Relaunching Levi’s in India

Project during (Master’s in Marketing)

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• Project during (Master’s in Marketing)

• Service dogs help war veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  Most war veterans with physical disabilities suffer from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Research conducted in recent times reveals that service dogs can help these challenged veterans get back to normal life. Service canines today have begun to play an important role in a patient’s recovery and are rightly called “man’s best friend”. After…

• Let Hollywood fashion rule your wardrobe in 2016

  A new year means a new wardrobe for most fashionistas today and its Hollywood which influences their style the most. It is not only the celebs today, but the keen followers of fashion who have been pushing the style envelope. Whether it is the cocktail dresses or the slouchy socks which were seen in the…

Service dogs help war veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Most war veterans with physical disabilities suffer from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Research conducted in recent times reveals that service dogs can help these challenged veterans get back to normal life. Service canines today have begun to play an important role in a patient’s recovery and are rightly called “man’s best friend”. After receiving the right training, these furry friends have been able to improve their life over a course of three years. Near Dallas, a black Labrador, Papi has been trained to tug on a rope to open the fridge. Next, he passes a plastic water bottle with the help of his mouth to the trainer. With these easy tricks he can alter lives of the physically-handicapped considerably.

Fidos like Papi, are taught something called “perimeter” which ensures safety of a house-owner. Here, they are trained to go into a house, touch all the doors and windows. Additionally, the dogs are taught to create personal space for the owners. They block people by stepping in front or behind which in turn makes movement easier for the challenged veterans helping them with mobility. Service dogs are a great boon for veterans of war as well. Most importantly, fighting fear, depression and anxiety becomes easier for the veterans when these dogs are around.

Reverting back to civilian life becomes possible when you have one of these service canines with you. The real-life story of Reedy Hopkins is a clear example of the same. Reedy Hopkins, an air-force veteran quit visiting crowded areas and retreated into his shell. Service dogs have been found to soothe these kinds of victims by helping them draw out their isolated selves and overcome the emotional numbness. Only those dogs are recruited for the service of these veterans who have sound knowledge of the service commands. By spending time with these dogs, not only does a PTSD patient learn to communicate better but learns to be more assertive when required without being aggressive.

Recently, the campaign K9 For Warriors aims at offering a new leash of life to the war veterans. It has been rightly estimated by U.S Department of Veterans Affairs that 11 to 20% of U.S. veterans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq missions have been a victim of PTSD. The primary aim of K9 For Warriors is to empower the heroes by promising them speedy recovery as they learn to spend time with service dogs.

Let Hollywood fashion rule your wardrobe in 2016

A new year means a new wardrobe for most fashionistas today and its Hollywood which influences their style the most. It is not only the celebs today, but the keen followers of fashion who have been pushing the style envelope. Whether it is the cocktail dresses or the slouchy socks which were seen in the 80s, it’s all in vogue. If you want to ape Lady Gaga, then I bet you would not hesitate in flaunting the doorknocker nose ring and adding an edgy touch to your ensemble. Additionally, if it is the sporty look which is close to your heart, let Rihana be your idol. Check out the chic outfits she is often seen in and be the trendsetter today.

Put your best foot forward

Knee-high caged sandals are fast catching up with the trends. Combine your outfit with gladiators and these sandals to make heads turn. If you have been following the contemporary trends closely, you may have witnessed Kourtney Kardashian sporting this look. Additionally, you can combine your black sneaker wedges with neon socks, an interesting style which the diva Selena Gomez has been spotted in. Kick-off 2016 with interesting and eye-catching styles and unveil the diva in you.

A snapshot of the Golden Globe 2016

Golden Globes 2016 witnessed best dressed celebrities treading the red carpet. Whether it is an elegant shimmery gold cut-out gown or a glamorous mustard coloured flowing dress with a veil, the Hollywood divas turned out in their best. A shimmery blue dress, which Jenna Tantum Dewan flaunted, reminded everyone of the night sky.  Savannah stood out in a lacy gown which was not only classy but redefined style. The eye-catching lacy outfit surely stood out in the crowd. And if you are in love with the colour gold, try caching a glimpse of the gown which the nominee as a supporting actress for “American Crime” flaunted herself in.

It is a good idea to take fashion cues from Hollywood actresses as they are well-informed about the styles and know how to dress with panache.

