ParentsWorld August 2019 Archives

Six-month-old infants show empathy for bullied victims

Infants as young as six months have the ability to show empathy for a bullied victim, according to a study conducted by Ben Gurion University (BGU), Israel and published in the British Journal of Psychology (July). Through two experiments BGU researchers debunked the theory that infants develop capability to empathise only after they complete one year. In the first experiment, infants aged five-nine months were shown a video where two characters — a square and circular figure — meet each other on top of a hill peacefully and come down in happy companionship, instigating positive or no reactions from the infants. However, in the second experiment, another group of infants were shown a video depicting the same two cartoon characters, yet this time the round figure hits and bullies the square figure forcing it down the hill. The reception of the infants to this involved much crying and aggressive movements. “The findings indicate that even during an infant’s first year, she is already sensitive to others’ feelings and is able to identify figures who ‘deserve’ empathy and who do not,” says Dr. Florina Uzefovsky, head of the BGU Bio-Empathy Lab.

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‘Sharenting’ puts young children at risk of online fraud

‘Sharenting’ i.e, where parents share personal information about their children on social media, is putting the latter at risk, reveals a study on online fraud and identity theft conducted by Barclays Bank, UK. According to the study, parents are compromising their children’s future financial security with too much online sharing. Barclays Bank forecasts that by 2030, sharenting could result in almost £670 million in online fraud. The study warns that parents might be “lulled into a false sense of security” and fail to realise they are making their children “fraud targets,” by publishing too much personal information online. Among the sensitive information shared by parents: names, ages, places and dates of births of children, home addresses, mother’s maiden name, schools, the names of pets, etc. Barclays warns that such details, which will still be available when young children become adults, could be used for fraudulent loans, credit card transactions and other online scams.

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Feeling stressed? Pet a cat/dog

All students need to do to de-stress and unwind is ten minutes of interaction with cats or dogs, say scientists at Washington State University (WSU). The WSU study published in AERA Open (June) found that the act of petting a cat/dog produced a significant reduction in students’ cortisol, a hormone linked with stress and anxiety. “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact. In our study, students who interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone,” says Patricia Pendry, an associate professor in WSU’s department of human development. The study involved 249 college students randomly divided into four groups. The first group received hands-on interaction in small groups with cats and dogs for ten minutes. To compare effects of different human exposures to animals, the second group observed other people petting animals while they waited in line for their turn. The third group watched a slideshow of the animals, while the fourth group was “waitlisted”. The researchers found that the first group showed the most reduction in cortisol levels.

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Mizoram: Exotic flora and fauna of India's most isolated outpost

Exotic flora and fauna of Mizoram

Mizoram, one of the seven sister states of north-east India, offers a rich mix of tribal traditions, folk tales preserved in song and dance culture, exotic flora and fauna, pleasant climate and hospitable people. Strategically and precariously perched between the somewhat less-than-friendly nations of Myanmar and Bangladesh, the tiny hill state of Mizoram aka Hill People’s Land (pop. 1 million) is one of the ‘seven sister’ states of north-east India. Watered by the Tlawang, Sonai, Tuivawl, Kolodine and Kamaphulr rivers, this misty hill state offers visitors alpine forests, high mountains, deep valleys and enchanting lakes interspersed by quaint tribal villages. This lonely north-eastern state’s rich tribal traditions and folk tales preserved in song and dance culture, pleasant climate and the hospitality of its people are fast transforming the hitherto neglected outpost into a year-round tourism destination. The Mizo people are the original inhabitants of this scenic region (area: 21,087 sq km). Etymologically Mizoram is a compound of two words: mi meaning ‘man’ and zo meaning ‘hills’. Hence Mizoram is known as the Hill People’s Land. Unsurprisingly, a high hill range (3,000-7,000 ft) cuts right across the state in a north-south direction, with sparse plains located to the east. Mizoram’s highest peak Phawngpui or ‘blue mountain’ is 7,145 ft high and is also known as the ‘vast meadow’. The Tropic of Cancer runs through Mizoram with its latitudinal location bestowing the region with a pleasant climate — cool summers and cold, rain free winters. A fully-fledged state of the Indian Union, Mizoram is governed by a single-chamber Legislative Assembly of 40 elected MLAs and sends two members to Parliament in New Delhi. With its administrative capital in Aizwal, Mizoram is divided into eight districts — Aizwal, Lunglei, Kolasib, Mamit, Champai, Serchhip, Siaha and Lawngtlai. Despite the low profile — or perhaps because of it — the state maintains in New Delhi and the Indian subcontinent in general, Mizoram enjoys high literacy (91.58 percent) — third highest (after Himachal Pradesh and Kerala) in India. This is mainly because of the efforts of missionaries in this largely Christian state who have promoted a network of schools and education institutions. According to ancient legend, Mizo ancestors emerged from under a large rock known as the Chhinglung. Two of them were talking loudly to the extent of misleading God to believe that there were enough people to fill Mizoram prompting him to close the rock face which has since grown into a mountain. However historians say that Chhinglung is actually the Chinese city of Singlung or Chinlingsang situated close to the China-Myanmar border. Little is known of Mizoram’s early history. According to historians, between 1750 and 1850 members of the Lushai tribe migrated from the Chin Hills, bordering Myanmar and China, subjugated the indigenous population and assimilated into their society. A network of tribes morphed into an autocratic political system of 300 hereditary chiefs extending across the north-east which became the territory of Assam. The British annexed Assam in 1826 under the Treaty of Yandabo and…

