From the lovely and lively streets of American cities to the cultured and historic landscapes of Russia, art has created its niche. Each stroke of a paintbrush tells a unique story and every colour furthers an emotion. The imagination of an artist knows no bounds and it is an art that has made these nations shine. While Russian art is more aesthetic as there is ample use of vibrant hues and floral designs, American art forms are more abstract, expressive and individualistic.

Here are a few amazing art forms from Russia and America that will give you a peek into their culture and history.

While Russia is famous all over the world for giving the best thinkers like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky to the world, the same country has also birthed some of the most talented painters. These innovative inventions from the ancient ages have survived the test of time. Here are some unheard art forms from Russia that are still famous today :

Khokhloma: Dating back to the seventeenth century, artists practising this art form use black, green and red colours on a black background. Traditionally, people decorate their wooden household items like jars, table tops and cupboards by painting on them. The surface is first painted black and once it dries, bright designs are painted in vibrant hues on the surfaces. The patterns include berries and flowers and are painted with a special heat-resistant metal paint.

Matryoshka Dolls: Everyone has played with these dolls as a kid. However, little did we know that these nested wooden dolls have their origin in Russia. The dolls are painted to reveal a series of smaller dolls within. From the biggest to the smallest, these dolls are symbolic of a mother carrying a child within. The sequence of these dolls is painted in vibrant colours and is intricately designed which makes the sequence charming and endearing.

Gzhel: This art form stands for the blue and white intricate patterns drawn on ceramic surfaces. The art form got its name from the place of origin i.e. Gzhel, a village near Moscow, Russia. Floral motifs and many other orange-blue patterns are hand-painted by local artists on various pottery items like plates, teapots and even figurines.

Gzhel: This art form stands for the blue and white intricate patterns drawn on ceramic surfaces. The art form got its name from the place of origin i.e. Gzhel, a village near Moscow, Russia. Floral motifs and many other orange-blue patterns are hand-painted by local artists on various pottery items like plates, teapots and even figurines.

Americans are well-known for their rock music all over the world. However, a lesser-known fact about this country is that the Americans were at one point in time amazing artists. Their art influences Asian, European, African as well as European traditions. Here are certain art forms that you can try at home and have fun:

Sand painting: Sand painting is a unique art form in which an artist pours different colours of sand on a surface to create paintings. Crushed-coloured sandstones, pollen and charcoal are some of the materials used to create an artwork. This art form has a religious significance as its main function is to connect with healing ceremonies. Native Americans would make the patient sit in the centre of the painting to cure his or her illness and heal the patient completely.

Porcupine Quillwork: Porcupine quillwork is one of the most intriguing artworks. The quills are used to decorate various items of clothing and multiple accessories. To do so, the quills are dyed in the desired colour and seen through birch paper. Only a few skilled women could do this sacred art and had to recite prayers while performing it.

Totem Poles: Skilled artists use various tools like chisels and adzes to carve wood and make carvings. In the Native American culture, these poles are highly significant as they narrate stories and also tell about the spiritual beliefs of people. These poles can be anywhere between 40 feet to 100 feet tall depending on the cultural significance and the purpose of the artist making one.

Art knows no boundaries. We all played with Matryoshka Dolls as kids and painted in the sand whenever we got the chance. Therefore, it is all about exploring one’s creative prowess and understanding all humans face the same emotions. The art scenes in Russia and America tell interconnected narratives that reflect diverse landscapes. However, the common threads that bind them together are human emotions and willingness to express themselves through the medium of art. Both countries contribute majorly to art on a global level and there is a lot to learn from them for art enthusiasts.

Once upon a time in a bustling city, Leo, the brilliant inventor, created a marvel of technology – a robot capable of detecting liars. My invention, known as “TruthBot,” was a groundbreaking leap in the world of artificial intelligence. It could scan body language, monitor voice fluctuations, and analyze facial expressions with unmatched precision. TruthBot was programmed to seek out the truth, making it the most valuable asset for anyone striving for honesty and integrity.

