Prachi Nigam’s photo has been doing the rounds on social media for the right reasons. Well, scratch that- I wish the above statement were true. This 15-year-old girl should ideally be revelling in her spectacular achievement of scoring a whopping 98.05% and topping her tenth-grade boards. But oddly enough, along with her marks, it’s something else that garners more attention – her facial hair.

While the trolls are driving themselves giddy by mocking this girl who hasn’t even completed her school yet, the ones who are taking her side are going one step ahead – they are sharing her photoshopped pictures, sans the facial hair, looking nothing less than a celebrity with captions saying – “Prachi Nigam, ten years later”.

Doctors have already diagnosed her with PCOD in their comments, based on photographic evidence. While we have names for people shamed for their weight – body shaming, for their skin colour- racism, for their age- age shaming, for being a female- sexism, this category of shaming where one faces criticism for their appearance has no name. With that, it also has zero shame attached to it.

How does this impact young minds?

Young minds are fragile, and when they are at the receiving end of scathing comments for no fault of theirs or because they don’t fall within the criteria laid out by society, it can create an everlasting impact. As a growing teenager, puberty brought along with it abundant facial hair and hair sprouting from other parts of my body.

Until tenth grade, I could never get my eyebrows threaded or upper lip hair waxed. I still have my farewell photos, with me donning a big smile and a bright pink saree with the beginnings of a light moustache. Aah, those carefree days when I had not yet realized that I wasn’t attractive enough to grab the attention of the opposite sex and when I could let a guffaw or snort escape from my lips without worrying about the world judging me.

But I was also a part of the generation that grew up seeing The Princess Diaries and Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. When even Anne Hathway and Mona Singh had to rely on epic makeovers to appeal to society and the male gaze. It’s funny how each time when the fuzzy eyebrows become arched curves, the ugly braces come off, the horn-rimmed glasses disappear, and the wild curls are tamed into submission – they always elicit collective sighs and murmurs saying, “Aah, now that’s the ideal beauty”. Not that it matters that the person looks like a dismal shadow of their former self, shedding their uniqueness along the way and joining the bandwagon of look-alikes.

I too, hopped onto the bandwagon before I left school. The pressure of being a hairy girl amidst a sea of waxed and tweezed girls got to me as well. For a long time, my appearance was rather important to me and visits to a salon were an integral part of my routine. But then, bam came the pandemic! For nearly 18 months, salon services were out of reach for the common woman. I let my eyebrows grow wild then and the hair everywhere else because those who were going to judge were locked away in their own houses. But that period also empowered me in some way.

I felt comfortable with my body hair for the first time, and it didn’t seem as unsightly to me as it did when I was in my 20s. While I have an epilator that I occasionally use to groom myself, my hair removal activities no longer align with my proclivities to appease the outer world. They happen when I want to look hairless for myself.

Now, when someone’s gaze lingers on my face longer than necessary, I know it’s mostly not to appreciate my beauty. Chances are that they have spotted that extra hair on my chin or upper lip, and the beauty of all this is that I am perfectly fine with it.

I hope Prachi, too, can come out of this crazy whirlpool of viciousness unscathed. I hope she has someone to tell her that this, too, shall pass. I hope that smile never leaves her face. I hope that she never thinks that appearance has the power to outshine one’s talent, abilities, and personality. Lastly, I hope that the people commenting cruelly on her photos can heal from their traumas and insecurities, which they chose to inflict on a young girl whose only fault was that she did well in her exams.

P.S. – I just found out that there is a term for the prejudice people harbour against others based on their appearance. It’s called lookism. However, that doesn’t change anything I have written above.

Image credits: DNA India

Pregnancy is a delicate phase in a woman’s life. Throughout pregnancy, it is vital for women to exercise a level of diet caution in order to provide a healthy balance of being for themselves and the baby. Specific components of the food carry a chance of impairing the embryo and consequently might cause a miscarriage. The article below talks about 15 Indian pregnancy food items that should be avoided as they can be harmful to the mother and the baby. Moreover, we will discuss the frequent reasons of miscarriages experienced in India. Also, we will emphasize the fact that eating nutrient-rich foods is essential for a mother and the development of the baby.

