What’s your excuse for skipping breakfast today?

Published: Monday, Sep 6, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

Adelle Davis, American author and a pioneer in the field of nutrition, said, ‘Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.’ For reasons we’re familiar with, the city follows this cycle in reverse. Despite being reminded by our mothers, family physicians and health columns that breakfast has to be the most healthy meal of the day, a majority of Mumbaikars do not devote time to eat breakfast at leisure.
No meal at leisure
Instead, a cutting chai and Mumbai’s ubiquitous vada pav end up qualifying as our breakfast. Remember the good old movies where one would see the entire family at the breakfast table- the father immersed into his newspaper as he sipped tea, the mother helpful with the porridge and the kids obediently scooped mouthfuls of cornflakes? Seems like such indulgences remain for a weekend get-away.
According to a survey conducted by DNA and AZ Research, about 42% of Mumbaikars who are infamous for always being on the run skip the most important meal. Also, most just manage to grab a quick bite on the run and wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time and thought about what their breakfast should consist of.
Breakfast on the move
Sailee Pagnis, a student residing at Tardeo, says that she does have breakfast everyday but it happens in a rush. She says, “I know one should spend at least 15 minutes on breakfast but I am always running late for college. However, I try and consume either a fruit along with milk as I don’t get time to eat fresh and hot breakfast made at home.”
But even that rushed snack may not comprise the most desired eatables. Office goers are the most prominent examples of this, and they end up consuming food that is especially low in proteins and vitamins. Lately, despite the so called health conscious citizen finding his footing, it doesn’t always mean that they are eating right.
Twenty four-year-old Sushil Thakur says, “I end up missing my breakfast twice or thrice in a week. If I am getting late, I eat a fruit or a pack of chips on my way to work. It’s an unhealthy trend but I am expected to reach work at a particular time so I end up missing breakfast and have an early lunch in office.”
Changing eating habits
Dr Purwa Duggal, nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, rightly puts it in perspective, “Indian eating habits are undergoing a sea-change, where the traditional hot choices are being replaced with a tendency to skip food, eat irregularly and opt for junk food instead of well balanced meals which are precipitating or worsening the health problems.”
Ignoring health concerns
Surprisingly, despite being aware that skipping breakfast could get them into trouble, people don’t appear fearful enough of its consequences. Manish Bora, a travel agent, says, “I just have a glass of milk and leave home by 10am in the morning. This has been my routine since more than two years. I get time to eat lunch only after 2pm. I surely feel hungry before that but constant phone calls and meetings don’t permit me to eat early.”
Bora, 32, is facing high cholesterol problems and also suffers from migraine sometimes, but tends to ignore it unless it gets serious. So basically people know their lifestyle habits are harming their own body but still continue to ignore it.
The ideal scenario
Dr Duggal sums up saying, “Usually breakfast is an option high in carbs and low in greens. The lower socio-economic class thrives on options such as bread, vada-pav, samosa-pav, etc. The diet conscious ones prefer kanda-poha, upma, egg preparations or breakfast cereals. Breakfast should be the best and the heaviest. This may include cereals (fiber-rich), milk (low fat), fruit, and eggs, depending on your eating preferences.”

‘Healthy breakfast =productive day’

Published: Monday, Sep 6, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA

DNA asked nutritionist Dr Richa Anand for suggestions for a quick, but healthy breakfast and also tried to understand Mumbai’s changing eating habits amongst the ample variety on offer. Excerpts:
Over the years, have the breakfast eating habits of Mumbaikars changed?
I think eating patterns have changed tremendously over the years. People have switched from parathas, idlis, pakodas, and bhajias and likewise heavy meals to lighter and faster options like sandwiches, cornflakes, oats, etc. Also awareness regarding the importance of breakfast has increased. People now understand the significance of a healthy breakfast.
How much is the hectic schedule playing spoilsport in not having a proper breakfast?
Hectic schedules are by far the most common reason for skipping breakfast. What’s commonly seen is that some people are very particular about their breakfast choices. So if time does not permit elaborate preparations, they completely skip breakfast instead of going for an easier option such as oatmeal or just cornflakes.
What are the most common breakfast items of Mumbaikars? Do we eat right and devote adequate time for it?
Maska pav, poha, upma, chapatti, cereal and sandwiches are common breakfast item for regular days while eggs, sausages, parathas, wadas etc are generally reserved for weekends. What people need to understand is that some form of cereal (rice, wheat flour, rawa, corn) must be always consumed for breakfast. Only sprouts, juice or milk is not enough breakfast.
Any tips and suggestions that you would like to give to people always on the run?
One must ensure that breakfast is consumed on a daily basis. For those in a hurry, even whole wheat bread with a cup of tea, cornflakes milk, instant oats or dalia would do. When in a real rush, even some glucose biscuits with milk can be consumed provided the person is non-diabetic and weighs normal.
For those who travel long distances, they can pack their breakfast and eat it along the way. Whole wheat bread with some tomato and cucumber, or some theplas (cooked earlier), dalia, upma, etc, can be carried along. For those only used to a glass of milk, can add some cereal and drink it along. Several studies have confirmed that a healthy breakfast helps to improve concentration levels. Also a nutritious breakfast ensures a productive day.