The Magic Which Music Weaves Across Lives

Little did I know that being in love with music would play such an important role in my life. Having learnt North Indian Classical since early childhood (which does not diminish my love for South Indian Classical), I was in the habit of both listening and singing very often. The week would include regular practice sessions followed by the visits of the music teacher. At that little age it was a mundane activity, but having taken birth in a family where culture has always been given an importance to, it was mandatory to learn a form of art. I had no clue back then that eventually music would become an integral part of my life.

Till date I need that “me time” when I can immerse into music and forget all worries of the day. Whether it be during travel to work or on a lazy Sunday, I need my doze of music. Irrespective of whether it is a Bollywood number, retro or an energizing EDM, it’s always pleasant to the ears. I grew up listening to John Denver and Beatles, Harry Belafonte and gazals sung by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh which were indeed choices of my parents. Very soon, I started embracing western music with Boyzone, Backsteeet Boys, Savage Garden and the journey has continued till Dido, Maroon 5, Akon, One Direction and Katie Perry. Alisha Chenoy and the songs of Roza still remain close to my heart although Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal are not much behind. And how can I forget the brilliant rapper Honey Singh, Papon and the brother duo Salim Sulaiman wo never to fail to enchant the audience with their magical voices.

Few numbers which never fail to strike the inner chords are the Sufi numbers, few present day Bolywood numbers and songs sung by Richard Marx. From high school till college I remained in touch with music, whether it be humming “Nothing is going to change my love for you” on the first day of Senior school, putting together a song to escape my seniors during ragging or be it for Music society auditions in school and college. Furthermore, in recent times I tried learning the nuances of Rabindra Sangeet as well, till I was pressed for time.

Coincidentally, whether it has been my hostel mates or co-workers at work, I have crossed roads with people immersed into music…….few trying to play an instrument flawlessly at leisure, few experimenting with their God sent powerful voices and few simply listening to the radio even while working. Me being based at West Bengal in India currently, I have been very lucky to be surrounded with music always.

I have been fortunate to attend live performances of few star performers. Right from Shubha Mudgal to Palash Sen, from Amyt Dutta and Somlata, to Rupankar Bagchi and Bickram Ghosh, I somehow don’t seem to get enough of music. With powerhouse of music like Lata Mangeshkar, Alka Yagnik, Shaan and Sonu Nigam, their impact on the younger audience cannot be denied. It feels nice to witness youngsters excelling at music today.  Witnessing the talents competing at Indian Idol, the strong influence of music on them cannot be missed.

As I pen this blog down, I have music playing in my ears and cannot deny that I am always at a loss whether to concentrate on the lyrics or the musical notes. And if it’s both I am listening to, I am on a high for the next few hours. Till date I have not been able to criticize a single composition. Each comes with its own essence, as different as colours of the rainbow……and never with a slight resemblance to another. Such is the magic of music…………………………………..

Feeling Small in a Big Cosmos 03: Proverbs

One of the most beautiful blogs I have ever come across…

Write Science

by Shane L. Larson

On 19 April 1610, Johannes Kepler wrote an open letter to Galileo Galilei, musing on possible future voyages that would allow explorers — human explorers — to see what Galileo’s telescope had shown.  He mused that some day inventors might “provide ship or sails adapted to the heavenly breezes, and there will be some who will not fear even that void.” Kepler called on Galileo to join him in preparing the way for those so0n to be travellers, and create a new science to light their way: astronomy.

Yuri Gagarin and the Vostok 1 launch on 12 April 1961.

It was almost exactly 351 years before Kepler’s speculations were realized — on 12 April 1961 the Soviet Union launched cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into space. In a flight that lasted only 108 minutes, Gagarin orbited the Earth in a capsule bearing the callsign Kedr (“

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Discover effective ways to beat stress

Life brings with it stress in various forms. It has been predicted that 90% of human population will have to cope with mental illnesses by 2020, which indeed is very alarming. Stress is one factor which will contribute to this. Thus, it is important to keep ourselves away from anxieties and work towards an improved mental state. This eventually leads to the next question, how? As I pen down this blog, I myself realize that I may not be implementing these habits into my lifestyle, but it is important and essential that I too embark upon the journey to wellness.

Get some exercise

The first step is to exercise, whether by playing a sport, going to the gym or running. Exercise generates neurotransmitters which does play an important role on how the brain functions. The best way to cope with the stress daily is to walk in the open and get fresh air.

