Parenting in lockdown era – PW presents advice gathered from psychologists and parenting experts on ways and means parents can empower children to cope with the rigours of the Covid-19 national lockdown and the summer holidays which will prolong the at-home period of children to early June and July, if not longer – Cynthia John, Jayalakshmi Vaidyanathan & Mini P. The rampaging Coronavirus aka Covid-19 pandemic, which has infected 6.19 million people and killed 370,000 worldwide including 208,000 affected and over 5,800 killed in India, and forced a national lockdown of industry and business and mass closure of education institutions, is playing havoc with the psychological and emotional well-being of hitherto active children and adolescents suffering incremental anxiety, fear and stress. According to a recent study titled ‘The Psychological Impact of Quarantine and How to Reduce it’ published in the globally respected medical journal Lancet (March 2020), an assessment of quarantine and isolation in precedent pandemics indicates high prevalence of “emotional disturbance, depression, stress, low mood, irritability, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms, anger and emotional exhaustion,” in human beings. Beyond anxiety about the health of elders and loss of personal freedom and mobility, the pandemic lockdown has forced families indoors, straining and damaging personal relationships. Inevitably, women and children are bearing the brunt of the lockdown, which has been especially harsh on low-income and poor households. In India, the National Commission for Women has reported a sharp increase in domestic abuse and violence with 587 complaints registered between March 23 and April 16 — almost double the complaints received in the previous 25 days. Moreover, the Central government’s Childline India has reported 92,000 calls from abused children between March 25-April 8 — a 50 percent increase after the national lockdown was dramatically announced in a nationwide broadcast by prime minister Narendra Modi on March 24. The lockdown has resulted in closure of all manufacturing plants, business offices and suspension of public transport and forced confinement of all urban residents countrywide. “With family members forced to remain indoors 24/7, fear of contracting the virus has been exacerbated by financial anxiety and stressed inter-personal relationships transmitted through verbal and non-verbal messages. This stress manifests in the form of irritability, anger, and frustration and usually the most vulnerable family members — children and women — bear the brunt,” says Dr. Sangeetha Mahesh, psychologist and relationship consultant and founder-director of Psycafe, Chennai. Dr. Mahesh believes that children internalise parental fears of the pandemic and associated financial, socioemotional and health anxieties. “Young children may not understand the seriousness of the Covid-19 crisis but witnessing their parents engage in conversations laced with anxiety and fear makes them anxious and insecure. They react by crying, shouting and sulking. In such situations, parents need to be calm and positive, assuring children of their complete love and attention,” advises Mahesh. UK-based internationally respected parenting expert and author of the best-seller Parenting Made Easy — How to Raise Happy Children (and PW columnist), Sue Atkins warns that the likes of the rampant…
First, apologies to our subscribers and readers for cancellation of the April and May issues of ParentsWorld. The magazine was all set to go to press, but the national lockdown announced on March 24 by prime minister Narendra Modi following the Covid-19 pandemic and closure of courier and postal services threw a massive spanner in the works. However, though our print issue was cancelled, our team working from home has been uploading daily education and parenting updates on our portal www. educationworld.in. Also check out our new reader-friendly hi-tech e-magazine. The Covid-19 pandemic, which has infected 6.19 million people and killed 3.7 lakh in 198 countries worldwide including 2.08 lakh infections and over 5,800 killed in India, has disrupted everyday life on an unprecedented scale bringing schools, colleges and universities around the world to a grinding halt, upending the lives of millions of parents and children. Work-from-home and study-from-home orders have created unprecedented pressures and stress within households across the country. Anxiety about the health of elders and loved ones, loss of taken-for-granted freedoms and mobility, and fear of job loss and pay cuts, are playing havoc with the psychological and emotional well-being of parents as well as adolescents and children struggling to cope with the realities of shut down societies countrywide. Between March 25-April 8, the Central government’s Childline India has reported 92,000 calls from abused children — a 50 percent increase over the fortnight before the lockdown announcement on March 24. Therefore, in this issue of ParentsWorld which in normal circumstances would have featured a menu of summer activity camps, we highlight the unprecedented problems of parenting children in the lockdown era. In this carefully curated cover feature we present useful coping strategies gathered from experienced psychologists and parenting experts to manage children in these troubled times. There’s valuable advice on teaching personal hygiene and safeguarding the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children; work from home guidelines for parents; tips to manage pandemic anxiety; how to balance children’s studies and play and the best ways to talk to children about this lethal pandemic. Moreover, check out Vellore-based pediatrician Dr. Gita Mathai’s column on boosting body immunity the natural way; the Academic Advantage feature on home-based initiatives to develop children’s computational thinking skills and recipes featuring cool summer treats. We would love your feedback on this special issue and also first-hand reports of your experience of parenting children in the lockdown era. Stay safe and follow all safety prescriptions and guidelines of the government, health and law enforcement agencies.
