The Weighty Challenge: Why Female Astronauts Like Sunita Williams Face Unique Health Risks in Space

Astronaut Sunita Williams holds a special place for being of women of Indian origin. It gives goosebumps to everyone in India for her endeavor to space in this age. In the vast expanse of space, where astronauts float weightlessly, a concerning health issue is taking center stage. Veteran astronaut Sunita Williams, known for her remarkable adaptability to space conditions, is now facing significant health challenges during her extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).

The Unexpected Weight Loss Crisis

Williams, who has lovingly referred to space as her "second home," began her mission at a healthy 140 pounds. However, recent reports from NASA officials have raised alarms about her noticeable weight loss, with observers noting her visibly sunken cheeks. This situation highlights a broader concern: the unique challenges female astronauts face in maintaining their health during extended space missions.

Why Female Astronauts Are More Vulnerable

Research has revealed a troubling pattern: female astronauts experience muscle loss at a faster rate than their male counterparts. This accelerated deterioration is attributed to several factors:

1. Metabolic Changes:

Space travel triggers unique changes in women's metabolism, affecting how their bodies process nutrients and maintain muscle mass.

2. Caloric Requirements vs. Reality:

• Astronauts need to consume 3,500-4,000 calories daily just to maintain their weight
• The weightless environment affects appetite and eating habits
• Work schedules and space station duties can interfere with regular meal times

3. The Exercise Paradox:

• Mandatory two-hour daily workouts are essential to prevent bone and muscle loss
• These workouts burn additional calories, making weight maintenance even more challenging
• In zero gravity, the body works differently, requiring more energy for basic functions

The High-Altitude Factor

Living at extremely high altitudes, even in pressurized cabins, creates additional physiological stress. This environment can affect:

• Appetite regulation
• Nutrient absorption
• Overall metabolic function

NASA's Response and Intervention

Recognizing the severity of the situation, NASA medical teams began addressing Williams' weight loss approximately a month before public concerns emerged. This proactive approach underscores the seriousness of maintaining astronaut health during extended space missions.

Looking Forward: Solutions and Recommendations

To combat these challenges, space agencies are implementing several strategies:

1. Personalized Nutrition Plans:

• Higher calorie-dense foods
• Customized meal schedules
• Supplements designed for female astronauts

2. Modified Exercise Protocols:

• Balanced workouts that maintain strength while managing caloric burn
• Targeted exercises for female-specific muscle preservation

3. Enhanced Health Monitoring:

• Regular body composition assessments
• Metabolic tracking
• Adjustment of dietary and exercise plans based on individual response

The Broader Implications

• This situation highlights the need for:
• More gender-specific research in space medicine
• Development of specialized nutrition programs for female astronauts
• Advanced monitoring systems for long-duration space missions

As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, understanding and addressing these gender-specific health challenges becomes increasingly crucial. The experience of astronauts like Sunita Williams provides valuable insights that will help shape the future of space travel, ensuring the safety and well-being of all astronauts, regardless of gender.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is based on current understanding of space medicine and recent reports. Space agencies continue to research and develop new solutions to address these challenges.

Navigating the Protein Supplement Maze: Finding the Best Fit for Your Health and Lifestyle in 2024

 Selection of the Right Protein Supplement

Everyone of us are ageing and after 50s, the body stops absorbing protein. Many physicians recommend supplements. Protein supplements have become increasingly popular, but there’s a lot of debate about their health benefits and potential drawbacks. Let’s explore whether protein supplements are good for you, what our daily protein intake should be, and whether we should opt for vegetable or animal protein in our diets. We’ll also discuss the best options for specific needs, such as digestive sensitivities, sensitive skin, or a vegan lifestyle.

Are Protein Supplements Good for Health?

There is no straightforward answer to it. While protein supplements can be beneficial for muscle recovery and meeting daily protein needs, they aren’t necessary for everyone. Over-reliance on supplements can lead to imbalances and potential health issues if not used correctly. It’s essential to choose high-quality products and use them as part of a balanced diet.

Daily Protein Intake

Though we have daily protein intake in the form of  pulses, cereals and meat, but the recommended daily protein intake varies based on factors like age, sex, and activity level. On average, adults should aim for about 46-56 grams of protein per day. Athletes or those with higher physical demands may require more. It’s best to get most of your protein from whole foods, with supplements filling in any gaps.

