Dear Madam,

I have a son studying in Class 11. Though he is smart, he is extremely lazy when it comes to studying for exams and doing his homework. I have tried to reason with him about his attitude towards studies, nothing seems to be working. As a result, I am concerned that his future may be in jeopardy. How can I help him?

A Mother

Dear Mother,

I have often said this in this column before and will repeat it again. We parents need to learn to deal with our anxieties outside of the parent-child relationship. The fact that you are anxious about your childs future is normal.

But no matter what you do you cannot control his future. It is something only he can influence. Sometimes children have to fall and fail to learn important life lessons.

Ultimately he has to realise and take responsibility for his actions. He has to face the consequences and enjoy the successes. You cannot do it for him. You may want to ask him if he would like to talk to a counsellor who can help him work through his blocks. The objective should be to help him achieve his
potential and not short-change himself.

Dear Madam,

As my English is poor, I am often mocked about it by my classmates while making presentations in class. This has led me to not talk as much as I usually do and has affected my confidence level. While I am working on my English skills, it is taking me time. Until then, what can I do to overcome my current situation and boost my confidence?

A Student

Dear Student,

Remember your strengths. English may not be your strength area right now. But I am sure you have many other strengths. You may think you dont have any. But remember all of us do. Sometimes we just dont allow ourselves to think we have strengths because we are only too busy keeping track of our weaknesses.

Reminding ourselves of our strengths allows us to feel better and more confident about ourselves and that is very important. So make a list of at least ten strengths and these could be things that you are good at, as well as what are the good qualities you have. Then keep this list safely in a place that is visible and easily accessible to you. Look at it often so that you internalise it.

Also, remember that no one is perfect and the same people who are teasing you also have their own flaws. Yours may be your English skills while theirs may be something else. Just because you do not speak English as well as many of the others does not mean that you are less important or worthy than the others. But the responsibility to let people know your worth is yours.

Stand up for yourself. Dont let people get away with insulting comments. Let them know how their comments make you feel and that it is not acceptable to you that they make those comments. Remember, the world reflects back to you what you think, feel and believe about yourself.

If you think that you are not as worthy as the others because you do not speak English well, then that is what you will hear the others saying about you. You may want to reach out to a counsellor who can help you find your confidence.

Dear Madam,

My daughter is extremely active on social media. As she is in Class 12, I would like her to cut down on her usage and I have discussed this with her. However, it does not seem likely that she will do so and we even had a bitter argument about her excessive Internet usage. What can I do to make her see that my argument is valid as well? With her exams around the corner, I do not want her to be distracted unnecessarily.

A Parent

Dear Parent,

Parental anxiety is normal because all parents want the best for their children, and they really want to be able to control the outcome, somehow. Unfortunately, that is not possible. We cannot control the outcome no matter what. We may only be able to influence it, slightly. So therefore, I think all parents, especially parents of children at critical stages in their life, should seek some counselling support for themselves to be able to handle their anxiety in a way that does not block and obstruct the parent-child relationship. Talking to a counsellor and working through your concerns and fears will help you to be able to talk to your daughter in a way that is non-judgemental and supportive. That increases your ability to be able to influence her.

The end goal for you should not be her marks, but to get her to be self-motivated enough to be able to work towards achieving her potential (not your desired potential). For all you know, she may be using social media as an escape from reality because it may be her way of coping with her own fears and anxieties around her exams (which I am sure she has plenty). Giving her access to a counsellor at this time will also help her deal with things that may be holding her back. It will be time well spent. All the best!

Dear Madam,

I am from a middle class family. I couldnt complete Class 12 due to a health problem. Though I attempted the board exams a few times, I could not pass. I feel very low when I see the marks card. Though I want to move on, I dont find any way. Please help me to come out of this situation. I know how important education is for a person. But unless I find a solution for my problem I wont be able to concentrate on studies.

A Student

Dear Student,

Like you said, education is important, not the marks. And you can get an education in many ways. There are many online options to gain an education. Information and learning content is now available online in an unlimited way. So go ahead and get all the education you like. Being a constant learner and knowing how to learn is important. The marks and degrees help open some doors for you, but once the doors open, making a success of those opportunities is not dependent on your marks.

Look for other doors that may open, which are not dependent on your marks, and then make a success of those. After all, success in life depends on several other things like your self-image, your self-esteem, your confidence, your ability to solve problems, your ability to think creatively, your ability to work in a team, your communication skills and many other such qualities.

There are many people who have been successful in life without a formal education and formal degree. That does not mean that they dont know anything. It just means they did not gain their education in a formal way. They learnt informally, maybe on the job, in their own way. It is often referred to as the school of hard knocks. Read their stories for inspiration.

Remember doors open for those who let them. And inside every open door there can be an opportunity which we can tap. Good luck!

Over the years, Bengaluru has been holding open street events at public spaces in the city. These events were a huge success. Thanks to such events, the idea of spending time with friends among youngsters have a new meaning now. With 2018 here, some Bengalureans feel that more such open streets should be organised a regular basis.

With open street events like the recent Bengaluru Habba at Vidhana Soudha, which was an opportunity to witness culture and meet people from around the world, Jia Sharma, a content writer says, "It is always a pleasure to witness open street events in the city. My recent experience of attending the Bengaluru Habba was by chance but I must say it was an exciting experience. The Habba beautifully amalgamated the folk and contemporary culture of the city with the varied display of art, music, food, activities and stalls. I am a regular visitor to such flea markets and open streets. The fact that most of these events are well organised and have something for everyone, attracts me to them. I definitely look forward to attending more such events and this time by choice."

Many people feel that these events serve as a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity. Not just them, there are many young and talented artistes who get an opportunity to showcase their talent, which they might not get otherwise.

Greshma Dhanarajan, a fashion designer says, "I absolutely love the concept of open streets. Being a part of them gives me a chance to showcase my designs to a larger audience. Unlike some events held in five-star hotels, these open streets are very well organised. These kinds of events often turn into a cultural spot and a place to network with other people."

So why are these events becoming popular with youngsters? "Youngsters today want to break the mould and are always on the lookout to do something different and creative. Thanks to the startup culture. This apart, there is also a cool factor associated with it," she adds.

Ann Loraine, a writer at Phase 1 events and experience feel that these events have multiple options available for the young crowd. "The cultural events are most of the time given a twist of fun, something that youngsters can relate to. One witnesses many actions under one roof and that is what pulls the young crowds. There are different kinds of people attending these events and ones perception instantly changes when they meet someone of their age doing something extraordinary. These events are not just fun-based but also an inspiration to many peoples lives."

