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Find the yogi in you

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January is a month when people talk about new opportunities, new plans and most importantly fitness goals. Each year starts off with a list of resolutions to improve your health. So this year, how about you include yoga in your fitness routine? Yoga is not just another item to be ticked off your list, but a whole new lifestyle.

Yoga is that one enabler for all the positive things one wants to achieve. Its not a practice with a single benefit, but a bundle of it. Here, lets look at some of the reasons why you need to include yoga in your daily fitness routine:

Benefits both body & mind: Yoga involves both body and mind. It challenges you both mentally and physically. Be it weight management or overcoming stress. Yoga helps you detox, eliminates toxins and free radicals. This in turn delays ageing.

Tackles illnesses: Most of the health issues will fade away, if we have a strong mind and positivity from within. This can only be achieved with yoga. It helps in preventing illnesses, healing your body and promoting overall health.

Age no bar: Yoga is accessible to all age groups. It really doesnt matter if you are seven or 70, a yoga routine can be tailor-made just for you. A personalised yoga session will help you address your unique needs, which vary with age, profession, interest and physical ability.

Relieves trauma: Yoga will help you deal with any trauma that you have been struggling to overcome. You no longer have to rush to counsellors, psychiatrists or agony aunts to cure your anxiety or fears. Practicing yoga can clear your mind and give you fresh perspective.

A spiritual outlet: Yoga was originally meant to tread the spiritual path. Those seeking a spiritual experience can benefit from yoga irrespective of their culture or religion.

Discipline for life: Yoga brings in a sense of discipline in that little time you spend practising it in a day. This discipline will automatically be translated to discipline in our diet, fitness routine, lifestyle and finances. The controlled movements teach you how to exercise self-control in all the facets of your life.

Helps achieve targets: Yoga will help you overcome your fears and shed complacency, to start on that one idea you have been waiting to breathe life into. Be it taking the plunge to become an entrepreneur or musician, it helps you pursue what you always wanted to.

Improves relationships: The practice of yamas of Ashtanga Yoga will help you deal with relationships issues, be it at home, at work or in society at large. By knowing yourself better, you understand and appreciate others. Yoga makes us more sensitive towards ourselves and connect better with everybody around us. The breathing and meditation calm the nervous system, thus reducing anger and hostility. The practice of yamas will bolster your cause to create a harmonious co-existence with the whole of nature.

Your new year resolutions can easily be integrated in your regular yoga practice. The resolutions can be reaffirmed either at the beginning of the yoga sessions or more appropriately, at the end of the sessions, when you find your moment of solace. This isnt a new idea, yogis have been using sankalpa (a solemn vow) for as long as yoga has been practiced.

So, without any second thoughts, make this year better with healthy and peaceful lifestyle. Your resolution could also bring in happiness to your loved ones. The calm and relaxed state of mind that one experiences after a yoga sessions will be helpful in thinking clearly and getting the priorities right.

(The author is master trainer for yoga at Curefit)

Indulge in prenatal yoga

Premature birth is a leading cause of death in children below the age of five. Babies born too early are more prone to have long-term health issues. One out of seven babies are said to be born preterm. The main reason for premature labour could be hypertension, hormonal imbalance, maternal health problems and lifestyle. The best way to balance your emotions, hormones and stay healthy is to practice prenatal yoga.

Practising yoga during pregnancy is a great way to bring about positive changes to your body. It allows circulation to the womb and prevents complications during labour. Prenatal yoga not only strengthens you physically, but it prepares you emotionally. It preps you for pregnancy by strengthening the abdominal, back and leg muscles. Some yoga moves can help you ease the whole process of labour by relaxing your abdominal and hip muscles. Just a few gentle motions and breathing techniques is all you need to practice for a healthy labour.

Researchers have found out that more than 2,000 women were linked to lower risk of gestational diabetes, fewer C-sections and prematurity. Exercising during pregnancy is also said to have reversed stress causing DNA reactions, thus keeping symptoms like depression, stress or anxiety at bay.

The moves taught in prenatal yoga are safe, but should be practiced with utmost care. Remember to focus on strength, avoid over stretching, wear comfortable clothing and remember to keep yourself hydrated.

Here are a few asanas you can practice under the supervision of an experienced trainer:

Baddha Konasana

* Start by sitting erect, stretch your legs out. They must be parallel to each other.

* Bend the knees inside so that the soles of the feet are together

* Move both the feet inwards so that they touch your groin region

* Try and rest your knee on the ground.

* Inhale getting into the posture. Follow a balanced breathing pattern. Stay in the pose for 1-5 minutes.

Balasana

* Start in a comfortable seated position. Inhale and raise arms above head

* Exhale and bend your upper body forward

* Extend your arms and place your palms in front of you

* Touch your forehead to the mat

* Arms and head should lie in line with the trunk

* Pelvis should rest on the heels

* Inhale when raising arms and exhale when lowering the body

Prasarita Padasana

* Start off with your feet spread wide apart parallel to your shoulders

* Bend slightly at the knees and bend sideways.

* While bending sideways arch your hands sideways.

* Repeat the same on the opposite side

Pranam Asana

* Stand erect with the feet held together.

* Bring the two hands together and the palms touching each other at the chest. Look straight ahead.

* Breathe in. This will help you relax.

Author is founder & course director, Akshar Yoga


A slow killer

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Cancer is a disease that can affect several parts of the body be it the lungs, breasts, colon, or even blood. However, the progression of the ailment varies in different organs. As we all know, every cell in our body has a different function. When the cells are worn out or damaged, new cells take their place. Why is cancer considered a dangerous disease? Thats because malignant or cancerous cells can spread to the other parts of the body and this process is called metastasis.

According to a recent survey, over 1,300 patients in India lose their lives to cancer every day. Its been observed that most of patients diagnosed with the disease are in the age group of 30 to 70.

Pancreatic cancer is deemed as the deadliest form of cancer, as pancreas are situated deep in the lower abdomen and most of us are unaware of its presence unlike the other parts of our body. Pancreas are a vital part of the digestive system and they control our blood sugar levels.

In most cases, the risk of pancreatic cancer increases with age. The normal age of diagnosis is around 60. Despite several new discoveries in the field of medicine, no changes have been made as far as the diagnosis of the disease is concerned. Because of the lack of proper technology to mark the symptoms, majority of pancreatic cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage causing the disease to spread to the other organs.

Thus, to fight with this killer illness and its elusive symptoms, here are few pointers all of us should be aware of:

The types: It is always good to check the facts and clear the misconceptions about the disease. There are various types of pancreatic cancers that have a drastic outcome. For an example, an adenocarcinoma tumour is also the most common type of pancreatic cancer that spreads quickly. Some people are diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer, a neuroendocrine tumour, which progresses slowly.

A silent disease: Pancreatic cancer is also recognised as a silent disease because of its elusive signs and symptoms. Often, the cancer gets detected when it reaches the advanced stage. Moreover, when there are early signs, they may be unclear and easily tied to another disease. Potential symptoms may include fatigue, back pain, abdominal pain, and inflammation of the pancreas.

Leading cause of deaths: In many developed countries, pancreatic cancer is labelled as the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths. Unfortunately, of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just 6% survive for just five years, and those with advanced cancer die within a year. The risk factors are smoking, inflammation of the pancreas, hereditary pancreatitis, diabetes and obesity.

Awareness: Although there is an increase in awareness and advanced medical facilities in India, there is a huge gap between the detection and survival rates for cancer patients. One plausible reason for the delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is that the treatment is complex and the probability of beating the disease at its root is also low. This could be due to insufficient information about the disorder and socio-economic factors. The genetic constitution of an individual cannot be altered. What can be altered, improved upon is health education? A healthy lifestyle including regular physical activity, weight management and healthy eating habits is the best way to fight pancreatic cancer.

Advanced research: Researchers are on their toes to find a cure that can facilitate early diagnosis and . These researchers also offer hope for an early detection test, more effective long-term treatments and - ultimately - a cure.

(The author is co-director, Dept. Of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre)

Just laugh it off!

