Pregnancy affects blood pressure levels as the blood circulation usually increases during this time. When taken in small amounts, saffron significantly reduces your blood pressure…writes N. Lothungbeni humtsoe
No matter whether it’s your first time, second, or third pregnancy, it’s one of the most cherished times in a woman’s life. It’s an emotion that cannot be described in words.
Motherhood is undeniably a life-changing experience but it comes with great responsibility too. When you find out your pregnant, the first thing that probably comes to mind is taking care of your overall health and of the little one growing inside of you. Being healthy becomes very important to you. A balanced diet, good habits, and being happy are important; however, amid these, saffron is highly recommended during the nine months. Saffron aka Kesar is an exotic spice, derived painstakingly from the flowers of Crocus sativus, which usually forms a part of several Ayurvedic recipes and has numerous health benefits. Ayush Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Rasayanam, shares all you need to know about how it helps you during your pregnancy.
Tackles your mood swings
Mood swings have always been the most common issue that women face during these nine months. It’s due to a variety of factors such as rapid hormonal changes or the physical discomforts of pregnancy. At one moment, you might be on top of the world, at another, you might find yourself rolled into one corner of your bed with tears in your eyes. These mood swings make you short-tempered and irritable. Saffron works wonders as it produces serotonin, which modulates your mood by amplifying the blood flow in your body. This helps you cope up with your emotional ups and downs, and lets you remain in high spirits.
Let’s you sleep well
All the physical discomforts that you feel during this journey have adverse effects on your sleep. You probably waste a lot of time tossing and turning around all night, while all you had to was drink a warm glass of saffron milk. It soothes anxiety and uplifts your overall mood, therefore, helping you sleep well.
Relieves cramps
Cramps occur more frequently because of the hormonal changes that a mother-to-be goes through during pregnancy. They can be mild and bearable or at times, severe and intolerable. These can easily be prevented. The exotic spice, saffron, acts as a painkiller to relieve the pain and soothes all the muscles in your body.
Reduces high blood pressure
Pregnancy affects blood pressure levels as the blood circulation usually increases during this time. When taken in small amounts, saffron significantly reduces your blood pressure. High blood pressure leads to hypertension, which is common during these months. Saffron rescues you from it.
Boost heart function
All those junk food cravings during pregnancy surely increase your calorie intake, which, in turn, increases your cholesterol levels and affects cardiovascular health. Saffron helps in reducing cholesterol levels. Thus, protect your and your baby’s heart health. The substances in saffron prevent the clogging of arteries and increase the oxygen levels in your body.
Prevents allergies
Allergies and infections are bound to happen when you are pregnant. Saffron potentially helps you in fighting all the seasonal allergies, difficulty in breathing, chest congestion, and more. This magic spice is sure to free you from all the unwanted diseases in your body.
Saffron is packed with amazing benefits, especially for pregnant women. Consuming a small quantity of it is safe and very beneficial for your overall health. It has no side effects as long as it has been taken in the right quantities. It’s advisable to consult with your doctor.
‘Vaishnava Jana To’ was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan and was sung religiously at the Sabarmati Ashram when Mahatma Gandhi lived there and is still a must…reports Asian Lite News
The sarod rendition of the bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jana To’ performed by the bigwigs of Indian classical music Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash was released on Tuesday.
The meditative piece of music has been filmed in a minimalistic yet rich style in monochrome, keeping the divine essence of the hymn intact.
Talking about the rendition, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said: “Music unites everyone. Like fragrance, water, fire, colours, air, it belongs to everyone. ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ becomes even more symbolic today when peace across the world is being seen as the elixir for the sustenance of global harmony and brotherhood.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Rajesh Menon, CEO, Panorama Music, said: “This is a really special year for all Indians and to commemorate it and make it memorable for successive generations, we have come up with this unique rendition which will undoubtedly tug at our collective heartstrings.”
“Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of 20th century’s greatest masters of the sarod and together with his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, are a part of our national cultural heritage,” he added.
‘Vaishnava Jana To’ was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan and was sung religiously at the Sabarmati Ashram when Mahatma Gandhi lived there and is still a must.
