Samarth Volume 02 Issue 06

Extend Your Family. Enjoy Your Age!

Volume 02 | Issue 06 | `60

The Give & Take of Caregiving PG.15

Happiness Index PG.22

Travelling To Happy Places PG.33

FINDING HAPPINESS, STAYING POSITIVE How to find your “Ikigai” – the secret to good health and happiness in senior life?

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FROM THE EDITOR Asheesh Gupta

NEW ZEITGEIST: ENJOYING YOUR AGE, HAPPILY! recognize the freedom and potential that comes with living in a digital era post retirement. It is to bring this very idea to life that we put forward the amazing story of Lieutenant Bharati Chowdhury in our cover story along with many other legends in their golden years.

Only 90 years old, the young soldier who fought off

T

the British as part of Indian National Army, has man-

the premise that one has to be ‘young’

erations to find happiness in small measures (read all

to start/do/achieve something, is not

about her in ‘Finding Happiness: Staying Positive’). The

something I agree with. Truth is, each

phrase of the day is ‘finding engagement’ and find-

decade of life brings with it certain

ing a voice in daily happy living. Through the Samarth

revelations, all of which contribute to

survey (Happiness Index), our members expressed

making who we are in our golden years.

their opinions on happiness in their lives and what it

Experiences, attitudes, personalities,

takes for them to remain positive in the face of physi-

values, wisdom – age is constantly help-

cal, emotional and social turmoil. Our technology team

ing us evolve in these areas, and grow-

further delved into the social media to understand

ing older doesn’t necessarily mean that

the pros and cons of virtual social engagement for

one has to hang up one’s boots.

our elders (summary of key steps in ‘Steps to safe-

he expression, ‘with age on her

aged to carve a second life in free India after being

side’, is one that always irks me.

born and brought up in Japan, she is fully enjoying

The very fact that it is based on

this time in her life, all the while inspiring the next gen-

It is with this thought in mind that we

guard privacy online’) while designing an elaborate

created our ‘Happiness’ issue, where

infographic explaining internet banking in a few easy

we concentrate on everlasting experi-

steps. And finally, Prof. Raj Raghunathan (aka “Dr.

ences and inspiring examples of elders

Happy-smarts”) tells us about the unique happiness

who have met difficult situations in life

course for elders, in ‘Happiness in Learning’.

but are still happy. While on one hand

Late Mr. Min Bahadur Sherchan, who had 17 grand-

we acknowledge the timelessness of

children and six great grandchildren, summited Mount

experiences gained through hard work

Everest at the age of 76. Similarly, Yuichiro Miura

and struggle, on the other hand we also

achieved the same feat when he was 80 years old Vol 02 | Issue 05 | samarth | 1

FROM THE EDITOR

SAMARTH TEAM Joydeep Mukherji

Co-Founder & Chief Care Officer

Gaurav Agarwal

Chief Operating Officer

Dinesh Budhiraja

Leader, Care Technology

Bhupinder Sharma

Controller of Care Operations

Dipti Sinha

Care Consultant

and after going through

gone. Have you taken care

two heart surgeries. The

of your assets and liabili-

famous designer Georgio

ties? Have you secured the

Armani found his passion

financial future of your

for designing at the age of

near and dear ones? Have

40 and since last 40 years,

you taken enough steps

has been at it weaving mil-

to ensure your own finan-

lions of dreams and sharing

cial future? Is your family

his vision as the beacon of

ready and equipped for

hope for millions more. The

the emotional and financial

point is that age is just a

transition in case you are

number; give it too much

no longer there? These are

importance and one can

uncomfortable but much

lose the sight of the beauty

needed questions to ask

it holds and giving too

and find answers for. That

little importance poses the

is what will bring peace to

The point is that age is just a number; give it too much importance and one can lose sight of the beauty it holds

Swati Mukherjee Care Consultant

and giving too little importance poses the risk of being outdated in today’s fast paced lifestyle. The rule of thumb

Dinesh Kashwan

Care Operations Executive

Uma Sharma

Care Operations Executive

Jaswant Rawat Samarth Mentor

Sangita Thakur Varma Managing Editor

is to invest your time and mind into decisions that are most important... risk of being outdated in

you and your family. That

today’s fast paced lifestyle.

is what will lead to hap-

The rule of thumb is to

piness in living without

invest your time and mind

uncertainty of any kind.

into decisions that are

Being fabulous at every

most important as well as

age, finding positivity in life

time bound: Ask relevant

and embracing happiness

questions about taking

is actually easy. Take a cue

care of your family in terms

from this issue.

of financial, legal, emotional aspects after you are

2 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

Asheesh

Cover Design: Sameer Kishore

CONTENTS | JULY 2018 9 Cover Story

Finding Happiness, Staying Positive

How to find your “Ikigai�: What is the secret to good health and happiness in senior life.

The give & take of caregiving 13

Caregiving is not a one way street. Your caregivers too need your time and consideration...

Happiness index 22

What is it, how is it measured...key insights into happiness quotient of Samarth members.

Senior Money

How to protect your private data...

29

Ways to use online community engagement safely...

Travelling to happy places 33

How Samarth can customize your trips to these tourist spots.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 3

Beyound inhibitions, there lies the world’s best medicine 41

The importance of laughing out loud and its effect on our well-being.

49 Short Stories Three heart-warming stories of human bonds that bring back memories of our own relationships.

37

cg rq dke dj fy;k g S

geus By Mr. Bhushan Saral *;g lp g S cny x;h g wÂĄ e ---* Sa

By Ms. Sudha Mittal

^^eku&vieku**

By Shailja Narita S Senior Money

Happiness in learning 43

Universities and Institutes the world over are realising the importance of continued learning for the elderly.

Senior Money

EDITORIAL Editor: Asheesh Gupta Coordinating Editors: Deepak Garg & Indrajit De Managing Editor: Sangita Thakur Varma Contributors: Subha Chandrasekaran & Indrajit Dey DESIGN Sameer Kishore PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS Manager Operations: Rakesh Upadhyay Manager Logistics: Vijay Menon Asst Manager Production & Logistics: M.P. Singh Executive: Mohd. Ansari OFFICE ADDRESS Published, printed and owned by Samarth Life Management Pvt. Ltd. Published and printed on their behalf by Asheesh Gupta.

Published at D-278, Basement, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi. Printed at Tara Art Printers Pvt Ltd., A-46-47, Sector-5, NOIDA, (U.P.) 201301 For any customer queries and assistance please write to help@samarth.community

How to do online banking?

20

A step-by-step guide to online banking

Other Sections

01| From the Editor 05| Around the World 52 | Mind Benders 55 | Samarth Community News 4 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

P lea s e recyc le t h is m a g a z in e a n d rem ove in s er t s b efo re recyc lin g

NEWS

AROUND THE WORLD | NEWS One fourth of elderly Indians are living alone: Survey A RECENT SURVEY reports that India’s elderly

they needed healthcare services to ensure

are a lonely lot. The survey based on a sample

their independence in old age.

size of 10,000 elderly people in Delhi was conducted by Delhi-based NGO Agewell Foundation.

The survey found that almost every fourth elderly

Social media connects but also contributes to neglect of elderly.

A UN survey of more than 10,000

-- 23.44 per cent of the respondents -- was living

respondents across northern, southern,

alone in the country; almost every second elderly

western, eastern, and central India during

(48.88 per cent) is living with their spouse and

May-June 2018, found that 62.1% of the

about 26. 5 per cent are living with their children

elderly did not get such palliative care.

or other family members.

Further, 52.4% said they primarily need

Urban elderly are the worse off with 25.3 percent living alone in comparison to 21.38 per cent in rural areas. Surprisingly, a larger number of elderly prefer to live alone or with their spouse

traditional family support, says a study by Agewell Research and Advocacy Centre.

Elderly in India often face problems such as disability, restricted mobility, loneliness, poverty and lack of awareness in accessing elder care.

For 64% of elderly respondents, loneliness, marginalization, and isolation are the most critical issues faced by bedridden, elderly patients as they cannot visit, meet or interact with their relatives, friends and neighbours.

Around 73.7% have to take care of the house and other properties of their younger family members to ensure long-

only. However, there is a catch, even though they

term and palliative care in old age. In a

enjoy their independence, they are�financially

shocking discovery, over 75% of respon-

dependent� on others.

dents have to limit their personal social

Only 36.81% were found to be financially inde-

interactions according to the dictates of

pendent, the survey reported. Further, 68.24 per

the family members, otherwise their fam-

cent enjoyed ideological independence, 60.54

ily members can avoid providing their

per cent psychological independence, 69.54

basic needs of food and medicines.

per cent social independence and 61.81 per cent physical independence.

Healthcare is an important consideration for the elderly as about 88.5 per cent of the elders said

Most elderly (68.5%) blamed the breaking up of the joint family system for the challenges they face in getting long-term, palliative care.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 5

NEWS

Neglect is one of the most common forms of elder abuse A SURVEY by Helpage India finds that close to 80% of senior citizens feel that social media has cut into the time family members have for them and they feel it is

quarter of respondents said

of elderly users use social

disrespectful and a form of

they’d faced some sort of

media to connect. But for

neglect.

elder abuse for at least five

over 60%, social media has

years. Some of the most

reduced their sleep hours,

sample survey of 5,014 elders

common forms of abuse were

and increased economic loss

across 23 cities found that

disrespect, verbal abuse and

via blackmail and spam calls.

while social media has helped

neglect.

The study based on a

others bond, it has isolated

While around 70% of

The maximum cases of elder abuse were reported

the elderly. The study found

respondents said that

in Mangaluru, Ahmedabad,

that neglect is one of the

social media has benefitted

Bhopal, Amritsar, Delhi

most common forms of elder

them, 78% said that it has

and Kanpur, and the

abuse.

decreased personal time

least in Jammu, Mumbai,

spent with family. However,

Visakhapatnam, Kochi and

an overwhelmingly 90%

Guwahati.

In a sad commentary on how we treat our elders, a

Phone-in counselling for elderly in Nagpur planned THE CITY police’s social

0712-2226533, aims to ensure

service branch (SSB) is set

that the elderly population

to launch telephonic coun-

is protected from any harm,

selling of senior citizens

whether on the road or inside

regarding tricksters posing

their homes. This year, the

as police personnel. Senior

police have already inter-

citizens would be explained

vened to redress grievances

the modus operandi of online

of 37 senior citizens with

fraudsters targeting vulner-

positive outcome. Till May this

able citizens. The beneficiary

year, special senior citizen cell

scheme for senior citizens has

including 438 women. The

had also visited 259 senior

also been revived targeting

scheme, which also includes

citizens at their residences to

the 5,522 enrolled members,

round-the-clock helpline

learn about their grievances.

6 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

NEWS Around 160 senior citizens

erable fall in crime against

including eight murders and

have also been issued identity

senior citizens in the city this

44 cases of robberies. This

card by the department.

year in comparison to 2017.

year only six crimes have

According to DCP, Eco-

“Damini squads constituted

been reported till May.

nomic Offences Wing (EOW),

to help women would also be

Various anti-crime mea-

Shweta Khedkar ‘feel good’

engaged to extend support to

sures like Criminal Intensive

factors would also be added

senior citizens. There are four

Surveillance Project (CRISP)

to the functioning of the cell,

Damini squads, which would

and beat system had helped

including wishing lonely souls

be working in this direction,”

reduce criminal activities,

on their birthdays once the

she said.

which also took care of the

database is ready. The DCP revealed that there is consid-

There were 121 offences against senior citizens in 2017,

vulnerable elderly population, the DCP said.

Machine learning technique may detect muscles ageing in elderly

IN A MAJOR breakthrough, a novel machine learning technique that would predict the biological age of a muscle and help combat sarcopenia has been developed.

Sarcopenia is an agerelated process that involves the loss of skeletal muscles and its function. Notably, age-associated muscle wasting is an important clinical challenge that impacts hundreds of millions of older adults. It is associated with serious negative health outcomes such as falls,

The innovative model can help estimate the relevant

impaired standing balance,

importance of the genetic and epigenetic factors driving

physical disability, and mor-

this process across age groups.

tality.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 7

NEWS

Based on the research findings, it appears that yoga is a holistic approach to healthy ageing. Also, that its benefits in cases of diabetes and hypertension, should also be evaluated in addition to falls. Thus, Yoga may be best positioned as a

Do Yoga to Prevent Falls in Old Age

program for ‘healthy ageing’

YOGA’S BENEFITS are

prevention. This approach

well known. A new research

be a major emerging public

could lessen the challenge of

though points to its effective-

health issue in India. They are

engaging with older people

ness in preventing falls among

also among the top cause

who have multiple competing

the elderly. Yoga can help

of mortality and morbidity

health priorities

restore balance and mobility

globally. According to

and thereby prevent injuries

estimates, 75 per cent of the

months and involved 50

due to fall.

fall injuries occur in low and

people aged between

middle-income countries and

60-81 years, of whom 29

methods evaluation of yoga

the impact set to rise as the

were women. Participants

as a fall prevention strategy

population ages.

attended 27 yoga sessions,

The study titled, ‘A mixed

for older people in India’,

The study conducted by

The study spanned three

with each session lasting for

was published in the journal

the George Institute for

BioMed Central. It was led

Global Health, found that

by Dr Lisa Keay of the Injury

there was an improvement

mixed methods to evaluate

Division, The George Institute

in time taken by the elderly

the acceptability and

for Global Health in Sydney.

in rising up from a chair and

feasibility of a yoga program.

an increase was observed in

Thematic analysis was

health and Cardiovascular

the length of steps taken by

conducted in the context

divisions of the George

them while walking.

of perceptions, barriers and

Researchers from Population

Institute, musculoskeletal

There was a qualitative

an average of one hour.

