Handmade gifts are always a hit. If you’re crafty, consider making something yourself, like homemade cookies or a personalized ornament. People appreciate the time and effort you put into making something special just for them…reports Asian Lite News
As Christmas 2024 is just round the corner, many of us are getting ready for Secret Santa exchanges. While it’s a fun tradition, picking the perfect gift can be stressful. You want to impress your gift recipient but also don’t want to break the bank. Here are five easy ways to make sure you nail your Secret Santa gift this year, without all the worry.
Stick to the basics
When in doubt, stick to simple, classic gifts. A nice mug, a cozy scarf, or a box of chocolates can go a long way. These items are useful, thoughtful, and don’t cost too much.
Know their interests
If you know a little about the person you’re shopping for, use that to your advantage. Do they like coffee, books, or candles? Picking a gift that matches their hobbies shows that you care and put thought into it.
Handmade gifts
Handmade gifts are always a hit. If you’re crafty, consider making something yourself, like homemade cookies or a personalized ornament. People appreciate the time and effort you put into making something special just for them.
Stay within the budget
Secret Santa is all about fun, not spending too much money. Be sure to stick to the budget set by your group. If you’re unsure, ask a friend for ideas on what you could buy without going over the limit.
Add a personal touch
Even if you buy something simple, adding a personal note or a little extra touch can make the gift feel more meaningful. A handwritten card or a small wrapping detail can show that you thought about the person.
The study aims to pioneer the investigation of an ideal ratio of plant to animal protein and how it impacts health, specifically heart health…reports Asian Lite News
Eating more plant-based protein than animal-based protein may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a new study on Monday.
The study, led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, showed that the risk reductions are likely driven by the replacement of red and processed meats with plant proteins and eating more legumes and nuts.
“Such a dietary pattern is beneficial not just for human health but also the health of our planet,” they said in the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study aims to pioneer the investigation of an ideal ratio of plant to animal protein and how it impacts health, specifically heart health.
“The average American eats a 1:3 plant-to-animal protein ratio. Our findings suggest a ratio of at least 1:2 is much more effective in preventing CVD,” said lead author Andrea Glenn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at New York University. Glenn worked on the study as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Chan School.
To prevent CHD, a ratio of 1:1.3 or higher should come from plants, Glenn said.
The team used 30 years of data on diet, lifestyle, and heart health among nearly 203,000 men and women. Throughout the four-year study period, 16,118 CVD cases, including over 10,000 CHD cases and over 6,000 stroke cases, were documented.
The results showed that people who consumed a higher ratio of plant to animal protein (about 1:1.3) had a 19 per cent lower risk of CVD and a 27 per cent lower risk of CHD.
Further, people who had their 21 per cent of energy coming from proteins and adhered to a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio saw a 28 per cent lower risk of CVD and a 36 per cent lower risk of CHD.
According to the researchers, replacing processed meat with several plant protein sources, particularly nuts and legumes can improve blood lipids and blood pressure as well as inflammatory biomarkers. It is partly because plant proteins are often accompanied by high amounts of fibre, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
In the study, the team examined 10 different plant-based drinks and compared them with cow’s milk to understand whether chemical reactions during processing affect their nutritional quality…reports Asian Lite News
While oat, almond, and soy milk have emerged as popular alternatives to cow’s milk, a new study showed it may be lacking in proteins and essential amino acids.
Over the last decade, these plant-based beverages have also seen remarkable growth in the global market due to their environmentally-friendly approach. But extensive processing is causing chemical reactions that cut down the protein quality and, in some cases, produce cancer-causing compounds, claimed researchers from the University of Copenhagen.
Lead author Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, from the varsity’s Department of Food Science said that plant-based drinks cannot “replace cow’s milk” in terms of “proper nutrition”.
In the study, the team examined 10 different plant-based drinks and compared them with cow’s milk to understand whether chemical reactions during processing affect their nutritional quality.
Lund stated that “plant-based drinks undergo more intense heat treatments than the milk to extend their shelf life” — known as ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, This triggers a chemical reaction between protein and sugar — called “Maillard reaction” — and reduces the nutritional quality of the proteins.
