Of Lockdown Chores, Sea Battles and Holystoning

Of Lockdown Chores, Sea Battles and Holystoning

The lockdown has taught us many lessons, not the least of which being learning to live without domestic help. This usually translates to a division of labour within the household, and, where there are only two, democracy prevails. In other words, the husband gets to do the backbreaking jobs like sweeping and swabbing. And thus it was, that I found myself on a voyage of discovery vis a vis the various housekeeping implements we own. Anyway, as I set out on my exploratory tour of the house, with cleaning weapons in hand, it dawned on me that I hadn’t actually done anything similar since I was a cadet in the Navy, some forty plus years ago. Scrubbing hard at a recalcitrant smudge, I remembered the first day I stepped on INS Delhi, the then Cadet’s training ship. The ship was old, and on its last legs, and we were one of the last lots of cadets to be trained on it. As soon as we embarked, we were made to fall in, and were told (and we would often be reminded subsequently) that, as cadets, we were the “Lowest form of Marine Life”. We soon realised that this translated to being at the very bottom of the food chain, and becoming unquestioning targets for all and sundry, from the lowest ranked sailor upwards. We were made to do everything on the ship, from chipping rust on the decks to cooking potatoes for the crew under leaking steam in the boiler room. One ritual that stood out, however, was the Sunday morning “Holystoning,” which involved getting down on one’s knees and scrubbing the wooden deck with sandstone blocks called Holystones. The bigger ones were called “Bibles” and the smaller ones, “Prayer Books”. The origin of the term was not clear, but we were told that it was a legacy inherited from the Royal Navy, where Holystoning was meant to clean a wooden deck in preparation for the Sunday service, (as well as the fact that we had to be to be on our knees, as if in prayer). Another facet that we were constantly reminded of, was that the ship was steeped in history, having seen action in WW II. In its previous avatar as Achilles, it had taken part in one of the first major encounters in the Atlantic, the famous Battle of River Plate. In that encounter, Achilles, along with Ajax and Exeter, defeated the far superior German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, which had been wreaking havoc on allied merchant shipping in the Atlantic, partly with some ingenious naval gunnery tactics, and partly with crafty subterfuge and some luck. These three ships had managed to cripple Graf Spee and chase it down to Montevideo, where she sought refuge, it being a neutral port. The ship was, however, forced to leave shortly thereafter, and the German Captain, having been falsely led to believe that a massive task force was lying in wait, chose to scuttle the ship in the estuary, chalking up a major victory for the British. So, it came to be, that as one way of overcoming the sheer drudgery of Holystoning, one could relive the epic sea battle in one’s imagination, while on hands and knees, holystoning the ageing wooden quarterdeck of one of the participants. Meanwhile, back home, and well into the lockdown, I can only reflect in amazement at the muscle memory having survived all these years, and standing in good stead, as I rid the floor of the stubborn stain. By Shyam Rao. Shyam is a retired commander from the Indian Navy and is currently working as a security and food safety consultant in Bangalore.

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 Get ready for life post lockdown

Get ready for life post lockdown

A message from India to the world, Love 2 Humanity is a virtual entertainment experience featuring some of India’s most inspiring artists and personalities including Sudha Murthy, Latha Rajnikanth, Salim Merchant, Kailash Kher, Terence Lewis, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Nikhil Chinapa, Javed Ali, Kubbra Sait, Danish Sait, Cyrus Sahukar, Best Kept Secret and Raghu Dixit amongst others. The global broadcast is a not-for-profit experience that aims to raise funds and support the folk artists of Zariya foundation. Make sure you show your Love 2 Humanity on Sunday, 31st May 2020 7pm onwards by logging on to www.love2humanity.com for an inspiring evening while doing your bit to donate and support the folk artists of Zariya foundation. As countries across the world adapt to the new normal, it is important now more than ever to be empathetic and responsible towards our people and our planet. In these uncertain times, it is the strong spirit of humanity that will see us through the crisis. The Love 2 Humanity initiative is a celebration of the resilient human spirit and endeavors to spread love, hope and inspiration as we venture into the world again: with new hopes, new dreams and new beginnings. The virtual entertainment experience will also unveil a specially created post-lockdown anthem: a hymn of hope and happiness and a sublime song of inspiration for the future, one that invokes the compassion and strength we need to carry forward. “This is our labour of love and hope to the world after lockdown. We are beginning to foresee a future where we return to a different normal. People everywhere are uncertain and looking for ways to be inspired and hopeful about the future. This initiative of ours will help people around the world stay strong, positive and embrace the changes ahead of us through the life-affirming power of music, stories and conversation,” said Oum Pradutt, Founder & Managing Director of Phase 1 Events & Experiences. Through these incredibly challenging times, India has been a beacon of hope and thought-leader on a global front by helping countries around the world navigate the crisis. Now, comes yet another inspiration from India to the world – this time in music and melody. A spectacle of love and hope, dedicated to all of humanity. The show, produced and created by India’s leading experiential agency Phase 1 Events & Experiences will also be promoted and broadcast by Live Nation Asia, the world’s biggest entertainment company on their global online platform. What: Love 2 Humanity Virtual Entertainment Experience When: Sunday, 31st May 2020, 7 pm and 8:30 pm Where: www.love2humanity.com & https://www.livenation.asia/livefromhome   Get ready for life post lockdown