Inadequate and irregular sleep in infancy can lead to emotional and behavioural problems in early childhood, says a study published in BMJ Paediatrics Open (March). For the study, University of Birmingham, UK, researchers collected information from 1,700 parents on the sleep habits of their children at ages three, eight, 18 and 24 months. The study result highlights that infants who sleep for shorter periods of time, take longer to fall asleep and wake up more frequently during the night and are more likely to experience problems in regulating their behaviour and emotions at 24 months. This prompts disruptive behaviour such as temper tantrums. “It’s likely that sleep quality in the early months and the development of self-regulation — the ability to control our behaviour — are closely intertwined,” says lead researcher Isabel Morales-Munoz who adds that sleeping problems of infants may be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Also read: Less sleep in children who use devices before bed
McMaster University, Canada researchers have found that two of three young teenage mothers suffer at least one mental health problem including depression, anxiety or hyperactivity. This is up to four times higher than in mothers aged above 21 years and teens without children, the researchers concluded in a study published in Journal of Adolescent Health (February). For the study, the researchers surveyed 450 mothers aged below 21 and 100 comparison mothers aged older than 20 at the time of their first child delivery. “Young mothers face a great deal of adversity both before and after becoming parents, yet next-to-nothing is known about the rates and types of significant mental health problems among these women in our community. The study findings can be used to develop better screening processes and more effectively detect mental health problems in teenage mothers, to provide direct treatment,” says Ryan Van Lieshout, lead researcher and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences, McMaster University.
Children who blame themselves for their mothers’ melancholia are likely to suffer depression and anxiety, reveals a study conducted by Southern Methodist University (SMU), USA and published in the Journal of Family Psychology (March). The study which surveyed 129 mothers and their 13-year-olds found that although children of mothers with high levels of depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experiencing anxiety, children who blame themselves for their mothers’ melancholia display higher levels of depressive symptoms. “If children blame themselves for their mothers’ depressive symptoms, they are more likely to brood about their mothers’ symptoms. And we know from an extensive body of research that rumination over stressors, especially ones that are uncontrollable, is linked with depression and anxiety. Also, if children feel personally responsible for their mothers’ symptoms, they may try to ‘make it better’ and use ineffective coping strategies. This could lead to a sense of helplessness, failure, and low self-worth in the child, since ultimately the child is misattributing the cause of their mothers’ depressive symptoms,” says lead author Dr. Chrystyna Kouros, associate professor of psychology at SMU.
I look forward to reading the ‘Fun with Words’ column by Roopa Banerjee every month. It’s an enjoyable way for children to learn about the nuances of the English language. As a retired English teacher I am appalled by the poor English grammar and limited vocabulary of the new generation, for which I blame their addiction to social media, WhatsApp and other digital platforms. Schools and parents should make it compulsory for children to read at least one high-quality literary work every month. Vinod Cherian Chennai Shocking health record Though the full extent of the damage done by the still rampaging Covid-19 pandemic is yet to be ascertained, I was shocked to read that there are several other deadly diseases which are extracting a heavy toll in India every day. For instance I was outraged to read that 2,000 people in India die of diarrhoea every day and 1,400 of tuberculosis. Why has there not been any public outrage over these killer diseases that are omnipresent in 21st century India? After we are done with the Covid-19 epidemic, we need to take stock of our healthcare system and work to create safe and clean environments where all, especially child citizens, can lead healthy lives. Rishabh Sharma New Delhi Under-reported women’s stress Congratulations for highlighting the under-reported but ubiquitous phenomenon of parenting stress (PW March). Over the past decade with the growth of two-income nuclear households, parenting stress has reached dangerous levels. And the major brunt of parenting anxiety is borne by women who bear almost the entire load of child care duties. They are expected to care for their children’s every need and also work a full day in offices. India’s rigidly patriarchal society frowns upon men helping women with household chores. Therefore I am not surprised to read in your story that a growing number of women are suffering parental burnout and exhaustion and need counselling and medical care. It’s time for the men to step up and share the responsibility of raising children. Rashmi Abraham Bangalore Multiple intelligences neglect Thank you for a very educative feature on developing children’s spatial intelligence (PW March). Most schools and parents focus on only one intelligence i.e, academic. They pay scant attention to developing a child’s multiple intelligences. Over-emphasis on academic success has blighted many children’s lives. I urge all parents to encourage their children to develop their other intelligences and talents, be it music, art, dance, sports, etc. I also want to make an appeal to schools and teachers to encourage a thousand different flowers to bloom in their classrooms. The world doesn’t only need scientists and programmers but also poets, artists and musicians. Kamala Chandra Chennai Great expectations folly Thank you for publishing an excellent parenting magazine. I believe most parent-child conflicts arise because of a gap between the expectations of parents and children. Parents want children to excel in all they do and to this end they try their best to provide enabling facilities and opportunities. But all children…
Infants born prematurely rapidly acquire immune functions after birth, equivalent to infants born at term, according to a new study published in Nature Communications (March). King’s College London researchers tracked infants born prior to the normative 32 weeks gestation period to assess their immune cell populations, capability to produce mediators, and other post-natal changes. The study concluded that most immunity is acquired rapidly after birth and, as such, infants born prematurely have capability to develop normal immune systems. “All the infants’ immune profiles progressed in a similar direction as they aged, regardless of the number of weeks of gestation at birth. Babies born in earliest gestations — before 28 weeks — made a greater degree of movement over a similar time period to those born at later gestation. This suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame, and immune development in all babies follows a set path after birth,” says Deena Gibbons, professor at King’s College London.