The researchers used

benefits of yoga participation

division of the Sydney School

component to the research

of Public Health, University of

and through the focus group

Sydney, Centre for Physical

discussions and interviews,

using the Short Physical

Fitness and Sports Sciences,

it was found that the fear

Performance Battery, fear of

University of Hyderabad and

of falling had reduced as

falling, blood pressure and

Osmania Medical College also

compared to before, among

weight loss were measured

participated in conducting the

the elderly who participated

before and after the

study.

in the study.

program.

8 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

and fall ascertainment.

Physical performance

Source: All stories collated from media reports

Falls have been found to

rather than simply for fall

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

FINDING HAPPINESS, STAYING POSITIVE How to find your “Ikigai”: what is the secret to good health and happiness in senior life?

By Samarth Staff

COVER STORY

H

appiness and

be any farther from the truth.

Instead, there is only one

positivity are

So what is the best way to

word that imbues your entire

like two ends

develop a healthy perspec-

life, and that word is ‘Ikigai’,

of a bridge,

tive on old age? What are

roughly translates to some-

each leading

the ways to find happiness in

thing like “purpose in life”,

to the other but both makes

golden years and how can we

or “things that you live for”.

us walk the path to experi-

stay firm and positive in our

The key takeaway here is the

ence the connect between

daily living?

word, ‘Purpose in one’s life’.

them. No doubt, finding hap-

Before I go into the vari-

With time we all are bound

piness and staying positive

ous ways to achieve these

to get old, get physically and

are tricky subjects when it

important yet often elusive

mentally more conscious,

comes to us humans. And, it

states of being, let me share a

may get even depreciated,

can get even trickier once we

few interesting facts. Retire-

disabled and somewhat

enter the second half of our

ment in most countries, is a

dependent on many support

lives—the half that begins at

stepping stone to the golden

systems for activities of daily

age 60.

years; varies from 60 to 65

living. However the purpose

On an average we devote roughly a quarter of our life preparing and equipping ourselves for the rest of the life to come. Then approximately double that time is spent on working and securing our fortune for the future. Finally

Innovation considers older people not as a burden but as a valuable resource; it enables their contribution, seeing them as active participants and not passive consumers...

when the future becomes reality (read present), then we

years of age and the practice

in our lives never gets old, it

find ourselves too tired or too

of defining 65 as the begin-

evolves to a more matured

bogged down with fear of liv-

ning of old age is said to have

achieved state. The trick to

ing our old age in a depreci-

originated in Germany in

finding our happiness and the

ated physical – mental state.

1889, when the government

way to stay positive is to have

So the future for which we

paid retirement pensions

that purpose for living crystal

worked so hard through the

beginning at that age. We

clear in our minds; to have

majority of our life, is often

need to remember that the

that one thing that we would

spent in loneliness bringing

average lifespan at that time

love to wake up every single

to mind a picture of sickness,

wasn’t even 50 years. Natu-

day for.

fragility, dependence, and

rally most Germans never

concerns about becoming a

retired or in other words

ity time meeting and interact-

burden to someone, all lead-

they never got old enough

ing with elders from various

ing to a negative mind frame

to retire. Similarly in the Oki-

walks of life; in their sixties,

affecting our states of being

nawan language, there is not

seventies and even nineties.

further. However this cannot

even a word for retirement.

Spending more time with

10 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

At Samarth we spend qual-

COVER STORY elderly people helps us discover what brings meaning

Ms. Suraiya Hasan Bose

and pleasure to their twilight

Traditional Craft Revivalist

years despite the losses, both physical and social, they may

Þgkath cksy jgh g]q cksfy,---ß My call to schedule a meeting was

have suffered. We also do our

responded with nothing less than the firm voice of Ms. Suraiya

share of literature review to

Hassan Bose; the grand old lady of Indian weaving greets me

find out what the authors of

into the conversation. Engaged in revival work of four different

inspired and inspiring books

textile forms of Aurangabad, Suraiya (as she is called fondly by

are discovering about aging

her team of weavers) has a fascinating tale to narrate.

and try to share the same with our readers both young

At 85+, Suraiya Hasan Bose has energy levels that can put a

and old. Often we have found

teenager to shame. But when she chats, she exhibits the lan-

that the wisdom therein is

guid grace of a long-forgotten nawabi culture. As women work

equally valuable for young

magic on the looms at her weavers’ workshop at Dargah Hus-

and middle-aged adults who

sain Shah Wali (a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad), in

may dread getting old. To

the adjacent Safrani Memorial School run by her, children race

their detriment, some may

around with unbridled enthusiasm.

even avoid interacting with old people lest their “disease”

She is credited with reviving the extremely delicate and com-

rub off on them.Too many in

plex weaving technique called “Himroo” which uses a jacquard

our youth-focused culture

system of weaving without the help of computer. Hence it is the

currently regard the elderly

equivalent of human computer weaving. She also works exten-

with fear or disdain and con-

sively with Paithani and Jamawar techniques. Employing mostly

sider them costly consumers

the widows from nearby villages, she has also worked exten-

of resources with little to offer

sively in the village of Kachanpalli near Warangal. Following the

in return. Given the explosive

steps of Mahatma Gandhi, her dream is to see a loom in every

pace of technology that often

household in India.

befuddles the elderly, they command little or no respect

On being asked about her secret to unbridled energy at her age

for the repository of wisdom

and how she achieved all these, Suraiya unassumingly replied,

that was once cherished by

Þge dke djrs jg s] jkLrs [kqyrs x;s vk jS dkjok¡ tqM r+ k pyk x;k---ß

the young (and still is in some traditional societies).

in life even in the face of sig-

happens. We have influence

In his book titled, “The End

nificant disease and disability,

over whether we let things

of Old Age”, Dr. Marc E. Agro-

impaired mental and physical

knock us out. People have

nin, a geriatric psychiatrist

functioning and limited par-

the potential to see possibil-

at the Miami Jewish Home,

ticipation in activities. “Happi-

ity instead of problems; aging

describes in vivid details that

ness is a choice you make. At

itself can be a catalyst for rich

it is absolutely possible to

whatever age we are, we can

new experiences, offering a

maintain purpose and meaning

choose to adapt to whatever

way to renew passions and Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 11

COVER STORY standing that one is going to

MODEL OF CREATIVE AGING

get affected by disease and

By Dr. Cohen, founding father of Geriatric Psychology

disability, but not contingent upon avoiding it.” Rather,

Dr. Gene D. Cohen, the founding father of geriatric psychiatry

it is “a state of mind that is

who “saw not only what aging is, but what aging could be; not

positive, optimistic, coura-

what we accomplish in spite of aging, but because of aging”.

geous, and able to adapt

He stated, There are activities I once loved that I can no longer

and cope in flexible ways

do, or necessarily want to do, like tennis, skiing and ice skat-

with life’s changes.” Creativ-

ing. But I can still walk, cycle, swim, and frolic with my dog,

ity is not limited to young

activities that have resulted in many unexpected pleasures and

people. At any age, it can

new friends. I can accompany my grandchildren to museums

open people up to new pos-

and delight in their knowledge of the painters they studied

sibilities and add richness

in a high school art class. I already know that if and when my

to life. Creativity can ben-

physical abilities become further curtailed, I can still enjoy

efit aging by strengthening

meaningful conversations with them, who are all-too-quickly

morale, improving physical

becoming young adults. They may know how to reset my cell-

health, enriching relationships

phone or find hidden channels on my television, but I can help

and establishing a legacy.

them put their life experiences in perspective and support a

We came across two notable

decision to leave their comfort zone and take risks that offer

examples: Henri Matisse —

growth potential. Take the example of renowned pianist Arthur

“the man who rose from the

Rubinstein “who dealt with age-induced declines in his skills

dead” after cancer surgery

by selecting a more limited repertoire, optimizing his perfor-

in 1941 — who created cut-

mance through extra practice, and compensating by altering

outs when he could no longer

his tempo during certain sections to highlight the dynamics of

paint, and Martha Graham,

a piece.”

who reinvented herself as a choreographer when she could no longer dance.

reinvent oneself”, remarked Dr. Agronin.

As Dr. Agronin puts it, “Even when physical decline and losses restrict one’s options, there remains the capacity to appreciate and approach each day with a sense of purpose. It’s all about how you frame what you have”. The concept of “positive aging” is the under12 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

COVER STORY When we become unable to

ble up as a guard dog. These

The Joy of Creation

pursue the roles and passions

are social animals good with

The act of creating—any-

of our younger years, we can

young and old both. Truly,

thing—is one that brings us

tap into our past for strength,

in order to understand what

deep, deep happiness. Writers

inspiration and joy of engage-

unconditional love feels like,

experience it when they pen an

ment. We can try something new that is either an extension of what we did before or that takes us in a new direction. In his book, “I have decided to live 120 years”, Mr. Ichi Lee discusses the three types of joy that one must embrace in their second half of lives. Senior years is a time to find new sources of happiness. To lead a truly satisfactory second half of life, it’s essential to embrace the following three types of joy:

The Joy of Living for the Good of All

When we become unable to pursue the roles and passions of our younger years; we can tap into our past for strength, inspiration and joy of engagement.

This is important because

just spend some time with

article or book. Dancers feel it

once we reach retirement, we

these lovely creatures.

when they create a piece that

often tend to lose our sense

moves to music. Artists revel in

of purpose. The things we

The Joy of Awakening

it when a canvas is complete at

used to find happiness in sim-

The joy of awakening has to

last. The joy of creation is ours

ply aren’t there anymore—our

do with truly waking up to the

to hold dear as we age. Now

children, our career—they

principles of nature and life itself.

is the time to begin a creative

may no longer be a central

We have time to contemplate—

hobby; music, photography,

focus of our lives, and in some

time to ponder the nature of

writing, painting, weaving,

cases (like career) they may

existence. Our enlightenment is

travelling, storytelling—these

have vanished completely.

much more attainable with the

are all up for the creative tak-

Therefore, we need to find joy

wisdom of decades lived well

ing! To continue living a life of

through pure, unconditional

and past struggles behind us.

purpose in our older years, it’s

love—love that doesn’t con-

Old age can be a truly fascinat-

absolutely necessary that we

trol or possess. For example,

ing time to embrace the joy of

jump into the joy of creation

keep a pet; a dog (especially

awakening and share the invalu-

and connect it to our ikigai. It

Labrador breed) is an excel-

able experience with the next

is based on following six com-

lent companion and can dou-

generation.

mandments: Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 13

COVER STORY

Lieutenant Bharati Choudhury (Asha Sahay) Indian National Army

4

Take time to decide: You better find work and love

in a way that suits you. You Lt. Bharati Choudhry (Asha Sahay), still

better be best friends with

has goosebumps recounting the day

the person you choose as

she was inducted into Rani Jhansi Regi-

your companion.

ment of Indian National Army by none other than Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

5

Remember that it’s never fully secure: With our

best intentions, misfortune

Daughter of Anand Mohan Sahay, the closest associate and chief advisor to Netaji, born and schooled

can happen to anybody, so

in Tokyo, Ms. Sahay is fluent in Hindi, Japanese, English, and Ben-

ikigai is never completely

gali languages. At 90 years of age, when many give up the will

secure. What is important is

to live, Ms. Sahay marches on with the same vigor, sharing her

to be able to look in the mir-

experiences of strafing (low altitude spraying of bullet by enemy

ror and have pride in the way

aircrafts) and Kamikaze (The Japanese act of flying the air-

we look, in the way we acted,

crafts into enemy ships) in the same breathe. While her physical

in the way we lived.

appearance justifies her age but her attention to details whether in dressing up for the interview with matching nail paint and sari color or recounting the day when she lost her dear friend Protima

6

Re-examine your ikigai from time to time: It

is important to introspect,

Bhowmick to enemy bullet, bears testimony to her ever young

reflect, step back and think

mind and rich memory. Post-independence she returned to India

about life going on in front

and learned Hindi to finish her graduation once again. Through-

of your eyes: How’s it going?

out her life she has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to

What’s bothering you?

countless women and men alike. On being asked about her inspi-

What’s really going on now?

ration, she described her first meeting with Netaji: “I went and

It is completely humane.

touched his feet only to get scolded by Netaji. He said that for

At Samarth we live by the

100 years women in this country have bowed their heads before

motto of happy aging; there

men but no more. Stand in attention”, said the nonagenarian.

is no room for regrets in happy aging. Staying positive is the cornerstone of finding

1

Look at what’s in front

have a better life, because

a purpose; finding purpose

of you: Ikigai or having a

you will have something to

in life is a sure shot way to

live for.

experience happiness in

purpose in aging is not something grand or extraordinary.

It’s something pretty matterof-fact.

3

Consider why you do things: Try and find the

aging.

