PW invited parents of Gaudium School, Kolluru, Hyderabad to share their insights on how they are enabling their children to return to in-school classrooms “With reopening of schools becoming a reality, we are making sure that our son — Mukilan (7) — understands the reasons for wearing a mask at all times and sanitizing his hands at frequent intervals. Most importantly, we are teaching him all safety protocols including how to maintain social distancing in school. To begin with, he has observed all safety guidelines while playing with his friends within our gated community. For his physical and mental well-being, we have also enroled him for yoga, kickboxing and music classes.” — Veerappan Ramachandran, IT professional, Deloitte “I am confident my children — Sarahi (9) and Shail (7) — are ready for school as they have followed a study-play-read-write routine over the past few months and are habitual early risers. The prolonged closure of school initially made them watch too much television and other digital devices. But we quickly restricted their digital screen times and indulgence in junk food by sending them out to play and engaging a physical instructor to teach them table-tennis and swimming. We also introduced daily reading-writing sessions as the children were weak in these departments.” — Sarosh Vishnukanth, Entrepreneur “Fortunately both my children — Sri Nishika (class III) and Avishka (class II) — like most of their generation have open minds, and easily adapt to any situation. Lately we have been talking about returning to school, meeting friends and teachers in person while observing all safety protocols. Their excitement is palpable as they are looking forward to spending more in-person time with their peers — in classrooms, playing fields and dining areas — and less time with digital devices.” — Dr. Deepika Narra, consultant dermatologist and co-founder of Dermiq Skin and Hair Clinic, Hyderabad “We were very conscious that my son Satya Aarav (7) missed school and all its associated activities. Despite his young age, Aarav is quite mindful about wearing a mask when he steps outdoors and frequently sanitises his hands. In my opinion, he is more than ready for school. The real challenge is my daughter Shri Diya (4) who will attend preschool at Gaudium for the first time. Apart from teaching her the importance of masking and sanitizing, we are also preparing her for the idea of school, likening it to birthday parties she joyfully attends in our gated community.” — Dr. Yashwanth Chinta, partner at Nexogenix Life Sciences, Hyderabad
Anachronism is when a person, object or event of a different time and era makes an appearance in a different time period – Roopa Banerjee Fans of the movie Back to the Future (1985) will remember the scene when Marty McFly replays rock-n-roll pioneer Chuck Berry’s 1958 hit Johnny B. Goode. This is a carefully placed anachronism — defined as when a person, object or event of a different time and era is consciously inserted in a different time period. For instance, if a story which is set in Victorian England features a shopping mall, it would be an anachronism. An error in chronology, anachronism originates from the Latin word anachronismus which means ‘an error in computing time or finding dates’, as well as the Greek anakhronismos i.e ‘refer to wrong time’. Ana means ‘against’ and khronos ‘time.’ Writers/filmmakers often use anachronisms to add an element of humour and surprise to a story. Imagine filming a corporate board meeting with people dressed in suits while warriors from the 16th century walk past, with no explanation at all. This would, of course, only be used if the intention is to create humour. The Flintstones, Disney’s Aladdin, and the Shrek film series are all brilliant examples of comical anachronism. Language anachronism is when modern language is used for films set in the ancient past. This is an accepted style as few would understand a period film if the characters mouthed dialogues written in 14th century English. Sometimes, anachronisms are included to simplify a scene for the reader. In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Cassius says: “The clock has stricken three,” although clocks were not invented until many hundreds of years later. Nevertheless, Shakespeare mentions the clock because referring to a Roman sundial would have confused the audience and diluted the essence of the plot. This is substantiated by novelist Sir Walter Scott who said, “It is necessary, for exciting interest of any kind, that the subject assumed should be, as it were, translated into the manners as well as the language of the age we live in.” An example of intentional anachronism is in a scene from Sofia Coppola’s feature film Marie Antoinette where a pair of Converse sneakers is placed next to staid period-appropriate shoes. Coppola clarified that this was intentional to accentuate Antoinette’s youth. She didn’t want the film to be a history lesson, but an impressionist narrative. Anachronisms can also happen as an error, mostly because of inadequate research or just sloppy planning. A famous example of this is in the cult TV drama series Game of Thrones where viewers were quick to notice a stray Starbucks coffee cup in a scene featuring Daenerys Targaryen. This scene prompted much hilarity and social media memes. In the film Raiders of the Lost Ark, there is a map showing Indiana Jones’ journey route near Thailand en route to Nepal. This is an unintentional blooper as the film is set in 1939 when Thailand was known as Siam. Here’s a quiz asking you…