Food Items that are a NO-NO During Pregnancy: 

1. Pineapple: Bromelain, which is found in pineapple, is said to relax the cervix and induce true labor bringing about the baby’s early demise.
2. Sprouted Potatoes: The work using gamma rays is associated with steroids that may trigger a dangerous miscarriage.
3. Wild Apples: Wild apples at the times that are sour and acidy make the uterus pushy and lead to the miscarrying and the premature delivering.
4. Spices: Some herbs for example garlic, angelica, and pekelagus do stimulate the uterus and cause contraction and blood thinning.
5. Papaya: Because of the fact that protamines found in papaya are contractions for uterine that which impede the fetus progress and cause the abortion.
6. Smoked Seafood: Seafood which is preserved with cold or treated with smoked process is cultured with listeria that causes early abortions. Lox or nova are some of the names in the seafood.
7. Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds, honey is in extreme fact nightmarish to pregnant women because it offers heat to the body, thus the contraction of the uterus.
8. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables: They supply the media through which these contribute to bacterial infections in the body.
9. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has got anthraquinones and they can act as a laxative which may also result in blooding and in the course of the phenomenon labour may end.
10. Drumsticks: Spite their high level of iron and vitamin drumsticks are full of alpha-sitosterol that prevents a baby’s development which in turn stunts growth.
11. Energy Drinks: Energy drinks have a large concentration of caffeine, side product of which is abortion.
12. Soft Cheese: Only soft cheese such as blue cheese, feta, and pre-packaged seafood and meat are suggestive of the development of the listeria infection and therefore should not be consored.
13. Raw Eggs: The risk of salmonella virus carrying in raw eggs is one of the highest causes of miscarriages, placental site disease, and maternal infections.
14. Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Unpasteurised dairy products can cause infections and as they carry substantial health risks must be avoided. 
15. Green Sprouts: Green sprouts have a lot of harmful bacteria present in them, such as salmonella,
    which can lead to infections.

Food items pregnant women should eat during pregnancy:

While it is essential to avoid certain food items during pregnancy, it is equally important to consume food items that are good for pregnant women. Here are some food items that are beneficial during pregnancy: 

1. Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese for instance are great sources of calcium which to be flesh part of the composition of the baby’s bones and teeth. Furthermore, diaries products not just protein, but other important nutrition too, which are better good for a baby’s growth during pregnancy. Lesser fat containing yogurt and milk can be an alternative way for pregnant women to get as many nutrients needed while staying at their calorie limit. 
2. Lean Protein: The specific protein present in lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu and beans promote the growth of the foetus and its development by all means. Protein therefore is of great signal meant in the construction of the baby’s organs, muscles and tissues making it the major component of a healthy pregnancy diet. With the aid of the addition of such lean protein sources as fish and chicken, meals may be made nourishing not only for the mother but also the baby in terms of the required nutrients to grow up healthy. 
3. 3. Fruits and Vegetables: These complex carbohydrates contain not only simple sugars but also vitamins, minerals and fibre that are important nutrients for both the foetus and expectant mom. These foods, which are high in nutrients, assist in the strengthening of the immune system, the improving of digestion and in general, the support of individual’s health. Pregnant ladies are advised to obtain a wide selection of various colour fruits and vegetables to capture a broad range of essential nutrients. To have a nutritious diet during this period, using foods that are fresh, frozen or in a can is a key feature that helps maintain constant convenience and diversity. 
4. Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat provide complex carbohydrates, fibre, and essential nutrients such as folate, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining energy levels, supporting foetal development, and preventing birth defects. Choosing whole grains over refined grains ensures a steady release of energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications. 
5. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds can easily be named as nutrient-rich snacks which provide the consumers with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These foods are specifically rich in omega-03 fatty acids which are necessary for fetal brain development and that would facilitate the reduction of the risk of some neural tube defects. Giving the nutrients that are found in nuts and seeds variety like, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds in one’s diet during pregnancy is important, as it offers myriad of benefits to both the mother and the baby. 