Further, she noted that while most plant-based milks contain significantly less protein than cow’s milk, the heat treatment also “leads to the loss of some essential amino acids”.
Notably, the heat treatment may also produce cancer-causing compounds, said the expert in the paper, published in Food Research International journal.
The researchers found acrylamide in four of the plant-based drinks made from almonds and oats. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen that is also found in bread, cookies, coffee beans, and fried potatoes, including French fries.
While acrylamide was found at low levels, posing no danger, its consumption “in small amounts from various sources, could add up to a level that does pose a health risk,” Lund said.
The Kerala’s KFON model has inspired states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim, while earning international recognition with the “Infrastructure Initiative of the Year” award at the 2024 Asian Telecom Awards…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala leads a digital revolution, becoming the first Indian state to declare internet access a fundamental right. Driving this bold vision is the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON), a trailblazing initiative to deliver free and affordable high-speed internet to underserved communities, bridge the digital divide, and fuel inclusive growth.
As part of this groundbreaking initiative, KFON has also launched “Connecting the Unconnected,” a program specifically targeting tribal regions across Kerala. Building on its success in tribal habitations like Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram which received financial assistance from South Indian Bank, Attappadi in Palakkad, Pandaladikkunnu in Wayanad, and remote and highland regions such as Ranni, Vadasserikkara and Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta, as well as districts like Wayanad and Idukki, KFON plans to bring internet connectivity to all 4,600 tribal habitations in Kerala within the next year.
This ambitious plan, undertaken in partnership with the Tribal Welfare Department of the Government of Kerala, will be funded entirely through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from companies and institutions, alongside resources from local self-governing bodies, elected representatives, and regional infrastructure development funds. KFON is calling upon companies to support this transformative mission and improve the lives of Kerala’s tribal communities through digital empowerment.
In its initial phase, KFON successfully connected 103 households in Chonampara and Valippara, leveraging CSR initiatives, local self-government bodies, and community resources. The long-term goal is to saturate tribal habitations across the state, enabling access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods, and fostering greater social equity.
“KFON is more than just internet access—it’s about creating opportunities and transforming lives in today’s digital age.” –
Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.)
KFON’s operational success reflects Kerala’s dedication to leveraging technology for inclusive development. With its extensive network infrastructure—including 31,000 km of optical fiber, 375 Points of Presence (PoPs), and a state-of-the-art Network Operating Center (NOC)—KFON is easily the largest and most advanced digital connectivity project in the state. This comprehensive infrastructure not only powers the “Connecting the Unconnected” initiative but also showcases Kerala’s digital vision on a national and global stage.
The KFON model has already inspired other states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim, whose delegations have visited Kerala to study its implementation. KFON has also earned international recognition, receiving the “Infrastructure Initiative of the Year” award at the Asian Telecom Awards 2024 in Singapore.
“The KFON project reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring digital connectivity for all, especially the economically weaker sections of society. KFON is more than just internet access—it’s about creating opportunities and transforming lives in today’s digital age,” said Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Principal Secretary and Managing Director of KFON.
The Kerala State Government’s ambitious KFON project aims to eliminate the digital divide by providing complementary infrastructure to the state’s telecom ecosystem. Built on the principles of non-discriminatory access recommended by TRAI, KFON ensures equal treatment for all service providers and business segments. Acting as an information superhighway, it establishes a robust core and middle-mile network. In 2022, KFON received an Internet Service Provider Licence from the Department of Telecommunications, making Kerala the first Indian state to launch its own Internet service.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually…reports Asian Lite News
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities during down time, such as reading, can be beneficial for brain health, according to Australian research.
In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) found that some sedentary, or sitting, activities are better for cognitive function than others.
The researchers assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, and found that socially or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting or talking to others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities.
Watching television or playing video games was found to be detrimental.
The researchers said the findings could help reduce the risks of cognitive impairment, including from dementia.
“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn’t directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behavior for another,” Xinhua news agency quoted Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study from UniSA, as saying in the report.
She recommended breaking up time spent watching TV or gaming with five-minute bursts of physical activity or more cognitively-engaged seated activity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually.
