Have you ever watched Doraemon and wondered why Nobita behaves differently from his friends? Or maybe why does Shinchan behave so differently from all his friends? The answer is simple we all are different in our own ways. There can never be two people who are exactly alike. And sometimes some people have something called Autism, it is not a sickness that needs to be cured but rather a difference that we understand more about. So let’s dive in!

So, What Exactly is Autism?

Autism is actually a short form which stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder (also referred to as ASD). It’s not a sickness or something that needs to be “cured.” It just means that a person’s brain works a little differently from other people’s brains.

Think of it like this: some people’s brains are like Windows computers, others are like Apple computers — both are awesome and do amazing things, but they work in their own unique way. Doesn’t mean one is better than the other; they just function differently and are good at and bad at things.

People with autism might:

• Think or learn in special ways
  
• Have strong interests in certain topics (like dinosaurs, trains, music, or space)
  
• Like to follow routines
  
• Feel uncomfortable with loud sounds or bright lights
  
• Find it hard to understand emotions or body language
  

But remember: every person with autism is different. That’s why we call it a spectrum. It’s like a rainbow — full of different colours and shades. Some people might need more help with things, and others might not need much help at all. Hence, just because you have met someone with autism doesn’t mean that another with autism will also behave in the exact same way.

So, who can have autism? Anyone can be autistic — boys, girls, and even adults. Autism isn’t caused by anything someone did wrong, and it’s not anyone’s fault. 

Some people are born with it. And you can’t definitely catch it like a cold, and there’s no way to tell just by looking at someone. That’s why inculcating understanding and kindness is so important. You might not always know if someone is autistic, but you can always choose to be a good friend.

So, how does an autistic person’s brain work? Just like yours would, but with a little difference. Our brains are responsible for a lot of important functions, such as making decisions, understanding emotions, problem-solving etc. Someone with autism also uses the same brain functions, but it just works a little differently in their case. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t work or is working poorly, but just differently. 

Some autistic kids might talk a lot, while others might not talk much at all. Some might flap their hands when they’re excited or cover their ears when a fire alarm rings. Some may be really, really good at math or drawing, while others might find it hard to make eye contact.

All of these things are part of how they experience the world.

What Does Autism Look Like From The Outside?

Here are a few things that some autistic children might do that you can observe. But remember, not everyone is the same, so always ask your friend or their family members if they are diagnosed with autism before making a judgment.

• Communication:

Some autistic children talk less, or not at all. Others might repeat phrases or speak in a unique way.

• General Body Language:

They may not always smile, wave, or hug you or look you in the eyes. But that doesn’t mean they don’t like you! They may just not be comfortable doing the above-mentioned things, to know if they really like you, look for other signs, like do they try to spend time with you and share their hobbies and interests with you, etc.

• Playing With Others:

They might like playing alone or find it hard to join group games. Some prefer to watch before jumping in. So, give them time, but encourage them without forcing them to join in.

• Routines:

They might want to eat the same food every day or wear the same clothes. Changes can feel scary. They may like to follow routines.

• Interests:

They can have super interests, like knowing every type of car engine or every single Pokémon name, or every species of Penguin, it could be anything.

What Can You Do To Be Their Best Buddy?

Being a good friend means understanding that everyone is different. And here are a few ways you can do just that:

• Be Patient

If your friend talks or acts in a way you’re not used to, give them time. Everyone communicates in their own way.

• Include Them

Invite them to join games or activities, even if they sometimes or often say no. Just knowing they’re welcome means a lot. But remember to respect their no and not force them to join in the play. In fact, sometimes join in the games they are interested in playing too, that way you will get to know them better as well.

• Ask Questions

It’s okay to ask politely if you don’t understand something. You might say, “What are you drawing? It looks cool!” Be kind and respectful, and treat them as you would like to be treated.

• Respect Their Space

If they don’t want to be touched or if they need quiet time, that’s okay. You’re still being a great friend by respecting their wishes.

To understand more about autism watch the video below:

Women’s Day is a day dedicated to women all over the world. And although it sounds fancy it has really small and humble beginnings. Do you know why it is celebrated though? Before we get into that, imagine this, you wake up every day and start doing the work at home and then go to a factory to work there only to come back home to work again. And for all the work you do in the factory you only get Rs. 200 while your friend who does the same work gets Rs. 400. And more than that you don’t even get to take breaks in the middle of the work for even a few minutes and you have no say who gets to decide what is good for you. Sounds horrible right? Well, that was just a small peek of what life looked like before Women’s Day. Let’s understand more!

History of Women’s Day

Going back as late as the 1900s, women back in the day were not treated equally to men in any way. They were not allowed to vote, express their opinions, or even get fair pay for their work. In 1908, a group of brave women marched the streets of New York demanding better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to vote just like their male co-workers. This was a huge step back then because people at that time used to think that women were not as skilled as men or as smart as men or anywhere near in comparison to men. This was the first time women dared to ask to be seen as equal to men. 