Karnataka’s Coorg, aka Kodagu, district offers not only rain-forests but a diverse array of natural wonders, including grassy glades, paddy fields, roaring waterfalls, deep gorges and gushing rivers – Punita Malhotra The mention of Coorg (aka Kodagu) conjures up visions of thick, green rainforests shrouded in ethereal floating mist. But to truly appreciate the rich tapestry of its topography, visitors must venture deep into this hill district sited on the eastern edge of the Western Ghats in the southern state of Karnataka (pop.63 million). Spread over 4,000 sq. km, Coorg (pop.5.5 lakh) is often described as Scotland of India. It offers not only rainforests but a diverse array of natural wonders, including grassy glades, green paddy fields, roaring waterfalls, deep gorges and gushing rivers. Located at an altitude of 3,000-5,500 ft above sea level amidst cloud-soaked mountains, Coorg receives an average of 2,500 mm of rainfall every year. These cool weather conditions and hilly topography are perfect for coffee plantations. Coorg is the largest coffee-producing district of India and also hosts expansive tea gardens and orange groves. Moreover, as the adventure capital of Karnataka, it offers diverse adrenaline-pumping outdoor sports including quad biking and kayaking. Moreover, history buffs can dive deep into the rich cultural traditions and architectural heritage of the local Kodava community. Madikeri Madikeri, the administrative capital of Coorg district, is the ideal starting point to explore the district. Sight-seeing options abound in this small town (pop.33,381). The marketplace welcomes visitors with a charming row of shops that advertise endless varieties of homegrown produce such as coffee, local chocolate, spices and wine. Tibetan monks in dark red garments and traditional Kodava houses provide a fascinating first glimpse into the region’s culture. For heritage lovers, a guided walking tour of the town is a must on the wish-list. The most popular attraction is Raja’s Seat. Once a favourite hangout of the Kodagu royalty, this public garden attracts sizeable crowds keen on enjoying its 360-degree panoramic vistas and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Also check out the imposing Madikeri Fort & Palace. Originally built of mud during the 17th-century, it was rebuilt with granite during the reign of Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), ruler of the Mysore kingdom. The palace is a two-storied building constructed in European style with grand pillars and checkered floors. Other noteworthy pitstops in the complex are a Gothic-style church with stained glass windows, now a museum, the Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple, Mahatma Gandhi Public Library and District Prison. Young visitors will be delighted at the prospect of discovering the maze of secret passageways within the palace complex. Not far away, is the Omkareshwara Temple. Built by Linga Rajendra II in 1820, this revered Shiva temple is an interesting blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, featuring a dome-shaped structure in the middle of a pond with four Moorish turrets on all sides and tiled roofs. A short drive away is Talacauvery, the starting point of the much-revered River Cauvery. Talacauvery has a special significance for locals, as the…
(4 servings) Ingredients ½ cup plus 2 tbsp sugar 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon 4 cups vegetable oil 1 cup plain oats ½ cup rice flour 2 tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder ¾ tsp salt 1 large egg ½ cup (or more) soda 2 large crisp apples, peeled, cored and sliced into thin rings Preparation guide Whisk ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside. Pour oil (3″ high) in a pot. Heat over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, grind oats to a coarse powder. Transfer to a large bowl and add the rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and remaining 2 tbsp sugar and ½ tsp cinnamon. Whisk in the egg and ½ cup soda, adding more soda by the tablespoonful until you reach the consistency of pancake batter. Dip apple rings in the batter and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. This will take about four minutes. Transfer fritters to a paper towel-lined plate; drain and then toss in cinnamon sugar. Health benefit: Apples promote good gut bacteria. Also read: Zucchini Fritters Oat cookies
(4 servings) Ingredients 4 cups shredded zucchini 2/3 cup maida 2 large eggs, beaten lightly 1/3 cup sliced spring onions 2 tbsp olive oil Sour cream, for serving (optional) Preparation guide Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow the zucchini to stand for 10 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl. Add the flour, eggs, sliced onions, ¼ tsp salt and tsp pepper, stirring until it’s mixed well. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Scoop 3 tbsp mounds of the zucchini mixture into the pan, pressing them lightly into rounds and spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Cook the zucchini fritters for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat the scooping and cooking process with the remaining zucchini mix. Serve the zucchini fritters topped with sour cream (optional) and sliced spring onions. Health benefit: Zucchinis are rich in vitamins A, C and K, and multiple antioxidants and low in calories, fat, and sugar. Also read: Cauliflower fritters