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Short Story

The Humming Butterfly

Nisha Daniel

Class VI was full of transparent jars. Mrs. Rao, the science teacher, had urged the class to collect butterfly eggs and watch them turn into caterpillars, pupas and then butterflies.

Zeenat’s jar had produced a beautiful multihued butterfly while most of the others had ordinary yellow or blue garden butterflies.

Soon all the pupas […]

Heart to Heart

Hey, Guys!

Like me you may enjoy learning one subject more than others in school. For me, science was the best subject. I believe it was because of the good science teachers we had. This made me an active member of the Science Club.

I remember visiting a planetarium, constructing a kaleidoscope and a magnifying lens holder […]

Do it now!

Party Fountain

Anitha Bennett

Bored of the same old party decorations? How about making something magical and different for your next birthday table? All you need are a couple of ingredients from the kitchen.

Things needed

 An opaque dish
 A plastic glass
 Tray or large plate
 1/4 cup vinegar
 4 tsp baking soda

Moms n’ Dads

Do you visit the malls or watch movies every weekend? Here are some other activities you can try instead. Read up some astronomy info and visit the planetarium (preferably with your astronomy book).

 Is the next eclipse around the corner? If so note the address of your nearest science centre to witness the phenomenon live.

13 Steps to Bloody Good Parenting

ParentsWorld presents an excerpt from the recently published 13 Steps to Bloody Good Parenting authored by best-selling novelists Ashwin Sanghi (Private India) and Kiran Manral (Once upon a Crush)

Step one: Celebrate

There’s a fairy story I remember from my childhood. It was a story of a princess. Her father, the king, celebrated her sixteenth birthday with […]

Teaching children to nurture relationships

PW invited parents of MPS International School, Jaipur to share insights on how they teach their children the importance of personal relationships “I believe defining relationships and drawing boundaries are the first important lesson that we must teach children as they mature. My ten-year-old daughter Maanya (class V) and six-year-old son Prakhar understand the values of inter-personal relationships and how time, however precious, must be invested to nurture them in the best possible manner. Children easily learn and imitate our behaviour with family members, domestic staff, friends and neighbours. I have also taught them how healthy relationships can boost our emotional strength required to face life’s challenges.” — Ruchi Biyani, chief manager, State Bank of India “When I spend quality time with my child, I also teach him valuable lessons on the way. I have taught my 12-year-old son Vinayak (class VII) to observe others’ behaviour to determine different kinds of relationships. In my open discussions with him, I explain how mutual respect regardless of age and gender, trust and communication form the basis of healthy relationships and how being judgemental can ruin everyrthing.” — Archana Nag, academic coordinator, Dolphins International School “In my opinion, communication is of utmost importance in forging healthy relationships. Our seven-year-old daughter Ekeesha (class III) is learning to understand this because we make the time to give her our attention. We always give her a patient hearing and reiterate that trust and respect are at the core of all positive relationships. Moreover we highlight the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.” — Gaurav Dhall, deputy general manager, regulatory, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd “I believe parents are the ultimate role models for their children. Every word, moment and action counts. What better learning platform than a joint family, where we have freedom to ask questions and encourage open discussions with parents as well as grandparents? Every family has to deal with relationship highs and lows which is a subject worth discussing with your child. I have taught my daughters —11-year-old Dakshita (class VI) and five-year-old Mahika — how to command respect in a relationship and the importance of good manners, understanding and conduct.” — Dr. Yogendra Tyagi, dental surgeon, Ambey Dental Clinic