In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
And, while the ‘move more, sit less’ message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, the research – conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle – shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.
Sonia Gupta’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. From overcoming personal pain, she has found her calling a coach and mentor, a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of relationships and divorce. As a Relationship and Divorce Mentor and Coach, Sonia helps individuals navigate the complexities of heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing. Her story is one of unwavering courage, personal growth, and a deep commitment to empowering others to rewrite their own narratives and embrace new beginnings.
A Journey of Transformation
Sonia’s life took a profound turn when she faced the end of her marriage, a moment that could have shattered her spirit. The aftermath was a whirlwind of intense emotions, mental anguish, and countless tears. “I cried until it felt like there were no tears left,” she reflects. The burden of societal judgment, combined with the internal struggle of feeling like a failure, threatened to overwhelm her.
What made the journey even more difficult was the absence of familial support—a challenge Sonia endured for eight long years. “My family was bound by cultural expectations,” she shares. “Divorce was something they couldn’t openly accept, even though they loved me.” Left feeling isolated and alone, Sonia had to navigate this painful chapter on her own, often feeling as though the world was closing in around her.
But Sonia refused to let her circumstances define her future. In a bold act of defiance against societal expectations, she threw a divorce party—a celebration of her newfound freedom and a testament to her resilience. This unconventional gesture was far more than just a party; it marked a pivotal moment in Sonia’s life. That one event became the starting point of her journey to reclaim her identity, rediscover her self-worth, and redefine her perspective on relationships.
“It wasn’t just about closing the door on a marriage; it was about embracing who I truly am and the life I want to create,” Sonia reflects. Initially met with skepticism, the party soon evolved into a powerful symbol of empowerment. It inspired others to view the end of a relationship not as a defeat, but as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
Breaking Free and Rebuilding
Sonia’s journey to true freedom required another courageous step—walking away from her family’s business. Though it had provided stability, it also tethered her to a life that no longer aligned with her values. “Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” she admits. “I knew it meant starting over without a safety net, but it was the only way I could create the life I truly desired.”
Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Sonia embraced the unknown with determination. She built her career from the ground up, dedicating herself to education, personal growth, and her passion for helping others. Her story stands as a powerful testament to the strength of perseverance and self-belief, showing that even in the face of adversity and without external support, transformation is always possible.
Sonia openly shares the emotional toll her divorce took on her—feelings of inadequacy, deep loneliness, and the overwhelming sense of loss that often lingered. These struggles ignited a personal battle with mental health, a journey that taught her the importance of seeking support and tapping into her inner strength.
Through therapy, self-reflection, and surrounding herself with a supportive network, Sonia began to rebuild her life. “It’s not just about overcoming the pain; it’s about finding the tools to move forward with hope and a renewed sense of purpose,” she reflects. Today, Sonia’s triumph over these challenges shapes her approach to coaching, where she empowers others to navigate their own emotional and mental health struggles during life transitions. Her story serves as a reminder that healing is not a destination, but an ongoing journey fueled by resilience and self-compassion.
Life as a a Relationship Coach
Today, Sonia blends her personal experiences with professional expertise to form deep, transformative connections with her clients. Specializing in the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges of divorce and relationships, Sonia’s coaching is built around three core areas:
1. Healing After Divorce: Sonia provides powerful tools to help individuals process the pain of divorce, rebuild their confidence, and envision a positive future. 2. Breaking Barriers: She works with clients to overcome societal judgment and self-doubt, empowering them to embrace their unique journeys without fear or shame. 3. Redefining Relationships: Sonia believes that healthy relationships begin with self-love. She guides her clients toward cultivating fulfilling, authentic connections, starting with a deeper understanding of themselves.
While Sonia is best known for helping individuals rebuild after divorce, her expertise extends to saving struggling marriages. By helping partners communicate more effectively, understand each other’s needs, and recognize the importance of differing love languages, she helps many couples rediscover their connection.
“Sometimes, stepping back and seeing your partner through a new lens can make all the difference,” she says. Sonia’s coaching has helped heal relationships that once seemed irreparable, demonstrating that empathy and open communication are powerful tools for reconciliation.