Traffic violations have been a concern for Bengalureans time and again. Violations like illegal parking of vehicles and two-wheeler riders riding without helmet top the list, as identified by the Bengaluru Traffic Police. In 2017, maximum fines were levied for these two violations and citizens raise their concern on these issues.

From parking on pavements to around corners of roads, parking is a nightmare in the city. While many blame it on the lack of parking spaces, others point out that the carefree attitude also contributes to chaos on the road. Driti Prasad, a second-year student at Mount Carmel College, says that she sees cars parked on both sides of Commercial Street, V V Puram and areas like Srinagar, Banashankari. "When vehicles are oddly parked on busy roads, they lead to accidents and slowing down of traffic," she says.

A stringent system to identify and fine perpetrators need to be set up, she says. "There need to be more police officials and they need to fine everyone, despite who is behind the wheels," says Driti.

A customer care executive, Abishek Ananda, observes that the number of vehicles in the city is ever-increasing which means lesser parking space. "When outside, it easily takes 30 minutes to find a spot and park. This often forces people to park at No-parking zones. Citizens who violate rules should be warned and their license should be revoked for repeated offences," he says.

Opening up public spaces like grounds on weekends is an option to more parking spaces, he points out. "Adding CCTV cameras and maintaining them well is required to watch perpetrators. Limiting the number of vehicles per family should also be looked into," he adds.

Another scary sight is two-wheeler riders travelling in the city without helmets. Sarath Chandra Mouli, a team lead in an MNC, points out that he often jibes at motorists saying "the helmet is not for the elbows". "At the end of the day, a stricter fine system is the only way out. The fine should be increased to bigger amounts like Rs 5,000 and repeated mistakes should end in cancellation of license," he says.

The traffic authorities vouch that they will be intensely watching the situation. Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic), R Hithendra says that most numbers of cases recorded in traffic violations were for illegal parking and riding without a helmet. "We will continue to enforce the fines. We are towing away vehicles as and when we see them parked illegally. We are trying to procure vehicles to two away heavy four and six-wheelers too," he says. He adds that a strict watch on two-wheeler motorists without helmets will continue.

Language is our primary source of communication. Its the method through which we share our ideas and thoughts with others. When I was younger, the boundaries were thick, the world was way too big for us to connect. But when we look around today, language has gained paramount significance specially with the penetration of mobile, social media and Internet access across every walk of life. The past decade has been a witness to the fact that the world is more connected now than it ever was.

Organisations are looking to engage with customers on a deeper and more customised level. Consumers worldwide want everything on their own terms, and this includes a preference for communicating in their own language. In India as well, the scenario is no different. The significance of communicating in native languages has increased drastically with the advent of Make in India movement. At the same time, with the increasing access to Internet, India began running on a digital mode. The importance of foreign languages, as a result, has skyrocketed.

With data moving across the globe, numerous opportunities have come up for linguists across languages and industries. Knowing more than one language can open the door to a wider range of opportunities.

Translation and interpretation

According to a recent report, the field of translation and interpretation services is expected to increase by 36% by 2019. In times of mass lay-offs, this is one of the few industries that has projected such growth in career opportunities. Translation of content has expanded from books, documents, technical specifications to websites, mobile apps, games and more. These show the demand for language skills and the amount of growth that the field of translation and interpretation services is going to witness in the coming years.

Translation is not just limited to documents or books as generally perceived. In fact, there are other areas where translation specialists are needed. Some of possible careers include:

Voice-over artist: The multimedia industry is always on the lookout for efficient and cost-effective voiceovers for their multimedia requirements. It is here that bilingual or multilingual artistes can put their skills to the test.

Linguistic testing: This field, also known as linguistic quality check, has
gained traction in recent times. The ability to authenticate translated content is a skill that is high in demand.

Interpretation: Gone are the days when interpretation was only limited to a single person providing face to face linguistic support. Today, linguistic support is combined with the latest multimedia tools to provide simultaneous interpretations for events and conferences, among others.

What makes learning a new language more effective is the possibility to combine it with an existing skill or passion. It could range from a passion for public speaking or a skill in a particular tool. Learning languages also opens the doors to opportunities in various industries like education, information technology and tourism.

Many benefits

There are several benefits that one can reap when one learns multiple languages. For instance, one can solve problems faster and become better at multitasking. With the increase in awareness of the benefits and rise in demand for language expertise, language learning is now receiving the much-needed attention.

Earlier, a good education was perceived to provide a child with a degree or subject expertise. However, a good education today is measured by transferable skills that are desirable in the job market. This implies that language knowledge is likely to be regarded as a desired attribute in the global job market and, hence, language education can be regarded as a substantial requirement for high-quality education.

Language learning,when it is integrated with education, forms an essential part of developing cultural awareness. Starting early with additional languages results in a native-like competency in the language. They have also influenced the reform of language education policy in many countries. Poland, for instance, has introduced mandatory foreign language learning from the first year of primary education.

In India, many schools that are affiliated to CBSE offer ones mother tongue or Hindi, English and foreign languages like French at the pre-primary level. This is most likely to increase in the days to come. Various professionals and educationalists are slowly recognising the importance of learning a new language and the demand for learning them is only accelerating. Language, therefore, plays a pivotal role in making the world smaller and bringing people closer.

(The author is with Mayflower Language Services, Bengaluru)

As India gets increasingly digitalised, cloud computing is evolving beyond the basics and becoming the engine of enterprise technology innovation, bringing in new job opportunities to those skilled in this area.

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services - servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and more - over the Internet. This is becoming increasingly popular today. Big businesses wanting to curtail their IT expenditure and small-budget enterprises looking for more computing capacity no longer have to spend on servers and expensive hardware. Cloud companies, with their network of data centres, deliver these services over the Internet. Various global and local companies are now foraying into to this new and growing market.

With mounting data workloads and the increasing threat of cyber hacking, companies are dumping software and IT maintenance contracts in favour of cloud-delivered services. As a result, this has created a new area of specialisation in the IT sector.

Skills required

In the last few years, cloud computing has undergone rapid changes. According to IT experts, what the market is undergoing today is, in fact, the second phase of cloud adoption. Market research indicates that the vast majority of businesses using cloud computing in one form or the other are moving from initial migration to architectural transformation. In fact, a study found that end-user organisations and service providers have moved beyond the stage of uncertainty around cloud offerings and are embracing the concept as a primary IT and business model for creating new IT infrastructure and executing operations.

