Let’s introduce you all to the Social Category of Udaipur Blog! The Social section contains everything related to the happenings, social causes, and events in the city. Landing on this section will give you complete whereabouts regarding the welfare of the citizens or general events taking place in the city and nearby towns. UdaipurBlog’s Social category is made for you to stay updated about the social affairs happening in the city!
You know what the best part of having a Social Section is? Well, the city niche readers can have genuine information about the social affairs, which is valuable for both tourists and citizens of the town.
The one who said, “covid cases are just numbers until they become a name you know”, has well said and very much appropriate. We’ve just seen a very dark time, like never seen before and it has disturbed all of us to our very core.
This might be my personal opinion, but having to think everyone will relate to the anxiety at this point, to the negativity we were surrounded with, especially when we are in our ‘work from home and not to socialise’ modes.
Couldn’t help, but think of things that can reduce the developing anxiety and depression due to the curfews, the lockdown and the pandemic. It is necessary and It’s not even easy but here are a few things we can do to keep ourselves calm and positive. We can always try!
Give yourself a routine
Now, this is the time to be self-obsessed. Set short goals for each day or a week. Engage yourself in self-care. Do not sleep too much or too little, exercise more, meditate, set reminders to drink water, and eat adequately. Neither skipping a meal will help nor overeating. Eating healthy food also boosts your mood, so switch to a healthy routine. A proper schedule definitely helps in reducing stress and keeps you mentally busy; so no space for overthinking. A healthy lifestyle is the key to a healthy mind.
Source: Pexels
Turn on your ‘fun’ channel
If things are getting to you, hold strong and find a reason to smile every day. Watch more stand up comedy shows, funny videos, comedy films; give yourself a reason to laugh. That is an instant freshener. Play with the kids, play with pets, spend more time with nature, in fact, do something to preserve it; it’ll make you happy from deep inside. And most of all change to some upbeat, happy music. A change in the playlist brings an instant change in the mood and you can even jump and dance around. Do not think much, have fun, you’ll see your surroundings in a fresh mood.
Source: Pexels
Stop over-consuming the news
We are surrounded by all kinds of Covid related news, which is ultimately affecting our mental peace in one or another way. We need to just stay informative, so take all the information needed and then stop the extra news to get to you. For starters, we all scroll down the Instagram search feed. Try and change it into things that make you feel good, like surfing for sports, food, Bollywood, music etc. anything that distracts you from unwanted information.
Source: Pexels
No blame game
Blaming someone else always results in more and more negativity. Instead of blaming the world, people in higher authoritative positions, making a person feel that he/she is responsible for it, we should see the positives. Do your bit to make this place better for living. Stay affirmative that the good is going to come.
Source: Pexels
Express yourself
It is the most important exercise to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and other mental issues that you express, tell your feelings. We have to stay in our homes to be safe, less socialising, less personal touch and that leads to frustration. Surround yourself with people you can talk to; friends, family, anyone. Indulge in long talks instead of chatting.
Like I am sharing my opinion and feelings with you all in this format, you can also choose your mode of expression. It can be through painting, writing, speaking, working, anything that takes that burden out, setting within you.
Source: Pexels
These all measures have been personally practised, so stay at home and do give it a try. And do not let the darks fill the void with all the wrongs that are coming to you, fill the emptiness with your beautiful heart and the creative brain god has gifted to us humans.
The process of unlocking has begun. Sooner or later we will be heading out according to the guidelines and protocols. We just need to be patient and take care of ourselves and our families.
We can always start afresh. Nothing is easy but slowly and steadily we are the ones who stand firm on the virtue of perfection. We are all in this together. You’re always welcome to share your feelings with us. You need to just push that ‘go’ button.
Note: All these measures are the writer’s opinion. Every person is different; we do not claim for these measures to work on each and every one. But if you feel you need help, do not hesitate to contact a professional.
As we mark World Environment Day (WED) on 5th June, we should pay attention to warnings and take them seriously. And environmental alarm bells are no exception! On biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change, there are a plethora of startling statistics. Facts to which we can no longer turn a blind eye. So, in the lead up to World Environment Day, we bring you another episode of UB Baatcheet. We have all heard about how important it is to plant trees, but we aren’t so quick to implement. Therefore, to know about the dos and don’ts of plantation, we have an expert who will educate us about the same. Today, our guest is Mr. Bhuvnesh Ojha, Founder of Pukaar Foundation, an exceptional environmentalist and has inspired everyone around us. Let’s hear about how they started and what inspired him to work for the environment.
Watch the full video below:
Highlight transcript from the video:
How did you start Pukaar?
It has always been my dream to work for the environment. This thought came into my mind when I was in 8th grade, and I saw that my village (near Bhilwara) has a lot of uncultivated and barren land. I used to hear from my grandfather and father that many farmers are committing suicide due to lack of land and crop production, so I thought, why not make the barren land useful by giving it some attention. But obviously, when I discussed this idea with my friends, they told me that I would need capital/money to start social work. I heard about some guys who went to IIT and got a package of 1 crore per year, and I thought, why not do something like this to raise money for my social work. I went to Kota for higher studies, and there I found motivation from various experiences that now is the time to start doing something for the environment. I still remember that quote from Steve Jobs – “If today were the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today?” and that hit me hard. We planted the first plant of Pukaar on 10th March 2013; at that time, we were not even sure about the name of this foundation, and we were just a bunch of friends from my colony. Slowly and gradually, the children in the neighbourhood also started taking part in the plantation drive. We started buying plants from our pocket money and planted 20 to 30 plants. Our work slowly got viral on social media, and we got a lot of requests for volunteer work. So, on 10th November 2013, we did a plantation drive outside our colony (100 ft. road, Udaipur), and we dedicated a Sunday for planting trees. After that, it became our motive to dedicate every Sunday to plantation drives with as many people. From 2013, we have dedicated 310 Sundays till now.
What challenges has Pukaar faced till now?