Hence it is important to live

true meaning of living. Living

every moment of life based

Remember why it’s

is not a choice that we have

on Ikigai, it is important to

important: It really does

but is a responsibility that we

raise the standard of life irre-

matter. If you have an ikigai,

would like to carry out to the

spective of the standard of

you’re probably going to

best of our abilities.

living.

2

14 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE

HEALTH

The Give & Take of Caregiving Caregiving is not a one way street. Your caregivers too need your time and consideration, lest it becomes a thankless job for them.

Here is how you can make your caregiver care for you even more.

A

By Samarth Staff

s we age, we

been assumed and has been

that live and work together,

often come to

a cultural norm that adult

many seniors find themselves

be dependent

children take care of their

living alone due to one reason

on one person

parents by being physically

or another. For example:

more than anyone else for

present in the same location

• Their adult children have

our everyday needs, both

as them.

emotional and social. In the Indian context, it has always

Today, the trends are changing. While there are families

moved away to a different country where it is not possible for the elders to move Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 15

FEATURE to for extended time periods, or • The elders have become

• Caregivers need to be

The Wellness Questionnaire

aware of medical and nurs-

for Caregivers

ing procedures such as

1. Do you have enough finan-

used to a particular town/

administering an insulin

cial flexibility to care for the

city and would not be com-

injection, reading and com-

elder adequately? (Yes/No).

fortable making the move to

municating prescriptions,

live in a different one.

serving a bedridden elder,

day and take time out to eat

Whatever the reasons, a

etc.

them in peace? (Yes/No).

professional caregiver often

In this scenario, it may not

2. Do you eat three meals a

3. Do you get about seven

enters the scene. In most

always come to mind that

hours of sleep each day?

cases, these caregivers are

caregivers are people too

(Note that for night care-

unskilled labour with some

and that they need a support

givers, this may not apply)

experience in handling patient

system to be able to perform

(Yes/No).

requests, but otherwise lack

to the best of their abilities.

the training or empathy to

In this article, we present a

things by yourself? (for full-

treat people on a daily basis.

quick caregiver questionnaire

time caregivers) (Yes/No).

This is why it is so important

to help evaluate their needs

4. Do you take time off to do

5. Do you feel that your work

to evaluate and hire a care-

and wants. We then discuss a

here is valued and appreci-

giver that you can absolutely

few things you can do to help

ated? (Yes/No).

trust –one who comes with

them work with more ease,

relevant experience and who

as well as ways to identify

each day to pursue your skill

understands the nuances of

abuse – both when a caregiver

development? (For full-time

caring for the elderly. For

is abusing you and when they

caregivers) (Yes/No).

example,

are feeling abused by the cir-

• A senior with dementia

cumstances around them.

Spotting Caregiver Stress

It may not always come to mind that caregivers are people too and that they need a support system to be able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Not all caregivers are paid

may not always recognize or respond to the caregiver every day. The caregiver needs to understand how to handle each day differently.

• Some active seniors need not so much a caregiver as a companion who is willing to take them to walks or to events.

• Caregivers are often expected to fill in the shoes of a housekeeper as time progresses. They need to know what tasks they can and cannot take up.

16 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

6. Do you have enough time

professionals. Sometimes, family members seamlessly fill the shoes of a caregiver.

Between their own life’s demands and caring for someone else, it is natural that they would feel stressed and burnt out. These are a few signs that a caregiver you know might be stressed and on the verge of giving up: • Inability to empathise with the receiver of care anymore. The caregiver does

FEATURE not see the dependency of

time when we are just begin-

the patient in as much clar-

ning to accept the need for

ity as they did before.

mental health evaluations, it is

full-time caregiver also

no surprise that most of us do

needs a few hours each day

of the situation usually

not understand the needs of

to look after themselves. Do

expressed as withdrawal

caregivers and how they too

your very best not to inter-

from activities or directing

may need to be helped and

rupt them during this time,

anger towards the patient.

guided through the work they

be it for performing their

are doing.

daily tasks, eating, sleep-

• Anger over the permanence

• A sense of hopelessness about the future. Statements such as, “I have no idea when this will end”;”I will probably die before this gets over”; etc.

• Signs of clinical depression or other mood disorders.

• A prolonged sense of fatigue.

• Leaving their surroundings in disarray and not feeling inspired to work.

• A manifestation of physical

cess smooth for everyone.

• Respect their time off. A

ing or doing something that

How You Can Support a Caregiver Whether it is your caregiver

inspires them. Don’t rush them.

• Take time out to talk to

or someone you know, here

them and understand what

are a few things you can do to

is making them happy, or

help support them:

sad.

• Keep an eye out for signs

• Make the caregivers a part

of despair and depression.

of your celebrations and

Communicate with them

significant events. No one

often.

wants to feel invisible, yet in

• Ask if they need more

the burden of responsibili-

resources to care for the

ties they fulfil, we often fail

and mental health problems.

elder in a better, more

to spot that they too need a

This is by no means an

engaged manner. This can

moment to celebrate.

exhaustive list. Also, the

be anything from books to

• Ask for accounts, and be

points mentioned here are

products and services that

generous with the money.

meant for the observer to

could help make the pro-

While it seems practical to

understand the situation of the caregiver, and not judge them for being the way they are. We are very quick to pass judgment on a situation without understanding what may be going on, and a caregiver lashing out at people is a sure sign that they need help and support.

Support groups and training facilities are available for caregivers all over the world, but India is a grave exception. In a Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 17

FEATURE decide how much milk and

INSPIRED LIVING # 1

how much salt a household needs in advance, understand that sometimes, exceptions do arise. Trust your caregiver to know what the elder needs.

• Don’t ever say negative things about the caregiver in

Alok Sagar has a degree in engineering from IIT Delhi and a PhD from Houston University. He is an ex-IIT professor who for the past 28 years has been serving people in a remote tribal village of Madhya Pradesh. Living in Kochamu, a remote village with 750 tribals, who have neither electricity nor roads, and just a primary school. Alok has planted more than 50,000 trees in the region and

front of other people, espe-

believes that one can serve the country better by working at the

cially the patient. If you have

grassroots level.What makes Alok’s story truly inspiring is his sim-

issues with their caregiving

plicity. He owns just three sets of kurtas and a cycle, and spends his

style, take them up privately.

day collecting and distributing seeds among tribals. Alok can speak

This is especially applicable

many languages and dialects used by tribals in the region. He truly

in cases where the caregiver

personifies the belief that age is just a number.

is also a family member.

• Be sure to let the caregiver

lenging role. Many people

let you know that a problem

know that their efforts are

who have previously worked

exists.

appreciated, and do some-

as domestic help often sign

thing for them every once in

up for the job because of the

the equation between the

a while.

lucrative paycheck, and soon

caregiver and the patient

discover that they are not cut

over time. Is the patient being

Spotting Abuse from a Caregiver

out for caregiving.

caught by surprise at how

A senior being abused by

nicely the caregiver behaves in

While you may go out of

a caregiver may feel like they

your presence? Do you some-

your way to accommodate

have no choice but to be quiet,

times feel like the caregiver is

the needs of a caregiver, not

and that they are lucky to have

unresponsive to the patient,

everyone has the emotional

any caregiver at all. Thus, not

especially when they think

bandwidth to fulfil this chal-

every senior will speak up and

you’re not looking?

Observe the patterns and

On surprise visits, do the home and the patient look shabby or uncared for? Has the elder been spending unexplained amounts of money and cannot quite tell where they spent it?

If you notice any of these signs, it is worth checking with the elder. If they are unwilling to open up, consider setting up a CCTV system at home to 18 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE monitor what goes on while you are away.

Always ask the carer to register with the local police station and submit proof of identity. This way, you know where they live and what to do if things go south. Most importantly, never let the elder feel as though their caregiver is the only source of comfort for them. Be present, speak or visit often and let

The cycle of abuse often

a caregiver is repeatedly

them know that they have you

begins very gently, such as

reminded that this is the best

to turn to.

by asking them to help with

job they will ever find. This

household tasks when they are

sort of brainwashing is only

When a Caregiver Is Being Abused

not looking after the elderly

going to make them resent

person. Remember, this is not

their role more as time passes.

Abuse of a caregiver is much

their job. It is not correct to

more common than you’d

ask a caregiver to perform

member, do not expect that

think. When we think of

tasks that are outside of their

the onus is entirely on them.

abuse, we often feel that it is

caregiving duties, especially

They are part of the same

inflicted on the helpless indi-

when they have been told

family as you and need all the

vidual. What if the caregiver is

that they were hired for that

help and support they can

being made to feel powerless?

specific purpose. Sometimes,

get. Do not isolate them, or

If the caregiver is a family

undermine the extra job of

INSPIRED LIVING # 2

caregiving they have taken up.

Also, if a family member

The 82-year-old Omkar Nath Sharma is popularly known as the

is caring for an elder, do not

‘Medicine Baba’, as he voluntarily collects unused medicines from

also expect them to entertain

people and distributes them to the poor free of charge. He has

guests, cook and clean in their

been doing this for the past nine years.Omkar retired as a blood

spare time. Caregiving is as

bank technician from Kailash Hospital in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He

good as a full-time job, and

started collecting medicine after a shocking experience he had

you must do everything you

in 2008, when an under-construction metro bridge collapsed in

can to make it easy. Every

East Delhi, killing two labourers and leaving several injured.After

member in the household

witnessing how under-equipped public hospitals were and how

needs to find a way to be self-

unaffordable treatment is for poor labourers, Omkar started his

sufficient without expecting

own little supply chain. He proved that where there is a will there is a way.

the caregiver to care for them also!

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 19

SMART BUYING

SMART BUYING

FEATURE

HAPPINESS INDEX

What is it, how is it measured, why it is important and key insights into the happiness quotient of Samarth members

By Samarth Staff

“W

e strive for the benefit of economic

resisting laissez-faire devel-

growth and modernization while ensuring

opment. Its four pillars are

that in our drive to acquire greater status

good governance, sustain-

and wealth we do not forget to nurture

able development, cultural

that makes us happy to be Bhutanese” -Extract from His Majesty of Bhutan’s speech during the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture in 2009 Coined in 1972 by Bhutan’s fourth king, Happiness index or

preservation and environmental conservation. The pillars are further divided into nine action points: psychological

Gross National Happiness (GNH) refers to the nation’s policy of

well-being, health, education,

balancing modernity with preservation of traditions, mostly by

time use, cultural diversity and

22 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE resilience, good governance,

nine domains have around 33

Bhutan may be a small moun-

community vitality, ecologi-

clustered indicators with 124

tain country but as far as

cal diversity and resilience,

variables between them (illus-

keeping its population happy,

and living standards. The

trated in the following table).

the country is a torch bearer.

THE HAPPINESS INDEX MATRIX S.No

Domain

Indicator Life satisfaction

1

Psychological well-being

Positive emotion Negative emotion Spirituality Mental health

2

Health

Self-reported health Healthy days Disability

3

Time use

Work Sleep Literacy

4

Education

Educational level Knowledge Value Native language

5

Cultural diversity and

Cultural participation

resilience

Artisan skills Conduct Government performance

6

Good governance

Fundamental rights Services Political participation Donations (time and money)

7

Community vitality

Community relationship Family Safety Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 23

FEATURE

Ecological issues 8

Ecological diversity and resilience

Responsibility towards environment Wildlife damage (rural) Urbanization issues Assets

9

Living standards

Housing Household per capita income

When it comes to happi-

respecting each other at

and preserving the same

ness, Scandinavian countries

a humane level. This often

leads to a better balanced

like Denmark, Finland, etc.,

gets reflected in their trust-

society.

know what they’re talk-

ing the system or admin-

ing about. Recently, Finland

istration. However, the

eral-mindedness is based

ranked first among 156 coun-

administration must also

on the premise that all

tries in the latest World Hap-

reciprocate by treating its

people should have the

piness Report, which asked

subjects as equal.

right to decide over their

• Liberal-mindedness: Lib-

people to rate their happiness

• Gender equality: Only a

levels on the above-mentione

gender blind society can

liberalism means having an

criteria. All these countries

progress to the top of any

open-minded and tolerant

even though geographically

development and the Danes

attitude and mindset.

apart share a common thread.

are leading by example.

A deeper prodding into the

• Relaxed atmosphere to

own lives. To demonstrate

There are many other factors in play as well. Like

survey data brought to the

work in: In order to optimize

the weather in the country,

surface a few key factors

productivity, the administra-

political stability, equal treat-

responsible for these coun-

tion must en-sure unbiased

ment of young and old, the

tries being so happy:

and relaxed working envi-

presence of a society that

• Freedom: “Freedom of the

ronment.

respects religions and belief

population is tied to the

• Welfare society: In any

systems in all forms, etc. In

freedom of the individual.”

progressive welfare society,

the survey, India ranked 133rd

So which ever state ensures

residents enjoy a high level

out of total 156 participants.

that its subjects are free to

of protection against social

The country today stands at a

experience freedom by all

and physical risks and bene-

crossroads with many impor-

means, ends up on top of

fit from of a range of public

tant decisions to make –which

the happiness index.

goods.

path will it walk on, what val-

• Equality under the law: In

• Language: Language is not

ues will the next generation

order to contain corrup-

just a communication tool; it

embrace, how are we going

tion and build community

is a culture bearer. Respect-

to have a gender blind, handi-

trust, the people must start

ing the re-gional language

cap blind society. The ques-

24 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE

Happiness % accross age groups 71

Happy Color

55 63

66

37%

White

71

67

26%

> 55 yrs

55-60 yrs

61-65 yrs

66-70 yrs

71-75 yrs

75 < yrs

Blue 13%

Happiest City to live in India Happiness Factor (in %) Ahmedabad

Green

23%

66%

Bengaluru

71%

Chennai

71%

Others tions are many and the path to the answers is complex. By 2050, Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population over

69%

Delhi NCR

60 years will equal that of its young population up to 18

75%

Hyderabad

years. Given that the country is the largest democracy with 1.3 billion people out of total

Jaipur

Kolkata

83% 7 billion in the world, this is no small number to consider.