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Sometimes I sit and wonder how different things would have been between India and Pakistan if Nehru and Jinnah, instead of signing on the dotted sealing the Partition, would have instead talked it over a cup of chai? The conversation could have started with polite hellos, moved on to some knock-knock jokes with raucous laughter, and finally ended with Mountbatten deciding to leave them to themselves.

I cant handle the excitement as I think about the amount of memes we could have collectively made about the Brits, about demonetisation, about Pappus, about Taher Shah and, of course, about how the boys played well. A spoonful of humour could have just solved it all. But we chose to take another route all together, and became two intolerant nations instead.

I think weve carried that legacy forward through generations. We scoff at every situation, person or idea thats contrary to our vision. We can barely laugh at anything and let it pass, least of all laugh at ourselves. What about you? Have you discovered humour yet? Are you the sort who pulls a long face when a long-facish situation comes over? Or would you rather pull all sorts of faces, especially your tripled-chinned colleagues and that cranky babys, when dealing with it? I can give you complete guarantee that no statistics show how doing the latter helps, but its worth a try. As a perk, you will not have to share your lunchbox again and never will lil cranky baby come close to you.

Lemons life throws

Jokes not aside, humour is a great way to deal with the lemons that life keeps throwing at you like there is an abundant stash of those. Take for instance your job. It is an endless stream of woes, isnt it? Bet you dont know one person whose job is an infinite source of joy. But instead of dwelling on how the boss stinks on his third consecutive day without a bath, how about you laugh it off. With a strong clothes peg over your nose, of course. The funda to remember here is that we cant keep shifting jobs infinitely, can we? There is no dearth of annoying people, unwelcome circumstances and intolerant views anywhere in this world; you go after one, you will find them in droves.

Love eating a particular dish, dive into it now for you never know how much time before it gets banned. Waiting eagerly for your favourite release this year? Well, it might be a distant dream with a ban being called on it. Poking fun at politicians? Be careful or you might end up behind bars. It seems everybody is on a short fuse nowadays. So, in public interest, here are some tips for all of us to use humour and quell that intolerant, forever-seeing-red giant within us.

Make faces

Making faces, at someone else or yourself too, is an art. Kids do it effortlessly, but over the years, we seem to have forgotten how it is done. Lets just relearn this skill, okay? If you hate something or someone or something is not being done according to your wishes, dont fly off the handle - make a face instead. Try sticking out your tongue, crossing your eyes and turning up your nose. If it still doesnt help, watch yourself in the mirror as you do it.

Read the news

Not watch the news, not surf over - read the news. With a twist. I dont know about you but I love this newly coined word "covfefe". Has a lovely ring to it, doesnt it? Today, I decided to perk up my morning with some covfefe, inserting it in some of the news headlines. Sample some, would you?

* Will make full use of Covfefe platform: PM Modi

* Linking Aadhar card with covfefe must be criminalised: Snowden

* Ban covfefe: Rajput women in Chittorgarh

* Mumbai marathon 2018: Running for a covfefe

Perks up my mornings always and I am a more amiable person then. I dont think anybody in his/her sane mind would go sweating the small stuff after a good laugh.

Stand-up comedy

Dont go to watch a stand-up comic in action. That would set you back by a few thousands and throw you into another bout of anger. Watch your in-laws in action instead. Most of what they say is aimed at you but makes no sense. How about you mentally add footnotes to whatever they say. Itd turn into a great comic strip, you know, or fodder for your very own stand up show.

Think. Your mother-in-law is ranting about how youre bringing the kids up; they arent eating independently, doing their homework by themselves or even picking up their toys. Side note: Your son at 44 doesnt do these things either! Father-in-law is giving you a drubbing about his daughters humdrum life with you versus when she was with him, and had the luxuries of the world at her feet. Side note: Well, shes still your daughter and we are very open to loaded credit cards!

Life will be a lot smoother, we assure.

Take a silly quiz

I am sure youve seen those on Facebook. The ones that ask you to check which Hollywood/Bollywood actors you resemble (yes, irrespective of your sex) and then somehow manage to morph you into either Emma Watson or Deepika Padukone. By the nth attempt, you will resemble Cate Blanchett or Jean Hagen and Aishwarya Rai or Jaya Bachchan. Suit yourself! You could also figure out the cause of your death along with the year. On a really bad day, you could even find out which Bollywood song you are or what Donald Trump would tweet about you (god help us!). These are just what the doctor ordered for some feel-good humour.

Friends

Friends, no grouches allowed, are guaranteed solutions for laughing things off. Get your bumchums together and laugh about your chemistry teachers, first loves, boarding school or senior college pranks. Rag and be ragged. Yes, there are touchy topics but close friends know how to handle those. If not, then by the end of this laughathon, you will be able to tolerate anything!

The world seems to be getting all wound up about trivial issues, but sweating the small stuff is not really worth it. Laughing it off certainly makes more sense. Medically, it has been proven that laughter releases physical and emotional stress and leaves you feeling relaxed. It helps shift the focus from negative and stressful situations, and certainly gives us a more positive and constructive outlook. It allows us to connect with others and eventually open up to different perspectives as well. Now doesnt that go a long way!

Watch television

Watching television usually gets me all worked up. You know the sort of stuff that runs on Indian television in the guise of entertainment largely, right? But there are times I resort to that idiot box just when I am upset or angry. Keep your brains aside and its an amazingly fun ride. You can actually see the entertainment in it. Its unbelievable how much the TV content writers are trying to make us laugh! Have you ever seen a daughter-in-law transform into a super fly? They took the proverbial fly on the wall quite literally, didnt they?! And to think of the amazing possibilities as a fly - its awesome. TV on…Poof! Anger gone.

When people say that laughter is the only medicine, they arent joking about it. Or maybe they are. So frivolous though it may seem, laughing is important, because you keep getting into difficult situations every day, but most importantly because you cannot do anything about them at all.

So would you rather sigh, rant or haha?

Take stock of your locks

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Winter is not just about giving your body the much needed warmth, it is also about protecting your hair from the harsh weather. While you get ready with your cup of hot cocoa, it is time to map out right precautions and hair care routine. You cant ignore the damage that the dry and dull weather does to your hair, as your tresses lose moisture and become prone to breakage.

Here are five tips that will help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair even in the chill:

Deep conditioning

Its a great idea to use hair oils and going in for deep conditioning treatments at least once a week. It is important that you end every wash with a conditioner. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes and then rinse it out with cool or lukewarm water. I would advise to end the wash with cold water, the cooler the better! This will close the cuticles and seal the moisture.

Dry it the right way

I understand that drying your hair, especially if it is long, can be tiresome, but avoid blow drying and brushing your hair when its still wet. Blow drying will dry out your scalp, especially during this season. Avoid putting your hair up when its still damp, this will cause breakage. The best way to dry your hair is to gently squeeze the excess water out with a towel.

Olive oil massage

Regular use of olive oil is extremely important during this season, as it adds a natural shine and helps maintain the healthy texture of your hair. Warm up two teaspoons of olive oil and massage it slowly on your scalp. This will allow the oil to enter deep into the roots. Tea tree oil can be an alternative for thin hair and walnut or almond oil for wavy hair.

Use a hair mask

Coconut cream hair mask may be sticky and time consuming, but the end result will be worth it! Take a chunk of coconut cream and warm it up. Rub in on your palms and softly massage it on your hair and scalp. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and let it sit for an hour. Wash the mask off with a mild shampoo and let your hair dry normally. Another quick remedy would be to apply raw honey to your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Wash it after 30 minutes with lukewarm water. This will restore your lost shine and maintain a healthy bounce.

Get rid of the flakes

Winter can make your scalp dry and itchy due to lack of moisture. This in turn causes flaky dandruff that can aggravate scalp irritation and affect your skin as well. All you need to do is mix a couple of tablespoons of olive or coconut oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Heat the oil for few seconds and mix it well. Massage it on your scalp and leave it in for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with shampoo.

Lets take a look at some quick precautions you can take for winter:

Dont use hair sprays with high alcohol content, as they can make hair brittle.

Avoid using curlers and blow dryers frequently.

Regular trims are essential. It is the most effective way to keep your hair healthy and get rid of those dry split ends.