The biggest challenge was to raise awareness about planting trees and explaining to people why it is such a big deal. I was a teenager when I started plantation drives in Udaipur and when we used to talk to senior people or give them advice about which plant to use, they had this sense of superiority that was a challenge. Funding was another challenge we faced, and I believe a lot of non-profits face the issue where they cannot get enough funding to support the cause. Also, after receiving the funding, the implementation process further becomes a challenge. However, when there is a team spirit and passion for making a difference, the obstacles seem smaller.
When did you know that you can make a difference on a bigger scale?
Even after working for a decade, I still can’t make peace with what we have done so far. When your targets are bigger, then getting every accomplishment to feel small. However, when I see that the forests we planted and cultivated are now home to honeybees and birds, that makes me immensely happy and motivated me to do more and more plantation drives.
What is Miyawaki Forestation, and what steps did you take in this direction?
Miyawaki is a technique where you can plant a forest even in a tiny, room-size area. The technique is immensely helpful for your health as well as your biodiversity. Dr. Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese Botanist, invented this technique in the 1970s, and he followed the natural process to make this standard method of growing a tiny forest near you. It is imperative to plan local crops or plants because only those will help the ecosystem around you. Every soil has its own components, and it is vital to understand the same and plant trees that are suitable for the environment. So, first, we try to extract a lot of forests near Udaipur, such as the Jaisamand area, Chirwa, Sajjangarh, and nearby regions. Then, we study the region’s soil and plant only those trees that can naturally grow there. These forests tend to grow denser with time and eventually helps to absorb the microbes and pollution around us. Basically, they act as a filter wall for you, which is why the Miyawaki technique became so popular.
What can we do, or the steps can we take to protect the environment?
The first thing I would like to say is that don’t plant non-native species around your home and switch to native species since only those plants contribute to the environment around you. Some of the best choices for a home garden or nearby areas are moulshree or Bosali, Amaltas, Kachnar or Bauhinia, Shehtoot or Mulberries, Harsingar or Night Jasmine, or Moringa (Sejan ki Phali) or Drumsticks.
What message would you like to give the readers of UdaipurBlog?
Firstly, I would like to say that whenever we want to achieve something big, we have to take baby steps. So, if we want to save ourselves and the earth, then we must restore the oxygen banks that is our forests and vegetation around us.
Let’s reconnect with our villages and stop the carbon footprint around us! More power to the people who are working for plantation drives and trying to make a difference.
While the Corona outbreak in the country is at its peak, it is rather difficult for some people to maintain their sanity during these testing times. It is natural for anyone to feel elevated levels of depression and anxiety during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to social isolation. Physicians and other frontline health care workers are especially vulnerable to detrimental mental health outcomes when they try to reconcile the responsibility of caring for patients with questions for their own health and well-being.
The lockdown days and the impact of COVID-19 have been adverse on us, and some of you might feel both physically and mentally exhausted. However, a few of us would criticize for raising mental health issues since it is not that consequential for them. We say you block out those people from your lives, pronto, and start taking care of yourself mentally!
A Weekend Read: Conversation with Dr. Sushil Kherada about Mental Health During COVID-19 in Udaipur
These times are depressing for sure, so we got in touch with a mental health expert, Dr. Sushil Kherada. He is a senior professor and head of the department in RNT Medical college, department of psychiatry, and we connected with him live on our platform. Let’s hear out the experts’ thoughts on the issue of mental health among the people.
People have different perceptions about mental health and don’t tend to give it much importance. What are your thoughts on the same, and what can you tell us about mental health?
“A healthy body comes with a healthy mind, and vice versa”, says Dr. Sushil when asked about the burgeoning issue of mental health during the pandemic in our country. There is a chemical reaction in your body to every negative thought you have, and studies have found that poor mental health conditions also lead to deadly diseases such as Cancer. A person cannot be productive or, say, can actively contribute to the lifestyle if he or she is not mentally healthy, which is why it is quite unfortunate that people don’t give much importance to mental health.
Sadly, people who are experiencing stress or exhaustion often don’t recognize the reason behind their inability to perform the mundane tasks and are afraid of taking help from a Mental Health Expert. Only 25-30% of the total number of people experiencing mental health issues tend to reach expert help. The Indian society calls mental health patients “Insane” or “Mad”, which makes it hard for them to cope with their issues.
How many people do you think are aware of the issue or concept of Mental Health in Udaipur?
People experiencing fever or cough would consult their physician immediately, but those undergoing mental health issues would not be that enthusiastic about reaching a Mental Health Expert. 75% of individuals do not tend to reach for mental care or help due to society’s preconceived notions about the same. It is especially important to bridge the gap between the mental health patients and get the right help so that more and more patients can get the right treatment in our city and beyond. This can only happen if people start accepting that poor mental health also makes a person unfit or sick.
People have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; they have to hassle for fulfilling even the mundane or daily chores, affecting their mental health. So, how do you suggest a common man can cope with the current situation?
Social media is full of news about the Coronavirus, and in today’s age, news travels faster on social media than any other platform. “I would call the current situation an Infodemic rather than Pandemic because there is a flood of both accurate and inaccurate information on the social media platforms, which is a major cause of panic among the masses”, says Dr. Kherada. Media plays an important role in keeping the population sane by forwarding positive and accurate news to avoid fear and fallacy. Boredom, frustration, irritation, hopelessness, isolation, anxiety, depression, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), suicide, etc., are some reactions that are commonly identified in people due to confinement in their homes during the lockdown.
Many patients suffering from Coronavirus are in home isolation, and their family is afraid to go near them, so how do you suggest overcoming this fear and panic?
Staying positive should be the topmost priority to gain strength to overcome this phase. Following the right information and taking the necessary precautions will help people to overcome the fear. “Maintain Social Distancing, not Emotional Distancing. Be emotionally available, talk to your friends, family members, neighbours, etc. and be in touch with them virtually”, says Dr. Sushil. Set a routine, try out new things, indulge yourself with your hobbies, and do yoga or exercise to keep yourself busy. It will help you take away your mind from the rising fear and panic in the country. Love and compassion towards the patients and each other are the keys to fighting this pandemic and keeping you mentally fit and healthy.