Vegetable vs. Animal Protein

Both vegetable and animal proteins have their benefits. Animal proteins are complete proteins, meaning they contain all essential amino acids. However, they can be harder to digest and may come with higher fat content. Vegetable proteins are often easier to digest and come with additional nutrients like fiber, but they may lack one or more essential amino acids. A balanced diet can include both types, depending on individual dietary preferences and needs.

Protein Supplement Options for Specific Needs

Whey Protein Concentrate:

Best for: Muscle recovery, cost-effective option.

Considerations: May cause issues for those who are lactose-intolerant.

Whey Protein Isolate:

Best for: High protein content with minimal digestive issues.

Considerations: More expensive than concentrate.

Pea Protein:

Best for: Hypoallergenic option, good for those avoiding dairy or soy.

Considerations: Low in methionine, an essential amino acid.

Rice Protein:

Best for: Easy digestion, pairs well with pea protein.

Considerations: Low in lysine, not a complete protein on its own.

Soy Protein:

Best for: Complete protein with all essential amino acids.

Considerations: May be harder to digest and has potential health risks in high doses.

Conclusion

Whey protein concentrate from a reputable brand is often the best value for money and the tastiest choice for most people. However, if you have issues with it, consider whey protein isolate or a plant protein blend that offers a complete amino acid profile. Starting with one scoop a day is a safe approach.

Moral of the story? Choose the right protein supplement based on your specific needs and dietary preferences, and use it to complement a balanced diet. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of protein supplements without compromising your health.

How to build Resilience in Agribusiness!

Starting an agribusiness and sustaining it for long term successfully can be a challenge in rural market. This involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses various strategies and practices to mitigate risks and adapt to changing dynamics within the agricultural sector.

Diversification

One of the fundamental aspects of building resilience is diversifying crops or products. By diversifying, we spread our risk across different crops or products, reducing dependency on any one source of revenue. This not only helps stabilize income but also enables us to capitalize on market opportunities in different sectors.

Risk Management Strategies

Implementing risk management strategies is another crucial component of building resilience. Crop insurance, for instance, provides financial protection against losses due to adverse weather conditions, pests, or other unforeseen events. Having insurance coverage ensures that we can recover from setbacks more effectively, minimizing the impact on our bottom line. Additionally, risk management extends to adopting sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and reduce environmental impact, thereby mitigating long-term risks associated with climate change and resource scarcity.

Resilience Building Efforts

Continuous education and staying updated on best practices in agriculture are essential for building resilience. The agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, techniques, and regulations emerging regularly. By investing in ongoing education and training, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the market. This could include attending workshops, participating in industry conferences, leveraging online resources, and networking with peers and experts to exchange insights and experiences.

Resilience also requires being adaptable and ready to pivot our business model as needed. Market conditions can change rapidly, and unexpected challenges may arise, requiring us to reassess our strategies and make swift adjustments. This could involve exploring new markets, diversifying distribution channels, or innovating product offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. By maintaining agility and a forward-thinking mindset, we can navigate uncertainties more effectively and seize opportunities for growth even in challenging times.

Conclusion

Building resilience in agribusiness is an essential component  that involves diversifying income streams, implementing risk management measures, staying informed and educated, and fostering adaptability and agility. By integrating these elements into our business practices, we can enhance our capacity to withstand disruptions, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve sustainable success in the dynamic agricultural sector.

Overcoming Misinformation and Skepticism Around Sustainable Living

When we talk of development, we have the feel of luxury forgetting the cost it involved with the environment and the eco-system we are living with. Interestingly, when we talk about eco-friendly practices, many eye-brows are raised! One of the key hurdles to widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices is the prevalence of misinformation and skepticism surrounding the feasibility and benefits of sustainable living. Many people still harbor misconceptions that make them reluctant to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The Challenge of Misinformation

In the age of information overload, it can be difficult for individuals to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to sustainability. Misleading claims, pseudoscience, and outright misinformation often circulate online and in the media, sowing doubt and confusion.

For example, some may believe that renewable energy sources are inherently unreliable or too expensive, or that recycling doesn't actually make a significant environmental impact. Others may dismiss the urgency of climate change or question the scientific consensus on environmental issues. These misconceptions can undermine people's faith in the viability of sustainable solutions.