Below are a few common reasons for Miscarriages in India
Miscarriage is a common problem in India, and here are some common reasons for miscarriage in India: 

1. Nutritional Deficiency: Nutritional deficiency is a common reason for miscarriage in India. It is essential to consume a balanced and nutritious diet during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. 
2. Infections: Infections like listeria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella can cause miscarriage. It is essential to avoid food items that can cause infections. 
3. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance can cause miscarriage, and it is essential to maintain a healthy hormonal balance during pregnancy. 
4. Chromosomal Abnormalities: Chromosomal abnormalities can cause miscarriage, and it is essential to ensure that the baby has a healthy chromosomal structure.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse can cause miscarriage.

Pregnancy is a very sensitive stage in a woman’s life, and it is crucial to own a healthy diet so that it can be both the mother’s and the baby’s health. It is worth mentioning that consuming specific foodstuffs that are associated with miscarriage and ingesting food items that are good for pregnant women is important. Finally, it must be noted that a healthy lifestyle as well as the avoidance of the risk factors that cause miscarriage is equally important. Pregnant women need to adhere to these rules so that they have a solid impulse to a healthy pregnancy that can lead to a healthy baby.  

If you are experiencing difficulties in conceiving, you may consider seeking help from a fertility clinic like Banker IVF. With advanced fertility treatments and expert medical care, Banker IVF can help you realize your dream of starting a family. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you. 

It won’t be a cliche to say that our mind broadens and we get a fresh perspective of life with the varied experiences we gather during travel. One may assume this as a leisure activity but in reality, a deep-rooted work goes on in our psyche.

I have had the privilege of traveling to most of the continents and from my personal experience, nothing can beat the well-traveled human eyes. The variety of cuisine, the myriad customs &  traditions, the different cultures & dressing sense, the climatic & landscape differences, the exposure to various languages & dialects, etc are something one starts appreciating when one goes beyond their daily territory. The interactions we have are precious for our personal growth.

My childhood dream job was anything to do at an airport, the reason being that I loved watching families travel and observing the excitement they share among themselves being spread to those near them. I would feel happy seeing the travelers just as I used to feel when I would witness my parents planning, organizing, and arranging the different aspects related to our travel usually to our hometown. I would get excited days before our due travel date and I would start my own planning with my younger brother and elder sister. Needless to say, I got attracted to any profession related to travel and finally I did land up with a job in the airline industry.

The virtues we learn with our travel are also no less. We learn to adjust, adapt and accommodate, We understand that the  basic necessities of life are more important than any extra comforts & leisure. At times we also get to experience a better lifestyle than our regular day-to-day situation. One can also get ideas on interiors, furniture and the likes in their stay at different hotels, lodges, guest houses, self-catering chalets or Air BnB. The use of different modes of transport   be it a train or a flight, a bus or a car, a bike or a scooty or any other kind of transport found in some countries like an autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw in India or a phatphati in NewDelhi can offer the traveler a unique experience. Any travel is worthwhile be it a leisure travel or a work travel. Even an emergency travel has some hidden advantages. One learns to quickly pack and book the tickets.

The perks of traveling are multitude and once we realize those, there is no looking back.

It should come as no surprise that, across the world, male filmmakers outnumber female filmmakers. The field is indubitably hegemonized by male directors, screenwriters, producers and so on. According to the 26^th Celluloid Ceiling Report which maintains a statistical record of women employees behind the cameras in Hollywood films, ‘94% of the 250 top grossing films in 2023 had no women cinematographers’, ‘83% had no women directors’, and 74% had no women writers. This apparent disparity puts forth the discrimination women encounter behind the lenses which subsequently obscures their individuality. The opportunity extended to women to demonstrate their skills or to make their dreams come to fruition is dramatically negligible.

As it has always been the case, men have been dominating every field since ages and this truth has been well put by one of the most celebrated authors, Jane Austen in her classic “Persuasion” in which she writes- “Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much a higher degree; the pen has been in their hands.” Every word of Austen rings true, bespeaking of the brutal and grim reality of the society. Amidst such scenario, within the male-dominated film industry, there exist several trailblazing women filmmakers, who have made and are continuing to make astounding movies that not only present their individualistic views but also allow the viewers to understand the gynocentric approach of the movies. Undeterred and undaunted by the onerous challenges that are posed within the male-dominated realm, these female filmmakers push the boundaries of the patriarchal precinct, thereby gaining grounds for themselves in order to present to the world their masterpieces.