What impact do you think the COVID-19 Pandemic would have on us in the future? Can it create more and new mental health issues in the near future?
A key to overcome mental illness is to prepare the person to fight upcoming challenges effectively. Thus, we need to prepare ourselves to fight these issues with patience and empathy. “The current phase is a test for us to become a better citizen, a better person for our family and close ones. So, let’s utilize this time to change your life for the better”, says Dr. Sushil.
How can students and employees working from home overcome the feeling of helplessness and depression and be mentally fit?
People often say that “I am busy and don’t have time for any additional things”, so this is your time to do what you love. Be it a hobby or a new thing that you wanted to learn for a long time but couldn’t get time to do so, this is your chance to actually practice those things.
How to deal with anxiety and procrastination?
There are some relaxation exercises that you can practice to reduce anxiety. Changing our mindset can be a great help to fight anxiety.
Inner peace and motivation are low during the time of lockdown. What do you suggest our viewers can do to cope with the same?
Lack of spiritual values can be a factor that leads to a lack of inner peace. Meditation and indulging yourself in positive activities can be helpful to motivate yourself. Reducing anger, balancing your life, and not feeling competitive towards your peers can help you gain inner peace.
Coming to an end to our conversation with Dr. Sushil, the foremost thing we have learnt is to reduce our fear and panic caused by COVID-19 by being positive and hopeful. The conversation has been very enlightening and valuable for people who are experiencing mental health issues. Hope you find the suggestions and recommendations helpful, and start prioritizing your mental health first!
Are you maintaining your health or taking care of your health when gyms are closed in Udaipur? Many people have lost track of keeping up with their health routine and are becoming lethargic day by day. Keeping up with a fitness routine without much-needed help from the gym is quite difficult for some people. Although it is not always ethical to doubt someone’s body positivity or self-confidence, it should be considered whether they are receiving accurate knowledge of where their bodies are and what risks they are exposing themselves to. This is not a question that will be answered too soon. People will continue to work for a healthy lifestyle if they are better informed about obesity and its consequences. People will continue to work for body positivity by reducing their risk of such illnesses if they are well informed about obesity and its risks. Embrace being healthy and hear it from the experts about keeping ourselves healthy by having a proper Indian diet.
Let’s hear it from our experts about including Indian food in your diet plan and fit with the right tips and exercises.
On 7th April 2021, which is the World Health Day, we kickstarted our all-new series, UB Baatcheet. We hosted a talk with Dr Vyom Bolia, a renowned physiotherapist from Udaipur, and Mr Rishabh Jain, a legend in the fitness industry who also won the Ironman Race, the world’s toughest race! We talk to these personalities on various topics, including their views about the closing of gyms, body positivity, health & fitness, and how can one remain fit without going to gyms, which is necessary specially during lockdown period. Here’s a weekend recap, just in case you missed it! Watch out for the video to know the right way to stay fit and healthy in the long run.
Dr Vyom Bolia and Mr Rishabh Jain have answered a few questions concerning people’s health and well-being, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a transcript from the interview. Do note the interview happened in the first week of April 2021, so the lockdown situations are different now than the restrictions then.
Mr Rishabh Jain, what hurdles did you face while completing the Ironman Race Challenge?
His answer was pretty on point! “I dedicated a whole year to training and forgot all about my life and family for the time being”, says Rishabh Jain, the Ironman Race Winner.
Since he took the challenge in 2018, he couldn’t find a coach in Udaipur, so he went to Mumbai to get trained by a professional who could prepare him for this ultimate race. India’s fitness enthusiast and model Milind Soman inspired Rishabh to participate and win the race!
Dr Vyom and Mr Rishabh, how long has it been since you are serving Udaipurites with health and fitness facilities?
“It has been over a decade since we started the first yoga studio in Udaipur with a trendsetting workout session in the city named as ‘6 Days, 6 Workouts’ where patrons got to experience 6 different types of workouts in 6 days”, says Dr Vyom. We then started Healthline Fitness Studio in 2016, and now we have more than 40 personal trainers, yoga teachers, Zumba trainers, etc., offering the best kind of gym facilities to Udaipurites.
What does fitness mean to you? Many people have this perception that fitness is all about being slim, reducing fat, losing weight, and having abs, and it has become a cliché. What are your thoughts about the same?
“Our clientele was mostly female when we initially started the gym business. There is a stereotype that weight lifting is not meant for women. But in my opinion, it is as important for women as it is for men since after the age of 35 women start losing muscle strength and weight training help keep their body tight”, says Rishabh.
He further adds that most women came with a strong need to become as thin as possible in less time, which is quite unreasonable, to be honest! “We mostly recommend doing the right type of workout every day. After a certain age, especially in females, the muscles lose their capacity to stay tight, and for the same, we suggest doing weight training since it is as important for women as it is for men.”
Due to the COVID-19 norms and guidelines, gyms will now remain closed. What are your thoughts on the same?
“We work for improving people’s immunity in gyms, and I, for one, haven’t heard anything about a cluster of COVID-19 patients identified from gyms”, says Dr Vyom. He further adds, “Gyms were closed for more than 6 months, and we were quite patient about it, but the guidelines given by Rajasthan Government recently is unjust and fairly unreasonable. There are a number of food joints in Udaipur where we can get a raving crowd of more than 100 people gathered at one place, then why should gyms stay closed when we are utterly vigilant about sanitization and hygiene at gyms!”
How do you suggest people can keep up their diet and exercise in tune, even without gyms?
Dr Vyom and Rishabh suggest that taking out some time out of your super busy schedule and dedicate it to exercise. Now with smartphones and constantly evolving technology, everyone can manage to find the right type of exercise that can add to a healthy lifestyle. “Leave your laptops or PCs for a while, do brisk walking in the office lobby or at your home, do stretching exercises from time to time, and keep your posture straight while working to have a fit body. This will further help reduce back pain, muscle soreness, joint pain, etc., and the biggest benefit is you don’t need any equipment for the same. We live in a beautiful city, and Udaipur is full of places that offer peaceful places to take a stroll or even have a short run. Fatehsagar, Rani Road, Gulab Bagh, etc., have ample amount of space for you to run or walk for an hour or two. Do yoga at home or register yourself for online training that will keep you going for a healthier lifestyle. Don’t just do exercise for the sake of losing or gaining weight, but make it a part of your routine for long-term benefits”, says Rishabh.