It is estimated that, by 2020, the public and private cloud market in India will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30-35% year-on-year. Almost all stakeholders - cloud providers, system integrators, start-ups and channel partners - are looking at a new crop of the cloud-trained and certified workforce.

Till now, cloud integration and architecture were primarily handled by IT engineers. Now the model is changing. Developing cloud models as primary business operations on cloud computing is now rapidly gaining ground. Apart from the integration of cloud technology with on-premise IT infrastructure, organisations also require specialists in cloud deployment software, network monitoring, virtualisation, network infrastructure and server administration.

Hybrid and multi-cloud approaches have emerged as standard practice, therefore the skillset needed includes the ability to weave together solutions based on business requirements. Cybersecurity is central to the successful adoption of cloud technology leading to the requirement of people with expertise in cloud security.

Apart from security, automation and orchestration bring massive value to the business. Techniques like workload migration to cloud platforms will continue to grow, leading to workforce requiring knowledge of cloud storage, moving workloads between cloud providers and application migration considerations.

In the coming months, there is going to be a huge number of job openings in cloud computing in India. Both service providers and leading multinational companies are looking to hire cloud engineers. But there are very few people who are skilled in cloud technologies. The market is therefore wide open for new entrants to this expanding field. Since the cloud computing landscape is changing rapidly at this stage, the academic curriculum is not able
to match the skills required by the industry.

New age cloud engineers are required to work across multiple vendor-specific cloud technologies such as Azure, AWS and Google Cloud. They need to understand the basic functions and technology that drive cloud computing. The answer to the current need is a vendor technology-neutral certification. It helps those wanting to specialise in this field develop the necessary skills needed to thrive and contribute effectively to the workforce.

With such skills, the new age cloud workforce can work across technologies in a data centre having multiple cloud providers. It will also help the workforce gather a holistic understanding while learning the vendor-specific cloud technologies.

(The writer is regional director, CompTIA India, Gurugram)

What comes to your mind first when you think of exams? Stress! Well, that is nothing to worry about. Exams and stress go hand in hand. The right amount of stress can act as a booster for you to achieve more. On the other hand, unnecessary stress can show itself in different ways like stomach cramps, overeating, loss of appetite etc. How you deal with this type of stress all depends on you. Would you choose to let it be your downfall or use it to drive you to improve your work?

Here are some ways that will help you bring out the best in you even while you are experiencing stress! To avoid crippling anxiety at the time of exams, here are some suggestions that will clear your mind and give you the understanding as to how to deal with stress.

Take notes

Taking down notes right from the time your classes start is extremely crucial. When exams are around the corner, this can be a life saviour and can save you from any last minute stress. You can also make comprehensive notes of each subject and topic so that at the last moment you could easily go through these notes.

Keep things in context

The exams may appear like the most critical thing at the present time. Be that as it may, keep in mind that they only play a small role. So, if you ever experience bouts of negativity, make a conscious effort to think positively with thoughts such as I can do this and I have done it sometime recently, so I can do it again. Actively challenge your considerations, good and bad. Regard yourself for taking this course and getting this far, whatever the result may be.

Time management

When you have a lot of material to study but too little time, you may experience some anxiety. To avoid it, plan your studies well. One way to do so is by planning 50-minute study sessions on your own and taking five to 10 minutes breaks in between.

Also, avoid last minute crippling. At this time, focus on topics that you are good at and avoid topics you feel that you are not confident in. Wasting time on such topics will only increase the stress.

Past papers

Practise using questions in the coursebook. Talk to your lecturer on what you can expect in the exam and what topics are important from an exam point of view. Manage your time well. Practise as much as you can using questions that have appeared in exams previously. This will build up your confidence in attempting the examination.

Be calm the night before

Rest well the night prior to the exam. Reach the venue where your exam is being held early. It is essential to keep a track of time during the exams. So, wear a watch or sit in a place where you can see the clock.

Keep negativity at bay

Avoid caffeine the night before and on the day of the exam. Keep away from things which may increase your stress levels. Avoid things that may put you on the edge.

With these tips in hand, having a stress-free exams period will be a reality.

(The author is co-founder, Talent4Assure, New Delhi)

When Greek soldier Pheidippides ran from Marathon (a village) to Athens to report the news of victory against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon, little did he know that he was creating a history of the marathon which is becoming a new age fitness trend.

Bright Solomon Raj, a half marathoner, who is been running since his school days and is running a marathon from the past eight years, says, "I run to win as I want to accomplish something. Winning a medal is my major push and I wanted to be in touch with it and did not want to lose out on running post my marriage. When I start running, I feel motivated. Seeing other people run, the desire to run even more increases. From the last two to three years, I have seen a sudden increase in people who run compared to 2007 when I started to run," he says.

"One has to constantly self-motivate to run because of many a time, you tend to lose the enthusiasm for it after a kilometre or two. But the minute you see other participants, you will tend to outdo yourself," adds Bright.

For Thennarasan, senior associate in Dell, it has just been a year of running. "Its not just youngsters, people who are retired and those who have crossed 50 are also very health conscious now. Most of the youngsters start off as a fun run, and they get more health conscious in the process. They get better at it and finally, improvise on their shortcomings. Unknowingly, they also motivate and become an inspiration to others."

"It is an addiction once you start running a marathon and this addiction gets you to perform better," said Thennarasan.

"In my case, one of my friends got me into it as I was a chain smoker and I had confided in him that I wanted to quit smoking. I myself was combating stress issues at one point in time and wanted to become a better person. He was into running and he told me that if I had to quit smoking, I must try and cultivate another habit so that I concentrate more on that and gradually forget to smoke or lose interest in smoking. When you start seeing other people who have become better than you, then you tend to question yourself, when they can do then why not me?" he says.

"Initially, I started with a 5-km-run and in two months, I was able to run a half marathon in 2 hours and 12 minutes and later a full marathon. Though the timing of my full marathon was not great, I was able to finish it."

Sunita Singh, a fitness trainer who also trains marathoners, adds, "The trend to be fit started seven to eight years back. The crowd is precisely the middle-aged lot. The whole concept of going to gym and getting trained is becoming
more popular now."

"The strength and conditioning training is more in demand. I also see working women, housewives and new moms hitting the fitness arena due to increasing health awareness. The first motivation I see among women to become fit is through social media. Once they start working out, the comfort of feeling lighter and healthier pushes them to be fitter," she adds.

Travelling to Nishani Motte and hiking there was on our bucket list for a long time. We had heard that the place is also called the Leech Kingdom as it is surrounded by a large number of leeches during the Monsoon.