World War I and World War II gave a space for women to prove themselves as efficient workers outside their homes as men were busy fighting the war, but their efforts were far from being recognised. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28. Women across the country gathered to talk about their rights and the changes they wanted to see in society.

Soon word spread and in 1910, Clara Zetkin from Germany suggested that Women’s Day should be celebrated worldwide on the same day every year to remind everyone of the struggles and achievements that women have gone through to reach where they are now. And soon enough, many countries across Europe started supporting her idea. March 8 was declared as the official date for International Women’s Day. And in 1975, The United Nations (UN) gave official recognition to the date as International Women’s Day.

What Can You Do?

Instead of just liking posts on Instagram dedicated to women all over the world, and saying Happy Women’s Day here are a few things you can do to ensure every day is a women’s day.

• Never Forget:

Never forget all the love and support you have received from all the women in your life. Thank them with a sincere heart. If you want you can make something to show your appreciation as well.

• Stand Tall & Stand Strong:

In order to help others stand tall and strong you need to become taller and stronger. Not just physically but in terms of your career as well. Work hard to reach a space where you can ensure that other women don’t have to face the same challenges that you had to deal with. And always, and we mean always, stand up for what’s right.

• Dream Big:

At the end of the day, it all starts with a dream! So, dream big and put in everything you have got to make that dream a reality just like the women in history!

• Never Stop Believing in Yourself:

And the most important thing of all is never ever stop believing in yourself. You can pull someone up or help someone when you yourself are in a stable position, physically and mentally. So, to believe in another sister you first need to believe in yourself, sister.

Let’s follow these up and make every day worthy of being celebrated as Women’s Day!

Food is an integral part of our lives as human beings. But did you know that it can tell a lot about who you are and where you come from? It’s all in the ingredients! Looking at the kind of food and the way it is made tells a lot about the place or state in India that you hail from. As the saying goes, “There’s more to food than what meets the eye!” (or maybe we tweaked it a bit), food goes beyond just eating, you experience it through your eyes by looking at its colour, and your nose by experiencing the smell first. And it is this experience that varies from one place to another. Let’s take a look at the food habits in different parts of India to understand the rich diversity and culture of our nation.

North India

Chole bhature, butter chicken, gulab jamun, jalebi, etc. are bound to fill your imagination when you think about North India. And it’s not your fault, North India is known for such rich gravies, bold flavours, fried items and a lot of dairy products in their food. The simple reason this part of India has such dairy-rich and heavy food is because of the cold climates in the North. The dairy-rich, heavy food ensured that people in North India were warm and safe against the biting cold. Plus, the availability of spices and wheat, made roti, naan, and paratha served with spicy, bold flavoured dishes a staple food here. 

South India

Idli, sambar, dosa, puliyogare, rasam, coconut chutney, etc. must have already crossed your mind when you read the sub-heading, “South India”. And who can blame you the food in South India is entirely different from the food in North India. The main reason for this difference is again the climate. The hot and humid climate in South India makes it easier to digest food that is light, tangy and spicy while also cooling your body. Hence majority of the dishes prepared in South India have coconut or rice as a main ingredient. Another reason for rice and coconut being a top choice is their high availability, easy-to-digest and cooling properties. And just like North India loves their Chai, the people in South India love their filter coffees! 

East India

Known for their simple and unique flavours, dishes like macha besara, litti chokha, pakahala, rasgulla, etc. are bound to fill your head when you think about East India. Being close to the coastal regions, seafood is considered a big part of their diet in Odisha, West Bengal and Assam while being a landlocked area makes the dishes in Bihar very simple and requires only a few ingredients. East India being a part of India that experiences both very hot and cold climates has dishes that fit different climates such as Pakhala in summer in Odisha and Santula in winter in Odisha. Mustard oil is another commonly used ingredient in East India’s cuisine. 

Northeast India

Dishes in Northeast India are very different from the rest of the Indian dishes as they are very ingrained in their culture and nature. Some of their dishes are even inspired by Tibetan cuisine like Thupka. Many of their dishes contain ingredients like bamboo shoots, herbs, and pork. People in Northeast India also consume a lot of fermented food to boost their immunity and enhance the flavour of the food. 

West India

Vada pav, dhokla, dal baati churma, fish curry, etc. are the dishes that might pop into your head when you hear the word, “West India”. Though West India consists of four states primarily, i.e., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa, the food that is prepared in each of the states is rather different from one another. Maharashtra has more rich and savoury foods to offer that are a combination of both sweet and spicy. Gujarat on the other hand offers a variety of vegetarian options that are light and airy like dhokla, thepla, etc. Rajasthan being a desert region mostly consists of food items that are dry and spicy like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, etc. Lastly, Goa being a coastal state with a heavy Portuguese influence has a unique cuisine of its own and includes dishes like prawn balchão, vindaloo, etc.