There are a lot of myths associated with Indian Food. As a society, we think that Traditional Indian food is unfit for people. So, from the perspective of diet and nutrition, do you think that this perception is right? What are your suggestions for adding healthy and affordable Indian food that people can add to their daily routine and cut out junk food?
“People have switched to western diet plans and food habits since they think Indian food is unhealthy. It is simple logic; if we date back to ancient times or even take an example of our grandparents, they are still fit compared to teenagers or people in this era. Our ancestors used to eat oily food, ghee, roti, and other essential or say real Indian food and were still very active and healthy”, says Dr Vyom. People blame Indian food, but in reality, the issue is that the amount of food consumed in a day is far more than the number of calories they can burn per day. This impacts excessive weight gain. Every country has a different climate and culture, and as far as I am concerned, Indian food is the best source of nutrition for us Indians. “More or less, our eating habits are changed! Earlier wheat was processed by chakki (hand flour mill) through which the fibre content remained intact. Today the same flour is processed in machines, due to which the wheat loses its fibre and nutritional value. Adulterated food is the biggest problem faced by our generation. That is why organic food products are so much in demand now compared to the early era when only organic food was available in the market. Eating at odd times, midnight munching, and likes are affecting the health of our generation. Nutrition and healthy food play 60% role in your lifestyle whereas exercise play a 40% role”, says Dr Vyom. “We eat as per our taste buds. Adding soya sauce, chilli sauce, or any other taste enhancers or preservatives impacts the nutritional value of the food. The least we can do is change our lifestyle and switch towards a routine where we give equal importance to nutritional food and exercise”, says Rishabh.
Finally, Dr Vyom asks us to take a pledge to spare at least 45 mins daily and follow any type of workout to make this Smart City a Fit City!
So, wrapping up this extremely fruitful conversation with Dr Vyom Bolia and Mr Rishabh Jain, we received some very interesting tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle even when gyms are closed. Watch UdaipurBlog’s Baatcheet session for more such insights! We’ll come up with lots of more content for you shortly. In the meanwhile, do subscribe to UdaipurBlog’s Youtube channel, if you haven’t yet. See you in the next episode!
The Coronavirus Vaccine drive is running at full force. While people have access to the vaccine in Udaipur, it is rather mandatory to register yourself with the Health Department. The third phase of the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive for people above 60 years started in the first week of March. Vaccination of citizen above 18 years of age has begun starting 1st May in Rajasthan and all around India. E-registration opened for the population so that they can schedule an appointment using the very efficient Co-WIN platform, anytime and anywhere.
A lot of people are confused about the guidelines and process for online registration for COVID-19 Vaccine in Rajasthan. Well, a user guide has been processed by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as well as the National Health Authority (NHA) to enlighten you with the same.
In this article, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to register for Covid Vaccine in Udaipur.
Quick Process for Online Self-registration on Co-WIN
Select a vaccination centre at your nearest convenience
Book your slot to get vaccinated
Reschedule the date for vaccination if you are not available for the previously booked slot.
Detailed Guidelines and Process for Online Self-registration on Co-WIN platform
You can now register yourself for the COVID-19 Vaccination on the Co-WIN platform as well as the Aarogya Setu app. Here are some things you need to know to self-register yourself to get vaccinated. You can register on the Co-WIN website using both PC and mobile.
Things to remember:
The vaccination process is now allowed open for people of Udaipur who are above 18 years of age. You are required to print the online copy and carry it with you to the vaccination centre.
If you have an online copy, you are not obliged to queue for the registration again.
Photo ID proof is required for e-registration (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, Pan Card, or Pension handbook).
Your vaccine appointment through online registration can be booked on the same day, between 9 am to 4 pm, or scheduled for the next day, post 9 pm.
Detailed Step by Step Process for e-registration on Co-WIN app
Log in with the applicant’s mobile number (up to 4 people can be registered with one mobile number).
An OTP will be sent to the entered mobile number. Enter the OTP and click on the ‘verify’ button.
After verifying your mobile number, you will be redirected to the following page.
Select the photo ID proof.
Fill in your name, gender, year of birth as given in the selected photo ID proof.
After registering for the applicant(s), an appointment can be scheduled for the COVID-19 Vaccination (you can even log in later with the same number to edit your appointment).
To schedule an online appointment for the COVID-19 Vaccine, enter the state, city, and PINCODE. After filling the same, you will be presented with a list of COVID-19 Vaccine centres in your area.
Select the centre of your convenience and choose the time (forenoon or afternoon) for the same day or even next week.
On successful registration, you will receive a notification or a message for confirmation and details.
A copy of the online registration will be presented once the scheduling is done. Print that copy and carry it with you to the vaccination centre.
When you reach the vaccination centre (as chosen), please do mention that you have self-registered online, as you won’t have to queue up for the registration again at the centre.
Once you have booked an appointment, it can be rescheduled before the booked day.
For rescheduling, re-login using the same mobile number and latest OTP and go to the “Citizen Registration” page to edit your appointment date again.
The booking for another dose will be made automatically after the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine is given.
You can also Register for the COVID-19 vaccination process Through Arogya Setu App
Steps to register for Covid vaccine through Arogya Setu App:
Go to the ‘CoWIN’ tab on the Aarogya Setu app’s homepage.
Vaccine Details, Vaccination, Vaccination Certificate, and Vaccination Dashboard are the four choices available under the Cowin icon.
Select the “Register Now” option under the “Vaccination” tab.
Click “proceed to check” after entering your telephone number.
Select “proceed to check” after entering the OTP.
Once you’ve verified your phone number, you’ll need to upload a photo ID card.