As the news of my invention spread, people from all walks of life were eager to acquire TruthBot. Politicians, lawyers, and even ordinary folks saw it as the ultimate means to unearth deception. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that not everyone had noble intentions. One fateful evening, I found my laboratory broken into, and TruthBot was missing. The thief had left behind a scene shrouded in confusion.

The city was thrown into turmoil as accusations flew like bullets in a wild west shootout. All evidence pointed to one person, a mild-mannered librarian named Mr. Barnaby. His reputation for honesty had earned him the trust of the entire community. I couldn’t believe it. Why would Mr. Barnaby steal TruthBot, the very invention that could expose liars?

I embarked on my own investigation, using the detective skills I had developed over the years. It became evident that Mr. Barnaby had an unimpeachable alibi, and no one could provide any credible motive for his involvement. It was a classic case of all evidence pointing towards an innocent person. I knew there had to be more to the story, so I delved deeper into the case.

My first break came when I examined the scene of the crime more closely. I found a tiny piece of fabric caught on the broken window frame. It was not the kind that Mr. Barnaby would wear, but rather a material used by the city’s elite. This discovery was a stark contrast to the modest librarian.

Digging further, I discovered that Mr. Barnaby had recently become the target of threats, which he had reported to the local authorities. It seemed someone was trying to tarnish his impeccable reputation. There was a conspiracy at play, a nefarious plot to frame the innocent librarian and divert attention from the true thief.

I began to focus on the city’s most influential citizens. The more I dug, the more I realized that one person stood out like a sore thumb: Sir Reginald Blackwood, a wealthy industrialist with a penchant for secrecy. He had everything to gain from stealing TruthBot and ensuring that it never fell into the wrong hands.

My suspicions grew stronger as I uncovered Sir Blackwood’s connections to various criminal elements in the city. It was clear that he had orchestrated the theft to protect his own secrets, using Mr. Barnaby as a convenient scapegoat.

With the evidence in hand, I confronted Sir Blackwood, who initially denied any involvement. But when I presented him with the fabric and the connections I had uncovered, he finally cracked. The truth tumbled from his lips, confirming my suspicions.

In the end, TruthBot was returned to me, and Sir Blackwood faced the consequences of his actions. The city could once again trust in the power of truth, thanks to the unmasking of the real liar behind the grand theft. The case had all the elements of a classic detective story – a seemingly innocent person accused, a web of deception, and the eventual triumph of justice.

As I stood victorious in the heart of the bustling city, I couldn’t help but smile, for the truth had prevailed, and the world was a little more honest thanks to my invention, TruthBot. And thus, the tale of the stolen lie-detector robot came to an end, leaving a legacy of integrity and justice in its wake.

“A book, being a physical object, engenders a certain respect that zipping electrons cannot. Because you cannot turn a book off, because you have to hold it in your hands, because a book sits there, waiting for you, whether you think you want it or not, because of all these things, a book is a friend. It’s not just the content, but the physical being of a book that is there for you always and unconditionally.”

Mo Willems, author of the acclaimed book series ‘Elephant and Piggie’, and award winning books ‘Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!’, ‘Knuffle Bunny’ versions; is a wholesome example of how a childlike enthusiasm gets reflected from an adult with as much innocence and purity as that of a kid. The passion and conviction, with immense love for stories. And the very act of storytelling.

Born in Chicago, Willems began expressing through his art from the tender age of 3. He drew characters. Which later transitioned into writing. Willems is also an animator, and has illustrated a long list of books. His authored titles list begins with ‘Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!’. The book revolves around a bus driver and pigeon (who wishes to drive the bus). The driver is adamant on not allowing him to do so. He requests the readers to refrain the pigeon from driving the bus. And the banter continues further.