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 How Can we Brace for a gradual Return to Normalcy

How Can we Brace for a gradual Return to Normalcy

With Bengaluru’s lockdown inching towards a phased exit, Bangaloreans are bracing for a gradual return to normalcy amid the coronavirus pandemic. As an entertainment and lifestyle hub, malls will also have to adapt the new normal, change its ways of customer engagement, digitalisation besides ensuring safety and sanitization.   Physical distancing, frequent sanitising, masks, will have to be the new normal. Since Malls operate in a controlled environment they can be governed with stringent SOPs with measurable accountability. Allowing organised retail industry to open will save hardship of livelihood to 100 mn household in a cascading economic crisis. At Phoenix Marketcity, health, hygiene, and safety will be given utmost priority. Global best-practices and precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure every visitor feels safe and secure. For instance, Malls will allow only a limited number of customers inside the mall at a time. All customers and staff will be checked for temperature before entering. In accordance with global guidelines, social distancing will be mandatory, as will be wearing of masks by both customers and staff. Customers will be encouraged to use sanitizers regularly which will be placed at multiple locations at the mall and our staff too has been trained in enforcing these safety guidelines. In addition to their own safety, they will be ensuring that the guidelines are being followed across the mall. Cinemas may be allowed to book 50% of the seats to ensure no person sits in close proximity to the other, likewise eateries and retailers may also to be advised to ensure limited number of people inside the store at a given time. We will encourage use of technology like contactless payments to curtail contamination risk. Brand outlets which have high-contact services like customer make-overs, product testers may be advised to discontinue these services temporarily. Fitting rooms may not be operational. These measures will enhance awareness and instil confidence in our customers to embrace the new normal and continue to do the things they love. With these precautionary measures in place, where customers are assured of their safety, we are hopeful for better days for people of Bengaluru. By Gajendra Singh Rathore, Sr. Centre Director, Phoenix Marketcity Bangalore, Chennai, Palladium Chennai. How Can we Brace for a gradual Return to Normalcy

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 Online – a New Performance Venue for the Arts

Online – a New Performance Venue for the Arts

International Dance Day is celebrated the world over on April 29. It is a global celebration of dance, created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO. No one can undermine the effect of a live performance. The experience of alert minds bonding with each other through the arts. A silent exchange of energy, a silent connection giving rise to multiple emotions. A few weeks back this medium suddenly came to a standstill. With the country under lockdown, live performance spaces are closed. Empty stage, vacant seats. But the show must go on. And it did. Every challenge comes with opportunities. NCPA and many such veteran organisations started their online screening from their archival treasures.   As an arts manager at the NCPA, going online has given us the opportunity to add art more to the lives of our audiences. With live shows we were able to only reach out to people who can physically visit our venues but with online we reach out to even that lady who perhaps has never stepped out of her kitchen. My grandmother listened to the radio as she cooked. Those memories of Indian classical music drenched in her mild spices still linger in that space. Growing up her kitchen was no less a space that I connected with good art. An experience dotted with explanations of ragas or stories of wondrous sadhanas of acclaimed artistes as she chopped away. This course into music appreciation was no less for a young mind as mine.  She always missed not being able to watch dance. Today she would have been happy. Every time we have a screening of our music and dance shows, we have audiences sharing photos of themselves – at their homes, with their kids watching an Indian classical music or a dance show. Online surely has helped us reach out better. It has created a new performance venue for us. Both to perform and to experience… With opportunity comes the necessity of focussed research and planning so that the presentations do justice to the art and the artiste. And with that also comes the topic of sustainability. I know NCPA and all organisations who ticket their shows have put in a lot of effort in creating this habit of paying for good art. With a lot of content now being shared for free, though a beautiful way of reaching out in such tragic conditions but with it is also a growing concern of losing the habit of paying for the arts. This contribution is important. Though in most cases box office collection for the classical arts barely cover the expenses of putting up the show but this participation from the audience in acknowledging the efforts and years of hard work by the artistes are important. It is important to that young kid sitting with her parents watching Indian classical dance with a paid subscription to believe in the talent that she has. A confirmation that her dancing talent matters to the world as much as her skills in solving trigonometry. So what kind of content then should be free online? It’s tough to answer this. Probably something which can’t be recreated or has been extensively performed (and some investment has been recovered). I feel new content (unless supporting a cause) should be reserved for the special person who gives us the respect of creation with subscription. By Swapnokalpa Dasgupta- Head- (Odissi dance artist) and Dance Programming, NCPA. Online – a New Performance Venue for the Arts