Other details, such as your age, gender, and birth year, must be filled in as well.
You can add up to four beneficiaries on the Arogya Setu App as well.
You can search for vaccine clinics by state, city, block, or pin code. The date, as well as the availability, will be seen. Choose “book” from the drop-down menu.
You will get an SMS with the appointment information after you have successfully enrolled.
The above were the guidelines issued by the government for those who are self-registering online with the help of the Co-WIN platform. If you have any queries related to the COVID-19 Vaccination process, please visit our detailed blog for more information and questions.
We wish you good health and safety in these challenging and uncertain times!
What we are facing right now is a national emergency. Covid is real and right here. And no, it’s not just a fever!! It is extremely important to understand the gravity of the situation because the only way to break the chain of transmission as of now is by staying indoors.
Doctors have been repeatedly emphasising on the practice of covid appropriate behaviour. You have been told things that all of you know by now- “Do not step outside unless absolutely necessary. If at all you need to go out, please wear double masks at all times, fully covering your nose and mouth. Sanitize and wash your hands regularly and do not touch your eyes or nose with your hands.”
Let me tell you why it is important-
The Sars-Cov-2 virus is doing exactly what it is supposed to i.e. evolution based on Darwinian law of survival. Covid appropriate behaviour (like physical distancing, use of masks, washing hands) and neutralising antibodies to the viral spike protein derived from natural infection are antiviral in a way because they prevent the spread of disease. But when this antiviral response is ‘suboptimal’ (lack of covid appropriate behaviour) the virus becomes resistant to our natural immune response and produces mutations. And as the virus keeps on mutating, we might another wave of this.
So the key is to firstly break the chain of transmission by staying indoors and following covid appropriate behaviour. And secondly, controlling the spread by establishing vaccine-induced herd immunity.
Now that the vaccination is open for all, please get yourself vaccinated. Do not believe in all those myths related to the vaccine. Vaccines induce a polyclonal immune response triggering higher neutralising antibodies than the natural infection thus strengthening our antiviral response and suppressing emerging variants.
Please understand that the healthcare system is already overburdened and if people keep on getting infected, it will eventually collapse. In many places, we are already on shortage of resources, but if do your part by staying at home, masking up when out and getting vaccinated we can fight this together.
This article has been contributed by Dr. Aditi Modi.
Theatres is an art form where people and artists combine voice, words, movement, expressions, and visual elements. The field of theatre is not only about live improvising and scripted work but also about depicting dramatic forms such as TV, film, or any other electric media. The value of theatre art is suppressing due to the introduction of cinema and newer generations of platforms. Theatres are not of much relevance these days, which is a sad reality.
How did World Theatre Day come into origin?
Since 1962 World Theatre Day is celebrated by International Theatre Institution (ITI) to commemorate all theatre art forms across the world. The day has been celebrated by ITI Cooperating Members, ITI Centres, theatre professionals, theatre universities, theatre lovers, and theatre organizations all over the world on the 27th of March. World Theatre Day is a celebration for those who value the art of theatre as well as understands the importance of the art form. It is a wake-up call given to the legal bodies and other institutions to recognize the value and potential of people representing their artistic endeavours in a theatre.
Udaipur is known for its history and heritage when it comes to art and architecture. The city offers a wide platform for stage artists to showcase their talent in front of the population and receive recognition for the same. The City of Lakes has a number of theatres where artists can perform theatre art as well as hone their skills for the long run.
Check out the below list to know about theatres in Udaipur.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal was established by Padma Shri Devilal Samar in 1952. The key objective of this Association is to carry out studies on folk art, culture, songs, as well as festivals of regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh etc. The theatre is constantly trying to restore the fading folk culture in Rajasthan. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a Folk-Art Museum and auditorium where some of the most prestigious events have held on for years. The theatre is renowned for its puppet show, where a lot of tourists gather to see the art form in the massive auditorium. Also, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal has an open theatre for the artists to mesmerize the audience with thier talent.
Darpan Sabhagar – Shilpgram
Source: Patrika.com
Darpan Auditorium is situated at the rear side of Shilpgram, Udaipur. Shilpgram is also known for its representation of tribal art and performances. Every year there is a Shiplgram Fest hosted in the month of December in Udaipur. The Shilpgram Fest is the most awaited event for the people in Udaipur and beyond since one can buy aesthetic arts & apparel, home furnishings and a number of handmade products at a reasonable price.
Darpan Sabhagar helps filmmakers and budding artists to showcase their art form to the audience. Numerous films are screened at the Darpan Sabhagar theatre regularly to keep the audience engaged. Films such as Open Door, My Hometown, Protect the Nation, The Internal Raga, Mr Rich, etc., were shown in the theatre.
One of the most prominent theatres in Udaipur, Sukhadiya Rangmanch, is famous for its large capacity to host a big event. Many stand-up comedies show, drama, plays, music sessions, etc., have been hosted here. It is situated at Town Hall, Udaipur and is a property owned by the family of Mohanlal Sukhadiya. Popular Stand-up comedians such as Zakir Khan, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, and more have performed here and have attracted a large number of audiences from the city.
MLSU Auditorium
Source: MLSU Website
Swamy Vivekananda Auditorium, better known as MLSU Auditorium, is a part of Mohanlal Sukhadiya University. It is a delight to see that students actively participate in the artistic activities taking place in the auditorium. A number of plays and concerts have been organized in the theatre for a very long time, and many renowned artists have graced theatre with their presence.
So, these were some of the most prominent theatres in Udaipur, trying their best to revitalize the vanishing theatre. Let us celebrate this World Theatre Day to honour the refined performance art by local artists in our city and beyond. If you feel that there are more theatres in Udaipur, apart from the ones mentioned in the list, please feel free to refer them in the comment section below.
There are numerous questions that come to mind when we talk about consumer rights and things associated with the term. What are consumer rights? Can we ensure our safety through these rights? Can you sue the brand for making cheap quality products?… and so on! Do you know that there are a number of rights that protect you against false items? To make you aware of the same, we have come up with this blog where you can know all about consumer protection rights and how can you reach a consumer protection right forum or helpline number in Udaipur.