Threatening remarks, suppression and irrelevant adverse reactions have followed these women filmmakers whenever they make any realistic movies about women. Terrible public furore arose when Deepa Mehta’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Fire’ was released in 1996. The film navigates through the lives of two women trapped in the shackles of patriarchy and how they set themselves free of their sealed fates to make own choices by discovering their identity that drew the two women closer to each other. Mehta’s last movie of the elements trilogy, ‘Water’ (2005) is simply a veracious depiction of the plight of widows in colonial India. The film exudes the tribulations faced by a group of widows who were married off as a child bride to men thrice their age. Deepa Mehta’s attempt to present before the audience the predicaments of young girls or women who tragically became widows and got caught in the maze of patriarchal practices was met with massive public outcry.

In Saudi Arabia, where cinemas were banned for 35 years (1983-2018), Haifa Al-Mansour became the first female filmmaker in the country. Her movie Wadjda (2012) has a candid and thought-provoking storyline. The movie itself is very simple, it is about a ‘rebellious’ ten-year-old girl named Wadjda who wishes to buy a bicycle to compete against her friend Abdullah. But she is denied of it by her mother who sharply tells her that if she rides a bike, she “won’t be able to have children”. Despite her persona as a wayward among her teachers, Wadjda decides to take part in a Quran reciting competition that has cash rewards with the hope of purchasing her favourite bicycle using the money. Al-Mansour’s Wadjda is a tranquil tale of a ‘defiant’ little girl with strong determination of fulfilling her ‘forbidden’ dreams of buying a bicycle by refusing to abide by the rules set-up within a patriarchal society.

The Iranian-American filmmaker, Ana Lily Amirpour’s debut movie ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’ is an enthralling top-notch black and white feminist movie. The movie cast a spell of awe among the viewers with the portrayal of its protagonist who is a ‘terrifying’ formidable ‘chador-clad’ vampire, skateboarding and preying on the ‘Bad Men’ who resides on the fictionalized Iranian town called ‘Bad City’. She bears no name and is just called as ‘The Girl’ throughout the movie. She is a typical fanged-mouth, bloodthirsty vampire who feasts on miscreant men who mistreats women or commit other vile deeds. By portraying a chador-clad vengeful and malefic vampire girl who ‘walks home alone at night’ in a city filled with terrible men, Amirpour altered the vulnerable status of women in a society of pompous patriarchs.

Well, there are several other movies made by women about women that most certainly deserves high praise and attention. The list is definitely exhaustive despite the smaller number of women filmmakers compared to men. These women filmmakers are compelled to make low-budget movies because of lack of funding or rather a lack of interest by investors and financiers in investing on these filmmakers. These movies being portrayed from a gynocentric perspective might not appeal to the patriarchs who therefore resort to violence, hooliganism and protests demanding a ban on both the films and the filmmakers. Despite facing all sorts of obstruction and resistance by the fundamentalists and chauvinists, these filmmakers with their forthright views and uninhibited attitude continue to challenge the patriarchal norms by making riveting movies.

Many a times, in women gatherings, we discuss our experiences about “online friends’ in the social media. And it was intriguing that many of us could notice similar patterns  of approach. Being a woman, obviously, I can only say what is endearing, annoying and irritating from a woman’s perspective. But I certainly hope that there would also be a man’s side of the story, which I am keen to learn. No doubt, there are many men, who are genuinely nice and cares for us, but nevertheless, I thought of penning few steriotypes that are usually found in social media, that leaves you sometimes annoying instead of being friendly.

Forgive me, but we could not but agree more, that there are few men who after getting their friend requests accepted they tend to take it in a literal sense and start acting like they have just been rejoined with their long lost friend (psychological move, I guess?!)  And when you disapprove, you become their worst enemy.  

