MASH India is an initiative undertaken by Shalini Passi who is an art explorer, collector and philanthropist. One of the familiar faces of the showbiz world, Shalini has been contributing laboriously to the art community. Her endeavour to bridge the intersection between her five verticals – architecture, art, craft, design and fashion is undoubtedly laudable. We engaged in a conversation with Shalini Passi to apprehend her art journey so far. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:
How did your journey as a collector of all things art began?
From an early age I was quite interested in art and made several paintings as a young child. Both my aunt and my father were also painters. I was also drawn towards architecture too. My uncle used to study in IITD and I remember being so interested in the building. Since my father and grandfather were in the business of construction, I also grew up with a lot of blueprints around the house. Growing up I had an amazing teacher Mr. Bishamber Khanna who was an enamelist. He taught me not just to see things but register things. So now when I walk into a room or look at pieces of art, I have an almost photographic recollection. So that experience really changed the way I perceive things. He used to say that the eye of an artist should be able to capture things and that’s how an artist recreates.
How does MASH as a crossroad for art, architecture, craft, fashion, and design open doors for artists?
MASH as a platform is so unique because it is accessible. Its accessibility lies in the fact that it is an online space and it has no barriers, so any artist who loves their craft can approach us. As an individual I am also proud of the fact that I am a patron for several upcoming artists and MASH provides them with a space where their work can be featured and exhibited.
As a pioneer of visual and media arts, what challenges and commitments, in terms of collectivity and display surfaced your way?
One challenge that I often face is that I have to edit and make sure that the pieces that I am currently displaying speak to me on a deeper level. It is difficult when you are so engrossed in art that you are unable to choose which artwork to display.
Who are some of the emerging artists that are going to be the biggest names in contemporary art in the near future?
Artists that I think are going to be big names in future are painter and sculptor Sahaj Rahal whose work is very mythical in nature. Then there is Asim Waqaf who has a background in architecture and creates evocative installations that address our ecology. Also, Himali Singh Soin who is a performance artist who also works with film.
Which art movement or wave do you particularly relate to?
I particularly love the art deco movement that began and gained prominence in the mid twentieth century.
How has lockdown been for MASH India? Did art flourish or did it wither?
In order to keep our spirits up and to keep flourishing we organized an online exhibition with leading contemporary artists. During the lockdown we also released several articles such as ‘Atworks I would Love to be Quarantined with’. We also interviewed artists to map their creative process during the pandemic.
What is a piece of advice that you would want to bestow upon aspiring artists/collectors?
My advice would be that in order to be a successful artist/collector you must not stop learning. Learn and research every aspect of the art world and make sure you have an expansive knowledge of art, from its history to its contemporary status.
An artistic depiction of the battle – between the warrior goddess, Durga and the buffalo demon, Mahishasura – from Devi Mahatmya of Markandeya Purana. Featured during Navratri, the scene comes from the Central Indian city of Yavatmal. (Art by Snehal Wankar)
It’s late monsoon and incessant rains are slamming tin ateliers, creating an ear-deafening sound. Inside these makeshift arrangements are sculptors from a tranquil town in Central India, nonchalantly engaged in modelling clay into beautiful idols of India’s most revered goddess, mother Durga. To come up with the most spectacular works of art, they have been burning the candle at both ends. Their passion and dedication towards the art evoke appreciation and praise. Yet they do not get the attention they deserve, and the very work of art remains for them just a source of livelihood.
Left – Rustic framework fine-tuning. Right – Bust Manipulation. The story in the making: Nilesh Deshmukh, a senior and famous artist from the town, painstakingly works to bring magnificent Shraptshrungi to life.
Nestled in the offshoot hills of Ajanta Satmala range, is the city of Yavatmal, geographically positioned in the south of Vidarbha. An important cotton trading centre, locally, the city is also famous for the nine day Durgautsav festival that is celebrated here with great fervour. However, it is the grandeur of clay sculpture that distinguishes these festivities.
The majestic Shraptashrungi, decked in finery, ultimately occupies the pandal. She rides a chariot steered by lions. Goddess’s multiple arms are equipped with different articles – of warfare, arts, and those symbolizing knowledge and peace – which depict her manifold characteristics, demonstrating the sculptor’s creative ability and highlighting his scriptural knowledge.
Any form of art gains eminence when it reaches a very high standard and starts assuming emerging forms. It starts portraying uncommon and unknown styles, and thereby establishes itself as a model. All these features well apply to Yavatmal Durga clay sculpting, and so the art deserve special attention.
Dhananjay Tayade, a talented new-generation artist, through his masterpieces, is spearheading a new revolution in the town’s art. Below is one of his works.
One simply wonders how the town’s art scaled new heights, when, in the neighbouring areas, there’s no trace of any such work. Roughly, around five decades ago, a handful of Durga mandals existed in the town. These mandals had dedicated sculptors, who would combine artistic skills with devotional sentiments, and render an artistic flavour to Durga worship. Deriving inspiration from the veterans, young artists started following their lead, and with time, the skill literally became a gene.
Unlike static routine styles, the scene depicts characters in vigorous motion – featuring a stage of the battle. The goddess, full of vigour, is leveraging all her hands in deploying weaponry; snake’s unleashing being the most striking of all. The lion, depicted in high-intensity, has its musculature and flowing manes well matching its attacking stance, as it takes on the defensively postured hefty demon king. Each aspect of the sculpture makes the artistic fineness starkly visible. Within the confines of a limited space, a static scene has been presented dynamically.
In the process of transition, elements of creativity and innovation, too, got fused with the erstwhile styles, giving birth to new ideas. As the number of mandals proliferated, new artists started getting opportunities to demonstrate their talents. The art flourished and coalesced with local elements, and a culture – altogether different – of deity worship through artistic renderings, evolved.
An exemplary piece of work by Ram Chavan. Gracefully modelled, goddess Hitanveshi and her mount, tiger have been realistically depicted. The goddess’s lineaments offer pleasant countenance, and she reflects an aura of elegance and gentility. The tiger, though aggressive, well suits the peaceful context.
A remarkable feature of Yavatmal Durga clay sculpting is that within the broader spiritual framework, artists try to infuse mythological contexts with dynamic elements. Artists thus give expression to their creativity by portraying themes based on divergent ideas. This sometimes also brings Durga out of the limited domain, depicting her not as a battle warrior rather as a social warrior advocating nature conservation, women empowerment, and social responsibility.
Gaurav Bhoyar, a young artist, creating a theme on tiger conservation. Today, the town abounds with talented artists, who try to theme idols on contemporary issues.