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 Bliss of a perfect brew

Bliss of a perfect brew

Third Wave Coffee has launched a new summer beverages menu for those locked down during the peak of summer. Being homebound isn’t a deterrent to enjoy this range of delicious lattes, frappes, non-coffee fusions and cold brews, as they can be delivered to the customers home by ordering through Swiggy, Zomato and Dunzo. The new beverage menu has iced lattes in five interesting flavours including chocolate, caramel, matcha espresso, Thai and honey, frappes such as choco coconut, salted butterscotch and non-coffee fusions and cold brews having unique flavours like yuzu lemon and orange chilli. The classics, mochas, frappes, shakes and teas have been created by the R&D team of Third Wave Coffee, and carry an innovative mix of flavours that are sure to be loved by the Indian palate. The new menu is complemented with 100% Arabica coffee sourced directly from origin, freshly roasted in small batches and ground at the café. The summer beverages have been created to bring alive the theme of the menu: FUSION, which represents the melange of Third Wave Innovation in beverages and the refreshing need-state summer brings up. The concept of fusion of flavours also manifests visually when the beverage is presented as the key ingredients retain their distinct ,colours. The beverages pair perfectly with the existing food menu, giving customers a wide range to choose from. “We did not want our customers to lose out on their favourite brews during this lockdown period, and so went ahead with the launch of the new menu. To nudge consumers to make coffee at home, we had our Baristas create videos on making beverages at home without complex equipment. We have not let the pandemic come in the way of our customers enjoying their cup of coffee and we have ensured our coffee and coffee beans reach them through orders serviced by our delivery partners. We know our customers are missing their favourite café, so with every delivery to rekindle good memories we are sending across the Spotify playlist of our store.” said Sushant Goel, Co-Founder, Third Wave Coffee. Third Wave Coffee also prides itself on innovation in coffee, and this is seen in the variety of special beverages featured on the menu. Right from pouring the perfect French Press, Pour Over, Aero Press or Syphon to flavourful lattes like Orange Zest Mocha, La Vie En Rose, Yuzu lemon cold brew, Matcha espresso iced latte, Sea Salt Mocha, Third Wave Coffee drives itself towards the single-minded effort of bringing delectable coffee to Indians. With a well-trained team of baristas and ample seating, Third Wave cafes are all set to delight. Each Third Wave Coffee Outlet is accented with minimal and comfortable seating, ample natural light and the warm, inviting aroma of fresh coffee. Third Wave Coffee’s journey has been one of introducing India to a delicious coffee experience while building a great brand. This is achieved by taking great care to ensure quality, flavour and freshness right from bean to when it is made into a fresh cup of coffee ready to be consumed. Third Wave Coffee is founded on the precept that India, being the sixth largest producer of coffee and having the fastest-growing millennial population, is a fertile ground for a start-up coffee brand that can give you, the ‘Bliss of a perfect brew’. Bliss of a perfect brew

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 Actor Sanjay Dutt expresses his gratitude

Actor Sanjay Dutt expresses his gratitude

Sanjay Dutt is one of the most prominent actors in the film Industry. Due to the current situation of the lockdown caused by the pandemic, the actor has been active on his social media spreading messages on awareness and alertness, and urging the enormous number of followers he has on social media, to practice social distancing and staying safe and healthy. The actor expressed his gratitude towards the individuals fighting the pandemic for us and risking their lives so we may be safe. He also persuades everyone to appreciate the work they are doing for us while expressing his disappointment in the people who treat the forefront fighters with disrespect. He took to social media and shared, “I’d like to thank all the policemen, doctors and healthcare professionals, front-line workers, essential commodity providers who are working selflessly, risking their lives to keep us safe and secure. It’s disheartening to see people misbehaving with them.” On the work front, Sanjay Dutt has an extremely busy year ahead as he is set to appear in five notable films including ‘KGF: Chapter 2’, ‘Shamshera’, ‘Bhuj: The Pride of India’, ‘Torbaaz‘ and ‘Sadak 2‘. He last made an appearance in Kalank along with Madhuri Dixit, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. Actor Sanjay Dutt expresses his gratitude