Imagine studying for 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 whole years for the JEE exam only to find out that there’s only a very, very slim chance of getting into an IIT. It is a fact widely acknowledged that the IIT-JEE is one of the toughest exams not just in India but in the whole world. Apart from IITs, the NITs and IIITs of India also accept the JEE scores for admission. There are said to be a total of 23 IITs, 31 NITs and 25 IIITs across the country.

Now, let’s first get a few facts about the IITs right. First, according to the NIRF rankings of 2023, only 17 IITs rank in the top 50 engineering colleges of India and only a few (around 5) IITs are in the list of the world’s top 100 engineering colleges. Second, the dropout rate of IIT-qualifying students stands at least at 20%, with reasons being cited ranging from academic pressure and unmanageable workload to caste discrimination and high levels of competition within the IIT.

So, it’s quite clear that the journey of making it through IIT is as challenging as the journey of getting into an IIT. Third and most important of all, the acceptance rate or the odds of getting into an IIT are below 3% which is a lot lower than the acceptance rate of highly and very highly ranked US universities. Four, getting into an IIT of one’s choice doesn’t mean one will also get into a branch of one’s preference at that IIT.

As for the NITs and the IIITs, according to the 2023 NIRF rankings, only 22 NITs were in the top 100 engineering colleges of India, of which only 11 were in the top 50, while only 3 of the 25 IIITs were in the top 100 engineering colleges of India while none was in the top 50. Besides, getting into an IIT (or an NIT for that matter) doesn’t guarantee job placement (or even graduation). In fact, IITs are facing a major job placement issue (if not a crisis).

Make an informed decision

The calculations that follow are not exact, but the purpose is to give the reader a rough but fair enough idea about the chances of making it to an IIT or NIT. In 2023, around 11 lakh unique students appeared for the JEE exam and there were around 17K seats in all the IITs and so, assuming that all these students wanted to get into an IIT as their first choice, the odds of getting an IIT seat were as low as 1.56% (that is, there was a nearly 98.44% chance of not getting the seat).

Similarly, for the same year, NITs offered near about 24K engineering seats, meaning that if students wanted to get into either an IIT or an NIT as their most preferred choices, then the chances of getting into either of the two were as low as 3.7% (which means a nearly 96.3% chance of not getting in).

When one realizes and understands how the odds are very much stacked against any student, is there a point in still pursuing these institutes so aggressively and spending so much of one’s valuable time, energy, money and efforts on not-at-all-easy preparations?

The rigorous preparations for cracking JEE for IIT certainly takes a toll on one’s overall well-being. Is there, then, any point in spending hard-earned money and savings or taking out a loan for IIT-JEE coaching classes? Also, taking admission into the “best coaching classes” doesn’t guarantee admission or a seat of your choice in an IIT or NIT. Then, sending children to a different city (or place) to study for IIT-JEE doesn’t really seem to be worth it at all. And, if spending tens of lakhs of rupees (on coaching in coaching institutes and other expenses for the IIT-JEE preparation) is the idea, then might as well complete the undergraduate studies from a better ranked university abroad.

What does the student really want?

Questions that are of far more importance and relevance here are:-

1. Is a student certain that engineering is what the student truly wishes to pursue?
2. Does the student really want to live away from home for IIT-JEE preparation or even while pursuing engineering?
3. Does the student feel that the student should compete for an IIT or NIT seat that there is a less than 5% chance of getting (or in other words, over 95% chance of NOT getting)?
4. Does one really find it worth it to spend lakhs of rupees on IIT-JEE preparations when the odds of getting into an IIT are so low?

Sure, children should be taught to aspire to be successful, but what everyone needs to understand here is that success can mean different things to different people – for someone, success might mean getting a dream home/car/job, while for someone it might mean getting a chance to serve the underprivileged, while for someone else it could mean feeling content and living a healthy life and for somebody else it could mean being able to pursue their hobbies to their heart’s content.

