FEELING GLOOMY AND DEPRESSED? THIS CAN HELP

 

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and changes in how you think, sleep, eat and act. Most of us see depression as a phenomenon caused mainly by various negative events we have experienced and unfortunate circumstances that make us feel down and gloomy. However, there are a variety of everyday causes of depression that most people ignore and that actually affect the quality of our lives in a significant way. 

Everybody feels gloomy once in a while, and that is normal. But when a gloomy mood lasts for weeks and you feel like doing nothing and you lose pleasure in your normal daily activities, the gloom gradually turns into a depression. The difference between gloom and depression is sometimes difficult, but it is mainly determined by the duration and intensity of the sad feelings.

It can start with feeling down, worrying a lot, lots of negative thoughts, less pleasure and interest in day to day activities and monotony. Left unattended it can result in concentration or memory problems, irritability, disturbance in diet, sleep, easy fatigability and vague physical problems such as headache, stomach ache or muscle pain. A psychotherapist, who is both a patient and now a friend, recently visited me and I tried to probe why is this getting so common amongst the younger folks too, as I felt they are supposed to be the fountainhead of enthusiasm, zeal and zest! 

So, as my friend brought out, if you feel unexplained sadness, are overwhelmed with constant negative thoughts, and have a host of other symptoms that indicate that you may be depressed, it is time to check if you are getting into habits that have an adverse effect on the mind. These are avoidable and so will help you to come out of a depressed mood.

 

1. Excessive use of technology

Smartphones, tablets, televisions, and computers - all of them pass our time pleasantly and allow us to consume information whenever and wherever we wish. However, they may act as a double-edged sword and may encourage symptoms of depression. The emergence of these symptoms was explained by the fact that multitasking, such as watching TV and reading news on a smartphone simultaneously, overloads the brain with too much information to work properly, leading to exhaustion and ultimately depression.

 

2. Poor nutrition

Our dietary habits have a direct impact on our overall health. But while many choose to focus on negative effects such as being overweight, our food also has the power to change our mood completely. In a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, participants that ate more processed foods had more symptoms of depression than their counterparts who avoided doing so. Another study found that participants whose diets were low in fish suffered more depression than their counterparts, probably due to lack of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are commonly associated with regulating levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that affects our mood. 

 

3. Going to sleep late

Sometimes all we want to do at the end of a hard and busy day is to zone out and watch TV, spend time at a restaurant or engage in a favorite hobby. However, this may leave you sluggish and inattentive  next morning, although you spent that ‘me’ time at rest and relaxation. The reason for this is that a severe lack of sleep disrupts the functioning of the brain and significantly harms attention, concentration, and memory. Thus, apart from the sense of exhaustion that will accompany you throughout the day, the great effort to maintain normal functioning will only trigger stronger feelings of frustration and anxiety. 

 

4. Keeping pessimistic company

It is very possible that the negative criticism and comments from the circle of people closest to you come from their genuine desire to provide you with good advice. However, as in many other cases, even negative and pessimistic feelings should be taken at the right dosage. Spending many hours together with a negative person may change our worldview for the worse, make us identify with the negative thoughts of the other person and compare them to many events in our lives. This doesn’t mean you have to write off people who are close to you, just try to talk to them about the fact that negative conversations don’t benefit you, and perhaps you will make them see the world in a much more positive way.  I would always try to surround myself with ‘a circle of geniues’ who are smarter than me and inspire me by their words and deeds.

 

5. Spending too much time in a busy and overcrowded environment

Life in the center of the city has many advantages such as proximity to many restaurants, public transportation availability, various public facilities, vibrant nightlife, many employment opportunities and more. However, the speed and noise of life that characterizes large cities may also create a great deal of mental stress, manifested in symptoms of anxiety and depression. So, despite your great love for these areas, try to spend a little more time in public parks and gardens close to your home where you can connect to nature and enjoy some peace and quiet. Give your five senses a drill to complete

1.      See 5colours in nature for 5 seconds each

2.      Smell 4 fragrances in nature for 5 seconds each

3.      Hear 3 sounds in nature for 5 seconds each

4.      Touch 2 textures in nature for 5 seconds each

5.      Taste 1 object in nature for 5 seconds

This is my prescription for combating the fast pace city life induced depression.