Sleep well

Adequate sleep is the next factor which plays a role in our well-being. Getting 7 hours of sleep is very essential. Avoid staying up late watching movies or reading, instead hit the bed on time. This will help you to perform better at work and remain stress-free the entire next day.

Indulge in music

Music is another form of relaxation which you should not forego. Choose any form of music you prefer and spend a few minutes following the lyrics and the notes carefully. Playing a musical instrument is equally relaxing. Not only does it relive your mind from worries, but helps you gain the edge your mind requires.

Relax with friends

Unwinding with like-minded friends is another way to eat stress. Talk your hearts out and laugh without cares. As you unburden yourself, you are bound to start feeling better. As you share your thoughts and opinions, laugh at silly jokes and catch up, you will overcome the mundaneness which our lives are filled with.

Find time for a pet

Else, get your Fido friend home. His warm hug and enthusiastic self will surely make your days better. Give him a tight hug when you are feeling low or simply take a stroll with him out in the open. Pets bring happiness which nothing else can replace.

Spend time outdoors

Go live boarding, jogging or cycling. Take in the whiff of fresh air as you engage in these activities. The flush of oxygen into the blood stream will make a significant difference to your days, helping you lead a happier and less anxious life, free of worries.

Try a new hobby

Lastly, try something new. Try your hand at painting, learn a new hobby or try cooking a new dish. This will stimulate your mind and offer an experience beyond compare. Penning down thoughts in a journal will also clear the clatter from your mind and help you to think clearly.

Delving into the deeper meaning of happiness

We all shall agree that a new addition to the wardrobe, a meet with old friends or a success at work does make us happy. But have we ever wondered whether remaining happy may be possible without a reason. I indeed have wondered often. Whether be it when I am busy or lying idle for a little while, this thought often crosses my mind. A person can be happy without a particular reason too. It is an inner state of being which material pleasures or experiences cannot bring about.

The close link between happiness and peace

Being happy has a close link with being at peace. Once you are at peace from within, automatically happiness is bound to flow in. It is the perfect blend of contentment and joy which eventually leads to a happy self. Indeed attaining life’s goals does bring happiness, but only for a while which is bound to fade away slowly once you start striving for your next goal. However, if you do take the larger meaning of life into consideration, the state of happiness is much more than what an achievement can bring about. Do give it a thought. Probably I am right.

A brief encounter

The other day as I was on my way home from work, I caught the sight of two street urchins happily munching on a packet of chips somebody perhaps had been generous enough to gift them. No signs of stress, free from worries, their faces shone with delight. The very sight not only made my day, but left me feeling so blissful that till date the encounter remains etched in my mind. Caught in the crazy journey towards acquiring wealth, attaining fame and riding up the social ladder, leaves us hardly a single moment when we even spare a thought towards the true essence of life.

The two sides

We plan trips to be with nature and find the peace which our hearts have been craving for long. But little do we probably realize that a section of society living in the same city as ours may not feel the need of that trip and yet be much at peace with themselves, facing the same challenges with a smile from within and lesser anxiety. This eventually brings up the next question, in that case what is it that is compelling us to join the rat race. Wanting greater income, successful children or simply that craving for power which money indeed does bring with it? I still do fail to understand.

Probably as life unveils further, I shall be able to gather the deeper meaning of being in perfect communion with my inner self. Life has its own way of teaching lessons and giving us a clear picture of how our attitude towards life should be, not only for our own well-being, but for greater good, promising a better life than we experienced, to the next generations to come.

Being the parent your child would admire

Why is a child always more innocent than an adult?

An adult can scold

A child won’t

An adult can assert

A child can’t

An adult can fake

A child can’t

The innocence of a child is precious. He is always learning, gathering facts from what he is observing around. Circumstances and behavior of parents can have a deep impact on the complete life of the child.If you instill confidence in him, you will watch him face life’s challenges with success. On the other hand if he experiences neglect and rebuke, are you giving him the space to think and carve out the life he desires? It is highly appreciable that physical violence towards children is considered as a crime today.Parents ought to realize that if they are bringing a life on earth, they should be equipped with adequate life skills to deal with the challenges which it brings with it.

If your child succeeds in school, appreciate his efforts and success both. Few kind words will make a significant difference in the effort he puts in the next time. Rebuking and scaring his wits away for every action will only lead to rebels which tackling later may turn out to be a big challenge. Give them the space they need. We adults speak of space. Well, the children too require that adequate space for complete and holistic growth. Additionally, it should not be forgotten that it is not just we adults who have to deal with stress, the children too have to cope with equal amount of stress which their little world brings with it. Understand them before you assert that which you feel is right.