Today, you don’t have to be an IIT student to be able to do innovative research or to have your innovative solutions taken seriously. It’s, thus, important to consider other factors such as the location of college also while planning which colleges to aim for. Why not make life easier for the student and shift the focus of studies on engineering entrance exams where there are better chances of success and of getting into a college and branch of one’s liking? After getting into an engineering college, one can, then, choose the path of working towards pursuing a master’s degree from a university abroad that has a better ranking than the IITs and way better odds of getting into compared to an IIT or NIT. It’s so, so important to spread awareness regarding this among everybody. If you are reading this, please give it some thought.

It’s always better to take well-informed decisions and think properly and thoroughly before getting into something as intensive and demanding as the JEE exam studies and preparations. And so, it’s crucial to teach children that IITs aren’t the only way to achieve whatever dreams a child may have and that there are multiple paths that can lead to a successful, happy and comfortable life. The idea of this post is not to discourage anybody from achieving their dreams but for every one of us to realize that giving too much importance to one exam is not really fair and may not actually be in the interest of students and their career. Thus, JEE preparations for IIT may just not be the right or sensible choice for so many of us.

With you,
I felt like this is my conclusion.
I collected everything that I knew about you,
Your everything, favorites.
From coffee to food,from black to blues.
That how life is and how rain amuses you.
I ended up with a gist.
My heart added broken dreams to be with you,
Beautiful but empty home to live .
To met you was a tragic accident, I lost my heart.
Initially, I finalized to see your face and die.
But the end is more sad than a funeral.
The last days with you were life to me
Thinking about reincarnation,
I would just be in love to be with you or else there is no me in any parallel universe.
Meeting would make us more weak and timid of being together . You have always blaspheme your heart when you see me with a person. We couldn’t but only free fall in the embrace of peace,sanity and pure love. Love made me crawl for you,you cradled me with extreme care and beyond love.
Everyday with you has kept me lived happy
Our mutual murder has left me with the loss of words that I fail to express. Nothing can actually define the utter despair and depression, as I write with the audacity of being fragile and painful cold fingertips.
Being loved from being unloved is such a disaster.
As I stumble to write,I wipe my tears
Hoping to see you soon in life some other way.
Remaining yours,
Till death us apart.

-Randhir kaur

It is amazing when a person turns personal adversity into a calling, and extends empathy to make a significant impact in the lives of other people. This has been the life’s journey of Dr Nalini Parthasarathi.

April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.

Hemophilia is a condition where one or more clotting factor is absent leading to bleeding. Severe cases can be life-threatening.

It was her poor health during her childhood and growing years that made Dr Nalini a compassionate doctor. She was hospitalized repeatedly and had multiple surgeries in childhood. She turned her adversity into an opportunity to help others.

An excellent student

Undeterred by her uncertain health, she was an excellent student both in school and college. “My poor health motivated me to become a doctor. Also, having met so many doctors through my childhood, I was naturally attracted to the profession,” she says. Completing her MD in pediatrics at JIPMER Puducherry, she worked there as a consultant.

“I looked after thalassemia and leukemia patients at the hospital. Since I was handling blood disorders, people started bringing their children with hemophilia to me. I underwent special training in pediatric hematology with special reference to hemophilia, maternal and child health and neonatalogy,” relates Dr Nalini.

She has practised as a pediatrician for 50 years. “I have always had empathy for my little patients because of my own illnesses in childhood. In fact, I know all about the families of my child patients,” she says with a smile.

Raising awareness

Her deep desire to help children and adults suffering from hemophilia led her to take voluntary retirement from JIPMER. She established the Hemophilia Society in Puducherry, of which she is founder-president. She was also instrumental in setting up the Hemophilia Society at Karaikal.

She has raised awareness about hemophilia in and around Puducherry. Thanks to her continuous efforts, treatments for persons with hemophilia are today available in Puducherry and Karaikal. For her contributions, Dr Nalini is fondly known as the ‘Mother Theresa of Puducherry’.

Dr Nalini has published more than 100 papers in national and international journals and conducted workshops all over India. She has contributed articles in newspapers and magazines on hemophilia. She has also participated in radio and television programmes.