60%

Unless the government and the people take notice of the

72%

Mumbai

impending situation, 30 years hence, there will be severe

Pune

67%

impacts across all aspects of Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 25

FEATURE

68% respondents are very happy in their lives

52% are not content with life 73% respondents are very happy in their lives

56% respondents are very happy in their lives

73% respondents are very happy in their lives

45% are not content with life

66% are not content with life

52% are not content with life

life that is bound to affect the overall standard of life across the country. One will not be

71% respondents are very happy in their lives

surprised if Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happiness quotient dips further. Many organizations like Samarth,

43% are not content with life

have taken stock of the situation and are actively addressing the problem. The Samarth survey is one such initiative to

Percentage Value

How India fares: Health, Happiness, Content with life and Trust factors 100

understand the pulse of the community and take proactive steps much in advance.

In our endeavor to under-

75

stand the perception of happiness within the Samarth

50

community, we conducted our version of happiness survey

25

and have received an over0

North India South India

East India

West India Central India

Geographic Divisions Trust Factor

Overall Health

26 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

Overall Happiness

Content with Life

whelming response from our members, once again underscoring the deep interest each of us take in raising the stan-

FEATURE

Comparative analysis of physical, emotional and social factors and their effects on happiness index

selves “happy” • What factors (physical, emotional, social) lower their levels of “happiness” foods, happy days, happy colors for our members

-80

-190

237

403

• What are some of the happy

Physical Factors

• How is happiness distrib-

Emotional Factors

uted across India, across gender, across age groups

433

Nearly 86% were male and rest were female respondents.

-209

Increase in Happiness Decrease in Happiness

A deep dive into the 1,000+ responses highlighted a few

Social Factors

fundamental beliefs: Happi93

be happy with whatever we do, strengthening our closest relationships and taking care of ourselves physically, finan-

CALMNESS

Effects of positive and negative emotions on happiness

cially, socially and emotionally.

Researchers typically define happiness as a combination of three things: (1) overall life satisfaction, (2) the frequency

VULNERABLE

LEFT OUT

FEELING

and degree of positive emo-

ANGER

Experiencing Happiness

ness comes from choosing to

-45

-45

tions, (3) and the relative absence of negative emotions. Researchers have found that we have essentially no control over roughly 50% of our happiness levels. 10% of happiness is determined by

-56

Emotions

life circumstances (money, marriage, etc.) while 40% is determined by daily activities

dard of life. The survey was

“happiness” in terms of rela-

(how you think and what you

planned to get insights into

tionships, engagement, etc

do). One of the reasons for

the following: • What the Samarth members understand by the word

• What factors (physical,

conducting this survey was to

emotional, social) encour-

gain a deeper understanding

age them to consider them-

of how we can better serve Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 27

FEATURE our members. Keeping this

at the bottom of the list of

our seniors, though they love

in mind, we divided the sur-

happiest cities to live in.

to eat out but preferred home

vey questions into three key

Geographically also people

cooked meal as their happy

buckets of physical, emotional

responded differently to the

food option.

and social well-being. The

question of overall happiness

results provided some unique

and content with life. While

out of the survey data analy-

insights and highlighted a set

western and southern states

sis, was the fact that physical,

of key variables affecting the

reported higher happiness in

emotional and social factors

happiness index. For example,

life, the eastern states fared

all play very important role in

happiness is reported to

poorly.

defining level of happiness in

be highest between 61-65

There is also a significant

A critical insight that came

the golden years. However,

years and again picks up

gap between overall happi-

even amongst them, maintain-

post 70 years. The members

ness and overall content with

ing optimum physical health

below 55 years are generally

life. The gap may be pointing

increases the happiness by

reporting overall happiness

out the underlying ambitions

many folds whereas lack of

without showing any nega-

in people and the competi-

physical well-being leads to

tive emotion. Members in the

tive nature of urban life that

equal decrease in the hap-

age group of 66 to 70 years

we get to witness even in our

piness. As per most of the

reported to be in the lowest

golden years. But life is not

respondents, the positive

state of happiness.

always about competition.

emotional factors lead to the

Beauty lies in the eyes of the

great increase in overall hap-

ant weather like close to the

beholder and our seniors con-

piness in life. The most impor-

coast, in a warm climate, and

firmed this statement with

tant factor however is that of

in an area with low wind are

over 97% respondents say-

social engagement without

associated with increased

ing that they find beauty in

which the seniors fail to enjoy

happiness. No doubt the hap-

so many things around them.

their golden years. Para-

piest nation in Asia is Bhutan.

Similarly when asked about

doxically, trying to be happier

As per the survey insights,

happiest day in their lives,

forcefully can actually make

Jaipur is the happiest city to

most of the memorable occa-

you less happy. This appears

live in surrounded by green

sions revolved around social

to occur because people

cover, beautiful architecture

gatherings like birthday and

who focus on happiness get

and rich culinary traditions.

anniversary celebrations, trav-

disappointed at times when

The city of Hyderabad and

elling with family or spending

they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as happy that

Mumbai follow closely with

time with grandchildren.

they hope to be and thereby

Living in areas with pleas-

good infrastructure, greenery,

Most of the seniors (nearly

become paradoxically less

places of tourism around and

37%) voted white as their

happy resulting in their lack of

cosmopolitan workforce lead-

favorite color followed by 26%

content with life. The key is to

ing to multiple opportunities

voting blue and 13% saying

focus on the process of mak-

to engage oneself. Contrary

green as their favorite. It is

ing the happiness activities a

to popular assumption, the

said that every city is defined

habit in daily life. The results

city of joy, Kolkata appeared

by its culinary culture; most of

will follow.

28 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM PRYING EYES ON SOCIAL MEDIA Ways to use online community engagement safely and maintain privacy.

By Samarth Staff

F

or many of us, our

of hours we lost in keeping

Not only is there an ethical

mornings begin

pace with social media. All

consideration to our social

with WhatsApp.

that changed recently when

media habits, but it also

And then as the day

it was revealed that compa-

makes us wonder what else

progresses, it is time to check

nies like Facebook have been

might be happening with the

Facebook every now and

using our data, selling it to a

information we share online.

then to keep track of what

third party and based on our

Every ‘like’ and every ‘share’

everyone else is doing. All this

behaviour, showing us news

might be sending signals to

till yesterday was no more

and ads that influence our

potential influencers about us

threatening than the number

decision-making.

and our behaviour.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 29

FEATURE

However, there is no need

read articles here.

fer, bank transfer or shopping;

to just delete our accounts

2. Twitter: Another social

this can be a very easy-to-use

and wash our hands off social

media platform like Face-

and secure platform.

media. If we develop a safe

book. Here, you can post

6. Amazon, Flipkart, Big

social media habit we can still

and read statuses that are

Basket: They are some of the

enjoy its benefits while safe-

less than 280 characters and

e-commerce websites that let

guarding our data online. In

can follow people right from

you shop without having to

today’s globalised world, chil-

celebrities to politicians and

step out.

dren are moving out of towns

your friends. This one is great

and even countries, having

for keeping in touch with poli-

rosy in the world of technol-

to leave their parents back in

tics, news, events, sports, etc.

ogy. Some primary concerns

the homeland. Social media

3. Instagram: This one lets

with technology can be:

platforms such as Facebook,

you only post pictures. Here

1. Breach of privacy.

WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype

again, you can follow people

2. Lack of online security.

and various other apps have

around the world and check

3. Chances of fraud and

That said, not everything is

made it easier to stay in

Inspired Living # 3

touch. Not just that but with the help of technology, ordering groceries and medicines, paying bills, booking appointments and other transactions

India’s oldest MA student, 98 years old Mr. Raj Kumar Vaishya, was studying Economics to understand why majority of population in India is still poor. Mr. Vaishya enrolled for MA in economics in 2015 at Nalanda Open University (NOU) and successfully completed the same.

can be done easily. Not to

The nonagenarian cites two reasons for enrolling into the course - a

forget, some apps are even

strong desire to get a master’s degree and to understand why India

great for passing time. Here

failed to solve poverty problem.

below a short description of the various uses of the apps around us:

out what is going on in their lives.

hacking.

4. Mishandling or faults with

Digital applications and their uses:

4. Skype, WhatsApp and

online money transfers and

Google Hangouts: These are

payments.

1. Facebook: This one is a

some of the many communi-

free website that lets you

cation apps available. These

connect with people around

let you message, voice call or

the world. All you have to do

video call your loved ones.

should not stop you from

is register yourself with the

5. Paytm: This one is a pay-

using technology effectively.

community and add friends.

ments wallet, i.e., you can

Instead, educate yourself

You can chat with people,

deal with money efficiently

about safe online habits and

post pictures, and share sta-

using this application. Be it

surf the internet without a

tuses. You will also be able to

Paytm wallet to wallet trans-

single concern.

30 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

5. Fraudulent websites and viruses.

However, these issues

FEATURE Here is a step by step guide to help you make your online experience safer.

1. How can you make online surfing or transactions safer?

Once you are on the internet, you are pretty much in

provide such information.

• Not using very obvious

visit your profile. You can, however, choose who views

passwords such as your

your statuses, pictures, etc.

children/grandchildren’s

on the settings page in the

names, dates of birth, etc.

top right corner.

Also, avoid using the same

• Not talking to strangers on

password across different

social media. Even better,

websites and handles.

block the stranger as soon

• Checking your privacy

as you receive a friend/

contact with the rest of the

settings. When on social

follow request from them.

world. This can prove to be

media, you can choose to

Visit the profile of that per-

both good and bad. However,

make your account public

son and click on the block

you can safeguard your-

or private. For example,

option.

self from the bad to a great

you can make your account

extent by:

private on Instagram by

details to only trusted web-

• Not giving out your per-

just visiting your profile and

sites. If you are shopping

sonal information and

clicking on the top-right

online, try and choose the

details. This includes your

bar. It will take you to set-

Cash on Delivery option.

address, phone numbers,

tings where you can choose

This way you do not have

etc., on social media. Some

to stay private by activating

to provide financial details

delivery-based applications

the private profile option.

at all. Transfer money only

may, however, need you to

In Facebook, anybody can

through wallets with a

• Giving out your bank/ card

secure payment gateway.

Inspired Living # 4 Seventy-four-year-old Palam Kalyanasundaram is a retired librarian.

Besides being a recipient of the Best Librarian in India Award, he was honoured as one of the ‘noblest men of the world’ by the University of Cambridge, and the United Nations recognized him as one of the most outstanding people of the 20th century. However, this man of no

2. How to identify suspicious activities?

• No website will ever ask you for your pin number.

Online payments use OTP method for transacting. If

possession has given away all his award money, salary and pension,

you are asked to provide

for charity. The amount he has donated over the past four decades

your pin number, it is a tell-

for the cause of humanity, sums up to Rs 30 crore. Palam was born in

tale sign that it is a trap.

Melakarivelamkulam, Tamil Nadu. After losing his father at a very

• If there is complicated jar-

young age, he recalls how his mother inspired him to serve the poor.

gon used to get any real

He went on to earn a master’s degree in literature, and is also a gold

information, it is often fake

medalist in library science, but his desire to do his bit for the society

and intends to mislead the

stayed alive. He soon got a job as a librarian in Tuticorin, and since

user.

then, has contributed all his salary, pension benefits and ancestral property for social welfare.

• Mails offering you toogood-to-believe schemes are always a fraud. They Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 31

FEATURE

Not giving out your personal information and details. This includes your address, phone numbers, etc., on social media. Some delivery-based applications may, however, need you to provide such information.

on the “report” option in their profile and mentioning your cause of concerns with them in the provided dialogue box. They will be blocked immediately.

• If you are a victim of online abuse, do not put up with it quietly. Troll comments, or comments that are harsh to get a response from you,

usually claim to give mil-

may be able to reverse the

are widespread these days.

lions of rupees for no

transaction and get some

Report these people to

apparent reasons or pro-

money back. RBI has come

the social media platform.

vide you with a lump-sum

up with new guidelines

If things get really com-

loan on properties. Such messages should not be believed and immediately deleted.

• Messages or statuses asking for monetary help are often a trap. Hackers try to get the sympathy of people by spreading messages that say “So and so admitted in hospital and needs money

Inspired Living # 5 Mukhtar Bhai, at the age of 87 years, is the oldest block maker in the Mumbai area. Established in 1983, near Khatri Masjid, is this small shop that one can blink and miss. It’s hard to come by, but everyone in the art, craft and design industry knows Mukhtar Bhai and his printing blocs. It is an example of sheer dedication to the art that in this age of digital printing, Mukhtar Bhai still makes the wooden and metal blocks with same passion and skill. Who says one has to hang up one’s boots after retirement.

for treatment. Please transfer to….”.

