Rocking colours of Holi
Rainbow colours, pichkaris, friends, music, gujjiyas ‘n’ masti... the city is ready for a Holi blast. Let’s hope the weather gods don’t have other plans!
Saurabh Malik

She is the Go Green brigade’s affiliate. She joins her gang of university classmates in painting the city red on Holi, but uses herbal colours ordered over the Internet. And for post-graduation student Varsha Chadha, playing Holi in the neighbourhood is so not-happening!

No wonder, her retired neighbour Chander Mohan Sharma rubs his hands, wet with colour and anticipation, waiting for the neighbours to arrive with sachets of yellow and green, while the younglings zip past his house indifferently.

“It wasn’t like this before,” says Sharma. “Until about two years ago, Holi was a community affair. You had neighbours coming in with colours of joy, gujjiya and mithais did the rounds and it was a time to spend with family and friends. Now, people just don’t know how to add shades of warmth to community relationships.”

Go green

In any case, shops are flooded with water guns and safe colours imported from China. Pick up herbal colours if you do not want your life to turn colourless. For colours sold by the roadside vendors, even showrooms in the city, can contain oxidized metals, even industrial dyes mixed with engine oil that’s undoubtedly dangerous for the skin.

If you are still not convinced, ask city-based chemical engineer working in a paints factory Satwinder Singh. He will tell you all about it. “Chances are that the green colour you use is made from copper sulphate,” he says. “It may drain the colour off your face, but silver shade is often prepared from aluminum bromide. Red is made from mercury sulphite and black colour may contain lead oxide.”

These chemicals do only cause allergy, but in extreme cases can also result in temporary blindness, renal failure, skin cancer and even paralysis.

The safe colours cost almost the same as their local counterparts. Running a gift shop in Sector 11, Raman Kumar says you can take home 100-gram colour packets for as little as Rs 10. In fact, you can choose from ones made from roses, marigold and hibiscus petals. Some even use bougainvillea, sandalwood, henna, turmeric, multani mitti and spinach. Colour concentrates that can be mixed in water are also available in packs of 25 gms and 100 gms for Rs 5 and Rs 18.

Water guns in the shape of Ghostbusters’ weapon with twin cylinders, each of 10-litre capacity, can be yours for anywhere between Rs 250 and 450. The ordinary toy guns, some of them from China, cost just Rs 10!

Play it safe

If possible, offer your own colours to visitors! Mumbai-based creative hair stylist Shailesh says you should oil your tresses well before venturing out. After the celebrations, he recommends the use of a hair refresher.

Lakme’s business head Reena Chhabra says they have even come out with special packages. “Play Holi to your heart’s content and come to us. We’ll look after your skin! Clients can choose from happy glow facial with the goodness of almond scrub or floral bliss, which is good for hydrating the skin after the colours leave it dry,” she says.

“Do not apply petrol or kerosene to remove colour on the hands, please. Use cleansing milk. That’s a better option. After removing the dyestuff, go in for moisturisr,” says Neeru Sidhu of a beauty salon in Sector 35.

Holi-day destinations

In case your kind of deal involves partying far away from the city, just hop into your car and drive uphill. Dop remember to take friends and food.

And if you did not play Holi, enjoy the company of friends, good old beer, and classic rock in a bar in the afternoon or evening. After all it’s a holiday!

P. S. For all proud owners of single cylinder motorcycles, sans silencers: Don’t mess with the law. Wear safety helmets, don’t drink and drive. Be good and have a fun-filled Holi! 

Cakes, mithai, all things nice
Priya Gill

A rainbow of colour bursts in the air and paints a glistening playfield of flesh red, yellow, and green. Magical combinations of vibrant hues transform the city into a powdered paradise. Festival-makers’ heart-beat, beat-beating to the sound of the dhol. Deep vibrations run through their souls. An adrenalin rush of another kind–Holi–the annual celebration of colour.

But, no Holi would be complete without the sweets, baked goods, and drinks. Local bakers, sweet shops and alcohol dealers have been flooded with customers stocking up gifts and treats to assist in their celebrations. Traditional Holi sweets have been selling like mad, numerous cakes have been ordered, and wine and beer are popular choices to get the party started. This year pastries will have a Holi theme and cakes, breads, ice creams, and cookies will be dressed in lively colours.