The people in the town have proclivity to conceptualize decorative ideas; the aesthetically pleasing paintings in the backdrop and beautiful ornamental decorations corroborate this. The clay sculpture intermingles with these pieces of art, which results in elaborate art-combos that catch the discriminating eye of a connoisseur.
Left – Durga depicted through save the girl child theme. Right – Goddess being taken for installation. The embodied features resemble those of Vidarbhian womenfolk
The art’s adaption to changing situations demonstrates its dynamicity. This becomes evident especially on the night of Dobree, when devotees dance with gaiety to the tunes of countryside trumpet – dobree – holding in their hands and swaying fearlessly earthen pots with fire. From a distance, it appears as if the goddess is dancing on the fire, with flames reflecting in her eyes that gleam with aggression. The art literally animates an inanimate structure.
Left – Town’s artist, Saleem Sheikh, giving a fine touch. Defying social boundaries, the artist has been dedicatedly following his passion of Durga sculpting for years now. True indeed, art is a religion in itself. Right – Umesh Badere, famous for his Kali art, engrossed in giving the finishing touch.
These unassuming clay sculptors, through their avant-garde works, have been giving Yavatmal the identity of a clay sculpting centre. While artists and art works from major cities and known centres easily get highlighted, coming to limelight is usually difficult for artists from smaller towns. Such artists do not get platforms to showcase their skills, and the art ends up remaining for them a way of making living.
However, despite facing odds, the Yavatmal artists continue to work undeterred and with indefatigable spirits. A new season to them is a new hope. Will the story of these humble artists remain unheard, or if, someday, they will get the recognition they truly deserve?
Occupying a considerable portion of South Asia, India is a country of one of the most diverse populations, representing a government of the constitutional republic. Since the ages of the Indus Valley civilisation, India had been a fairly politically and culturally self-contained territory. It was not until the British set their colony in the land that a Western and foreign culture massively impacted and influenced the country. The beauty of the Indian culture is derived from its rich history.
Here, we explore the position where the country stands as of now in its cultural aspect. Despite modernisation and Westernisation, Indian culture and the traditional practices are held on to with considerable vigour. In its deepest pockets, many lead a primarily orthodox lifestyle. However, the country as a whole is as colourful and complex, as its plethora of people that it is home to.
Languages in India
India, a land of 28 states and seven union territories, does not have one official language. In a survey conducted by the Times of India, results showed that almost 60 per cent of the citizens speak a language which is not Hindi. As recorded in the 2011 language census, there are 121 languages which are spoken by 10,000 people or more in India.
The 121 languages are presented in two parts: the 22 languages which are a part of the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and the languages not included in the Eighth Schedule. The latter comprises 99 languages plus the category total of ‘other languages’, which encompases all those languages that returned less than 10,000 speakers each at the all-India level.
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution includes languages like Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, Maithili and Dogri, to name a few.
According to the latest 2011 census, more than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken in the whole of India as mother tongue.
India is characterised by a massive population of people who belong to a diverse list of religions. Identified as the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, India is a home to a varying number of religious communities, many of which are minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Judaists, etc. India includes not only the vast majority of the world’s Hindus but also the second-largest group of Muslims within a single country.
The largest democracy in the world, India is religiously pluralistic and multiethnic, and the Constitution provides for the security, free expression and equal human rights of the minorities. However, since the past decade, the country has experienced very high levels of social hostilities and brutalities that have germinated from religious issues.
Food Culture in India
Indian Cuisine by Chan Walrus
Just like how diverse and enriching the country is in its culture, so is its cornucopia of various types of cuisines, comprising recipes prepared usually from indigenously grown spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits and grains. Indian food is influenced by occupation, like the seafood dishes of the fishing community of Maharashtra, religion, like the rich preparations of meat and biryani influenced by the Islamic rule, ethnicity, like the varying sweet dishes of the Bengalis festivals and regional specialities.
Wheat, rice and pulses are staples of the Indian diet. The gastronomical variety is rich with different types of Indian spices, including coriander, cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon. The condiment of ‘chutney’, prepared from fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts are quite popular in Indian cooking. While a considerable amount of the population is vegetarian, relying mostly on ‘paneer’ and grains, meat preparations of lamb and chicken are common as main dishes for the non-vegetarians.
While historical events such as invasions, trade relations and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to this country, Indian cuisine has also influenced foreign cuisines across the world, especially those of Europe, the Middle East, East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America and the Caribbean.
The prehistoric rock art in India is an early art form based on carvings, engravings or drawing on cave rocks. The oldest examples are the Bhimbetka petroglyphs found in central India and believed to be at least 290,000 years old. Buddhism originated in India at some point in the 6th century BCE and gave rise to the sculpting of stone and bronze pieces of religious themes. The Ajanta and Ellora caves host magnificent examples of Indian cave paintings and sculptures, which are treasured Indian heritage sites that upheld the grander of Indian culture.
The creation of art flourished under the sponsorship of the Islamic rulers of the Mughal Empire, established in the 16th century. This era saw the birth of the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal by Balaji Srinivasan
During colonial rule in India, the British established art schools that promoted European styles, while back in Europe there rose demand of Indian artefacts. The western and eastern traditions, therefore, influenced each other and developed a romanticised Indian style of merged practices.
Since independence, Indian artists have searched for new styles and techniques to further the experiments on contemporary art movements. However, the dependence and inspiration of historic and ancient practices are still prevalent.
Indian architecture has seen innumerable intricacies and extravagant exploits. Many Hindu temples featured very distinctive towers in the form of truncated pyramids and had hundreds of sculptures ornamenting the walls. Mughal architecture incorporated Islamic elements. Arches and domes were widespread, and the decoration was full of stylised geometric patterns.
The major traditions of Indian classical music are the North Indian classical music called Hindustani, the South Indian and Sri Lankan expression Carnatic and the East Indian expression is called Odissi.
Classical music, based on ‘raga’ and ‘taal’, dates back to the Vedic scriptures where chants developed a system of musical notes and rhythmic cycles. Today, Indian classical music is taught in several institutions, and it is a prerequisite to learn under the expertise of a skilled teacher, incorporating observation, listening, and memorising skills. Indian dance and theatre traditions have prevailed for years. The major Indian traditional dance forms include Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali. Drawing on themes from mythology and literature, the dance forms showcase unique presentations on postures, gestures and movements and are traditionally performed to the melody of classical music.