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Letter from Managing Editor

The abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India, which conferred special status upon the state of Jammu & Kashmir, by the BJP/NDA 2.0 government, is the latest in a series of events which have deeply divided the country’s citizenry. Since the BJP swept to power with a huge majority in General Election 2014, a rising wave of hyper-nationalism, majoritarianism and jingoism is sweeping the nation. Mob lynching of minorities by cow protection vigilantes, rabble-rousing and loutish displays of nationalism are dominating the national discourse. With the BJP/NDA government returned to power in General Election 2019 with a larger majority, the auguries are not good. Last month (July), a mob killed three people on suspicion of cattle theft in Bihar and another member of the minority community was lynched in Jharkhand for refusing to chant a religious slogan. On the eve of Independence Day as the nation prepares to celebrate 73 years of freedom from British rule, the time is right for deep soul-searching. Why is contemporary India freed from British Raj through a unique non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi straying from the secular, tolerant and libertarian ideals on which it was founded? More importantly, what are the root causes of the hyper-nationalism that provokes intolerance, anger and violence, and its impact on the country’s vulnerable children? In our Independence Day special cover story, we highlight why it’s imperative for parents and teachers to educate children about India’s highly idealistic freedom struggle based on the doctrine of ahimsa (non-violence) and the basic secular and egalitarian values embedded in the Constitution of India by the country’s founding fathers. Teachers and parents need to constructively interpret the values of liberty, equality and fraternity and rock solid fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens without exception. Independence Day offers a great opportunity to sentient parents to educate children about the difference between hyper-nationalism which is threatening to destroy the hard-won unity and secular foundations of the republic, and nation-building patriotism which respects the country’s laws and the basic principles of equality and fundamental rights. There’s much else in this August issue of ParentsWorld. In the Health & Nutrition section, Vellore-based pediatrician Dr. Gita Mathai provides useful information on common mosquito-borne diseases which strike during the monsoon season, while in the Early Childhood section, there’s a primer on infant oral care. Also check out the Academic Advantage feature on story-telling — the most enduring and proven pedagogy for engaging children and enhancing their knowledge, comprehension and cognitive capabilities.

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Encouraging inclusion of children with special needs

I’m a teacher in a school which has recently enrolled a few children with special needs. We want ‘normal’ children to interact with them but time and again, their attitude towards children with special needs is callous and insensitive. Even my own daughter recently called one of them “weird” even though I have been counselling her. How can we encourage children to practice inclusion and become empathetic to their special needs peers? — Sheela Sharma, Mumbai As a teacher it’s your responsibility to encourage ‘normal’ children to better understand peers with special needs. But first, you need to realise that honest questions asked by children are not rude. The special child is flapping, spinning, grunting, and doing what others of that age may not be doing. Let the ‘neuro-typical’ child ask her questions and avoid shaming a child for asking innocent questions. Instead use the opportunity to explain that everybody is born different and that children should be cooperative and helpful in whatever way they can. Invite suggestions from your students on ways and means to include children with special needs. Children with disabilities want to make friends, be respected and included. Moreover in the classroom reading list, include books about children with special needs, autism, and other challenges, and in class discussions highlight real-life examples of successful people with disabilities. My seven-year old has a physical disability that prevents her from walking normally and holding pencils to write. Her IQ is good and we have been home-schooling her. The neighbourbood children play with her and she enjoys the company of friends. She is able to read and comprehend textbooks of children her age. However, I feel she is missing out on the world of school and friends but I also worry that other children will ridicule her because of her physical disability. Should I enroll her in a mainstream school, or is homeschooling the better option? — Anonymous Impairments in motor functioning affect cognitive capabilities throughout one’s life span. If the IQ test was administered by a professional and the score is age appropriate, my advice is that you enroll the child in a mainstream school. However, I also strongly recommend that your daughter begin occupational and physical therapy (coordination training program), if she is not already doing it. My five-year-old was born with Down syndrome. It’s not easy caring for a special child even though other family members also pitch in. I have been the doting, sacrificial mother but sometimes it become too much to handle. I have no life of my own. Any suggestions? — Weary mom, Hyderabad Field studies show that mothers of children with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of being exhausted than other parents. I suggest you enroll in a coping programme where they offer psychological therapies to help you cope with the situation. Another alleviating factor is having an occupation. Mothers of Down Syndrome children benefit immensely from engaging in an occupation outside the home, such as a part-time job. (Christabel Shirley…