3. What to do in case of the occurrence of a fraud?

Prevention is always better

favouring customers that

plicated, be sure to take

if a customer falls victim

screenshots of the entire

to frauds, their respective

conversation and if need

banks need to compensate

be, report to the cyber

some of their loss immedi-

crime cell.

ately if they are informed

With just a few simple

than a cure. However, if you

within a specific period.

steps, you can ensure that

happen to end up being victi-

Further investigation will

you are not cheated online

mised online in any way, you

then be carried out.

and that your privacy is

can do the following:

• If your privacy is breached

safeguarded. For further

• If the scam involves money,

on social media platforms,

information, you can read

immediately call your bank

report the person you sus-

each social media channel’s

and inform them of the

pect is responsible for it.

help guide or ask someone

activity. In some cases, they

You can do this by clicking

you trust for help.

32 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FLASHBACK

TRAVEL

TRAVELLING TO HAPPY PLACES Info on Bhutan and Singapore as travel destination, and how Samarth can customize the trips for both the active elders as well as elders with limited mobility.

By Samarth Staff

T

ravelling together forges bond between the travelers; the grandpar-

ents and their grandchildren are no exceptions. For quite some time now, the lifestyle experts are advising all the senior citizens across the globe to experience intergenerational travelling. They say that with the right planning and attitude, travelling with your youngest folks can - and should - be a memorable experience.

With this in the hindsight,

Bhutan: The happiest place on earth

index (GNH) instead of Gross Domestic Product index (GDP) as the measurement

Samarth team took up the

“The Land of the Thunder

matrix of its socio-economic

onus to find out two of the

Dragon” or Bhutan, is a small

development. Bhutan is

happiest destinations to

Buddhist nation landlocked

called the ‘Switzerland of

travel to with grandchildren.

between India, Tibet, China

Asia’ by many travelers: Tall

The team also ensured to

and Nepal. It has preserved

towering mountains, beauti-

filter the destinations based

much of its heritage and

ful pagodas carved out at the

on the ease of travelling for

tradition by adopting a con-

edges of cliffs, meandering

elders, even with limited

scious urbanization using

well maintained roads, a small

mobility.

Gross National Happiness

airstrip servicing a limited Vol 01 | Issue 06 | samarth | 33

TRAVEL

number of daily flights both domestic and international, being in this country is alike to being amongst the clouds, touching the sky and soaking up the beautiful sun.

Travelers from all over the world across the ages, who are in search of peace and quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, want to see this “last Shangri-La,” preferably before it changes much more. Though the visa application process

have local guides at all times,

nature and experiencing the

is cumbersome, and there’s a

and there’s a minimum per

happiest hospitality is

requirement that all visitors

diem of $200 or $250 per

undeniable.

book their trip with a licensed

person, depending on the

The tour operator cost is

Bhutanese tour operator and

season, the lure of pristine

actually quite reasonable, as it covers all meals, guides, drivers and accommodation at basic hotels, plus it funds education, health care and infrastructure for the Bhutanese people (You’ll pay hundreds more at five-star hotels). It was enough to keep the backpacker set from descending—there are no cafes hawking banana pancakes or by-the-pound laundries but reasonable enough to attract a notch higher end

34 | samarth | Vol 01 | Issue 06

TRAVEL travelers. This fits the age

might also be blessed by a

Chinese and Malay cultures is

group of seniors beautifully.

monk who taps her head with

obvious, and the people are

a wooden phallus and an

super-friendly — but it’s an

archery bow).

Asia that’s organized, that’s

The main tourist spots get busy in the spring and autumn, making winter the

Bhutan isn’t locked in

easy to navigate and that has

time to come, says Mark

time. It’s modernizing at a

all the amenities you may

Wright, the general manager

visible pace. The country’s

need with grandparents and

of the exquisite Gangtey

main road is being widened

grandchildren in tow.

Lodge. It’s far milder than

as we read this. More tour-

The country also boasts

you might expect, with clear

ists will come and the con-

a 24X7 shopping option, all

sunny skies and warm after-

nection to the wider world

time medical response teams

noons, and hotels are nearly

will strengthen—soon. For

and facilities, extremely well

empty. “And it’s half price.”

the seniors shining into

connected public transport

Go to Bhutan with your

the golden years, for the

system, it is almost like you

grandchildren not for the

seniors who are eager to

ask for it and you can get

most luxurious hotels but

feel the adrenalin rush once

anything under the sun in

for the vibrant temples and

again, Bhutan is a romantic

Singapore.

hushed dzongs (fortresses,

novel to be read first hand,

monasteries and city halls in

experienced and to be left

reaching Singapore in matter

one). For the hike over beau-

untouched for future

of hours is a child’s play.

tiful mountains festooned

generations.

with flapping prayer flags at the passes. Go to Bhutan for the blessings we can’t understand and the spiritual

Singapore: Best of both worlds Clean, green, and strikingly

awakenings we hope to have

modern, Singapore is one of

in ancient temples. Go to

the most family-friendly des-

understand why the people

tinations in Asia. Everything

of Punakha paint so many

from the immaculate, elderly-

phalluses on their homes.

friendly pavements to the

(If I understand correctly,

spacious hotels makes trav-

it’s a fertility symbol, of

elling with kids and seniors

course, and a representation

easy. As a mecca for the arts,

of power, as a “divine mad-

fashion, culture, and big-

man” who lived there 500

name events, Singapore has

years ago used his own as

something to offer to every-

an unorthodox tool to teach

one across the ages.

the dharma and to vanquish

Street vendors line the

demons. Bhutanese women

roads selling everything from

visit his temple when they

ice cream sandwiches to bat-

hope to conceive. A foreigner

teries, the fusion of Indian,

With a visa on arrival facility,

Join us for tours that are thoughtfully crafted and tailormade for seniors in terms of convenience, safety, care and enjoyment. For booking and more information about our upcoming trips call Dipti@ 8800699599 or email to bookings@ samarthlife.org.

For Detailed Information visit http://www.samarth. community/seniortours

Vol 01 | Issue 06 | samarth | 35

TRAVEL

As a mecca for the arts, fashion, culture, and bigname events, Singapore has something to offer to everyone across the ages.

There are special discount coupons given to elderly

For kids there are many

the options of engaging

shoppers and the humid yet

attraction like the night

themselves are enormous;

not so extreme weather kind

safari, museum, Sentosa,

from Universal studios, river

of supports the health and

Science center, botanical

safari, and Singapore flyer

well-being of people across

garden, Jurong Bird Park

to garden by the bay and so

all age groups.

etc. Similarly for the elderly,

on. Many attractions like the Night safari or the museums will be equally engaging for elderly and kids alike. The government also ensures that there are wheel chair renting options across the city, and other safety features for the elderly with limited mobility to travel without any worry.

Samarth organizes all-inclusive family travel packages for both the destinations and many more, keeping in mind the varied requirements of elders and their grandchildren. A care manager accompanies the travelling elders throughout the trip ensuring that one can enjoy without worrying about logistics or health.

36 | samarth | Vol 01 | Issue 06

dfork

cg rq dke dj fy;k g S geus cg rq dke dj f y;k g S geu s] vkvk s iy nk s iy f ey dj c BS s a lc ge] dqN req dgk s] dqN ge dg ]s a f ey >qy dj ckaV s bd nwt s ds [k 'q kh vk jS xe] cpiu chrk [k y s dwn e ]s a f Qj tokuh u s nh nlrd] vtc Fk s ok s f nu Hkh lp epq ,d l s ,d c< + dj Fkh gljr] dqN iwj h g bq Z] dqN vèkwj h jg h] f Qj f tEe ns kj h;k s a u s ?k js f y;k] ` ?kj xgLFkh e s a dqN ,sl s my>s] viu s l s g h ewg a Qsj f y;k] viuk rk s ge Hkwy x;s] cPpk s a d h t#jrk s u s ge dk s ?k js f y;kA cg rq dke dj f y;k ge lcu s ;g h rk s g S f tnax h d h gd hdr] ;g h rk s gekj s laldkj g ]S a viu s l s Hkh T;knk ge dk s cPpk s a ds cPpk s a l s I;kj g S] nknk&nknh] ukuk&ukuh Hkh vtc bd f j'krk g S] ik rs &s ik rs h] nk rs &s nk rs h] g h rk s cMq + ki s dk Qf j'krk g ]S a vc rk s ge lc dk s cl mlds c y q ko s dk bratkj g S] galr &s galr s ok s mBk y s gedk s] cl ;g h gekj h njdkj g SA cg rq dke dj f y;k g S geu s Contributed by Mr. Bhushan Saral, Samarth community member Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 37

dfork

*;g lp g S cny x;h g w¡ e S a ---* mez vku s ij laoj x;h g ¡w e S a --gk¡ ;g lp g S] dqN&,d lQ+s n ckyk s a d h xf jek l s Hkj x;h g---¡w ,d vk jS r l s ek¡ cu x;h g ¡w e S a !--lcdk s I;kj l s laH kkyk vc rd] viuh t:jrk s a dk s I;kj l s lgyk;k vkt ] gk¡] Fkk Ms +h&Fkk Ms +h lh cny x;h g ¡w e S a ! fj'rk s a dk s f uHkkrh g]¡w mll s tMq + s Hkkj ug h a <k rs h ] fdru s ck > s viu s dUèkk s a ij y s dj pyw¡ ] le> e s a vk x;h g S ;g ckr fd ] vkf[kj vk jS r g]¡w èkjrh ug h a g ¡w e S a ! vkt dy nwljk s a dk s ,d ne l s lykg ug h a nsr h ] vxj ml d h fLFkfr e js s le> l s ckgj gk s viu s Kku dk çnZ'ku dju s l s igy s] nwljk s a dk s lykg nsu s l s igy s] [k nq dk s VVk y s u s yxh g ¡w e S a ! mudk s bTt+r nsr h g]¡w mudk i{k tkuu s d h dk s f 'k'k djrh g]¡w lkl q ek¡ dk s lkl jgu s nsrÈ g]¡w ek¡ le> dj viuh vi {s kk,a ug h a c<krh] vc yxrk g S [k 'q k jgu s yxh g ¡w e S a ! muds ?kj e s a x;k e js k 5 &10 #i;k 'kk;n ?kj d h t#jr ds f n, ds f y, r y s cu tk;s] bl f y, vkt dy lCth oky s] vkWVk s oky s l s] dke okyh l s ek y s Hkko ug h a djrh] 'kkW f iax ekWy e s a y Vq s i l S s dk Hkko le> x;h g ¡w e S a A Tkkurh g ¡w [k nq dk s ltkuk] laokjuk t#j h g S ij [k nq dk s l¡okju s l s igy s vkRek ij iM + s e y S [kjq pu s yxh g ¡w e S a !

38 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

yxrk g S vc f u[kj x;h g ¡w e S a !

Fkd tku s ij 'kjkjr s a cPpk s a d h ij 's kka djrh g S ] ij vc mu ij f pYykrh ug h a ] mUg s a le>u s d h dk s f 'k'k e s a yxh g ¡w e S a xhyh f eê h lokaju s yxh g ¡w e S a ! ct q xq k s ± ds f dLlk s a e s muds cpiu dk s th f y;k djrh g ¡w ] vu d s k s a ckj luq h mu d h ckrk s a ij vkt mUg s a Vk d s rh ug h a cl igyh ckj luq k gk s o l S s et + s y us s yxh g ¡w e AS a gj d s f nu dk s vk[kj h le> dj thu s dk rj hdk lh[k jg h g ¡w viu s bl u, ^^ e S a ** l s I;kj dju s yxh g ¡w e S a ! oD + r l s ia[ k mèkkj y s dj f rrf y;k s a lh mM +u s yxh g ¡w e ]S a f Qj Hkh i jS k s a ds uhp s tehu j[ku s yxh g ¡w e ]S a ^^ [k nq l s nk Ls rh dju s yxh g ¡w e S a ! **

Contributed by Ms. Sudha Mittal Samarth Community Member

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 39

^^eku&vieku** Shailja Narita S is a woman of many talents.

She has worked in various capacities; an author, poetess, professional model and now lately developed her passion in photography and elder care.

A comparison between some of the corrupt politicians (who sell their nation for their vested interests and all those women who are forced into flesh trade.....both do "selling" but the purpose is way too different....