The book was rejected by countless publishers stating the very reason which the publisher who eventually published it stated – They all said it’s unusual. But as per Williams, whether is an ‘unusual’ pejorative or a positive, is the ultimate question. The dialogue heavy narrative with sketches of the pigeon stood out. It soon turned into a franchise with the Pigeon returning in the follow-up books ‘The pigeon finds a hot dog’, ‘The pigeon loves things that go’, ‘The pigeon has feelings too’; so on and so forth.

Willems emphasizes upon his inherent need to spark creativity and joy, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste, after having read his books. Also he intends his books to be read by kids and adults alike. Simple basic questions find their way into his work. The very purpose of being in a childlike sense is passed on to the readers. The idea of niceness, or the lack of it, is conveyed in a simplified manner. His books come with a sense of hyped up excitement, and he expects that excitement to translate onto the reactions of his readers while his stories are underway, being read in real time.

“All of the life-changing awesome words and pictures and ideas inside your library are useless without just one word outside your library – Open.”

Mo Willems innocently advocates for the act of reading, and feeling, and cherishing emotions. Just like his quote, it’s important for us as readers to be open and receptive to his unique ideas, more specifically his creatively novel approach, and his passionate storytelling.

Buckle up for an unforgettable ride with the adorable pigeons!

Come December and here we are at that time of the year again when chilly winds blow in the Northern region, hills are draped in a beautiful white blanket of powdered snow; frost laden rivers glisten in winter sun, days shrivel and berries swell, a golden glow of crackling fire from cozy fireplaces filters out from glass windows and homes are warm with festive cheer and savoury aromas. Aye, it’s winter and we are on the verge of welcoming another year.
A new year brimming with new excitement, new challenges and some brand new milestones to be engraved in life’s journey.

As we once again stand at this threshold we tend to look back at the going year with a tinge of regret… perhaps, about a place we wanted to visit but couldn’t, a relation which didn’t go as per our wish, a choice gone wrong… But more than these we are upset about things we meant to do but remained undone for an entire year.
And know what?
Without our realizing it, these become our New Year’s resolution- the glossy trendy version of our undone, incomplete stuff.
Year by year.
Remember, that dress you wanted to fit in still lying in the back of your closet, that haircut you wanted, that subject you meant to switch to, that trip, that blog you so wanted to write, gosh those heels you so wished to wear, that manuscript you wanted to mail to the publisher… Ah, the endless list of undone things.

So where exactly do we go wrong?
And How to avoid this next year? Unravel this with some homework tricks .

One – Create a 12 picture collage of the current year’s best moments. Best doesn’t mean to be the most glitzy ones but the moments where you felt loved, appreciated and valued, moments you’d love to relive.
One for each month.
Result – This exercise would remind you of the good times you had every month and if you can’t find even a single one for a month then you’d learn to ‘create’ these in the upcoming year, thus automatically filtering out some and adding certain other habits as well as people, Right?
On the practical side, it will help you delete the not so important pictures from your gallery giving a Lot more phone space! Trust me you’d Thank me later.

Two- Write down a minimum of 10 gestures or deeds you feel proud of, this year. It can be academic excellence, or change in your certain behavioural patterns, a good habit you acquired, a fitness goal achieved, a financial goal checked , a boundary you successfully set in a tricky relationship, or the ice you managed to thaw in a difficult one… anything which helped you grow and bloom as a better person.
Result – **This will point out that if you’d already done any of that, definitely you are already more loved and respected.

You’d feel a sense of accomplishment.
If not, make it a point to ‘find’ such situations to grow and help grow, I promise , on the eve of next new year you’d be looking back to a ‘richer’ life.

