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jpnagareditorial / May 10, 2014 Posted by : editor

“He, who takes food in proper measure lives a long life and lives without disease, gets strength and alertness of mind. His children are born healthy and without any deformity or disease” – Mahabharatha.

Good nutrition is a pre-requisite for positive health, functional efficiency and productivity. It not only promotes proper growth and development, but also ensures adequate immuno-competence and cognitive development. Good nutrition provides far-reaching effects in early life and helps in the prevention of degenerative diseases in late adult life.

Optimal nutrition is achieved not through drugs, tablets, potions or pills, but through a well balanced diet. Today, commercially motivated propaganda tends to promote the use of synthetic nutrients and ready-to-eat foods are more sought after. ‘Grandma’s good old recipes’ are long forgotten for many.  The common man is quite unaware of how our nutritional needs can be met through the judicious use of natural foods that are readily available. He should also be informed of the deleterious effects of dietary excesses and errors and how they can be avoided.

“Animals feed, man eats; only a man of intellect and judgement knows how to eat.”

Faulty dietary habits and unhealthy life-styles lead to problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, obesity and associated problems among the affluent while the poor suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Maintenance of optimal nutrition for positive health has become a matter of great concern today.

“He, who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” – Arabian proverb

‘A stitch in time saves nine.’ So, if you have not thought on these lines as yet, gear up and get ready to tune your system for a diet and life style modification for a healthy living.

Your dietary habits should emphasise the phrase, ‘No fasting and no feasting! Small, frequent feeds distributed throughout the day, actually works wonders. It keeps the energy supply consistent and prevents your craving for junk food.

Variety is the spice of life! Choose from a variety of foods like whole grains, pulses, low fat dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables to fill your requirement of carbs, proteins, fats and minerals for the day. However, it is imperative to understand that you have to be watchful over the quantity of food you eat. Anything in excess can have adverse effects.

Fruits and vegetables are bountiful sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre. They are natural sources of antioxidants, vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, flavanoids etc., all of which are protective factors for your body. A 100g serving of mixed fruit can provide your vitamin C requirement for the day. So, consume fruits and vegetables in plenty to get all the goodness in them.

Pulses and legumes are the vegetarian sources of protein in your diet. Prefer them, as animal protein intake increases your cholesterol intake too. Soya bean – the wonder bean that has 40% good quality protein is also rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids which have a positive effect on your heart. Sprouting legumes enhances their digestibility and their vitamin content too. So binge on your sprouts and salads.

Sugar and fat are the calorie dense elements in our diet. Keep their intake low.

Excessive use of red meat increases your risk of heart disease. So prefer fish and poultry. Egg yolk is the richest source of cholesterol. You will be surprised to know that an average sized egg contains 250-300mg of cholesterol while your permissible intake of cholesterol is less than 300mg. Fish lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and even delays clotting of blood. Small fish have loads of omega 3 fatty acids and research shows that Eskimos who consume them in plenty have reduced risk of heart disease.

Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which may have a harmful effect if consumed in excess. Limit your coffee or tea to just 2 cups per day. Salt should be used in moderation only. A high salt intake is associated with high blood pressure.

Most people are rather confused as to which oil is ideal for cooking. Vegetable oils are no doubt the best choice, but remember to use them in moderation. They have more of unsaturated fats which are preferred to the saturated fats found in animal fat. A combination of vegetable oils is the best option.

Sedentary life style with little or no exercise combined with faulty dietary habits have been attributed to the wide prevalence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension in our society. Physical activity is a pre-requisite for good health. It increases energy expenditure, improves blood circulation and tones up your muscles. Apart from a regular exercise regime, you can also increase your physical activity everyday. Here are a few tips –

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Park farther than usual from your work place or shopping area and walk down.
  • Engage in physical activities like gardening or walking your dog daily.
  • Wash your vehicle yourself.
  • Engage in a sport of your choice.
  • Reduce sedentary time spent in front of the TV or computer.