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The near and far of juxtaposition

This literary device of placing two contrasting concepts, characters, or ideas near or adjacent to each other is generously used by writers to create effect and highlight differences – Roopa Banerjee If you are served hot pasta with chilled vanilla ice-cream, would it make you pause as these two foods are unlikely companions on a plate? The placing of two elements with contrasting effect is juxtaposition. This literary device of placing two contrasting concepts, characters, or ideas near or adjacent to each other is generously used by writers to create effect and highlight differences. The word juxtaposition originates from the Latin word justa which means ‘beside or near’ and the French position. This origin initially created the French word ‘juxtaposition’ which through common usage became part and parcel of the English language. Juxtapose is its accepted verb form. In fact, juxtapose is one of the 30,000 most commonly used words of the Collins Dictionary. Many English proverbs use juxtaposition for effect. For example, ‘What’s good for the goose is good for the gander’ or ‘When it rains, it pours’ are types of contrasting juxtapositions. Goose and gander are contrasting genders while rain and pour show a difference in magnitude. Similarly, ‘All’s fair in love and war’ is a contrast with love and war being opposites, just as ‘Beggars can’t be choosers’ is another study in contrast. ‘Making a mountain out of a molehill’ juxtaposes the magnitude from small to big while ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is another example of juxtaposition. ‘When the cat’s away the mice will play’ is a clever instance of juxtaposition as the contrast is not so obvious and yet the cat is an authoritative figure, while the mice remain the submissive entity. It conveys the meaning that, without an authority figure watching over them, people will do what they want. Literature abounds in juxtaposition. The famous opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens are, without doubt, the most perfect and extended example of this literary device. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.” The title A Tale of Two Cities implies the comparison of two places and the opening paragraph, filled with juxtapositions, sets the theme of contrasting doubles continuing throughout the book. The epic novel goes on to highlight the powerful struggle between love and hatred, freedom and oppression, and good and evil that lead up to the French Revolution. For students of this literary device, reading A Tale of Cities is a great way to understand how juxtaposition…

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Fighting mosquito-borne diseases

A good monsoon replenishes ground water supply and ensures a good harvest. But it also leaves behind pools of stagnant water which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Here’s some information on the most common mosquito-borne diseases and how to prevent and/or alleviate them. In India, the onset of the monsoon season is the best and worst of times. Plentiful rains replenish ground water supply and ensure a good harvest. But they also leave behind pools of stagnant water which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The most common mosquito-borne diseases to strike during the monsoon season are dengue, malaria and chikungunya which are caused by Aedes Egypti, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. Here’s some useful information on the most common mosquito-borne diseases and how to prevent and/or alleviate them. Malaria Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes swarm out in the dark and attack ferociously from dawn to dusk. They are a dull grey colour and the female requires a blood meal to lay eggs. Malaria is transmitted by female anopheles mosquitoes. Most people residing in the tropics have developed innate immunity to malaria. Typically, malaria strikes in non-immune individuals. After a variable incubation period, it manifests as a fever, headache, aches and pains and diarrhoea. Most people believe that the most recognisable symptom of malaria is high fever with shivering and sweating. This pattern takes longer to establish itself. The disease may also creep in insidiously without high fever, eventually causing anaemia, fatigue and lethargy. Malaria is particularly severe and dangerous in children, pregnant women and in people who do not have a spleen. Diagnosis Diagnosis of malaria is based on the examination of blood smears. Once confirmed, a complete course of medication is required because the parasite can remain dormant in the liver, to re-emerge after a variable period causing a relapse or chronic infection. The Culex mosquito spreads filaria. Symptoms are fever or swelling of the lower limbs, scrotum and breasts. Diagnosis is through a blood smear. Sometimes filaria can manifest as tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, with coughing and wheezing. It is diagnosed with elevated levels of eosinophils in the blood count. The culex mosquito also transmits Japanese B encephalitis, a virus infection. It starts with a fever and can cause swelling of the brain, coma, convulsions and death. Dengue The Aedes Egypti mosquito, which causes dengue and chikungunya, on the other hand, has an attractive physical appearance. It has a striped body like that of a tiger. Unfortunately, it is domesticated and rarely strays from its place of birth. It loves humans and their environment. Unlike the dawn and dusk attacks of other mosquitoes, it bites in the daytime also. It hides in home upholstery and furniture and attacks a person repeatedly or bites several human beings in the vicinity. This is why several members of a family can develop dengue together. In dengue, fever develops abruptly, four to 10 days after a bite. There may be a red rash, headache, pain behind the eyes, in the joints and abdomen. Other symptoms…