Three – Turn your dreams into goals
Dreams become achievable goals when you put a date to them.
Let’s say last year’s unfulfilled desires are – Reaching ideal fitness, Gold in science Olympiad , running a 10 km year end marathon, To be the editor of the school magazine. All these can be easily achieved by finding two hours daily.
See how –
For fitness- wake up an hour earlier than your usual time and you’d be exceptionally fit by 1st June.
This will help you to shine in the year end marathon on 1 October.
For science Olympiad – practice questions daily for one hour after school. You’re ready for 21st August.
For magazine Editor – read literature to broaden knowledge by switching screen time to book time. You’re ready to apply on 1st November.
By making a small difference daily dreams and wishes turn into solid reality. And homework one and two has already given you new goals to pursue! Write a date!

Lastly, remember what Bruce Lee said, “Be Water , My Friend”
Do not resist or struggle, neither surrender but find a way. Either wash away obstacles else turn around them, circumvent, jump over, pass under, do whatever it takes but reach your goal on time. In 2024 Be water.
Be unstoppable.

A country’s arts and crafts narrate tons about its history. The rich cultural tapestry embodies centuries of traditions, artistic innovation and even symbolism. African arts and crafts are very well known for their exquisite designs and textures.
Not only is it important to know about African arts and crafts, but it is also very important to learn how to do these. One can take inspiration from these arts and crafts to incorporate them into Indian artforms and make exquisite objects.

Go on and give it a read to learn more African artforms and crafts.

Basket Making: Artisans skillfully use natural and organic materials such as grasses, reeds and fiber to create intricate baskets. Some of the most intricate baskets are made in the Kitui region of Nigeria. The craftsmen use sisal and dye them to make striking colours. Ghana is also known for baskets made out of “river grass” or “elephant grass”. These exquisite objects have leather hands made of goat skin. The patterns on these baskets are either geometric or symbolic in design and are available in beautiful colours.

Mask Making: Masks have been a staple wear in the history of Africa. From diverse materials like animal hide to the very exquisite ivory, masks have been one of the most talked about accessories. Wooden masks are made with a small axe-like tool that creates nice curves according to the features of the face. Further details are added using a knife.

Pottery: Ounjougou pottery is the oldest serving style of pottery. Hand built by African women in their domestic compounds, this style of pottery served as a way of artistic expression. These pots not only served practical purposes in households, but also worked as ornamental pieces.

Jewels and More: Ostrich egg shells have been often used by Africans as ornaments. Various other organic materials like porcupine quills, bones, animal teeth, and carved stones were used to embellish oneself. African beadwork requires skill and is one of the best in the world. Men as well as women both wear jewels made with beads. From extravagant headgears to massive necklaces and bangles, jewels are an essential part of the attire.

Textile Art: African countries are well known for their textile. Whether it is designing or manufacturing, textiles like Bogolan, Ankara, adinkara or Kente are famous all over the world for their textures and designs. Conventional weaving, dyeing, and printing methods are used to create fabrics that further cultural narratives. The fabric from Africa is commonly known as brocade or basin fabric. Artisans employ various tools such as mud and calabash gourds to stamp, paint, and press designs onto the fabric.

From intricate beadwork to skilful basketry, African arts and crafts speak tons about the country’s history. Learning about these crafts not only add to one’s knowledge but also inspire one to try something on their own. These arts and crafts preserve identities, rituals of communities and give us a glimpse into the working of a society.

The year 2023 has been an impressive showcase of technological strides and remarkable projects. Despite the challenges of the lockdown, most communities have made a strong recovery.

At the end of the year, most teenagers are mixed with a cloud of emotions. The transition from one year to the next isn’t just a change in dates; it’s a marker of growth, change, and the passing of time.

As a teenager, I’ve found this year to be the shortest yet. It feels like months have sped by in the blink of an eye. It’s baffling, prompting me to sit down and devise a plan to figure out why this year has felt so incredibly brief.

To start, stepping into 9th grade marked a significant shift. New concepts in my grade 9 textbooks represented a considerable leap from 8th grade. I adapted quickly and dedicated most of my time to studying. However, I don’t think merely diving into school books caused time to pass by so swiftly, so that’s a theory I’ll set aside.