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 Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus

Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus

The Coronavirus pandemic is straight out of the Hollywood movies that have raided our screens over the years. It has left the world paralysed and the grave scenario has put everyone under a blanket of melancholy. However, living it is a stark reality that everyone is facing on a daily basis. Everything seems to have come to a literal standstill. Businesses and educational institutes are relying heavily on the digital space for virtual meetings, classes and interactions. Technology is a boon during these times especially where face to face interactions are not possible. Making the most of the lockdown through creative and technological initiatives is a prolific design institute that is always ahead in its educational endeavors – JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore. The institute and its students are leading the way in adapting to the new situation alongwith participating in creative ideas to amp up their morale. Sitting at home is no party for the students as the faculties have ensured that classes remain on course through online streaming and assignments. Apart from working on class related projects, the final year students have been steadily prepping for the yearly extravaganza held by JD Institute – JD Annual Design Awards. The event is a platform provided to the students to present some innovative designs which go through a grueling short listing process by internal and external jury. Inorder to help students reach their optimum this time round, mentors are monitoring their students work online by providing them feedback to refine their work to help them save their time and spring into action as soon as the lockdown is called off. Student Work                            Faculty and students also got together to prepare an online collage to spread the message on staying at home inorder to stay safe. Observing the insufficiency of masks, Jeevitha Gowda, a Post Graduate Diploma in Fashion and Business Management, rolled on her sleeves and plunged into action to help prepare masks which she distributed to people in need. To keep their creative juices flowing, the students also participated in a weekly creative challenge #McQueenCreators posed by the renowned house of Alexander McQueen. The challenge required a presentation of creating 3D flowers with materials readily available at one’s homes. Students used steel spoons and foil, net, craft paper etc. to create the flowers. Whereas, Sushmitha Nagarkoti, a BSc. in Fashion and Apparel Design alumnus of JD Institute, participated in a juti design contest organised by Needledust. Her virtual collection incorporated mirror work detailing, beadwork and sea-shells with summer colours. #thestyle.world #coronavirus #covid19 #lockdown #AlexanderMcQueen #studyfromhome #sfh #workfromhome #wfh #jdinstituteoffashiontechnologybangalore #jdinstitute #globalleagueinstiute #artanddesign #needledust #jutis #alexandermcqueen #McQueenCreators Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus

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 Nutrition Tips during Lockdown