The Impact of Skepticism

Skepticism about the merits of sustainable living can also be a significant barrier to change. Even when accurate information is available, some individuals may remain unconvinced that eco-friendly practices are worthwhile or necessary. This can stem from a variety of factors, such as:

1. Distrust in institutions or experts advocating for sustainability
2. Prioritization of short-term economic interests over long-term environmental concerns

3. Reluctance to challenge established norms and disrupt comfortable routines

When people are skeptical about the benefits of sustainable living, they are less likely to make the necessary adjustments to their habits and lifestyle choices. This perpetuates the cycle of inaction and hinders the widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Overcoming Misinformation and Skepticism

To address the challenges posed by misinformation and skepticism, a multi-pronged approach is essential:

Promoting Verified, Science-based Information: Providing easy access to credible, evidence-based resources on the advantages of sustainable living can help counter misinformation. This may involve collaborating with respected scientific and environmental organizations to develop educational campaigns and public outreach initiatives.

Highlighting Practical Success Stories: Showcasing real-world examples of individuals, communities, and businesses that have successfully implemented sustainable practices can demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of eco-friendly living. 

Fostering Open Dialogues: Encouraging open, constructive dialogues that address people's concerns and address their skepticism can help build trust and foster a better understanding of the rationale behind sustainable living. This may involve creating forums for discussion, facilitating community-based workshops, or engaging with skeptical voices in a respectful manner.

Emphasizing the Co-benefits: Highlighting the wider societal and personal benefits of sustainable living, such as improved public health, job creation, and enhanced quality of life, can help shift the narrative away from narrow economic considerations and appeal to a broader range of motivations.

By actively addressing misinformation and skepticism through a combination of educational efforts, practical demonstrations, and open communication, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and embrace the transformative potential of sustainable living.

Sustainable Living with Eco-Friendly Practices: Overcoming the Challenges

The technological growth has given us a luxurious life and if we suggest the upcoming generation to be modest for sustainable development, definitely eybrows will be raised. In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting societal norms, the concept of sustainable living has become increasingly relevant and crucial. As we grapple with the realities of climate change, resource depletion, and the need to reduce our environmental footprint, adopting eco-friendly practices has emerged as a powerful way to create a more sustainable future. 

However, the path to sustainable living is not without its challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the key obstacles individuals and communities face in embracing eco-friendly practices, and discuss strategies to overcome these hindrances.

 The Challenges of Sustainable Living

1. Convenience and Consumption Habits: We have grown up with limited resources, but modern life is often characterized by a reliance on convenience and a culture of overconsumption. If we talk of change, there will a feeling of revolt among growing generation. Breaking free from these deeply ingrained habits can be a significant hurdle, as people may be reluctant to compromise their comfort or perceived quality of life.

2. Financial Constraints: However, every change has financial implications. Implementing sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy systems, energy-efficient appliances, or eco-friendly transportation, can often come with a higher upfront cost. For many individuals and households, these financial barriers can be a significant deterrent.

3. Lack of Infrastructure and Support: The whole society has not developed uniformly. In many regions, the necessary infrastructure to support sustainable living, such as reliable public transportation, recycling programs, or access to organic and local food, may be lacking or underdeveloped. This can make it challenging for individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices.

4. Social Norms and Peer Pressure: Every family wants growth of their siblings and the expectations are becoming more higher than before. Societal expectations and the desire to conform to the norm can hinder the adoption of sustainable practices. Individuals may face pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle or consumption pattern, even if it is not environmentally friendly.

5. Misinformation and Skepticism: There is often a lack of clear, reliable information about the benefits and feasibility of sustainable living. This can lead to misconceptions, skepticism, and a reluctance to embrace eco-friendly practices.

Overcoming the Challenges

1. Education and Awareness-building: Providing comprehensive and accessible information about the importance of sustainable living, the environmental impact of our choices, and the practical steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint is crucial. This can be achieved through educational campaigns, community outreach, and the use of digital platforms.

2. Financial Incentives and Support: Governments, businesses, and community organizations can play a vital role in offering financial incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or subsidies, to encourage the adoption of sustainable solutions. This can help alleviate the upfront cost barriers and make eco-friendly options more accessible.