Her Upcoming Book:
Sonia is also in the process of writing a book that expands on the themes she explores in her talks and coaching sessions. Part memoir, part practical guide, the book weaves together her personal journey with the lessons she’s learned along the way. It provides actionable advice for anyone struggling with self-worth, relationships, or navigating life’s transitions.
“The book is my way of telling readers, ‘You’re not alone, and you can emerge stronger,’” Sonia explains. A mix of vulnerability and empowerment, it offers practical steps to help readers reclaim their lives, find healing, and rediscover joy amidst adversity.
Breaking Barriers and Empowering Audiences: Public Speaker
As an empowering and dynamic speaker, Sonia captivates her audiences with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply. Her talks cover a wide range of topics, including breaking free from societal expectations, finding strength in adversity, embracing self-worth, and prioritizing mental health. Drawing from her own personal experiences, Sonia dismantles the stigmas surrounding divorce, relationships, and emotional struggles, fostering open, honest conversations.
“Sharing my story isn’t about reliving the pain—it’s about showing others that transformation is not only possible, but within reach,” Sonia explains. Her mission is to create a space where people feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
Sonia’s talks go beyond inspiration; they offer practical tools that help individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether at corporate conferences or intimate workshops, her ability to connect with audiences leaves a profound, lasting impact, empowering others to embrace change and step into their own potential.
A Life of Purpose
From her bold divorce party to her thriving coaching practice and upcoming book, Sonia Gupta embodies the power of resilience. She has transformed her personal struggles into powerful stepping stones, using her experiences to inspire and uplift others. For anyone feeling lost after the end of a relationship, Sonia’s journey is a powerful reminder that endings can also be new beginnings—and that true strength lies in rediscovering yourself.
Through her guidance, people are not only healing but also rebuilding connections that once seemed beyond repair, proving that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for. Sonia’s work is helping to reshape the narrative around relationships, divorce, and self-worth, showing that even in life’s darkest moments, a path to light and renewal exists.
Sonia’s mission is clear: to empower others to find their voice, reconnect with their worth, and create a life filled with purpose and joy.
If you stumble during a presentation, you might feel stressed the next time you have to present because your brain associates your next presentation with that one poor and aversive experience…reports Asian Lite News
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) revealed that stress alters how our brain encodes and retrieves aversive memories, and they developed a potential new method for restoring adequate memory specificity in persons suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you stumble during a presentation, you might feel stressed the next time you have to present because your brain associates your next presentation with that one poor and aversive experience. This type of stress is tied to one memory. But stress from traumatic events like violence or generalized anxiety disorder can spread far beyond the original event, known as stress-induced aversive memory generalization, where fireworks or car backfires can trigger seemingly unrelated fearful memories and derail your entire day. In the case of PTSD, it can cause much greater negative consequences. In a study published in Cell, Drs. Sheena Josselyn and Paul Frankland, Senior Scientists in the Neurosciences & Mental Health program, identify the biological processes behind stress-induced aversive memory generalization and highlight an intervention which could help restore appropriate memory specificity for people with PTSD. “A little bit of stress is good, it’s what gets you up in the morning when your alarm goes off, but too much stress can be debilitating,” says Josselyn, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Circuit Basis of Memory. “We know that people with PTSD show fearful responses to safe situations or environments, and have found a way to limit this fearful response to specific situations and potentially reduce the harmful effects of PTSD.”
Together with their colleague Dr. Matthew Hill at the University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the research team was able to block endocannabinoid receptors on interneurons, and limit stress-induced aversive memory generalization to the specific, appropriate memory. In a preclinical model, the research team exposed subjects to an acute, but safe, stress before an aversive event to create a non-specific fearful memory that could be triggered by unrelated safe situations, similar to how PTSD presents in humans. The team then examined the subject’s memory engrams, which are physical representations of a memory in the brain pioneered by the Josselyn and Frankland labs at SickKids. Usually, engrams are made up of a sparse number of neurons, but the stress-induced memory engrams involved significantly more neurons. These larger engrams produced generalized fearful memories that were retrieved even in safe situations.