My daughter started menstruating at 13 years. She is now 15 and suddenly her monthly periods have become irregular and sometimes skip a month. She is in class X and preparing for her boards. I wonder if this is because of stress. — Worried mother, Chennai Stress can’t be the only cause. Note down the number of irregular menstrual cycles. If the number of irregular cycles are one-two, there’s no cause for anxiety. If irregularity persists for more than three cycles, investigate further. Is there abnormal weight gain? Is her haemoglobin count normal? She should also undergo a diagnostic test to ascertain if she is suffering anemiaor polycystic ovaries. I suspect my 15-year-old daughter is suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). She has put on a lot of weight in the past few years. Is she too young to develop PCOS? — Worried mother, Bangalore PCOS is common among teenage girl children these days. Weight gain apart, other symptoms, include facial hair growth and acne. Treatment plans usually include medication, dietary and lifestyle changes. Please be observant and make a detailed note of the duration of her monthly menstrual cycles, weight gain, and other physical changes, etc before consulting a gynaecologist. I have been reading about the benefits of switching to cloth pads and menstrual cups, not just for environmental sustainability but for health reasons as well. Are commercially produced sanitary pads unhygienic and unsafe? — Preethi V, Chennai Commercial sanitary pads can be used but need to be changed frequently. Similarly when using cloth or biodegradable pads, frequency of change needs to be followed as per instructions. Undergarments should also be changed every six-eight hours. Vaginal washes can be used to avoid rashes and in case of wetness, apply some talcum powder. If there is itching, use candid powder. Moreover it’s advisable to wear cotton instead of nylon panties which tend to cause skin irritation. My daughter’s menstrual cycle began two years ago. She is now 13 years old. She complains of intense stomach cramps before the onset of her period. How can this be remedied? — Shruthi M, Bangalore In cases of early onset of puberty, stomach cramps are common, and generally nothing to worry about. The uterus is immature, the uterine opening may be small and perineal area and pelvic floor muscles tight. This results in pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic nerves. Exercise can provide some relief. If pain is severe, anti-spasmodic medications can be taken. It’s probable she will outgrow stomach cramps after she turns 18 years. However if pain persists or there are other abnormal symptoms, consult a gynaecologist. (Dr. R. Sankari Alagarasan is a gynaecologist and infertility specialist at Clarite Abikshaiya Hospital, Madurai) Also read: Are plastic lunch boxes unhealthy for children?
Colloquialism is the use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech – Roopa Banerjee Americans eat cookies, but people in India and the UK eat biscuits. Americans love French fries while the British prefer chips. The use of informal words or phrases in writing or speech is known as colloquialism. The word colloquialism is derived from the Latin colloquium, translated as speaking together. As colloquialisms are informal words within specific dialects, we need to understand dialects to fully comprehend colloquialisms. A dialect is a variant of a language spoken by a specific group of people. Dialects are often regional — people in different parts of the world might speak the same language differently. An individual raised in the US will speak a different English dialect from a native of the UK or India. Different dialects are spoken within a country as well. Several slang words and regional colloquialisms are accepted as part of the English dictionary. For instance over 900 Indian words are included in the latest Oxford English Dictionary. Words such as jugaad,dadagiri, achcha, bapu and suryanamaskar are now accepted as Indian colloquialisms in the English language. Oft-used terms such as timepass, natak and chup have also made it to the OED. Submarine sandwiches, subs, Italian sandwiches, heroes, and hoagies are diverse words used in different parts of the US to refer to the same type of sandwich. Similarly pop, soda, and coke — are all soft drinks. Colloquialism abounds in literature. Writers often use colloquialism in dialogue or first-person narration because it makes characters real and defines their speech. For instance, in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain uses colloquialism to give his protagonists a distinctive regional flavour and identity. The title character, Huck Finn narrates his story using colloquial language specific to a regional dialect. He uses “allowed” as a colloquialism for said, and adjectives in a casual way — “it was rough living” and “dismal regular”. The double negatives used in “I couldn’t stand it no longer” are used as in regional dialect. In formal English, double negatives would cancel each other out, but in informal speech, they add emphasis. Use of colloquialisms identifies Huck as a real person living in Missouri in the pre-Civil War time period in which the entire tale is set. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the villainous Lago tells Brabantio, Desdemona’s father: “Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you.” Zounds was a common colloquialism in early modern English, the dialect spoken in England during Shakespeare’s lifetime (1564-1616). It’s an informal contraction of the phrase ‘Christ’s Wounds’, and was considered a mild swear word in Elizabethan England. Colloquialisms usage is great for characterisation. A person’s use of colloquialisms indicates his native region, socio-economic status or ethnic background, and is often reflective of the era in which he lives. Fans of George Bernard Shaw will remember the first scene of Pygmalion which highlights Prof. Higgins’ unique capability to identify people’s background…