On a Saturday early morning, I left Bengaluru with four of my friends for this interesting journey. We took the Hassan Road which is good to drive during the Monsoon months.

The first stop we planned was the Devarakolli Falls, which is a few km after Madikeri on Madikeri-Mangalore Road.

The Falls lie parallel to the main road and there are some shops for the travellers to have snacks. You cant take bath in the Falls but it is a great place to shoot some good pictures.

After the short break, we hit the road for beautiful Devaragundi Falls, which is exactly 13 km from Sampaje, and located in a village called Thodikana. You need to park the vehicle two km before the Falls and do a small trek of two km on a flat jeep track to reach the Falls, which is so majestically placed inside the forest and is easily accessible.

To say the least, it was beautiful and gushing at the peak of Monsoon. Until January end, there is water for taking bath in the Falls but it gets dry during the peak of summer.

However, one should keep an eye on the kids as the water gushing area is steep. We were informed about this by the local villagers.

After a refreshing bath, we reached Mayura Cauvery in Bhagamandala to stay the night over.

The rooms were decent enough. We had our dinner in the small village of Bhagamandala.

Next day morning, we visited the forest office in Bhagamandala and got permission from the department to trek to Nishani Motte after paying a nominal entry fee and guide charges.

There was also another group who joined us in the trek. The Nishani Motte trek is around five km in total. One has to hire a jeep or travel in their own vehicle to the base from the forest office. The base is around five to six km from the forest office. We started our trek around 9 am.

The initial trek was a mild climb through estates and huge trees. In 20 minutes, we could see the grasslands and the leeches too. No wonder this place is called the Leech Kingdom as thousands of leeches jumped over us.

Two hours through the trek, we reached the peak which was misty and foggy. We enjoyed every minute of the trek exploring the greenery and escaping from the leeches.

It started to rain during the last leg of our trek but it was an amazing experience to completely get drenched and enjoy the walk with friends.

Finally, we reached the other side of the base. We had our jeep waiting for us to drop us back to the Forest Department office. We reached the forest office around 2.30 pm, had a great lunch and finally visited the Thalacauvery Temple which is just a 15-minute-drive from Bhagamandala.

After visiting the Thalacauvery Temple, which is interestingly the birthplace of river Cauvery, we started our drive back to Bengaluru with lovely memories to cherish forever.

(The author can be contacted at kavinkishore85@gmail.com)

Today, children have become more independent and are aware of what they want to become as a working professional. However, there are times when they are unable to choose the right course owing to many reasons. The confusion of which course to take, at times, may lead to students making a wrong choice. Hence, it is important for students to think about their abilities, skills, personality and interest before picking up a course or profession.

A systematic way of finding out ones aptitude is by taking a set of tests which include aptitude, personality, interest, intelligence and study habits. One must also understand what these tests are and why are they important. There is a lack of awareness among students, parents, teachers, educational institutions as to what these tests are and why they should be taken.

Lets take a look at how these tests help students make a good career choice. Aptitude tests are standardised tests that are designed to help determine a students ability in a particular skill or field of knowledge. Each of the tests ask a variety of questions that may not be asked in a regular test.

Different tests

Aptitude is the inherent ability or talent of a person to perform a task. There are different abilities present at different levels in an individual. One such aptitude test that throws light on this is Davids Battery of Differential Abilities. This test gives a measure of an individuals various mental abilities in eight different areas. These are:

Verbal ability: This measures ones ability to comprehend words and ideas, and the ability to understand written language. It is aimed at evaluating the students ability to think constructively. The test will predict with reasonable accuracy, a students success in fields where complex verbal relationships and concepts are important. Vocationally, this will indicate a career that a student may thrive in since there is a positive relationship in many occupations between the level of responsibility and the complexity of verbally phrased ideas that need to be comprehended.

Numerical ability: This measures the students ability to reason with numbers, to manipulate numerical relationships, and to deal intelligently with quantitative materials. Along with the verbal ability test, numerical ability test acts as a measure of general learning ability. Education-wise, it is important for predictions in such fields as science, engineering and other fields in which quantitative thinking is essential.

Closure ability: This involves the ability to perceive relationships in abstract figures and education of principles from non-language designs.

Spatial ability: This is a measure of ability to perceive spatial patterns accurately. The ability to visualise a constructed object from a picture of a pattern has been used frequently in tests of structural visualisation. Similarly, the ability to imagine how an object would appear if rotated in various ways has been used effectively in the measurement of space perception. There are many vocations in which one is required to imagine how an object would look if made from a given pattern.

Mechanical ability: This measures logic and ones understanding of basic mechanical principles. High scores on this test indicate that the student finds it easy to learn the principles of operation and repair of complex devices. The test is useful in occupations where an appreciation of the principles of common physical forces is required. High scores on this test indicate an aptitude for physical sciences, technical and manual training courses.

Clerical ability: This measures ones ability to type, sort and file documents correctly and sorting variables in a particular order. This is intended to measure the speed of response in a simple perceptual task. This test places a heavy premium on speed. The ability to do routine work of the kind which this test exemplifies is important in coding, stock room work and such other occupations.

Reasoning ability: This refers to the ability to apply the process of induction or to reason from some specific information to a general principle. The scores on this test will be a good indicator of non-verbal, non-culturally biased intelligence. Reasoning is important for success in many areas particularly those that stress on logic such as law.

Psycho-motor ability: This refers to precise movements that require eye-hand coordination under fast working conditions. The test scores are relevant for success in assembly line work, drafting, clerical jobs etc.

Holistic approach

Apart from figuring out what your abilities are through this test, here are a few other tests that help students find out their aptitudes more accurately:

Personality test: The most distinctive feature of any individual is his or her personality. This is the overall pattern or integration of his or her structures, modes of behaviour, interests, attitudes, intellectual abilities, aptitudes and other distinguishable characteristics. Personality tests are designed to measure personality traits. Ones personality traits are equally important to be successful in any career.

Intelligence test: An intelligence test measures differences in performance. Intelligence tests help an individual understand the ability to take up a particular course.

Interest test: Students must have interest in the career they choose. We come across lot of students who are forced into courses which dont interest them. By identifying the interest areas, it would help the counsellor guide the student appropriately.

Study habits test: Regular study habits are essential to maintain a consistent record. To regularise the study habits, this test is administered.

By taking these tests and finding out the strengths and weaknesses scientifically, a lot of problems that the students may face in future can be avoided. Hence, students and parents must keep in mind that planning is very important while deciding a career. Assessment followed by proper guidance would be the most appropriate way to move forward while deciding on higher education or choosing a profession.

