Author: Archana

Once a Physiotherapist now a Wordsmith. Field Botanist. Bonsai. Proud Indian. Fauji Wife. Doting Mother and Mother-in-law. Devoted Grandmother. Reluctant Cook. Happiest on a road less travelled. Enjoying the middle ages!
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Shoe gate

Its election time and in the current financial environment, politicians should be ready for the worst and I don’t mean only in terms of tough journalists’ questions and an irate and disgruntled vote bank.

Along with former US President George W Bush who had a shoe thrown at him other global leaders too have faced the same fate. The same offending flying object made its way into our Home Minister’s press conference yesterday.

Channels and other media are thoroughly dissecting this incident so let us just think what it means going forward…

  • Security prior to entry to hallowed precincts to be graced by the political VIPs will be toughened. In addition to leaving behind our belongings, we would have to leave our footwear outside. But what of other tools like pens, stinky socks etc…
  • Politicians must undergo training sessions to learn ‘duck and smile and stay cool’ techniques before addressing a press conference. By the looks of things, the current lot have done very well.
  • In addition to learning tricks of journalism, newbie journalists and old ones too must undergo training to improve accuracy in throwing shoes.
  • Boost decision making skills for journos- is one shoe enough, go for both of a pair or also take up the neighbour’s shoes. Others must train to hold on to their ‘soles’ if an emotional journo tries to grab their shoes.

Will the paradigm change to shoe being mightier than the pen?
What do you think?

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Massage

Massage undoubtedly has several benefits. It has been in vogue since ancient times across several cultures across the world. Ayurveda accords tremendous importance to snehan (massage) as a preparatory to Panchakarma treatments . 

Do inform your therapist if you are under any medication or are allergic to any thing. Also select a therapist with necessary qualifications to administer the massage.

Some conditions where it must be avoided are as follows:

Thrombosis of Veins (blood clots)
Varicose veins
Skin conditions like eczema or other contagious conditions
Open cuts/wounds
Cancer/ Tumours
Rheumatoid arthritis
Recently healed fractures
Recent surgical procedures
Osteoporosis
Fever
Pregnancy (subject to which area to be treated and which month)
Recent scars
Swelling
Certain abdominal conditions
Go ahead and Relax and Rejuvenate!!
Archana
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A Classic Romance

I have decided to put down my ideas of books I have read over the years and ofcourse current publications.

I read ‘Gone With the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell when in class nine. I was happiest when my daughter too enjoyed every page of my well thumbed copy. I watched the movie much much later so all these years my mental visualisation of the cotton fields, Mammy waddling in and out of the house, Scarlett’s famous green gown made from curtain cloth or her final rush to find Rhett as she discovers her love for him are owed to the author’s powerful words. 
This classic is heads my list of romance novels. I can still read it at any time, cry with Scarlett in her times of distress or  get angry or laugh with her. 
Happy Reading everyone!
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Health is Wealth

This old saying obviously meant that being healthy is the best wealth for a person.

Yet now it can have a different meaning- from the medical providers point of view. Obviously they are into this profession for the love of it AND to make a livelihood.
Medical establishments have grown from being one man stand alone shows to huge set ups. Hospitals, path lab chains are now registered entities. This obviously means they must report profits. I am told that some set ups have ‘targets’ for CABG (open heart bypass surgery)… 
Obviously the ‘patient’ then becomes a consumer and should be eligible for protection under consumer laws. Often those affected by a mis-diagnosis or carelessness prefer to ‘let it be’ after they get relief from a second/third opinion. 
While advertising was a almost a taboo for the medical profession some time back, we have huge hoardings, television commercials, print ads for medical products like artificial joints, diabetes and weight loss solutions (without dieting or exercising) just to name a few. Surgeries are available as ‘packages’ ! 
Does this strike a warning bell? 
They say one’s friends circle must always include one who wears a white coat and one a black one. (Doctor and a Lawyer). 
I would prefer to exercise regularly, meditate, set achievable goals and try to be happy and avoid going down this street as much as possible.
What about you?
Take care
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Womans Day

Despite so called progress, Women’s health continues to be an area of concern both physical and mental.

Irrespective of whether she has a full time career or not, a woman is expected to perform her ‘duties’ at home – of course she may employ an army of servants but the onus is on her to see that the home functions with clockwork precision- the fridge is well stocked, daily menus are varied and nutritious, kids continue to score top results at school or college, social obligations at weddings, poojas etc are met …. She may of course pursue her own hobbies within whatever time she can spare from all this…

Most of my friends in this positions manage all hats wonderfully but most are already victims of backache, acidity, anxiety disorders. With such a busy schedule obviously her own health gets last priority always making do with temporary measures. A recent Assocham study published in the ET dated 07 March 2009, confirmed that 68% of working women in the age group 21-52 years had lifestyle disorders.
These are serious numbers and should not be taken lightly.

