Yummyyyyy Chocolates

History of chocolates:

1. The origin of the word “chocolate” most likely comes from the Aztec word “xocoatl” which refers to the bitter drink the native peoples concocted from cacao beans.
2. The botanical name of cocoa’s plant is “Theobroma Cocoa” meaning “Food of the Gods”.
3. The cocoa beans were used as currency by Aztecs.
4. The cocoa beans were used to pay tax or “tribute “as they called it by Aztecs.
5. It helps the body produce endorphins, which stimulate a feeling of pleasure and well-being.
6. It contains the hormone, serotonin, which helps reduce the symptoms of depression.
7. Roughly 2/3rds of the world’s cocoa is produced in Western Africa.
8. The Aztecs associated chocolates with the Goddess of Fertility.
9. Cocoa, from which chocolate is created, is said to have originated in the Amazon at least 4,000 years ago.
10. Chocolate was a secret that Spain managed to keep from the rest of the world for almost 100 years!
11. The first machine-made chocolate was produced in Barcelona in 1780.
12. Antoine Brutus Menier built the first industrial manufacturing facility for chocolate in 1800

Health benefits:

1. Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables.
2. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries).
3. Dark Chocolate with Antioxidants Boost your immune system.
4. Eating chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which gives a feeling of pleasure.
5. Chocolates consists of oleic acid which a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil.
6. The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
7. The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

Beauty benefits:

1. Chocolate is a good moisturizer.
2. It rejuvenates the skin.
3. It is also used to smooth wrinkles due to its anti-oxidant properties.
4. It is a good hair conditioner.

SPICY BEAUTY

India, from ages is famous for its spices….We often limit the usage of spices to kitchen. Spices can be used in skin care. Here is a read of how spices can be used in taking care of skin and giving it a natural glow. NEVER TRY THIS, WITHOUT KNOWING YOUR SKIN TYPE. This article is just to share information on how differently spices can be used.

Clove: Is a natural antiseptic and bactericidal herb. Clove oil is useful in the acne treatment. Since it’s a strong herb, it is not suitable for sensitive skin. Clove can be used as body wash. Add 250ml of cloves to 1 litre of boiling water and infuse for 20 mins. Strain off the liquid into dark glass bottle. Use this as body wash!!

Cumin: Known to be used in beauty aids from times immemorial. It was known as “Cleopatra’s beauty secret”!!!! Black cumin seeds are useful for the treatment of acne, burns and pimples. When the paste of black cumin seeds is applied on skin, it reduces itching. Black cumin seeds ground in water can be applied as a paste over boils.

Cinnamon: Is a natural astringent. Its oil is used popularly for massages. Cinnamon is effectively used in the treatment of dry skin. When mixed with honey it can cure acne. Since it is a strong herb, it is not suitable for sensitive skin.
White pepper: Can be used as body scrub. The granules gently polish the skin and remove the dead cells.

Dhania/Coriander: Is rich in minerals and vitamins. It is ideal for curing skin disorders like eczema, dryness and fungal infections. Dhania mixed with turmeric can be used to treat pimples, blackheads and dry skin.

Turmeric: Is a natural cleanser. It is useful for glowing skin, removing black spots and pimples. Turmeric mixed with neem leaves is useful in treating pimples. Turmeric and milk cream paste when applied on skin improves complexion.

Fenugreek: Is rich in vitamin A and hence keeps the skin healthy. If you apply the paste of fenugreek mixed with milk on your face, it gives an instant glow. It also helps in removing dark circles. Fenugreek can be used as a remedy for wrinkles. External application of the fenugreek seeds helps in soothing irritated skin. (Note that while making a paste of fenugreek seeds, it needs to be soaked overnight)

Cardamom: Is antioxidant, antiseptic and has cleaning properties. It is one of the most popularly used essential oil. It has a balancing effect on both dry and oily skin type. If used in face mask, it has detox effect. Cardamom when used with lavender can be used as moisturizer.