The three-minute rendition, which celebrates the 75th year of India’s Independence, is available to stream on Panorama Music’s YouTube Channel and other audio streaming platforms.
The vaccine maker developed Covaxin in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology (NIV)…reports Asian Lite News
Dr Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella, the couple behind Bharat Biotech, which developed India’s first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19, have been awarded Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in the country.
The award for co-founders of the Hyderabad-based company was announced on the eve of 73rd Republic Day.
Dr Krishna Ella is the Chairman and Managing Director of the biotechnology company while his wife is Joint Managing Director. They will receive the award for distinguish service of high order in the field of trade and industry.
The Hyderabad-based firm rolled out the vaccine early last year and it has since been the part of India’s Covid vaccination programme.
The vaccine maker developed Covaxin in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Krishna and Suchitra Ella founded Bharat Biotech in 1996. A gold medalist at university, Krishna Ella worked as a research faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A research scientist in Molecular Biology, he believes that innovative technology in vaccine development is essential to solve public healthcare problems caused by infectious diseases. Under his leadership, Bharat Biotech has grown to become a global leader in innovative vaccine.
A serial entrepreneur with a passion for innovative ideas, he has also ventured into veterinary vaccines, food processing, and developing biotechnology infrastructure in the country.
A BA in economics and social sciences from the University of Madras, Suchitra Ella hold diplomas in business development from UWCU, Madison, the US. She also holds diploma in real estate management from the University of South Carolina, and a post-graduate diploma in patent law from NALSAR, Hyderabad.
Dr Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella, the couple behind Bharat Biotech, which developed India’s first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19, have been awarded Padma Bhushan
Meanwhile, five others from Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh figure in the list of Padma Shri awardees.
They include Narasimha Rao Garikapati (literature and education), Gosaveedu Shaik Hassan (posthumous) (art), Dr Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao (medicine) from Andhra Pradesh, Darshanam Mogilaiah, Ramachandraiah and Padmaja Reddy (Art) from Telangana.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has congratulated the Telugu people who were nominated for the Padma Awards for the efforts in their respective fields.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has also congratulated Padma awardees from the state.
17 this year, Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh Junction police registered a case of theft after 86 smartphones and several internet routers worth more than Rs 11 lakh were stolen from a shop…reports Shilpi V
A well-organised outfit of thieves from the Ghorasahan block of Bihar’s East Champaran district, popular as the Shutter Katwa (‘shutter cutter’) gang, has become a terror for traders dealing in high-value electronic goods in several states.
Investigations into hundreds of cases registered in police stations across the country, such as Delhi’s Roop Nagar, Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, Rajasthan’s Kotwali Dausa, Karnataka’s Khade Bazaar and many others, have led to this gang.
On September 17 this year, Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh Junction police registered a case of theft after 86 smartphones and several internet routers worth more than Rs 11 lakh were stolen from a shop.
“The thieves’ modus operandi, revealed by the CCTV footage, pointed at the Shutter Katwa gang,” investigating officer of the case, Assistant Sub Inspector Shiv Narayan said. A team headed by him went to Ghorasahan in October but could not arrest any of the culprits.
On January 14 this year, Rajasthan police in coordination with East Champaran police arrested three members of the Shutter Katwa gang – identified as Deepak Kumar, Mustafa Diwan and Maqbul – from Birata Chowk area in Ghorasahan in connection with the burgling of a showroom at Bhiwadi on December 3, 2020. They recovered 52 iPhones worth around Rs 50 lakh from the accused.
Sub Inspector VV Bhola of the Anti-Terrorist Squad in Ahmedabad said that 98 mobile phones were stolen from a shop in Rander near Surat in October 2018. “Judging from the methods used by the thieves, police suspected the role of the Shutter Katwa gang. A five-member team headed by a sub-inspector from the crime branch went to Bihar and arrested two of the suspects,” said Bhola, who was then attached to Rander police station.
On February 22, 2018, a joint team of Haridwar and Raxaul police arrested two persons – identified as Bipatdas and Prabhunath Pandey, both residents of Ghorasahan – for allegedly stealing 27 iPhones and 13 tablets from a showroom in Haridwar a month ago. Police recovered six iPhones and many tablets from their possession.
Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, the station house officer (SHO) of Ghorasahan police station, confirmed that police from many parts of the country had visited the block in search of the members of the Shutter Katwa gang. “Police from Uttarakhand, Telangana and Maharashtra alone have arrested at least 15 persons from this region in connection with thefts committed in their respective states,” he said.
A safe haven in Nepal
A former SHO at Ghorasahan police station, who wished to remain anonymous, cited the area’s proximity to the Nepal border as the main difficulty in busting the gang. “Many of these thieves have relatives in Nepal. After committing thefts, they sneak across the border with the booty, making it difficult for Indian forces to track them. The gang also finds selling the stolen goods easier in Nepal. Nonetheless, at least 25 thieves were arrested during my tenure at Ghorasahan police station,” the officer said.
Sources in the local police said that the Shutter Katwa gang, comprising more than 250 members from Ghorasahan block and its neighbouring villages, had around 15 groups operating in different states. Over the years, more than 100 members of the gang were arrested in Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Orissa and Maharashtra. Some of these arrests were made in cities such as Dehradun, Haldwani, Surat, Siliguri, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bhopal and Gurgaon, they said.
Sub Inspector Bhola said, “They visit shops posing as customers during the day to assess the stock of electronic gadgets. If satisfied, they return at night and pry open the shutters using jacks. While some of them enter the shops and steal the goods, others cover the shutter gap by pretending to be folding bed sheets,” Bhola said.
“If the gang members find CCTV cameras installed in the shop during a theft, they switch groups for their next strike. They flee the state by train immediately after committing a theft,” a police officer at Hanumangarh Junction police station said.
The gang swells, lured by money and prestige
Police said the Shutter Katwa gang was formed by a small group of thieves in the mid-1980s, but it grew with time as the lure of money attracted many criminals to it. The gang, also known locally as Archa Company and Chaddar Gang, has members ranging from teenagers to 50-year-olds, they said.
“Local criminals consider a membership to the gang as a matter of pride and will go to any extent to please the families of its members to gain a place in the gang,” said a villager who did not wish to be named.
Many members of the gang, including the notorious Belwa and his brother Chelwa who were arrested recently by Motihari police in East Champaran, have reportedly constructed huge residential and commercial buildings in Ghorasahan block. “Chelwa is wanted in 25 cases of theft registered in 10 states, even as Belwa is facing charges in 12 cases of theft,” said Naveen Chandra Jha, Superintendent of Police (SP), East Champaran, adding that recovery of three kilograms of narcotic substances from their possession had added a new twist to the investigations into the gang’s operations.
Villagers said that the outfit has its own jargon. They use the term haldi (turmeric) for gold, chuna (lime) for silver, petti (box) for money, pen for screwdriver and master for police. They train new members by deploying them for thefts in nearby towns such as Raxaul, Motihari and Narkatiaganj. They also maintain close links with other criminal gangs in the region and extend support to each other in many ways, including securing bail when a member is arrested, the villagers said.
The families of Shutter Katwa gang members do not consider theft as a crime. “They consider the ‘work’ as a matter of high esteem as it fetches enough money to change their fortunes. The gang members also borrow money from fellow villagers as a good luck charm before setting out for an operation,” said another villager.
“Local villagers are aware of the identities of the gang members and their activities but stay silent fearing a backlash,” said a local journalist, adding that some of the members who had retired from the gang were running their own businesses in the region.
Is it possible for a society to exist without religion? Nireeswaran, the most celebrated of Malayalam novelist V.J. James’ works, uses incisive humour and satire to question blind faith and give an insight into what true spirituality is…reports Asian Lite News
With a wide choice of books, you can count on many beautiful pages of words to read and consider while starting off the New Year.
Open House with Piyush Pandey
Authors: Piyush Pandey and Anant Rangaswami
Publisher: Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
Open house
Piyush Pandey takes readers on a voyage through his mind-his work, thoughts, and experiences-in Open House. People have asked him questions over the years, and he has answered them. There are three types of questions: serious, incisive, and frivolous. Is advertising a viable career path? Should political parties hire ad agencies? Why does Ogilvy work for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? Should those who don’t like the advertising take the law into their own hands? Is Ogilvy & Mather a lala firm? What does advertising’s future hold? Is Piyush Pandey too old for this line of work?