A lack of the clotting factor in blood

“Not much was known about hemophilia in those days. It was known as a ‘royal disorder’ as many members of Queen Victoria’s family had the disorder. Hemophilia is a deficiency disease. There is one or more clotting factor in the blood that is absent in those suffering from the condition. So, when blood oozes it does not clot. Sometimes, for months together, bleeding continues. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder and women are usually carriers. Their male offspring have a 25% chance of developing the condition,” she explains.

According to statistics, around 1 in 10,000 people in India have hemophilia. But mild cases don’t come to hospitals. So, the reported figures are only the tip of the iceberg.  In the all-India registry, only four lakh people with hemophilia are registered.

Bleeding can occur into joints, muscles, or organs like stomach or kidney. Hemophilia can often lead to emergency situations.

Making free treatment accessible

“We did not have proper investigation facilities at JIPMER to confirm the diagnosis for hemophilia. At that time, treatment also involved giving plasma and blood which in some cases led to the person contracting HIV,” she rues.

At that time, CMC Vellore had training facilities. JIPMER deputed a doctor and lab technician for training to CMC. They came back to set up a coagulation lab in JIPMER. “I learnt about the Hemophilia Federation India in Delhi which provides treatment by giving intravenous injections of the ‘clotting factor’. The medicine is very expensive and was imported at that time. A vial with 500 units costs Rs 10,000 today and is not available commercially.”

Dr Nalini started the Hemophilia Society, Puducherry chapter, informally in the early 1970s.  Initially, she had 20 patients and the society was running from her office. Diagnosis and treatment (factor) are given free for all patients at our chapter.

Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment.  Swimming and cycling are also good activities for those suffering from hemophilia. “If there is a family history of hemophilia, women should get tested before marriage. If one child has hemophilia, I tell women not to have a second child,” says Dr Nalini.

Voluntary retirement

JIPMER is a busy place and she could not do much for patients of hemophilia. “We went in a group to the Chief Minister and said we wanted to start a small centre. He gave us a small piece of land. In 2003, he requested Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to build the centre for us with CSR funds. In 2005, we inaugurated our centre.”

Many philanthropists have offered financial assistance to run the Hemophilia Society at Puducherry.  A US organization called ‘Save One Life’ gives scholarships to 40 children having hemophilia up to college level. Our society provides financial assistance to women from poor, underprivileged segments of society who have children with hemophilia.

Today, I have 300 patients. I have patients from the age of six months to 65 years!  Mothers of hemophilia patients have formed a support group. We also have a youth group as some young patients have committed suicide causing alarm in the community.

Cherished moments

Children with hemophilia come crying to me in pain. When I give them the medicine, they go off to sleep. They get up and smile at me. Those are my most cherished moments.

I have lived alone in Puducherry for 50 years. I like the quiet atmosphere and friendly people. I enjoy the beaches. Of course, it has become crowded now.

As for the Padma Shri I received this year, I have dedicated it to the hemophilia community, especially my children with hemophilia.

Image source: YouTube

Picture this: A seasoned executive at the peak of her career suddenly grapples with hot flashes and sleep disturbances during important meetings. She also battles mood swings and cognitive changes, affecting her productivity and confidence. Eventually, she resigns from her job.

Fiction? Not really. The scenario above is a reality many women face as they navigate menopause while meeting their work responsibilities.

Menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. This natural condition marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The transition brings unique physical, emotional, and psychological changes for women.

Beyond individual anecdotes, the statistics paint a stark picture. About a billion women around the globe are expected to experience Menopause by 2030. This is a sizable number. Yet, workplaces often relegate the needs of menopausal women to the sidelines.

Why India Inc can’t ignore the reality of menopause

Menopause is an inevitable biological event in a woman’s life. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. This coincides with the point when most working women are in senior leadership roles.

Menopause can significantly affect a woman’s physical health, mental well-being, and performance. Physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue can disrupt daily activities. This makes it challenging for women to concentrate and stay productive at work. Emotional changes, including mood swings, anxiety, and memory problems, can erode one’s self-esteem. This may lead to decreased job satisfaction and performance.

To top it up, most women are unlikely to speak up about it! Despite its widespread prevalence, menopause is often viewed as a taboo subject. It is discussed in hushed tones or brushed aside altogether. This often leaves menopausal women feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported. They may stop taking on additional work responsibilities and, in extreme cases, even drop out of the workforce.