Tamarind: Can be used as a scrub and the acid present in it is an anti blemish and helps in lightening the dark skin. Use of tamarind enriches skin with moisturizer. Its usage increases cell renewal and brightens skin. It boosts skin elasticity and helps cleanse it to feel refreshed and smooth.

Saffron: Is the most popularly used ingredient in skin care products. It mainly helps in improving skin texture. Its anti bacterial property kills bacteria in the skin and gives it a bright complexion. Paste made of saffron can be used to treat dry skin. When applied on skin it delays the development of wrinkles.

Did you know?

1.Ginger has anti cellulite formula.
2.Capsaicin found in chili powder has anti- inflammatory effect.
3.Ajwain is natural bleach.
4.Tamarind works to increase skin hydration level.
5.Cardamom can be used as a mouth freshener.
6.Asafoetida paste calms skin eruptions.
7.Asafoetida is a natural tranquilizer.
8.Saffron is a natural sedative.
9.Pepper is known as the king of spices.
10.Cardamom is known as the queen of spices.

Benefits of dry fruits

So much has been spoken about fresh fruits and its benefits, here are the benefits of dry fruits................

Almonds: Are rich in Vitamin E, proteins and monounsaturated fat. Since it’s a great cholesterol reducing food, it helps in controlling cardio vascular diseases. A few almonds consumed will increase satiety and thus helps in diet control and obesity. Ancient Ayurvedic medicine claims that it is nutritive for brain and nervous system. Almonds being a rich source of vitamin E help in maintaining clear skin and improving complexion!!!!


Raisins: Are anti oxidants and fat free. They are high in sugar content and so consumption of raisins gives instant energy. Raisins kills the bacteria which cause cavities so are good for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Consumption of raisins reduces the risk of osteoporosis. It’s a blood purifier. Watch out!!!!! It helps in gaining weight…


Cashewnuts: Are excellent source of fibre and protein. They are the sources of fat, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. They help in red blood cell function, digestion and bone growth. Oleic acid present in cashew nuts are heart friendly!! Its richness in vitamin B makes it beneficial for nervous ailments and indigestion.


Dates: Are the source of dietary fibre. They are the best source of natural potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs to maintain muscle contractions including the vital heart muscle. They contain variety of B complex vitamins. It is a laxative food and cures constipation. Dates are excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates are fat and cholesterol free!!!

Anjeer/figs: Are fibre rich foods. They are rich source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin B6. They have laxative effect and helps in digesting food. Recommended for post menopausal women and for those suffering from breast cancer. The health benefits of figs include treatment for piles, diabetes, cough, bronchitis, and asthma.

Pista: Are rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and good source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E. It helps in regulating body fluid and aids in protein absorption and metabolism.

Apricots: Are rich in natural sugars, calcium and Vitamin A. It has high mineral content that makes it beneficial in cases of anaemia, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, and toxemia. Apricot kernel is rich in Vitamin B17 which is beneficial in fighting cancer.

Avocado: Are major source of antioxidants. It is rich in Vitamin K, potassium, Vitamin B 6 and folic acid. Being rich in folic acid it becomes important source of nutrition for pregnant women. Folic acid also is important in fighting asthama.

Look beyond health care:

•Honey mixed with almond oil improves your complexion.
•Peel and grind soaked almonds to a smooth paste. Add a few drops of limejuice to this and apply for 20-25 minutes for a week. See your dark circles disappear!!!
•Massaging almond oil on the scalp prevents hair loss.
•Avocado paste is a remedy for dry skin.
•Avocado is an excellent conditioner.
•Cashew nut oil is a natural antioxidant and helps to protect and restore moisture and elasticity to dry, mature and damaged skin.
•Apricot kernels have granules which can be used as scrubs to remove the dead skin.
•Apricots can be used on hair as it strengthens and softens hair.
•Apricots are recommended for dry and damaged hair.




Did you know?



1.Walnut oil can be used to cure skin diseases like eczema.
2.Cashew nuts are good for memory and constipation.
3.Pista gives all 7 mineral substances.
4.Walnuts are a good source of protein, vitamin B1, B6, folate and vitamin E.
5.Regular intake of almonds acts as a tonic for brain, ear, hair and skin.
6.Figs are fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free.
7.One medium avocado contains 4 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.