3. Developing Infrastructure and Accessibility: Investing in the development of sustainable infrastructure, such as public transportation networks, recycling facilities, and renewable energy sources, can make it easier for individuals to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives.

4. Fostering a Culture of Sustainability: Promoting sustainable living as a desirable and socially acceptable norm can help overcome peer pressure and societal expectations. This can be achieved through the involvement of influential figures, the creation of sustainable lifestyle influencers, and the normalization of eco-friendly practices in media and popular culture.

5. Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement: Encouraging collaborative efforts between individuals, businesses, and local authorities can help address challenges and develop holistic solutions. Community-based initiatives, such as neighborhood sustainability programs or eco-friendly community events, can also foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.

We should understand that sustainable living is not a myth, but a necessary and attainable goal that requires a multi-faceted approach to overcome the challenges we face. By addressing the obstacles head-on and implementing a comprehensive strategy, we can empower individuals, communities, and societies to embrace eco-friendly practices and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Difference between Indian and Chinese Garlic

Garlic cloves

Though I am poor in cooking, but started loving garlic, when I was told that it reduces blood sugar, cholesterol and even blood pressure. Garlic is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world including India, known for its distinctive flavour and numerous health benefits. While garlic is grown in various regions of India, the markets are now flooded with bold and beautiful Chinese garlic, despite being banned since 2014. This was due to excessive using chemicals, which can pose serious health risks. The treatment of the crop with Methyl Bromide for preventing fungal growth, can pose serious health hazard to human health also. This chemical can lead to digestive issues like ulcers, infection, and gastric problems, and in the long term can lead to extremely harmful effects on your kidney, which can cause Cancer. Now, question arises how to differentiate the difference between Indian and Chinese Garlic.

Appearance

Indian Garlic: Typically, Indian garlic bulbs are smaller and have a more irregular shape. The cloves are also smaller and more numerous per bulb. The skin of Indian garlic is usually thicker and more papery. 

Chinese Garlic: Chinese garlic bulbs are generally larger and more uniform in shape. They have fewer but larger cloves per bulb. The skin is thinner and smoother, making it easier to peel.

Flavour and Aroma

Indian Garlic: Known for its strong, pungent flavour and aroma, Indian garlic is often preferred in dishes that require a robust garlic presence. The intensity of its flavour can enhance the taste of various recipes. Chinese Garlic: Chinese garlic tends to have a milder flavour and aroma compared to Indian garlic. This makes it suitable for dishes where a subtle garlic taste is desired without overpowering other ingredients.

Cultivation and Availability

Indian Garlic: India is one of the largest producers of garlic, with major cultivation areas in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. 

Chinese Garlic: China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of garlic. Chinese garlic is widely available globally and is often found in supermarkets and grocery stores. Its large-scale production makes it more accessible and often cheaper than other varieties.

Usage in Cooking

Indian Garlic: Due to its strong flavour, Indian garlic is commonly used in Indian food items including non-veg curries, veg-chutneys, and even added in pickles.

Chinese Garlic: Chinese garlic’s milder taste makes it popular for use in a wide range of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and sauces.

Conclusion

While both Indian and Chinese garlic have their unique characteristics, the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of a recipe. Indian garlic is ideal for those who enjoy a strong garlic flavour, while Chinese garlic is perfect for dishes that require a more subtle taste. Regardless of the type, garlic remains a beloved ingredient in kitchens around the world. Though garlic is an important component of Indian and Chinese cuisine, the use of chemicals for longer storage is dangerous for human health.

Hatred: The Economics of War!

 

There is a famous quote by Erich Hartman, “War is a place where young people who don’t know each other and don’t hate each other, kill each other, by the decision of old people who know each other and hate each other, but don’t kill each other.”

Erich Hartmann was a German fighter pilot during World War II. In the history Ariel Warfare, he was most successful fighter plane piolet, who flew 1,404 combat missions, apart from participating in aerial combat on 825 separate operations. In his credit he had shot a total of 352 Allied aircrafts which accounted 345 Soviet and 7 American planes. Interesting during the course of his career, he was forced to crash-land his fighter 16 times due either to mechanical failure or damage received from parts of enemy aircraft he had shot down; he was never shot down by direct during enemy assault!