Traditional Indian Clothing
Photo by Ujjwal chouhan
Traditional Indian clothing encompasses various types of drapery that are woven from silk, cotton or wool. The women wear sarees. Each ethnicity has a unique style of draping. Salwar Kameez and Kurti are taking over the modern lifestyle. The men wear dhoti, pyjama, shirt, sherwani, or achkan. Depending on the customs, they might also team up with jackets and caps. For winter, there are exquisite shawls, like the ones from Assam, that portray the unique embroidery and style of their specific areas of origin. Ritualistic and cultural performers don elaborately designed costumes that pertain to their ethnic traditions.
Indian Customs and Festivals
Photo by Amol Nandiwadekar
Festivals of India bring together the people in a harmony of celebration, often regardless of religion, like during the Ganpati Utsav in Maharashtra or the Durga Puja in West Bengal. Diwali is a brilliant festival of lights and sounds, with firecrackers livening up the night sky. Harvest festivals are celebrated all over, like Pongal of Tamil, Lohri of Sikhs and Poush Sankranti of Bengalis. While the Dussehra and Navratri are embraced with grandeur, the ones like Holi and Raksha Bandhan primarily aim at bringing together people with warmth.
It is not easy to define the culture of India in one compartmentalised endeavour. Every ethnicity and religion that the land harbours has its unique nuances and rich heritage. It is a land where multiculturalism is a significant socio-political aspect, one which, if not allowed to persist, will result in severe deterioration of the lives of an important part of the population.
When we talk about the pandemic, we think of breathlessness, fever and fear for our lives. What we rarely do think however, is about mental well-being and about being trapped in our homes during long lockdowns. What we also do not always realize is the claustrophobia that the social distancing and pandemic has brought along with it. The cringing and loneliness in mind or the various triggers and signs of mental illness have only heightened during this pandemic.
One can, in fact, talk about mental health on all days, but 10th October this year is a good time as any other. Why? 10th October is celebrated as World Mental Health Day. And to highlight the importance of mental health and spread awareness around it, 5 artists from India have come together to create an intriguing and spectacular dance video. Called ‘A Brighter Place’, the dance video will be live on 9th October.
A Few Facts About Mental Disorder
According to a recent study by the World Health Organization or WHO, ‘a close to 1 billion are living with a mental disorder. 3 million die every year from harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. ‘The ongoing pandemic has only increased the anxiety further leading to larger number of people being affected by mental illness and issues.
‘A Brighter Place’
Conceptualized by Nenita Praveen, ‘A Brigter Place’ is a YouTube dance video that launches on 9th October 2020. It ‘is a dramatic illustration of different personalities who encounter their own set of mental struggles during the quarantine and lockdown’. Five renowned dance artists have collaborated on this effort which sincerely and honestly hopes that through their personal dance and musical stories, there emerges a brighter place for those struggling with their own mental conflicts. The artists collectively believe that everyone’s feelings are valid and need to be expressed. Each artist has portrayed their individual experience with mental health. Not fully aware of what the final outcome would be, all the artists have put together an inspiring work of art to bring back hope to the discouraged.
About the Artists
The artists of the video include Nenita Praveen, Priya Kumar, Preethi Bharadwaj, Harsha Maheshwari and Tao Issaro.
Nenita Praveen is a multi-faceted artist. She is trained in Bharatanatyam and has also performed across India and internationally. She speaks regularly about women empowerment and the role of art in building the society. She has her own studio called Meenakshi Studio for Arts. Here students learn the dance form and also understand their body in stillness and movement because dance is in actuality a language in motion. She is a teacher, performer, choreographer and a yoga enthusiast. When asked about what she brings to this dance video, she says, “The process of choreography, to begin with, was nerve wrecking. I love working with stories and my bit was about the struggle that a person has to just let go and go with the flow, to connect with their inner child. My internal struggle became the story for my piece.”
Priya Kumar is the owner of the Piah Dance Company and is known for her dance moves that blend traditional folk forms with contemporary forms, Classical Indian with Bollywood dance forms etc. An engineer by education, she practices yoga and loves cooking and making DIY videos. Priya’s real life shouldered more than the usual chaos amidst the lockdown as she came to terms with her biggest challenge of uncertainty while creating this video.
Preethi Bharadwaj is a freelance Bharatanatyam and Indian Contemporary dancer. She is also an actress collaborating with theatre productions, short films and feature films as well. She endured tons of inter-questioning during the lockdown phase, however she says, “I have a very supportive partner who lets me have demotivated days and that’s very important to jump back.”
Harsha Maheshwari aka KOMET is a dance and fitness enthusiast. She has been a speaker and performer for TEDx more than 4 times and has collaborated with artists from all walks of life for various events. Her art movements #TheMagicalWorldofDance for children from orphanages and #HEALnotHATE for spreading body positivity are well-known. Harsha the director of the Happy Hour Dance Studio muddled through positive COVID-19 cases in her family by staying calm, and healing her inner-self.
Tao Issaro is an Indian/Australian percussionist, composer and music producer. He has performed over 3000 performances in 30 countries since the young age of 9. His music is specifically for the stage combining percussion, movement, physical theatre and story-telling. Tao has developed a unique and dynamic live performance language over the years and is continuing to work on this in India and Australia. Some notable commissions and performances include BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall (U.K), Maximum India Festival at John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts (USA), BRICS Summit 2016 (India) Woodford Folk Festival (Australia) and many more. Tao’s music provides the composition on which the dance moves of this video are choreographed. What was his take on the video? “One common motif that kept popping up in my head during COVID-19 was how do I motivate myself as a performer in a world where performances are no longer possible. I found my answers by forcing myself to look for a better output, ‘A Brighter Place’”, he shares smilingly.
Finally, during testing times the need to connect and stay positive are imperative. Expressions, such as the dance video ‘A Brighter Place’ put the spotlight on matters of mental health through their dance and music. A well intentioned effort, the artists reflect their true thoughts artistically conveying not only their mental struggles, but also how creating this video gave them victory to a brighter place. And they hope that it does the same for others too.
Indian culture is one of the most ancient cultures present in the world. The country is quite diverse and is home to several communities, each of whom has their own culture and traditions. It is this combination of various splendid cultures that make India one of a kind. The Indian cultural diversity is what makes India unique and beautiful.
Situated in the continent of Asia and enclosed by the Arabian sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, the nation, is divided into twenty-nine states and seven union territories. Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal form the neighbouring countries of India.
India is a land of diversity each state in the country is home to several communities who live in harmony with each other while preserving and upholding their own distinct culture and traditions. From Delhi, the capital of India, to Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, the land, is blessed with amazing scenic beauty. The country is also home to several historical monuments which add to the varied heritage of India.
