Autumn on the River

November 24, 2013 28 Comments

Autumn on the River, 1889, John Singer Sargent 

She was drifting away on still waters
like an autumn on the leaves
Slowly, swiftly to nowhere
her hopes were bereft

her sails have withered
so did her spirit
I am a still body on moving waters
What do you care what I think

She closed her eyes and thought
"who is there for me?
why should I breath or move
for whom shall I live"?

She kept sailing still,
lying with her drape on
till when, I do not know,
Until then the boat did not sink.
_________________________


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A Spoonful of Immunity!

November 18, 2013 18 Comments

Dexter and Dee Dee revisits with Dabur India Chawanprash to discuss, learn more and drive awareness about building an #ImmuneIndia


How it started


One day Dexter was working in his laboratory, playing with test tubes and chemicals and making some magical potion. Curious as ever, his elder sister DeeDee steps in and in her famous style asks- "Ooh what’s brewing Dexter"? Before she could reach his table, Dexter sneezed hard and the tube fell down on the floor, spilling all over. Poor Dexter, was almost in tear seeing his concoction i.e. hard-work of hours go wasted.  "This happened third time this day. Damn this sneeze" he grumbled.

"What happened Dexter, you were alright in the morning? Its just 2 weeks back that you had cold and now again?" asked the concerned Dee dee.  She saw Dexter's nose was running and his face pale. She immediately reached for tissue, handed him over and the conversation started.

Dexter told her that he is suffering from continuous sneezing and cold these days. He was unsure as he didn't drink water outside nor did he go out to play with other kids, then why is he falling sick again and again. Hence, he thought he will work with chemicals and develop a concoction that will keep sickness away. But every time he tried and finished, his sneeze spoiled his formula and he is feeling tired now, dull enough to fight with his Dee dee.

A Little Pep Talk on Immunity


Dexter You think drinking "Chemicals" will solve your problems? Dee Dee asked! 

Think again! Dexter. they are chemicals after all. They may sooth you for a moment but not cure your bad health which is less of climate issue but actually caused by your "bad immunity".

Dexter: Immunity? What is Immunity Dee Dee? 

Dee Dee: Immunity is the biological defenses to avoid infection, disease or any other "unwanted" biological   invasion that may harm our body and health. It is actually the capability of body to resist harmful organism enter our body and make it sick. [seeing that Dexter looked puzzled, dee dee further explained] Imagine your body is like roof and external walls of the house that prevents harmful sunlight and strong rain to enter inside the house and damage the things inside.


Now suppose for some reason the wall and roof are not strong then what will happen? Your house will be flooded in rain and everything inside will slowly get damp and spoiled. Same thing happens with your body

and immunity as well. 

Dexter: What causes bad Immunity Dee Dee?

Dee Dee: your immunity has gone weak Dexter not bad. Immunity goes weak due to many reasons like not eating sufficient and right food, not drinking clean water, not following mother's cleanliness regime, unhygienic practices, not exercising regularly, or having too much of artificial, highly processed food like Colas and junk food, prolong sickness including eating lot of medicines, lack of sleep or at times some regular epidemics also weakens our immunity.

Dexter: But I did not go out to play in park Dee Dee or drank water from tap, so how did my immunity got weaky-weak?

Dee Dee: Your immunity gone weaky-weak cause you do not eat proper food that mother gives you. You do not drink milk and make faces while eating green leafy vegetables. Most of the time you are sitting in your stupid laboratory and not doing much physical exercise or play like your class mates and always eats up all those street junk food. Also, your hero acts when mamma ask you to wear sweater or jacket, you do not wear them and tie them around your waist like you are Jr. Shah Rukh Khan. Would your immunity not grow weak?


Dexter made all faces while hearing Dee dee but she did not pay heed and keep telling him his mistakes. realizing them he further asked her-

Dexter: But Dee dee seriously that green leafy vegetable looks like I am a grass eating cow and if street food is so bad why you have it and not fall sick? :P


Dee Dee: I am not saying you should not eat street food at all but am also saying that if you want to grow stronger and more intelligent you must eat right diet, sleep well, have physical exercise and stop testing all those chemicals on your body. Remember how once you did a flop experiment and turned in to a sandwich and I have to save you?

Dexter: Well I need brain power and not immunity? I work in laboratory and do not play football. 