I always cherish his quote since I read it first. We should teach our kids and try to imbibe the feeling of killing another human being for the sake of war of hatred.

If we look at world history a complete subversion of rights and loss of freedoms not just under colonial rule but also the brutal regime of Adolph Hitler, who had created a ministry to centralize Nazi control of all aspects of German cultural and intellectual life.  In the Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, Hitler appointed Joseph Goebbels as the Reich Propaganda Minister. An unstated goal was to present to other nations the impression that the Nazi Party had the full and enthusiastic backing of the entire population. It was responsible for controlling the German news media, literature, visual arts, filmmaking, theatre, music and broadcasting. The results of such a ministry which aimed at spreading the Nazi ideology, are well documented.

While observing the war history of 30 years in between Rwanda and the Balkans, Edward L. Glaeser from Harvard University, in his publication, "The Political Economy of Hatred" Quarterly Journal of Economics (Vol 120, No.1, Feb., 2005) concluded that much of human misery is due to religious and ethnic conflicts!

He writes that Hatred is fostered with stories of an out-group's crimes, but the impact of these stories comes from repetition not truth. Hate-creating stories are supplied by politicians when such actions help to discredit opponents whose policies benefit an out-group. Egalitarians foment hatred against rich minorities; opponents of re-distribution build hatred against poor minorities. Hatred relies on people accepting, rather than investigating, hate-creating stories.

His interpretation is that hatred declines when there is private incentive to learn the truth. Increased economic interactions with a minority group may provide that incentive.

He concludes that this framework was used to illuminate the evolution of Anti-Black hatred in United States South, episodes of anti-Semitism in Europe, and the recent surge of Anti-Americanism in Arab World.

Laura Dugan and Erica Chenoweth in their publication in Criminology (Vol 58, Issue 4) in their publication "Threat, embodiment, or both? The effects of Political Power on Violent hate crimes" observed the fact, the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found that hate crimes reported to the police rose 12.5 per cent from 923 in 2016 to 1,038 in 2017 in the 10 largest U.S. cities, with the most common motivations being anti-Black, anti-Semitic, anti-gay, and anti-Latino.  It was observed that hate crimes had typically spiked during election years in the US.

It was also claimed and documented that President Trump's hostile rhetoric toward specific groups has emboldened individuals to perpetrate violence against those he targeted.

We have been following  news about the disturbance from Syria to Yemen and South Sudan to Venezuela, the political turmoil and war has  caused human anguish on a scale unseen in a generation.

In her article "Misery as Strategy: The Human Cost of Conflict", Caroline Flintoft, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Fallout of Conflict discusses the issue in detail is a must read for every concerned human being.

These conflicts due to political reasons have taken highest human death toll and refugee crisis. By 2016, the number of people displaced globally has stood at 65.6 million, which is the greatest number since World War II.

 Yemen and Syria have long history of civil war and it has taken lives of many. It is estimated that over 22 million Yemenis, 75 per cent of the population, need humanitarian assistance to live and about 8.4 million are on the struggling for food and water.

During the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, the war in Syria also has seen horrendous human suffering as a result of actions by all sides. It was  reported that in his regime he repeatedly used tactics that deliberately harm civilians for political and military gain. Just to take back the  areas occupied by opposition he has been to drain them of resources, degrade infrastructure and target civilians and rebels with same force

The government forces, backed by Russian air power, have bombed civilians which included schools and hospitals  in rebel-held areas. The use of chemical weapons against civilians was also reported.

On the other side, the rebel groups too have carried out their own atrocities on civilians. The Islamic State (ISIS) had used chemical weapons, though at much smaller scale than the regime, and mass executions.

There was another conflict between South Sudan and Venezuela. The stories of human suffering have been flooded due to civil war among various parties.

The civilians are facing attack from both Government troops and rebel forces apart from armed groups of all stripes, leaving them without the means of sustaining their livelihood.

It is interesting to note from the report of Crisis Group, that humanitarian crisis in Venezuela’s is not resulted from the war, but from political crisis and political indecisions.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are fleeing poverty, hunger and deadly disease epidemics due to economic disaster. It is pointed to know that the President Nicolás government rejects economic reform, fearing such measures would threaten its grip on power and resources.