(4 servings) Ingredients 500 gm cauliflower florets 100 gm crumbled feta cheese 1 tsp thyme ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs cup maida 1 egg yolk ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Salad, to serve Lemon wedges, to serve Preparation guide Preheat oven to 150°C. Place the cauliflower florets in a metal steamer over a saucepan of simmering water. Steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. Mince the cauliflower. Add feta, thyme, breadcrumbs, flour and egg yolk and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Shape 1/4 cup of mixture into a firm patty. Place onto a baking paper-lined tray. Repeat with remaining mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Fry fritters, in batches, for 2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack over a baking tray. Serve with salad and lemon wedges. Health benefit. Cauliflower is high in fibre, and a good source of antioxidants. Also read: Fritters for the family
From the French beignets to the Indian pakora, fritters make it to the shortlist of favourite snack foods in all cuisines. Vegetable, cheese, meats, sweet or savoury fritters can be given with a healthy touch by adding nutritious ingredients. Here are my favourite fritter recipes – Parvathy Menon Curd-Rice Fritters (2 servings) Ingredients 2 cups soft cooked rice 1 cup yoghurt 1 tsp mustard seeds ½ cup chopped carrot, beans, onion mix 6 broken cashews 1 pinch asafoetida 1 finely chopped green chilly Oil for frying and mixing 1 handful coriander leaves For coating 2 tbsp maida 4 tsp powdered urad dal 1 tbsp rice flour Preparation guide In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, lump-free yoghurt, salt and coriander leaves. Heat 1 tbsp oil, fry broken cashew nuts until golden. Take them out and keep aside. In the same oil, add mustard seeds, asafoetida and chopped green chilli. Then add in the vegetables and salt. Fry for two minutes, add the fried cashews and a few fried curry leaves. Remove from flame. Mix it with the prepared curd rice. Cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. For the coating, mix refined flour with 1/4th cup of water to make a lump-free batter. Mix powdered urad dal and rice flour in a bowl. Make lemon-sized balls of curd-rice. Roll the balls in the batter first, drain well and then coat with the urad dal mix. Deep fry in medium hot oil until golden brown. Don’t fry too much as the overly heated yoghurt will make fritters soft. Serve with coconut chutney. Health benefit. Yogurt aids digestion as the probiotics in it act as a mild laxative. It also builds immunity. Other fritter recipes: Cauliflower fritters Zucchini Fritters Apple Fritters
Monojit Ghosh is a former gymnast and fitness trainer and gymnastics coach at Art Corner Gymnastics, Bangalore Stretching exercises benefit everyone but especially children. Children have natural muscle flexibility, and by nurturing it through regular exercise, they can reap lifelong health benefits. Moreover children experience major physical growth spurts, during which muscles get stiff. Stretching exercises help to retain body flexibility and keep muscles strong and healthy. Stretching workout benefits A comprehensive stretching workout routine prevents injury, increases body flexibility, and ensures good blood flow to the muscles. When children in particular, play games and sports, improved body flexibility prevents injuries and joint sprain. All athletes and sportspersons need to develop body flexibility to boost track and field performance. Some children are naturally more flexible than others. Therefore it’s important to incorporate stretching exercises into children’s daily workout routines. Here are some important benefits of stretching: Improves joints stability and mobility, which improves sports performance. Prevents injuries and mitigates the impact of falls. Improves body flexibility and movement. Promotes better body posture. Increases blood flow to muscles. Reduces stress. Prevents body stiffness and provides relief from sore muscles. Helps recovery after exercise. Continues body flexibility into adulthood. Increases mental peace and well-being. Recommended stretching exercises Children enjoy challenging themselves, especially if they exercise together with friends. Get them to try these simple stretching exercises. Hamstring stretch Stand, slightly take one leg forward and raise your front leg straight, lift your toe and hold it with your fingers. Slowly pull upwards. Now switch to your other leg and repeat the exercise. Calf stretch Stand and take the same position with one leg forward. Keep your back leg straight while flatten foot on the floor. Switch your leg and repeat. Quads stretch Stand straight, fold one leg back and hold your toe and pull it up and making sure your knee moves back. After 20 seconds, switch to your other leg. Lunge stretch From the standing position, place one leg forward and the other backward; then bend the forward leg and stretch your hip joint. Switch legs after holding for 20 seconds. Cat cow pose stretch Kneel and place your palms forward, to get on all fours. Push your back upwards, forming a hollow body, then push your chest downwards and arch your back. Repeat 20 times. Child pose Kneel with your butt on your heels. Bend your body forward and try to touch your forehead to the floor. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Sitting to toe touch Sit with your legs stretched forward. Keep your back straight, then bend your upper body forward without bending knees and try to touch your chin to your knees, and fingers to toes. Hold for a minimum 20 seconds. Back stretch (bridge hold) Lie on your back, keep your palms besides your ears with hands and legs bent. Slowly lift your hip and stretch your back, making a bridge. Hold for 10 seconds. Cage or bow case Lie on your stomach, hold your ankles…
The high-potential biotech industry has a lot to offer youth interested in biology, environment and ecology studies. Career opportunities in industry and corporates are numerous Microbiology is fast emerging as a popular career choice for 21st century youth. Hardly surprising given that microbes affect every aspect of life — negatively and positively. The world around us is replete with micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, too small to be seen with the naked eye. A microbiologist’s job is to study these microbes living in diverse habitats, ranging from hot springs to the human body, and even in the depths of oceans, and devise ways and means by which their beneficial qualities can be harnessed for human good, and their adverse effects on human health and well-being combated. But while microbial organisms often cause disease, they can also be used to develop antibiotics which build immunities to them. Moreover, while some micro-organisms cause food spoilage, others are essential for its production. Without yeast, there would be neither bread nor beer and without lactic acid bacteria, no yogurt. Microbes can also be harnessed to combat or reduce environmental pollution. Study Programme. Microbiology is quintessentially an interdisciplinary science which stimulates the learning of sciences of all types across the education spectrum. After completing Plus Two with physics, chemistry and biology, students are qualified for admission into the B.Sc microbiology programme offered by most colleges countrywide. However for successful careers in the multiplying number of biotech corporates and in research institutions, it is advisable to acquire a Masters degree with further specialisation in medical, food, industrial microbiology and microbial technology. Masters programmes in this subject are offered by several varsities in India, the reputed ones being Mumbai, Pune, and Calcutta universities, Banaras Hindu University, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Haryana Agriculture University, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, University of Madras and Osmania University. Career opportunities in biotech related industries and corporates are numerous and growing. Today, microbiologists are sought after by R&D labs of government and private hospitals, dedicated research institutes, and pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemicals industries. Moreover, there are big opportunities in formulations research, analytical development, clinical research and new drugs discovery. Microbiologists also have the option to teach in universities, colleges and schools. For teaching in colleges, a Masters degree is adequate, especially when supplemented with CSIR/UGC-NET qualifications, but a doctorate opens more avenues at the university level, as teaching and research jobs are multiplying. In non-academic research institutes, private industry and government agencies as well, there is sustained demand for microbiologists with Ph D and SET-NET qualifications. Simultaneously, a growing number of qualified microbiologists are going solo and setting up their own diagnostic labs. Remuneration Prospects. Although the biotech industry is not yet a high wage island, salary packages are set to expand substantially in the near future. Currently, a fresh B.Sc graduate is likely to start with a monthly remuneration of around Rs.30,000, an M.Sc with Rs.35,000-50,000 and a Ph D between Rs.50,000-100,000. However, prospects…
– Sue Atkins is a UK-based internationally recognised parenting expert, broadcaster, speaker and author of Parenting Made Easy — How to Raise Happy Children (2012) My 14-year-old daughter doesn’t speak properly with me. Every conversation ends with her becoming angry, irritated, and agitated. It’s not about one particular issue. She feels I don’t understand her needs. Please advise. — Preeti Vikas, Delhi Here are four ways you can build communication bridges with difficult adolescent children. Try to understand. Start all interactions with the intention of understanding, even if you don’t fully agree or quite comprehend what she is talking about. Your intention should be to discuss — not interrogate — without being confrontational. This will build bridges — not walls — between the two of you. Don’t take things personally. Don’t get emotional and hurt. Remain neutral during heated arguments. Be honest. You need to be honest and have faith in her abilities to sort things out with your cooperation. Your vote of confidence will