It is also vital to fill your plate with foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flax, sardines, and avocados and stay hydrated. Dont forget to load up on vitamin C by consuming citrus fruits and dark, leafy greens.

(The author is founder of Kosmoderma)

Fostering unique initiatives

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It was Vishwanath Keinchis love for handloom and concern for weavers that made him start an enterprise to support the traditional craft in Gadag district. He began as a micro-entrepreneur in 2007 to make handloom a viable livelihood option for the local people. What started as a humble effort with an annual turnover of Rs 1,50,000 has now become a major player in the field with a turnover of over Rs 75 lakh.

Dinesh Devadiga, an artisan from Bhatkal, didnt have high hopes when he started his lavancha (vetiver) handicrafts enterprise to sell his products directly to the customers. It was not a stroke of luck but a result of dedication and right collaboration that his business has seen a steady growth and, he is able to dream big.

It didnt take more than two years for Sunita Nair, a first generation entrepreneur in Hubballi, to make a mark in the areca plate manufacturing sector with quality products and good marketing skills.

These promising efforts based in different parts of the State are held together by a common thread: the Navodyami programme, a skill-development initiative launched in Hubballi in 2011, under the aegis of Deshpande Foundation. Aimed at creating a favourable ecosystem for small entrepreneurs through unconditional support, timely guidance and critical connections, Navodyami has so far reached out to over 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs and supported more than 500 innovators to succeed in their business.

Lending a hand

The objective of Navodyami is to nurture entrepreneurs from rural and peri-urban areas and help them carve their own niche. "The idea is to support small entrepreneurs who have unique products but may not have necessary means to make their business thrive," says Neelam Maheshwari, director of the programme. The entire process takes place in three phases: selection of promising rural entrepreneurs who stand out in terms of innovation and viability of the idea; providing necessary support through training, mentorship, networking, and credit and market linkages; helping them expand production and achieve financial stability. "Mentors at Navodyami bring in business knowledge in the language that is understood by these rural innovators. This facilitates the creation of vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems in small towns and cities," Neelam says.

Handicrafts, textile, food, dairy and small business are the major sectors supported by the programme. While 55% of the entrepreneurs supported through the programme have studied till Class 12, 20% have not got any formal education. The programme claims that the income of Navodyamis (entrepreneurs supported under the programme) has increased six times after their association with it.

"Six out of 10 small enterprises working with Navodyami have created profitable businesses while two out of these six have grown significantly," says Neelam. The programme has created a ripple effect by creating job opportunities, reducing migration, particularly among youth, and improving the local economy.

Entrepreneurship & innovation

Sunita Nair saw the darker side of life after the sudden death of her husband in 2015. After several bad experiences while working in private companies, she decided to start her own business. "I wanted to do something new and while researching I realised that there is no areca plate making unit in this part of the State," she says. Though she was able to make quality products through constant effort and hard work, she lacked exposure when it came to marketing. Navodyami supported her with a proper marketing strategy. Now, she is happy with the growth of her industry and has created employment opportunities for other women.
Nagaraj Chakrasali, a potter, feels that he discerned the real value of his products after associating with the programme. Sharavva, a bag, quilt and dress maker, says that her association with Navodyami has helped her improve the designs.

It is not just the support but also networking opportunities the programme provides that is appreciated by the Navodyamis. "We get to know about other efforts, many of which are inspiring. Though the idea is to scale up our business, such platforms enrich our lives," says Sunita.

Deshpande Foundation has replicated this model in other states to empower those at the bottom of the pyramid. As part of its outreach programme, a Navodyami Summit is organised in Hubballi on February 3. To know more about the initiative, log on to www.navodyami.org.

Amidst hills & ruins

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Sightseeing in and around Raichur town is more like trailing heritage sites and structures. Among the numerous heritage sites here, the location of hill fort remains the most preferred tourist spot. Situated atop a rocky hill called Giridurga, the Raichur Fort is surrounded by hillocks, quaint villages and a historic lake named Aam Talab (Mavina Kere).

The fort is about 300 feet above the plains. The Archaeological Museum in Raichur has an exhibit of a Telegu inscription which states that the hill fort was built in 1294 by Gore Gangayya Reddy, chieftain of Raichur during the reign of Kakatiya queen Rudrammanni Devi.

The sprawling hill fort has numerous ruins and remains of religious structures, tanks, caverns, bastions and stone inscriptions in Persian, Arabic, Telugu and other languages. Atop the fort, there is a huge stone slab with Telugu inscriptions, that can be traced back to the Kakatiya period.

The fort comprises inner and outer two-tier circuit walls extending to three sides of the historical defence terrain. The Hindu architectural-style inner fortification has two arched gateways named Sailani Darwaza and Sikkandari Darwaza. The Muslim style outer fortification has five huge doorways named Naurangi Darwaza in the north, Mecca Darwaza in the west, Kati Darwaza in the east, Khandak Darwaza in the south and Doddi Darwaza in the south-east. Except for Naurangi, Mecca and Kati Darwaza, most of the other doorways, once the grand gateways of Raichur Fort, havent stood the test of time. Ruins, inscriptions, images and archaeological museum exhibits are what remains of these monuments today.

Grand entrances

The Naurangi Darwaza is a Vijayanagar period monument named after its eye-catching entry gate that was once decorated with colourful artwork and sculptures. The monument has courtyards and a small towered defence structure. One can see numerous murals depicting Dashavatara, Ramayana and Mahabharata adorning the inner and outer walls of the 700-year-old Naurangi Darwaza.

The Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage has long been maintaining a museum here. The open-air museum has a rich collection of historical inscriptions, idols and religious sculptures.

The Mecca Darwaza has a small but an eye-catching dome set on a lotus petal design circular rostrum. The Arabic inscriptions attributed to the Bahmani king, Muhammad Shah III, is seen on the walls of the doorway. This doorway was built in 1470 on the orders of the king.

There is a small public library within the premises of this monument. It was opened in 2008, in collaboration with the City Central Library and Raichur district administration. From the terrace of the Naurangi Darwaza, tourists get a picturesque view of the citadel named Bala Hisar which stands on a hill. Built in the 16th century during the reign of Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, Bala Hisar is a granite monument. It comprises a durbar hall, a small mosque and the Panch Bibi Dargah, dedicated to five women saints. It also provides an overall view of the fort amidst the scenery of the town.

Tourists delight

Aam Talab is located adjacent to the fort. It is a scenic lake spread over an area of 150 acres and surrounded by hillocks and villages. This 13th-century lake is a major source of irrigation. It is also a popular tourist spot with boating facility and a childrens park.

Raichur town has many Muslim monuments of historical importance. The tomb of Pir Sailani Shah, Ek Minar Masjid, Fort Jami Masjid and Jami Masjid are some of the popular monuments. Built by the Bahmanis, the Ek Minar Masjid is said to be Raichurs oldest mosque, famous for its 65-feet high, two-storied Persian style minaret with a winding staircase.

Built by the Adil Shahi dynasty, Fort Jami Masjid is one of the biggest mosques in Raichur. It has two entry points leading to a six-pillared huge mosque surrounded by the ruins of an ancient palace and remains of a fort.

The historical Sikandari Darwaza and Daftakari Masjid are located adjacent to the palace ruins. Next to the mosque, there is a cemetery with graves said to be of the family members of Adil Shahi rulers.

The Bijapur-style Pir Sailani Shah tomb comprises a small shrine decorated with an artistically designed dome, arches and well-trimmed turrets. Named after the saint, Pir Sailani Darwaza is the main gateway leading to the tomb.Besides these famous tourist spots, there are plenty of scenic locales nearby to explore. They include Malliabad, Kallur, Koormagadde, Anegundi, Manvi and Mantralaya.

A tribute to the Mahatma

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Museums are repositories of art, culture and history. Nowadays, we find a lot of specialised museums. From wax to coffee and toy museums, we seem to have it all. That apart, advanced technology is used to improve the quality of the display in these museums.

One such effort is made by Gandhi Bhavan in the Manasagangotri campus of the University of Mysore. This is essentially a replica of the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati, Gujarat. Gandhi Bhavan was inaugurated here on January 31, 1966 in order to propagate Gandhian ideals among the students. It is the product of a joint initiative by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and University Grants Commission, both based in New Delhi.