This book, which has been expertly edited by Piyush Pandey and Anant Rangaswami, is honest, irreverent, and educational. Open House will both entertain and enlighten you with its practical wisdom and deep insights.
THE MUSLIM VANISHES
Author: Saeed Naqvi
Publisher : Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
The great poet Ghalib, part of a long tradition of eclectic liberalism, found Benaras so compelling that he wrote his longest poem on the holy city, ‘Chiragh-e-Dair’ (Mandir Ka Diya or Lamp in the Temple):
‘Ibadat khaana-e-naaqoosian ast,
Hama na Kaaba-e-Hindostan ast.’
(Devotees make searing music with conch shells,
This truly is the Kaaba of Hindustan.)
Remove Ghalib and his legion of devotees from the equation. Will Hindustan be left with a gaping hole or will it evolve into something quite different? Saeed Naqvi’s play The Muslim Vanishes tries to answer such question. The decibel levels on these topics are too high, with each side strongly defending their own narratives for a discourse to take place. Caste, the Hindu-Muslim split, Pakistan-Kashmir-the decibel levels on these issues are too high for a conversation to take place. Is there a way out of this bind? Saeed Naqvi, razor-sharp, gentle, and humorous, springs an inspired surprise on us by combining grandma’s bedside stories, Aesop’s fables, and Mullah Nasruddin’s faked flaws. Is it capable of putting out the fire?
Nireeswaran
Author – V.J. James
Publisher : Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
Is it possible for a society to exist without religion? Nireeswaran, the most celebrated of Malayalam novelist V.J. James’ works, uses incisive humour and satire to question blind faith and give an insight into what true spirituality is.
Antony, Sahir, and Bhaskaran, three atheists, embark on an elaborate prank to prove that God is nothing more than a myth. They put up a mutilated Nireeswaran idol, which is basically anti-god, to demonstrate how worthless their faith is. When miracles begin to be credited to Nireeswaran, such as a man waking up after a twenty-four-year coma, an unemployed man unfit for government work receiving a contract, and a prostitute transforming into a saint, throngs of people go to worship the bogus deity. The trio is caught in the middle of a dilemma. Will they be able to defeat their own creation? Is their obstinate thinking a sign that atheism is a religion in and of itself? It’s possible that belief and disbelief are two sides of the same coin. The Hidden Hindu
Author: Akshat Gupta
Publisher : Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd
Prithvi, a twenty-one-year-old, is on the hunt for Om Shastri, a mysterious middle-aged aghori (Shiva devotee) who was tracked down more than 200 years ago and taken to a high-tech facility on an isolated Indian island. When the aghori was drugged and hypnotised for questioning by a team of experts, he claimed to have seen all four yugas (Hindu epochs) and even participated in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Om’s amazing prior disclosures, which defied the laws of mortality, perplexed everyone.
Om had been searching for the other immortals from each yuga, the crew discovers. These strange secrets have the potential to upend current ideas and change the trajectory of history. So, who is Om Shastri, exactly? Why was he apprehended? In this exhilarating and revealing journey, board the boat of Om Shastri’s secrets, Prithvi’s chase, and the exploits of other intriguing immortals from Hindu mythology.
The Climate Ninja by Merlinwand book
Merlinwand wants to teach the kids about global warming. The effects of climate change are being discussed all around the world. The storytelling is what sets their story apart. Their goal isn’t to preach (as all textbooks do), but to raise awareness in a humorous way. A little human and his companion from the planet Mootza had an informative talk. While on a cruise with his parents, the miniature human falls into the ocean by accident. He encounters Rumpus, an extraterrestrial from Planet Mootza, after being rescued by a dolphin. Rumpus has been on this island for a long time, since his planet was devastated by pollution.
The two have an engaging talk, and the small human recognises the seriousness of pollution (water, soil, noise, and air) on the planet. After that, he declares himself to be The Climate Ninja. The most intriguing aspect of the book is that the client gets to choose the protagonist’s name and appearance. They are given the option of choosing two of the four categories of pollution: air, noise, water, and soil pollution.