dramatically improve your relationship. Stay calm. Another rule of thumb is to avoid making decisions when either of you is angry. Don’t respond to her when you are agitated or vice versa. Step back and take a few minutes to calm down before making important decisions. Remaining at home for almost a year has made my nine-year-old daughter shy and reticent. She used to be an extrovert but has suddenly become diffident and anxious. How to improve her socialisation skills? — Rita Sharma, Pune Prolonged social isolation and closure of education institutions because of the Covid-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on children’s socialisation skills. I suggest that you gently and slowly rebuild her social confidence during this difficult time. Avoid labelling her as ‘shy’ because it might encourage her to act out the role without making an effort to change. Instead, describe her behaviour in other ways. For instance, you could say, “Sheela is thoughtful,” or “She likes to observe before joining conversations.” Also refrain from overprotecting her. You need to create opportunities for her to learn and practice social skills while helping her manage anxiety. Model speaking confidently in social situations yourself; this will encourage her to emulate you. Moreover encourage her to read books featuring characters who have overcome struggles with shyness. This is a great way to normalise a child’s experiences and teach her new ways to overcome her diffidence. Some recommendations: I CAN Believe in Myself by Miriam Laundry; Buster the Very Shy Dog by Lisze Bechtold and Maya’s Voice by Wen-Wen Cheng. My son lives the nocturnal life. He is 13 years old and stays up late and sleeps until late afternoon. I have tried sending him early to bed, altered his diet and banned gadgets before bedtime, but nothing seems to be working. Help! — Sharada Peter, Chennai Because of schools closure, many teenage children’s daily schedules have been upended. The good news is that there’s no need to panic as many sleep experts believe that teenagers…
Parents and teachers have the critically important task of easing and smoothing the return of anxious children to school amidst fears of outbreak of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic – Punita Malhotra As schools cautiously reopen for middle and senior classes countrywide after almost a year of Covid-enforced shutdown, amid a battery of safety protocols such as staggered student entry and exit, compulsory thermal screening, hands sanitisation, and social distancing, children are experiencing mixed feelings about returning to the physical classroom after ten months of online classes or forced idleness. Sentiments of anxiety, fear, and nervousness are mixed with feelings of happiness and relief at finally being able to meet with friends and teachers. Parents and teachers have the critically important task of easing and smoothing the return of anxious children to school amidst fears of outbreak of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s a five-point agenda for parents and educators to ease the return of children to campus classrooms: Manage your own stress first. “Though schools have reopened their senior classes, there is still so much ambiguity and uncertainty about how schools will balance remote learning and in-school classes. I am also anxious about my children attending school during the pandemic with the virus still very much out there,” says Aditi Mathur Pathak, Gurugram-based mother of a teen. Inevitably, parents are stressed but their stress is rubbing off on children. In a recent APA (American Psychological Association) Stress in America survey, 69 percent of parent respondents admitted that their stress impacted children. Further, 25-47 percent of adolescent children said that they were stressed by parental stress. Other research studies highlight that children cope more effectively with anxiety when parents role model good stress management behaviour. That’s why child psychologists urge parents to observe rules such as wishing children cheerful and confident goodbyes when they leave for school. It conveys that they (parents) believe that school is a safe place. Avoid leading questions such as “Are you feeling scared?” or “Will you be able to manage on your own” which are likely to exacerbate anxiety within children. Protect with facts, not false promises. Parents and educators need to reinforce the importance of following safety protocols related to social distancing, hand washing, thermal screening, among other precautionary measures. Initiate age-appropriate, open discussion with children about the implications of returning to school. For instance, young children should be prepped to expect a smaller number of students in class, teachers wearing masks, reduced group activities and staggered lunch and play timings. Children need to understand and feel reassured that their schools are following all necessary health and safety precautions and guidelines. It’s important to be honest with children and reiterate the importance of following and respecting the new standard operating procedures (SOPs). Moreover parents need to resist the temptation of making false promises such as “Don’t worry, no one is going to catch the virus in school.” Adjust to new routines. Delhi-based counsellor, Shaila Rawal says that parents need…