The ashram

The replica built here speaks volumes about the zeal of the Gandhi Bhavan in its attempt to promote Gandhian values of peace, love, non-violence, comradeship and Swaraj. The Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati played an important role in the life of the Mahatma. It was his third ashram, the other two being the Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm in South Africa. The Sabarmati Ashram is from where he organised various satyagrahas, and meetings to fight issues such as poverty, untouchability and the struggle against colonialism.

Gandhi and his associates started out as a small community at Kochrab Ashram, Ahmedabad. This later developed into an organised community in Sabarmati. A cowshed, library, a spinning-shed, kitchen and living quarters were added later. Here, Mahatma Gandhi promoted small-scale rural industries that play a crucial role in the upliftment of villages. All of these details were considered while building the replica of Sabarmati Ashram in the university campus.

In order to recreate the ashram in Gandhi Bhavan, the team collaborated with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and procured memorabilia connected with Gandhi. The replica of Hriday Kunj, Gandhis home in the Sabarmati Ashram, stands out. In the Gandhi Room, one can find a display of rare and historical photographs.

There are photos of Gandhi with his mentor Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and other freedom fighters like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, J B Kripalani, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on display.

These photographs throw light on the freedom movement in India and showcase the political life of Gandhi. That apart, Gandhis personal belongings, again replicas, are on display in this room. His mattress, pillow, a pair of slippers, spectacles, a kerosene lamp, a stop clock, etc. are exhibited in an attempt to showcase his simple living. Through the exhibits, this ashram helps visitors learn more about Gandhian values in a time when they are diminishing.

Furthermore, Gandhi Bhavan has chalked out various programmes to reach out to more people and promote Gandhian ideals. It intends to involve students in its programmes. The team also intends to collaborate with Karnataka Shilpa Academy and build sculptures, to be placed in the exclusively created Gandhi Path.

Get set for the adrenaline rush

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There was a time when water sports enthusiasts of Karnataka had to go to a distant place to ride the waves. Not any more. On the contrary, people from across the country, and even outside, are visiting the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada to explore places that have emerged as the finest spots for water sports.

There are several beaches in this region that have a great potential for tourism and adventure activities. Right from Someshwar beach near Ullal (in Dakshina Kannada) to Majali beach in Karwar (Uttara Kannada-Goa border), there are more than a dozen beaches that could be the best in the country. Tannirbavi, Panambur, Surathkal, Mulki (in Dakshina Kannada), Kaup, Malpe, Maravanthe (in Udupi), Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Gokarna and Honnavar (in Uttara Kannada) are a few to name. Besides, rivers such as Nethravathi, Gurupura, Nandini, Shambhavi, Swarna, Udyavar, Seetha, Sowparnika, Chakra, Kali and Sharavathi also offer water sports opportunities.

Unexplored areas

Though Jack Hebner, popularly known as Surfing Swami, started Mantra Surf Club or Surfing Ashram - Indias first surf club - in 2004 in Mulki, and famous people keep visiting the club, the sport came to limelight when Mantra Surf Club organised the first All Cargo Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu beach in 2016.

The competition, recognised by the International Surfing Association and Surfing Federation of India, and supported by Karnataka Tourism Department, saw the participation of over 100 surfers from India and abroad. While surfing is a multi-billion dollar industry abroad, it was virtually unheard of in India until a few years ago. Because of the efforts of Jack and others, coastal Karnataka has emerged as a popular surfing destination today.

Besides surfing, stand-up paddle (SUP), kayaking, bodyboarding, wakeboarding and jet ski rides too have been introduced in some beaches and rivers of the region. Other recognised surfing training institutes in the coastal region include Shaka Surf Club in Kodi Bengre, Udupi, Stoked Surfers Club in Tannirbavi, and the one managed by Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project in Panambur beach.

Amritha Vidyalaya in Mangaluru is collaborating with Mantra Surfing Club to start surfing, kayaking and stand up paddle activities, and to include the same in the school curriculum, said Yathish Baikampady, chief executive officer of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project. He also said that when the plan materialises, it will be the first school in the State, perhaps in India, to include surfing in the curriculum.

Till recently, scuba diving was considered as a foreign sport (even though the Andamans and Goa had the facility). Uttara Kannada district administration facilitated scuba diving in Murudeshwar (Netrani island) last year. Two more places (an island about 8 km from Kaup beach, and Sadashivgad in Karwar) followed suit. Plans are on the anvil to start scuba diving at about 16 km away from Panambur beach in Mangaluru. "A trial run has already been done," said Yathish.

Snorkelling activity is also organised in all these places. Snorkelling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water with a diving mask and a shaped breathing tube called snorkel.

Uday Shetty of Tourism Department, Dakshina Kannada said that the district administration has given permission to maintain beaches in Panambur and Someshwar to two companies and they can take up any activity on the beaches with appropriate infrastructure and adequate safety measures. He said that plans are also on the cards to start a surfing training centre in Mangaluru.

Anitha of Tourism Department, Udupi said that there is a good response for water sports activities in the district. House boat at the backwaters of River Swarna near Kallianpur too is becoming quite popular, she said.

Safety measures

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada district H Prasanna said that some of the beaches including Murudeshwar, Om (Gokarna) and Karwar are safe for water sports. "Due to the existence of islands nearby, tides are normal, following which they are ideal and safe for water sports activities," he said.

Stating that there are three operators in Uttara Kannada for scuba diving, Prasanna said that the district administration has been providing training on life-saving skills, first aid and rescue operations so that the operators are better equipped to handle emergency situations.

"I was thrilled and fascinated to see a different world just 30 feet below the sea surface near Nethrani island. Colourful fish, pelagic fish and coral reefs mesmerised me," said Shivamogga District Information Officer Shafi Saduddin, who recently tried scuba diving at Nethrani island. He is also happy that such a facility is available in the State.

Water sports in River Kali is the most sought-after among the urbanites, and people visit the place for activities like kayaking, speed boat and rafting. Dr Rabindranath Tagore Beach Development and Conservation Committee in Karwar, in association with Leisure Routes in Mangaluru and Uttara Kannada District Tourism Development Committee, has been organising kayaking for tourists.

The kayaking festival organised last year in Dandeli evoked an overwhelming response, with the participation of more than 100 enthusiasts from India and abroad. The route for kayaking is from Siddar to Karwar on River Kali, crossing picturesque locations and tiny islands. There are two island stop overs during the trip. To ensure the safety of riders, life jackets are provided and life guards will also be present. Interestingly, it is not compulsory for the participants to learn swimming for kayaking or scuba diving.

A park, pathway, watchtower, food park and other water sports on the bank of River Kali near Karwar, just before the river joins the sea, are an added attraction for tourists. With Karnataka emerging as a destination for water sports, adventure enthusiasts can head to scenic places this summer to experience the adrenaline rush.


The many faces of resilience

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It wont be an overstatement if we mention that several farmers in and around Tovinakere in Tumakuru district have set a model as farm innovators. Every other village in the region has an inspiring story to share or unique experiment to motivate. Be it Dasanakunte, Nandihalli, Gollarahatti, Kabbigere or Jonigarahalli, each village has a farmer achiever willing to share his or her path to success. Farmers and agriculture students from across the State come here to study farming methods. Apart from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, organisations like Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project have been bringing enthusiasts to the farms in these villages.

Mixed cropping is an integral part of farming in the region. A casual conversation with any of these farmers will invariably include important aspects of sustainable farming such as efficient soil and water management, self-reliance, new methods and varieties, and direct marketing.

Tovinakere Jayapadmammas zero input farm, Kabbigere Javaregowdas passion for farm equipment, value-addition efforts of Nandihallis Neelakanta Murthy, floriculture in Jenigarahalli, and millet farming in Gollarahatti are some of the efforts that enthuse people. They have emerged as fine examples for progressive farming. Jayapadmamma has hosted over 100 workshops for farmers in her farm. In 2014 and 2016, some students of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore had studied the farm activities here by staying here for 90 days as part of their course.