When they looked closer at these large engrams, the study found that stress caused an increase in the release of endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids) which disrupted the function of interneurons, whose role is it to constrain the size of the engram. The endocannabinoid system enhances memory formation and helps link lived experiences with specific behavioural outcomes. In the amygdala, the emotional processing centre of the brain, certain ‘gate keeper’ interneurons have special receptors for endocannabinoids, and help constrain the size of the engram and the specificity of the memory. But, when too many endocannabinoids are released, the function of the gatekeeping interneurons is disrupted, causing an increase in the size of the engram. “Endocannabinoid receptors function like a velvet rope at an exclusive club. When stress induces the release of too many endocannabinoids, the velvet rope falls, causing more generalized aversive fearful memories to form,” explains Josselyn. “By blocking these endocannabinoid receptors just on these specific interneurons, we could essentially prevent one of the most debilitating symptoms of PTSD.”
In 2023, previous research in Science identified larger, more generalized memory engrams in the developing brain than in the adult brain, just like stress-induced memory engrams. As they continue to explore this unexpected link between engram size, stress and age, the teams are also delving into how daily stressors may impact happy memories. “The many biological functions and processes that make up the complexity of human memory are still being uncovered,” says Frankland, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neurobiology. “We hope that as we better understand human memory, we can inform real-world therapies for those with various psychiatric and other brain disorders throughout their lifespan.” (ANI)
London has a new and exciting event this festive season, The Winters Of The World, an immersive winter experience located in the heart of London. Book the ultimate “Friendsmas” this year, with the perfect location to get a group together and celebrate the winter season at this globally inspired event. Enjoy wintery drinks, après ski bands, food from across the globe and a range of competitive games. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
The Winters Of The World is home to a vibrant dance floor, where you can vibe to an eclectic mix of London’s leading DJ’s and bands plucked directly from the French Alps. Additionally, the diverse menu is brought to you by award-winning chefs, who can’t wait to offer your colleagues a bespoke dining experience!
Available to book for a group from 2nd December – 20th December at Finsbury Square, walk ins are welcome depending on availability.
The Winters of the World, (www.wintersoftheworld.com) is a NEW festive pop up event in London, helping you to prioritise Friendmas this year.The perfect place to enjoy wintery drinks, après ski bands, food from Fat Duck’s Jonas Lode,across the globe and a range of competitive games.
According to new research, it takes an average of 19 messages to arrange a Christmas meet up between friends. Only 20% have plans in place to see their friends this Christmas. The research by Winters of the World also reveals that 1 in 10 (11%) admit they run out of time to see friends over the festive season.
Step into The Winters of the World—a globally inspired Christmas party venue in the heart of the city. Featuring exhilarating winter team games, gourmet dining by world-class chefs and exceptional live entertainment, including lively après-ski bands. Perfect for groups of 10+, our unique winter experience reimagines the corporate Christmas event.
Available to book for a group from 2nd December – 20th December at Finsbury Square, walk ins are welcome depending on availability.
Pattanaik’s process involves organising information, classifying it, and drawing connections. “I pay close attention to the sequence of chapters and the table of contents to ensure a clear progression from the first page to the last,” he said…writes Sukant Deepak
While he illustrated several scenes of ‘Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilisation’ over two years ago, author Devdutt Pattanaik decided to compile it this year. “I aimed to present it in a manner that it is accessible to the general public rather than only to academic circles,” he told.
Stressing that the conversation on Harappa typically focuses on its art, architecture, geography, or material culture, but rarely delves into its mythology, he observes that historians generally steer clear of mythology.
“I noticed many mythological ideas embedded in Harappa’s art and architecture and felt compelled to share them. This led to the creation of the book,” he recalled.
For him, the most fascinating aspect of the age-old civilisation is its trading culture — semi-precious stones from as far as Afghanistan and Gujarat travelled down the Indus River, along the Makran coast, through the Persian Gulf to Oman, and to Mesopotamia — covering a distance of 4,000 km over 4,500 years ago.
“This aspect of Harappa is rarely discussed. People tend to associate Harappa with toilets far more than with trade!”