Losing senior women talent can hinder companies’ DE&I and talent retention goals.

Where do organisations currently stand on menopausal support?

Several companies in India have started recognising the importance of supporting menopausal women employees. A leading MNC bank provides medical coverage and 24*7 access to doctor consultations for employees. A leading FMCG company is providing flexible work schedules for menopausal women.

These efforts are commendable. Yet, most companies lack comprehensive policies and programs tailored to support menopausal women. Male employers and colleagues may also lack awareness about the condition.

As a result, women feel reluctant to seek help for their symptoms. This often leads to underutilisation of available resources and support services.

Beyond medical coverage: How can India Inc. support menopausal women?

Medical coverage is a good first step. Companies also need to focus on holistic wellness programs. They need to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of Menopause.

Access to mental health support services is crucial

Menopause often brings about significant mental health challenges. This includes mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Companies need to integrate mental health support services into their wellness programs. These services will help employees deal with the emotional aspects of Menopause. Access to coaching, counselling, and support groups for menopausal women will also help.

This proactive approach will also reflect a commitment to employee well-being.

Flexible work policies empower menopausal women

Flexible work arrangements allow women to manage their symptoms better. Options to adjust work hours, telecommute, or take breaks as needed can help ease the discomfort associated with Menopause. This will also allow employees to contribute effectively at work while caring for their well-being.

Some organisations have policies on remote work, flexible scheduling, or compressed work weeks. These initiatives help women maintain effective work-life balance during this significant transition.

Education and training break the taboos around Menopause

Menopause is often shrouded in societal taboos and misconceptions in India. Many women fear judgement or discrimination in the workplace. This makes them uncomfortable in disclosing their menopausal status.

Creating a culture of acceptance and support within organisations requires proactive measures. Strategies for reducing stigma include implementing training sessions, workshops, and informational materials that address common misconceptions and provide guidance for support.

Open dialogue and communication channels in organisations around Menopause can help normalise discussions. Sensitisation will also pave the way for a more supportive and empathetic culture.

Face the facts: Menopause is a reality that matters in the workplace

Menopause may significantly impact a woman’s career and mindset. Societal stigma and cultural taboos force many women to face these challenges alone in silence.

India Inc. needs to recognise the needs of women at this life stage. Open support and dialogue will help prevent the exodus of senior women talent and ensure workplace productivity.

Companies need to look beyond comprehensive medical coverage for menopausal women. Mental health support, flexible work policies, and workshops create an inclusive work environment. These measures also enhance employee well-being, productivity, and retention.

A culture of empathy and support at different life stages will make every employee feel valued, respected, and supported. This will also enable women to succeed and thrive in the workplace.

Image source: YouTube/ a still from Listen, Amaya

Every woman holds her own narrative and engages in silent battles each day. Whether in personal or professional spheres, or within themselves, they persevere, wearing a smile despite the challenges.

My own story reflects my true essence. As the only child of supportive parents, I’ve been encouraged to pursue my dreams without constraints. I’ve been fortunate to choose my academic path, secure a job I love, and marry the person of my dreams.

However, my journey is not without its struggles. I’ve been grappling with PCOD for may years now, enduring silent pains that are hard to articulate. The relentless cycle of medications, treatments, and emotional turmoil is overwhelming.

Furthermore, experiencing three miscarriages in ten years of marriage has been devastating. The insensitive remarks of others, implying my fate is unfavourable without children, often bring me to tears. These words makes me breakdown a lot of times, but I still rise again and tell myself, I am very LUCKY to be independent, to have an amazing job, do what I like and I want to live for myself. I am unique, beautiful, strong & confident in my own way.

Even though, the world is growing and trending in all smart ways but the mindset of people in society still stands-still. This is the bitter truth most of us are facing but only few can able to fight-back. Lets support everyone in every possible way by encouraging & motivating the women to grow and reach great heights.

Many women face similar challenges, weighed down by societal pressures. But let’s remember our capabilities and advocate for ourselves. Stand tall and proud, for our actions and accomplishments speak volumes.