 

6. Isolating yourself for a long time

After a busy day of chores, it is only natural that we feel the need to isolate ourselves and get the peace and quiet we craved throughout the day. There are many benefits of having a little quality time with ourselves because it allows us to solve problems more efficiently and process the vast amount of information we were exposed to throughout the day. Nevertheless, it is recommended that this habit not be overdone, and spending quality time with children, family and friends still remains the best relaxant and anti-depressant. As part of our coping with the challenges of everyday life, it is important that we strengthen our existing friendships and create new relationships that will enable us to share and express our feelings. Being alone is surely benefician but being lonely is not. To read my blog, please click: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/04/being-alone-and-being-lonly-are-two.html

 

7. Inaction is dangerous

Although we all like to be idle in front of the TV screen from time to time, we also want to know how to set some boundaries and challenge ourselves in a variety of tasks and hobbies. Doing different tasks, even those that don’t interest us, gives us a sense of meaning, distracts us from negative thoughts, and improves our mood significantly. Even having a strict and consistent exercise regimen is an excellent anti-depressant, due to the various chemicals, such as endorphins, released in our brains which promote a sense of calm and tranquility.

 

 8. Not enough daylight exposure

This is something I experienced while working in the U.K. Long stretch of cold, damp and cloudy days, with no trace of the sun, are most depressing. Our busy lives can often have us sitting in front of a screen for hours together, sometimes without even having a short outdoor break. Not experiencing bright daylight can bring the gloomy mood that overcomes you out of nowhere. Apart from our natural need to get some fresh air and clear our head, sun exposure accelerates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a central role in emotional regulation. In addition, daylight stimulates the production of vitamin D essential to brain health that allows us to stay sharp and logical.

 

9. Taking various medications

Just as physical side effects like nausea, vomiting and cramps, many drugs have psychological side effects too. Thus, drugs such as oral contraceptives, and anti-epileptic drugs may have associated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Corticosteroids may conversely give a sense of wellbeing, as do the mood elevators.

 

10. Poor posture

Our posture conveys what we feel, and shows whether we are self-confident, scared, sad and so on. Our posture has a direct effect on us emotionally; people who walked with their backs bent, shoulders slumped forward and a slightly bowed head, often look and feel depressed and, one walking straight looks happy and confident. Yes, looks can be deceptive, and the guy with slumped shoulder may turn out to be happier, but mostly that is not the case. Our bodies seldom fail to tell what the brain is feeling.

 

11. Monotony

This is exactly what precipitates middle age crisis. We end up executing the same daily routine days, week and months together and this monotony leads to depression. We start wondering whether this grind is truly worth it. And if this effort of our’s goes unappreciated, it further accentuates depression. So doing newer things, deviating from the routine, expanding our horizons and going out of comfort zone brings new thrill to life.

 

Depression is much more serious a problem than what we have tried to describe, and one must never hesitate to seek professional opinion regarding its management. Failing to do so may affect the health and wellbeing of not only the sufferer but also his / her loved ones.

HOW CAN INDIA DEVELOP WITHOUT WOMEN IN WORKFORCE

 

As the President of G 20, one of the most remarkable commitments India made was to promote women led development. This, in the entire developing world, will ensure women empowerment. As countries that have embraced gender diversity in decision making have witnessed better economic and financial performance, this is vital for India if we aim to become a developed country by the year 2047. Though we knew it all along IMF's Geeta Gopinath emphasized it once again that India's economic aspirations can't be met without healthier women labour force participation. According to a research conducted by Azim Premji University in 2023 only 17% of urban women are in paid workforce and the situation in the rural hinterland is far worse.

 

Why are women important at workplace?

When a group of researchers Ratna Sahai, Benedict Clements and Huy Nguyen sampled the number of women in parliament of120 countries they witnessed that their higher share and senior positions ensured higher spending on health and education. Social outcomes like Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate came down. Nobel laureate Esther Doflo, working in Indian villages found that female leadership in villages positively influenced the aspirations of impressionable adolescent girls and broke gender stereotypes.

 

Banks in India have witnessed that higher number of women in managerial positions resulted in lower Non Productive Assets, (NPAs), loan default and improved their financial stability. Researchers have found that having even a single woman in the board of a NSE listed company resulted in lower debt equity ratio and higher profitability. 

 

Despite these overwhelming evidences of the benefits of including women in the work force, only a dismal number of them are included. Our government keeps on reminding us that we are the fifth largest economy but what it does not say is we are there despite a only 18% contribution from our female work force. Can you imagine where we would have been had we not languished at 129th position in the gender gap ladder which has only 146 countries? Women employment and economic prosperity of a nation are closely related. If half the population is dismally represented in the workforce of a nation then it has no hope to thrive and prosper.

 

What are they doing with their education?

Right from school leaving exams we see the girls performing better than the boys at every step - higher pass percentage, higher marks, and in more numbers among the toppers. Then why is this educational superiority not being represented in the workforce? Why their labour force participation is is only 32.7% (25.6 crores or 256 million)! What are they doing with their education? The conservatives would say that they are building the future India in their homes, but that is being done even by working mothers! So, the obvious answer is that they are not getting their due share of opportunities. They cannot keep on doing unpaid and unsung jobs in homes and fields and waste their talents and skills (see the India Today pie chart).

