

Maybe we don’t realise it as common people but the service being provided by Indian Doctors is truly exemplary and no amount of flower can ever weigh equal to unparalleled service health care heroes are giving us at the time of crisis.

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https://thewire.in/rights/human-cruelty-and-a-tale-of-two-pregnancies

https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/would-indians-still-care-about-safoora-zargar-or-kerala-elephant-had-they-not-been-pregnant/437188/

and more. Print, Wire, Times of India, Telegraph, Hindustan times or name a newspaper that has not published about ‘The Pregnant Safoora Zargar’ and how Indian laws are cruel and draconian to keep a pregnant woman in a cell because ‘pregnancy is pious’ (yes you heard it right, Print particularly emphasised on the piousness and divinity of pregnancy). Not just that they also hijacked the plight of an animal and related it viciously to Safoora Zargar which is truly sad. (Why do that? Prove your point without playing victim for Godsake.)

So, I feel I must tell you the tale of lesser known pregnancy of an empowered woman at a rural place far away, from the world of intellectuals where pregnancy is not used for gains of agendas or vicious victories of ideologies rather pregnancy is embraced with all its heart while performing duties not as a victim but as a boss amidst grave threats. The story we can tell our daughters with pride and ask them to be the one,one day.

There is a woman from rural and risky Dantewada, Chattisgarh who has just delivered a beautiful baby girl after performing all her duties as a ‘Danteshwari Commando’ which also included carrying around 20-25 kgs of load with a 12kg Rifle during the long and rigorous patrolling in Naxal infested villages and deadly jungles of Dantewada, where threats lie at every corner. She carried out patrolling till eight months of her pregnancy.

Meet Sunaina Patel, a commando in the elite anti-Naxal unit of women fighter at Chattisgarh called as ‘ Danteshwari Fighters’.

While the Danteshwari Dasta which comprises all-female commandos taking equal participation in anti-Naxal operations along with their male counterparts is itself a revolutionary concept, the story of Sunaina Patel is even more inspiring and empowering. Though,I truly wonder why don’t more states follow the suite.

Sunaina joined the police force Chhattisgarh in 2016, it took her one and a half years to complete her rigorous training. That time, her elder son Laksh was just 1.5 years old. It was extremely difficult for her leaving him behind but duty always came first for Sunaina and rest of the doubts would always be wiped out by her husband Khem Lal Patel, who always encouraged her to focus on her job and be honest about it. Her training was challenging and demanding. Not only drills and parades she also learnt to operate all short of weapons AK-47, INSAS, SLR. LMG etc. She also learnt aspects of Jungle warfare and Counter terrorism which is typical of any Commando training. Initially, she was posted in Police line Dantewada, then kotwali and it was exactly the time when Dr Abhishek Pallav, SP Dantewada formed an all women fighter group ‘Danteshwari fighters’ as a part of DRG group (District Reserve Guard which is anti naxal group of Chhatisgarh)It is the only police unit in India with a team of women DRGs that perform regular patrolling in the Naxal-hit areas against Maoist cadres. Supritendednt of Police Dantwewada Abhishek pallav shared with me

“Initially there was a lot of pressure from Maoist when we formed this all-women fighters group in March 2019. It was a huge blow to their ego. There was a risk of them losing the grip if women picks up arms to fight them. They sent death and rape threats to the women fighters, distributed posters of grave consequences to the female Commandos. But Danteshwaris refused to be scared and contiued their duties. This squad also helped us solving a great problem. Initially we had concerns of rehabilitating the women Naxals. In tribal areas gender equality is not a myth and women naxals comprise around 50% of naxals. while we could include male surrendered Naxals back to forces female Naxals were given odd jobs. It was proving a great hindrance to the surrender of female Naxals. But once this force of female fighters was formed not just female Naxals but also victims of Naxal cruelty voluntarily came forward. Though the group is led by direct female police entries. And why just Naxals, initially our own men had hindrances about female forces moving with them in deep jungles during bigger operations but Danteshwari fighter performed excellently well, did not bow down before Naxal threats and challenged the whole setup. It is a kind of revolution in here and Sunaina is more like our poster girl, strong with never say die spirit.”

In 2019, Sunaina got pregnant with her baby girl after six long years of wait. Sunaina and her husband desperately wanted a second child after their son but she could not conceive for six long years and it was only in September 2019 that she finally conceived but never for a second she backed off and abandoned her squad because of her pregnancy. When I asked her what actually motivated her to continue her patrols at such risky places despite her pregnancy she said

“I had not informed senior officials but my friends would ask me to take leaves and rest, but I could not. I had patrolled the area before and I was confident. We have been a source of courage for village women recently and I wanted to be part of the ongoing Naxal operations. Many from my squad look up to me, I did not want to abandon them. I was determined to prove myself and contribute to my nation, no matter what.”

“Desh sewa ka junun mujhe suru se raha hai”

It was only during her eight-months of pregnancy when she developed a little complication that she went to her senior officers and informed them about her pregnancy. They were astonished and transferred her to desk job before sending her off on six-month maternity leave. On 2nd May 2020 she’s been blessed with a beautiful baby girl and she shared

“We really wanted to have two kids. But she came to our lives after six years of us wanting another child. Though my husband worried about my health when I went to patrolling, he never stopped me from doing what I like to do. I would be out for 2-3 days straight but all he would say was to take care when I left for duty. He always kept complete faith in my decisions and respected my wishes. I am fortunate to have him as my partner. Now I really want my doll to complete six months so that I could join back my squad again. I am kind of missing the action there.”

There were smiles and glints of pride in her eyes. While we talk about women empowerment behind closed glass doors or play victims under the veils of feminism and rights chances are the true women empowerment to be found amidst deep dreaded jungles of rural parts of India where the mantra is

Empowered women can be anyone,anything,anytime. They don’t play victims rather face the bullies in their house and tell them whose the boss!!

Salutes To Commando Sunaina and loads of good wishes for a fulfilling life.

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Several gunmen disguised as policemen attacked a maternity hospital in Kabul run by an international humanitarian organisation ‘Doctors without borders’ killing 16 people on 12th May 2020. That included nurses, two newborn babies and their mothers. In another attack on a funeral of a police officer in Nangahar province which is hotbed of ISIS a suicide bomber killed 24 people and injured 68. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement to express strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. The attack was in retaliation to the Afghan security forces’ action to arrest top ISIS Commander Zia Ul-Haq, also known as Abu Omar Khorasani, along with two other top Daesh leaders. Counter-terror operatives from India and Afghanistan believe that Pakistan agencies could be behind the attack.

Here’s what the shocked netizen has to say on Twitter on absolutely condemnable Barbaric Afghanistan Terror attack which trended with hashtag #EndofHumanityInAfganistan #KabulAttack

Some pictures from the terrible Kabul Attack on 12 May 2020.

Disclaimer :The pictures are brutal and cruel. taken from public domains not for weak hearted and posted with an intention to spread awareness against terrorism that no matter what, which creed or cast Terrorism is plague which will annihilate entire humanity if us as human being don’t rise against our petty selves.

Deepest condolences to the innocent victims and little angels who never deserved this fate decided by monsters.