With intense peer and social media pressure to improve their physiques, teens tend to blindly follow compulsive exercise regimens and crash diets resulting in over-exercise and anorexia/bulimia which cause more harm than good – Sneha Arora Adolescence is a period of intense physical, psychological and emotional changes for teens who experience deep emotional turmoil, highs and lows. A good antidote is physical exercise. It not only prevents lifestyle disorders in adulthood but also contributes to overall mental and physical well-being of teenage children. However with intense peer and social media pressure to improve their physiques, teens tend to blindly follow compulsive exercise regimens and crash diets resulting in over exercising and anorexia/bulimia which cause more harm than good. Therefore it’s important that parents monitor their adolescents’ exercise schedule and diet closely. Recommended exercises The best workouts are aerobics, strength training and flexibility and stretching exercises. Sports such as swimming, rowing, basketball, running, tennis, and biking are excellent body and stamina-building stress busters. Body weight exercises such as squats, push ups, pull ups, sit ups and tug of war are also safe ways to strengthen muscles, improve metabolism and increase stamina. However warm up exercises of 20 minutes followed by dynamic stretches should be done before starting a weight training programme followed by another round of stretching at the end. Strength/weight training should be limited to three to five times a week on non-consecutive days. A certified trainer will gradually increase the regimen and weights. If teens stress skeletal frames by lifting excess weights they can suffer serious injury. For teens who play sports, strength training is often included through conditioning drills and other activities. However, prescribed safety gear should always be used. For parents it’s important to emphasise the enjoyment of physical exercise rather than encourage it as a weight reduction goal. This will prevent children from becoming too conscious about their weight which can create body image anxiety and result in over-exercise. Professionally recommended exercise programmes and diets are the best prescription for teens to remain fit and healthy. How much is too much? The usual recommendation for adolescents is 60 minutes exercise every day, five days a week. Their bodies are still developing and they need sufficient calories to support the rigours of exercise. They also need good doses of protein post-workouts to rebuild muscle tissue. If you observe mood swings, irritability or unexplained appetite change, you need to reassess your child’s workout regimen. In case of teens pursuing competitive sports, exercise regimens tend to be longer, and need to be supported with guidance from a qualified coach and sports nutritionist. Over-exercising dangers Not a few teens over-exercise, hoping to build six packs and/or lose weight. In such cases it’s important to explain that over-exercising leads the body to produce cortisol (a stress-inducing hormone) instead of the happy hormone — endorphins. Cortisol prompts mood swings and anxiety and impairs concentration. On the other hand endorphins released through exercise relieve stress,…
What’s the right age to have the necessary good and bad touch talk with children? Recently, my child’s school announced that it was organising such a talk for kindergarten children. — Roshni C, Chennai Although children are most vulnerable between the ages of seven and 13, there are sexual predators who target victims as early as infancy. Therefore, the best time to talk to your child about good and bad touch is as soon as they are capable of understanding your words but it’s best to keep information age-appropriate. Here are some pointers: • Educate children about the names of their different body parts — private and not private. Don’t shy away from using the correct anatomical names e.g, breasts, vagina, buttocks, penis. • Help your child identify good touch: e.g, hand holding, hugging, high fives. Although these are generally acceptable, if they make them feel uncomfortable, then they are not okay. • Explain about bad touch that hurts or leaves a bruise, cut, or burn (e.g, hitting, kicking, pushing). It is not okay for other children to push/hit/kick and if an adult does, it’s physical abuse. • It is not okay for adults or older children to touch other children’s private organs or for adults/older children to make them look at or touch their genitals. • Give your child examples to evaluate if they can identify a good and bad touch. What should children do about bad touch? • Explain to your child that she can say “No” or “Stop” or “I don’t like that” or “Don’t touch me” and/or run away. Practice this with role play. • Educate your child that sometimes the person touching a child inappropriately will warn her to keep it a secret. Instruct them that this is not an acceptable secret and should always be shared with a trusted adult. • Help your child identify adults who they could talk to if someone has touched her inappropriately. • Remember that talking about good and bad touch is not a one-time conversation. It needs to be constantly reiterated. My 14-year-old has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He is very distraught and wants to keep the diagnosis a secret. How do I convince him that it is ok for his friends and other people to know? — Rohan Jo, Chennai Early adolescence is a vulnerable period for onset of Type 1 diabetes aka juvenile diabetes. Blood glucose management through diet, exercise and insulin injection presents unique challenges for teens. And that’s why it is very important that your son tells his friends, teachers, and extended family about his condition to enable them to assist him if there’s a health-related emergency. In addition, adolescence is wrought with social and behavioural changes. Encourage two-way communication, listen to his problems empathetically and constantly reassure him of your full support and love. Perhaps you could also make an appointment to discuss his diabetes condition with his teachers. My ten-year-old daughter is very susceptible to peer pressure. I’m afraid this…