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Storytelling as teaching-learning medium

Storytelling: A powerful teaching-learning medium

The most enduring and proven pedagogy for engaging children and enhancing their knowledge, comprehension and recall capabilities is storytelling – Jayalakshmi Vaidhyanathan

In the Internet age, there are limitless resources and new-fangled techniques to help children ‘learn’ and improve their memorisation capabilities. Yet perhaps the most enduring and proven pedagogy for engaging children and enhancing their knowledge, […]

Anxiety, OCD linked with suicidal thoughts in preadolescents

Over 16 percent of preadolescents have contemplated suicide, says a new study published in Archives of Suicide Studies (July). Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Spain) researchers studied a group of 720 boys and 794 girls in 13 schools during three developmental periods: 10, 11 and 13 years old. At the start of the study, the students answered a series of psychological tests that were used to detect whether they displayed emotional symptoms related to depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). 16 percent of ten-year-olds stated they had thought about suicide. In the second (11) and third (13) developmental periods, ideas of suicide were expressed by 18 percent of students surveyed with the severity of suicidal behaviour greater in male children. The researchers also observed what factors predicted suicidal ideation and found differences between the sexes. “In boys, it is previous depressive symptoms which determine subsequent suicidal ideation. In girls, on the other hand, it is a combination of anxiety symptoms, OCD and the family’s socio-economic situation,” says Núria Voltas, researcher at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili.

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Teething troubles & infant oral care

Teething aka tooth eruption in infants, is a natural physiological process for which most first-time parents aren’t prepared – Shivani Sharma Teething aka tooth eruption in infants, is a natural physiological process for which most first-time parents aren’t prepared. Teething generally occurs between six to 24 months of age. As the first primary tooth breaks through the gums, it causes considerable pain making infants irritable. The most common symptoms of teething are: • Tender, swollen gums • Fussiness and crying • Chewing or gnawing all objects in sight • Excessive drooling (salivation) • Coughing • Chin rash • Changes in eating or sleeping habits The first teeth to erupt are the front bottom or top ones, followed by the rest of 20 primary teeth. Chewing on teething rings, wet cloth, cold spoon or even a clean finger can help ease the pain of teething. Some infants get very irritable and may also develop slight fever. In such cases, administer mild medication such as paracetamol syrup or oral gel to rub the gums. But before using any medication consult a pediatrician. A healthy dental regimen for your teething infant begins with wiping her gums with a clean, wet cloth every day to prevent bacterial infection. When the first tooth erupts turning that toothless grin into a toothy one, it’s not yet time to bring out the infant toothbrush. Gums are still tender, so use your finger or a damp, soft washcloth to wipe the new teeth. Most dentists advise parents to begin using a toothbrush and paste for infants after 18 months. But use only a pea sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste to brush toddlers’ teeth as adult toothpaste is harmful to young children especially when swallowed. Use only drinking/boiled water for brushing infant teeth as tap water could carry germs. Easing your infant into an early dental healthcare routine will save you dentists’ bills later on. Here are some infant oral healthcare guidelines. • Cleaning and brushing teeth removes plaque (the build-up on teeth) that causes tooth decay. • You can start cleaning your infant’s teeth by wiping with a soft cloth or brushing with a small soft toothbrush and water. • At 18 months start using a tiny amount of low-fluoride toothpaste. Use circular movements to brush her teeth, one area at a time. Ask your dentist for a demonstration. • Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day (after breakfast and before bed). • Make brushing teeth a fun exercise and family activity. Parents should brush their teeth the same time as children. • Ease your toddler into a dental care regimen. She could first brush her doll’s teeth before her own. • Choose colourful, attractive toothbrushes. • Try new toothpaste flavours. • Children love watching themselves in a mirror. Fix a mirror at your toddler’s height so she can watch herself brushing her teeth. • Visit a pedodentist within six months of the first tooth eruption. Also read: Healthy habits for all months