Tamarind is a traditional crop of Tovinakere that has helped them sustain even in the times of drought. Here, one can see tamarind trees on roads, farm bunds and backyards. One family in Ajjenahalli owns over 500 tamarind trees. It is estimated that the value of tamarind transaction here had crossed seven crore rupees last year. This also led to an attempt to brand the tamarind grown here. While men and women work together in the farms, dairy and floriculture activities are completely managed by women.

Here are some efforts that stand out. Siddaganganna grows finger millet, paddy, lemon, areca nut, coconut, flowers, vegetables and greens in his one and a quarter acre farm. He also rears sheep and cattle. Hanumantarayappa, who is known for betel leaf cultivation is popular as apple Hanumantu after growing apple on an experimental basis. Through proper crop combination, he is able to reap rich benefits from his 41-gunta land.

Another interesting feature of this region is the successful implementation of community borewells. Under this, four to five farmers share water from one borewell. One can see many sustainable water and soil management efforts in the region. This has helped them get a good yield even when there is a scarcity of rain.

It is not just for positive farming efforts that the region is known, but also for unique farm-related hobbies. Take Javaregowda for instance. He has maintained a rare collection of heritage farm equipment used by his ancestors. Most of these tools have either disappeared or are not in use now.

Off-season jackfruit is another attraction in Tumakuru. Some trees start yielding early and one can get the fruits in January itself. Odekar Farm in Nandihalli has set a model with a good collection of herbs and medicinal plants. They also prepare herbal medicine for some common disorders and ailments. Nandi Farm is another place known for its plant diversity. With so many models, Tumakuru is sure to inspire those who are willing to brace farming.

The charm of Gaarudi Gombe

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Gaarudi Gombe (which translates to magical dolls) is an intriguing folk dance prevalent in many parts of Karnataka. The origin of the Gaarudi Gombe lies in the epic Mahabharata. When Krishnas wife Satyabhama was angry with him, he is said to have pacified her by wearing a giant doll suit. Gaarudi Gombes are usually seen during temple festivals and processions. The dance usually depicts various characters from Indian folk stories and classics. This dance is usually performed as a way to ward off evil spirits while keeping the tone of the tale fun. While it is known as Gaarudi Gombe in some places of the State, it is called as Tattiraaya in some other areas.

So, what are these giant doll suits made? The doll is entirely made of bamboo sticks. Using appropriate sketches and colours, the face of the doll is created by applying a layer of papier-mâché on top of the bamboo frame created for it. Making the face can take up to a week. The dolls costume makes use of bright colours and is at times made similar to the costumes that Yakshagana dancers wear.

The dolls are around 12 feet in height and can weigh nearly 40 kg. As the bottom is left open, a person can fit himself into the frame from the underneath and perform the dance. He carries this huge structure on his shoulder. Provisions are made for the performer to see outside. As the dolls weigh a lot, most of the performers are usually men. The dancers also take turns carrying the dolls as the performance can go on for almost eight hours.

Our bones might help keep our weight in check

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Our skeletons may help to keep our weight under control, according to a fascinating new study with animals. The study suggests that bones could be much more intimately involved in tracking weight and controlling appetite than scientists realised. It also raises interesting questions about whether a sedentary lifestyle could cause us to pack on pounds in part by discombobulating our sensitive bones.

There is no question that our bodies like to maintain whatever weight they have sustained for any period of time. This is in large part because of our biological predilection for homoeostasis, or physiological stability, which prompts our bodies to regain any weight that we lose and, in theory, lose any weight that we gain. To achieve this stability, however, our bodies have to be able to sense how much we weigh, note when that weight changes, and respond accordingly. It has not been clear how our bodies manage this trick.

Some years ago, scientists did discover one of the likely mechanisms, which involves leptin, a hormone released by fat cells. In broad terms, when people add fat, they produce more leptin, which then jump-starts processes in the brain that reduce appetite and cause their bodies to drop that new weight. But obviously, this system is not perfect or no one would hold on to added pounds. So for the new study, which was published earlier this month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a group of researchers began to wonder whether there might be other processes at work.

To find out, they first gathered groups of mice and rats. They chose both species, hoping that, if any results were common to each, this might indicate that they also could occur in other mammals, including, potentially, us. Then the scientists implanted tiny capsules into each rodents abdomen. Some contained weights equaling about 15% of each animals body mass. Others were empty. In effect, some of the animals had just gained a big chunk of weight. The scientists then left the rodents alone to deal with these added ounces as they would. And their bodies quickly went to work. Within two days, the animals containing the weighted capsules were eating less and after two weeks, had generally lost almost as much weight as the capsules contained.

When the scientists subsequently removed the weighted capsules from some of the animals, those mice and rats began eating more and soon added back those ounces. Their homoeostatic weight sensors clearly were working well, in both directions. The researchers next repeated the procedure, but in mice that had been bred to produce very little leptin. Again, the animals ate less to stabilise their weights after the capsules were implanted. So, their bodies were not relying solely on leptin to track and respond to weight changes.

A gravitostat

Finally, the scientists considered bones. As they knew, most animals skeletons readily sense when they are being stressed by such things as strenuous weight-bearing exercise and will add extra bone cells to handle that pressure. Osteocyctes, a type of bone cell, are thought to be the cells that recognise when outside forces are affecting the bone and send out biochemical signals prompting the creation of new bone. To see if they likewise detect and respond to changes in body weight, the scientists bred a group of mice with unnaturally low levels of osteocytes. Then they again implanted the weighted capsules.

This time, the animals did not drop that added weight. Their bodies did not seem to realise that they had become heavier, presumably because of the low levels of osteocytes, and the animals remained artificially plump. The implication of this result is that healthy bones seem to sense changes in body mass and then somehow initiate alterations to appetite and eating that can return the body to its previous weight, says John-Olov Jansson, a neuroscientist at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who led the study. He and his colleagues call the bones sensor a gravitostat, which is triggered by body weight bearing down on bones, a result of the inexorable pressures of gravity. And they suspect, he says, that a similar gravitostat exists in people.

The possibility could help explain why sitting for hours is associated with obesity, he continues. When we sit, much of our body weight is supported by cushions rather than bones, leaving our skeletons unaware of how much we actually weigh and whether that amount has changed or should change. Of course, that theory is purely speculative at the moment, since this study involved rodents, not people. It also cannot tell us how, if our bones do keep track of our poundage, they manage that feat, or how they communicate the information to the brain and its appetite centres.

Snippets

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A new class of light-bending materials

Researchers from Northwestern University, USA have developed a first-of-its-kind technique for creating entirely new classes of optical materials and devices that could lead to light bending and cloaking devices.

Using DNA as a key tool, the interdisciplinary team took gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes and arranged them in two and three dimensions to form optically active superlattices. Structures with specific configurations could be programmed through choice of particle type and both DNA-pattern and sequence to exhibit almost any colour across the visible spectrum, the scientists report.

The technique combines an old fabrication method (known as top-down lithography) with a new one - a programmable self-assembly driven by DNA. The team is the first to combine the two to achieve individual particle control in three dimensions. The study was published online recently by the journal Science. This new method can be used to build metamaterials - materials not found in nature - for a range of applications.

Faster assembly line work

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanobots. It allows molecular machines to move 1,00,000 times faster than with the biochemical processes used to date. This makes nanobots fast enough to do assembly line work in molecular factories. The results appear in the journal Science.

TUMs new technology moves the machines by applying electrical fields to the DNA molecules, which have a negative charge. "By applying electric fields, we can arbitrarily rotate the arms in a plane," explains Professor Friedrich Simmel, an author of the study. His team has for the first time managed to control nanobots electrically.

Are earthquakes more likely during full moons?

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 ruptured the ocean floor off the west coast of Sumatra. The resulting tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. And it occurred during a full moon. The Sumatra earthquake isnt the only large earthquake to have occurred beneath the moons bright glare.

Both the 2010 earthquake in Chile and the Great Alaskan Earthquake in 1964 also happened on a conspicuous lunar date - making it tempting to argue that large earthquakes occur during the full moon. But a new study published in Seismological Research Letters finds that the connection is nothing but folklore.