 

Even after 77 years of Independence they comprise only 14% of Lok Sabha, 15.2% of Rajya Sabha, 8% of Union ministers, 14% of sitting High Court judges and 4% of Supreme Court judges. Only around 11% of IAS officers are women. So if this is their representation in the decision making stratosphere is it at all surprising that only 5-8% of central government jobs and 25-30% of state governments jobs are with women? If they are smart enough to treat the diseased and the infirm, if they are intelligent enough to send satellites to the space and beyond, if they are creative enough to produce award winning films and literature surely they must be good enough for a larger share of government jobs!

 

If the society could not address this gender discrimination in 77 years it is time to do so by legislative means. Reserving 30% of parliamentary seats are not enough, this should extend to government jobs and it should be nothing less than 50%. The private sector, the administration and the judiciary too should be encouraged to do the same. More women in the system will make it safer for women. When they start contributing to their fullest ability, our success in nation building as well as economy is assured.

Two Road-bumps

It turns out that women in our country encounter two road-bumps in their path to employment success - marriage and childbirth. So, are women in developed countries and even in the developing Asian Tiger nations not getting married or having children? How come they can cope with it and our ladies can't? The problem lies in our mindset and in our societal structure.

 

We were hoping that education would empower women to ride smoothly over the marriage road-bump with greater household bargaining power. We were also expecting that more educated husbands would be less conservative in social attitude and be a more active parent and homemaker. But except in a very small section, mostly professionals, this has not happened. Parents are still bringing up their sons and daughters differently and that is giving them a wrong start.

Sadly India has not seen women in workforce rise at anywhere near the pace of their rise in education. Their window of employment opportunity and economic freedom is fleetingly small - from ending education to getting married and then their talent and education is never being used for nation building. For far too long the society has indoctrinated them with the notion that their family is the brick by which this nation will be built and their job is to take good care of the family, the vital unit of the nation. This cannot be their sole responsibility and a much active role in nation building awaits them.

 

Why are women not in workforce in India?

Higher levels if harassment, threats, violence, patriarchal norms and societal stereotypes keep women out of workforce. Even in village panchayats which have women heads, the decisions are often taken by male family members. Only 42% of women in the latest PLFS survey work as against 79% of men. Unpaid household duties consume most of their time. After marriage and particularly after childbirth, their numbers reduce drastically in workforces and only a few end up reaching senior positions. If the mother-in-law is a working lady then the daughter-in-law faces less resistance at home to work.

 

But the disproportionate burden of work they carry at home prevent them from taking up regular jobs for which they are no less qualified. If a large proportion of their time is spent on tending for the family, making endless cups of tea, cooking hot snacks and real mega meals comprising of two sabjis, fish, egg or chicken, daal, raita, pickle, chutney, papadams, chaas, ghee jaggery, rice and hot phulkas served straight from oven to the plate, then where is the time left for a proper and productive job? How can she make her contribution to nation building? As if that was not enough, the son's homework, the daughter's dance classes, and overlooking the work of the gardener, the household bai, the safai karmchari, the washerwomen, the driver are all her duties. It seems the system is so designed in order to keep her entangled in non productive work 24x7 and idolize her homemaker status in the most futile way.

 

Unsafe work environment also keep women away from work. Unfavourable working hours, improper lighting, unsafe resting space, and unkind and irresponsible colleagues make them subjects of workplace harassment. Her social status is not a security as was witnessed in the rape and murder of the female doctor in Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College recently. Considering the rape of a trainee doctor in a renowned medical institution of one of the busiest metropolitan city of our country, is it difficult to understand why so few women venture out to work? Can you imagine how many chains and hurdles the poor doctor had to break through to be on night duty? As if her assault and murder was not enough the patriarchy spoke through the Principal of the institution when he said the victim was irresponsible! Rape is the most heinous crime and are the worst fault lines in our civilization and if it goes unpunished how many girls will dare to come out and work?

 

Economists are stumped

Over nearly two decades, India's female labor participation rate looks like a steady downward curve, from 32% in 2005, to 19% in 2021 – the most recent year for which statistics are available. As India develops, women are dropping out of its workforce – in record numbers. This is happening among rich and poor women, in urban and rural areas – across social class, religion and age groups. In fact, it's happening even among poor rural women – who might need a paycheck the most. Economists cite six factors that may help explain this economic mystery: prosperity, education, social norms, safety concerns, problems with statistical measurement and a lack of decent and productive employment.

1.      Prosperity: As household incomes rise, women are dropping out of India's workforce simply because they can afford to. Many no longer have to do back-breaking tasks in agriculture or other manual labor. Women move in and out of employment, depending on their family's needs, working only when it becomes difficult to survive on single income of the husband alone.