First things first, let me tell you a little something about consumer rights and why we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day.
What are Consumer Rights?
Being a consumer or buyer, you have the right to have proper and authentic information about goods or services that are sold to you. The seller is liable to ensure the quality, purity, price, potency, and standards of the goods and services sold to the customer.
Why is World Consumer Rights Day Celebrated?
The World Consumer Rights Day falls on 15th March every year, as a means to raise awareness among the people about their needs and rights as a consumer. By celebrating this day, we aware of each other of the right to demand protection and respect against the consumers and to stay safe from the fraudulent activities taking place in the marketplace. The day gives us a chance to protect ourselves against market abuses and social injustices by local or online sellers, which undermines those rights. President John F Kennedy of the USA was the first one to address the issues that consumers face every day, which ultimately gave rise to World Consumer Day. He addressed the topic in the special letter/message sent to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, where he formally instigated to focus on consumer rights. The movement first marked its date in 1983 and is now celebrated every year with the help of campaigns and releasing important issues.
Important Facts and Rights that Protects you as a Consumer
If you are buying goods and services from a local market or any online platform, you are liable to benefit from various rights if the things sold to you are wrong or not up to the mark. Unfortunately, many consumers are not aware of their rights, which puts them in a difficult situation anytime they buy products or services, and they are delivered under false pretenses. Lots of consumers encounter complications when seeking to profit from those rights. In a few cases, customers may be provided erroneous or perplexing information regarding their compensation privileges from a seller after lodging a complaint.
The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 was passed by the Lok Sabha Minister (The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution), Mr Ram Vilas Pawan, on July 08, 2019, which replaces the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
You have a right to file a complaint from anywhere, anytime. The consumer has the right to lodge a complaint from home, office, or anywhere else if faced with any product or service-related problem.
You have a right to seek product or service compensation under this liability. In case of any defective product or service, you are liable to file a report to express the product’s warranty, and if the seller denies accepting the same, he or she will be held liable for the consequences. This stipulation brings e-commerce under its realm.
If you have an issue related to violation of consumer rights or unfair selling practices that are a result of misleading advertising, then you have a right to protect yourself as a class.
A consumer has the right to seek a hearing with the help of video conferencing. Under this provision, you have a right to present your complaint before the district committee on the basis of an affidavit or recorded evidence to prove your point.
If your complaint is rejected, you have the right to know the reason for the same. No district commission is allowed to reject your complaint without hearing. In fact, the commission is required to decide about rejecting or admitting the complaint within 21 days, and there is no action taken for the same, then the complaint is directly deemed as admitted under the law.
You have a right to choose a product or service and negotiate for the same.
As a consumer, you have a right to seek redressal or compensation for unfair trade practices or restricted trade practices.
The biggest right of them all, you do NOT need a lawyer to appear in a consumer court! You can have any relative or even yourself represent the case. Alternatively you can also have a lawyer do initial paperwork and then handle rest of the things all by yourself!
Find Consumer Protection Court in Udaipur
Udaipurites! You can easily find a consumer court in Udaipur to file a complaint that there is a breach of consumer rights.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the ladies out there!
March 08, International Women’s Day, is recognised to celebrate women’s achievements in every niche and field across the world. Certainly, every woman has made a difference in the world by their selfless contribution. Whether it is Science, Literature, Politics, Hospitality, or Technology, women have gone to extreme lengths to challenge society, which is, in every sense brimming with stereotypes. The word feminism is often misunderstood, and let me enlighten you, feminists do not hate men! Rather, it is about supporting a world where both men and women receive equal opportunities or, say, treated equally. Do feminists want to dominate men? NO! I am a feminist, and I feel my heart would stop beating for a second when I see Hrithik Roshan’s pictures on the internet; why on earth would we hate men?
So, this International Women’s Day, we thought we would give a shout out to the women of Udaipur that have incredibly inspired us in one way or another. Their story is no different than any other little girl, who perhaps wants to break the so-called stereotypes and do something of their own.
Even in the 21st century, there are a lot of stereotypes and barriers women face. On the advent of International Women’s Day, UdaipurBlog brings you a series where we invite women from the city who have broken stereotypes and are a source of inspiration for many.
1. Hitanshi Sharma, Councillor
Being a Politician while carrying on with life as a mother, daughter, and wife is not everyone’s cup of tea. Well, Hitanshi here has done a tremendous job, despite the challenges one has to face to survive in the political world. She is a Councillor (Parshad) of ward 62 in Udaipur and tries her best hand to make this city a better place for us. She is bold, has a strong voice and opinion about how things should be in the long run. To be a Politician was never a plan, but when the opportunity came to her, she grabbed it without a second thought and marvelled at the same.
In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her journey of becoming a Councillor.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwF1EMg3SJs]
2. Smriti Kedia, CEO – Sadhna
The word “Simple” doesn’t exist in her dictionary; thereby, she is a firm believer in hard work and no shortcuts. Smriti Kedia currently became the CEO of Sadhna and has been a true inspiration and a catalyst for social change in Udaipur and beyond. She doesn’t come from a family originally associated with Social Work. Smriti has subtly reminded us that bringing equality, and empowering women is nothing but simple. Keeping the legacy alive, Smriti is working for women development in Udaipur’s rural, tribal, and urban slum belts. According to her, Feminism is about understanding and acknowledging the power or importance of women in our society. Smriti considers herself fortunate to be surrounded by women artisans on a daily basis, who are a true inspiration in themselves.
In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her journey of becoming the CEO of Sadhna.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnT0wnKk7ks]
3. Saumya Luthra, Architect
Do you also paint an image of a man when you hear the word Architect? For you to change that image, we have called upon Saumya Luthra. She is an Architect based in Udaipur and has shown that it is not only a man’s job to build and design a strong establishment. Saumya has opted for a field, which is mostly recognised as a man’s ground, and has excelled despite the challenges! It is a story of being independent and continuing a journey towards an unconventional career.