Start early by instilling good dental hygiene habits in your infant – Archana N. Most new parents can’t wait for their infant’s teething troubles to be over! The process of teeth erupting or breaking through the gums, aka teething, usually happens between 6-24 months of age. And teething symptoms include irritability, tender swollen gums, and infants inserting fingers and objects into the mouth to chew on to reduce discomfort. When you spot the first tooth erupting in your infant’s mouth, it’s a good time to start dental hygiene by using a wet cloth to wipe her gums every day. When the first tooth pops up, its advisable not to resort to the toothbrush. Her gums are tender, so continue to use your finger or a damp, soft washcloth to wipe the new teeth. Once the baby teeth appear which is usually after six months, inculcate the habit of brushing the teeth in the mornings and night. Accumulated food deposits tend to attract germs and bacteria that can multiply overnight. Even milk can breed bacteria. Therefore cleaning out your toddler’s mouth every night is very important, whether by wiping her teeth with a wet cloth or using a soft infants toothbrush. For the brushing routine, initially use plain water, upto 18 months of age. If you want to use toothpaste, ensure you use specially designed infant paste. Adult toothpaste can be harmful when swallowed, which is inevitable in infants. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is good enough. Initiating your toddler into a twice-a-day brushing routine will instill good dental hygiene habits which will stand in her good stead later in life. When brushing select a toothbrush with soft bristles and discard it forthwith when the bristles wear out. Supplementary finger brushing is useful to reach inside an infant’s mouth. Demonstrate spitting out of toothpaste to encourage your toddler to do likewise. Use only drinking/boiled water. Tap water might carry harmful germs. Use circular movements and clean the teeth, one area at a time. Ask your dentist for a demonstration to make sure you get it right. Visit the dentist regularly within six months of the first tooth breaking through the gums. Here are some ways to make your toddler enjoy the daily tooth brushing routine. Make it joyous. The brushing routine can be made enjoyable. Try singing this song during the exercise: ‘Brush, brush, brush your teeth, morning, noon, and night. Then you won’t be afraid to show it in the light.’ Do it together. Brush your teeth at around the same time as your child brushes hers. Use role play. Your toddler can brush her doll’s teeth first and then her own (with different brushes, of course!). Attractive toothbrushes. Choose colourful, attractive toothbrushes. Toothpaste selection. Try interesting new toothpaste flavours. Use a mirror. Fix a mirror at her height so that she can see herself brushing her teeth. Also read: Dental care primer for youngest children
This month we explore the literary world of British naturalist Edward James Corbett aka Jim Corbett (1875-1955). Huntsman, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, and writer, he is part of folklore for hunting several man-eating tigers and leopards across India especially in the Kumaon-Garhwal region. Mini P. recommends four out of Corbett’s vast repertoire of books that describe some of his thrilling adventures in the jungles of the subcontinent. The Second Oxford India Illustrated: Corbett by Jim Corbett Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP) | Price: Rs.321 This is a collection of Corbett’s best-loved stories — from ‘The Queen of the Village’ set in the Himalayas to a sneak peep into dense Indian jungles teeming with wildlife in ‘Jungle Lore’ and a tale recounting the hunt for the beautiful Pipal Pani Tiger with Corbett’s ever-trusted pooch, Robin. The collection is embellished with striking visuals, making it especially appealing to young readers. Corbett was encouraged to write about his hunting expeditions by Roy E. Hawkins, manager of the India office of the Oxford University Press. Tree Tops by Jim Corbett Publisher: OUP | Price: ₹155 What makes Tree Tops unique is that this is the only book Corbett wrote that is set outside India. Also his last book, it is set in Kenya during the royal visit of 1952, when Princess Elizabeth learned that she would be crowned Queen of England. The book poignantly describes Corbett’s final days in this Kenyan game reserve. My Kumaon: Uncollected Writings by Jim Corbett Publisher: OUP | Price: Rs.245 Published to mark Oxford University Press India’s centenary celebrations, this book features Corbett’s unpublished writings including personal letters. It details his unique understanding and love of tigers and leopards, and his ideas about conservation of wildlife habitats. Also featured are rare photographs and evocative line drawings. The Man Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag by Jim Corbett Publisher: Rupa | Price: Rs.156 This gripping tale begins with an introduction to a man-eating leopard which Corbett failed to capture despite trying every trick, from poisons to gin-traps as bait. Dejected, he decides to leave town for a few months, but returns with newfound confidence. Does Corbett finally shoot the leopard? We’re not going to tell you except that it all boils down to his last day in Rudraprayag.