Okk s f tLe c sprh g S vk jS req ns'k dk s t+kfgj g S nk us k s a lk nS kxj g S a ij f Qj Hkh ,slk D;k s a r Eq g s lj ij vk jS e > q s ik¡o ry s j[kk tkrk g S\ vk¡py e js k Hkh mrkjk tkrk g S ns'k dk s f uoZL= req Hkh djr s gk s e js k rk s cp iu Nhu f y;k ij r Eq gkj s ikl rk s cDl s e S a can f [kyk us s--- vk jS ek cki dk I;kj jgk gk xs k e js k rk s vk¡py [kkyh g S Fkkyh e S a vukt dk dsoy f cac ek= g S Fkkyh rk s r js h t:j lk us s d h jg h gk xs h rw gj f nu vk jS jkr lk nS k djrk g S--,d lk nS k e S a Hkh djrh g ¡w e S a f xj dj Hkh mBk eglwl djrh g ¡w vk jS req mB dj Hkh f dru s f xj s g,q gk s e js s f tLe ds lk nS s e s a f lldrh f lQ + Z e S a g---¡w r js s lk nS s l s rk s lkjk ns'k ekre eukrk g S f uoZL= e > q s ug h r > q s gk us k pkf g, f lldrh g ¡w pkj nhokjk s a e s ug h a f oe ä q vkleku ry s e js s lk nS s l s pkj yk xs k s a dk i Vs Hkjrk g S r js s lk nS s l s rk s ns'k ds ewg dk uhokyk Nhurk g S dgr s g S a e > q s pk jS kg s ij [kM + k dj IRFkjk s l s ekj nsuk pkf g,--D;k s a f d e S a lk nS k djrh g ¡w vlyh lk nS kxj rk s req gk s ij ns[ kk s bl ns'k ds ewd vk jS cf èkj yk xs k s a dk s lc ns[ k dj Hkh r js h ui l qa drk dk s Lohdkjr s g ---S a r js k O;kikj eku vk jS e js k lk nS k vieku\

40 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE

L

aughter indeed is the best medicine, and this is not just a saying. Several

studies in this direction have shown that there is indeed a positive correlation between laughter and health.

Researchers are conducting and advocating further studies to arrive at conclusive evidence. However, there have been many instances wherein laughter has helped people to reduce stress, forget pain or sorrow, get out of depression, better their mood, etc. Are you ready to give it a try?

Many Benefits- One Simple Practice A hearty laugh can relieve stress from your body and keep it so for another 45 minutes after. A stress-free body is obviously good for health.

Beyond Inhibitions, There Lies The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Medicine The importance of laughing out loud, its effect on mental and physical wellbeing and how to find a group of like-minded elders to laugh with

By Samarth Staff

Laughter decreases the level of stress hormones in the body and also increases its immunity. Improved immunity helps us better fight diseases and infections.

Endorphins are the feelgood hormones in our body.

Laughter helps release more endorphins in our body, and that is why we feel good when we laugh. In fact, the feelgood hormone is so potent Vol 06 | Issue 05 | samarth | 41

FEATURE that it can even temporarily

the benefit out of it and not

make you forget the pain.

end up offending others.

Laughter is good for your

Laughter clubs usually meet up in the mornings or early evenings and can help you tide

a scientific reason for this.

Laughter Clubs- Where Inhibitions Don’t Exist

Laughter improves your

Without a doubt, it is the

blood flow, and that is what

tremendous benefits to be

more laughter clubs, and if you

helps protect from cardio-

gained out of laughing that

ask around in your neighbour-

vascular diseases. One study

gave rise to laughter clubs.

hood park, you are sure to

even goes so far as to say

Laughter clubs are nothing

find one. Many a time, you see

that people who laugh a lot

but a gathering of people

them happening in the apart-

live a little longer than those

who get together and laugh,

ment complexes or communi-

who don’t.

sometimes for no reason.

ties or as a part of other club

Also known as laughter yoga

activities in the neighbour-

weight issues, then that is

(Hasya yoga), people vol-

hood.

another reason for you to

untarily practice laughter in

start laughing. Yes, though it

these clubs.

heart as well. Well, there is

If you have struggled with

may sound bizarre, laughing

At times, people share

through the day or wrap up the day with a smile.

Every city has enough and

In fact, if you have a good bunch of jolly people, you can start one too! After all, you

for about 10 to 15 minutes a

jokes to laugh at, they laugh

don’t have to do much other

day can help you burn around

just like that and have forced

than get together, have fun

40 calories! Sometimes, it just

laughter sessions as well.

and laugh.

helps to diffuse a somewhat

Generally, this is performed as

tricky situation and can assist

a group, mostly in some out-

What to watch out for?

you in thinking better as well.

door place like a park though

Here are a few things to look

it can also be held indoors.

for to make laughter clubs an

build better relationships, and

The whole process can also

integral part of your daily rou-

stay active and alert mentally.

involve some stretching exer-

tine:

It helps bring people together.

cises, clapping, cheering,

• The batches in the clubs

People learn to lose their inhi-

chanting or some other body

• The age groups of people

bitions with each other when

movements as part of the

they laugh together.

warm-up techniques and can

Laughter also helps you

So, laughter offers a world of benefits and is also con-

then move on to laughter.

While mostly it is the older

attending • The ease of access for you and flexibility in timings • Individual or group sessions

tagious in a good way. It

generation that usually takes to

that you can opt for.

makes us more human and is

laughter clubs, today’s younger

At times, it is good to mingle

a unique quality. Of course,

generation that is into stressful

with a cross-section of people

it doesn’t mean that we will

careers has also taken to them.

from different age groups and

start laughing at anything and

They realise the importance of

make some friends from dif-

everything. There is always

letting go for a brief period so

ferent walks of life. You get to

a sense of optimisation that

that they can defeat the stress

gain a different perspective on

needs to be applied to gain

of the whole day.

life too! .

42 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

HAPPINESS IN LEARNING

Who says old age marks an end to learning? Universities and institutes the world over are realizing the importance of continued learning for the elderly. We present an overview of MOOC-based learning opportunities for senior citizens and one course that they must take up – happiness course!

By Samarth Staff

H

ing companions, and enjoy the trip, because there may be nothing at the end of the road.

It’s also hard to think about the mind, but once you pick a metaphor it will guide your thinking.

Buddha, for example, compared our mind to a wild elephant: “In days gone by, this mind of mine used to stray wher-

uman thinking depends on metaphor. We under-

ever selfish desire, pleasure or

stand new or complex things in relation to things we

despair would lead it. Today

already know. For example, it’s hard to think about

this mind does not stray and

life in general, but once you apply the metaphor “life

is under the harmony of con-

is a journey”, the metaphor guides you to some conclusions: You

trol, as a wild elephant is con-

should learn the terrain, pick a direction, find some good travel-

trolled by the trainer.”

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 43

FEATURE With age our body breaks

leges have been set up for

to world-class education to

down cell by cell but our

younger generation transi-

elders with an internet con-

mind lives on, gets richer

tioning into adulthood. Real-

nection, which opens up a

with each passing day and

ising the potential of senior

world of possibilities. For

becomes a source of all our

citizens as equally eager and

instance, elders can take a

wisdom. But like any well-

competent learners, many

MOOC that allows them to

oiled machine, the mind

institutions are being cre-

determine which path of

needs to be exercised and

ated around the globe like

engagement is right for them

kept lubricated with constant

the University of Third Age in

and within their physical and

engagement, knowledge

the UK. However the number

mental capacities. In addi-

seeking and knowledge cre-

of such institutions remains

tion to attending day to day

ation. Many of us tend to

few compared to the global

activities, elders can easily

believe that education is a

elderly population. Massive

complete the MOOC based

must in our growing up years

Open Online Courses (MOOC

learning programs in their

so that we can live a comfort-

for short) fills in the gap

free time.

able youth. Well, education or

beautifully and makes avail-

rather constant learning is a

able many learning programs

like IGNOU have been around

must equally in the growing

targeting the elders across

for quite a while, and they

old years so that we continue

the domains of Religion, Agri-

are widely understood and

to live comfortably into our

culture, Horticulture, Alter-

utilized. However, MOOCs

golden years.

nate Medicine, etc. While a

have only been around since

certificate from a MOOC isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

2012, and many elders either

ment, both in terms of money

the same as a college degree,

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what they are

and time. Traditionally col-

MOOCs are providing access

or assume they are similar

College is a huge invest-

Distance learning colleges

to online/distance learning classes aimed only at youngsters. MOOCs are provided on a number of platforms, but not all platforms are created equal or created with elders in mind. For instance, one of the many platforms gives one access to 52 MOOCs, while another has a robust selection of 2,150 MOOCs. Based on our Samarth review, Coursera emerged as the top ranked MOOC platform and the best overall choice due to its impressive selection of elder learning pathways 44 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

FEATURE and other questions in this highly rated course.

• Provided by: Yale University • MOOC Platform: Coursera • Duration: 6 weeks 2. A Global History of Architecture Like a travelogue through time, this course explores moments in history though architecture and its interactions with culture, religion, politics and technology—from the introduction of iron in the ninth century BCE to the emergence of corn and the

Are we prepared to live longer? Get a broad view of what it means to be part of an aging world, including a look at how we can be active, independent...

rise of temple construction.

• Provided by: MIT • MOOC Platform: edX • Duration: 12 weeks 3. Rethinking Ageing Are We Prepared to Live Longer? Get a broad view of

and course features. EdX and

started. Most MOOCs are

what it means to be part of

Udacity were also found to

free unless you want access

an aging world, including a

be strong contenders.

to graded assignments and

look at how we can be active,

need a certificate.

independent and socially

MOOCs are designed to engage. They usually include

Based on a recently con-

videos and reading materials,

cluded secondary research

all of which are posted online,

by Samarth, we have listed

plus an online forum where

below a set of potential pro-

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

learners and instructors con-

grams for elders (but not

• Duration: 5 weeks

nect with one another and

limited to elders only) cat-

4. Buddhism and Modern

discuss topics or ask ques-

egorized into four domains:

Psychology

tions. Although MOOCs are

connected into late life.

• Provided by: University of Melbourne

Scientists have been scru-

structured to be taken over

Expand Your Mind

tinizing Buddhist practices

a specific number of weeks,

1. Moralities of Everyday Life

to learn how effective they

you set your schedule – sim-

How does a culture deter-

may be on a physiological

ply access the materials when

mine right and wrong, and

level, and Western philoso-

you’re ready. You can even

why do some people lack

phers are exploring Buddhist

jump in after the course has

moral feelings? Explore these

thought. This course gives Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 45

FEATURE you an overview of what they’re discovering.

• Provided by: Princeton University

Inspired Living # 6

ease, diabetes and arthritis may seem like inevitable

“If Vajpayee could run a coun-

products of aging, but in fact

try at 75, I can surely run a

they’re governed by lifestyle,

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

company!” 84-year old Yamini

not years. This course helps

• Duration: 6 weeks

Mazumdar, mother of Biocon’s

you take control.

5. Modern Art & Ideas

Kiran Majumdar Shaw, depicts

• Provided by: Delft Univer-

In this video-centric course,

the feelings of this genera-

sity

artists and educators help

tion with these simple words.

• MOOC Platform: EdX

you engage more deeply in

She should know. She started

• Duration: 6 weeks

modern and contemporary

a dry-cleaning business after

10. Stanford Introduction to Food & Health

art through four themes that

the demise of her husband

shine a light on context and

when she was 68… her venture

With a focus on simple home

meaning.

employs oxver 45 people today

cooking, this course turns

• Provided by: MoMA/

at Bangalore and she takes on

what scientists have learned

Museum of Modern Art

a 9 hour work-day and a 10km

into practical discussions and

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

commute even today. Having

tools that will help you dis-

• Duration: 5 weeks

overcome several health issues

tinguish between foods that

6. Minds and Machines

along the way, she shares mat-

support your health and those

What is the relationship

ter-of-factly, “Self-pity is the

between mind and body?

worst affliction”.

Can computers think? Do we

that threaten it.

• Provided by: Stanford University

perceive reality as it is? Can

Care for Your Health

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

there be a science of con-

8. The Human Body as a

• Duration: 5 weeks

sciousness? Explore these

Machine

11. Heart Health-A Beginner’s

and other fascinating ques-

Our bodies are made of sys-

Guide to Cardiovascular

tions at the forefront of a bur-

tems that interact with one

Disease

geoning discipline: the study

another on a cellular level.

Home exercises and practical

of consciousness.

This course clues you in to

tips developed by cardiovas-

• MOOC Platform: EdX

how that works so you can

cular experts combine with

• Duration: 12 weeks

be more holistic in your

discussions of how the heart

7. Introduction to Italian

approach to your own health.

works, the causes of heart dis-

Learn conversational lan-

• Provided by: Flinders Uni-

eases and what you can do to

guage skills and gain an understanding of Italy’s culture in this video course.

• Provided by: University for Foreigners of Siena • MOOC Platform: FutureLearn • Duration: 6 weeks 46 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

versity • MOOC Platform: Open2Study • Duration: 4 weeks 9. Healthy Aging in 6 Steps.

avoid them.

• Provided by: University of Reading • MOOC Platform: FutureLearn

Let Your Environment Do the

• Duration: 4 weeks

Work

12. The Science and Practice

Health issues like heart dis-

of Yoga

FEATURE Blending science with prac-

Creating characters, turning

we can address the social

tice, yoga experts teach you

events into a plot, editing and

good in these areas by better

how to practice yoga on the

refining: Learn the skills you’ll

understanding what impacts

mat and in your everyday life,

need to get started on or fin-

them.

using aspects of yoga that are

ish your novel, with help from

• Provided by: Wesleyan Uni-

immediately applicable to you.

some well-known authors.

• Provided by: University of

• Provided by: The Open Uni-

Texas, Arlington

versity

versity • MOOC Platform: Coursera • Duration: 6 weeks

• MOOC Platform: EdX

• MOOC Platform: FutureLearn

18. Engaging and Empow-

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Duration: 8 weeks

ering-How to Become an

16. Ignite Your Personal

Effective Mentor for Vulner-

Get Creative

Creativity

able Youth

13. Sharpened Visions-A

Based on the premise that we

Whether you’re already vol-

Poetry Workshop

all are inherently creative, this

unteering as a mentor or

Take your poems out of the

course aims to boost aware-

plan to do so, this course will

drawer and into the open with

ness and inspiration, and help

teach you about the issues

this course, which, through

you develop creative prob-

facing your mentees, and

practical exercises in form and

lem-solving skills you can use

how to help them overcome

structure, can help you write

in every aspect of your life.

barriers and build resilience.

poetry that changes the way

• Provided by: SUNY

• Provided by: Culture Link

you and your readers think

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

• MOOC Platform: Canvas

about the world.