We can easily conclude that all the happenings of human sufferings is due to the greed of power and wealth. Whatever the philosophies of leadership is being taught fails, when one cannot support a healthy system of human life. There are many such examples all over the world that how the hatred among different people has been used as a tool by leaders and politicians to gain power. Please give me an example of a leader who has worked for the betterment of normal human being and if any, tell me how many years he or she has sustained?!

Relevance of Gandhi ji’s Letter to Hitler

 

I had read that Gandhi ji had written two letter to Adolf Hitler during his time and many had doubt’s whether these letters have ever reached to him. We have seen photographs that Gandhi ji had met Hitler during his lifetime. The letter is now a history but the relevance of peace is still there.

It was interesting to know that Mahatma Gandhi had written a letter much before the onset of World War II. The letter is now very precious to mention here at this juncture. It was written on 23^rd July, 1939 addressing Adolf Hitler as Dear Friend!

“Dear Friend,

Friends have been urging me to write to you for the sake of humanity. But I have resisted their request, because of the feeling that any letter from me would be an impertinence. Something tells me that I must not calculate and that I must make my appeal for whatever if may be worth.

It is quite clear that you are today the one person in the world who can prevent a war which may reduce humanity to the savage state. Must you pay that price for an object however worthy it may appear to you to be? Will you listen to the appeal of one who has deliberately  shunned the method of war not without considerable success? Any way I anticipate your forgiveness, if I have erred in writing to you.

I remain,

Your sincere friend

Signature of M.K. Gandhi”

 The main aim of Gandhi ji was to convey Hitler about the possibility of breaking another World War. It was clear that he wanted to warn Hitler to  think of possible outcomes of another World War. He emphasized that "It is quite clear that you are today the one person in the world that can prevent a war" indicating that Hitler was very powerful at that time, but he also tried to show him a different perspective. He tried to show Hitler that he could be a powerful ruler and influence in this world without waging war, but by considering to maybe spread his regime in other neighboring countries.

He had asked two questions in his letter:

 1. Must you pay that price for an object however worthy it may appear to you to be?

2. Will you listen to the appeal of one who has deliberately shunned the method of war not without considerable success?

Gandhi ji knew  that humanity has a great deal to suffer from another world war. These questions still hold relevance! When we talk about the price worthiness of war then it is not the economic part but the loss of human life, their displacement, loss of livelihood and the pain. No one can compensate and this doesn't have any price.

Those who want War…Don’t Go to the Battle Field!

 

This is an interesting quote written in Bengali (an Indian language of Eastern part of India).  The translated version says “Those who go to the battle field, do not want the War… Those who want the War, Never go to the Battle Field!”.

  Interesting quote moving inside my mind as a Crab and crawling in my Platter i.e. my Life! 

If we ask any passerby or friend, do u want a war, he will definitely say ‘No”! Then why we choose to fight a blood bath?! There can be many reasons to justify for those who are involved or being forced to indulge. May be we don’t know the reason and we are the people who are far away even from different continent.

A video game of fight can be interesting for those who sit in the air conditioned room, but it is a horror who are in the battle field. If we think of the normal people who are not involved in any gun fight and face the bullets or come under shelling! I wonder who can justify this act!

The war always means blood bath and destruction. The vibration and bitterness is carried over in generations. We still talk of World War I and World War II.  We talk of genocide; we talk of people who were ruthless and brute during that period. I don’t know what is the excitement in discussing these episodes and what are the learnings we had after reading history books!

This is the generation of Internet, we have the tool to write and throw whatever we want to tell and express anything. Then what can be the worth of not conveying the message that please don’t kill people, don’t create situations where people have to take refuge elsewhere!

My post is just a blog, I can’t force anyone to stop the fight, I don’t want to go to the reasons for the initiation of fight.  Let’s spread the message of “Live and Let Live”, because the Earth has enough capacity to control and punish anything it feels wrong either it is pollution or felling of trees. Any cyclone can wipe of cities and flood can displace people to be rehabilitated at other places. I would urge everyone who are involve in this to think over and find alternative ways to find a solution to the issues. Don’t kill people, who were living peacefully!

Crab on My Platter....!!!