Nik’s Bakery in Sector 9 is enthusiastically participating in the festivities with an array of treats flaunting shades of red, yellow and pink. Owner Nikhil Mittal says their cakes, cookies and breads will be multi-coloured and also beautifully packaged, for those giving gifts to their loved ones. Devilish chocolates filled with caramel, champagne, tequila, or vodka, are also being made.

Monica Sood, owner of Gelato Italiano, Sector 8, is also in the Holi spirit. Her Italian ice-cream shop will offer a special liquor-based gelato with brandy and colourful fruit such as cherries, apricots, and prunes. “The idea is to get a little tipsy,” she says with a smile.

Sindhi Sweets in Sector 8 has been busy catering to the demand for traditional sweets. They have also put together assorted gift baskets with chocolates, toffees, butter sweets, and canned juices, starting at Rs 250. Multi-coloured cakes are available from Rs 180 to Rs 380. Owner Deepak Kalra says he has been receiving 15 to 20 orders of these cakes every day. “Most of our sales are made the day before Holi, although sales started to increase since Wednesday. People are gifting gujia to others and some are buying 11 to 15 kgs.”

At Gopal Sweets, Sector 35, check out the gujjias, chanderkala, laung latta, gujia meetha samosas, the tiranga petha and thandai. Preparations cost between Rs 150 and 200 a kg.

Nanak Singh and Son’s in Sector 19 has seen sales increase about 30 to 40 per cent according to managing director Gurpreet Singh. “The shop has been quite crowded during the past few days.”

And of course, no festival would be complete without thirst-quenching beverages. Wine sales have improved this time says owner of Spirits, in Sector 9, Rajiv Suri. Australian-made wine Hardy’s, Rs 650, and South-African wine, Two Oceans (Rs 670), have been top-sellers, Rajiv says.

Empire Store in Sector 17 has seen a rise in beer sales as the festival approaches. Partner Subash Gulati says beer sales have doubled and bottles of Heineken and Corona are flying off the shelves. “It is mainly the students purchasing the beer, especially hose who have extra pocket-money.”

To mark the occasion, many locals have been purchasing small gifts to give on the day. Archie’s Gallery in Sector 17 has been a popular shopping spot for such tokens. Owner Karan Golati says Buddha and Ganesha statues are commonly gifted on Holi for good luck. “Those 14 to 30 years of age will be partying on the day and buying gifts for their friends.”

(Inputs from Rajiv Bhatia)

Some colours are made like these Green

Use mehendi / henna powder, or mix with equal quantity of flour for a lovely green. You could also crush leaves of the wheat plant.

Yellows

Mix two teaspoons haldi with double quantity of besan, atta or even talcum powder.

Reds

Red sandalwood powder has a beautiful red colour and is extremely beneficial for the skin and is used in face packs.

Magentas

Slice or grate one beetroot. Soak in 1 litre of water for a wonderful magenta.

Safety tips

Don’t throw colours on the face, particularly eyes. If a colour comes in contact with the eye, immediately flush with water.

Don’t apply oil on the body as it eases penetration of colors into the system.

Use a hat or cap to protect your hair.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, dental caps for the teeth.

Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers.

If travelling, keep car windows shut. Better still — avoid it.

Bid adieu to smelly shoes soon!

Now you may be able to bid adieu to smelly shoes, for researchers are looking at ways to permanently infuse textiles with scents so that the insides of your sports shoes will be able to hide the nauseating stench. The scent-infused fabrics could also lead to pleasant-smelling blankets and sheets, or could hide the stink of used gym clothes. A team of Philadelphia University is pursuing a new method for imbedding scents directly into the fibres.

But till that time, put your best foot forward. All winter the feet spent their time in tight shoes and boots, hardly getting any air. Give your feet a proper pedicure at least once a month , either at a salon or at home. Here are home pedicure tips, easy and flawless:

• Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Use warm milk instead of water.

• Pat your feet with a towel, but leave them a bit moist. Use a pumice stone or a foot file to get rid of hard skin on your heels and toes.

• Dry your feet properly. Cut your nails in a straight line. Use a file to get the shape you want and to remove any sharp edges.

• Apply a generous amount of cream and massage your feet. Put some cuticle oil on and gently push up your cuticles.