2.      Education: They are staying longer in schools and colleges and so are counted out of work for that period of time, when compared to the previous generation. This skews the work force data mostly just for women in their teens and early twenties but doesn't explain what's happening across all age groups

3.      Social Norms: Indians still have conservative ideas about a woman's role in the family. We have discussed this extensively, how they are prioritizing unpaid household labor over profession.

4.     Safety concerns: A massive wave of migration out of India's countryside has unintended consequences for women. Often it's a solo male worker who migrates first, leaving women and children in their ancestral village – where the wife effectively becomes a single parent. She has less flexibility to seek paid work outside the home. When women do migrate to urban areas, they often have safety concerns. They may not know their neighbors as well as they did in their ancestral villages. And if they get jobs, they may have to commute long distances, or at night – on public transit that's often unreliable and unsafe. Violence against women is exacerbated by privatization. Take Uber, for example! It's not an affordable option for a majority of workers, but is it safe every time?

5.      Statistics may not tell the truth: Women not working dose not always mean that women are not earning. They are often replacing the lack of income with economic activities,  which are generally not counted as work – like collecting firewood, working in the agricultural sector, taking care of cattle, making milk products, pickle and papadam.

6.     Lack of decent employment: This is an issue about the ability, or lack thereof , of an economy to create decent, productive employment that's appropriate and accessible for women. She has to take care of her family and then find time for work. So, her choice of suitable work gets limited. Weak labor laws don't help. India has no national minimum wage or law governing overtime and so they easily get exploited and leave the workforce.

So this may be one of India's biggest challenges, as its population grows. Not only to create jobs for all of its workers, but to create the conditions that'll allow its female workers to take them. They constitute 49% of our population. You cannot ignore them and progress.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR SENIORS

 

My MBBS batch mates taking a dip in the Gangesin our 40th reunion!

 

Travelling the world is my passion and a huge learning experience for me. My policy has always been that traveling is fun, and let it be just that. Plan it well, but don’t get obsessed by your plans and disheartened by minor irritants. Enjoy them, as they become your travel stories to tell. I have missed flights, missed baggage, lost boarding pass (when they were printed on paper), misplaced wallet, sprained my ankle, ordered horribly wrong food, been duped by travel agents but I regret none of them. My advice to you is be careful and avoid the major glitches and be sure to start planning for the next holiday as soon as you are back home from one.

As we get older or tolerance for the unexpected unfortunately decreases. We want everything planned to perfection, but experience has taught me that perfect travel plan is a utopian dream, one that is never fulfilled. Yes, I will always advise you not to make major mistakes to ruin your holidays and I have written a blog on this subject:

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2019/10/dont-ruin-your-holiday.html

Another blog, which again comes from my experience, is travel tips for all age groups.

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2017/09/travel-tips-for-all-traveland-tourism.html

Travelling can be an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but it also presents unique challenges, particularly for seniors, and this blog is all about travel tips to seniors. Surely, the tips to all age group hold true for seniors as well, but they are special, and also especially vulnerable.

 

Long trips, unexpected schedule changes, and unfamiliar environments can lead to added stress if not carefully planned. While younger travelers often adapt quickly, older adults may require additional precautions to ensure their journeys are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Fortunately, with some thoughtful preparation and effective strategies, seniors can travel with confidence. So, here are some practical tips to help senior travelers stay organized and make the most of their trips.

 

1. Keep medications easily accessible

Managing medications while traveling is a top priority. Seniors should always keep at least a few days’ worth of prescriptions in their carry-on bags. This ensures they won’t miss a dose if their checked luggage is delayed or lost. Liquid medications may require special clearance at airport security, so getting a doctor’s note in advance can help avoid unnecessary trouble. Having a list of medications, dosages, and doctor contact information is also useful in case of emergencies, especially when visiting another country where replacement prescriptions might be difficult to obtain. Additionally, seniors should consider carrying a small pill organizer to keep medications organized. If they have complex medication schedules, setting reminders on a phone or a travel alarm can be helpful. Pharmacies in some locations may not have equivalent substitutes, so carrying a sufficient supply for the entire trip is always a wise decision.

 

2. Stay active to prevent discomfort

Sitting for extended periods during flights, car rides, or train journeys can cause stiffness, discomfort, and even serious health risks such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Know all about DVT in my blog: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2024/06/deep-vein-thrombosis.html

Booking an aisle seat is always useful. It allows for easy movement, making it easier to get up and stretch regularly, and also go to the washroom without disturbing co-passengers. For road trips, it’s important to schedule breaks every couple of hours to walk around and loosen up. Simple leg exercises, even while seated, can improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications.

Hydration also plays a key role in preventing stiffness and fatigue. Seniors should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.