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Should I force my daughter to drink milk?

My ten-year-old daughter adamantly refuses to drink milk. Elders in the house insist that she should. But I have read that it’s not essential for children to do so, and that they can instead consume dairy products of their choice. Should I force her to drink milk? She is a healthy and active child. — Kamini Kochar, Mumbai Please don’t force children to drink milk. The child seems to be in good physical health. Consuming other dairy products supplemented with a healthy balanced diet is sufficient to ensure a child’s physical well-being. My daughter is a class VIII student of a private school. Of late, some of her classmates have contracted viral fever, although my daughter has not shown any symptoms of infection. What precautions should I take to prevent her contracting viral fever because not all students remain at home until they are fully recovered? — Shalini Nair, Kochi It is the responsibility of the school management to ensure the safety of its students. The school’s health policy should forbid any child from returning to school before total recovery and awareness/education programmes should emphasise children maintaining basic hygiene such as washing their hands after using the toilet and using handkerchief to cover their mouths when sneezing and coughing. There are no drugs to prevent viral fever. In some special cases influenza vaccines can be administered after consulting a doctor. Help your daughter develop better immunity by ensuring she eats a healthy balanced diet. My husband has the habit of drinking chilled water during meals. My children aged 12 and eight years are also picking up this habit from him. I have heard different opinions about drinking cold water and I’m not sure if it should be avoided, or is it harmless. Does drinking chilled water cause throat infections? — Mrinal Mathur, Vishakapatnam If your husband/children suffer recurrent tonsillitis, throat infections or develop asthma, it means that they are most probably affected by the cold water consumption. In such cases it is best to avoid it. It would be better if water is boiled before chilling. Try to slowly change your children’s preference from cold to lukewarm water. For the past two months I have noticed that my 14-year-old son tends to get a slight fever on the days that he has sports practice in school. Is it the result of strenuous physical exercise? Should I consult a doctor? — Sulochana Rangachari, Chennai A slight increase in body temperature after physical exercise is okay. There is no reason to panic. But it is best to consult a doctor if you have also observed symptoms such as severe body pain, extreme tiredness or change in urine colour. (Dr. Soja Vijayan is assistant professor of paediatrics at the Malabar Medical College, Kozhikode)

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Vocation for animal lovers: Professional veterinarians