During the past year of the Covid-19 pandemic national lockdown, a growing number of adolescents tuned into podcasts for information and opinions and/or to speak their hearts out on a number of issues including the new normal of online schooling, utility of lockdown and social distancing – Dainty Wellington, Aurelin Ruth J. & Mini P. For a rising swell of Gen Z — defined as children born in the new millennium — popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are fast becoming passé. The increasingly popular medium for Gen Z is podcasts — episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that users can download from the Internet and hear — 99 percent of them free-of-charge — on personal digital devices such as smartphones, iPods, computer tablets among others. According to Media and Entertainment Outlook 2020 — a report published by the UK-based transnational audit and management consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) — currently an estimated 43 million podcast episodes are readily available on an expansive range of subjects including mental health, careers, food, books, movies and holidays. Nor is this newly popular global communication medium unknown in India. The PWC report says that India with 57.6 million downloads per month is the third-largest podcasts market in the world after China and the US. In particular, during the past year of the Covid-19 pandemic national lockdown, a multiplying number of adolescents are tuning in to podcasts for information and opinions and/or to speak their hearts out on a number of issues including the new normal of online schooling, utility of lockdown and social distancing. Through their mics and headphones, they are tuning in to audio stream their frustration, anguish, and hope to peers around the world. According to US-based Edison Research, currently adolescents above 13 years of age spend 6 percent of their time on podcasts, up from 2 percent in 2014. “Adolescence is a critical transition from childhood to adulthood phase. It’s the time when children start becoming independent and develop their own identities. Therefore they need to publicly voice their opinions to share with peers,” says Aarti C. Rajaratnam, a Salem-based child and adolescent psychologist and author of Parenting: Innocence to Inner Sense. The pandemic lockdown and related restrictions have mandated unprecedented restrictions on teens’ interaction and socialisation, and during this difficult era many teenagers are taking to podcasting to articulate and share their views and opinions on a diverse range of issues with larger audiences Over the past nine months, Nishad Suthar, a third year student of Mumbai University, has been podcasting on subjects from poetry to mental health on his Hindi language podcast Nishad Speaks. “Podcast is the new YouTube of my generation. I recorded my first podcast after discovering this communication medium at an event in Mumbai. As soon as I got home, I audio recorded my very first episode, uploaded it on the Internet and shared it with family and friends. These days I ruminate on a range of everyday issues in…
Children who are exposed to air pollution are likely to develop heart disease and other ailments in adulthood, says a study published in Nature Scientific Reports (February). The study conducted by Stanford University, USA contends that even brief exposure (as little as one day) to air pollution such as smoke and car exhaust, can change the regulation and expression of children’s genes and increase the risk of developing heart disease and other ailments in adulthood. The researchers studied children aged six-eight years in Fresno, California, a city infamous for its high air pollution levels due to industrial agriculture and wildfires. “I think this is compelling enough for pediatricians to say that we have evidence air pollution causes changes in the immune and cardiovascular system associated not only with asthma and respiratory diseases, as has been shown before,” says study lead author Mary Prunicki, director of air pollution and health research at Stanford’s Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy & Asthma Research.
Providing students positive encouragement reduces disruptive classroom behaviour and improves learning outcomes, says a new study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (February). For the study, University of Missouri researchers implemented CHAMPS, a classroom behaviour management training intervention, in a school classroom over the period of five years. According to lead researcher Keith Herman the intervention not only decreased disruptive classroom behaviour and student concentration problems, but also improved classwork completion and standardized test scores of students. “As educators, we often focus on communicating what we don’t want our students to be doing in class… Instead, we need to be setting clear expectations of what behaviours we want to see. Such intervention which involves communicating clear expectations to students, giving positive encouragement compared to negative reprimands and teachers moving around the classroom to monitor student behaviour, has proved to be helpful in creating successful classroom management,” says Herman.
Arecent study conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA) has found that insufficient sleep negatively affects the mental health of adolescents. In a research paper published in February, UniSA sleep researchers Dr. Alex Agostini and Dr. Stephanie Centofanti write that it’s imperative that parents and medical practitioners become aware of the bi-directional relationship between sleep and mental health, particularly across the teenage years. “For teenagers, sleep is especially critical because they’re at an age where they’re going through a whole range of physical, social, and development changes, all of which depend on sufficient sleep. Research shows that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Without this, they’re less able to deal with stressors, such as bullying and social pressures, and run the risk of developing behavioural problems, as well as anxiety and depression,” says Dr. Agostini adding that if sleep drops to less than six hours per night, teens are twice as likely to engage in risky behaviour such as dangerous driving, marijuana, alcohol or tobacco use, risky sexual behaviour, and physical aggression. Also read: Sleep disturbances linked to psychosocial impairments
Adolescents who experience loneliness are more likely to compulsively use the Internet, says a new study conducted by the University of Helsinki and published in Child Development (February). The study which surveyed 1,750 Finnish teenage children at three points in time: at 16, 17 and 18 years of age, found that adolescents’ Internet use is a two-edged sword: while the consequences of moderate use are positive, the effects of compulsive use are detrimental, leading to depression. “In the coronavirus period, loneliness has increased markedly among adolescents. They look for a sense of belonging from the Internet. Lonely adolescents head to the Internet and are at risk of becoming addicted. Internet addiction can further aggravate their malaise, such as depression,” says Katariina Salmela-Aro, professor of education, University of Helsinki. The study concluded that the risk of being drawn into “problematic Internet use” was highest among 16-year-old adolescents, with the phenomenon being more common among boys.