Pandit Vishnu Sharma’s Panchatantra- Illustrated Tales From Ancient India
Panchatantra is a fantastic collection of moral stories drawn from Panchatantra’s five books: mitra-bheda, mitralabha, kakolukyam, labdhapranasam, and aparksitakarakam. The legendary tales of Panchatantra continue to amaze young readers and adults alike with delightful narrated stories of smart animals, birds, and people. Young readers will be transported to another world by the gorgeous illustrations, where they will learn about life lessons, human nature, and how to achieve success.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Turning Angst into Action Climate change
Shugarman, a climate campaigner, has developed a pointedly apolitical work geared at helping parents and children talk about climate change. She also offers advise on how to protect children from feeling unhappy or overwhelmed (information that applies to adults as well) and how to encourage youngsters to pursue their unique passions while keeping the overall vision in mind. Many people are talking about global warming these days, and the prospect of a climate calamity may scare many children. How do we talk about these important issues in a way that is both informative and doesn’t exacerbate anxieties? What can we do to ensure that our children have the best possible future in a disaster-plagued world? This book will answer all of your questions. Fear and grief can be overcome with the help of this book.
World’s Greatest Leaders: Biographies of Inspirational Personalities
This is a painstakingly researched book that honours the accomplishments of charismatic, powerful, and influential individuals who have influenced the course of history. Young inquisitive minds will be piqued by age-appropriate information, amusing facts, and vivid graphics, which will aid in the development of reading skills and general knowledge. It’s a fantastic book for teaching your child and yourself about the world’s greatest leaders. It also teaches life lessons and even personal ethics that parents sometimes neglect to impart to their children.
We often forget to drink water during the winter, which dehydrates the skin and hair, causing more dandruff…reports Asian Lite News
A dry, itchy scalp is the most common cause of dandruff in the winter. A number of variables contribute to this, including dry, chilly air and a high prevalence of the Malassezia fungus. If you want to reduce and treat dandruff, you’ll need to utilise the correct hair care products for the job. Dandruff is by far the most inconvenient and humiliating hair issue.
Dandruff can be caused by stress, a change in climate (severe heat or cold), an overabundance of fatty foods, a change in shampoo, excessive sweat, and even pollution. Dandruff flares up when Malassezia, a naturally occurring microorganism on the scalp, is worsened by any of these circumstances.
Dr Amrendra Kumar, Consultant Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Director of DermaClinix shares 10 tricks to drive away dandruff this winter are as follows-
. Avoid direct heat- One of the most common causes of a flaky scalp is excessive heat. Wet hair can cause headaches and colds, which is why hair dryers are so popular in the winter. However, direct heat exposure, such as from ironing boards and hair dryers, dries the scalp. Instead, towel-dry your hair before allowing it to air dries.
. Cut down on sugar- Sugar is bad for both your skin and your hair. It turns out that it’s also bad for your hair! Excessive oily flakes are caused by high blood sugar levels, which increase dandruff in the winter. Reduce your sugar intake and replace it with honey or jaggery.
. Drink more water- We often forget to drink water during the winter, which dehydrates the skin and hair, causing more dandruff. The average daily water consumption limit is set at 5 litres, but if it’s getting too cold, 4 litres will suffice!
. Use biotin and zinc supplements- Biotin is a hair vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods and is also available as a supplement in pharmacies and supermarkets. Biotin has been found to be “likely effective” in the treatment of biotin deficiency and to be safe when used in the recommended amounts. Deficiency can lead to dandruff. Rule out fungal infection, psoriasis if it is not responding to medicines.
. Change your diet- Vitamin B, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids are all good for the hair and scalp. Fruits and raw salads should be part of your daily diet. These nutrients are abundant in eggs, fish, bananas, and spinach.
. Brush your hair often- It may aid in scalp stimulation and blood circulation. This will aid in the production of oils that keep the hair and scalp healthy.
. Use a cotton towel- After you’ve washed your hair, wipe it dry with a cotton towel. Towels with a rough texture should be avoided because they can cause more frizz.