With a multiplying number of people adopting pets, being a veterinarian could transform into a satisfying and increasingly rewarding career option It’s unlikely to be recommended by high-profile career counsellors. But for the growing community of compassionate animal lovers, in urban and rural India, going the Dr. Dolittle way could transform into a satisfying and rewarding career option. Interest in tending animals can be sparked at a young age, when a family pet is taken to a veterinarian or a vet visits the family farm. Individuals interested in veterinary medicine as a career path are expected to have enquiring minds, sensitivity, an interest in the biological sciences, and a love and understanding of animals. Professional veterinarians tend to work long and irregular hours in animal hospitals and clinics. Those in a large animal practice also work out of specially equipped trucks and cars and may drive considerable distances to farms and ranches. Inevitably veterinarians have to be prepared to work outdoors in all types of weather. To be admitted into an undergraduate study programme in the veterinary sciences, one should have completed 17 years of age by end December in the year of admission and the Plus Two or equivalent examination with English, physics, chemistry and biology and any other elective subject, averaging at least 50 percent in five subjects. Each vet college prescribes differing criteria for admission which could be based on academic merit (Plus Two average) or performance in an entrance examination conducted by the college. Moreover most state governments conduct common entrance tests (like Maharashtra’s MHCET) for admission into government veterinary colleges. The Veterinary Council of India also conducts an all-India common entrance examination every May. The bachelor of veterinary science and animal husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) course is of five years duration. The syllabus in the preclinical phase includes physics, chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and allied subjects; and animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and surgery, and veterinary hygiene and pathology in the clinical phase. Practical exposure to real life situations and field experience are inherent to the curriculum. For higher studies in veterinary science, the Master’s degree programme — M.V. Sc (two years duration) — offers several specialisation options: anatomy; animal nutrition; genetics and animal breeding; animal reproduction; microbiology; parasitology; pathology; pharmacology; physiology and biochemistry; surgery; poultry science; food, hygiene and veterinary public health; dairy cattle production etc. The minimum eligibility criterion to enroll in an M.V. Sc programme is a B.V.Sc & AH degree. Undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes in veterinary science and animal husbandry are offered by specialist colleges in almost every state of the Indian Union. However inter-state admissions are difficult because most colleges impose domicile restrictions, except for 15 percent of seats which are reserved for those who top the All India Common Entrance Examination. The very first veterinary college in India was established in Mumbai in 1883, followed by colleges at Kolkata, Chennai, and Patna. In 1936, Madras Veterinary College introduced its B.V.Sc degree programme. After independence, several state governments also promoted…

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Avocado Appeal

Ingredients  115 gm wholemeal spaghetti  Juice of one lemon  1 avocado, peeled and chopped  2 chopped ripe tomatoes  ½ pack fresh chopped coriander  1 finely chopped red onion  1 red chilli, finely chopped and deseeded (optional) Preparation Guide  Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Meanwhile, pour the lime juice in a bowl with the avocado, tomatoes, coriander, onion and chilli, and mix well.  Drain the pasta, toss into the bowl and mix well.  Serve while warm, or serve cold after refrigeration. Health Benefits Avocado is rich in potassium, heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and fibre.

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Pasta PERFECT

Try these simple pasta recipes filled with healthy vegetables – Parvathy Menon Pretty Peas Pasta Ingredients  350 gm whole wheat spaghetti  1/4 cup water  1 ¾ cup fresh/frozen peas  1 small chopped cucumber  3 finely chopped green onions Sauce  1/4 cup creamy peanut butter  3 tbsp orange juice  3 tbsp white vinegar  3 tbsp soy sauce  4 tsp sesame oil  4 tsp olive oil  1 tbsp garlic powder  2-3 tsp hot pepper sauce  2-1/4 tsp sugar Topping  1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves  Toasted sesame seeds Preparation guide  Cook spaghetti as per package instructions. Sauté peas in olive oil in a small saucepan. Drain spaghetti; rinse with cold water. Mix the spaghetti with green peas, cucumber and green onions.  In another bowl, blend sauce ingredients and pour over the spaghetti and vegetables. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with coriander leaves and sesame seeds and serve. Health Benefits Peas are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. In addition, they have high protein content. For example, 1/2 cup (170 gm) of cooked carrots provides 1 gm of protein, while 1/2 cup (170 grams) of peas contains four times the protein.

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Chicken Broc Pasta

Ingredients  ¼ kilo broccoli florets  ¼ kilo penne pasta  2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs  1 pinch salt and pepper  1 tbsp olive oil  2 garlic cloves  1 fresh lemon  1/2 cup chicken broth  1 cup heavy cream Preparation Guide  Chop the broccoli into small pieces. Boil water in a large pot of water, add the pasta and continue to cook until the pasta is tender. Drain the pasta in a colander.  While the water for the pasta is heating, season both sides of the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium flame. Tilt the pan to coat the surface in oil, then add the chicken. Cook the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 5 minutes each side).  Simultaneously, add lemon zest by scraping the outermost layer of the lemon with a peeler or grater and mince the garlic. In the same pan, sauté the garlic until it is soft.  Add the chicken broth and stir. Now add the heavy cream, about 1 tsp of lemon zest, and 2 tbsp of lime juice. Stir well, allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and add salt, pepper, or lemon if needed. Season the sauce liberally so the flavours are not diluted once mixed with the pasta, broccoli, and chicken.  Chop the cooked chicken into small pieces, then add it to the cream sauce in the pan along with the drained pasta and chopped broccoli florets. Stir well and serve. Health Benefits Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and several other vitamins, minerals and fibre.