Your cover story listing ways and means to boost child immunity was well-researched (PW February). Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic out of the blue hit humankind last year, prescriptions to build bodily immunity have suddenly become aplenty and trendy. Nevertheless, your suggestions from child health experts were very balanced and holistic. Also fortunately, traditional Indian cuisine uses a lot of ingredients such as turmeric and ginger which are natural immunity boosters. Indian mothers also believe in breastfeeding infants for at least the first year unlike Western counterparts. Maybe these are factors that have enabled India to manage the pandemic better. Sunania Sengupta Kolkata Inspiring reading list Thank you for the delightful children’s reading list celebrating the first Indian-American woman vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris. It was a revelation that four children’s picture books have been written tracing Harris’ amazing trajectory to the vice presidency of the US. Reading these biographies will inspire children to aim for the stars. Please continue to recommend historical biographies for children as real life stories of extraordinary people can be highly motivational for young children. Lucky Patel Gurguram Teach children empathy My children enjoy reading PW Kidzone. They especially loved the recent Idea Box feature wherein you have suggested the many ways children can make a difference to society. Apart from the birthday celebration suggestion of children visiting an orphanage, I really liked this advice: “Be alert to people in need. It could be your classmate struggling with maths, an aged neighbor who needs help with her groceries.” Children need to be taught empathy and kindness from young age. Parents need to make a conscious effort to inculcate these values in children. In light of the devastation to lives and livelihoods caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s become critical to encourage children to reach out and help people in need in any way they can — financially or emotionally. Brinda Jaiprakash Kochi Wasted year As we look back at the past year, so many opportunities to learn, meet people, explore life, have been lost. New avenues have opened up online, but I feel we have lost a full year and missed out on making wonderful memories. Now we need to focus on how to move forward. As schools reopen, teachers need to focus less on academics and more on helping children get rid of the fear psychosis the pandemic has aroused. Work from home and online school are far less effective for a majority of adults and children. While parents are crumbling under the stress of managing households and children’s online classes, children are losing the discipline of following daily study, sleep and meal routines. Shifa Mustafa Bengaluru Sleep & exercise Thank you for a very informative and timely cover story ‘6 ways and means to boost child immunity’ (PW February). The authors have rightly advised parents to follow a holistic approach to boosting child immunity rather than rely on health and immunity supplements. There is no alternative to healthy and nutritious…
The accelerated ICT (information and communication technologies) revolution, which began in the 1990s with the invention of the Internet aka worldwide web, has connected the entire world. Currently people — especially youth — are connected in real time with peers around the world through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. But within a decade of these social media platforms becoming popular, Generation Z — teens born in the new millennium — are taking to podcasts, another online medium, in a big way. Defined as digital audio files that can be downloaded from the Internet onto personal digital devices, podcasts, which eliminate eye-straining screen time, are experiencing fast growth and popularity. According to podcastinsights.com, a humongous 43 million podcast episodes are available currently on the worldwide web (cf. 30 million in 2019) generated by a new genre of podcasters. And the US-based Edison Research reports that the number of people tuning in to podcasts is growing rapidly with an estimated 100 million people in the United States hearing at least one podcast per month. India is not far behind. With 57.6 million individuals downloading podcast episodes every month, it is the third-largest podcasts market in the world after China and the US. This new tech communication medium is hugely attracting Gen Z. A recent report by Spotify, the Stockholm-based audio streaming and media services provider which recently signed a $25 million deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to host and produce podcasts for it, says that 45 percent of Indian millennials and Gen Z regularly tuned in to at least five podcast series in 2020, the pandemic year. Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdown and related social distancing restrictions prompted a multiplying number of adolescents to turn to podcasts to speak their minds and hearts out on a number of issues including the new normal of online schooling, lockdowns and social distancing. In our cover story this month we focus a spotlight on the podcast revolution that is inspiring Gen Z. Experts interviewed are unanimous that podcasting is a positive activity for adolescents, parents and indeed, all age groups. The growing online library of podcasts offers content on a mind-boggling range of subjects for entertainment, self-improvement and knowledge accumulation. They advise parents to encourage adolescents and young adults to become podcasters to improve their creativity, communication, research, interview and articulation skills. There’s much else in this first summer issue of ParentsWorld. Check out Academic Advantage featuring a specially curated reading list for children between 6-12 years by Usha Mukunda, a highly-respected champion of open libraries for children. In our Middle Years story there’s a timely guide on five steps parents need to take to ease children’s return to post-pandemic in-school classes.
