Just like that

    Most of us would have read the story of Ishwara Chandra Vidyasagar in our school days; the Bengal social reformer who was denied entry to an event as he wore dhoti-kurta and sent out for not being dressed appropriately in a suit and tie. If one were to argue that those yonder days are gone, turn your attention to the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The series of dress controversies surrounding women players that have erupted will be enough to put all of us to shame. This year sees a record number of women athletes competing in the international games, about 49 per cent of all athletes. Tokyo Olympic Committee has termed this as the first-ever gender-balanced Olympic game in history. However, before one starts priding themselves, the disputes over what these women players are wearing or not wearing during the sport is appalling. What have bikinis got to do with a game of beach handball? Well, the international uniform code for beach handball insists that women players show up for...

If you had thought that the Montessori way was only for children, think again. Montessori materials have found extensive use in the care of ageing seniors and dementia patients. Intrigued? Well, in many Western countries after much experimentation with a variety of theories, doctors and people engaged in geriatric care have found that primary Montessori materials are most useful in helping elders residing in senior homes live an abundant life. It has always been a challenging task for caregivers to engage patients with dementia or any old-age related issues. Whatever help is given, elders feel discontent and irritated on having to depend on someone and caregivers are tired and on the verge of losing their patience owing to the litany of complaints despite their best efforts. Many senior homes and hospice centres have sprung up to address this tug-of-war between the two. However, seniors continue to complain about feeling helpless, dependent and relegated to the care of some unknown aid...

What wonders can a simple break do? I was lost in my new career for the last six years. While learning the ropes and exploring new avenues, I did lose track of time and my blog. A small break has made me reflect on how many new things I have learnt in the last six years. The new career has helped me see things from a different perspective – that of a school teacher. Do I see a smirk on your face asking me what’s the big deal? Wait! Here’s why it was different to me - Now, I am a Montessori adult. Confused? Well, all of us love to “teach” others anytime and anywhere. That seems the easiest thing to do because, under the pretext of sharing our knowledge, we indulge ourselves in flaunting our actions and achievements; and most of the time, it ends up just as a bunch of advice and empty boasts handed out for gratis. It maybe a little hard to stomach but we all know that this is the truth. However, when I took up the role as a Montessori teacher, the task at hand was not an easy one. There ...

When I heard that Kerala Women’s Commissioner M.C. Josephine’s advice to a distraught domestic violence victim. in a live television show, was just “Enna pinne anubhavicho” (Then you bear it), it did not surprise me at all. I am very sure that this was not the first time that the victim had heard this answer too, be it from her family or her social circle. This frivolous comment is common parlance to most Indian women and is the biggest roadblock in the lives of many, including mine. Personally, the comment has wreaked havoc in my life and had pushed me into the depths of depression for many years together. The inane comment is not so inane when it comes to the repercussions that it leads to. The person who is hearing it (90 per cent of the time a woman) voices out her fear or pain after many deliberations. But the comment is thrown back on her face as a retort as she failed to fall in line with the accepted practices. All this because she had taken a step that is against a common lin...