By finding out appropriate areas of interest through these tests, students can choose appropriate career paths when they are at crossroads.

(The author is director, Manasa Consultants, Bengaluru)

This picture was taken during the Clear Parthenium Campaign of which I was part of at Jayanagar Shopping Complex on Gandhi Jayanthi day on October 2, 1989.

I am involved in the Humanist Movement.One of its organisms was a pacifist group called The Greens. We conducted many campaigns and worked in the neighbourhood to resolve water and sanitary problems, among others.

In the Parthenium Campaign, we educated the people regarding the evil effects of parthenium, how to eradicate it, take precautionary measures and also took signatures from them and forwarded to the then State Government to take eradication of the deadly weed Parthenium on a war footing.

In the picture, you can see the shop names Typing and Cyclostyle and Electronic Typing. Both are now obsolete technology. We, the members of the group, also brought out a monthly neighbourhood newsletter Hello Neighbour. Most of the volunteers were students and youth. The campaign was very successful and many joined impromptu.

Going back a bit further, my romance with Bengaluru started way back in the late 60s when my brother Suresh Gurjar got a job at Kirloskar Asea.

Whenever he used to visit home for holidays, he used to narrate about a paradise on earth called Bangalore. During those days, Bangalore had only meter gauge and very few platforms. We had to change trains either at Guntakal or Miraj stations from meter gauge to broad gauge to go towards Mumbai. It became fully broad-gauge in the mid-eighties.

Bangalore then was indeed a paradise! I was staying in Jayanagar 9th Block near Raggigudda Temple. The auto drivers had a different avatar than the brash ones of today. Though they were no saints, they were no rouges either! Jayanagar 9th block was then considered outside city limits and so was the HAL airport and we had to cough up one and a half times the meter fare. They would sometimes refuse to ferry us too!

My office was first housed at Sabari Complex, next to the now defunct Imperial Theatre on Residency Road. I used to reach my office in two-wheeler Chetak in flat 15 minutes. Today the same distance on the same route will take not less than 45 minutes- so much so for todays traffic!

Very close to our office was an old Edwardian hotel- Victoria Hotel, opposite to Mayo Hall. Today the landmark hotel is demolished and Central Mall has come in its place. We used to chill out there. It was a very popular for its open space, greenery and natural surroundings.

There was an open-air theatre in Bannerghatta Road. We frequently visited the place. Today it is beyond recognition. We used to return back home late night and though the roads were deserted, it was safe. The problem was in case you were lost after 7.30 pm you would not get a single soul on the road to ask for directions.

During those days we had to wait for seven years to get a LAN connection from BSNL. If we wanted to make an STD call, we had to go to the telegraph office either at Jayanagar 4th Block or at Basavangudi.

Today I cannot recognise my old Bangalore. It has lost its old heritage and culture. However, my love for the city has in no way diminished. One of the volunteers of The Greens, Suma, is now a practising paediatrician. Hima Bindu is a Chartered Accountant and Suresh is an entrepreneur.

I quit Blue Star as DGM and now I am a financial planner and advisor trying to educate todays youth and homemakers.

Dilip Gurjar
(The author can be contacted at gurjardilip2008@gmail.com)

Actor Arya is known for his outstanding performances in Tamil films like Arinthum Ariyamalum, Pattiyal, Naan Kadavul, Madrasapattinam and Raja Rani. He is making his debut in the Kannada film industry with Rajaratha which is produced by Ajay Reddy. Arya will also be seen playing interesting characters in his forthcoming projects like Ghajinikanth, Santhana Devan and Sangamithra. He is fond of travelling and plays football on a regular basis.

Cinema

Kamal Haasan

"I am a not a movie buff. I can count the number of movies that I have watched so far. But among the actors whose work I admire is Kamal Haasan. I like him for his versatility. I also find the work of actors Surya and Vikram extremely impressive. They are talented and dedicated to their craft. I can watch football matches one after the other, but I can never watch movies at the same pace."

Music

Michael Jackson

"I am not a big fan of music and I dont take any extra effort to put together a playlist. Among the very few musicians whose albums I have listened to are Michael Jackson. I enjoy listening to most of his songs and I feel that he has an inimitable style and voice. I usually listen to music when I am working out or travelling."

Travel

Rishikesh

"I travel extensively and some of my favourite travel destinations are Kashi, Rishikesh, Sikkim and a few places in Kerala. I love backpacking by myself. I always make it a point to try the local food and understand the culture of the places that I visit. I never stay in five star hotels and prefer to find a small place somewhere in the interiors."

Food

Mutton biryani

"My food intake is very limited and I am careful with my diet. But if I have to mention a favourite dish then it is my mothers preparation of Mutton biryani. She also makes good south Indian food but her biryani is unbeatable. I have tried continental and Italian dishes but I am not very fond of them. I can eat it just to survive."

Books

Tinkle

"I dont read books. The only books that I have read so far are Tinkle and Chandamama. I dont enjoy reading. I can never go beyond three pages of any book. Somehow, I have never been inclined to reading. I have forced myself to read but I have never been successful at it."

Inspiration

P T Usha

"I was inclined towards athletics from my childhood and I looked up to P T Usha. I wanted to be like her because nobody has ever represented the country in as many prestigious international events as she did. Some of the others who have inspired me are Cristiano Ronaldo, Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi. Their dedication and commitment towards their sport is admirable."

A new year is essentially a new beginning. As people, we hope to build productive lives and quality homes. A good house is one which is comfortable, aesthetically appealing and falls within a feasible budget. It is not an impossible task to acquire the same, rather all it requires is planning and organising. Read on to get some ideas on building an ideal house.

For right reasons

When youre planning to construct a new house, it is important to keep in mind the reasons and expectations. Recognising your reasons for moving forward with a new build and identifying your future plans helps you develop a design brief that your designer, architect or builder can turn into a workable plan. If you are unclear about your requirements, or are trying to accommodate conflicting needs, then you may be disappointed with the outcome.

In order to get it right, decide between an owner-occupier building or an investment. While this sounds simple, it is an important step with major ramifications. If you plan to live in the building, you will have certain needs and expectations, and these may be different from constructing a building for rent. Designing for your needs means different choices and spending more money as compared to building it as a rental or property for sale.

Expert advice

Before you start, its always good to get some advice from your architect and builder. An architect will advise clients where best to invest in their homes and will try to recommend ways to save money and keep the job within the budget. You could also consult a contractor to get a model price on what you are planning to do.