“A body which is neither too stout not too lean, but strikes the mean, is the best” – Sushruta.

So, remember, ‘Eating on time, a variety of natural plant foods, low fat milk, less salt and in quantities to maintain ideal weight with regular exercise leads you to a healthy long life.’

To sum up, here are a few tips for healthy eating-

  • Be a nibbler, not a gourmet.
  • Eat your salad before you eat your meal.
  • Don’t starve yourself and overeat subsequently.
  • Avoid deep frying and prefer steamed foods.
  • Use skimmed milk instead of full fat.
  • Take cereals and millets with the bran, to get the fibre in it.
  • Yellow, orange and green vegetables add life to your heart.
  • Use less salt.
  • Drink atleast 8 glasses of water everyday.
  • As age advances, eat less, exercise more.

 

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jpnagareditorial / March 26, 2024

The Hot Garlic Soup Inspired by ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry

Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, shared a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
Johnsy fell ill in November. She was diagnosed with pneumonia. She would lie in her bed, gazing out of the window. Sue sent for the doctor. The doctor said to Sue, “Johnsy’s condition is not so serious yet. It seems she is unable to recover because she has lost the will to live.”
Sue became extremely worried for Johnsy’s well-being and mental health. She tried to make Johnsy interested in the things around her, but Johnsy never replied with more than a noncommittal hum.
One day, Sue was painting when she heard Johnsy counting backwards. Sue looked out of the window and saw an old ivy creeper climbing on the brick wall. The ivy was shedding its leaves in the strong gust of the wind.
“They are falling faster now,” whispered Johnsy. “Three days ago there were so many leaves. Only five are left now.”
“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”
“When the last leaf falls, I will die” said Johnsy with finality. “I have felt this for the last three days.”
“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “Why do you believe your fate is tied to those old ivy leaves?”
“Human life is fleeting, just like those ivy leaves,” said Johnsy. “I got sick just as the ivy started shedding its leaves. It must be an omen. The last leaf will fall, and I will slip into slumber forever.”
Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die. Plenty of people fall sick in autumn, and they recover soon enough. Do you want some soup?”
“I don’t want any soup. My time is almost up, I’m sure of it,” murmured Johnsy.
Sue decided to change tactics. She was not going to give up on Johnsy.
“It is true that human life is somewhat fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes life valuable. Do you not want to see what life has to offer before you slip into slumber? Will you not miss the cool breeze waking you up, the warm embrace of sunlight? Do you want to give up the feeling of the paintbrush gliding over the canvas?” Sue quavered.
“Look beyond the ivy to that tree over there,” Sue continued. “Even that tree is shedding its leaves, but it is also growing new leaves. It is going to live for many more years, just like you.”
Johnsy contemplated for a while. Then, she looked out of the window and smiled.
“Perhaps I will have some hot garlic soup. You made me realise that life is worth living after all.”
Written by Aahana,
from grade 9A

jpnagareditorial / March 22, 2024

Importance of Literature in a Classroom.

"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T.Barnum

We as humans are social beings. We can't imagine our lives to be solitary. Literature facilitates us to understand and communicate with one another in society. It helps us explore the world around us and is a medium to express our views and experiences. So it is of vital importance that the students are introduced to literature at a young age.

Literature is necessary for students as it helps them to develop imagination, improves vocabulary and language skills and even enhances creativity. Literature helps them understand the world outside their home and school.

It is disheartening to see that literature is often not put on the same pedestal as other technical subjects like Math or Science. where it shouldn't be the case.

Literature includes different types of texts like stories and fables, myths

and legends, poetry and drama or even informational texts that help them explore other subjects. It prepares students to read and understand the real world.

There are one too many benefits of including literature at a young age. It is like an exercise for the brain, keeping an individual mentally active and stimulated.

Exposure to cultures from different countries brings in a sense of respect and tolerance, a feat possible through literature. It motivates one to appreciate different lives and their ways and also to graciously disagree with something that may not be right. The different characters the students are introduced to become a source of inspiration. They start to imagine themselves in varied situations. they learn different solutions to problems they come across.