Another notion I’ve considered is that my time spent with friends, family, and relatives might have played a major role. I strongly believe that connecting with them, sharing emotions and thoughts, might have contributed to this sense of time slipping away. There could be other factors, but this feels significant to me.

Interestingly, I discovered that many others share this feeling. When I asked friends, their responses mirrored mine—they, too, felt that the year whizzed by. None of us could quite put our finger on why, but it seemed to be a shared experience.

I believe that teenagers like us had more opportunities this year to come together, strengthen bonds with friends and family, much like I did. Among us, there have been memorable moments—some joyful, some transformative. Personally, I’ve achieved new milestones and experienced personal growth.

Most teens are eagerly anticipating the new year. There’s an undeniable buzz about what’s to come—the chance to set new resolutions and personal goals.

Year endings also bring nostalgia. Generally, I miss all the fun we have had the past year which couldn’t be regained in the next one. Missing your friends as they shift onto a different school, your relatives as they shift onto different places. I miss the fun I had together as the years moved on.

Most teens, like me, have started evaluating what significant things that we have done this year. When most teens look back, some could have positive insights, and some negative. This is when we start promising ourselves that we’ll make the next year count starting from day 1 with new resolutions and promises to oneself. Hope we make it through.

One funny incident that I would like to reflect on is when I made a resolution in 2022, to write a diary every year. I got through the first year alright, but my year 2023 dairy still has half of its pages empty and I have completely forgotten to start it again.

For most teens, amidst the sense of various emotions, there can also be a sense of uncertainty. They may not know what’s about to come, and the end of the year might stir up their thoughts on what’s to come. It’s the time that teens should be brave and face all uncertainties that is to come in their future.

Basically, everyone is mellowed down by the end of the year as they enjoy the winter season. The upcoming festive holidays and the beginning of the new year brings excitement to a number of youths.

The end of the year isn’t merely the sum of 365 days; it’s a complex blend of emotions—joy, gratitude, uncertainty, and hope. For teenagers, it’s a rollercoaster ride of feelings, a time for reflection, celebration, and perhaps a few nervous moments thrown in.

This year has truly been eventful for me, and I’m genuinely excited about what the upcoming year holds. It’s an entirely new, fresh chapter that I’m going to indulge myself in, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s awaiting me next year. For the upcoming new year, my resolution would indeed be to continue my passion of reading and writing and go on to read more and more, all the while putting my best effort into publishing my upcoming books.

When I look at my 13 years old daughter’s busy school and social life, it reminds me of my childhood. The stark difference in terms of simplicity of things in all spheres like school, family, friend groups, handling technology and global exposure stand out.

I feel we had it really simple as compared to our kids. Missing one day of school was not a family discussion issue, holidays were not planned taking into account the school trips or annual days and going to ancestral homes was not dependent on kids’ summer camps. In short, life was simple.

While it may be true, I am amazed by the adaptive mechanisms of today’s kids. They have become multi- taskers inadvertently, in today’s fast paced life. However, somewhere it does play on their mental well-being. The rat race in everything, the peer pressure, the need to know it all sometimes becomes too much to handle. This leads to issues like self doubt, going in a shell, becoming a loner or even depression.

What if we are able to protect our kids from these issues using some in-built mechanisms? Having a positive self- esteem is one such way of ensuring that our kids navigate through the myriad of today’s asks and aspirations.

A positive self-esteem is nothing but having a positive and realistic knowledge of one’s abilities and the things one could achieve. It is the realisation of where one stands and how to march towards the goals one needs to achieve. These goals may be as simple as having a confident look or aspiring for a career.

A child with positive self-esteem harnesses his / her abilities to achieve things. But it doesn’t stop at just that. The child also is aware of the areas needing improvement and works on them to change them to strengths.

The importance of having a positive self-esteem has become more pronounced in today’s times with external factors like competition, peer pressure or desiring to have a certain way of life which greatly impact our lives today.