Clarity in budget

There is a misconception that telling an architect or builder how much you plan to spend is a bad idea. It is impossible for them to advice or chalk out a good plan without knowing your budget. Having clarity about the amount youre willing to spend will allow your architect to prioritise and steer you in the right direction in terms of where your money would be best spent and what compromises need to be made.

At what price?

Be clear about the services offered and their costs, because the contractors price covers only the construction, electrical and plumbing work, including internal doors. But, it does not include the purchase of windows, kitchens, bathroom fittings or finishing.

Do your research

It is a good idea to get quotes from different suppliers for the items that are not covered in the contractors price. Make sure that the companies are working on a similar brief. Subtle differences also have a huge impact on the total cost. Weigh your options and compare the quotes and choose the one that offers you the best deal.

The professionals fee

If you are planning to work with an architect, speak to him or her about how their fee structure works; is it percentage-based or a fixed fee? A percentage-based fee will mean that as the budget increases, the fee would also increase. So, this is a very important to factor into your cost plan. Besides the architects fees, you will also need to include fees for other consultants, such as structural engineers and a quantity surveyor.

Get samples

Source samples of timber, architraves, floors, tiles, etc, to include on your mood board. While a lot of this can be considered interior design, your choices here will help convey the right feel you want for your home to your designer.

Other costs

If you need planning permission for the work you are proposing, there will be contributions to the council. These will vary depending on the work you are planning. If you need to move out while the work is going on, for example, will you need to rent? Or will you need to pay for storage costs?

Set aside contingency

Once you have a substantial idea of what your budget is, you will need to set aside at least 10% as a contingency for any unexpected extra costs. Building projects can often run up against problems that are unpredictable from the outset.

Changes can be costly

Finally, once your project is underway, be careful about making big changes or last-minute additions. These will be things that the builder had not priced before and will add up quickly, and can lead to an add-on to the existing budget.

Add value

Consider the resale value of your new house and how you can add value to the house plans for your future. Even though you are far from having it built, thinking ahead not only improves your current lifestyle but can also result in realised gains later.

Finally, a very important aspect, the amount of light that enters the house depends on its orientation, design and placement of windows. Consider the views as well. If you are fortunate enough to have a beautiful view, then take advantage of this and plan for windows or French doors in a spot that allows you to appreciate this and provide added value.

(The author is city head - Bengaluru, SILA)

The Republic Day Flower Show at Lalbagh is just a fortnight away and the Horticulture Departments decision to ban food items, owing to piling up of garbage and increasing number of stray dogs, has drawn mixed reactions from regular walkers and visitors to the park.

Managing the garbage and keeping the premises of the park clean on a daily basis is a challenge, say the officials of the Horticulture Department. They point out that people tend to bring in food because Lalbagh is a preferred destination for picnics and outings. But this habit disturbs the natural setting of the park.

Chandrashekar M R, deputy director, Lalbagh, points out that the rule had always existed and it was just being enforced in a more stringent manner now, especially during holidays and on days where there are special shows in the park. "We will not allow people to bring in food items as this increases the chances of littering. We have deputed additional security guards to frisk people at the entrance just to make sure that food is not smuggled in," says Chandrashekar.

Regular visitors welcomed the decision saying that it will do well to preserve the heritage and legacy of the landmark. Aparna Athreya, a professional, feels that when the intention is good, people will abide by it. "People will surely cooperate with activities that are meant for the larger good of the society. This will also ensure sustainability of the decision in the long term." She also points out that this decision may inspire a similar move in the other heritage spaces in the city.

Vijaya Moorthy, a homemaker, has lost count of the number of times she has visited Lalbagh. She says banning people from carrying food items is not a practical step. "Parents who visit parks with children are bound to carry snacks for the children. It would be better if the authorities demarcate a space in Lalbagh for people to eat. Those who are found violating this rule should be fined. This will instill a sense of responsibility in people," feels Vijaya.

Mohammed Khan, an employee in the hospitality industry, points out that there are two repercussions of this decision.

"A lot of middle-class families enjoy going for picnics to Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. They carry food with them with the intent of spending the whole day there. This new rule will dampen the spirit of this group and they may just lose interest in visiting the park," says Mohammed.

He suggests that instead of imposing a ban, the authorities should create a separate zone for people to sit and eat. "This will not deter people from visiting and will ensure that they dont litter the space," he concludes.

Actor Roshni Prakash was first noticed by Kannada movie goers for her role in Ajaraamara where she played an independent young girl. Tiger Galli soon followed suit. She is now a part of Kavalu Daari where she is cast opposite Rishi. As the shooting progresses, Roshni takes time off her busy schedule to chat with Tini Sara Anien about her role and more.

Youve been in the industry for one year. How do you feel?

I feel blessed that Ive been able to do varied roles in such a short time. I came to this industry with a blank mind. I initially believed that I was supposed to act exactly like the director told me to. But now I know that I can give my own inputs and should develop my own style. The learning process has been quite eventful. I have learnt to be myself.

Is homework important for every role?

I always do intense homework for my roles. I do not believe in reaching the sets and slipping into the character. I take extra effort to learn the lines and emote accordingly. I watch a lot of movies and I am often able to recall performances from other films when the director asks me to act in a certain way, and that helps me a lot. I am a keen observer.

Did you find it difficult to depict any particular emotion initially?

When I was a fresher, I found it difficult to do romantic scenes. I strongly believe that one should truly feel the emotion to be able to depict it on screen.

What is your role in Kavalu Daari?

I play a dignified woman who takes care of her father and is very responsible. How she pushes herself beyond her limits is one of the aspects explored in the project.

What attracted you to the project?

There were many factors. The fact that Hemanth Rao of Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu is directing the film and it is being directed by Puneeth Rajkumars production house drew me to it. I felt positive vibes when I heard the script and I instantly agreed.

Any particular kind of roles you want to be seen in?

I just want to keep doing films that challenge me as an artiste. Even if my role is minimal, I want to do justice to it. There is no point of being on screen without leaving an impact on the audience. I want the audience to remember me.

Given a chance, which directors would you like to work with?

I feel lucky that I am already working with Hemanth sir. There are a lot of new age directors with a very experimental approach. I would like to work with directors like Rakshit Shetty.

The industry is changing. Are you excited to be a part of it?

I couldnt have been more excited. When I was thinking about an entry into Sandalwood, there were many who warned me about female actors not getting much appreciation here. But that has changed drastically in the past few years. There are a lot of films with female-centric subjects and strong plots now.

Online shopping has become the order of the day. With the convenience of doorstep delivery, online trading has also made its way into peoples life. Today, there are many marketing platforms that promise seamless buying and selling of goods.