. Visit a dermatologist- If your dandruff problem becomes out of hand; seek the advice of a reputable dermatologist. In these situations, an expert will be able to provide you with the best solution, so don’t hesitate to seek advice.
. Use shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide or 2% ketoconazole- Many anti-dandruff shampoos contains zinc pyrithione shampoo. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, which means it, can kill fungus, bacteria, and microorganisms that cause itchy, flaky scalp. If you’ve tried these shampoos and other home remedies and still don’t feel better, then consult a dermatologist. The contact period of shampoo should be a minimum of 5 minutes. These shampoos make the hair dry, so use conditioner as well.
. Always keep your hair and scalp clean- When going out in the sun, cover your head with a scarf, hat, or cap. Keeping your hair free of pollutants will aid in its growth. Sweating is normal, but excessive sweat can cause hair buildup. After you’ve exercised or had a particularly sweaty day, always dry your hair.
. In females, oily scalps and severe dandruff may be signs of hormonal imbalance, so rule out that as well. Usually, dandruff does not happen in children, but if it happens, rule out lice infection or fungal infection.
Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, said: “We’re in an industry that is acutely dynamic. While we are figuring out new ways to tell stories, we’re also exploring talent that can lend a narrative through music.”…reports Asian Lite News
The upcoming film ‘Selfiee starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi, which is a remake of the runaway Malayalam hit ‘Driving Licence, will see the record label Desi Music Factory making its foray into Bollywood.
The label known for chartbusters like ‘Dheeme Dheeme’, ‘Coca Cola Tu’ and ‘Dil Ko Karaar Aaya’, among many others, has joined forces with Dharma Productions in the capacity of music partner.
Speaking about the collaboration, Anshul Garg, Founder and CEO Desi Music Factory, said in a statement, “It’s exciting to foray into the film music space with none other than Dharma Productions. The production house has been a catalyst for making iconic music for decades.”
“It is an honour to be crossing over from the independent music scene to Bollywood for Selfiee starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi. My team at Desi Music Factory is pumped and we’re hoping that wonderful music emerges from this collaboration,” he added.
Setting the tone for the film, Dharma Productions head Karan Johar said: “The film announcement of ‘Selfiee’ makes the zone of the film clear. One of its highlights is its music which gives away the vibe of the story.”
He added: “Everything, right from the instruments, the vibe, the beats and the lingo in the announcement resonates with the brand of music Desi Music Factory has sculpted over the years. The label has shared the country’s cultural identity with the world and it feels promising to have these hitmakers on our side.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, said: “We’re in an industry that is acutely dynamic. While we are figuring out new ways to tell stories, we’re also exploring talent that can lend a narrative through music.”
Supriya Menon Prithviraj, producer and partner at Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Prithviraj Productions, said: “Music is an integral part of ‘Selfiee’ and it’s wonderful to have on board music makers who share a global vision for Indian music.”
The romantic thriller series ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’ also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin and Anchal Singh…reports Asian Lite News
Actress Shweta Tripathi has always portrayed strong characters such as Golu Gupta in ‘Mirzapur’ and Sandhya in ‘Haraamkhor’ to name a few. She says she resonates with such roles because she is a bit of a fiery person herself.
With ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’, she brings forth softer and warmer character tour screens.
Shweta, while talking about her past characters and the challenges of playing a romantic role in ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’, said: “I’m someone who has played a lot of strong characters in the past, and I can resonate with them as well because I am a bit of a fiery person.
“But I think the biggest difference between Shikha’s life and mine is that there is a lot of pain in hers and embodying that pain while not having felt it, was a huge challenge.
Shweta said she has done action in the past but “this kind of action is very different.
“I find myself crying while running through gunshots and blasts. I am used to not being afraid. So even if it’s using a gun, I would not be scared, I would pick it up and shoot it, as opposed to here.”
Talking about her character in the Netflix series, she added: “I play a character who’s fearful, yet, driven by love amidst chaos, and isn’t trying to emerge as a hero. I think that has been the biggest challenge.”
The romantic thriller series ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’ also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin and Anchal Singh.