India is a country that is incredibly diversified and that of Indian architecture. India’s architecture spans from ancient caves to contemporary skyscrapers. As India grows, India’s architecture continues to diversify through continuously reverting to its roots while maintaining current trends.
India is also classified by the Dravidian and the Nagara architectural styles as the focal focus of Hindu architecture. In the empires, in the South of India, the Dravidian style prospered, whilst in the North of India, the Nagara style predominately appeared. India’s history, culture and religion are ingrained in its architecture.
Diversity in Indian Clothing
Image Courtesy – Indianfashion.in
India’s vast and boundless array of traditional dress is full of aesthetic beauty. Made from many states of the country are fabrics, weaving processes, embellishments, styles and accessories of multiple sorts. A compelling epic about craftsmanship, culture or legacy tells a story in each piece. The land is a centre of heritage mode. Its diversity was a muse for a number of notable connoisseurs of fashion. In addition to the western clothing, Indians have their own ethnic attire like dhoti, kurta, sari, sherwani, turban etc. Dhoti is a piece of cloth draped around the waist by men. Dhoti is sometimes called Laacha or Dhuti. Kurta is one of India’s famous men’s ethnic clothing. It is usually worn on holidays today by folks. Likewise, the saree is the favourite choice for Indian women. A saree is a long robe, gracefully drawn by women around their bodies. Saree is Indian women’s most trendy clothing worldwide. Indian women are mostly seen in lovely sarees during religious and cultural events. However, due to their convenience, the sarees are substituted by salwar suits for the preferred daily wear.
Diversity in Indian Food
Image – Unsplash
Indian food is one of the world’s most tasteful and nuanced. There is no flavour homogeneity between North and South or East and West but rather an incredible richness of tastes. One of India’s assets is its culinary diversity.
Indian food contains so much that one ought to discuss more than just “Indian cuisines.” Each region offers a number of traditional meals and its own culinary features.
Each area is specialised in cuisine, not solely at regional, but also at the provincial level. The diversity in cuisine stem from diverse local cultures, geography (whether the region is near the sea, desert or mountains), and the economy. Indigenous kitchen likewise relies heavily on fresh local products and is seasonal.
Indian cuisine tends generally to seek a balance between spices and herbs that offers delicious dishes with surprising therapeutic and medicinal benefits.
Diversity in Religion
In India, religious beliefs and practices are distinguished by diversity. Secularism in India means the equality of treatment by the State for all religions. By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976, India is a secular state. The Indian subcontinent gave rise to four significant religions worldwide, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Religion has played an essential part in India’s culture throughout India’s history. The law and tradition foster religious plurality and tolerance in the nation; the right to freedom of religion has been proclaimed as an essential right by the Indian Constitution.
Indian religions have influenced and shaped the Indian culture
The vast differences in the customs, traditional beliefs and rituals can be witnessed if one analyses the differences in the culture prevalent in the northern and southern part of India. The festivals, the art forms, and to an extent, even the dressing style of the people are quite different in Northern India when compared to those in Southern India. While most of the Indian women wear the saree, the style of draping the saree varies in different parts of India. This difference can be seen, not only among different states but also among the various communities within the same state.
Though Hindi is the most commonly used language in India, there exist many other languages too. As diverse the country is, each state has its distinct language, such as Kannada, (which, is spoken in Karnataka), Malayalam, (which, is spoken in Kerala), Tamil, is spoken in Tamil Nadu, etc. Apart from the fact that each state has its own language, it is also worth mentioning that some states in India have more than one and sometimes more than three prevalent languages. Due to this, it would not come as a surprise that most Indians are bilingual (or sometimes Multilingual), and can effortlessly handle more than one or two languages.
Image by Giovanni Cignolo
The family has always been an integral part of Indian society. In an Indian family, all the members share a close-knit connection. Joint families are also common in the country. In joint families, all the members of the family live under the same roof. However, in present times, nuclear families are becoming more common. In India, arranged marriages are relatively more common. The concept of an arranged marriage might seem a bit confusing to people from the western part of the world. However, in India, arranged marriages are more encouraged and are still very much prevalent in the country.
The unique and splendid art forms of India have a significant position in the culture of India. Each state is blessed with its unique art form and differs considerably from that of its neighbour. Though, it is worthwhile to note that many art forms of India are in some ways the amalgamation of other art forms borrowed from the neighbouring states. From the elegant Mohiniyattam, which focuses on the elegant and graceful movements of the dancer to the Ghoomar, a folk dance in Rajasthan, the art forms vary from each other but are equally beautiful and magical.
The festivals of India, too, are worth mentioning. As said earlier, each state has its own festivals, from the fragrant Onam, the festival of Kerala, which is characterized by the making of a floral carpet to the Pôhela Boishakh, (the onset New Year according to the Bengali calendar), the festivals are both colourful and equally incredible.
Music plays a significant role in the culture of any country, and India, too, is not an exception. Carnatic music, Hindustani music are the most popular in India. These are usually accompanied by the tune of the traditional musical instruments such as the tabla and the veena. Indian music is quite soothing and pleasing to the ear.
The movies produced in India, too, reflect the culture of the society. Each state in India has its own movie industry, though Bollywood is the most popular among them. The movie industries in India are known by different terms such as Mollywood (Malayalam movie industry), Tollywood, etc. Owing to the number of movies produced each year in different languages across India, adding to the fact that Indians love movies, India has now become one of the greatest producers of films.
Diversity in Indian Litrature
India has also been blessed with many intellectuals and legendary writers and poets who are renowned worldwide for their contributions to humanity. Prominent among them is Rabindranath Tagore, the first Asian and Indian to win the Nobel Prize. His work Gitanjali continues to spread its message and inspires all those who read it. Other prominent writers of India include Sarojini Naidu, Aurobindo Ghosh, among others. Artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, and M F Hussain have helped in changing the face of Indian art.
Festivals and celebrations are a common occurrence in India as they occur almost every other day; however, the grandeur and pomp of these festivals are quite impressive. The country is also home to many heritage sites and monuments, including the Taj Mahal. It is all these facts combined that makes the Indian culture unique and distinct from others.
The seventh-largest country in the world, India has set itself a unique and distinct place among the other countries of the world. The host of a culture that has been prevalent for a long time, India is perhaps one of the most diverse countries in the world. From the attire worn by the people belonging to different communities to the languages spoken and even in the food habits, the country both reflects its diversity and varied heritage.
An enticing blend of traditional flavours as well as foreign influence, the food of the streets of Mumbai draw customers from all across the highly populated industrial centre of Maharashtra. The Marathi term ‘khau galli’ literally translates to “treat lane”, reflecting on the variety of meals, snacks, beverages and desserts that are found in these buzzing, busy streets.