Appetite slump in toddlers in paediatric jargon is loss of desire to eat. This is common in children between the ages of two-six – Dr. Atish Laddad A common refrain of parents especially mothers, is that their infant is not eating enough. Appetite slump in toddlers is paediatric jargon for loss of desire to eat. This is common in children between the ages of two and six. Most parents report that children’s growth and bodily development reduces significantly after the first year. In the first year, infants record steady growth and weigh about 5-6 kg. However, between ages 2-6 body weight gain is relatively slow. It’s not unusual for children not to display any significant weight gain for three-four months. While measured bodily growth during early childhood (2-6 years) results in dropping appetite, there may be other reasons why young children suffer appetite slump. Illness. If your child is suffering any type of illness such as sore throat, fever, stomach pain, skin rash etc, she is likely to refuse food. In such cases seek medical advice immediately. Depression/stress. Parental conflict, loss of a loved one and other unpleasant experiences hugely impact children’s mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and appetite slump. Junk food. Toddlers who are permitted access to junk food between meals are likely to experience appetite slump at mealtimes. Moreover high junk food intake could lead to lifestyle diseases such as childhood obesity and diabetes in later life. Excessive fluid intake. Drinking packaged juices and/or other liquids apart from water, in between and during meals, causes bloating and appetite slump. Absence of physical activity. Inactive and sedentary lifestyle of infants slows digestion and reduces food cravings of children. Boosting children’s appetite Allow your child the freedom to decide the amount of food she wants to eat. Every child has an appetite centre in the brain which regulates food intake according to the body’s growth and energy requirements. Limit snacks and junk food intake. Supervise junk food intake and snacking between meals. Binge eating leads to bloating and kills hunger. Limit fluid intake. It is inadvisable for young children to drink more than 480 ml of fluids per day. Avoid packaged juices. They are laden with calories and preservatives. Add variety to daily menus. Make meal times interesting for children who are fussy eaters, by varying daily menus. This will also enable you to ascertain your child’s preferred foods. Moreover enhance food presentation by adding creative shapes and colours and/or serving in cartoon-themed plates and cutlery. Check portion sizes. Always serve small portions to youngest children. Small portions are less overwhelming and more likely to result in second helpings. Adhere to meal schedules. Preparing and following a regular mealtime schedule normalises children’s appetites. Avoid TV meals. Prohibit children from eating meals while watching television or focused on mobile phones. Mealtimes should be for interesting conversations. Don’t use food as a reward or punishment and don’t complain about your child’s poor eating…
I salute ParentsWorld for publishing a powerful cover story ‘Don’t judge. Enable single parents!’ (PW February). As a single parent in the early years of the new millennium, I experienced social prejudice and disdain, and had to move to three different cities with my daughter. In small town India especially, single moms are harshly judged and stigmatised for their personal and parental choices. For instance, when we were living in Varanasi, we were never invited to any social gatherings. But today the scenario has vastly changed. Now my daughter is in class XII and I realise that many of her peers come from single parent households. There is definitely more acceptance of single mothers than a decade ago. Rashmi K. Bangalore Patriarchy deep & alive Your cover story on single parent households was relevant and timely (PW February). As a single mother, I want to share with your readers a personal experience which has shattered my belief that social attitudes are changing for the better in India. Unfortunately, India is still a deeply patriarchal society with regressive attitudes towards women, divorce and marriage. I faced an ordeal when I went to renew my child’s passport recently. Though my application clearly said that I was divorced, the passport office executive (male) unleashed a barrage of unnecessary questions about my divorce. When I replied that I wasn’t comfortable answering them, I was shunted from one department to the other resulting in considerable delay. Again, during my child’s school admission interview, I was asked several questions about my divorce and financial status. It was embarrassing to answer these questions before my child but I had no choice. Given the rising number of single mothers in India, my request to school managements is to be more sensitive during admission interviews. Reeja S. Kochi Acknowledge teenage suicide reality Your story ‘8 ways to discuss suicide with teens’ (PW February) is an eye-opener. It is a common misconception that suicide is an irrelevant issue — most middle class parents including myself believe that it will never happen to our children. In fact, it’s all too relevant in today’s hyper-competitive era. National Crime Records Bureau data indicates that suicide is among the most common causes of death among youth in the 10-24 years age bracket. Even more disturbing are media reports that a rising number of high school students are thinking about suicide or making the first self-injury attempt. I believe it is important for all parents to acknowledge that suicide among adolescents is a reality. Bullying, sexual molestation, depression among other problems can lead adolescents to contemplate suicide. Children should know that they can rely on their parents for sympathy, advice and counsel when they experience depression and suicidal impulses. Mohamed Ansari Chennai Teach male children gender sensitivity We are regular subscribers of ParentsWorld. My son often tries out the recipes included in the Health & Nutrition section. Unfortunately my in-laws make sexist comments about his culinary interest. I wonder when Indian families will start changing their…