It released on January 14 on Netflix. ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’ starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and Shweta Tripathi Sharma, has been garnering positive response from all over.
The show, a romantic thriller, follows the story of a simpleton Vikrant essayed by Tahir, who gets endlessly pursued by the daughter of a powerful politician as he struggles to keep his promise of marriage with the love of his life – Shikha essayed by Shweta.
While the show sees Tahir stepping into a new territory of romance thriller, it also portrays the vulnerabilities and insecurities of Shweta’s character of Shikha as she tries to stay afloat amidst a world of crime and hot pursuit.
Apart from the government initiative through DMF, Rajnandgaon-based non-profit organisations like Udayachal also distribute ready-to-eat food boxes every ten days…reports Deepanwita Gita Niyogi
Ishwari Baghel is an Adivasi woman from Manpur block in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. Her son Deekesh, born three and half years ago, should ideally weigh at least 15 kg. But after he contracted diarrhoea, he steadily started losing weight until he was a mere nine kg. Timely intervention arrived mid-last year in the form of a fresh drive against malnutrition by the district administration. He was given two meals a day – for lunch and dinner – and also snacks twice daily.
“I also get milk for my son from the Anganwadi, which is great,” Baghel said, adding that she tries to feed him fruits and eggs as well, though he doesn’t quite like chicken and fish. He stopped losing weight and at a health camp organised in the block recently, doctors told her that he is doing well, weighing in at just under 13 kg, and gave him some medicines and a tonic.
The district has seen alarming levels of malnutrition among its children and pregnant women. Particularly, anaemia has increased over the past five years, as seen from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. Between NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-2021), the percentage of anaemic children shot up from 29.7 per cent to 80.5 per cent. Nearly five years ago, 43.7 per cent of all women between the ages of 15-49 were anaemic, according to the survey, as were 32.3 per cent of the pregnant women. This is increased to 58.3 per cent of all women in NFHS-5.
The district administration, under Collector Taran Sinha, launched a special campaign between June and September 2021 in the three tribal-dominated blocks of Chhuikhadan, Mohala and Manpur, funded through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). The campaign is part of the larger Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan launched by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in 2019 to address the issue of undernourishment in pregnant women, lactating mothers and children.
Since there were no district-specific guidelines, each district could follow its own set of practices, customised to the local food and cultivation culture. In Rajnandgaon, like many other districts, the campaign mandates a second meal to children apart from the usual mid-day meal. Director of Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, Divya Umesh Mishra, said, “Eggs, chikki and fruits are being served in all districts. In Raigarh district, ragi biscuits, porridge and khichdi made from millets are being served. In Dantewada district, Suposhan Mitras are raising awareness. DMF is the main source for the initiative, but we are also looking at public funding and CSR,” Mishra told 101Reporters.
At the Anganwadi Renu Prakash, WCD Project Officer of Rajnandgaon, said that under the campaign, nutritious meals are being served to 350 children in the block who are in the age group of six months to five years. The block has a population of nearly 1.5 lakhs, of which 20 per cent belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.
In the block’s Samundpani village bordering Madhya Pradesh, 13 children and three pregnant women visit the Anganwadi centre every day between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for the midday meal of rice, rotis, pulses and vegetables. “Children are usually served what they like to eat,” said Anganwadi worker Bhanumati Kawre, who has been working in Samundpani for two decades. Nearly 300 people reside in this village, mostly belonging to the Baiga tribe.
“Apart from this specially cooked lunch, dinner and two snacks of eggs, fruits or items made from ready-to-eat flour are prepared for severely malnourished children who are unable to visit the centre physically,” she told 101Reporters. Currently, a 14-month-old boy named Rohit Kumar and a four-year-old girl, Gomti Markam benefit from this doorstep delivery of nutrition, personally overseen by Kawre.
Gomati used to be healthy until a bout of illness caused her to lose weight and deteriorate. Her mother, Shivkumari, said that a variety of food is being served as snacks, like Dalia prepared with milk, chila made from ready-to-eat powder, apples and bananas. Eggs are also regularly served and sometimes small fish for protein intake for lunch. Kawre often makes the girl eat in her presence to find out what she likes.