Wearing compression socks may further help in reducing the risk of blood clots during long journeys.

 

3. Prepare for airport security checks

Airports can be stressful, especially with strict security measures. Seniors with medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial joints, or prosthetics may set off metal detectors, which can lead to additional screening. Having a physician’s letter or medical identification card can help clarify any concerns at security checkpoints. Knowing the security protocol and procedures ahead of time can also ease anxiety and make the process smoother. To make security checks more efficient, wearing slip-on shoes and avoiding excessive metal in clothing or accessories can save time. Arriving early at the airport ensures there’s no rush, allowing seniors to go through screenings at a comfortable pace.

 

4. Choose destinations wisely

Not all travel destinations are equally accessible for seniors. Some locations have limited healthcare facilities, rough terrain, or inadequate public transportation. Before finalizing a trip, it’s important to research the area to determine whether it suits the senior traveler’s needs. Kailash Mansarovar trek is for the youngsters as the air is thin at higher altitudes and seniors staying at sea levels or plains may find breathing very difficult if they are not used to such altitudes.

Seniors should check if their accommodations have elevators, ramps, and other accessibility options. They should also consider how easy it will be to get medical help in case of an emergency.

Weather conditions should also be taken into account. Extreme heat, high altitudes, or harsh winters may present additional challenges. Seniors should choose destinations that they can comfortably explore without straining themselves.

 

5. Pack light and use luggage wisely

Heavy suitcases can make travel unnecessarily difficult. Seniors should pack only what they need and use rolling luggage for convenience. If a trip involves multiple stops, having a smaller carry-on bag with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes and important documents can reduce the need to haul large suitcases frequently. Seeking assistance from hotel staff or using airport luggage services can help prevent strain and injury. Packing cubes and vacuum-seal bags can maximize space and keep belongings organized. Choosing wrinkle-resistant and versatile clothing minimizes the need for excessive outfits, making packing more efficient.

 

6. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

Many seniors rely on free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family and friends while traveling, but unsecured networks can expose them to security risks. It’s best to avoid checking sensitive accounts, such as online banking, while connected to public networks. If internet access is needed, verifying the official Wi-Fi connection with hotel or café staff is a safer option. For added protection, using a virtual private network (VPN) can help secure personal information. Carrying a portable hotspot or using mobile data for important tasks can provide a more secure way to access the internet. Seniors should also enable two-factor authentication on important accounts before traveling.

 

7. Carry copies of important documents

Losing passports, tickets, or identification can create major setbacks. Keeping extra copies of these documents in phone or as hard copy can help speed up replacements if anything goes missing. Seniors should carry both physical and digital copies of their travel documents. Scanning documents and storing them in a secure email account or cloud service ensures that they can be retrieved if needed. Having emergency contact information and addresses written down can be helpful in situations where electronic devices fail or get lost. A small travel pouch for organizing documents can make access easier.

 

8. Ask about senior travel discounts

Many airlines, hotels, and attractions offer discounts for older travelers, but they don’t always advertise them. Carrying an ID or passport can help secure these savings. Seniors should also ask about special rates when booking flights, transportation, or accommodations. Travel organizations like Make My Trip and Yatra.com often have exclusive deals that can make trips more affordable. Booking in advance and checking for bundle deals may offer additional savings. Signing up for airline loyalty programs can also provide benefits such as priority boarding or extra baggage allowances.

 

9. Consider travel insurance

Unexpected health issues or travel disruptions can be costly, making travel insurance a smart investment. Many standard health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses abroad, so seniors should look for policies that include emergency care and evacuation coverage. Insurance can also protect against trip cancelations, lost baggage, or unexpected delays, offering peace of mind throughout the journey. Reviewing the fine print of policies ensures that seniors get the coverage they need. Choosing plans with 24/7 assistance services can be helpful in case of medical or logistical emergencies.

 

10. Consult a doctor before traveling

A pre-trip medical check-up can help ensure that seniors are fit for travel. Any chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or necessary vaccinations should be discussed with a doctor. If traveling to a country with potential health risks, seniors should be informed about recommended immunizations and any precautions they should take during their stay. Doctors may also provide advice on managing jet lag, dietary restrictions, and adapting to different time zones. If you are going to trek then let your doctor reassure you that you will be safe in that altitude. Carrying an updated health summary can help medical professionals abroad in case of emergencies.