SAY NO TO CHILD LABOR

World day against child labor is celebrated on June 12th every year. But what is the use of celebrating and dedicating a day without being able to eradicate it completely?? A common site in any mall would be a couple shopping happily while their little one is looked after and carried by another child who would be hardly a few years older than the little one. We see young boys as cleaners in hotels and in garage. A small girl selling flowers on the road side…the list is endless.
This article is just to throw some light on the issue.
What is child labor?
Any child below 14yrs of age if employed on regular basis as a sustained force, it is called child labor. The stipulated age varies from country to country. According to Indian constitution, a child below 14yrs is not employable.
Industrial division for child labor:
Children as employed as child laborers in any of the following 9 industrial divisions:

1.Cultivation
2.Agriculture and livestock
3.Forestry, Fishing and Plantation
4.Mining and Quarrying
5.Manufacturing, Processing, Servicing and repair
6.Construction
7.Trade and Commerce
8.Transport, storage and communication
9.Others

Labor Rights:

Child labor as a human rights issue started after Industrial Revolution as it led to increased awareness about rights and working conditions. First general laws against child labor the “Factory Acts” were passed in Britain in the first half of the 19th century. According to these laws, children younger than 9yrs were not allowed to work and the work day of youth under the age of 18yrs was limited to 12 hrs. Later there were labor laws that were formulated which aimed at respecting and protection of human life in workplace and the right to work. It includes rights to job, collective bargaining and equal pay.

Child labor in India:

India accounts for the 2nd largest number where child labor is concerned followed by South Africa. Human Rights Watch (1996) reported that 60-115 million children are employed as child laborers. Children here work for 8hrs in a day with a small lunch break. The meals that are provided are not nutritious. Many children are migrants from different parts of the country, so they sleep in the working place. So throughout the day, they are in the same environment!!! In spite of laws and Constitution why is it that child labor exists in India?

In India, 75% of the population live in rural areas and borders the poverty line. Such families tend to see children as a source of income generation. They force children to some labor force as they need money to support others in the family. It is profitable for an employer to have children as labor force as they are cheaper. So, poverty is the main cause of child labor here. No law will help unless the needs of the poor are fulfilled. This has lead to a vicious cycle. Since they are poor, they send children for work. This means there is no education to the child. Lack of education leads to unemployment. Unemployment leads to poverty and poverty leads child labor. Some major factors that contribute to child labor in India are poverty, over population, lack of education and exposure and adult unemployment.

Work related risks for children:

Working conditions that are safe for adults may not be safe for children because :

Children have high chemical absorption rates.
Children have low heat tolerance
Children have skeletal growth
Children are in the process of tissue development.

In Indian conditions, poverty adds on to the health hazards. Malnutrition, fatigue and anemia increase risks for a child which can lead to permanent disability or premature death.

Facts about child labor:

During Industrial Revolution children as young as 4yrs were employed in production factories.
61% of child labor is estimated in Asia alone.
In 1997, research showed that the number of child laborers in silk weaving industry in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu, India) exceeded 40,000!!!
Recent ILO reports 80% of child labor in India are employed in agricultural sector.
1 in 7 children is in child labor of some kind across the globe!!
220 million children between the ages of 5-17 are engaged in child labor.
Every year more than 1 million children get pushed into sex trade!!
8.4 million Children are estimated to work under horrific conditions like bondage, prostitution, pornography, armed conflict or other illicit activities!!!!
Girl children from rural Nepal who enter into carpet factory are later sold to sex trade in the borders!!!!
60,000 children are employed in glass and bangle industry under extreme conditions of excessive heat!!!!
4, 20,000 children are employed in carpet industry.


Let’s all join together and eradicate this social evil…....every child is equal….let’s make world a better place for all the little angels!!

Assessments

Few facts about assessment:

1. Assessment centres have been recommended at least 1,500 yrs ago in India in Kautilya’s Arthashastra!!

2. Early application of assessments can be traced back to German Military Assessment Program developed for the German Army.