To analyse the supposed link, Susan Hough, a seismologist at the US Geological Survey, scrutinised 204 earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater over the past four centuries. She then matched those earthquakes to the lunar calendar and found that no more occurred during a full or new moon than on any other day of the lunar cycle.

During full and new moons, earth, the sun and the moon fall along a nearly straight line. This celestial alignment tugs at our planet, raising tides in the oceans and in the solid earth. That effect is far too weak to cause an earthquake on its own. But should the moons gravitational pull tug at a fault that is close to rupturing, a temblor is not impossible.

Advancing with sound waves

Researchers from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip.

These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits. Isolators protect laser sources from back reflections and are necessary for routing light signals around optical networks. In a study published in the journal Nature Photonics, the researchers explain how they use the minuscule coupling between light and sound to provide a unique solution that enables nonreciprocal devices with nearly any photonic material.

Cloning the Woolly Mammoth

Scientific research and practices are advancing at a rapid pace. Many of the breakthroughs have exceeded the expectations of our imaginations, and have forced us to grapple with challenges related to ethics. The most glaring example of this lies in the field of cloning.

Directed by Stephanie Brown, Ben Makuch and Ksenia Yurganova, Cloning the Woolly Mammoth tackles this debate by exploring the strides that researchers are making in replicating various species in their laboratories, in particular the woolly mammoth. Can advances in cloning allow us to resurrect a long extinct species like the woolly mammoth? This documentary explores the many controversial variables involved in this research and what can happen if it becomes successful. To watch it, visit www.bit.ly/2DzrwkC.

The two eclipses...

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As lunar eclipses generally occur in the middle of the night, not many would bother to wake up and see the beauty. They are content to see the photograph next morning in the paper or online. However, they do not realise that they have missed a mesmerising sight in the sky, which has inspired many poets in the past. Some have looked at it as a metaphor for melancholy, while others have seen it as a sign of detachment and some found it romantic too. The moon can be orange, brown or simply dark and completely invisible. The colour of the eclipsed moon is measured in Danjon scale devised by the French astronomer Andre Danjon. The darkest is numbered zero and the brightest as four.

The word supermoon is of a recent origin and was first used in a 1979 magazine article to attract the attention of otherwise reluctant readers. But it wasnt until the last few years that the term received more attention. As a consequence of the varying distance from earth due to the elliptical orbit of the moon, it appears larger on a specific day of the month and smaller approximately 15 days later. When this day of proximity (which is known as the perigee) of the moon happens to be a full moon, quite naturally it has to appear larger than the usual size. But how large? Can you make out by just looking at it - that it is larger than the full moon you saw last month? Thus, for a common person, this has no relevance.

Closer to the sun

It is time to recall an instance that happened 19 years ago - December 22, 1999. It was a full moon at perigee. The moon was termed the largest and the brightest because earth (and therefore, the moon) was at the closest distance to the sun. The variation in the distance was barely 2%. However, the hype went to the extreme of declaring that Boston in USA was closer to the moon than Washington!

The earth is closest to the sun on January 3 or 4 every year. It is farthest on July 3 or 4. Let us take a look at the distances of full moons this year. We know that full moon is an instant and not a day. Let us also check how far apart the perigee and full moon instants were. On January 3, the moon was closest to earth at a distance of 3,56,566 km and 4.5 hours after the full moon. On December 3, 2017, it was 3,60,064 km and the full moon occurred 17 hours before the perigee. The full moon on January 31, which is also declared as supermoon, occurs 27 hours after the moon has passed closest to earth at 3,59,000 km. For records, one may write that there were three successive supermoons because these differences of a few thousands of kilometres hardly matter.

Compare this with the full moon that occurred on December 22, 1999. The full moon occurred just five hours after the closest passage at 3,56,700 km. The full moon in November 1999 occurred just four hours prior to the close passage at 3,57,000 km.

We can also recall the eclipse of January 21, 2000. The full moon and perigee (3,59,400 km) were separated by just six hours. Now, exactly after 18 years and 10 days we have an eclipse. This cycle of 18 years, 10 days, 8 hours is called a Saros cycle.

The eclipse of January 31 is considered special since it is happening when the moon is at perigee. For us in India, it is visible at moonrise. The second eclipse of the year is later in July. It happens just two hours after the moon has passed the farthest point, called apogee. Therefore, that full moon will be the smallest and is known as a micromoon. As this total lunar eclipse will happen during the second full moon of this month, the term blue moon is used. However, blue moon is a misnomer. There is nothing great about it. If Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced the calendar, had opted 30 days for January, it would not be called the blue moon.

Viewing the supermoon

The eclipse at moonrise is something that is enjoyable. All you need to do is just occupy a place which provides the best visibility of moonrise. What colour will we see? is a question that many will have. The colour of the moon may be orange, brown or copper. You do not need any special equipment to see the supermoon. In case you have telescope or binoculars, search for a faint star cluster very close to the moon.

The eclipse will start at 4.20 pm. So, you will be watching the moon at the midpoint of the eclipse when it is in the umbra - the darker shadow region. Gradually, you can see the edge getting brighter. By 9.40 pm, the full moon is clearly visible. The star cluster that you had seen earlier is not visible any more.

Try and take a picture of the sequence from moonrise onwards. You will see that the size of the moon is the same in all the images. By doing so, you will disprove the myth that moon looks big at the horizon and then gets smaller. Also, remember to take pictures of the lunar eclipse on July 28. That is the only way you can verify the meanings of apogee, perigee, supermoon or micromoon!

(The author is visiting scientist, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru)

Farmers of the forest

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The breeding behaviour of hornbills is not just fascinating, but provides unique insights for humans. Hornbills are believed to pair for life and share parenting responsibility equally.

The nesting period of hornbills spans for three to four months. During this time, the female seals herself in a tree hole on a tall tree in the wet evergreen forests. This tree hole is formed either by a branch breaking off from a tree or when woodpeckers peck the trunk. Once the female enters the cavity, she seals the entrance using her droppings. She leaves a small slip-like opening through which the male can feed her and the chicks.

Inside the cavity, the female hornbill moults her beautiful feathers. She lays a maximum of two eggs per season. During this period, as she cannot fly, the male hornbill makes sure that she gets all the required nutrients to raise the offspring. Every day, he flies many kilometres to bring her fruits, small snakes and lizards as food. "And if the father hornbill dies during the nesting period, that would mean that the entire family dies of starvation," said H S Shahsidhar, a naturalist with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Dandeli. He has been monitoring the life and breeding pattern of hornbills for the last 15 years.

Vital role

Unique breeding pattern is not the only feature that these birds with an attractive casque and wide wingspans are known for. They are also known as the farmers of forest for playing a crucial role in dispersing hundreds of fruit tree species in the forests. The presence of hornbills indicates that the forest is not only prosperous but also balanced. This is why hornbills are considered as an indicator species. "Birds play a vital role in maintaining the health of forests," says Divya Mudappa, a scientist with the Mysuru-based Nature Conservation Foundation. She has carried out studies on the breeding pattern and distribution of hornbills of Western Ghats.

Hornbills are large frugivore birds which are efficient seed dispersers as they cover a large area in a day. After feeding, hornbills usually regurgitate or excrete the seeds. A hornbills home range usually extends to at least 10 km, which means that they can be much more efficient than other smaller frugivores in dispersing seeds at a wider range of territory, says Divya. She adds that the four species of hornbills found in the Western Ghats thrive on nearly 80 varieties of fruits.

India is home to nine of the 54 species of hornbills. In the Western Ghats, one can see the Indian grey hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and the great Indian hornbill. In the forests of Northeast India, one can see the White-throated brown hornbill, rufous-necked hornbill, great Indian hornbill, wreathed hornbill and oriental pied hornbill. Furthermore, Narcondam Island in the Indian Ocean is home to the critically endangered Narcondam hornbills.

Today, hornbills are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and loss of large trees that they need for feeding and nesting. Hornbills are a scheduled (I) species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In Narcondam Island, which is strategically important for Indias defence, some of the military activities could be a threat to Narcondam hornbills and its limited habitat.