• Wipe your nails. If any cream is left on your nails, polish won’t dry or stick. Put on a base coat, splurge some polish and top with topcoat. Between pedicures, don’t forget your feet. Every day, after showering or bathing, treat your feet with a fair amount of cream. The best way to do it is when you’re already in bed. If the cream absorbs slowly, put on a pair of cotton socks. Your feet will appreciate creams with peppermint. — ANI

First Day First Show
Gripping LOVE STORY

A well-written script has always been the strength of Ram Gopal Varma. With Nishabd, the master storyteller is back with a bang. It also heralds the entry of glam doll Jiah Khan who shows lot of promise and is a welcome addition to Bollywood.

RGV’s desi detour through Vladimir Nabokov’s immortal novel Lolita, the story of Nishabd revolves around Amitabh Bachchan’s life and how an 18-year-old girl enters his life bringing along an emotional crisis for the much married old man falling in love with a girl his daughter’s age.

Ramu has co-written a taut storyline with many twists and turns for this intense love story. He has bought in many sentimental scenes that will strike a chord with the audience. At the same time, he has given equal footage to Big B and Jiah Khan.

The movie more than a portrayal of a situation, is an attempt to cut through the mindset of individuals who are trapped in. RGV has again excelled to triumph with Nishabd.

Nishabd marks the debut of Jiah Khan as the heroine. She comes out well in the emotional scenes too. Amitabh Bachchan is superb. Aftab Shivdasani, Revathy and Rukhshar essay their roles with ease.

The music is also good and especially the background score by Amar Mohile and his assistant Sargam. Amit Roy’s photography is class apart. The hill of Munnar is beautifully shot. Catch Nishabd at Neelam Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra.

Thumbs down

Nehle Pe Dehla, a stale romantic comedy starring Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Bipasha Basu and Kim Sharma fails to impress. Director Ajay K. Chandok picks up a comic subject. But the plot as well as narration is clichéd, though few laughs are evoked at a few places.

Sanjay and Saif are just ok. Bipasha and Kim Sharma do not have much to do. On at Piccadily Chandigarh and K.C. Panchkula. — Dharam Pal

March 8 is Women’s Day
That’s Your Girl
Though women are still victimised, this year we do have some reason to celebrate

March 8 is Women’s Day. A ritual, that is. But, this time, two reasons why we should be happy. One. Aversion to violence against the girl child is growing. Notice how there was nationwide anger and anguish when news broke about Nithari and elsewhere. Girls were the first victims in both cases. It made grim news. It also made good news. It was flashed day in and day out in newspapers and on the electronic media. A strong reminder as any that something needed to be done soon to rid the country of girl-haters.

Soon, there was reason to cheer. In came the “cradle plan” for unwanted girls. A network of cradles around the country will be set up “everywhere’’, the government said, where parents could leave unwanted baby girls and walk away unquestioned.

The third good news, however, should have come first: Much before the government went public with its proposals, closer home, in Patiala, Thikana Bhai Ram Kishenji, with Global Punjab Foundation, further supported by a Punjabi doctor based in US, Swaraj Singh, had made it known that the unwanted baby-girls would be looked after by them at a gurdwara at Sheranwala Gate. An extraordinary visionary civic initiative, if you will.

Very well. The resolve appears to be gaining strength.

Time now, more than ever before, to say goodbye to those well-appointed ultrasound clinics and protect the girl child against abuse, exploitation and violence. If it is does not begin, it cannot grow and carry on.

In 1994, India banned the use of technology to determine the sex of unborn children and the termination of pregnancies on the basis of gender. However, campaigners say, many clinics still offer a seemingly legitimate facade for a multi-billion pound racket and that gender determination is a highly profitable business.

A simple but tough challenge that. But, manageable. Ask Ram Kishenji.

The Big Question: Will you keep your girl?

Meanwhile, domestic violence is flourishing

Over 37 per cent married women in the country were victims of physical or sexual abuse by their husbands with Bihar topping the list. Women in Himachal Pradesh faced less violence at home compared to other states in the country.

The latest National Family Health Survey-III found that 37.2 per cent women had experienced violence and cited lack of education as the key reason behind their woes.

“Women with no education were much more likely than other women to have suffered spousal violence. However, spousal abuse also extends to women who have secondary or higher secondary level education, with 16 per cent reporting abuse,” the survey said. The survey showed that countrywide more women face violence in rural areas (40.2) as compared to those in the urban areas (30.4).

In Bihar, women in urban areas fared worse than those in rural areas. While 62.2 per cent underwent the trauma in urban areas, it was 58.5 per cent women in villages. It is followed by Rajasthan (46.3) Madhya Pradesh (45.8), Tripura (44.1), Manipur (43.9), Uttar Pradesh (42.4), Tamil Nadu (41.9), West Bengal (40.3) and Arunachal Pradesh (38.8 ). Among the metros, the fairer sex was better off in Delhi (16.3) and Mumbai (19.5) recorded relatively low percentage as compared to Chennai (40.6) and Kolkata (26.7).