Kids who have a positive self-esteem, look at the outcome of things in a very different way than those who do not have it. The following table demonstrates a few everyday life approach to things –

From the above table, it is clear that kids with a positive self-esteem approach things in a different way. They are sure of themselves and are ready to take a stand if needed. They do not fear failure or are not afraid to be left alone in a situation. They certainly look at things from a learning perspective.

It is indeed a boon to have a child with a positive self esteem. For others, there are ways in which parents can help kids take stride towards this quality.

1. Accept your child’s uniqueness – the first and foremost thing a parent must do is to realise the uniqueness of their child. Comparison with other kids even when done with a good intention, is detrimental. A child who realises that the parents love him / her the way he/she is would definitely be more confident about self.
2. Be a good listener – give the time your child needs to tell you things. It may be as simple as a talk about a particular hairstyle that is trending, a new advertisement by a global football star or a famous online game that is a rage at present. One may not understand all that the child tells, but the time and intent shown by the parent in listening goes a long way in building self-esteem positively. It assures the child that there is someone who is always ready to hear then out even about seemingly trivial things. This further goes in giving the child the courage to ask for advice or listen to when it is being given.
3. Engage with their lifestyle – the instant comparison today’s parents have vis-a-vis their childhood or teen days and their kids’ lives today is inevitable. We must understand the changing times and learn to be in sync with kids’ lives today. We may not agree to everything but the will shown by us to know their world, helps them in developing a positive image of themselves. Our kids may bicker with us and throw tantrums but our validation or a simple acknowledgement matters the most to them.
4. Be an example of positive self-esteem – kids look up to parents in every way. If we are the bearers of a negative persona about ourselves, they would imbibe the trait. Presenting a positive image of oneself goes a long way in ensuring a positive self-esteem in the kids.
5. Give meaningful feedbacks – kids look for validation of things they do from their parents, teachers, peer groups etc. Always ensure that you give meaningful feedback. Praise the child for the good and then mention the things that they need to improve upon.
6. Let them fail, be ready to catch them if they do – This is a very difficult thing to do for any parent. We never want our kids to face failure. But nothing teaches them like failure does. It gives them a reality check about their abilities. While doing so, we just have to be present to hold their hand and guide them when they realize that they have failed and do not know what to do next.

Building a positive self-esteem is not a short term goal. It is a round the clock job where both the kids’ and the parents’ efforts are needed. A child with a positive self esteem builds a character that can withstand the pressures of life. Such traits have to be revised till they become a habit. It’s a task easier said than done. The most important thing however is to embark on it. So let’s begin this journey if not already on it. Joining ?

It was a beautiful evening. I marveled at the setting Sun as I slumped into one of the garden benches of my society after a long work day and the mandatory evening walk. I looked at the different groups of kids around. Some were getting ready to play while others were already in the thick of it. The little ones with their parents or caretakers throwing tantrums and a few groups busy on their phones glued to their Insta reels, Whats app chats or You tube presumably. A group of kids sitting on a nearby bench however, caught my attention specifically. They were engaged in an animated discussion. My ears perked up.

Child 1 – My mom is so cool. She never scolds me. She allows me to play video games for an unlimited amount of time without any conditions. Hah!

Child 2 – Wow! My dad also allows me to indulge in my reading activity but I must finish my studies first.

Child 3 – Is it? My parents are not concerned if I watch TV or play video games or doze off! Seriously! Can you believe it?

Child 4 – Huh! You know what! Your parents are so different from mine. I have to follow their laid out schedule for everything be it studies, play , sleep or funtime. Nhi to punishment. I guess I am the odd one out!