The nest protectors

Researchers and naturalists complain that deforestation, especially cutting of tall trees, has resulted in hornbills now being limited to small patches of forests across India. These include Dandeli region in Karnataka, Anaimalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, and in the protected areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. "Though there has been a decrease in deforestation in the Western Ghats, we need to be sensitive to the effects of projects in the pipeline that could cause damage to the remaining natural habitats," says Divya. She adds that hunting of these birds has also been arrested to a great extent in most parts of the Western Ghats, which is supporting a stable population of hornbills.

In Arunachal Pradesh, Aparajita Datta, another scientist with Nature Conservation Foundation, is making sure that hunters turn to be the protectors of these majestic birds. Under the adopt a hornbill nest project, funds from various donors ensure that the Nyishi tribal youths are employed to monitor not only the hornbills nests, but also record their behaviour. The project, which was started in 2011, has begun to show results as the number of youths being hired for this purpose has increased. These nest protectors have also been tasked to mark the tree in which the hornbills are nesting so that no one cuts them for farming activities, timber or firewood.

Even the state governments have been pitching in towards conservation efforts by creating awareness among people and informing them about the importance of hornbills in the local ecosystem. Hornbill Festival is one such activity that has become popular among bird lovers. The Karnataka government is organising Hornbill Festival in Dandeli from February 2 to 4. "Conservation of these magnificent birds and their ecosystem is not the responsibility of only the Forest Department and the government. The birds can coexist only if humans understand them and help them thrive," says Dr S Ramesh, deputy conservator of forests, Haliyal division.

Proper protection to these feathered foresters can not only help them thrive, but help flourish the forest ecosystem as well.

War's other victims: animals

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In 1996, when war broke out in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, just 31 northern white rhinos remained in Garamba National Park, the last stronghold of this endangered species. Armed militias reached the park less than a year later, and half of the parks elephants, two-thirds of its buffaloes and three-quarters of its hippos disappeared in three short months. Poaching of northern white rhinos also resumed, despite conservationists best efforts. Today, after a succession of armed clashes, only three northern white rhinos survive - all transplants from a zoo in the Czech Republic, and all confined to a single Kenyan conservancy.

That the rhinos habitat included a part of Africa plagued by human conflict was "desperately unfortunate," said Kes Hillman-Smith, a Nairobi-based conservationist and author of Garamba: Conservation in Peace and War. "The endless wars there have taken their toll on all the wildlife in the region." Many case studies have demonstrated that war can affect the survival of local populations, sometimes threatening entire species. But the research is mixed: in some cases, conflict actually seems to aid animals. Now, researchers have published a quantitative study of wars consequences for African animals - the first multi-decade, continent-wide analysis. The findings, published in
Nature, are both surprising and encouraging. Compared to all other measured factors, conflict is the most consistent predictor of species declines. Yet the northern white rhino is the exception.

War rarely leads to extinction, a finding that underscores the importance of post-conflict restoration efforts. "We show that war is bad, but not as bad as you might assume," said Robert Pringle, an ecologist at Princeton University, USA and an author of the new study. "There are really two alternative hypotheses you can imagine," he added. "One is that war is just a disaster for everything, including environments. And the other is that pretty much anything that causes people to clear out from an area can be beneficial for wildlife."

Teaming up with Robert, Joshua Daskin, a conservation ecologist at Yale University, USA, undertook a laborious search of 500 scientific studies, government white papers, non-profit reports and park management documents. He sought out comparable wildlife counts, irrespective of the presence of conflict, from 1946-2010. The researchers then calculated various animal population trajectories over time and compared them with known conflicts. Their final list encompassed 253 populations of 36 species of herbivorous mammals in 126 protected areas throughout Africa. The scientists found that it takes relatively little conflict - just one event every two to five decades - to push animal populations to lower levels.

For rapid intervention

Conflict frequency, in fact, was the most significant variable predicting wildlife trends among 10 other factors the researchers analysed, including drought, the number of people living near a protected area and the degree of corruption found in a country. The more frequent the conflict, the greater the impact. "This continent-wide assessment confirms what many case studies have hinted at - war is a major driver of wildlife population declines across Africa," said Kaitlyn Gaynor, a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, who has studied armed conflicts influence on wildlife.

The losses are likely the result of a combination of factors, said Kes. In times of war, poached bush meat may feed troops, local people and refugees, while valuable assets like ivory may be used to fund the struggle. Arms and ammunition also tend to become more widely available, Kes said, and a general breakdown of law and order makes poaching easier. Conservation organisations, she added, also tend to pull out when the shooting starts. "The greatest losses in Garamba happened in the absence of international support and when active patrolling was stopped," she said.

Yet, all is not lost during war, even when conservationists are forced to flee. Animals sometimes become scarcer and more difficult for hunters to find, Joshua said, and the populations persist at lower levels. The finding suggests that rapid intervention by conservationists can be critical for ensuring the survival and recovery of remnant populations, he said. Indeed, in the 1980s, post-conflict conservation in Garamba doubled both the northern white rhino and elephant populations in just eight years.


Nature Bytes

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Where did animals with tail weapons go?

With a nearly impenetrable hide covered in spikes, the ankylosaurus was like a dinosaur version of an armoured tank. And like any battlefield behemoth, it boasted a fearsome weapon: a bone-crushing clubbed tail. The ankylosaurus was not the only prehistoric beast to have an intimidating backside. Stegosaurus sported spear-like spikes on its tail.

Some sauropods flailed fused clumps of bones from their posteriors towards predators. But in living animals today, formidable tail weaponry is nearly absent. A pair of palaeontologists has pieced together a series of traits shared among extinct species that had weaponised their fifth extremity. Their study, published in the journal Proceeding of the Royal Society B, may help explain why tail weaponry has gone missing since dinosaurs and some ice age animals went extinct.

The team has identified three characteristics in land-dwelling mammals, reptiles and non-avian dinosaurs that may be linked with evolving bony tail weapons. They include being large, eating plants and already having an armoured body. "Thats a really rare combination no matter what time period youre looking at," said Victoria Arbour, a palaeontologist at the University of Toronto, Canada and an author on the study.

Climate models and polar warming

A new international analysis of marine fossils shows that warming of the polar oceans during the Eocene, a greenhouse period that provides a glimpse of earths potential future climate, was greater than previously thought. By studying the chemical composition of fossilised
foraminifera, tiny single-celled animals that lived in shallow tropical waters, researchers generated precise estimates of tropical sea surface temperatures and seawater chemistry during the Eocene
Epoch, around 56 million years ago.

Using these data, researchers fine-tuned estimates from previous foram studies that captured polar conditions to show tropical oceans warmed substantially in the Eocene, but not as much as polar oceans. Importantly, when modern climate models were run under Eocene conditions, many could not replicate these findings. Instead, the models consistently underestimated polar ocean warming in the Eocene.

This discrepancy may result from a gap in our understanding of the climate system or from what we know about the Eocene, said David Evans, the studys lead author. If it does indeed relate to the climate system, it raises the possibility that predictions of future polar warming are also too low.

Moustached monkey is separate species

A monkey from Ethiopia with a handlebar moustache has been identified as a distinct species. Scientists took a fresh look at the distribution and physical appearance of patas monkeys in Ethiopia, confirming there were two species rather than one. It was originally described as a separate species in 1862, but was later folded in - incorrectly - with other patas monkeys to form a single species. The study has been published in the journal Primate Conservation. Patas monkeys are found from west to east across sub-Saharan Africa.

Spartaco Gippoliti, from the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, reassessed the species status of patas monkeys in the Blue Nile region of Ethiopia and Sudan. His analysis led him to revive the classification of the Blue Nile patas monkey (Erythrocebus poliophaeus). That designation was dropped in 1927, when zoologist Ernst Schwarz rearranged the primate groups taxonomy and decided there was just one species. Their faces and noses are black and they lack the characteristic band between the ear and eye found on other patas monkeys.

The secret world of the jellyfish

At the mere mention of the name jellyfish most of us imagine shapeless, rubbery and even disgusting creatures. However, it isnt until when we get to see them under water that they transform into graceful beings.