With the global adventure tourism industry recording double digit growth rates annually, ballooning has re-emerged as a new and highly rewarding 21st century career – Paromita Sengupta The hot air balloon has flown a long way since its maiden flight manned by two Frenchmen soared 3,000 ft over Paris in the 18th century. Three centuries later it has re-emerged as a popular flying machine used the world over to provide thrilling adventure and entertainment experiences. Commercial hot air balloons are lighter-than-air aircraft comprising a bag (aka envelope) made of fire-resistant material that holds heated air. Suspended beneath is a ‘gondola’ or wicker basket to accommodate passengers, and a source of heat. In most cases, an open flame ignited by burning liquid propane or LPG is used. Unlike hot air balloons driven by the wind, thermal airships can be propelled through the air. Latter day ballooning in India is a fair weather winter months activity for tourists, advertisers eager to promote their products and air balloon enthusiasts with a yen to view the world from on high. Licensed balloon pilots (mainly freelancers) are hired by adventure tourism companies and advertisers. They require intensive training and licensing as they are responsible for the safety of passengers, flight-path decisions, crew and equipment. The adventure tourism industry which has recorded significant growth (17 percent CAGR) globally and is projected to attain a revenue of $13 billion (Rs.9,100 crore) by 2023, has revived and boosted the ballooning business worldwide. Study programmes To qualify as a hot air balloon pilot, aspirants over 18 years of age are eligible to apply to balloon flight training schools in the UK/US/Europe. As yet, formal balloon flight training schools havent sprung up in India. To meet the civil aviation ministry’s testing standards for hot air ballooning, flight schools offer study programmes in practical knowledge and flight instruction. The syllabus covers subjects such as meteorology, airmanship, navigation, flight rules, codes of conduct, pre and post-flight procedures, balloon manoeuvres, emergency procedures and knowledge of basic civil aviation regulations. After logging a minimum 35 hours flying time as a light airplane pilot, 20 hours flying time in balloons, six hours flying time with a flight instructor, two solo flights, two flights of over one hour, and one flight over 5,000 ft, candidates are ready for a final flight test and certification by an examiner. Foreign licence holders are required to write a composite exam conducted by the Delhi-based Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Pay & perks Hot air balloon pilots in India are usually paid according to the number of flights logged during a season. Freshers (co-pilots) can expect Rs.30,000-60,000 per month with pay packages rising to Rs.1-2 lakh per month for experienced pilots. Advertisers who hire balloons and the services of their owners (usually pilots) tend to pay Rs.80,000-1.5 lakh per season. Balloon rides don’t come cheap and can cost up to Rs.2,000-3,000 per adult for a 15-minute joy ride. Licensed balloon pilots are hired by adventure tourism companies and advertisers.…
Carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, this Himalayan state, Uttarakhand, nourished by some of Hinduism’s most sacred rivers is developing into India’s most high-potential tourism destination The state of Uttarakhand (pop. 10.4 million) is arguably India’s most high-potential tourism destination. Carved out of the mammoth state of Uttar Pradesh (pop. 215 million) in 2000, this quaint and charming Himalayan state, initially called Uttaranchal and renamed in 2006, attracts over 35 million domestic and foreign tourists annually. Spread over an area of 53,483 sq. km, of which nearly 93 percent is mountainous and 63 percent under forest cover, Uttarakhand (‘Land of the North’) encompasses the hill regions of Garhwal and Kumaon. Blessed with rolling hills and snow-covered mountains, it is nourished by some of Hinduism’s most sacred rivers, including the Ganges, which originates in Gaumukh in the far north of the state and winds its way to the plains through the pilgrimage centres of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Richly endowed with natural splendour, Uttarakhand offers tourists panoramic vistas of the Himalayan ranges. Snow-capped peaks, magnificent glaciers, pilgrimage centres including the char dhams — the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri) — rich cultural traditions, hill stations and a cool and invigorating climate make this state an idyllic destination for stressed visitors from the plains. Planned development of trekking and yatra (pilgrimage) routes and adventure sports such as river rafting, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering etc, have positioned Uttarakhand in the ‘A’ list of adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. The history of Uttarakhand dates to the era of the Mahabharata (1000 BC). In the epic the Pandava brothers are said to have ascended to heaven by climbing the Swargarohini peak in western Garhwal. The Mahabharata also describes this region as the home of the Kirata, Pulinda and Tangara tribes. However recorded history is available only up to the time of the Macedonian march across the Himalayan foothills. Later in 330 AD, the Gupta dynasty instituted an imperialist tradition, which was followed by the Vardhanas until 400 AD. The downfall of the Vardhana empire led to the emergence of a number of small principalities ruled by local chieftains. Subsequently during the Turkish invasions of the plains these principalities changed in size and power as additional waves of migration were experienced. Today, if a resident is asked about the history of the region, the answer is more likely to be shaped by myth rather than chronicle. The region was part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh which was delineated in 1902 when the British stepped in to repulse invading Gorkhas. Later the British created replicas of little England in the hills of the region. After India gained independence, the United Province was renamed Uttar Pradesh (1950) and Uttarakhand remained a part of Uttar Pradesh until this new state of the Indian Union was decreed in 2000. Uttarakhand owes much of its religious and spiritual traditions to Adi Shankaracharya, the revered saint who was almost entirely responsible for the renaissance…