The discussion continued for a while before they decided to go for a round of cycling and zoomed past me on their bikes. The kids gave me some food for thought. I inadvertently started to recall my parents parenting style in comparison to that of mine. I also recalled the famous shloka-
लालयेत्पञ्चवर्षाणि दशवर्षाणि ताडयेत् ।
प्राप्ते तु षोडशे वर्षे पुत्रे मित्रवदाचरेत् ॥
which translates to –
indulge your child till he attains the age of five, discipline him for the next ten years and become his friend once he attains the age of sixteen.

I was intrigued by this topic and decided to do some further reading on it. It was indeed an eye opener as I never expected to find so much of scientific research being done on parenting styles and their impact on children’s development and mental health.

The research on parenting styles began in the 1960s. Developmental Psychologist Diana Baumrind identified four major parenting styles. Although many new styles have been added in recent years owing to lifestyle changes and the diverse nature of family units, these four are the ones most parents relate to.

• Authoritarian
• Authoritative
• Permissive
• Neglectful

Authoritarian
These parents seek to have full control of their kids’ lives. They feel the need to guide their wards through a strict regimented upbringing where there is a rule for everything and following it is non-negotiable. A punishment of some form is also resorted to if rules aren’t followed. While the intent of the parents is noble and has the well-being of the child at its core, studies have shown that kids who grow up with this kind of parenting style are good followers but lack social or empathetic skills.

Authoritative
This parenting style believes in flexibility and practicality. They create boundaries and rules for their kids but discuss and ensure that the child understands the reasons behind it. The must be followed rule is laxed here. Kids have their say and can express their thoughts. The approach is supportive parenting rather than punishing one. The parents understand the kids anxieties, desires and aspirations and ensure that they are met within their boundaries so that both the parent and the child are happy. Kids growing up in homes with this parenting style grow up to be independent and self-reliant while learning to weigh the pros and cons in any given situation.
Permissive
This style is also termed as Indulgent parenting by some researchers. In this type of parenting, there are no set of rules, no limitations, no boundaries rather open channels of communication. The child is allowed to make his / her decision with regards to all aspects of his / her life be it studies, pursuing hobbies, making friends , using social media( in the recent times) et al. They focus more on developing the emotional quotient of the child. There are no disciplinary actions for mistakes and things are sorted out by communicative methods. Punishments are seldom in the picture here. Kids of such homes are highly emotionally adaptive, creative and possess good social skills. On the flip side, the freedom that these kids enjoy tends to make them feel entitled at times or they may have difficulties in self-regulation.
Negligent
It is also termed as Neglectful style of parenting. Here the parents perform their basic duties of providing food, clothing and shelter for the child but the interactions between the parties is limited in other areas. This style of parenting may not be by choice every time. Recent changes in our lifestyles and work pressures have resulted in a rise of this kind of parenting. Kids who grow up with such parents become resilient not out of choice but as necessity. They might develop social awkwardness and may have difficulties controlling their emotions and outbursts.

Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Every parent adapts to a style with the best of intentions. As the kids grow up, the expectations from the child, self and society along with the needs to keep up with the changing times may nudge parents to adapt a mix of the above styles rather than sticking to one. The parents do mould themselves as per the situation and seek out the best option for their child.

Every parent is faced with different challenges and thus reacts to it in a unique way. Just put yourself in these styles and you can find whether you fit into one particular style or jump skip and hop from one to another as the situation demands..
So which parenting style do you have? All the best …