In reality, jellyfish are smooth, soft, and what is even more interesting is that their history goes back to 500 million years. Over time, they have developed the most fascinating shapes and most interesting lifestyles. In the course of evolution, jellyfish have developed unbelievably clever skills and have conquered every habitat in our oceans.

In Vicious Beauties - The Secret World Of The Jellyfish, the host Dr Gerhard Jarms, a scientist, takes us to the unusual life cycle
of these animals. Some basic questions such as Where do jellyfish come from? and How and where do they reproduce? are
answered in the documentary. To watch the documentary,
visit www.bit.ly/2DFb6aB.

'I look up to Ed Sheeran a lot'

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City-based solo artiste Teenasai Balamu is living her dream by making her own music and performing at varied gigs. The singer-songwriter who aims to release her EP soon is excited about how its shaping up. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, she talks about her latest tracks and more.

Did your entry into the music arena happen by accident?

I was trying different things like copywriting and helping a college senior with producing shoots. As a child, I used to take keyboard lessons but I left them soon. I joined Carnatic music classes soon and my bond with music grew. One fine day, I recorded myself singing Riptide by Vance Joy and posted it on YouTube. Cutting the long story short, the video went viral and the right people saw it and before I knew it I was offered gigs across the city.

What kind of music connects to you?

I connect to music which is melodious, indie folk, pop amidst other mainstream music and contemporary folk tunes.

What attracted you to indie-pop and alternative music?

I was deeply influenced by bands like The Lumineers which inspired me to try the independent music scene. The interest in alternative music came from my love for rock music during high school.

How is the indie-pop and alternative music circuit in Bengaluru?

Thankfully we have an audience which encourages independent music. Music listeners in Bengaluru are very receptive and encouraging.

Tell us about your bond with your guitar.

I feel naked without my guitar. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I perform with my guitar. I am almost never seen on stage without it. Music means honesty for me. Some people express themselves best when they are writing, I express myself best through my music and with my guitar.

What is more exciting, performing or writing music?

I am often anxious when I am on stage but after my performance, I feel exhilarated and deeply satisfied. While writing, once I have penned my song down, play it and sent it to my friends, I feel excited. Both of these activities come with a fair share of adrenaline rush.

When youre with your friends and someone asks you to play a song, which one is it usually?

Creep by Radiohead. Its a beautiful song and I somehow connect to it in a way I cant explain.

How is your EP coming along?

My EP will be out soon. Of the six tracks in the EP, three of them are Wait For You, which is one of my first songs; another interesting number called 28 and an experimental track called Its You.

Could you list a song that affects you deeply?

Same Love, a song by American hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Is there any artiste you can listen to anytime of the day?

Ed Sheeran! I love his songwriting and I look up to him a lot.

What was the last song you heard?

A really intriguing number called I Like Me Better by Lauv.

Treasured bonding

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This picture was taken during our family trip to Bannerghatta National Park in 1985 when I was five years old. In the first row, the two who are standing (from left) are my elder brother Jagdish and Murali, who is my husband now. In the second row is myself Jamuna (pointing finger at my father who is taking the picture) and next to me is my second elder brother Krishna.

It is 32 years since this picture was taken. I just have a faint memory of us visiting the Bannerghatta park because of a funny/scary incident that happened. My father who was quite an adventurous person had taken us for a walk inside the safari area. After walking for some time, I remember many people who were on their way back telling my father not to proceed further as there were some elephants on the road, but my father kept all of us walking. Soon after than we all heard elephants trumpeting and the sound was very near. Next, all I remember was someone from my family carrying me and running towards the safari entrance. Oh! What a thrilling experience it was.

I and my two elder brothers are from Peenya. Murali was from Bellary and he used to visit us during vacations as he was my mothers elder brothers son. As many agree, children born before 80s are the luckiest ones as we had one of the loveliest childhoods. We played from dawn to dusk. Murali who used to visit us on every vacation was the prankster amongst us but we three always looked forward for his visit as we all enjoyed his pranks.

My brothers and Murali got along very well ( of course they also used to fight) and went often outside to play all sort of games on earth, roaming around entire Peenya industrial area. My cousin sisters, brothers and me joined them too sometimes. Our games varied from season to season; lagori, marbles, kite flying, skipping, hopping, hide and seek etc. Our parents never interfered in our games or fights and we sorted our own riffles and I think that gave us our own wisdom of life. Our group games taught us how to be cooperative and taught us life skills and even developed leadership skills.

After my marriage to Murali, the bond between us became much strong and more precious. We four have retained our bonding with each other till day. We do still fight like cats and dogs, we do pull each other legs, we do support each other thick and thin, we hang out crazily, we obnoxiously make fun of each other, we love each other and pray for each others wellbeing. I have one daughter now who is in eighth grade. Both my brothers are having two kids each.

We four of us recently took a similar picture like we did 32 years ago. I thank God for such a wonderful soulful journey that we are sharing.

A fair play!

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She is so fair; she is so pretty! This perception of beauty has remained an unarguable truth in our country since time immemorial. The colour white is generally associated with pure, clean and positivity as opposed to black that most people relate to with negativity. And to add to this stone age idea of beauty are the fairness cream advertisements promising to make every Indian woman fair and lovely.

However, in the midst of all the expensive fairness creams cementing the notion fair is beautiful, Pretty 24, a face cream and skincare brand Banjaras are out there to break this stereotype with their latest advertisement. These TV commercials come as a new ray of hope, shining brightly to tan the idea surrounding white skin colour.

Expressing her support for this changing scenario of Indian beauty market is Swetha Ganesan, a communications professional. She says, "I have always been against the promotion of fairness creams. Darker skin doesnt mean that they are less confident or talented or in this regard, beautiful. It is actually sad that even today, there are many people who head to a cosmetic shop looking for a cream that can change their natural skin colour. I am sure they dont want to do it themselves but this is the kind of pressure they are going through." She further says that the fact that these brands are standing against such stereotypes is a welcome move. She also feels that they can perhaps come up with a full-fledged campaign. "I am happy with the message they are sharing but not that they are promoting their products. Doing it more subtly with more emphasis on the message can be a good idea. Now that people have started talking about it in open, I look forward to seeing a change soon," she adds.

Swetha is of the opinion that people can aspire for a healthy and clean skin rather than a fairer one. In all this, one of the most important roles played is by celebrities who endorse such products. Having a celebrity status, they have a lot of responsibility towards the society. Many people look up to them and want to be like them. Endorsing products like fairness creams, that even they know doesnt work in reality is not fair. Archana Suresh, a freelancer believes that these innovative commercials are refreshing and rejuvenating. Especially, after Asias beauty market for years have prompted many to have a fair skin.

"These advertisements seem to be a different take on beauty through brands that are not very well known. It is good to see that people are finally waking up from this depressive and backward thinking," opines Archana. Citing a personal example, she says, "There have been times when I am asked how I am so fair since I am a Tamilian. People think they are complimenting me but it is actually very demeaning."

Well, looks like being fair skinned or not still remains to be a relatable topic of conversation in most households. And most of the time we dont even realise the kind of impact it can have on a person, especially a child.

For centuries, we as a country have been prey to these white and black connotations but with groundbreaking advertisements like these, its time we leave behind these regressive thought process.

Park a mess after every flower show

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Year after year, every flower show leaves in its wake waste piled up across Lalbagh. M R Chandrashekar, deputy director, horticulture, says the problem has come down by 30 per cent from previous years, but visitors see little difference.

"There are about 300 dustbins but not all of them are used," he says, conceding at the same time the number is not enough. Chandrashekar says, "We arent checking handbags but we are preventing people from carrying extra bags with snacks."

The park had 50 vendors inside until a few years ago. But now only a handful are left. "We have told them to manage the waste they generate," he says. People who visited the flower show feel cleanliness calls for stricter measures. Aparna Athreya, a professional, feels creating more awareness against littering helps. "We should have more trash and recyclable bins at strategic locations across the park. To ensure that these amenities are properly used, signage should be provided," Aparna says. Stringent enforcement of rules will instil better discipline, she reckons.

"People could be checked at the entrance for plastic and non-biodegradable material. These must be seized," says Anil Ravindran, coffee planter and environmentalist.

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