(9 servings) Ingredients for mango panna cotta 4 cups cold water 6 gelatin sheets (1 tbsp granulated gelatin = 4 gelatin sheets) 1 ½ cups heavy cream ½ cup milk ½ cup sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Mango layer 3 cups ripe mangoes (finely cut) 2-3 tbsp sugar (to taste) ¼ cup water 2 gelatin sheets Preparation guide Panna Cotta Add cold water and gelatin sheets in a bowl. Soak for 10 minutes. If using granulated gelatin, dissolve the gelatin in cold milk and soak for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, mix heavy cream, milk, and sugar, and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. At first boil, add the gelatin sheets and mix until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool. Now evenly distribute into small glass bowls. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight until firm. Mango layer Add the cold water and gelatin sheets in a medium-size bowl. Soak for 10 minutes. If using granulated gelatin, dissolve the gelatin in ¼ cup of cold water and soak for 5 minutes. Blend 2 ½ cups diced mango and sugar until smooth. Cook the mango puree for 4-5 minutes, or until syrupy. Add gelatin sheet (or softened gelatin powder) and mix well. Let the mixture cool. Spoon mango mixture over the panna cotta. Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm. NB: Mangoes promote digestion, healthy gut, eye health and boost immunity. Also read: Nanaimo
(9 servings) Named after the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (Canada), it comprises three layers — wafer, nut (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), and coconut crumb base; custard in the middle; and layer of chocolate ganache on top. Ingredients for Nanaimo Bottom layer ½ cup unsalted butter, diced into pieces ¼ cup granulated sugar 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder tsp salt 1 ¾ cup digestive biscuit crumble ½ cup finely chopped almonds 1 cup shredded coconut with little sugar Filling ½ cup unsalted softened butter 2-3 tbsp heavy cream 2 tbsp custard powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups powdered sugar Top layer ½ cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate 2 tbsp unsalted butter Preparation guide for Nanaimo Butter a baking dish. Line with parchment paper and butter parchment. Set aside. First layer Melt butter in a large bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla essence and salt. Mix well. Remove from heat and add digestive biscuit crumbs, coconut, and almonds and toss until evenly coated. Press mixture into the baking dish. Chill while preparing the filling, bottom layer shouldn’t be warm when adding the custard frosting layer. Second layer Blend powdered sugar, butter, custard powder and 2 tbsp heavy cream in an electric mixer. Whip until pale and fluffy, adding another 1 tbsp cream to thin if needed. Spread mixture into an even layer over bottom layer. Chill preferably in the freezer while melting chocolate (otherwise the warm chocolate can melt this layer). Third layer Melt chocolate along with butter in a steel bowl, set over a pot of simmering water until smooth. Spread mixture into an even layer over the filling layer. Chill until chocolate has set. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator. Serve at room temperature. NB: Almonds contain healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. Also read: Strawberries and cream
(6 servings) Ingredients 75 gm icing sugar 250 gm soft cheese 125 gm cream 300 gm fresh strawberries Preparation guide Whip the cream, and gently add icing sugar. Add the cheese and whip. Cut strawberries. Alternate strawberries and cream in serving glasses. (You can also add a third layer of buttered and crumbled digestive biscuits). NB: Strawberries are rich in anti-oxidants, calcium and protein. Other recipes: Easy-to-make ice-cream recipes to beat the heat this summer How to make a quick Christmas cake
PW invited parents of Delhi School of Excellence, Hyderabad to share their initiatives to boost family immunity to combat viruses and infections “I believe the best way to boost immunity and fitness of my family including my five-year-old daughter Anvi is to practise the power of positive thinking and follow a healthy lifestyle. Typically our day begins with a dose of a home-made concoction of basil, ginger, cloves and cinnamon followed by a series of fitness exercises and pranayam (twice daily) to reinforce our respiratory systems. We avoid oily and spicy food and include fruit, leafy vegetables and salads in our meals. Our bedtime ritual is to cultivate positivity by thinking of “staying strong to defeat the virus” followed by a glass of golden milk (mixed with turmeric).” — Mukesh Kumar, scientist, ASL (DRDO, ministry of defence), Hyderabad “I believe good nutrition builds strong immunity. Therefore we maintain a diet that includes fruits, leafy vegetables, chicken and fish. To this, our 12-year-old-daughter Darynn Abigail adds a glass of milk and vitamin supplements prescribed for growing children. Following good personal hygiene habits like bathing regularly, washing hands before and after