We bring to the forefront some of the most attractive Khau Gallis that offer a spicy, refreshing and juicy motley of food items that will never scoop off buttloads of bucks from the pocket!
Brimming to its rim with flavoursome savouries and a vivacious young crowd, the Carter Road Khau Galli is located near the Bandra Promenade. The delicious aroma from the small eateries and joints, wafted by the cool sea breeze, puts into display the various mouth-watering delights that are found here, such as shawarmas, falafels, momos, wok-fried Chinese preparations, and spicy, lime sprinkled corn on a cob.
Even after having one’s fill, skipping the desserts like frozen yoghurts, fresh cupcakes and munchy waffles is unavoidable. Carter’s Blue, Kepchaki Momos and Lassi Te Parrontthe are the must-visit places.
A cornucopia of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, the Khau Galli of the Tardeo street stands poised with its potpourri at the very heart of Mumbai. From mutton biryani, puri bhaji and even South Indian thali, the eat-street offers a list of difficult choices for the locals. Providing a means to cheer up various sorts of customers, the most popular eateries include Sardar’s Pav Bhaji, Mamaji’s Grill and Pizza, and Hotel Sai Gomantak Restaurant.
Located near the Marine Lines, this hustling and the bustling lane is a convenient food-hopping place for college students and office workers alike, for it stays open till late hours and never runs out of its bountiful of delicious items.
Manchurian fried-rice, aloo and baby corn chaat, roti with chicken curry, cheese paneer frankie roll, and the Mumbai-special sandwich are popular demands. For the ones with a tight schedule, they can grab butter pav or bhajiyas or slurp alongside a glass of milkshake or juice.
A haven for vegetarian food-enthusiasts, the Ghatkopar Khau Galli is the origin of the delightful special ‘remix dosa’. A staggering variety of stuffings fill the crisp dosas to satiate the taste-buds with a refreshing quality. The excellent Cheese Burst Sada Dosa, the Thousand Island Dosa, and Ice Cream Dosa are all one of their kind.
One can also gorge on spicy food items like kebabs, rolls, misal pav, egg curry, while there are the crispy crepes for the sweet tooth. Jinni Dosa, Sai Swad Dosa, Hot Spot, Vikrant Circle are the must-visit eateries.
Thriving about a huge fountain fixated in the middle of the road, the Kharghar Khau Galli near Utsav Chowk rises in an energetic rhythm once evening begins to fall, and workers and students make a beeline to fill themselves with satisfying evening snacks.
The eat-street is especially famous for its mouth-watering momo preparations, be it steamed or fried. These paunchy balls with their generous stuffing of meat or vegetables are served hot with pepper-sprinkled soups or Schezwan sauce. The most delicious are the ones from the stalls of Darjeeling Sikkim Momos, Kharghar Fry Corner and Little China Fast Food.
The Khau Galli organised itself in the integral location of the Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai’s busy hub of jewellery, ruby and diamonds. A place which is visited by various customers, even ones from different cities, it offers delicious fries and other snacks at surprisingly affordable bucks.
The prevalent items are all a sort of blend of Gujarati recipes and flavours, and they include kachoris, pudla, papdi chaat, moong dal fries, alongside sweet sugarcane juice and thick milkshake of badam. Bhagat Tarachand, Mohanbhai Pudlawala and Jagannath Chaturbhuj are few of the many attractive eateries.
7. Mahim Khau Galli
The legendary lane of Mahim Khau Galli is widely known by the people of Mumbai, as it makes a notorious gobbler out of everyone. The luring stalls that line this street, which was once known as Balamia Road, offers items like baida roti, Khiri, seekh kebab, khichda, and chicken tandoori.
The popularity of Baba Falooda’s flavours of mixed ice-cream and dry kulfi is well-deserved in Mahim. Other exciting eateries are those of Hussain Khichdawala, Makhdoom Masahab and Garib Nawaz.
Running alongside the Minara Masjid, the Khau Galli of Mohammed Ali Road is a bubbling cauldron of rich and traditional preparations of meat, tender naans, and juicy tikkas and kebabs. The appetizing Mughlai food draws in the festive crowd during Ramzan, where Nalli Nihari and Haleem are sold in legendary eateries.
The decadent sweet dishes like Malpua and Phirni attract many. The famous Suleiman Bakery and other eateries like Bademiyan, Noor Mohammadi Hotel and Sulemaan Usmaan Mithaiwala are renowned among food-hoppers.
Although it’s a little difficult path to traverse to reach if one does not live nearby, the Chembur Khau galli’s regional specialities are worth all the trouble. Mostly serving Sindhi and Punjabi dishes that are cooked and prepared with expertise, this humble haven for food-hunters offers a variety of sweet delights as well as koki, kulcha, ragda pattice, and dal pakwaans. The eateries that must be tried include Bhat Vishranti Gruha, Vig refreshments, and Sainath Dhaba.
The flavours of the streets of Mumbai, come to life in a unique itinerary of all the food that is prepared in the Mulund Khau Galli. Locals, workers, students, and tourists all come to this place of bustling energy to treat themselves to bewitching tastes.
Be it the tangy Tawa Pulav, the buttery Pav Bhaji, the refreshing Ice Golas or the melting Oreo Blossom milkshake, something will always be at service for the hungry and hardworking. The Lays Dosa at Bliss Veg Restro is a unique concoction of contrasting flavours.
It is safe to say that the Khau Gallis in the metropolis thrive more in the abundance of visitors than the merry high-profile restaurants. They pose as the hub of the delicious assortment and easy affordability of Indian and continental gastronomy. Catering to a predominantly middle-class part of the population, the Khau Gallis are the everlasting source of quick-bites and filling dishes.
India is blessed with a dedicated and powerful Armed Force, willing to go any length to protect the country. It is due to their devotion and love for the country that India is free from any foreign invaders today. It is their undivided attention and relentless dedication for their country that enabled India to withstand any attack from foreign powers. Today, the Indian Army is one of the most powerful Armed Forces in the world. The Indian Armed forces consist of four main branches, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard. The Ministry of Defence manages the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force Day celebrates the bravery of the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Army is the largest part of the Indian Armed Forces and is responsible for protecting the country and safeguarding its borders. Indian Navy is responsible for securing India’s maritime borders and guarding the same in case of war or aggression from foreign powers. The Indian Coast Guard works in close association with the Indian Navy, and it is responsible for enforcing Indian Maritime rules and in defending India’s Maritime Interests. The Indian Air force is responsible for protecting the airspace and averting any threats targeted against the country’s well-being.