Radha, Krishna create musical magic on stage

Published: Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

One can go through a mystic and prophetic trance like experience of visiting pilgrimage places like Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan and Nathdwara in just three hours, while being in an auditorium.
Shyam Saloni Radhe is a musical ballet, a co-venture by Tushar Sonigrah and Nilesh Thakkar. It’s a spiritual musical show with live melodious singing and well-coordinated dance performances taking you through the spiritual journey of Krishna’s birth, followed by his growing up years and union with Radha. “We wanted to begin this show in the religious month of Adhik Maas, which is an extra month in the calendar. This additional month is known by various names and is considered very auspicious and is usually dedicated to Lord Krishna,” said Nilesh Thakkar, co-producer and lead singer said.
He added, “The show will take the audience through a journey of Radha and Krishna via dance, music, dialogues and narration.”
The show’s youngest performer is Ronak Thakkar who is just three years old, but plays the role of young Krishna with conviction. To make the show appeal to a wider audience the organisers have also taken topical issues to spread awareness. “Farmers’ suicides, urban terrorism, child labour and plight of many senior citizens in the country are some issues that we have highlighted through this show,” said co-producer Tushar Sonigrah.
He added, “Through this show, we are trying to convey the message that God should save us from all these problems.”
Scriptwriter Nikhil Songoi anchored the show, while the choreography for all the songs was done by Ashwin Pande, who is also one of the lead dancers. The show begins with the background score of a flute by Kiran Vinkar. He has been in this field from the last eight years and enjoys his work, despite being visually impaired. “I have been with this group for almost five years and I get a lot of encouragement. I feel blessed to play the instrument which is associated with Lord Krishna. During the show I use around 25 to 30 different flutes to create different effects,” Kiran said.
The show culminates with performers portraying divine couples Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati and Ram-Sita in vibrant colours, promoting the message of harmony.
Sejal Shah, Amita Mehta Nayak, and Sangeeta Ved are the other singers in the show.The next show will be held in Gokul Towan, Virar West on April 24 and in Ghatkopar on May 1. Contact: 9821063491.

Mumbai foundation livens up Kargil war widows’ lives

Published: Thursday, Jul 1, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

Having worked with several charitable institutions like CPPA and Dilkhush (a school for special children), and lived in London, Dubai and Mumbai, Mayah Manghnani always wanted to do something on a bigger scale.
She shared the idea with her daughter, Soma, and her closest friends, who lent their full support and encouraged her to go ahead with her dream. And so, with Mayah and Kokilaben Modi’s initiative, Muktangan International Foundation was born on October 17 1998.
Soma Manghnani says, “Our first project was with kids, and currently there are 104 children, mostly in the Garhwal hills, whom Muktangan is supporting for their education. Mayah always wanted to do something special for the disabled.”
She co-ordinated with the army’s artificial limb centre and started taking care of the physically challenged, especially after the Kargil war broke out and many jawans returned with lost limbs and livelihoods.
Madhurr Manghnani, the spokesperson for the Foundation, has been involved with the activities of the NGO from its inception, and in the last two years has taken MIF to a different level altogether.
She has participated in all the relief camps organised by MIF and reached out to the masses in general. Administrating injections, providing medicines and helping in the prevention of diseases like Leptospirosis and other water borne diseases has been her forte.
Talking about the experience with the Kargil war widows, Soma elaborates, “Most of the work with the Kargil widows has been done in the Garhwal Hills, where the NGO was registered. It was very moving to see young widows, girls, some of whom were only 19 years old, coping with what life had given them.”
The NGO has helped rehabilitate 37 war widows to enter the vocation of shawl-making, brought them down from the hills to the plains of Delhi, and assisted them in selling the products, hence making them self-sufficient and financially independent.
Gas licences were also given to these ladies besides some monetary help. Some of them were encouraged to remarry into the same family, so that the compensation received by the Government remained in the family. They taught us the real meaning of resilience and, above all, fortitude, says Soma.
Fortunately there are lots of volunteers who assist them for these causes, but not as much as they would want. “Since many of these widows are settled in the hills, sometimes finding a local person becomes difficult. Fortunately we have Vipul Dashwana from Dehradun coordinating with the people connected with MIF,” says Soma.
During the Gujarat earthquake, Orissa cyclone, Mumbai floods and the Mumbai terrorist attack, MIF has worked very closely with the army, particularly the 107 regiment and CAPART.
Speaking about their future, Soma elaborates, “Our future plans include constructing a rehabilitation centre, including an artificial limb facility, which will be an independent unit. This would be run by ex-service officers and soldiers who have suffered causalities in the armed conflicts or in peace time, with the services of specialised doctors.
This unit will not only provide medical assistance but also seek a dignified rehabilitation for them. The welfare of their families, including free education for their children, leading to suitable employment, will be the prime concern of our organisation.”