• Duration: Self-paced

• Provided by: California

Network • Duration: 10 weeks

Make a Difference

19. Our Earth’s Future

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

17. How to Change the World

How do you respond when

• Duration: 6 weeks

Poverty, the environment,

you meet someone on Face-

14. Introduction to Guitar

technology, health care, gen-

book or in real life who ques-

There’s evidence to suggest

der, education… Learn how

tions the science behind

Institute of the Arts

that learning an instrument can help keep your brain sharp. There’s no experience needed for this hands-on course, which uses an easy approach to get beginners playing quickly. All you need is a guitar!

• Provided by: Berkley College of Music • MOOC Platform: Coursera • Duration: 7 weeks 15. Start Writing Fiction Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 47

FEATURE climate change? This course provides you with the key sci-

nants of a happy and fulfill-

tested and practical recipe

entific principles to address

ing life. This is surely one of

for leading a life of hap-

misconceptions.

life’s biggest questions, and

piness and fulfillment. At

• Provided by: American

a question that has inter-

present the course is being

ested many of our ances-

offered through Coursera

• MOOC Platform: Coursera

tors. Buddha famously gave

platform. The course fea-

• Duration: 5 weeks

up his kingdom in search of

tures guest appearances

20. Challenging Wealth and

happiness. Several Greek

by several well-known

Income Inequality

philosophers (from Aristo-

thought leaders, includ-

Has the Baby Boom genera-

tle to Epicurus and Plato

ing, Dan Ariely (author of

tion really had it all? What

to Socrates) had their own

Predictably Irrational and,

is really at the root of age

views on what it takes to be

soon to be released, Irra-

related inequalities in per-

happy. And of course, we

tionally Yours), Ed Diener

sonal finance? This course

all have our own theories

(“Dr. Happiness”), Mihaly

examines the causes and

about happiness too. How

Csikszentmihalyi (author of

implications of growing

valid are our theories? Until

Flow) etc., to name a few.

inequalities and what can be

recently, if you wished for an

The course is designed to

done about them.

answer to this question, you

be engaging for elders and

• Provided by: The Open Uni-

would’ve been forced to base

encourage them to discover

it on discussions with spiri-

the answers to questions

tual leaders or, if you were

such as, why aren’t the

lucky, you could’ve based it

smart-and-the-successful

on late-night (and perhaps

as happy as they could or

intoxicant-fueled) conversa-

should be? What are the “7

tions with friends and family.

Deadly Happiness Sins” that

courses one particular course

Happily, all that has chang-

even the smart and the suc-

stands out in its content, rel-

ed now.

cessful commit? What are

Museum of Natural History

versity • MOOC Platform: Future Learn • Duration: 4 weeks Apart from the above listed

evance to today’s elderly and

In his own words, “Over the

the “7 Habits of the highly

the way it is taught; The Hap-

past decade-and-a-half, sci-

happy people” and how

piness Course. The course

entists have gotten into the

can you implement them

is taught at Indian School

act big time. We now have a

in your life? By the end of

of Business Hyderabad and

pretty good idea of what it

the course, one can only

McCombs School of Business,

takes to lead a happy and ful-

expect that elderly learners

University of Texas, Austin,

filling life.”

will be diligent with the lec-

by none other than Prof. Raj

The course is based on

tures and exercises to not

Raghunathan (aka “Dr Happy-

fundamental understand-

just gain a deeper under-

smarts”).

ings of a variety of fields,

standing of the science of

including psychology, neu-

happiness, but to also be

extremely relevant questions

roscience, and behavioral

significantly happier in their

like what are the determi-

decision theory to offer a

well-earned golden years.

The course raises a few

48 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

SHORT STORIES

SHORT STORIES

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

By Shailaja

S

he looked rather

being asked. She looked at the

somber today as she

nail, hung the photo frame and

gesture to stop everyone from

walked out of her

smiled. She called the helper

helping the old man. Adjusting

meditation room.

to bring the fresh garland

the garland without getting

of white lilies that had been

affected by what her husband

ordered.

just said, she pulls a chair and

She wore a pristine white

sari, her silver strands dripping water, her beautiful visage reflecting the beauty of years gone by. She was holding a

She raised her hand as a

Next moment the garland

makes herself comfortable,

was hanging on the picture.

pouring some tea, taking a

Everyone present in the

long loud sip she said, “What

big frame in her hand and

room was shocked; her son,

did you say? You are not dead

stood near the wall facing the

daughter in law, grand kids,

yet! Are you sure? Look at the

room where the entire fam-

helpers, even the huge dog

vase placed on this table, look

ily was sitting. She called her

they had as their pet.

at those books kept in one

grandson and asked him to

“Have you gone insane?

corner, this table, chair, the

hammer a nail right in the cen-

Have you lost your mind?

roof on top, they all exist but

ter of the wall. Everyone was

Have you been skipping your

are they living? No my dear,

taken aback by her instruc-

medicines? What kind of a

they are not growing. They are

tion as she was very particular

nasty joke is this? I am very

just there. We recognize them

about not ruining the walls by

much alive, standing right

because they are there. Are

unnecessarily drilling some

here. Can’t you see I am not

you any different than these?

nails in them. Everyone grew

dead yet!” her husband hissed

You said you are not dead

curious as to what exactly is

with anger and shouting so

yet but I disagree. You have

on her mind. Her grandson

loud that he lost his breath

died even while you are alive.

obeyed with no questions

and fell on the chair.

Neither you go for a walk nor Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 49

SHORT STORIES you meditate or exercise. You

Till then enjoy being framed

showed his disapproval of the

hate yoga, you hate healthy

and hanged on this wall. I

entire act in order to salvage

food, all you do is complain

will make sure I change the

his pride and hide his embar-

the entire day about how your

garland every day. I love you

rassment. His wife had taught

life is so boring, how old age is

enough to do at least this bit,

him the most profound lesson

a curse. You just don’t see the

don’t I?”

in the most hilarious way. He

blessings around you - your

She completed her well-

headed out for a walk.

loving children, grandchildren,

rehearsed, well planned

a caring and very gorgeous

speech immaculately in her

from the ashes, do you mind

wife, a happy environment

own style of the famous Al

pulling that silly garland off

around you. Your negativity

Pacino. She looked around:

my picture and last but not

and always say-stay-unhappy

everyone in the room was try-

the least, you could have cho-

attitude takes away the zest

ing to control their laughter.

sen a better picture of mine

of all of us. So you brooding

She looked at her daughter

you silly old woman.”

old ma, I, the wife of Mr Dev

in law and winked softly with

Dayal declare you dead until

mischief.

you move your behind from

“Where on earth have you

this chair and bring out some

kept my walking stick? Can

positive changes in your life.

someone help me find it?” he

DAD

M

By Manisha

y dad would always start the conversation with, “When I was fourteen, I did this”. The event could be as trivial as eating a sweet for

the first time or as big as sitting for an English class. Whatever it was, it always started with this, so much so that we loved to prompt him and it became a family joke. I would think of him as a hero, being super smart to have done everything at that age when I, at age ten did not know much about anything. As the years passed, I grew older and he became childlike. I could now fathom what it would have meant in those times to be able to do simple things at the ripe age of fourteen, whereas in today’s times, newborns are comfortable with I-pads and smartphones.

50 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

“Now that I am trying to rise

^mlwyksa is vk¡p vk, rks Vdjkuk t+:jh gS] tks Çt+nk gks xj rks Çt+nk vkuk t+:jh gSß

SHORT STORIES Inspite of starting his basic education late,

had started as a late career according to many,

he was a topper in his school and in his further

he became the harbinger of many things and

degrees.

had changed the very definition of education.

At the age of thirty, he went abroad as a program head and turned his life around.

He was now the Chairman Emeritus of one of

And today here I was standing on the podium, trying to run my company with the vision he had created it with. I was receiving the “Most

the largest conglomerates in the coal industry

successful businesswoman of the year award”,

and was sought after by many for his decision

with his words fully etched in my heart, “For

making abilities. I was by now in my late sixties

if I start late, I can run. But if I choose not to,

and my Dad was still going strong at ninety

it does not matter when I started.” I bowed

eight, his mental faculties giving many of the

down to the Almighty for giving me this privi-

younger blood a run for their money. What

lege to be a daughter to him.

I have applied and still do.

A PhD in Physics, a Gold medalist, a Sangeet Visharad, a man of a few words but meaningful ones, he shaped me to who I am today.A lot of times I think that is courage something which we gain along our path or is it something ingrained in us through our childhood. Even when we choose to not listen to our parents, we are still imbibing what they are teach-

By Manisha

H

ing. And for me, those lessons

e would hold my

steps as he meticulously tra-

were given like a gluttonous

hand as we would

versed his life.The floaters in his

meal, to be eaten like a cow

traverse the dark

eyes used to irritate him as they

and then regurgitate on them

and winding lanes

compromised his vision. He

later.For within a short span of

to reach his eye doctor. He

had to stop driving at that age

his life on this planet, he left. I

hated the dark since he was

because of this. These walks

guess his counting of his steps

a child and could never really

were my doses of wisdom as

was complete. He had to walk

share why he did that. It was an

the roles would intersperse and

only those many.But did he

almost three kilometers walk

suddenly, he would be the guid-

really leave?Does one leave

and he would hold my hand. I

ing light. In those moments, he

or the footprints remain?In so

would want him to walk a little

taught me how to live life, to be

many small gestures, I see him

faster, but he would not walk a

compassionate, to love uncon-

alive through my children and I

step out of his systematic way.

ditionally, and to help everyone

smile. For he is there. Watching

I always felt that he counted his

and many more mantras, which

over me. Always.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 51

Mind

Benders igsyh

1

flj NksVk vkSj isV cM+k rhu Vkax ij vk jgs [kM+kA [kkrk gok vkSj ihrk rsy fQj fn[kykrk viuk [ksyA Source: https://jobloo.in

igsyh

2

[kkuk dHkh ugha [kkrk og] vkSj u ihrk ikuhA mldh cqf¼ ds vkxs rks] gkj ekus gj KkuhA

igsyh

5

dkyk gS ij dkx ugha] dgsa ukx ij lkai ughaA ,d gkFk ij iSj pkj] cryk vksu dj lksp fopkjA Source: https://jobloo.in

Puzzle

6

Mr. Smith has 4 daughters. Each of his daughters has a brother.

How many children does Mr. Smith have?

Source: https://jobloo.in

Puzzle 3

ikuh ls esa iSnk gksrk] mtyk esjk jaxA Lokn c<+krk ?kqyfey djds eSa Hkkstu ds laxA Source: https://jobloo.in

igsyh

4

f[kykfM+;ksa dk egkdqaHk ;g dgykrk] pkj o"kks± ds varjky ls ;g vkrkA Source: https://jobloo.in

52 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

Look at me. I can bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, or even a thought to your mind.

But, I can’t be seen. What am I?

Puzzle

8

Mr Brown was killed on Sunday afternoon. The wife said she was reading a book. The butler said He was taking a shower. The chef said he was making breakfast. The maid said she was folding clothes, and the gardener said he was planting tomatoes. Who did it?

Source: http://www.doriddles.com

igsyh

7

MIND BENDERS

RIDDLE

the elevator down to the first floor every morning and goes to work. In the evening, when he comes back; on a rainy day, or if there are other people in the elevator, he goes to his floor directly. Otherwise, he goes to the seventh floor and walks up three flights of stairs to his apartment.

Can you explain why?

1. What is greater than God, more evil than the devil, the poor have it, the rich need it, and if you eat it, you’ll die?

2. Who makes it, has no need of it.

Who buys it, has no use for it.

Who uses it can neither see nor feel it.

What is it?

9. How can you throw a ball as hard as you

4. Which creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?

10. You are in a room with no metal objects except for two iron rods. Only one of them is a magnet.

How can you identify which one is a magnet?

5. A man is pushing his car along the road

7/5/2018

when he comes to a hotel. He shouts, “I’m bankrupt!” Why?

6. What is as light as a feather, but even the world’s strongest man couldn’t hold it for more than a minute?

7. Your last good ping-pong ball fell down into a narrow metal pipe imbedded in concrete one foot deep.

How can you get it out undamaged, if all the tools you have are your tennis paddle, your shoe-laces, and your plastic water bottle, which does not fit into the pipe?

8. A man who lives on the tenth floor takes

Source: Brainden.com

house there was a white house. Inside the white house there was a red house. Inside the red house there were lots of babies. What is it?