 

11. Travel off season

I love travelling off-season. With good protective clothing and plenty of me time in the tourist attractions, National Parks and art galleries you are bound to see something most tourists never will. The locals have more time for you to share their stories and off-season has its own culinary delights that await you! You have the freedom to change your schedule on a whim and not suffer the consequence of paying more for a bus ticket or a hotel room. I have in the past written about the joy of off-season travel. Please click: 

https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-joy-of-off-season-travel.html

 

12. Don’t rush

Instead of a busy travel schedule with Expedia or Sita Travels, plan your own trip at a leisurely pace. Go to a place and stay there for some time to enjoy its physical beauty, its culture and its cuisine. Rush-rush trips are not for seniors. If you love to drive and are comfortable driving on the right side of the road then only rent a car. Otherwise use public transport and eat where locals do. Spend time with the locals even if you don’t understand their language. A judicious combination of English and hand signs usually does the trick. You can also use your phone’s language translation software like Google Translate to  communicate and locals invariably help. Remember ‘smile’ is the universal key that opens all locks in this world.

 

Every trip I take, whether in India or overseas, I enjoy, I experience and I learn. I started travelling in my teens. My taste of travel, purpose of travel, my choice of destination and my modality of travel has changed. Low cost 3 tier sleeper coaches in Indian Railways and Aeroflot air tickets with long stops in Moscow were once my choice, because that is what I could afford, but I have no regrets. I enjoyed them too. Today I can sacrifice economy for comfort and pamper myself with an occasional spa experience, which once was a useless luxury. But the quotient of enjoyment is certainly not related to the amount of money spent. It is all about the state of mind.

DOI, DAHI, DADHI, CURD OR YOGURT – A WONDERFUL FOOD

 

 

Every Bengali lunch or dinner ends with ‘doi’ and ‘mishti’. While the latter refers to a wide variety of most delectable and mouth watering sweets, doi is dahi or curd. The nearest thing to curd, available all over the world is Yogurt. Both curd and yogurt are fermented milk products, Curd is typically considered a more traditional, homemade version of yogurt, often made with natural bacterial cultures, whereas "yogurt" usually refers to a commercially produced, pasteurized product with specific added bacterial strains for a more consistent flavor and texture; meaning they can be different, particularly in terms of the bacteria used and production method. In almost every Indian household, the curd is prepared by curdling milk with natural acidic substances like old curd (jamun). On the other hand, yoghurt is fermented with artificial acids and it usually cannot be prepared in our kitchen.

Curd is eaten as it comes, usually with sweets – Rasogulla and Sandesh or it is uded to make delicious fish preparation, doi mach, or marinate mutton and chicken, or make raita or curd-rice.

Types of Dadhi

Ayurveda mentions seven types of dadhi

1.      Madhura dadhi – sweet in taste. It is prepared by fermenting fresh milk at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours

2.      Amla dadhi – sour in taste. The fermentation time is 12 to 14 hours. This stimulates digestion and apetite

3.      Atyamla dadhi – excessively sour in taste. The fermentation time is 24 hours. This has therapeautic use in Ayurveda

4.      Mandajata dadhi – partially set and fermented for 4 to 6 hours only. It too has medicinal use in Ayurveda.

5.      Shrytaksheera dadhi – made from boiled and cooled milk, fermented for 8 to 10 hours. This is the commonest dadhi, for regular consumption

6.      Asara dadhi – This is made by skimming off the cream before fermenting it. It has lower calorie and is easy to digest.

7.      Sara dadhi – It is prepared from cream rich milk by allowing the cream to form at the top during fermentation. This has high calorie and is best for nourishment. 

 

Benefits of Dadhi

Curd or Yogurt is a great food to consume. It helps with digestion, gives us a good energetic feeling and tastes wonderful. But not many people know that it has many other benefits.

1. Protects our teeth

The lactic acid in yogurt has a positive and protective effect on our gums and teeth. It can help keep our teeth healthy and pretty and overcome the damage done by other foods and drinks, most commonly - coffee. It's important to note that although it contains sugar, yogurt has no harmful effect on the enamel of our teeth.

2. Reduces allergy symptoms

Those of us with seasonal allergies know how hard it can be to do anything once the symptoms start to appear, but a cup of yogurt might be an easy fix to this problem. The probiotics found in yogurt may decrease body’s reaction to pollen and other allergens, minimizing allergic reaction.

3. Great pre or post workout snack

Yogurt is rich in carbohydrates that can either help re-fuel the body throughout workout, or replace the energy lost after we are done. The potassium and sodium found in it can also help replace those electrolytes we sweat out and keep us feeling fresh even after a hard workout.

4. Fights the common cold

The common cold will always be there, not much we can do about it. But there's still hope for preventing it in time. Curd or yogurt can strengthen our immune system, making our T-cells stronger and more active. They are more prone to beat the sickness out of  our body before it drags on too long.

5. Prevents yeast infections

If you are given a prescription for antibiotics, you might want to consider yogurt to protect yourself. Using antibiotics usually raises the chances of yeast infections and the yogurt’s active cultures can help balance pH levels and prevent this uncomfortable problem.  The good bacteria in the gut, which fall victim to the antibiotic get replaced by the good bacteria in yorurt.