On October 8th, 2020, the Indian Air Force marked its 88th anniversary. The air wing of India’s armed forces, the Indian Air Force, (IAF), protects the country by securing its airspace and engaging in aerial warfare in case of armed conflicts. The Indian Air Force day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Indian Air force. Also called the Bharatiya Vayu Sena, the IAF is now composed of devoted and skilled personnel who would stop at nothing to ensure the country’s safety.
The Indian Air force is a significant part of the Indian Military. Its primary duty is to protect and safeguard the country through aerial warfare in case of threats or attacks by any foreign power. Besides securing the airspace, the Indian Air force also provides support in case of any natural calamities. For instance, during natural disasters like the floods, the Indian Air Force plays a major role in providing medical aid, distributing food supplies, and rescuing people. Hence, the Indian Air Force is one of the most significant and prestigious branches of the Indian Armed forces. Strategic planning, precision, and innovation are the characteristics that set the Indian Air Forces distinct from others.
At the time of its establishment, India was under the rule of the United Kingdom and hence was named as the Royal Indian Air Force. It was only in the 1950s that it was renamed as Indian Air Force. Since India’s Independence, the Indian Air force has played a significant role in safeguarding and protecting the country against threats. Since Independence, the IAF has fought in several battles and today holds the position as the fourth largest Air Force in the world. After 1950, the Indian Air force has been an important part of the wars that ensued between India and the neighbouring countries. Apart from this, the IAF has also been involved in the major operations such as Operation Vijay, which was associated with the annexation of Goa.
The Indian Air force day is celebrated on October 8th, every year, to create awareness about the IAF among India’s citizens and to uphold the sacrifices made by the IAF officers to protect the country against any foreign threats. Apart from protecting the nation against threats, the IAF also plays a significant role in providing support during natural disasters by being an important part of the rescue mission.
The Indian Air force day is celebrated on October 8th, because it was on this day in 1932, that it was formed as a part of the Royal Air Force. The Indian Air force was initially a part of the Royal Air force of the United Kingdom. It was only after World War II that it was renamed as the Royal Indian Air Force. Though established in 1932, the first operational squadron was organized only a year later in 1933. The motto of the Indian Air Force is ‘Touching The Sky With Glory’. The Honorable President of India acts as the Commander in Chief of the Indian Air force.
The main event which marks the IAF day celebrations is the parade, which takes place at the Hindon Air Force base located in Ghaziabad. Earlier (till 2005-06), the Indian Air Force day’s celebrations used to be held at Palam. However, due to some issues regarding the air traffic, it shifted to the Hindon Air force base. During this day, the CAF, Chief of Air Staff, awards medals to selected officers. The event is quite prestigious and is viewed around the country with great respect.
This year, the event also displayed the various fixed-wing aircraft and the helicopters to the public. A full rehearsal of the events that were to be conducted was also organized earlier. Apart from being televised, the event is also attended by many citizens from around the country and the retired officers and their families. This year the event was made even more special as the celebrations also featured the Rafale fighter aircraft. The IAF establishments around the country also celebrate the day through some events. Usually, the events which are organized in the IAF establishments are attended by veterans. However, this year, there were restrictions due to the pandemic.
The Indian air force plays a significant and irreplaceable role in the Indian Armed forces. It has a significant role in maintaining the peace and security of the nation. Today the Indian Air Force consists of incredibly skilled and brave warriors who stand courageously to safeguard the nation against any element that might threaten its peace. Counted as one among the powerful air forces in the world, the IAF is also one of the most technologically advanced in the world. The Indian Air Force has also played a significant role in some UN missions. From being an airforce with only seven sepoys, the IAF now has about 1,500 aircraft and 1,70,000 personnel and working day and night to secure the country from threats.
Today, the IAF has all the modern weaponry and highly efficient jets, which provide a strong shield to the country. The brave warriors of the IAF always work in unity as a team in planning out strategies and implementing them. The IAF is continuously in a mode of transformation as new technologies and new upgrades replace the old ones. This preparedness is crucial for the country as it enables the country to be alert for unexpected emergencies.
The IAF has completed many missions successfully, and other than being a significant part of the defence, the IAF has also helped in certain other calamities. The Indian Air force is a source of pride, not only for the Indian Armed forces but also for the entire country. Their dedication and hard work have many times proved beneficial for the country. Be it a threat from a foreign power or a natural calamity, the Indian Air force is always quick to act with determination and precise planning. For every citizen of India, the Indian Air Force is a matter of pride and prestige and is treated with utmost respect and reverence.
When life occurs, it goes on till a 70 with the job being a common denominator for all of us. In the midst of this phenomenon called life, it is our responsibility to be the changemakers. This is what Aakriti Kohli, a graphic designer by profession did during her days of lockdown. Her page ShesAnIllustrator is the not-so-loud verbal anecdote of her and every woman’s innermost voice. Aakriti, who wears her passions on her nose ring and paints her thoughts on the canvas of her life, motivates every human being to change, untangle, liberate, loose, survive, heal, grow, find, harmonize, believe, flow, move and be. Here are the excerpts of my conversation with her:
What is the story behind ShesAnIllustrator coming into existence?
I have been a professional artist for the last 7 years. I have worked with several agencies and brands. I never ever worked on a project so personal, but it was my intention always. Life was quite busy with work and other thingummies that I never got the stimulus to start something which would be an expression of me. Then few months into the lockdown and I became overwhelmed with the fact that I could not travel anymore (I love traveling!). Forget travel, the mere fact that going out was barred and meeting friends became prohibited made me search for the one thing that was missing.
All the few past experiences and problems that I had struggled with piled up in front of me. Then I knew that I wanted all these emotions that I have endured to be expressed in the form of art. I have a strong belief that art has the power to express when words fall short. As human beings and the storehouse of all these emotions, sometimes we choose to express them, and sometimes we don’t. People are situationally hesitant to listen to their own voices due to inward and outward pressures. I wanted to be a motivation for them while definitely voicing and expressing myself through my first ever series called BeingMe. And so came into existence my page ShesAnIllustrator.
Why are your graphics centered only around femininity?
As I said previously, I have had my struggles of being a woman. And every woman at some point has succumbed to these struggles which have been forcefully added to the not-so-easy lives of women. These experiences are where we are told that as a woman we cannot do this or we cannot say that. And that has always bothered me. Why are we not supposed to do something which is a way of life or a livelihood for the other gender? If something is wrong and unacceptable, then it’s practice must be wrong for all and not just one specific gender. Although, these gender biases and prejudices have hardly bothered me but this privilege of mine didn’t stop me from becoming a voice for my women. Most would find this attention-seeking artwork and I would reiterate that it is indeed seeking your attention to divert yourself to the sufferings and compromises of women. The patriarchy puts men behind the farce of gender-defined roles as well. All these unanswered questions and the curiosity of finding a valid reason behind these inequalities made me choose femininity as my desired subject.