Nutrition Tips during Lockdown

Take care of your nutrition during the lockdown period. Preety Tyagi who was a student of IIN, Institute of Integrative Nutrition, New York is passionate about health issues and wants to change people’s perspectives towards the word, Disease. She wants to impact as many people in a positive and healthy way as possible. Being educated in Commerce and after attaining a degree in MBA in marketing, what drove her towards the health and nutrition education was that she wanted to learn more and more about nutrition and how it impacts our health. After finding solutions and healing of her health issues and after solving her family’s health issues just through proper diets and healthy nutrition, she started health coaching as a career and has been able to help many people in different countries, through health coaching now. Here are few useful tips from Preety… Anti-stress food items to add to our diet to cope with the pandemic stress: – People can make a variety of lifestyle changes to help manage their anxiety. Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein can be helpful. Anxiety is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people globally. However, the reasons for uncalled for stress are many during the days of Lockdown and the fear from the coronavirus, covid19. The following are the symptoms of anxiety. tension excessive worry about everyday events and problems irritability difficulty concentrating issues with their personal social and work relationships heart palpitations, elevated heart rate muscle tension chest tightness Some such foods are mentioned below. Brazil nuts Brazil nuts contain selenium, which may help to improve mood. Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Selenium may improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often at heightened levels when someone has a mood disorder, such as anxiety. Selenium is also an antioxidant, which helps prevent cell damage. It is also anti-carcinogenic, which helps to prevent cancer from developing. Other nuts, animal products, and vegetables, such as mushrooms and soybeans, are an excellent source of selenium. However, selenium must not be over consumed. That’s why one must be careful while taking selenium in supplementation. Brazil nuts and other nuts are also a good source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Antioxidants can be beneficial for treating anxiety, while some research has shown that low levels of vitamin E may lead to depression in some people. Pumpkin seeds and Bananas Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate electrolyte balance and manage blood pressure. Eating potassium-rich foods such, as pumpkin seeds or bananas, may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of the mineral zinc. One study carried out on 100 female high school students found that zinc deficiency may negatively affect mood. Zinc is essential for brain and nerve development. The largest storage sites of zinc in the body are in the brain regions involved with emotions. Fatty fish Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring, are high in omega-3. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that has a strong relationship with cognitive function as well as mental health. However, recent research has shown that if a person eats too much of another fatty acid, called omega-6, and not enough omega-3, they may increase their risk of developing mood disorders, such as anxiety. Omega-3-rich foods that contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) provides two essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA regulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy brain function. Eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. A study conducted on men found eating salmon three times a week reduced self-reported anxiety. Salmon and sardines are also among the few foods that contain vitamin D. Vitamin D Researchers are increasingly linking vitamin D deficiency to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Other studies on pregnant women and older adults have also highlighted how vitamin D might improve mood. Vitamin D may also improve seasonal disaffected disorder during winter. Eggs Egg yolks are another great source of vitamin D. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for growth and development. Eggs also contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps create serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, sleep, memory, and behaviour. Serotonin is also thought to improve brain function and relieve anxiety. Dark chocolate Researchers have found that dark chocolate help to reduce stress. Experts have long suspected that dark chocolate might help reduce stress and anxiety. Other studies have generally found that dark chocolate or cocoa may improve mood. However, many of these studies are observational, so the results need to be interpreted with caution. Chocolate has a high tryptophan content, which the body uses to turn into mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin in the brain. Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium. Eating a diet with enough magnesium in it or taking supplements may reduce symptoms of depression. When choosing dark chocolate, aim for 70 percent or more. Dark chocolate still contains added sugars and fats, so a small serving of 1 to 3 grams (g) is appropriate. Turmeric Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and South-East Asian cooking. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin may help lower anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that often increase in people experiencing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. A 2015 study found that curcumin reduced anxiety in obese adults. Another study found that an increase of curcumin in the diet also increased DHA and reduced anxiety. Turmeric is easy to add to meals. It has minimal flavor, so goes well in smoothies, curries, and casserole dishes. Chamomile Many people around the world use chamomile tea as an herbal remedy because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and relaxant properties. Some people believe that the relaxant

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 Sustainable method of consuming food in times of Covid-19

Sustainable method of consuming food in times of Covid-19

The lockdown has been adopted by all countries that have confirmed cases of Covid 19, as a way to combat it. Vegetables and grocery prices have risen sharply in many places. Reports from different parts of the country indicate that the hostility and black market has resumed even as the crisis reaches an all-time high. The rulers themselves are urging the public not to waste food and to avoid unnecessary cooking tests at home. Calls are rising across the country to reduce the wastage of food. But have you ever heard of a restaurant that charges people based on what food they waste? This bizarre ‘ritual’ is followed by a luxury resort in Coorg. Many people come here to spend their holiday to watch the beautiful sunset over the hills. IBNII Spa Resort, an eco-luxury resort located in Madikeri, charges fines for guests who waste food. According to the United Nations Development Program, 40 percent of the food produced in India is wasted. This is certainly not so easily dismissed in a country where many people die of starvation without food. IBNII was the first to measure the amount of food wasted by guests and to pay a penalty on their final bill. For every 10 grams wasted, Rs 100 is charged. They are not keeping this money in their own pockets. The most commendable thing is that this fund goes to a non-profit organization for orphans in an orphanage in Madikeri. Wasted food is measured in front of guests and charged accordingly. The method involves depositing the money in a donation box. Initially they use to keep 14 waste food bins but now only one waste food bin is used. Sustainable method of consuming food in times of Covid-19

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 Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, together pledge to contribute

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, together pledge to contribute

The entire country is facing a lockdown and this has affected everyone. Many personalities from the industry have pledged to do their bit and extend their support during these times. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, together have pledged their contribution towards the PM CARES fund for Covid-19 relief and also encouraged their millions of fans to do so. They took to their respective social media handles and shared, “In times like these, every bit counts. We humbly pledge to contribute to the PM-CARES FUND, and hope that you will too. We’re all in this together, and we shall overcome. Jai Hind.” This step by two of the biggest superstars and a power couple, Deepika and Ranveer definitely serves as the right inspiration to everyone, out there to do their bit towards the society. The duo has also been posting interesting things that they have been doing at home during this lockdown like cleaning up, self care, exercise, labeling spice boxes in the kitchen, lighting candles and more. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, together pledge to contribute for Covid-19 relief

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