Nearly, 17 per cent women in Goa have experienced violence, with 17.2 women in rural areas at the receiving end as compared to 16.4 per cent women in urban areas. — PTI

Matka chowk 
PARDON THE ROSES
Sreedhara Bhasin

Despite the fact that I was made to learn the botanical names of many species of Chrysanthemum at a tender age by my horticulturist uncle and never missed the annual horticulture shows, I decided to give this year’s Rose Festival a break. I have never been too fond of being jabbed in the middle while admiring asters!

Too many people converge on the garden, completely overshadowing the splendour of the garden. Last year, just the sheer anguish of finding a parking spot was potent enough to send me reeling into the roses with cross eyed vision. It did not help either that at every exhibit I had to find a spot in a meandering and highly indiscriminate queue. It was bad enough to get elbowed and stepped on while I looked at some beautiful arrangements made with Birds of Paradise — what was worse was a young man calling out to his wife and saying “Are yeh phool to pelastic ka hai!”

People were stomping through the garden like it was a cricket stadium! It is amazing that the regular roses that were trying to maintain some dignity despite the assault were still standing. One little boy was engaged in the game of sticking his pudgy fingers into the heart of the flowers with unusual strength. While the roses shuddered, the parents beamed with broad and proud smiles.

Next, I tried my favourites – the bonsais. My admiration for a particularly ravishing mandarin orange bonsai was disrupted by the rude sound of Kurkure being crushed under molars. When I frowned at the offender he smiled broadly and said: “Itna chhota orange kaun khayega?” At that, I walked out of the enclosures into the garden.

What I found was even more removed from flower power. The camels were kicking up foul smelling dust in an effort to break into runs. The fountain with its dancing water jets, which at other times is an attractive sight, was taken over by a mob. Someone with a tape recorder was playing a really bad Himesh Reshmaiyya song while a hairy man with his trousers rolled up to his knees regaled the crowd by a repulsive imitation of Imran Hashmi.

When I hastily retreated and tried to find the nearest exit, I found it completely blocked by too many vendors selling too much food. Trying to wriggle and vault my way out, through the jamming human bodies reminded me of a step aerobics class I once took from a martinet Texan lady.

As I ejected myself, the sun was setting. Darkness was creeping in, giving the flowers a much needed retreat until the trials of the next day. I resolved to return when the festival was over. 

Haywire
Stop being docile
Chetna Keer Banerjee

Chiddubhai had to suffer a pack-attack inside Parliament the moment he announced cuts in import duty on pet food on Budget day. Shows how the bark of our elected representatives is worse than their bite. Their thunder about dog food only added to the noise pollution inside a House firmly in history books for its unchallenged lung activity.

To be fair to our leaders, though, outside of that august House, the canines have always performed better and frightened our sleep away. Old hat, you would say. But there’s always a way out. The City Council of Clifton, New Jersey, has one.

It is planning to introduce an ordinance that sets a limit on how long dogs can bark, to bring down noise levels. Of course, its definition of noisy canines, those that bark for more than 30 minutes on two consecutive days, may not apply to their Indian counterparts, who, like our home-bred mantris and MPs, are endowed with greater bite power.

Hurry up, get a copy of their ordinance, do anything, but go to the dogs fast. It would go a long way in reducing the nuisance value of nightly chorus of the stray elements. That’ll be a boon for a legion of people blinking between a state of wakefulness and semi-slumber.

Yes, the measure would not only require certain dogged execution, but would also base itself on the presumption of compliance on the part of the canines. An adherence to a uniform civility code whereby the dogs curtail their freedom of expression irrespective of the colour, caste and creed of those barked at. Now, that may be a tall order even for canines not fed on the bitchy bytes from Big Brother.

For, even the most docile of dogs are known to assess the caste and class of the passersby or, in case of the domesticated ones, the persons who step in through the door of a household. They instinctively know the bais from the babes and the mundus from the mundas. And modulate their vocal chords accordingly, varying the duration and decibel of barking in inverse proportion to the recipient’s social standing.

That some pets make no allowance for pedigree whatsoever is also true, as in the case of the Lhasa Apso of a fashion designer whose protracted growling at some well-heeled neighbours led to a fracas that made it to newspaper headlines recently.