Dee Dee: You are a child Dexter and in your growing years. Whatever you develop/ lose now will stay with you as you grow old. For better mind, a good health is a must. Did you not see how your weak immunity has spoiled your health and your experiments?

Dexter: Ya, you are right. What should I do to make my Immunity strong?

Dee Dee: Hmm now you are talking! To build your immunity you must do following-
  • Have a right and balanced diet of vegetables, green leafy vegetables, cereals, milk, fruits etc
  • Sleep on time
  • Stay clean and hygiene
  • Drink lot of water to flush away body toxin
  • Do lot of exercise

Dexter: My God! That is to much to eat. How about if I make a serum of all good food that you mentioned and sip two spoon everyday? Yes, I will do that. Thank you Dee Dee, now let me work. Tata

Dee Dee: Before I go Dex, lemme show you my new Robot Dance [Dee dee does that often to irritate dexter]

Dexter: NOOOOooo I hate it DD. Dee Dee as usual didn't listened to him and started dancing. She uncovered an unfamiliar looking bottle in her hand and pierce a spoon inside, scooped some dark color s and forced that in his mouth. Little Dexter first hesitated, made face as if Dee Dee slapped him. He suddenly looked happy with the taste and asked her what is that and asked another spoon. "Ooh whats that Dee Dee"? She smiled and told- "Chawanprash". "Eeks but it must be full of chemicals,synthetic substance and over processed"? Dee dee said "No, it is natural and has the trust of Dabur with it". Dexter smiled and said told Dee Dee that he may get bored soon. Dee Dee winked and took two another bottle. She said- "how? I also have flavors of Mango and Mixed fruit Dexter".



Dee-Dee: <laughed hysterically>: There is nothing called "more-er" intelligent you dumbo! If only you ate right food, your brain would become strong and remember all the lesson your English teacher taught you even 2 weeks back. Dee dee chided sweetly showing him tongue and handed him the bottles and went away dancing with her friends from his laboratory.

That is how Dee Dee educated her little brother Dexter about Immunity, its importance and development. You too can take the plunge and spread the awareness. Take lead, Join hands and educate the child/ children in your vicinity and help in to build a strong and #ImmuneIndia.




“Our Children’s health and well-being are dependent on our commitment to promoting food access and good eating habits at home, at school and in the community.” – Rod Blagojevich

The Bigger Picture

Children form our world. They are our present and our future. the entire nation and it's development and health depends on our children. They are the rising stars of today and shining stars of tomorrow. It is imperative for us to educate and safeguard them  by developing a strong foundation and body with strong Immunity. To build a stronger, better and highly immune India, we must catch them young and educate our kids on importance of immunity and growth. The best way to educate them is using the mediums that is-

  • Schools, playgrounds etc where they visit regularly and can draw comparison with their peers.
  • Using medium of their favorite cartoons like I used "Dexter and Dee dee" here
  • Extending awareness through Television, storybooks etc
  • Making them adopt healthy habits early in their life
__________________________________________________________________
This is written for #ImmuneIndia Contest by Indiblogger and Dabur Chyawanprash. To know more visit their websitewww.daburchyawanprash.com

Dabur Chyawanprash


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Celebrate Life, Celebrate Immunity

November 15, 2013 11 Comments

"Amla, Kesar, Satavari, Ashwagandha, Peepali, Guduchi, Kar kat...karkat......"

"Karkatsringi" I said while wondering what my little nephew Pihu [from Boeing Boeing] is trying to do. The inquisitive chap who loved cheese sandwiches, apple juices.

I turned back to find Pihu sitting on the dining table, holding a bottle in hand and reading out the contents from the label. I smiled and asked him on if he knows what is he holding. He smiled and said "Chyawanprash" in his broken language.

I smiled and about to turn back to reading my book, he called me and asked- "Do you know what is this and why we eat this"?

I smiled, closed my book and returned back to dining table to help Pihu with his curiosity as always. I told him that it is a "Chyawanprash"- a herbal concoction and we eat it for building and strengthening our Immunity. "Immunity? what is Immunity maasi [aunt]"? He asked innocently.

"Immunity I said- means the body's resistance and power to fight viruses and bacteria". "Viruses? Which viruses maasi? Like the one in dad's computer? And is bacteria not good for body? You said bacteria makes my sweet curd and the butter milk".