How do the graphics on your art page communicate your inner turmoil- or as I should the inner turmoil of every woman?
The primordial problem that lies here is that we often accept things as they are without ever questioning what should be. I would say my graphics are rather an overflow of the unspoken and unwritten emotions that emerged out of these pressures and turmoil. The principle of listening to your own self and your inner voice is equivalent to Yoga. Even if you fail somewhere, you will have the satisfaction that you heard yourself before anyone.
Your captions are often verbs that are emancipating. How did the idea of using verbs as captions hit you?
This idea is driven by two factors. Firstly, professionally, it is my responsibility to find concepts and meaning in everything around me. Secondly, I wanted my captions to be as powerful, clear, and understandable by my audience as I wanted the thought behind my art to be. It precisely defined my mood and/or emotion and it just happened. I wanted people to relate to it. I wanted them to read the caption and suddenly feel an usher in emotions that some of them might be ignoring. I wanted to make a strong connection with my audience by inspiring them. And what is a better way than using verbs? 🙂
Very well put! Have you ever faced backlashes or criticisms on your IG page? If yes, then in what ways?
I wouldn’t say criticisms, but I have had queries and questions directed at the kind of clothes that my female characters wore. I felt this was my responsibility to educate them about the noun called ‘Choice’. On a happier note, I have received amazing responses for my work. People have been appreciative and have also motivated me to do more of what I do.
Do you sell your digital prints anywhere? if yes, then where can we find them?
Yes, my digital prints are available through my dm on Instagram @shesanillustrator
Which graphic artists or digital illustrators do you look up to or fangirl over?
Malika Favre! I love her work, her digital color palette, the play of light and shadow, the finesse and style! She is an artist on fleek for me!????????????
What does feminism mean to you?
Feminism has always been about equal rights & opportunities for all the sexes in all aspects. Similarly, the same rules and boundaries must be laid for all the sexes. Unfairness in terms of opportunities and boundaries when it comes to women is what feminism fights for. Not just equality, but equity in everything is what feminism stands for for me.
Do your graphics send out the same message? If yes, then how have you been able to educate your followers?
Yes, I have felt that I did encourage them to listen to their inner voice and make choices for themselves. The belief in themselves, embracing the darkness to make way for light, and not giving in to the pressures of society will help you accept yourself which is the most important foundation of life. It makes you independent, confident, and a fighter. It is only after you believe in yourself that you can change the world one step at a time. I feel this is the need of the hour and my art speaks loudly of it.
What is your message to the budding artists in a similar industry?
I would say keep creating for you have the superpower to connect people with people by motivating, inspiring, educating, influencing, impacting, and changing the world.
What is your favorite artwork of yours? I know it is like selecting between your own babies, but if you were to choose, which one will you choose and why?
Now that’s difficult (ponders). I have put in a lot of effort and thought into each of my pieces. They’re all my favorite! To choose one I would say the 8th strip ‘Finding’ of my 12 series post BeingMe could earn some brownie points. This is because, only after I ‘found’ back my lost flower, or literally my passion, ShesAnIllustrator came into existence.
What new things are you planning to experiment with, in the near future?
I have more things lined up, a few topics such as culture, travel, and positivity I have been working on. And for that you may want to keep an eye on my page ShesAnIllustrator!
The exposure that the Indian audience and viewership have received for stand-up comedy has been on a splurge since the last few years. With online platforms like Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video, several young talents have been able to put forth much of their content and develop their sets with experience.
Here we present a few of the excellent new-age stand up comedians in India who will make you think with their comic sense.
Sumukhi stepped into the land of stand-up comedy in 2013, when she had joined the improvisational comedy show, ‘The Improv’. Her ability to captivate the audience with her well-rounded performances first stood under limelight through her character of Sumukhi Chawla in the mockumentary web series named ‘Better Life Foundation’. Her titular role in Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Pushpavalli’ and her brilliantly portrayed character in ‘Go Straight Take Left’, co-written with comedian Naveen Richard, are two of her most recognised endeavours. Her earnest and bold personality is fresh in the new-age comic industry, and she also offers a strong, feministic vision of things.
The 2012 victor of Comedy Central’s India’s 3rd Best Stand Up Comedian has popular acts like ‘Kaksha Gyarvi’, ‘Hain Humare’, ‘Chacha Vidhayak’ and ‘Haq Se Single’ to glorify his crown. Popularly known as ‘Sakht Launda’, Khan has also been part of the mentor’s panel in ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, judged the second season of Amazon Prime’s Comicstaan and is an inspiration to many new-age and aspiring comics.
Urooj Ashfaq
A smart ball of cheerful energy, Urooj Ashfaq first dug her stronghold in the TLC show ‘Queens of Comedy’, where she battled as a finalist. Urooj has travelled across India putting up her bright and hilarious stand-up acts, and also put her wits to best use as a writer on numerous comic projects, including the likes of ‘Better Life Foundation’ and ‘Die Trying’. Taking unfaltering steps into the controversial field of religious bigotry, her set titled ‘Uber Driver and Grandmother’ is her first independent YouTube venture.
Kunal Kamra
Notable for his observational comedy and political satire, Kamra started the web-series ‘Shut Up Ya Kunal’ in 2017, featuring conversations with guests and clips and segments of news and debates that were edited humorously. His March 2017 Youtube video ‘Patriotism and the Government’ brought in a surge of controversy, where he mocked demonetisation and fanatic nationalism.
Having debuted as a stand-up comedian in the first season of Comicstaan, Mohanraj, with her scrutinising wit, has written scripts for shows like ‘Son of Abish’, ‘Behti Naak’, One Mic Stand, On Air with AIB and the second season of Comicstaan. A performer of various venues of comedy like NCPR and Canvas Laugh Club, Mohanraj’s interaction with the audience is a major part of her performances, which revolve around her personal observations and perceptions.
Biswa Kalyan Rath
Biswa Kalyan Rath made a prominent mark in the Youtube comedy series ‘Pretentious Movie Reviews’. He delivers a set unlike any other where he makes derivations from his education at IIT-Kharagpur, his knowledge in mathematics and language, and his introspective observations towards life. His comedy special titled ‘Biswa Mast Aadmi’ is shaped with sarcastic clarity and full of ironic anecdotes. Biswa’s unique style of making his lines land on the audience using ranting techniques gives an exciting flavour to his performances and is even enhanced by his self-assured personality.