Not all canines, however, get their 15 minutes of fame despite a disposition towards vocal versatility. Like the two Chihuahuas of a neighbour who were taken for their daily nocturnal excursion on Diwali last year.

Now, call it the effect of the crackers being burst all around, both pets piddled in a state of petrified silence. A whimper was all that emanated from them as they answered the call of nature in an adjoining park. But then, it is not in a dog’s nature to remain reticent for long.

As the two were passing some servants who were about to light sparklers, they let out, at first, a couple of staccato grr…rr……s. These soon gained pitch to turn into full-throated growls that were accompanied by near-pawing-and-clawing at the poor revelers.

The situation escalated such that the canines came close to being reported to the cops. It was the timely intervention by some custodians of resident’s welfare that saved the day, but not before the aggrieved party made a demand: Set a time limit on pet usage of public property.

Now, if people can seek a time restraint on poodles piddling or playing in the parks, a partial ban on their barking may not be totally out of place.

Health Peg
Garlic doesn’t lower cholesterol

Contrary to earlier belief that garlic cuts your cholesterol, a new study has now revealed that consuming the wonder bulb makes no difference to cholesterol levels. Almost 200 volunteers were put on a garlic-rich diet for six months, but the only notable change was an increase in bad breath and body odour!

The study by researchers at Stanford University’s school of medicine in California, assessed the effects of raw garlic and two commercial garlic supplements on LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, the good variety. Dr Christopher Gardner, who led the team, said: “There were no statistically significant effects of the three forms of garlic on LDL cholesterol concentrations.” Levels of other types of cholesterol were also unaffected, he said. He warned the lack of benefit found in this trial did not mean garlic did not have other healthy effects.

…but relieves joint pain

According to the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), five grams (one teaspoon) of garlic paste with honey or with food twice a day is useful for people experiencing pain in their joints. Warm garlic paste mixed in any oil and applied over the joint also gives relief from pain.

Rheumatism, an acute illness characterised by pain and swelling of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, or the joints, is chiefly caused due to the presence of toxic waste in the blood. According to Ayurveda, joint and muscle pain is usually caused due to the accumulation of toxic by-products created by improper digestion.

Knees, ankles, elbows, fingers and wrists are the worst affected parts of the body. The tissues in and around the affected joints become inflamed and movement of the joint becomes painful. — ANI

Blame it on your genes

A genetic abnormality that makes people hungry between meals is behind the problem of obesity among almost 50,000 Britons, say scientists at the University of Cambridge. The gene mutation prevents approximately one in every 1,000 individuals from identifying the presence of the hormone that normally tells the brain when they have eaten enough.

Scientists say that up to one per cent of obese people find it virtually impossible to diet due to the abnormality in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that plays a central role in hunger.

“The vast majority of these people have already been along the diet route. They have tried intense attempts to lose weight and it simply fails,” the Telegraph quoted Steve O’Rahilly, Professor of Biochemistry and Medicine at the University of Cambridge, and one of the researchers who identified the abnormality, as saying.

“They are fat for a reason. They have impaired ability to remain satiated between meals because they have a molecule that is broken in their brain — it does not transmit the signal that tells them when they are full,” he added. — ANI

Yoga champ at 83
Prabhjot Singh

Triple gold medalist in the Olympic games, legendary Balbir Singh Sr, finds reports that fitness of players is worrying management of one or the other Indian teams, very surprising. Cricket, hockey, tennis and football, he quotes all, have had in the recent past serious fitness problems. “These problems are primarily because of a lack of trained supervisory control at various levels,” feels Balbir Singh Senior, who at 83 now, feels fit and flexible.

Secret of his fitness, agility and good health is yoga. “I am a fitness freak,” he says revealing that he took to yoga more than four decades ago. “At that time, Chandigarh was part of Punjab and there used to be yoga wing in the city’s sports department. I always paid special attention to my fitness and flexibility and started taking lessons.”

“This healthy habit has continued ever since. At 83, I do deep breathing, 20-30 minutes every other day,” reveals the greying hockey legend, who spends half the year here with his daughter and son-in-law and the rest half with his sons in Vancouver.

At this age, when he has his work outs, those present get surprised at suppleness, extreme flexibility and agility of his body with which he performs impossible looking asanas. He can still hold his breath longer than a youth 60 years younger to him. His concentration is superb and memory perfect. He can recall any interesting episode, including the story behind his appointment in the Punjab Police as an assistant sub inspector though he wanted to be a Sub Inspector.