Print Sudoku

SUDOKU

Simple Sudoku #567 - published Thu 05-Jul-2018

2 3 1 5 7 4

5

7 9 8 1 8 4 6 1 6 9 6 7 2 1 3 9 9 4 6 5 1 8 3 4 6 4 6 8 8 6 5 1 4 3 7 http://mypuzzle.org/sudoku/

Source: http://www.7sudoku.com

3. There was a green house. Inside the green

can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn’t bounce off anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 53

MIND BENDERS

lwjnklth ds nksgs 1. Þeq[k Çgctkor csuq èkfu ;g c`Unkou dh

jsuqA uanfdlksj pjkor xS;ka eq[k Çgctkor csuqAA eueksgu dks è;ku èkjS ft; vfr lq[k ikor pSuA pyr dgka eu cl iqjkru tgka dNq ysuu nsuqAA bgka jggq tga twBu ikogq cztckfluh ds ,suqA lwjnkl áka dh ljofjuÇg dYi czwPN lqjèksuqAAßß vFkZ : jkt lkjax ij vkèkkfjr bl in esa lwjnkl dgrs gS dh cztjt èkU; gS tgka uaniq= Jh d`".k xk;ksa dks pjkrs gSa rFkk vèkjksa ij j[k dj ckalqjh ctkrs gSa A mlh Hkweh ij ';ke lqanj dk Lej.k djus ls eu dks ije 'kkafr feyrh gSaA lwjnkl eu dks çHkksfèkr djrs gq, dgrs gSa dh vjseu ! rw dgs bèkj mèkj HkVdrk gSaA czt esa gh jg] tgka O;kogkfjdrk ls ijs jgdj lq[k dh çkfIr gksrh gSaA ;gkajghe u fdlh ds ls ysnks uk]gus fdlh dks nsukA lc è;kueXu gks jgs gSaA czt esa jgrs gq, 1.

Qy gksrk gSa a]lsle; cztÞle; okfl;ksik; a ds tw Bs cjruks tks dqik; N çkIr >jh tkrlnk jgs ugha ,d lh] dk gks mlh dks xzg.k djus ls czãeRo dhjghe çkfIr ifNrkr-ß gksrh gSaA lwjnkl dgrs gSa dh czt Hkwfe dh lekurk uq HkhdhughavoLFkk dj ldrhA in vFkZ : gesdkeèks 'kk fdlh ,d tSlblh ugha esa lwjtS nkl us cztdgrs Hkweh gSdk jgrh ls jghe a dhegRo lgh çfr le;ikfnr vkus fd;k gS a A ij o`{k ij Qy yxrs gSa vkSj >M+us dk le; vkus >M dkS tkrs nq%[kjgfr ds 2. Þcqij >rogL;ke u rwgSa- xksoSl jhAsgh dgka le; gSa- dgwa czt [kksjhAA dk dhiNrkuk gS csVh nsO;FkZ [kh ugha dk Þos gs dksjghe a ge uj czt/kU; ru vkoÇr [ksyfr va jgÇg 2. gSa] ij midkjh x-

vkiuh ikSjdks hA lqyxs u ]rjgfr ck¡ Vu okjs T;ks esL=ou ganh dksfuua jaxn-ß <ksVk djr fQjr ek[ku nfèk pksjhAA rqEgjks dgk vFkZ dgkladh os yksxtks/kU; pksjh :gejghenkl yS gSa [ksth yuuspykS x fefy jhA http://www.gyanipandit.com gSSource: a] ftudk ‘kjhj ges'kk lcdk midkj djrk gSa- ftl çdkj esganh ckVus okys ij ds ‘kjhj Answers and Solutions on page numbers 73-74 ij Hkh mldk jax yx tkrk gSa- mlh rjg ijksidkjh dk ‘kjhj Hkh lq'kksfHkr jgrk gSa54 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

3. Þfcxjh ckr cus ugha] yk[k djks dha dks;-

jfgeu QkVs nw/k dks] eFks u ek[ku gks;-ß

lwjnkl çHkq jfld fljkse fuckr fuHkwj bjkfèk dk HkksjhAAß vFkZ : lwj lkxj ls mènqr ;g injkx rksM+h esa cèn gSA jkèkk ds çFke feyu dk bl in esa o.kZu fd;k gS lwjnkl th usA Jh d`".k us iwNk dh gs xksjh! rqe dkSu gks\ dgka jgrh gks\ fdl dh iq=h gks\ geus igys dHkh czt dh bu xfy;ksa esa rqEgsa ugha ns[kkA rqe gekjs bl czt esa D;ksa pyh vkbZa\ vius gh ?kj ds vkaxu esa [ksyrh jgrhaA bruk lqu dj jkèkk cksyh] eSa lquk djrh Fkh dh uanth dk yM+dk ek[ku pksjh djrk fQjrk gSaA rc d`".k cksys] ysfdu rqEgkjk ge D;k pqjk ysaxsA vPNk] ge fey tqy dj [ksyrs gSaA lwjnkl dgrs gSa dh bl çdkj jfld d`".k us ckrksa gh ckrksa esa Hkksyh&Hkkyh jkèkk dksMIND Hkjek BENDERS fn;kA

SAMARTH

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1. Samarth Organised Storytelling Session

THE GAATHA COMPANY on

graphic or linguistic, and

to attend the session. It was

April 24, 2018 narrated some

help connect all of us on one

a phenomenal experience

wonderful stories to the Sam-

level — that of a teller and a

for them. Gradually the ses-

arth Members. The company

listener.

sion led to involving everyone

is a community of storytell-

Ms Pooja Gehani and Ms

present in one way or the

ers, theatre artists and story-

Seema Wahi Mukherjee took

other. With child-like excite-

educators who have come

the audience through the

ment, the entire group par-

together to connect and com-

spell-binding story narration.

ticipated in the session, some

municate through a medium

The stories “Buying a Song”

even sang old songs. The

they know best —narration!

and “Paplu the Giant” are

story session brought back

Gaatha founders believe that

adapted from the folktales of

some childhood memories

stories have the power to

Madhya Pradesh. More than

and evoked emotions in all

crossover all barriers, demo-

30 Samarth members came

the participants!

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 55

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

2. Samarth Kolkata Chapter Community Meeting IT WAS THE BEST of after-

Kolkata. There was a lively

fied.

noons: happiness was in the

discussion as to the features

In line with earlier discus-

air, conversation flowed,

and benefits of the Plan and

sions as to doing meaningful,

laughter and joy rang out and

the community members

sustainable social work and

the young (at heart and in

took back Plan handouts in

planning events and excur-

spirit) were thoroughly enjoy-

order to spread the message

sions, the following groups

ing themselves amidst old

across friends and family.

were formed with members

and new friends. The Samarth

Everybody appreciated that

volunteering their services:

Kolkata community chapter

Samarth had already started

Excursions Group, Social

meeting was underway at

the process of approaching

Work Group and Programs

Haldiram!

large companies to see what

Group.

Margaret Devadason, Com-

benefits could be passed

The “serious” discussions

munity Chapter Head,

onto the Samarth commu-

ended with warm thanks to

welcomed the members,

nity members, and such dis-

Margaret, and the members

especially the new members

cussions are on. It was also

quickly moved on to more

who were attending the get-

pointed out that Samarth

“urgent” matters: laughter,

together for the first time.

had organized home delivery

food, fun and conversation

She introduced Joydeep

of medicines at a discount

(adda). As if on cue, the

Mukherji, Co-founder and

of 20% and members were

skies turned cloudy, weather

Chief Care Officer of Samarth

requested to avail of this ser-

became lovely, rain drops

who made a presentation on

vice. Margaret confirmed that

danced on the sidewalk, and

the Samarth Comfort Care

she was using this service in

hot tea, kachoris and sweets

Program being launched in

Kolkata and was very satis-

were enjoyed. As Lincoln

56 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT said, “In the end, it’s not the

much fun, and how could

ily. The meeting achieved a

years in your life that count.

their mum and dad join this

lot: important matters were

It’s the life in your years.”

community!

discussed and agreed, com-

In fact, there was so much

Old members caught-up

mittees formed, friendships

laugher and joy, strangers

and chatted, new members

renewed and made, and all

from other tables enquired

were warmly welcomed; and

of us forgot our daily wor-

as to who were these ‘young-

everybody was part of one

ries and chores in the warm

sters’ who were having so

big happy Samarth fam-

embrace of friendship.

3. Project With Government Schools THE GURGAON CHAPTER

April 26 and May 30, 2018.

of Samarth has undertaken

The members had interac-

a project with a pledge to

tive session with students on

reduce usage of plastic. In

how to stop plastic usages

this process, some of the

at school as well as at home.

members ­— Mrs Prema Iyer

The aim was to inculcate cul-

(Nani), Mrs Rajni Gobhil,

ture among students to be

Mr. Jaswant Rawat and Mr

the ambassadors for environ-

Rajendra Zabakh visited a

ment conservation through

Government Primary School,

this initiative. This project,

in Sushant Lok 1, Gurgaon, on

led by Mrs Rajni, is also giv-

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 57

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ing a meaningful employ-

On May 30, 2018, Samarth

plastic usages. Most of them

ment to under privileged

Gurgaon chapter members,

were overwhelmed with the

ladies who are engaged in

Mrs Rajni Gobhil, Mrs Ajanta

interaction and understood

tailoring the bags through a

Chadha, Mr Jaswant Rawat

the need to save environ-

self-help group.

and Rajendra Zabakh were

ment and health. They dis-

â&#x20AC;&#x192;Mrs Iyer also took a session

able to interact with parents

tributed around 100 fabric

with students and teachers

during the ongoing PTM. All

bags contributed by the

on current incidents of child

of them were informed about

Samarth members.

molestation.

the urgent need to reduce

4. Samarth Gurgaon Chapter Meet

SAMARTH GURGAON CHAP-

ity Hospital at DLF Phase 3,

briefed members about their

TER organised its monthly

Gurgaon offered their space

work & ethics culture and

meeting on June 14, 2018.

for the meeting. Mr. Prateek

facilities available in the

The Narayana Super special-

Jain, Director of the Hospital,

hospital.

58 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Mrs. Sushila Sharma mother of martyr Major

tenance.

The members of the Sam-

were gifted with fabric bags being made by the Chapter

Mohit Sharma also attended

arth Gurgaon Chapter met

under leadership of Mrs Rajni

the meeting and narrated

on May 10 at Coworks. The

Gobhil. The members con-

various stories of her son’s

Coworks, which is an office

tributed financially for this

life.

space to be hired, invited the

noble cause.

Members also had the privilege of listening to Mr Vineet Vohra of ‘Give me Trees’ on

members to use their space for the meeting.

Mr Rajendra Zabakh

Mrs Prema Aiyer also gave a presentation and briefed the members about various

environment conservation

briefed all members on Sam-

initiatives taken for the ben-

issues. He demonstrated how

arth and various Chapter

efit of the martyr families.

to create saplings, use waste,

Activities which included

Some fun activities were

talked about birds, water and

recent fabric bag distribution

conducted by Mr Jaswant

soil pollution etc. Their orga-

at Sushant Lok Government

Rawat and Mr Rajendra

nization is tirelessly working

School. All present mem-

Zabakh and winners were

into plantation and its main-

bers and Coworks executives

awarded prizes.

5. Samarth West Delhi Chapter Meet MONTHLY MEETINGS of Samarth West Delhi Chapter were held on April 11 and May 16. It was a wonderful get together full of fun and enjoyment.

Several new members joined the group with their spouses. During the get together, members discussed about the ways to take up engagements with some social cause.

Accordingly, some of the members decided to visit orphanage and old age homes and interact with the residents there.

Vol 02 | Issue 06 | samarth | 59

MIND BENDERS

ANSWERS & SOLUTIONS

igsyh 1 LVkso 2 daI;wVj 3 ued 4 vksyfEid [ksy 5 gkFkh

7. All the tools are random things

that are not going to help you. All you have to do is pour some water into the pipe so that the ball swims up on the surface. And if you say that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any water, then think about what you drank today and if you can use that somehow :-)

8. The man is of short stature. He canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Puzzle 1 He has 5 children, all of the

daughters have the same 1 brother.

2 Memories 3 The chef. Mr Brown was killed

in the afternoon and yet the chef claimed he was making breakfast?

RIDDLE | Answers 1. Nothing. Good riddles like this never get old.

2. A coffin.

3. Watermelon.

4. Man. He crawls on all fours as a

baby, then walks on two feet as an adult, and then walks with a cane as an old man

5. He was playing Monopoly.

6. His breath.

60 | samarth | Vol 02 | Issue 06

reach the upper elevator buttons, but he can ask people to push them for him. He can also push them with his umbrella.

9. Throw the ball straight up in the air.

9. You can hang the iron rods on a

string and watch which one turns to the north (or hang just one rod).

SUDOKU

EXTEND EXTEND YOUR YOUR FAMILY. FAMILY. As the Samarth family grows, we invite As Samarth family grows, we invite youthe to include your friends... you to include your friends...

Please share their details and we will send them a membership your absolutely Please share and theire-card detailson and webehalf, will send them a free. membership and e-card on your behalf, absolutely free.

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Please whatsapp your details at 8700677878

www.samarth.community M - 80, South City 1, Gurugram - 122001 www.samarth.community Call us on +91 8800 699 599

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M - 80, South City 1, Gurugram - 122001 Call us on +91 8800 699 599

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MR. MRS. AGE NAME CITY AGE EMAIL CITY MR. MRS. EMAIL NAME MR. MRS. AGE NAME CITY AGE EMAIL CITY EMAIL

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Vol 02 | Issue 05 | samarth | 73

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25/01/17 11:49

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