3. Assessment as a science began in 1886-89.

4. The first Psychometric Centre was set up in Cambridge University by James McKeen Cattell in 1886-89.

5. The first Psychometric instruments were designed to measure Intelligence.

6. L.L.Thurstone is the first President and the founder of Psychometric society in 1936.

7. Sir Francis Galton is called as the Father of Psychometrics.

8. First major book on Psychometric methods was written by Guilford.

The Eternal Love Story

From my childhood days, the tales of Radha Krishna has kept me captivated. Though there are doubts as to whether they were married or not, if Radha was of the same age as that of Krishna or was she very much elder to Him..........whatever it is, their love is eternal and she was one of the greatest devotee of Krishna.

The moment we hear Lord Krishna’s name, we tend to associate one name and that is Radha’s name. Radha, daughter of Vrishabhanu, was the leader (sometimes regarded as king) of cowherds, and her mother was called Kamalavati, or Kirtida. Radha was Krishna's lover during that period of his life when he lived among the cowherds of Vrindavan.

One of the versions of how Radha met Krishna:

Radha's father, Vrishbhanu, lived in Barsana, a village in the land known as Braj. Her mother was from Gokul, another village in the same area. When she was born, her mother had taken an oath that Radha would pay obeisance at the Shiva temple in Gokul. However her mother passed away when Radha was six years old and the oath remained unfulfilled. Her father, along with his other wives and his sons, left Barsana to establish a new settlement at Vrindavan. Radha lived on in Barsana with her grandmother. When Radha was twelve years old her grandmother died. She now was to go to Vrindavan. On the way she stopped at Gokul so that her mother's vow could be fulfilled. It was there that she first met Krishna, who was seven years old then.

Was Radha married to Krishna??

There are different versions of stories as to whether Radha was married to Krishna or were they in eternal love with each other which did not culminate in marriage. Her connection to Krishna is of two types: svakiya-rasa (married relationship) and parakiya-rasa (a relationship signified with eternal love).

Radha was the wife of a cowherd( his name was Aiyyan ), however she was Krishna’s eternal consort in Vrindavana and the most dedicated and beloved of His devotees. Since childhood they were close to each other - they played, they danced, they fought, they grew up together and wanted to be together forever, but the world pulled them apart. He departed to safeguard the virtues of truth, and she waited for him. He vanquished his enemies, became the king, and came to be worshipped as a lord of the universe. She waited for him. He married Rukmini and Satyabhama, raised a family, fought the great war of Ayodhya, and she still waited. So great was Radha's love for Krishna that even today her name is uttered whenever Krishna is refered to, and Krishna worship is though to be incomplete without the deification of Radha. The Gaudiya tradition focuses upon this parakiya-rasa as the highest form of love, wherein Radha and Krishna share loving exchanges through separation. Radha's love for Krishna is held within Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the most perfect primarily because of its endless and unconditional nature.


This is one interesting story showing the eternal relation of Radha and Krishna. Radha was not married to Lord Krishna. The immeasurable love of Krishna for Radha made Krishna's wives jealous of Radha. Once, they all planned a mischief to make Radha suffer. They set out a bowl of burning hot milk. They gave the bowl to Radha, saying that Krishna had sent it for her. Radha readily drank the hot milk.

When the wives returned to Krishna, they found him full of painful ulcers. This shows that Krishna resides in every pore of Radha i.e. why the hot milk didn't touch Radha, but it affected Krishna. He took all her pain and miseries upon himself. Radha and Krishna were celestial beings and their love was eternal. Whether they were married or not, their love made them united for ever.

The love story of Radha-Krishna has become a legend in the Hindu mythology. The story is believed to have taken place in the Dwapar Yuga, when both of them took birth in this world. Radha was a cowherdess, who through her beauty and charm captivated the heart of Lord Krishna and became his beloved goddess. She is considered to be his original shakthi.

"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Be proud to be a woman!!