6. Reduces the risk of high blood pressure

A recent study, conducted over the course of 15 years, revealed that 30% of volunteers that took at least 2% of their daily calorie intake from yogurt, were less likely to develop high blood pressure. That's only from 2%!

7. Helps prevent osteoporosis

All milk and dairy products are in general a great source of calcium and help build healthy bones. Look for yogurts with added vitamin D for greater help in keeping your bones strong and healthy. With homemade curd we can add Vitamin D as a supplement.

8. A great source of energy

Aside from the energy provided by the carbohydrates in yogurt, it also contains B vitamins which are just what your body needs when you feel like you could use a little pick-me-up.

9. Builds muscle

Yogurt contains all of the essential amino acids necessary to build muscle and other tissues in the body. It is a complete protein, which means it is also a welcome addition to our diet as they support all the necessary biological functions of the human body.

10. Helps you lose weight

Yogurt helps build muscle and this means that it helps burn fat. The high amounts of protein will also help one to stay fuller for longer periods of time while reducing the need for snacks and unhealthy foods.   

11. Skin and eyesight 

Curd contains vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin and eyesight. 

12. Fight Dandruff 

Curd has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. Topical application, holding on for 5 minutes and then shampooing it off is all that is needed.

 

One should always keep an eye open on the sugar content in yogurt. Many kinds of yogurt contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners that you do not want. Stick to 12-18 grams of natural sugar per serving and you're free to sit back and peacefully enjoy a cup of the good stuff! However. 'mishti doi' or 'Poyodhi' once in a while, is simply criminal to deny!

LIFE LESSONS FROM KUMBH

 

I am not an overtly religious person, but when the greatest religious congregation on planet is taking place just 200 Km away from home, going to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a dip in the sacred Ganges on the occasion of Maha Kumbh was the most natural thing to do. We chose three days in between two important Amrit Snans, to avoid the mad rush but enjoyed our stay thoroughly. We would walk in the sand to observe the variety of sadhus and sanyasins and absorb the atmosphere and it did not take long to realize why so many people are staying in tents for weeks together in this chilly winter and doing kalpavas. Kumbh is a symbol of faith of millions of devotees since time immemorial. This is the holy Sangam where faith meets history and Sanatan Hindu Sanskriti paints the cultural kaleidoscope of Bharat.

History 

Kumbh has a mention in Vedic manuscripts and the importance of Prayag, because of Kumbh is mentioned in the hymns or 'richas' of  Rig Veda. Atharva Veda mentions the 'Amrit Kalash' spilling Amrit in four places where Kumbh is held and the 'swasti vachan' uttered by seers in Kumbh are hymns from Yajur Veda. Kumbh is the pitcher that spilled the Amrit and hence the name.

Hiuen Tsang or Xuanzang visited Prayag in 644 CE and wrote about Kumbh in his Si-Yu-Ki where more than 500000 people gathered and Raja Harshavardhana helped in organizing it. Abu Fazl of the Muggal court of Akbar documented Kumbh Mela in his Ain-i-Akbari and wrote that alms given on this occasion ensured richness and prosperity in the next life. Mark Twain visited the Kumbh in 1895 and was mesmerized by the religeous gathering. British journalist Sir Sydney James Mark Low described the 1906 Kumbh and the significance of Magh Mela.

 

Even today you can find what you seek. A Sadhu generously offered me his chillum, an earthen pipe to smoke a wide variety of intoxicants, and one breath full sent my head into stratosphere switching on a thousand bulb chandelier inside my head for the next 5 minutes! There were many who stayed back with him, but I kept exploring the various colours of our culture.

I have, in one of my previous blogs, written about the Kumbh Mela that was held in 2019. That was Ardh Kumbh and was attended by almost 200 million. If you have not read it, then please click: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8750887136313953221/3742068849669316841

The one this year is Maha Kumbh, an unique celestial configuration that occurs once in 144 years! More than 500 million people have already visited the Mela and taken a holy dip and two busy weeks are still left for it to end!

 

In one of the gatherings, a sadhu, whose name I could not find out, was delivering a very profound and soulful lecture on what stops us from leading a happy life. He was young and he spoke Queen’s English to translate what he was saying in Hindi, because there were quite a few foreigners in that gathering. To some from Latin America he effortlessly conversed in Spanish too! So, this is what he said that evening:

What stops us from living a happy life?

1. The person you talk to also has a high opinion of themselves, just like you do

Always remember that the person you are speaking to has their own views and their own reasons. Every person you speak to fights a battle you know nothing about. So always make it a point to respect other people. 