More importantly, reading is fun and literature develops an inclination toward reading and makes them self-learners.

It can be concluded that literature is a gateway to nurturing a child’s life skills more than any assignment or task

can ever do.

Written By:

Shruthi Prakash

English Educator - Primary

Ekya Schools BTM Layout

jpnagareditorial / March 22, 2024

A Day to Remember: Juniors Bid Goodbye to Seniors with a Spectacular Farewell Party.

As the academic year draws to a close, emotions run high at our beloved school. The time has come for the juniors to express their gratitude, love, and affection for their departing seniors.

And what better way to do this than by throwing an unforgettable farewell party?

The air was buzzing with excitement as the juniors meticulously planned every detail to make it a night that their seniors would cherish forever.

The audio-visual room was transformed into a place of nostalgia and celebration, adorned with decorations to welcome the seniors. Each performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. Each video played, spoke volumes about the memories shared and the bonds formed throughout their academic journey, blanketing the atmosphere with a mix of joy, laughter, and a hint of bittersweet anticipation.

Our seniors were all dressed up to the nines for the occasion with the girls in a blue and white saree and the boys in black suits.

But how did all of this come to be? I am a grade 11 student and let me take you through behind the scenes of this event and how we prepared for this event.

  • Many girls formed a group and decided to dance to “Paint It Red” and “All Is Well”. Everyone’s efforts are to be appreciated as they come up with new steps and formations. Well-coordinated teamwork led to an amazing performance that got everyone cheering.

  • Meanwhile, my batchmate, Lara,  and a few teachers were preparing to sing songs dedicated to the seniors. Lara sang a melodious rendition of “When You Believe” and the teachers sang a medley of songs which got the seniors singing along as well!

  • The boys planned on dancing to the song “Galti Se Mistake” and their performance was full of creativity and humour. The choreography was inspired by the original music video of the song and they worked hard together and taught each other the steps. This performance got everyone giggling and cheering so loud!

  • It did not end with the students, even the teachers chose to step into this grand celebration. They danced on a variety of songs and each song made the seniors hoot louder. Even though they had a very busy schedule they would still take time and dedicate it to the dance practice during after-school hours. Huge kudos for their coordination and effort!

  • Mohana and Arshia came up with a very engaging script which had the attention of the audience. A small game was organised for the students where they had to write something good about one of their batchmates. Everybody put their hands together and made 32 crowns of appreciation for their seniors. A video of the seniors was made including photos and videos of their dearest memories. Last but not least, our teachers also prepared a video message for the seniors bidding farewell and wishing them the best for their future endeavours.

The day finally came. The 10th of February came. It was the day - the day for which we had been preparing for days. The graduation.

The place was set, the background screen was ready, the mic was ready and the sound system was ready. Our seniors came one by one and the auditorium was filled with chatter until the anchors came in and the event started.

After a few minutes, the head boy gave a heartfelt speech, followed by the chit game of affirmations then Lara’s beautiful performance.

The girls donned black kurtis and sunglasses and danced to “Paint It Red”, which got a round of applause. The seniors loved the “Galti Se Mistake” dance by the boys for its creativity and comedic execution and what made it better was the shorts with shirt and tie combination. The dance finale was to the song “All Is Well” which got the audience cheering for the dancers with lots of enthusiasm.

Then a video filled with the memories of the seniors was shown which made most of them emotional. The dance which everybody was eagerly anticipating started - it was our beloved teachers who completely rocked the stage with their amazing performance.

Then a few teachers gave a very emotional message followed by songs dedicated to their students. The event came to an end with video messages by the teachers,  a crowning ceremony and high tea.

In conclusion, the event was successful, and enjoyed by all the students - juniors, seniors and teachers. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s contribution and teamwork. It was an emotional roller coaster for everyone and a day which will never be forgotten.

Written By:

Stutee Samantray

(Grade 11, Ekya BTM)

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