Status of women in India:


This article is mainly intended to show the status of women in an Indian context and not to humiliate anyone.

A girl child often faces discrimination right from her childhood through out her life span. She is often given a low status compared to her male counterparts. Her low status is reflected in the denial of fundamental needs and rights and in such harmful attitudes and practices as a preference for sons, early marriage, domestic abuse, incest, sexual exploitation, discrimination, less food and less access to education.

There are several scholars who argue that women enjoyed the same status as that of men in early Vedic period. Rig Vedic verses suggest that the women married at a mature age and were probably free to select their husband. Upanishads and Rig-Veda mention women seers like Gargi and Maitreyi. Some kingdoms also had the practice of Nagarvadhu, literally means Bride of the City. Women competed to win the title of a Nagarvadhu, and it was not considered a taboo. The most beautiful woman was chosen as the Nagarvadhu.

The question is how and when did the status of women decline?

The decline in the status of women can be traced back to post Vedic and medieval period.The status of women began to decline in post vedic and medieval period. The sacred Manu Dharma Shastra shows ambiguity in terms of the status of women. Some of the quotes show respect and others show humiliation.

Eg: Even though the husband be of bad character and seeks pleasure elsewhere he must be of bad character and seeks pleasure elsewhere he must be constantly worshipped (Manu Smriti 5.154)
"A wife who has committed faults may be beaten with a rope or a split bamboo (Manu Smriti 8.299)

This is a clear indication of domestic violence which was recommended in the sacred texts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

However, the same text has also said certain great things about women like:

“Where women verily are honored, there the gods rejoice. Where, however, they are not honored, there all sacred rites prove useless" (3.56)
"In whatever house a woman not duly honored pronounces and imprecation, that house, with all that belong to it shall utterly perish" (9.45)One thing about these sayings is that a woman needs to be respected and honored but only if she is of good character, then how come certain restrictions has not been laid out for men? Men should be respected even he can seek pleasure elsewhere…why not women?? What we need to understand is that we have a choice to reject Manu Smriti or other books if they are not in the spirit of our aspirations, equality and justice. We do not have to follow a particular book or guru or path. We have a choice to take the good from all and reject the bad.
Even denial to education for women can be traced back to ancient days where sages/rishis prevented women from studying scriptures. This gradually made path for the denial of basic education to women who considered unimportant for someone who will marry and rear a family.

The Mahabharata mentions the gifts sent with a bride in the form of gold, silver, cows and horses. But nowhere in its 100,000 verses does this epic history of India recount incidents of torture inflicted upon women if they failed to bring adequate presents from their parents. While the current-day dowry is a compulsion and thus a curse for women's dignity, dowry in the past was voluntary in nature, remained under her control and insured her personal security in the marriage.

The principle of gender equality is contained in the Indian Constitution, legal system and government policies. However, there is still a wide gap between these principles and the reality of the status of women in many communities across India. This is shown by low female literacy rates and high maternal mortality rates, particularly in rural areas. Attitudes need to change at the level of the family. Parents need to ensure that girls as well as boys receive health care, education, training, opportunities and access to resources.
Women in contemporary India: There is a great upsurge in awareness about women's rights among all sections of society. The developmental programmes and policies give emphasis to improving women's social status. In spite urbanization and industrialization our culture and economy are predominantly agrarian, rural based. So empowering women, who are backbone of our agrarian economy, is a sure path to achieve major economic gains. Our development efforts have yielded creditable benefits for women in doubling their life expectancy over the last fifty years, and considerably reducing female infant mortality and child mortality rates. (Book extracts)

Horrifying facts:

•60% of the women in India are anemic.
•More women than men die before the age of 35.
•India, with a population of 989 million, is the world’s second most populous country. Of that number, 120 million are women who live in poverty.
•India’s maternal mortality rates in rural areas are among the highest in the world.
•In India, one woman dies every five minutes from a pregnancy-related cause.
•1 woman was murdered due to dowry every 66 minutes ( 2002 censes )
•Over 40% of married Indian women face physical abuse by their husband ( 2002 censes )