Subramanian has been performing since 2014, when he broke into the stand-up scene by winning competitions like Virgin Pants and Canvas Laugh Club. He also won the first ever YouTube Comedy Hunt, along with his friend Kumar Varun, for their channel Random Chikibum. His popular one hour solo is titled ‘Kal Main Udega’. Drawing his inspiration from the reality of the common lifestyle, Subramanian aims to shape his comedy such that his audience can find relatable events and feelings in his performances.
Leaving his job at “Bain and Company’ to pursue his passion for comedy, Abhishek Upamanyu of Delhi uploaded his first ever video titled ‘Indian Insults and Comebacks’ on Youtube in 2016. He speaks of things as they are, deftly utilising his style of delivering quick-witted and blatantly honest lines. His excellent skills in observation and perception is evident in his two popular comedy shows ‘Thoda Saaf Bol’ and ‘Jealous of Sabjiwala’.
One of the first Indian women to endeavour into the land of stand-up comedy, Aditi Mittal was invited by the BBC for the prestigious 100 Women Conference in London in 2013. She performed her first solo show ‘Things They Wouldn’t Let Me Say’ at the Canvas Laugh Factory, Mumbai. Her next specials are called ‘Girl With Mic’, ‘Global Village Idiot’ and ‘Mother of Invention’. Creator of Dr. (Mrs.) Lutchuke, Mittal has said that her brand of humour is personal; her material significantly ranges over diverse topics and fields.
Anubhav Singh Bassi secured his roots deep and strong in stand-up comedy when he debuted at an open mic event at the Canvas Laugh Club in 2017. Exposing the absurd norms of examination and evaluation system for studying law, his Youtube video titled ‘Cheating’ had been a major breakthrough in 2019. Bassi’s sets are mostly nostalgic and his content is based on retrospection, especially on his own journey, and is evident in the episodes of his tour set ‘Bass Kar Bassi’.
Kanan Gill rose to fame through the YouTube show Pretentious Movie Reviews, along with his partner Biswa Kalyan Rath. His latest Netflix one-hour special titled ‘Yours Sincerely’, sees him looking back at his past life through the letter which he had written to his future self when he was only 15 years old. Gill has performed hundreds of shows all over the world, including ‘Feeling with Kanan’ and ‘All Correct Opinions’, and has also been a mentor in Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Comicstaan’.
Sundeep Sharma
The memorable voice behind several characters in NDTV’s satire ‘Gustakhi Maf’, Sharma leaves an impression on the audience with his acute observations of the struggling youth of India. Sundeep’s stories hit close to home with a deliberate stroke of wit. His one hour special ‘The Sundeep Shawarma Show’ has been received with accolades.
Munawar Faruqui
Faruqui’s unabashed socio-political observations are explicitly depicted in his comic acts. His Youtube endeavours are popular among the audience. ‘Nawab, Nehru and Gujarat 2002’, ‘Punjabi Music and Hitler’, ‘Dawood, Yamraj and Aurat’ and ‘PUBG, Arnab and Drugs’ are few of his most viewed skits.
Rajat Chauhan
Delhi-based comedian Rajat Chauhan’s, exceptional observation skills render a unique flair of interest to the mundane ways of daily routine and how we deal with it. After completing his engineering, Chauhan decided to follow his passion in the scene of young-age stand-up comedy. Describing himself as a “Storyteller” and an “Attention Seeker”, Chauhan holds shows regularly in the Canvas Laugh Club and other stages.
Harsh Gujral
Gujral’s comedy relates to his personal experiences and real-life incidents and people. On the rise since his debut stage show in 2017, Gujral believes that comedy is a natural skill, but requires hard work and dedication to polish it. His Youtube skits include the much-appreciated ‘Indian Reality Shows’ and ‘Shaadi Ke Rasmein’.
Today’s field of Indian stand-up comedy is filled with young voices of brilliant minds. Bold, socially aware, unapologetic and honest, the youth in this ever evolving field present unique outlooks and stalwart values for and towards the society.
Individuals in India are often diagnosed with obesity. The medical condition is rising in young adults across the country with each passing year. It is essential to understand that obesity, if not treated on time, can cause severe health issues in a person.
October 11 is observed as World Obesity Day around the world. Even though we are a little late here, there is no better time to promote awareness regarding obesity than now.
As we know, being overweight or obese can lead to several health issues down the line. An individual can suffer from respiratory problems, heart disorder, hypertension, depression, and more. Here, we have discussed how and why it is crucial to lead a healthy life by fighting obesity.
Are you overweight or obese?
Medical experts use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine your weight category. It is calculated based on the current height and weight of a person. In fact, you can use the BMI calculator tool to determine the same.
Furthermore, if the BMI value is between 25 and 29.9, then the individual is regarded as overweight. If the BMI value is more than 30, the person is said to be obese. The healthy body weight range for BMI is between 18.5 and 25.
So, what is the solution?
In case you indeed fall in the obese category, there are certain lifestyle changes that you can do to lower the BMI value. Some of the effective ways to fight obesity are as follows –
It helps if your junk food intake is limited or stopped altogether.
Make sure that you get yourself to exercise every day.
Maintain a nutrient-rich diet as it will ensure that your body gets all the necessary food components.
Avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks.
Try to maintain a healthy work-life balance and look for activities to reduce stress and anxiety.
Why is it necessary to lead a healthy life?
No matter how much money you earn over your lifetime, it ultimately goes to waste if you are not around to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
Besides this, maintaining a healthy weight will boost your immunity and keep you emotionally healthy. It further contributes to the fact that you can keep working for a long time (if you plan to do so). Moreover, healthy lifestyle habits are vital to maintaining a youthful appearance.
Plus, financially speaking, you get to save on your health insurance premiums. Because people suffering from obesity are considered as a high-risk applicant and charged with higher health insurance premiums compared to the rest, so, leading a healthy life will allow you to secure cost-effective premium rates on insurance plans.
Over To You
If you are suffering from obesity, it is time to get on a weight loss regime that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also essential to understand that the BMI chart is different for men and women. So, when you calculate your BMI, consider the right chart for optimum results.
In India, religious beliefs and practices are distinguished by diversity. Secularism in India means the equality of treatment by the State for all religions. By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976, India is a secular state. The Indian subcontinent gave rise to four significant religions worldwide, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Religion has played an essential part in India’s culture throughout India’s history. The law and tradition foster religious plurality and tolerance in the nation; the right to freedom of religion has been proclaimed as an essential right by the Indian Constitution.