Fighting lifestyle and cultural factors
Anganwadi supervisor Saraswati Baghel said that the Baigas had poor sanitation and hygiene practices, causing recurrent bouts of illness and infections, reducing the absorption of nutrients and indirectly causing malnourishment in vulnerable children. She also added that the tribe had its share of social issues compounded by lack of education, such as the practice of early marriage where the girls are as young as 14-15 years of age, resulting in early pregnancies, anaemic mothers and consequently low birth weight babies. Families also tend to focus on daily earnings given their impoverished background, leading to the neglect of children.
The tribal population suffers from health issues despite cultivating vegetables and growing millets. Kumar Singh Maravi, a resident of Samundpani, said that his family jointly owns 14 acres of land on which nutritious millets like kodo and kutki are grown. However, the problem is that millets are usually sold off for cash, pointed out Renu Prakash.
During her visit to Samundpani, she instructed Kawre and other Anganwadi workers to introduce pulses in pregnant women’s daily diet. Prakash’s main concern is the dietary choice of these tribals who only eat two meals a day, primarily consume rice and avoid proteins. “Paying attention to women will ensure the birth of healthy children. Those who come to the village after marriage should be made aware of the importance of nutrition,” said Prakash.
Apart from the government initiative through DMF, Rajnandgaon-based non-profit organisations like Udayachal also distribute ready-to-eat food boxes every ten days. There are 434 anaemic pregnant women in the block and Ashok Modi from the organisation said 2,800 packets laden with sattu made from rice and wheat, date palm and chana dal laddoos and peanut chikki or protein bars had been distributed among women and children this year in Chhuikhadan.
Positive outcomes
Government data shows that since the drive started in Chhuikhadan in September, 145 children have progressed from severe to moderate malnutrition. Kawre admitted that continuous counselling had improved the awareness level in the block with women accepting iron tablets during pregnancy, regular health check-ups at Anganwadis and institutional delivery. However, many still avoid medicines and trust herbs gathered from forests for treatment, she said.
Prakash said her plan of giving eggs and chikki to severely malnourished children and anaemic mothers was approved by the former collector and started in December 2019. When the lockdown started, dry rations were provided, and it continued till March 2021. “When the present collector came, he asked me to prepare an action plan for Mohla, Manpur and Chhuikhadan blocks.” In these three blocks, a total of 744 children were identified, out of which 655 children have gained weight, 400 have entered the moderate malnourishment category, and 89 children have advanced to the normal category. Only 51 children have not registered any weight gain.
Taran Sinha had planned for the initiative to last for six months and it will continue for a year based on the availability of funds. Speaking to 101Reporters, Sinha said, “I decided to focus on areas with a high percentage of malnourishment among the children. A block-like Chhuikhadan needs special attention due to its vast tribal population. Focus on health check-ups, maintenance of hygiene, availability of balanced diet from regional foods and awareness about anaemia can tackle the situation to a great extent.”
Hetweeted that ‘Jai Bhim’ had won the Best Film, Best Actor for Suriya and Best Actress award for Lijomol Jose at the Noida International Film Festival 2022!…reports Asian Lite News
Director Tha Se Gnanavel’s critically acclaimed courtroom drama, ‘Jai Bhim’, featuring actors Suriya, Lijomol Jose and Manikandan in the lead, has won three awards at the Ninth Noida International Film festival, 2022.
The film fetched Suriya the Best Actor award and Lijomol Jose, the award for Best Actress. It also took home the award for Best Film. On Monday, Rajsekar Karpoorasundarapandian, the CEO of 2D Entertainment, the production house that produced the film, announced the news on twitter.
He tweeted that ‘Jai Bhim’ had won the Best Film, Best Actor for Suriya and Best Actress award for Lijomol Jose at the Noida International Film Festival 2022!
The film, which tells the moving story of an upright lawyer coming to the aid of poor, defenseless people from the Irular community who have no means to stand up to the might of an inhuman police force that seeks to exploit their helplessness and commits atrocity after atrocity on them with impunity, has been winning widespread acclaim ever since it released.