The author said that despite the elaborate research he undertook, he did not want this book to be just a collection of facts but an analysis that would prompt readers to think about geography, the impact of monsoons on the Harappan civilisation, and the coexistence of its urban and rural networks. “By the way, some widely accepted notions, such as the idea of a continuous cluster of cities along the river, are exaggerated,” he added.
Pattanaik’s process involves organising information, classifying it, and drawing connections. “I pay close attention to the sequence of chapters and the table of contents to ensure a clear progression from the first page to the last,” he said.
This medical doctor by qualification, who has written more than 50 books on mythology (besides other subjects) said that he is fascinated by how human beings imagine the world differently in various places and periods, and how these imaginings evolve.
“Mythology expresses itself through stories, symbols, and rituals, influencing politics and economics. It’s a unique field, and not many people study it deeply. Even Western books on mythology often show a limited understanding, as their authors are shaped by their belief systems and tend to present themselves as rational while being influenced by their myths,” he said.
In contemporary times when mythology is often confused with history, he warns that they are distinct subjects, although many people often blur the line.
“Yes, metaphors are used to convey supernatural imagery to convey profound philosophical, metaphysical, or spiritual ideas, but the distinction is clear. Just as one cannot confuse physics with chemistry, mythology must not be confused with history,” he stated.
Speaking about the drawings in the book, he revealed that he always illustrates his books, though the same often gets “unnoticed.”
“I wanted readers to visualise Harappa beyond the usual seals and images. Artists often depict Harappans as modern people with family structures resembling our own. This is speculative at best.
We know little about Harappan marriage rituals, and it’s challenging to identify gender from seal characters — they could be male, female, androgynous, or even cross-dressers. I wanted to present these possibilities to encourage future scholars to think critically,” he said.
Interestingly, the author has elaborated on the countryside of that period, and not just the major cities. He felt a civilisation is often linked to urban ecosystems, but cities depend on villages for food, agriculture, cotton, and raw materials. Villages, however, can survive without cities.
“The Harappan cities may have declined around 1900 BC, but the rural ecosystems endured. This fact about Harappa is often overlooked, yet it underscores the interdependence of urban and rural networks,” he added.
Even while civilisations like Mesopotamia and Egypt displayed signs of war and violence, Harappa showed no such evidence. There are no depictions of armies or weapons, suggesting they maintained peace across vast lands through trade practices.
“Ahimsa is not merely about vegetarianism or social justice. At its core, ahimsa is about fostering trade to prevent raiding. Successful trading requires avoiding hoarding and ensuring fair regulations. Harappans understood this, which contributed to their long-lasting peace,” he said.
Because in these polarised times, one is often branded a Right-winger for discussing the richness of Indian culture and mythology, he asserted, “Yes, and it works both ways. If you critique the caste system, Right-wing groups label you Left-wing. If you celebrate temples, Left-wing groups label you Right-wing.”
“However, Indian culture cannot be understood in simplistic binaries. You cannot discuss Hindu temples without acknowledging the Sufi influence on the Bhakti movement, nor can you discuss Indian Islam without considering Hindu practices that shaped India’s dargahs. India’s complexity resists such linear categorisation. Scholars like me often find ourselves placed on the Left or Right arbitrarily, even though we truly belong to neither — and perhaps to both,” he concluded.
Imagine a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Dragon fruit chia seeds pudding is one treat that combines the antioxidant flavour of the dragon fruit with the fibre- filled chia seeds. The creamy smooth texture, thanks to the chia seeds provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy freshness of the dragon fruit. The sweet and slightly tangy taste of the dragon fruit shines through with hints of tropical fruitiness that will transport you to the paradise of flavours.
Ingredients
Dragon Fruit – ½ (cubed)
Chia Seeds – 2 tbsp
Milk – 1 cup
Honey – 2 tsp
Almonds – 3 tsp (chopped)
Pomegranate- 2 tsp
Blueberries – 3 tsp (for garnish)
Method
In a bowl mix the honey, almonds, milk, chia seeds and half of the cubed dragon fruit. Crush the dragon fruit a little.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
Place the remaining dragon fruit at the bottom of the glass and spoon over the chia pudding.