 

2.  Happiness is a result of a well-organized life.

Joy, success, and happiness are a result of a well-organized life. This concept maintains that in order to reach these sensations and state, you need to do things. On the contrary, if your goal is to reach these side effects, you most probably never will do so, since happiness and success aren't things that you just get.

 

3. How can anyone help you if you are not doing anything yourself?

A person is defined by their action, words are impalpable. You can't expect help from others, without having had made the effort yourself. For example, if you just tell people you are going to write a text book, you can't expect to get help if you haven't begun the process yourself. But when you finally decide to write a chapter and show it to other authors, whom you think are worthy co-authors, you will find many people who are ready to support you. 

 

4. Hard feelings disappear when you become successful.

Grudges tend to form because we are unsatisfied with ourselves. When we hold a grudge against someone, we think that the only person who can fix it is the person we are upset at. But if you say to yourself 'my success outshined my grudges’, you can start by doing what you love, and work to become successful at it. At that moment, you will notice all your grudges disappear. 

 

5. Do you want to see your biggest enemy? Look in the mirror!

Most people tend to fight other people's demons, but in reality, they should be fighting their own. The only enemy we really have is ourselves. You can't get out of this situation without breaking the barriers that don't let you grow and develop. Each of us exists in very strict boundaries that society has created. We take these rules for granted and believe them to be true. But in doing so, we lose a lot of our energy. In addition, we fail to realize that we are fighting with ourselves, and unfortunately, the last enemy we will ever encounter is ourselves. 

 

6. Look for the right path instead of the straight and easy path.

Bear in mind that the right path may not always be straight and almost certainly will not appear to be easy either. While we sometimes wish and hope that life is smooth sailing, it's not always as simple as a straight line. Consider this example: Imagine that you are on the 30th floor and you need to go down. The fastest way is to go through the window. But the wiser choice will be to take the elevator or the stairs.

 

7. A goal sharpens the vision. Set a goal.

Our attention is limited. This means that our minds only begin to notice the things that we need. This is what usually happens when we set a goal. Setting a goal is very much like setting the focus on a camera. If you set it wrong, you won't see what you really need.  If the goal is big and complex, then break it down into smaller and less intimidating goals. Eventually you will achieve the bigger goal.

 

8. If you want to prove something to someone, it means that you live for that person.

Searching for happiness? Stop trying to prove that you are right. Why attempt to change someone's opinion about something? Is their opinion more important than yours that you need to put in the effort to change it? If you live your life for yourself there is no point in trying to prove anything to anyone. 

 

9. The ability to love and accept loneliness is a sign of an emotionally mature person.

We do the best things when we are alone. The people who can't stand being alone are the ones that hate themselves. They often think that being with a crowd will make them feel better. But a person who is mentally mature uses their alone time for self-development and to collect information they can later share with others. Communication is not only taking, but also giving something that might be interesting to other people. 

 

10. Happiness is when what you WANT, CAN, and MUST do are the same thing.

People are generally torn in different directions. They feel that they must, but don't want to or they want to, but are unable to do so. But all a person truly needs to do is to develop themselves, everything else is extra. The things you want to do should be regulated by the things you must do, and what you can do is a force that moves the entire system. Focusing on these three directions will help you sort your goals and values properly. 

 

Did I understand everything this sadhu said? May be not; but a few things became crystal clear. There is a lot more to life than what we are leading today. Happiness is within us and all we have to do is search it. It is not in material things, it is not in people, and neither is it in places. It is with us, all the time, and we are running away from it by trying to search it everywhere else.

 

We enjoyed 3 days in Kumbh. The mela parisar is vast and it is fun to walk for miles together meeting and assimilating India in all her glorious colours and different variety. From Sadhus who have never uttered a word in this millennium to those who can converse in more than 10 Indian and foreign languages you meet them all. Their looks, their attire, if they have one, their ornaments and fashion accessories, and their choice of food, drink and smoke all differ. Some belong to the pre-historic era while some were equipped with computers, AI, smartphones and WiFi

 

It feels sad to see people doing strange things to their body in the name of religion. Perhaps I am not spiritually evolved enough to understand how burying oneself up to the neck in the ground can please the Maker. He/She surely gave us the human body for a better purpose! But, these freaks are exceptions. The majority of humanity that has gathered here is flowing like the Ganga herself, with the spirit of divinity, faith and complete surrender. When you see people bringing their parents on their shoulder, just like their children, for the holy dip, you realize what family values mean to us Indians. No one is complaining of crowding, no one is going hungry or thirsty, no one is bothered about the long walk to the river and back, and there are no travel agents, no priests and pandas, no forced donations or authorized prasad dealers.

If you fail to make a trip to Kumbh you will certainly not miss salvation and mokshya, but you will definitely miss the opportunity to see how happy, contended and blissful India is, despite what the media would like you to believe.

 

Mission Kumbh accomplished!!