 

King Crab happens to be one of the favorite sea foods in most of part of the world. It is served mostly in South East Asian nations and is a favorite food platter. It was one during one of my visit to Kaohsiung, Taiwan; the team comprised of people from various countries of South East Asian Nations including India. Taiwan is very famous for its seafood and other delicacies. People are fond of eating all around the provinces we visited.

I picked up the dish with delight and later realized the staring eyes of my colleagues and friends around the table! The message was clear.. "Do you....?"

"Yes!" replied my glittering eyes! We Indians are divided into many type of food habits, first being Vegetarian or Non-vegetarian and it is further classified whatever your preferences are in Non-vegetarian and so on!

The message was clear, I don't care whatever you think, but I liked so I picked! If you think what people around you are thinking about you, then it is certain you will end up in doing what you never wanted to do. Here 'Crab' symbolizes the issues I am facing and 'Platter' is my Life. People around you will either love or hate when they see your plate, say a King Crab. Talking Delicious?!!

So the idea of naming my blog "Crab on my Platter" came up! I have my own ways of living and own views to express. I am not hurting anyone and food being the most sacred part of living. We are earning to eat what we wish to and live happily.

In the same way life is what we want and what other see it. People around you will always see what you have taken to eat, what is your work, what you wear, even what your drive and the place where you live! In other words whatever you do, is being observed!

On the other side of my observation is about life and how you take it. If have to eat whatever you have taken in your plate. Whatever we take in our plate is what we like to eat…! Many times things goes wrong when you find, it is not what you were thinking off. Or you enjoy it up to your utmost sumptuously.

Similar things happen when other observe your plate, everyone is curious! Whether they think it to be delicious or not or they just move away with discomfort! Many times it makes us to rethink twice on a dining table.

Our life is full of concerns from personal to political! Anything that happens inside your place or outside, many times it makes deep impressions in our mind. Many times it affects our livelihood and even our behavior!

The Concern is like a Crab which is annoying me and asking me questions when it will end. Whatever thought that keeps on pinching inside us and makes us sleepless many times is just like that creature! The popping eyes of crab seems to be the curious thing which awaits with uncertainty and its forearms ready to attack. We always keep something in our mind which is just like that crab and their fear of getting punched always remains!

Crabs mostly make their habitat in muddy areas nearby ridges of pond or river.  They stay inside holes in swampy areas. Hunting of crabs by fox happens to be an interesting event. The fox inserts its long tail inside these holes and the crab sitting inside catches its tail in fury!! The clever animal than takes its tail out and eats up the prized hunt!

The analogy to the above story is similar to those who are clever, can trap an angry person! So one should be careful, while dealing with anything or anyone in life and move their steps without losing their temper! Whatever we don't in fit of anger is more dangerous than in alcoholic condition. Anything annoying around you can be intentional by someone, so one should be careful and must think twice before reacting to such situation.

There are so many philosophies of life which spans from never looking back, learn from history and forget your past… everything goes contradictory! Everyone uses these phrases according their comfort.

We cannot forget our past as it is from where we have come up. We always love our present as the word goes it’s a “Present”, a gift. But the past becomes glorious when we think of happy times and bygone days, which are close to our heart.

We know the beautifully cooked crab in our plate is looking delicious, with the same affirmation to life that whatever I have taken or decided is most wonderful thing I am doing! Same way one should not get annoyed with the people around your table looking at your plate with curiosity! 

We are living in a world surrounded by news from various sources, our life gets affected with the happenings either locally or globally. Likewise, every concern human being is terrified with the happenings in Ukraine! Now, the issue of Ukraine is the ‘Crab’ or concern of my Life (“Platter”). The financial issues I am facing due to uncertain career has now become secondary as the size of issue bothering has become like “King Crab”. Every day I watch the news in Social Media, I get hurt with the killings, the stories coming up from the conflict zone makes me sick. Be it on either side, death is irreversible.

Though the conflict is not affecting me directly, but my concern is focused toward the unfortunate killings of citizens and soldiers. The irritation of unnatural death of people is making me annoyed. I want to tell the world about my feelings. The 'feeling' is the Crab which is crawling inside my mind. I do wish everyone around the world should develop this crab inside their mind for every human being. We want a world where we live and let others live too!

Being positive is also a Crab in my Platter, depends how others take!