In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her journey of becoming an Architect.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn7NlmnSpIg]
4. Dolly Taldar, Hotelier
When asked by her teacher, what does she wants to become? Her answer was pretty easy and quick – “I want to become a successful Hotelier.” Meet Dolly Taldar, Director of Ramada Resort and Spa, Udaipur and know about her journey of becoming a boss lady! She is in the hospitality industry for a long time and is looking after an up-and-coming business. According to Dolly, gender biases comes quite naturally to people, especially when you belong to a small town. However, gender doesn’t impact your knowledge and capabilities, and with your skills, you can always make your name in the market.
In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her journey of becoming a successful hotelier.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKdw4_4PA58]
5. Miti Godawat, Pilot
Enlightening us on her journey of becoming a Pilot, Miti Godawat speaks about how she still gets to hear about the myths associated with marriage and working women in our society. An inspiration for many in Udaipur and beyond, Miti Godawat is recognized for her unmatchable passion for becoming a Pilot. There came a time when she was told that getting married will be the most useful thing she can do, which we all know didn’t happen to be the case! Fulfilling her father’s dream, Miti is now a Commercial Pilot for Indigo Airlines.
In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her journey of becoming a Commercial Pilot.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GNF-9A2Uf0]
6. Bonita Singh Rajpurohit, Miss Transqueen Runner-up, Co-founder of two ventures
Being Transgender is not merely an issue of gender rights; it is also a matter of equality and human rights. We have had the pleasure to meet one such transwoman from Udaipur, Bonita Singh Rajpurohit. The stereotypes about embracing the trans community are full of smoke and mirrors, and sadly the smoke is so thick that one cannot cope with the hurt they have to endure to achieve the ulterior motives. Despite all the hurt comments, Bonita was up and running in the fashion industry. She has been awarded as the second Runner-up of Miss Trans Queen India 2019 and is also a Co-founder of two ventures: DurtyFits and Durt Studio.
Bonita Singh Rajpurohit is someone who came forward as a Trans individual and thrived in the modelling and fashion Industry. In this episode of the Women’s Day feature series, UB a Woman, let’s hear out her story of breaking every stereotype about the Transgender Community.
Know about her better through this video:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szNWvri28LQ]
These were some Unheard Stories about the empowering women of Udaipur. This series is powered by Mokaya, a woman-operated bakery & patisserie. If you are aware of more such women, let us know in the comments, so that we can bring a second part to this series soon.
लॉकडाउन हट चुका था। लेकिन महामारी का कहर जारी था। देश में हज़ारों की संख्या में मामले सामने आ रहे थे। राजस्थान भी इससे अछूता नहीं था। जयपुर, जोधपुर, उदयपुर, कोटा, भीलवाड़ा और भरतपुर जैसे शहर सबसे ज़्यादा प्रभावित शहरों की लिस्ट में शामिल थे। जब लॉकडाउन था तब केवल बेहद आवश्यकताओं वाली सेवाएं ही बहाल थीं, लॉकडाउन के बाद भी ज़िन्दगी सामान्य नहीं हुई थी। सरकारी दफ़्तर, प्राइवेट कंपनियाँ खुल गयी थीं, लेकिन अपनी आधी क्षमता से ही। कुछ ने तो साल भर के लिए, वर्क फ्रॉम होम की सुविधा कर दी। दुकाने भी खुलने लगी थीं। लोग आहिस्ता-आहिस्ता महीनों सूनी पड़ी सड़कों पर आने लगे थे।
लेकिन, शिक्षा के क्षेत्र का हाल बुरा था। शहरी विद्यालयों – कॉलेजों ने ऑनलाइन क्लासेज़ लेना शुरू कर दिया था। लेकिन जो सबसे अधिक प्रभावित थे, पूरी महामारी में, उनकी ज़िंदगी आसान होती नज़र नहीं आ रही थी।
मैं बात कर रहा हूँ। सुदूर, गाँवों में बसे लोगों की। इनमें आप शहर की कच्ची बस्तियों में रहने वाले या दिहाड़ी पर ज़िंदा रहने वालों को भी गिन सकते हैं।
मानसून आधे से ज़्यादा राजस्थान को विदा कर चुका था और दक्षिणी राजस्थान में उसके चंद आख़िरी दिन बचे थे। बारिशों का दौर थम-सा गया था। हालाँकि, आसमान बादलों से भरा रहता था लेकिन वे मुश्किल से कहीं बरसते थे।
उन्हीं दिनों, मेरा उदयपुर ज़िले के आदिवासी अंचल में जाना हुआ। राजस्थान में सबसे ज़्यादा आदिवासी, दक्षिणी राजस्थान में रहते हैं। उदयपुर में, कोटड़ा तहसील आदिवासी बहुल क्षेत्र है।
मैं कोटड़ा तहसील के, गोगरूद गाँव में था और वहाँ शोध के दौरान, कई लोगों से मिल कर रहा था। देवला से 3 किलोमीटर आगे गोगरूद गाँव के बाहर, एक चाय की दुकान है। एक दिन वहाँ बैठा मैं चाय पी रहा था, तभी मेरे पीछे से, बच्चों की कतार कहीं से निकलती हुई आयी। वे संख्या में 30 के आसपास होंगे। चेहरे मास्क में छुपे हुए थे और हाथों में किताबें-कॉपियाँ थीं।
मैंने दुकानदार से पूछा कि ये बच्चे कहाँ से आ रहे हैं तो उसने बात को टाल दिया। लेकिन मेरा ध्यान उन्हीं पर था। कुछ ही देर में वे सारे बच्चे गायब हो गये। मैं कुछ दिन लगातार उसी गाँव में जाता रहा। अब दुकानदार मुझे पहचानने लगा था। बातचीत आगे बढ़ी तो मुझे उनका नाम पता लगा, ज्ञानप्रकाश। मैंने दुबारा उनसे वही सवाल पूछा, “ये इतने बच्चे कहाँ से आ रहे हैं?”
“पीछे स्कूल चलता है। ये सभी वहीं से पढ़कर आ रहे हैं।”
“लेकिन, स्कूल तो बंद है?”