I firmly oppose this ‘Day’ mania – But this is one day that certainly warrants its presence. Each woman must remind herself that wealth, a soaring career graph, health and well being of family members/ subordinates is all very good and noble but not at the cost of her own health and well being. Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi’s thoughts on her challenges as a mother and working woman are mentioned in this article.

Remember it is possible to attain our goals only if are fit to do so. Having achieved the pinnacle, it is also important to be healthy enough to enjoy the lofty heights!

So all you workaholic super mom’s out there, slow down.
Devote time and attention to your own health.
Take up power yoga.
Book that spa package.
Join a bellydancing class.
Switch off your phone.
Walk barefoot on the lawn.

Try it. For a better you. For a better world.
Corporate success is not the only kind of success. Each one of us is successful even if we don’t occupy the corner office.
Happy Healthy women will make a Happy Healthy society!!

Cheers!

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White Lily and Night Rider

A common feeling among family members, friends is that despite talking all the time we actually do not communicate. With misunderstandings galore there is obviously something missing. Within a home, it can cause a family to break up. 
‘White Lily and Night Rider‘ is an one act ‘experimental’ play that deals with communication  issues prevalent today. Often trust that is the basic premise of all social transactions is lacking. Two individuals may speak, write/mail/message each other but do they really convey what they want to say? Does the other person understand?
Milind Phatak and Rasika Joshi who have also written, directed the play and coordinated the sets and lights have explored such facets.


A couple in their late 30’s chat anonymously on the Internet and decide to meet with the option of marriage. What transpires is both hilarious and poignant. Has the Internet made us afraid of real life issues?  Along with the protagonists we too may question the foundations of relationships… Are we living our real self or is it hidden away inside us waiting for a virtual release? 

Though the play is in Marathi, me thinks this topic is valid for all. 
Make it a point to watch White Lily and Night Rider. 
Best!
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Jai Ho!

The expected has happened finally. Slumdog Millionaire has cast its spell on the Academy awards winning eight golden statuettes. Jai Ho!

Labelled as poverty porn the movie was not as popular in India as elsewhere probably but certainly sparked off several debates about how and why poverty should be depicted and that too by non-Indians.
Danny Boyle has done well in bringing out hope, innovation and a never say die attitude.
An attitude there for everyone to see yet we simply turn our minds away, close our eyes and wish them away except ofcourse for getting our jobs done….
Congratulations!
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Love is..

14 Feb came and as is wont over past few years created a furrow about its Indian context, moral police, definition of liberty, women’s rights etc…

Rather than add to this debate, I would like to highlight some aspects of love as you cross the forties threshold:
Love is:
Sharing your near distance spectacles with your spouse
Making sure to buy figs or soft fruits along with any apples/pears that you may like
Giving up sugar/salt in your diet
Going for a walk each morning with your spouse even if you would rather spend the hour doing a step class/play a round of golf
Using headphones to listen to your favourite radio/TV program instead of turning up the volume
The ad world too eggs seniors on to demonstrate their affection.
I am sure there would be hundreds more examples of what love means to each one of us…
Happiness always..
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A Dream Come True

They say a person’s age should be judged by how long he lives on in people’s memory rather than how many years he/she spend on earth. In that case, Dr Nitu Mandke continues to live today via thousands of people he had operated upon. An excellent cardiac surgeon, it was indeed a cruel turn of fate due to which he succumbed to a heart attack in 2003. It was his dream to build a cardiac hospital in Mumbai. His untimely death only delayed this effort. The hospital was inaugurated on 26 January 2009 in Mumbai, much bigger than originally planned and inclusive of other specialities as well.

Dr Nitu Mandke completed his school and medical education at Pune. His family and friends organise a program on 31 January each year to commemorate his birthday. The simple program yesterday devoid of undue emotionalism was highly motivating. A fitting tribute to a great human being.
Key take aways:
Like its important to get a good teacher, a teacher too looks out for a good student
Dream big and then stay focussed on your goal
Work towards your target one step at a time
14 Feb is round the corner. It is the Congenital Heart Defects Day. Spend a few minutes learning about this condition. Some congenital heart defects are completely curable and children go on to live meaningful happy lives.
Best!
Archana
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Republic Day

This 26 January was marked by many of the highest peace time gallantry awards being awarded posthumously to Armed Forces or Police personnel. Their sole aim to defend the nation even at the cost of their lives. 

Their wives carried themselves with tremendous calm as the citations were read out. It spoke volumes about their personalities and strength as they adjust to this difficult change.
Every lady who marries into the armed forces or police or other defence forces is aware of and accepts the risks her husband faces. Far from stopping him, she is the source of his strength. It is her unquestioned taking charge of all domestic  management and issues that lets the soldier go forth with full concentration on the task on hand. That is how it should be.
Our salute to those who laid down their lives to keep us safe and the ladies who stand by them!
Jai Hind!
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