"No Pihu, not that. Let me explain you". I took a piece of paper and draw the map of India there and explained. "Look this our country and these are neighboring countries that are all around our country's geographical border and here's the sea. Now some countries attack on India and some do not. Sometime the high tide in seas causes disasters like Tsunami and all. That is why as a country, we have military forces that guards us from such calamity and attacks. Water is good for us but too much of water or dirty water can spoil our health and we must look for their hygiene and contamination". Little Pihu looked little more confused and so I told him the fundamentals of brushing one's teeth. I said" The food that we eat is good for our body. However, whenever we eat something, the remaining particles of our food is left on our mouth and teeth causing germs and bad odors. Hence we brush to keep our mouth clean. Same with viruses and bacteria. Some of them are good for us but some of them may harm us. Gotcha"?

So he understood and said. I gotcha, it is like this...I have a piggy bank account which is full of money. I take some coins everyday out of it and I need to fill it back with coins so that there is balance. Right maasi"? Right I told him.

His next question was- "What can I do be more Immunity maasi"? I was about to tell him that its is not Immunity but immune. Suddenly a lot of his friends came in to play with Pihu. Pihu was so engrossed in learning that they too wanted to know more. I started again and using the map I explained them the story.

"Tell me more no maasi, So my body is soo small if two three virus and bacteria will attack or say if all countries attack me on border, would I be defeated"? I admired is question and told him no. I told him if you show true spirit, dedication and perseverance than no one can defeat you. A country forms alliances with friendly country who helps them to win the war, Similarly body has many such cells etc that help body fight bad bacteria and virus. So when India joins hands with it's military forces, friendly countries, India will be strong. To remain strong India need to have more friends than enemies and good military forces.

But maasi I saw in news they said- India will become stronger if we fight and stop things like corruption, violence, bad practices etc. no? I reveled at his understanding and admired his grasping power even at this age. To further add to his knowledge, I told him about the basics of building immunity.

The 5 "ION" of Building #ImmuneIndia
I told it is the matter of five main "ion". "What ion maasi"? Pat came his next question. I took another paper, drew and explained to him and his friends.
  1. Vaccination
  2. Nutrition
  3. Sanitation
  4. Prevention
  5. Education



The kids were very happy. The fact that they attached immunity with one of their games on computer and that helped them understand the concept more freely. That evening for the first time all the kids happily ate the Spinach soup that I gave them.

Here's a time for some statistics: In India every hour, every day numerous children die due to malnutrition or disease borne by air, water and food. Lack of proper nutrition hurts their body and mars their growth. daily we hear news on the malnutrition and the deficiency in children.

I remember last time when little nephew Pihu got sick. We spent sleepless night in cold breezy weather of Jammu to nurse him up.

On Mid day meal
India is still solving the mysery of poisoned lunches that killed many student ...was it tragic or sinister? A lot of people rued that wishing they have not sent their children to school and so they would be alive. It's a shame to nation, a nation that has agriculture as it's prime occupation.

I was immersed in my thoughts when little Pihu came and gave me a nudge- "So maasi if we all build a strong immune system, can we fight all the harmful virus like cholera, common cold, dengue, bird flu etc"?

"Yes why not". I told him.

"So now we had our spinach soup, can we go and play out in rain"? I laughed at their innocence and smartness. Nature has so many boons for humans to cherish. rainfalls are one. We cannot stop our children from going out and exploring the world, we cannot stop them from living. We can definitely protect them against virus attacks and how? I replied that when I told Pihu- Why not but before that you need to build a good immune system. Here's two spoon of immunity for all of you!

If two billion people of India join hands and drive the immunity brigade, we would definitely be successful.

__________________________
For all mother, the child is either nanhi pari or chanda and sun...




A healthy child once again is a future of nation. Well development leads to well developed life. Proper nourishment will help te child grow and grow strong and one day, a girl too will sing a song to mother like this.

Relax for nothing else but to bring romance, joy and festivity along. Lets strive to build healthy India and Strong India
____________________________________________________________
www.daburchyawanprash.com

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But Naturally and Traditionally!