“हाँ… सरकारी स्कूल बंद है। प्राइवेट भी बंद है। वैसे वह स्कूल नहीं… एक ट्यूशन की तरह है”
“कौन लेता है ट्यूशन?”
“हम ही गाँव के लोग”
“थोड़ा समझायेंगे? मैं अभी तक समझ नहीं सका..”
“सर जी, कोरोना ने बहुत नुकसान पहुंचाया है। बड़े तो परेशान हुए ही है, बच्चों की भी पढ़ाई पर असर पड़ा है। अब शहर के बच्चे तो मोबाइल पर पढ़ रहे हैं। हमारे यहाँ मोबाइल कहाँ? मोबाइल हो तो नेटवर्क नहीं आता, मोबाइल और नेटवर्क दोनों हो तो इतने पैसे नहीं होते की हर महीने इंटरनेट डलवा सकें।
इसलिए, हम ने सोचा कि अपने गाँव के बच्चों को खुद ही पढ़ाया जाये। हम ने हमारे गाँव के तीन लोग चुने जो खुद भी पढ़े लिखे हो और वे बच्चों को पढ़ाना भी चाहते हो। ऐसे में तीन लोग सामने आये। वे तीनों भी स्कूल से नहीं, संस्था से पढ़े हैं। पहले यहाँ स्कूल नहीं थे तो एनजीओ काम करते थे, वहीं से पढ़े और बी.ए. की। वे भी चाहते थे कि अपने गाँव के बच्चों की किसी तरह मदद करे। फिर ये कोरोना आ गया… उन्होंने सोचा यही समय है मदद करने का। कुल 80 बच्चे आते हैं। एक जगह इतने बच्चों को पढ़ाना मुश्किल है इसलिए दो अलग-अलग जगह पढ़ाया जाता है। बच्चों के जो जगह नज़दीक पड़ती है वह वहाँ पढ़ने जाता है।”
“अभी कोई एनजीओ नहीं काम कर रहा?”
“तभी तो परेशानी है। कोटड़ा में कर रहे हैं लेकिन…कोटड़ा बहुत बड़ा है। हमारी साइड कोई नहीं कर रहा है।”
“महामारी में इस तरह पढ़ाना रिस्की हो सकता है।”
“तो आप ही बताओ क्या करें हम?… यह साल ऐसे ही जाने दें? पढ़ायेगा कौन इन्हें? किसको पता कब स्कूल खुलेंगे? शहर में तो बच्चे पढ़ रहे हैं, हमारे बच्चे पीछे रह जाएंगे। वैसे भी कोटड़ा को शहर के लोग अच्छी जगह नहीं समझते हैं। लेकिन, अब कोटड़ा बदल रहा है। जैसे हमनें किसी तरह से स्कूल पूरी की, हम चाहते हैं कि हमारे बच्चे हम से भी ज़्यादा पढ़ें। अब उसके लिए तो रिस्क लेना पड़ेगा ना।
और वैसे भी हम सोशल डिस्टेंसिंग के साथ बिठाते हैं। सभी को मास्क दिए हुए हैं। हर बच्चे से महीने की फीस लेते हैं जो बहुत ही मामूली है ताकि हम पढ़ाने वालों को भी मेहनताना दे सकें और बचे पैसों से इनके हर महीने के लिए पेंसिल-किताबें-कॉपियाँ ला सके।”
मैंने जा कर वह जगह भी देखी जहाँ बच्चे पढ़ रहे थे। उन्होंने मुझसे एक मदद मांगी कि मैं किसी एनजीओ से कनेक्ट करवा दूँ तो बच्चे बिना किसी परेशानी के, लंबे समय तक पढ़ पाएंगे।
यह बात मेरे दिमाग में रह गयी थी। उदयपुर आकर मैंने कुछ छोटे-बड़े एनजीओ से बात भी की लेकिन बात बनी नहीं। कुछ के पास फण्ड की कमी थी तो कुछ ने इस बात का हवाला दिया कि यह एक लंबा प्रोसेस है जो कि इतनी जल्दी पूरा नहीं हो सकता।
मैं विवश था। तब मैंने एक फेसबुक पोस्ट लिखा और उसे पढ़ कर कुछ लोग मदद को आगे आये। इतना पैसा जुट गया था कि एक बार की ज़रूरत की चीज़ें लायी जा सके। हम लंबे समय तक उनकी मदद नहीं कर सकते थे, इसलिए हम ने एक लिस्ट बनायी जिसमें उन सभी चीजों को रखा जो लंबे समय तक बच्चों के काम आ सके, मसलन, उनके पास बैग नहीं थे तो बैग खरीद लिये। किताबें खरीद ली, कॉपियाँ खरीद ली और बॉक्स ले लिए जिसमें सभी ज़रूरत की सामग्री थीं। यह सिर्फ छोटी सी कोशिश थी ताकि उनका हौसला बना रहे। हम नहीं जानते थे कि वे कितने दिन और इस तरह उन्हें पढ़ा पाते। लेकिन जिस दिन उन बच्चों को यह सब मिला, वे बहुत खुश थे।
इस बात को महीने बीतने आये। 2020 ख़त्म हो गया। 2021 का पहला महीना भी बीत गया। अभी कुछ ही दिन पहले, ज्ञानप्रकाश जी का फ़ोन आया। वे बहुत खुश लग रहे थे। वे बोले, ” अभी – अभी एक एनजीओ वाले से मिलकर आया हूँ। वे यहाँ आये थे। वे हमारी मदद को तैयार हो गये हैं। मैंने घर आते ही सबसे पहले आप ही को फ़ोन लगाया, सोचा सर जी को बता दूँ।”
इसके बाद भी हमारी बहुत बातें हुई। लेकिन मुझे शब्दशः अगर कुछ याद है तो, वह है,
“वे हमारी मदद को तैयार हो गये। मैंने घर आते ही सबसे पहले आप ही को फ़ोन लगाया, सोचा सर जी को बता दूँ…”
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