It is fine if discipline is what you seek, but do not overdo it. The right upbringing shall automatically lead to carving individuals who know what is right for themselves. Being a successful parent today is not an easy task. It brings with it challenges which probably our parents never had to bother about. Children are growing with easy access to technology where they are more aware than what we were. They start developing a mind of their own, much before parents realize that it is time to let them be. Give them the chance to grow just as you would allow the plant in your garden to grow.

A short stint at psychology has helped me to understand human minds better and it does cause pain when you witness successful parents using their children as punch bags. You have not been blessed with them to hurt their emotions, belittle or shatter their confidence. A little thought today will save a million worries which tomorrow may bring for you. Tue that a child is responsible in the later stage of life for the path he selects. But, doesn’t the early years of childhood play an equally important role in carving out your child’s future?

Why revamping the Indian education system is becoming necessary?

Having been a good student all my life I often wonder how much does the Indian education system actually lead to holistic development. Students till date often complain that it is all about rote learning. The better you are at remembering things, higher are the chances of scoring better. But little did we too realize a decade back that this form of education hardly would help in shaping a successful career. On the contrary, students who devoted a larger share of their time in extra-curricular activities ended up achieving greater heights today.

Changes in the education sector

The time has come to spare a serious thought at revamping the scene of education in India. Children should be lessened of the burden which they have to bear when they scurry their little feet to schools. School years should be carefree without much worry about grades. Children should be given the opportunity to think and use their brains instead of trying to learn and collect information mechanically. Most who are good at remembering facts may not turn out to be that smart at solving questions which require them to use their brains. Neither do they have the edge to solve complex problems which require adequate logic and reasoning.

The increasing pressure to perform

Colleges today set imaginably high cut-offs which make it all the more difficult for the students to gain an admission to a good college. Getting a seat in a coveted course is indeed becoming next to impossible for most. This keeps the children at school under high stress as they under the constant pressure to perform. Scoring less not only jeopardizes their entire future but at the same time keeps them restricted to a complete life of mediocrity. A happening campus life, degrees in colleges of repute and exposure to global education are some things which they indeed have to forego.

Focussing on all-round development

On a concluding note, what would benefit the Indian students the most would be a holistic development. An all-round development which makes them strong and capable enough to sustain challenges of life is what would eventually lead to success. Academic success with inadequate life skills is not what would help the children to carve a niche for themselves in the age of growing competition. Whether be it handling the pressure at work, multitasking at home, succeeding in relationships or pursuing a hobby, it indeed requires a lot more than succeeding in academics.

Should women work or be homemakers after marriage?

Should women work or be homemakers after marriage?

 There is a rising debate over should women continue to work after marriage or stay at home to raise their kids. To think of the rising inflations, making ends meet is not an easy task now. Women have to step into offices, perform and then draw in the salary to support the household. This makes it mandatory for women of today to put in their hard work, earn degrees and carve out a successful career. This way not only do they support their husbands in fetching a larger income but at the same time can make use of their time fruitfully, making the best use of their potential.

Perks of being a working woman

A recent survey revealed that children of working moms turn out to be more successful in life. Not only are the moms more aware about their children’s lives but can contribute to their lives in a larger way helping them carve careers where they can easily rise up the success ladder. When women work in the corporates, they gain an edge which homemakers may not be able to develop in a lifetime, as they remain confined to their homes. Cut-off from the world outside, neither do they have enough interaction nor can they cope with the stress which the recent times bring with it.

How work can be challenging after marriage

As women step out of homes to work they learn to multitask and improve upon their managerial skills as well. This helps them in handling the chores at home and tacklechildren with greater patience. However, working may not be that easy for women who have tied the knot. They need to invest time in their relationships and work upon a solid foundation for their future. Work leaves them with little time, which they can spare for their partners. This makes it all the more challenging for the married women to go out and work.

Being a homemaker

On the contrary, women who have chosen to stay at home are doing their bit too. Apart from spending quality time with their children, they play a vital role in smooth functioning of the household. Apart from monitoring the activities of the servants closely, theirs is the last word on what should happen in a family. Taking vital decisions on their children’s life, deciding what should the meals be and running the home on a monthly budget may not be an easy task. Hence, these are the factors which give rise to the debate on whether women should be working or choose to be homemakers.