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Spinach in pasta

Ingredients  ½ kg pasta  4 cups chopped palak (spinach)  1/3 cup olive oil  Juice of one large lemon  1 garlic clove  1/4 cup chopped walnuts  1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese  1/2 tsp salt  Freshly cracked pepper to taste  120 gm mozzarella cheese Preparation Guide  Boil salted water, add the pasta and cook until it is tender. Drain in a colander.  While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. Rinse spinach leaves and chop roughly (not finely). Drain excess water.  Blend the chopped spinach in a food processor together with the olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Purée the mixture until smooth. Add more oil if needed to make the mixture into a thick, smooth sauce. Taste the pesto and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. Set the pesto sauce aside.  Once the pasta is drained and cooled, add about half of the pesto sauce and mix well.  Dice the mozzarella into small cubes; add it to the pasta together with 1 tbsp of the lemon zest. Stir well. Add more pesto until everything is coated with a thick layer. Top with more freshly cracked pepper and serve, or refrigerate until ready to eat. Health benefits Like all nuts, walnuts contain beneficial fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are also a valuable vegetarian source of the essential fatty acid omega-3. Walnuts are rich in iron, selenium, calcium, zinc, vitamins E and B.

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Early lessons in patriotism

In this special Independence Day cover story, we present useful suggestions to parents on best ways to educate children about India’s freedom movement and the uniquely liberal and secular ideals that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the freedom struggle endowed upon free India – Mini P, Cynthia John & K.P. Malini As the nation prepares to celebrate India’s 73rd Independence Day on August 15, its 1.25 billion citizens have never been more divided by religious, caste, and ideological fault lines in the history of independent India. A dangerous tidal wave of communal, caste, class and parochial antagonisms is sweeping across the subcontinent and threatens to destroy the hard-won unity and secular foundations of the democratic republic conceptualised and built by the now forgotten leaders of India’s unique non-violent freedom movement, and Mahatma Gandhi in particular. For sentient parents, Independence Day provides a great opportunity to educate children about India’s unprecedented freedom struggle based on the ideal of ahimsa (non-violence) led by the Mahatma and his idea of India which was incorporated in the Constitution of India (1950) that guarantees all citizens equality before the law and seven fundamental rights which even Parliament cannot alter or abridge. “Unfortunately in latter day India, nationalism has become an ugly word, smacking of xenophobia and intolerance of religious and other minorities. Patriotism, on the other hand, stimulates pride in your country and its best values. But today, the line between nationalism and patriotism is blurring, with dangerous consequences for all Indians. We need to teach our children that patriotism requires them to respect values such as tolerance, secularism and cooperation and to care deeply about the well-being of all our fellow citizens whether young or old, rich or poor. We also need to teach our children to respect the country’s natural resources, environment, heritage and culture and most importantly to respect the rule of law,” says Maya Menon, founder of the Teacher’s Foundation, Bangalore. In this special Independence Day cover story, we present useful suggestions to parents on best ways to educate children about India’s freedom movement and the uniquely liberal and secular ideals that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the freedom struggle endowed upon free India. Independence Day reading list “My grandfather was a freedom fighter and went to jail several times. But this generation doesn’t have a reference point nor can it imagine a time when we were not free. They take our hard-won freedom for granted. Books are a great way for parents to educate children about the independence movement and the progressive ideals on which this country was founded,” says Ushasi Sen Basu, Bangalore-based writer and author of Kathputli (2017), a novel that portrays women across three generations, including pre-independence India. Basu routinely selects books set in the era of the freedom movement for her eight-year-old daughter Ahana. Here’s PW’s Top 4 reads for children this Independence Day: Saffron White and Green: The Amazing Story of India’s Independence by Subhadra Sengupta (Puffin, 2015): This book weaves a glorious…

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