November 14, 2013 34 Comments

This post is written for Dabur Lal Tail, practicing the philosophy of going for natural growth by following traditions, in association with Dabur and Indiblogger's "Traditional Knowledge, Natural Growth" contest
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They say when a child is born, a mother is born too. Conceiving a baby, nurturing it in womb for 9 months and finally giving birth is indeed, a beautiful natural thing. This dedicated to all those beautiful mothers and their babies and all the care, nurture they do, to bring a life to loving and love.

When it comes to nurture, nature is the best mother and nurture is thy second name. Aha! do not take it lightly. The same mother nature can be destructive as well. For if it has reservoirs of natural and herbal products that if taken in right spirit can nurture your body, it also has materials and chemicals that if not used carefully, result in damage. In such contradiction, what comes handy is the knowledge and not just knowledge but traditional knowledge. Tradition has details of each herb, flora and fauna and their therapeutic properties that our ancient humans and saints have closely studied in era of no pollution, no technology yet best natural resources and worked on them century after century.

Ayurveda, Wisdom of life
Ayurveda is one such science that approaches towards finding the root of a thing and taking over from there. This science has been perfected over centuries and from Susruta [ doctor for Gods], Charak and all, the tradition still follows. The science, the art of Ayurveda dwells in taking a holistic approach to illness and works on improvement- Mentally, physically and psychologically! The best part of Ayurveda is not in mere healing problems but also help facilitating a healthier way of life on perpetuity basis.


The ingredients that are used in Ayurveda are natural and have no side effects that a lot of synthetic products do. They are mostly derived from Herbs, plants, fruits, flowers etc.



Bal Chikitsa is Ayurveda term for child and nurture related practices, same as pediatrics that we call in modern medicine. It deals with pregnancy and continues with child delivery. This branch needs to be well team up with "kaya Chikitsa" which deals with all things related to body and it's well being. When giving birth to a baby and nurturing is such a natural process, why to ruin it by using products that is not so natural for child? Hence, use of natural oils that are curated using traditional knowledge and therapy for child development.


Why traditional knowledge and natural growth?
Every thing that is natural and organic, is beautiful. Tradition is a holistic approach towards inculcating organic growth and regular frequency in world to balance the nature.
Nature in it's basket has many such splendor things. Being natural is the tradition that comes naturally to a mother. Personally, I love all things natural and traditional. Not as a mindset but it is a logical acceptance towards the boon and benefit that nature bestows on us. Every mother's dream is a healthy baby. A healthy child is a happy child. Health is wealth and early the better. 



Say no to Synthetic oils
NO matter what they claim, no matter how cheaper or fancy they sound, keep them away from your child and his innocent, budding skin.

My personal experience
When I was in school, I have kind of nursed a baby. It was not mine baby but my aunt's new born son- Dhruv and also my maternal uncle's newborn- Ishu. I was really fond of kids. So when my maasi [aunt] became first time mother, I was more exhilarated. I ensured the baby stayed with me 24*7 and I used to be part of all the baby rituals  exempting ahem the potty process for obvious reason!

My grandma was a skilled and well learned person who knew a lot about natural remedy and care. Every morning, we used to start the baby's day with a rigorous body massage. My grand ma used to use a traditional made oil for the same. As a result of which the children not just took a better body form but remain quite healthy without making frequent visit to doctors. At the same time, my aunt was blessed with another daughter and due to time etc constraints, she couldn't devote a lot of time in massaging her baby with natural oil and would often fall back on marketed and synthetic products, her daughter started losing her immunity and grown as thin as stick as compared to her age.

There was a clear difference seeing between the growth of two babies [siblings] wherein one grew twice as faster than the other. The oil was little smelly but that comes from the concoction that is pure natural. Soon we started liking the smell and it was really good during winters.

Why Dabur Lal Tail
It is 100% natural and traditional. The market is inundated with products...new exotic etc...what make u buy one? lingering fragrances et all. Ayurveda is based on the concept of 3 bio-energies Vata, Pita and Kapha. They provide information about the skin and in the context of holistic view, also provide information on the cause of problem. Sow when you know you have an oil that will take care of the basic needs of your child, help in developing his body, knows his body and target right nourishment to body, why not use a product that is natural, made using traditional knowledge and above all free from toxin and free radicals for skin as tender as baby's.
_______________



To know more click- Dabur Lal Tail

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