However, the missing of Bengaluru techie, Ajitabh Kumar, who went out to close a deal with a buyer he found on online trading website OLX, has stirred a hornets nest. A few Bengalureans say that they feel unsafe using portals like these in future.

Jathin Akash Kumar, an industrialist, says, "These portals that vouch to be safe and convenient for users should become more responsible. It is high time they understand the consequences these platforms can have on peoples life. A better screening process of every users identity should be given priority and this should not stop at this. There should be some provision wherein the meeting of the buyer and seller can be tracked down."

He points out that this is not the first such incident that has surfaced. In fact, there are many stories of people taking these platforms for granted. Various incidences of online frauds and fake profiles have been coming out.

So, does this mean, that these platforms have lost its real purpose? "I dont think the purpose is lost. There are a lot of people who have found what they wanted and have had good experiences. Of course, they will become wary now, especially after so many incidences coming to light. It is sad to see that many genuine buyers and sellers are at risk because of a handful of people," opines Jathin.

It has been more than 15 days since Ajitabh to go missing and there has been no trace of his whereabouts. Manish S, a music site manager, believes that the recent incident has created a sense of fear among people and has affected the companys reputation too.

"It is really unfortunate to hear the techies incident. The purpose of the site was to keep its customers safe but this incident definitely questions this aspect. The company has to work on its business model," he says.

"Having said that, safety should always be ones priority. Ensuring ones safety especially while going out to meet an unknown buyer or seller would be the wisest thing to do," adds Manish S.

It must be her charming smile, her bubbly personality or the mouthwatering dishes she prepares. Whichever it may be, Maria Goretti has won many hearts with her appearance on screen.

Shes back again to the small screen with I Want To Bake Free on Living Foodz where she explores the nuanced world of baking and simplifies the daunting aspects of baking.

In a chat with Anila Kurian, Maria talks about her show and her plans for the year ahead.

Youve been part of the culinary world for a few years now. How has it been?

Its probably my interest in wanting to learn more that drew me to join the culinary world. I never thought that I would have a show or even have a YouTube channel. Everything just fell into place for me.

Do you think your work has impacted aspiring chefs?

Im not sure. I dont believe looking at what others are doing. I do what I love and I cook within a style that I am comfortable in. My recipes are more about sharing than being anything else.

Whats your all-time favourite recipe?

I love making my mothers Baked chicken. In desserts, Mille-feuille is something that I enjoy.

What do you think will be the food trend in 2018?

I honestly have no idea and I dont think I care much. Im on a holiday right now and thats all Im thinking about right now (laughs).

What are your recommendations to stay fit?

As long as you follow a balanced diet, you dont have to pick and choose everything you eat. And by a balanced diet, I mean, taking in enough proteins and fat for your body. And most importantly, just exercise regularly and youll automatically join the fitness wagon.

What are the goals that you want to achieve this year?

I am not someone who likes to schedule my goals. I just want to travel, explore more food and be happy.

Which place tops your bucket list?

Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for a very long time now. I hope to make it happen this year.

Do you have any favourite places for food?

The world has gotten larger and theres so much to discover these days. So its hard to pick a favourite place to go. I love everywhere there is food.

Whats special about your show?

It is a baking show that has something for everyone. If you want to learn an easy or a difficult one, we have that. Its also for those who want to learn how to prepare something.

Whats something new that you learnt on the show?

Ive learnt to temper chocolate. I have always worked with chocolate but Ive avoided tempering it.

Though armed with a degree in Economics, sisters Gauri and Nainika Karan, discovered pretty early on in life that their calling lay in fashion. They wasted no time in launching their label, Gauri and Nainika and churning out designs that not only have a playful and youthful spirit about them but unfailingly trigger a trend of sorts.

The designer duo has dressed up possibly every actor from Sonakshi Sinha, Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu and have them swear by their garments. In the city recently for the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, Gauri, took time off to chat with Nina C George about their inspiration and what keeps them going.

Tell us about your latest collection...

Our latest line is an amalgamation of romantic dresses and playful rompers with hints of embellishments. The styles are exceedingly suave and full of prints in flowy-floaty silhouettes in the softest subtlest pastel shades with highlights in brighter tones. Each outfit in the collection is a trend in itself.

How do you define fashion?

Fashion is inherent and it is more about style and how you carry yourself more than blindly following trends.

What prompted you and Nainika to work together?

Nainika and I are only a year apart, but we have grown up like twins and are kind of inseparable. We have always had the same thought process and shared the same likes and dislikes. Growing up, we were inspired by the same things. As children, we loved dressing up, so choosing a career in the fashion industry was a natural progression.

What inspires you both?

Thanks to our mother, we grew up watching some of the best Hollywood movies. We generously drew on the rich romance of Hollywood movies. So our label combines colour and styling to create feminine silhouettes. Some of our earlier works were inspired gardens, fashion during the 1942 war and subjects like global warming also find place in our work.

How would you describe your fashion sensibilities?

Our mantra is understated glamour. We dont like anything that is over the top or too much bling. We like making clothes that are a little understated but at the same time make a big statement.

Are you always under the pressure to create something original?

Yes. But we dont look at it as pressure because it challenges us. Our work is exciting, alive and not mundane because we are forced to think original and think different.

How do you keep pace with the competition?

The Indian fashion industry has changed a great deal from when we began in 2004. The designers, markets, consumers and the fashion sensibilities have evolved and are highly driven by what trending on social media. Our finish and workmanship are on a par with the Western brands. Healthy competition keeps us going.

It is getting hard to keep track of the number of protests and demonstrations happening across the length and breadth of the country daily. While some of them certainly do not deserve the excessive attention (though we are glad that Deepika Padukones nose was spared in return for an i), others deserved the debates and discussions they sparked.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, which was tabled in Parliament on Friday, proposes allowing practitioners of alternative medicines such as Homoeopathy and Ayurveda practise Allopathy after completing a bridge course. The contentious provision sparked off protests by the medical fraternity across the country and even though the bill has now been referred to a parliamentary standing committee, the anger refuses to die down.

Dr Bharath Kumar, President, Karnataka Medical Students and Youth Doctor Association, says, "A bridge course to Ayush practitioners can only teach them how to do symptomatic treatment. Like prescribing a Paracetamol for a fever or an acidity killer for abdominal pain. But it will be difficult for them to diagnose the cause of such problems." "For example, Ayush doctors may prescribe pain relief medicines for a person complaining of chest pain. But what if he had a heart attack?" he asks.