meals, carefully washing veggies, fruits and meat before cooking and drinking clean water are also important in protecting us from disease. Moreover adequate sleep, regular exercise, meditation and family fun time are great stress busters that ensure good health and happiness.” — Rev. Patrick Dommati, church pastor and operations director of Gospel Trumpets Ministries, Hyderabad “Although our intentions weren’t deliberate, over the years we have all developed healthy habits — good hygiene, balanced diet and an active lifestyle — that have helped boost our immunity levels. Except for being locked down, the Covid pandemic hasn’t drastically changed our way of life. Washing vegetables, hands, body and feet mindfully are taken very seriously in our household. Nuts, dried fruits. curd and buttermilk are always included in our daily menu. Additionally, my nine-year-old twin daughters Sifat Kaur and Sidak Kaur love eating seasonal fruits. And every night, it’s a practice to drink a glass of lemon water mixed with nutrients-rich chia seeds.” — Dilbagh Singh, senior manager (product development), Oracle India Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad “These are testing times and I believe my family including my teenage daughters — Farah Mariam (class X) and Farheen Mariam (class IX) — must focus on strength of mind and soul as much as on body immunity. Healthy nourishment apart, I ensure my family gets a daily dose of exercise, reads books to remain motivated, listens to inspirational music; and prays to heal and keep our souls nourished. A balanced diet, sunlight and fresh air, physical exercise in our home gym, yoga and mind strengthening exercises have contributed to developing inner strength and strong bodies and minds besides building natural immunity.” — Bindhiya Ahamed, Technology professional, US-based MNC Also read: Helping children cope with exam stress
Take on summer heat with these super cool desserts – Parvathy Menon Banana-Chocolate joysticks (6 servings) Ingredients 250 gm chopped dark chocolate 6 popsicle sticks or wooden skewers 2 bananas, peeled and cut into thirds cup chopped salted peanuts Preparation guide Place chocolate in a pot set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until it melts. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Insert a popsicle stick in one end of each banana piece. Dip banana, one piece at a time, in chocolate, spooning on additional chocolate to cover it. Sprinkle bananas with peanuts, and set on the baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm (20 minutes). NB: Bananas are rich in vitamin C and manganese and provide much-needed energy for hot summer days.
To boost the body’s innate active immunity to stave off infections and survive pandemics, avoid vitamin/mineral pills and include natural immunity-boosting foods in your family’s diet instead Over the past several millennia, homo sapiens have survived pandemics, plagues, and infectious diseases precipitated by deadly viruses and pathogens. During these pandemics, some people died, others became sick and recovered, while few beat the infection without severe symptoms. This difference in health outcomes depends on the body’s innate ability to fight infection. When a disease-inducing organism enters the body, an army of white blood cells (WBC) attacks the invader. They overwhelm and kill invader viruses and bacteria, while B (bone marrow or bursa-derived) and T (thymus) cells produce immunoglobulin antibodies. An infant is born with protective immunity as immunoglobulins pass from mothers to the foetus in the placenta. An infant’s protective immunity is fortifed against diseases to which her mother has developed immunity because she contracted the disease and survived, naturally or through vaccination. This passive immunity mediated by immunoglobulins lasts for about six-nine months after birth. It is boosted by breastfeeding. Subsequently, as an infant enters into early childhood she becomes more susceptible to diseases and viruses. Immunoglobulins can also be transfused to provide passive immunity, but they have an even shorter life span. On the other hand active immunity lasts a lifetime. It can be acquired naturally as a result of contracting infection or artificially with vaccinations and immunization. These are injections or oral solutions containing small doses of active, weakened or dead organisms. Once the body’s own cells produce immunity, memory of the previous attack (natural or artificial) is ingrained. It remembers the attack by the disease-causing bacteria or virus and responds vigorously to a second invasion. It produces immunoglobulins which attack and kill the invader organism. Here are some ways to boost the body’s innate active immunity to stave off infections and survive pandemics: Exercise regularly. It increases the heart rate and circulation, pumping blood through dilated vessels and supplying an army of WBC and immunoglobulins to the body. People with a healthy weight BMI 23-25 (weight in kilograms divided by height in meter squared) are less prone to immunity-suppressing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Abjure alcohol and tobacco. Balanced diets are important for boosting immunity. Include 4-6 helpings of fruits and vegetables and 10 nuts such as almonds which are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals) in your daily diet. Potent immunity-boosting foods include curry leaves, papaya, broccoli, spinach, capsicum and citrus fruits. Spices such as pepper and turmeric and additives like garlic and ginger also boost immunity. Probiotics are naturally present in curd and other home-made fermented food and ward off infections. The pharma industry has attempted to extract and package immunity-boosting micronutrients into capsules and supplements. But it’s unclear how much of the active ingredients is destroyed in the manufacturing process. My advice: avoid vitamin/mineral pills and include natural immunity-boosting foods in your family’s diet instead. (Dr. Gita Mathai is…