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” – Dolly Parton
Having ranted about the negative impacts of the commercialization of festivals, as I sat back to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with the day’s newspaper, an article about the Great Banyan Tree of Kolkata caught my eye. The hanging prop roots of the banyan tree emerge new from a branch, then grow towards the soil and hold firm, eventually becoming similar to the main trunk while the original root and trunk still exist. This exquisite wonder of nature, got me thinking. Commercialization of festivals could very well be the new beginning to a more adaptive, inclusive celebration of a special kind that can spread across the globe and take our cultural heritage to places far and beyond.
Globalization is the main reason for the commercialization of festivals, no doubt. But we cannot deny that the very same globalization has made the world’s trade and economy boom across sectors, and made the world more interconnected, leading to the rise of new entrepreneurial opportunities and economic freedom. The commercialization of various festivals should not be seen only in the form of certain food stalls, handicrafts, loom retailers, etc. Commercialization manifests itself in various forms. The most major of them all is the economic boost.
While we might see festivals as celebrations and fiesta, businesses – both local and global see them as opportunities to promote their enterprise and products. An increase in sales, turnover and profit of these businesses in turn paves the way for increased revenue, job prospects and overall economic growth. Local vendors, businesses, crafters, etc., thrive, thanks to these occasions. No one can argue that the happiness index of people too will be at its peak during the festivities as they satisfy their shopping desires be it clothing and jewellery or decorations and renovations.
Arguably, another great impact that commercialization brings with it, is the improved infrastructure. Big businesses and malls are now looking to invest in the grassroots logistics for festivities. They want to provide a one-of-a-kind and better shopping experience than their competition leading to better outcomes, overall quality and creating unforgettable good experiences leaving the people to come back for more.
As many businesses have become more environmentally and socially aware, they are looking forward to finding ways to make festivals more sustainable and safer for nature. Most of them are now looking back at our very own roots, ready to appreciate and apply our cultural connection, taking our festivities global with changes adaptable to the respective human self and environment. Most of the businesses are aiming to reduce carbon footprints, wastes, etc. and involve the people to create awareness about the environment during the festivities.
Commercialization is the evidence of a more globalized world. It could be a boon or a bane, but let’s not forget that even the worst of poisons might sometimes be a cure. The time has come to look at the festivals beyond just joy and celebrations. The quibble for commercialization will continue nevertheless, the urge to progress is pushing people to embrace these inclusive changes while holding on to their cultural beliefs and heritage. We can board the train to growth, or alight and be left behind complaining. I have made my choice. Have you?

As a person who has undoubtedly devoted his life to books, picking a singular book to write a review on can indeed be challenging. Having explored many genres earlier, I have always been fascinated by the ‘mystery’ genre, which showcases detectives, crimes and so on. I have always been so intrigued by detectives so much that I have gone on to publish my own books on the same genre.

The one book that I would always recommend to anybody, irrespective of the age, would be that of the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ series, written by Arthur Conan Doyle. As almost everybody’s aware by now, Sherlock Holmes is a detective in London who solves crimes, mysteries and so on, accompanied by his friend Dr. John Watson. When I had first picked up the book, I immediately knew it was going to be a thriller, and got myself into it in no time.

Packed with joyous moments, unexpected happenings, scary twists and turns, spooky findings and other interesting components, this book deserves to be at the top of your bucket list on the next books to read. For a new reader of Sherlock Holmes, A Study In Scarlet is undoubtedly the place to start. Written in the perspective of Dr. Watson, this book gives a brief introduction about Watson, and how he had eventually met Holmes, from where they both became roommates in a house located at 221B Baker Street.

Initially, these two aren’t much on terms with each other. Dr. Watson always wonders why Holmes is busy most of the time. Eventually, he gets to know that Holmes is a detective, a fascinating detective who finds solutions to intricate problems very easily. Sherlock is utterly brilliant when it comes to detective work, but ignorant of most other subjects. This book also goes on to show how their bonds grows, as they uncover secrets and mysteries that remain hidden in the eyes of many.

“There’s nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.” quoted by Sherlock Holmes in one of the stories shows his perspective towards mysteries and how he approaches it. He’s a keen listener who gathers all the information very precisely, from which he is able to conclude theories about it without even having to investigate the place. This goes to prove that he is undoubtedly one of the greatest detectives to ever live.

Stories like that of ‘A Study In Scarlet’, “The Sign of Four”, “The Red-Headed League” and so on motivates me to continue writing in the field of detectives, and learn from Sherlock Holmes the skills on how a detective functions. As a person who has enjoyed his stories, I’m sure many more will.