Noting that it seems to be a move to fill the many vacant seats in AYUSH courses in colleges, he goes on to add that a proposal like this degrades systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy that have a long history. He also points out that their practitioners are themselves opposing such a move.

Dr Nagashri, who has been practising Homoeopathy for the last 15 years, agrees. "We are all specialised in our own courses. We have studied Allopathy in college but when it comes to medication, it is better to stick to what we know."

She adds, "I am not against the bill. In case there is an emergency, we can handle it. Especially in rural areas, where there is deficiency of doctors, a bridge course may help. But I am not agreeable to this on a regular basis. I think my profession is great and I should do justice to it."

Rumela Nellore, a homemaker, is clear about how she feels about this move. "I will not go to those doctors for Allopathic medicines. I would go to them for Ayurveda and Homeopathic treatment but this proposal is kind of scary."

My dream to visit the land where Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid and where Mahatma Gandhi did his barristership came true last year.

Ours was a group of eight people booked through Thomas Cook, two were from Mumbai, four were from Kolkatta and my wife and I were from Bengaluru.

The South African Airways from Mumbai at 2.05 am took us to Johannesburg by 7.30 am local time. Another flight from there at 11 am took us to Cape Town by 1 pm to be met by the local guide and checked into Pepper Club Hotel.

Next morning, we visited the Hout Bay for a boat ride against the ocean currents. It was a roller coaster experience and had a view of the Seal Colony in the middle.

Later, we left for Cape of Good Hope via fishermen colony and forest conservatory which houses 3,500 species of plants. We were excited to be at the southernmost tip of South Africa about which we had read in our high school books and took pictures there.

Travelling up by the funicular, we reached the Cape point (lighthouse) and had a beautiful view of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

After lunch, we visited Boulders beach to view hundreds of tiny cute Penguins at close range. Later, we visited the vast and beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoyed the nature there.

Our destination next morning was Table Mountain which was considered as one of the seven wonders of the world during 2007 to 2011. We reached the top through Rotair and had a panoramic view of Cape Town which is beyond words to explain. Later, we headed towards Camps Bay Beach with pure white sand and walked through Parliament House, Green Market, Museum etc.

We also visited the square where Nelson Mandela addressed the first rally after his release from 27 years of imprisonment. After lunch, we had one hour cruise at the Victoria Wharf.

It was time to leave Cape Town and head towards Knysna. On the way, we visited Barthelomeo Dias museum and Post Office Tree at Mossel Bay. At Knysna, we took the sunset cruise which lasted for one and a half hours and checked into Semola Hotel by night.

After breakfast next day, we left for Outdshoorn and had a guided tour of the ostrich farm. The ostrich eggs are so hard that even if we stamp them they are unbreakable. We fed the birds and also took a ride on them. We also purchased beautiful paintings done on their eggs. After that, we left for Cheetah Ranch where we were allowed to touch the domesticated cheetahs which were a thrilling experience. After lunch, we visited the Congo Caves famous for stalactites and stalagmites which is a good two km path lasting an hour and it was a wonderful sight. Early next morning, we left Knysna to Port Elizabeth to catch a flight to Johannesburg. From there we took a bus ride to reach Sun City after travelling for about five hours through the arid regions.

Sun City is a beautiful manmade city amidst the barren land with lots of greenery. It is famous for its water sports and casinos. We checked into Cascades Hotel and immediately took a safari ride to view the big five - the lion, cheetah, elephant, hippo and Cape buffalo - but were fortunate to see only a few of them. Our next day was spent in roaming around the entire city watching peacocks, golf course, beautiful lawns, enjoying water games and finally left for Johannesburg.

In the afternoon, we visited the Goldenreef City, where there was a demonstration of extraction of gold from the ores. Also, we visited the miners museum where the household articles used by miners in olden days were preserved.

In the evening, we left for the city tour of Johannesburg covering Apartheid Museum, Gandhi Square and so on. In the night, we checked into Hotel Doreale Grande. Finally, it was time to leave the continent with sweet memories and reached Bengaluru via Mumbai.

(The author can be contacted at hkdrao@gmail.com)

Actor Sangeetha Bhat made her debut with Preethi Geethi Ithyadhi, which was followed by Maamu Tea Angadi. She was lauded for her role in the experimental movie Dayavittu Gamanisi. The actor was also a part of TV serials like Panjaradha Gili, Chandra Chakori and Chandramukhi. She was also seen in the video album Saniha and many TV commercials. Her upcoming projects are Alidu Ulidavaru, Kismat and an untitled film opposite Chiranjeevi Sarja.

"How I wish that weekends would come twice in seven days? Weekends are the time that I enjoy the most. I used to be a regular at parties earlier but over the years, I have been spending more time with my loved ones at home.

On Fridays, I sometimes head out to see my singer-friend Rahul perform at Gillys Restro Bar. If Im home,I watch movies on Amazon Prime or Netflix. I am a movie buff and this is the only time I can catch up on all the movies that I missed out on.

Saturdays start really late for me. I stay comfortably tucked in bed till afternoon but once Im up, I jump into action. I live with my mother and love spending time with her.

We share many common interests which helps us make plans together. When my cousins come over, we play board games like Business, Ludo and Housie. When outside, we hang out at malls and watch 3D films. I am a foodie and I love eating out.

Saturday is my binge day and I enjoy anything tasty that I can get my hands on. Sometimes, I treat myself to Death By Chocolate at Corner House and I dont mind going by myself for this. I enjoy cooking and I like to prepare varied vegetarian delights. Cooking is a very therapeutic experience and I indulge in it regularly.

I work out religiously from Sunday onwards and try my best to not miss the gym. I usually work out in a group. Workouts make me feel good from within and rejuvenate me. I also dont miss out on my yoga sessions.

Meeting my friend Sahana is an important part of the weekend agenda. She is a TV actor and we talk about everything under the sun. She guides me when I am lost or confused about a project. We share the love for food. From chaat to biryani, we indulge in it all. I also try to meet my other industry and non-industry friends during the weekends.

I dont make rigid plans for Saturdays and Sundays. I love cricket and given a chance, I would play it any given time. I like playing with the boys from my area or sometimes even on the sets. I am a dog lover and often visit kennels. I love feeding and playing with them. If I am not in the city, I go out of the city with my boyfriend Sudarshan. We go to places like Goa, Mangaluru and Madikeri. I have recently started visiting holiday destinations abroad too.

If I had to sum it in a few words, a perfect weekend is being with loved ones, lazing around and munching hot pakodas. After all, home is where the heart is."