He is surprised when coaches and managers of Indian teams complain about fitness of the players. “When I was the manager of the Indian team that won the World Cup in hockey in 1975, its success mantra was yoga. All players had to do yoga as part of their training. It helped.

“I wonder why cricket, hockey, tennis or other team managements do not use this ancient philosophy of keeping mind and body healthy and supple. I can volunteer to share my experiences with them,” says the golden man of Indian hockey, who retired 25 years ago as Director of Sports.

“I am a sportsman by training, policeman by profession and sports administrator by choice. If I have been successful in all these three areas, credit must go to yoga,” adds Balbir.

A salute to womanhood
Smriti Sharma

Friday night saw all roads leading to only one destination, Chandigarh Club a jam-packed venue for an annual awards function. We are not referring to any starry Bollywood awards night but the show we are talking about was no less, in terms of glamour or glitterati.

A look at the packed-to-its capacity parking lot which, had some thousands of swanky cars parked chaotically and still more ferrying the near and dear ones of the students of INIFD for annual awards function and one knows what the event holds. Inside the venue, we were welcomed by the thumping sounds of high notes of Bollywood music mixed with techno beats and few students on stage performing on a hit Hindi number.

An annual affair, this time the theme of the event was ‘Vama-A salute to womanhood’. No wonder the two huge LCD screens hanging up the stage were showing the clippings of all those women who have made their mark in their respective fields. Right from the dimpled beauty Preity Zinta, to Rani Mukherji, from PT Usha to Anjali Bhagwat, to shooter Anju Bobby George, all of them inspire the young and the old alike.

The glitzy show was conceptualised, enacted and choreographed, directed by the students of INIFD. With a view to recognise the creativity and academic performance of the students in a show of ten scintillating sequences vis culture, Bollywood, beauty queens, singers, sports, professions, vamps, designers, classical dance and jewels in the crown. To break the monotony, in between the awards, dazzling performances on hit singles such as Maro dholna Re, Kangana Re, Hamse hai zamana sara, Crazy kiya re, Cha cha cha Ke Sara Sara et al were well received.

Noted personalities such as Vikas Purohit (business head, Tommy Hilfiger), Vivek Attray (director, Tourism), S Aich (GM, Nahar Fabrics) presented the awards to the students in 64 different categories as most exotic collection, best designer group, Buddha’s voyage to India, best embroidered article, best artistic work, most innovative design etc.

write to Renee
Have a heart

Suneeta Sharma, Delhi

All I can say is that he is a complete jerk. There are enough of these kinds of men around who seem to need to prove their sense of self worth by showing down women. Actually they have problems with their own inner selves. He definitely does not have the maturity to have a serious relationship. You should ignore him and move on with your life. Your parents will understand once you explain to them what the whole situation is.

I am a girl of 32 years single and ever since I lost my father about 2 years back, I have not recovered from the shock. This has affected my behaviour towards everyone. My work seems to be affected and my boss has just called me to warn me. I do not seem to be able to pull myself out of the situation.

Sheela Mishra, Dehradun

No one can help you to come out of your situation unless you decide to. You seem to be wallowing in self pity and are getting sucked deeper into it as you are allowing it to take over your life completely. The more you let this happen the more miserable your life will become. It is very important that you share your misery with a friend. Once you get in touch with your inner self, you will move out of it. Please see to it that you keep your job situation going. Make an affirmation "I have the capacity to move on with life," and life will again be good to you.

I am 24 years of age and recovering from anorexia. I am a very attractive girl with an extremely good figure but I am simply obsessive about my weight. I have a weighing scale next to my bed and I feel that even if I see an ounce more than what I want, I start starving myself. I feel low on energy and working 9 to 5 is a real chore. I understand that I must eat well for my health but, when I eat, I go into a state of depression.

Ritika Mohan, Panchkula

This is actually a form of emotional abuse. This is also a form of self-punishment. You are basically dealing with self-hatred. Just learn to live with love for yourself. Perhaps since childhood you might have been listening to too many people with weight issues and you have developed this problem. It is your thoughts that are creating this experience for you, so just turn your thought process from which ever-pattern it has got stuck into, as you are responsible for the way you are treating yourself. You need the energy to deal with life. Being slim is important but not at the cost of your mental and physical wellbeing.