Highway travellers wake up to ‘green restaurant’

Published: Friday, Jun 4, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

While governments across the world will announce measures to tackle global warming ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, it’s actually individuals who are making a difference in small ways. Among many new age start-ups only a few focus on the ecological factors. Legacy of Punjab started by Vaarun Dhingra is the perfect example of entrepreneurship and new age eco-friendly business models.
Run on an environmentally sustainable model, Legacy of Punjab constantly strives to recycle and minimise its carbon footprint. It is located on the Mumbai-Nashik highway, 60 km outside the city.
‘Green restaurant’
While doing research on restaurants on Mumbai-Nashik highway, Vaarun found that most didn’t have proper garbage and sewage disposal systems. That’s when he decided that his restaurant would be the ‘new age green restaurant’. One of the green aspects is that instead of wasting electricity they use solar and wind energy, so all the lights in the parking lot are running on the renewable energy source.
Twenty-six-year old Vaarun has a management degree in a hospitality and tourism from University Centre Cesar Ritz (Switzerland). “My aim was to recreate the feel of a Punjabi farmhouse. We use solar energy for our needs and also believe in growing most of the foodstuff on the premises. We have a 10,000 sq ft farm where vegetables are grown. Customers have appreciated impeccable standards of cleanliness and hygiene,” Vaarun added. The eatery is a favourite of travellers on the highway because of its clean restrooms and spacious premises.
Hospitality lineage
Vaarun’s father always wanted to get into the hotel business, the first eatery he opened was a Mexican restaurant called Sheriff on Linking Road, Bandra in 1998. After that in 2002, he got into a joint venture partnership in the Bhagat Tarachand restaurant, which is located on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. “My father already owned the land on Mumbai- Nashik highway, otherwise a restaurant of this scale would’ve been impossible in the city,” said Vaarun.
Operational methods
Most of their staff reside on the site, so they decided to put solar water heaters as well.
Vaarun elaborates, “Since we didn’t have proper sewage lines on the highway, therefore we put up a treatment plant which recycles sewage water. We reuse it for gardening purposes. We also have a running windmill and solar water heaters.

‘I feel a special connection with my country’

Published: Sunday, Aug 15, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

Sixty three-year-old Mangala Toraskar, a homemaker who stays with her family in Tardeo, never misses the annual flag hoisting ceremony in her society on August 15. But after the national anthem is sung and she’s back home, the celebration is far from over. A cake is brought out by Toraskar’s family to celebrate another special occasion — her birthday.
Born on August 15, 1947, Toraskar is one of many who share the day of their birth with the birth of the nation. But according to her, while some things have changed, others are still the same. She says,“Things were very cheap at that time, but now nothing is available for Re1. Politicians and political parties have changed over the years but they continue making promises they don’t fulfill.”
“I feel as if the entire country is celebrating my birthday, as well as paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle,” says 95-year-old Shakuntala Rani Sehgal, who was also born on August 15 and happens to be the cousin of legendary freedom fighter SukhdevThapar. Referring to the current generation’s disregard for national heroes who fought for freedom, Sehgal offers, “Today people know Bhagat Singh because of the many films based on his life. However, we need to remember that the freedom struggle was a group effort. Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar equally contributed to the Indian independence movement, a fact that is completely overlooked today.”
Kritika Mehta, a student residing in Delhi, was born on August 15 1993 and is quite excited about celebrating her 17th birthday. She says, “I spend my birthday with friends and family. The fact that I share my birthday with India’s Independence Day makes me feel a special connection with my country.”
But ask her about the significance of the day for others her age and she replies, “The youth may not be too interested in the details and history of the freedom struggle, but they do look forward to Independence Day celebrations.”

Preserving pride of the tricolour

Published: Monday, Aug 16, 2010, By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA 

It is quiet ironical that every year, a day after August 15, plastic and paper replicas of the tricolour, which we salute on Independence Day, are seen carelessly thrown around. But, this year will be different. The Rotaract clubs of Andheri and Mithibai College have organised ‘Operation Tricolour’, which will involve college-going youngsters collecting all the flags that are carelessly strewn on the road.
“On August 16, we will meet around 6.30am in Mithibai College and then divide into groups. Each group will be allotted a locality in Andheri and Vile Parle. Intwo hours, all the groups will collect the flags find lying around,” said Jeet Tanna, organising chairperson, Rotract Club, Mithibai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allowed the students to set up booths, where the groups can deposit the flags they collect. The flags will be then handed over to the civic body, which will recycle them. “The BMC authorities have been very cooperative. They have allowed us to have booths outside schools, colleges and parks. They have always supported all our initiatives with active interest,” said Jeet.
Shaista Shaikh, another member of the Rotaract Club,Mithibai, said, “We just want people to know that they should be careful about how they treat the flag, and they must not just dump it on the road.
They should respect the flag as it upholds the prestige of India.”
According to Jeet, it’s really unfortunate that people just throw away the flags. “Peoples’ attitude doesn’t change. Even schoolchildren are particular and careful when it comes to the Indian tricolour,” said Jeet.
Seventy to eighty members of the Rotract clubs will be a part of this campaign.