Reasons Behind The Difference in Food Habits

The major reason that the food items differ so much from one state to another is because of the climate and geography of the state. The crops and ingredients grown in a particular state also decide the food that the people in that state consume the most, such as coconut in South India. The history and culture of a state such as Portuguese influence in Goan cuisine and Mughal influence on North Indian cuisine along with their religious beliefs like the people in Gujrat of West India who majorly follow a vegetarian diet because of their religious beliefs also shape the food habits and practices of different states of India.  

Food Practices & Tradition Uniting India

Regardless of the cuisine and food habits, it’s the food practices that are practised in different parts of India that always unite India together. Starting from the habit of eating with one’s hands to enhance the taste of the food, to eating from a big thali or banana leaf depending on the particular part of India you’re in, to having specific dishes that are made for every festival such as pongal during Pongal, biryani during Eid, modak during Ganesh Chaturthi, gujiya during Holi, these are the tiny yet big features across India that ties all the states together.   

When we talk about being healthy, we always tend to mean physical health. This means that if you have a healthy body, then you’re perfectly fine and healthy. But is a healthy body all that is truly needed? What if you have a healthy body but don’t feel good or your mood is off? What if you have a healthy body but everything irritates you? What if you have a healthy body but don’t feel like doing anything that used to make you happy earlier? What if you are constantly feeling bad? Then is it alright to just be physically healthy? Caring about your mind is what is called taking care of your mental health.

Why is it important to take care of your mental health?

When you get hurt you bruise and bleed and it is visible. But when it comes to not feeling that great mentally you don’t visibly bruise or get hurt. And that is exactly why it is more important to look after your mental health because you can’t see it but you can feel the pain all the same. Remember the way you felt when your friend ignored you and didn’t talk to you? The feeling of doing something wrong when you don’t know what it is? The feeling of being so lonely that you start thinking that maybe you deserve it in some way? The feeling of doing your best but never getting the praise that you know you deserve, that’s when it hurts your mind. But you can’t physically show it to anyone as it’s not visible to anyone but you. And that’s why taking care of your mental health becomes all the more important because only you can see it and seek help when required.

What are the signs of bad mental health?

Though it is not always possible to notice specific signs for specific mental health unless you are trained in the same, like a psychologist or a psychiatrist is, there are a few things you can look at to understand when your mental health or the mental health of someone closer to you starts getting affected.

Feeling Sad: 

If you feel sad a lot or too often then it is a sign that something is not okay with you or your surroundings. Though feeling sad is normal (hey we love sadness from Inside Out!) feeling sad often or for too long means something needs to be done as you deserve to be happy too. When you face such long sadness you must try to identify what could probably cause this sadness. WARNING: When you are trying to find out what made you sad it won’t be easy or feel good but once you find it you will feel better soon as now you know what it is that makes you feel sad.

Feeling Angry:

Getting angry at things that irritate you is very common. But if everything around you seems to anger you or annoy you then it is not good or normal. This could also be a sign of something affecting your mental health. Although we do love Anger from Inside Out but if he appears more often and doesn’t allow your other emotions to have a space to express themselves then it becomes an issue. When this happens next time try to search and find the source of your anger and annoyance and maybe you may just find a solution to your anger.  

Losing Interest in Things You Loved:

Imagine you love writing but all of a sudden the very idea of writing makes you feel tired and annoyed. You love dancing because it makes you feel so happy but now all it does is just tire you every time you take a step forward. Getting bored of doing something you love for a while is fine but completely losing interest in something that you love dearly is probably a sign of something bothering you mentally. In situations like this sit-down and try to figure out what exactly you love about an activity, be it dancing, or writing, or singing and the next time you try to do that thing, try to do it in such a way that these exact things that made you fall in love with that activity take centre stage. For example, if you like singing because it feels good to hit those high notes, next time pick a song that has a lot of high notes that are arranged in a way that you like. If you like writing because you can bring animals to life, write a story for animals like The Jungle Book.

Not Concentrating: 

We all love to daydream, and sometimes, it is hard to focus on a certain task. But if you find it hard to concentrate on most days, even after days of rest, and you find yourself spacing out a lot while completing a task, then it might be a bit of a concern unless the task is boring. You probably find it hard to concentrate because you are already concentrating on something else, in which case, first resolve the previous problem before moving forward to another one.

Worrying Over Small Things:

Getting worried about something is completely normal. Just like the function of Fear from Inside Out, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. But if every small thing causes you worry, it’s a sign that your mental health is being affected. 

Not Eating Properly:

Imagine a piping hot plate of momos, or a delicious bowl of ice cream sundae, or maybe a big juicy pizza. Doesn’t it make you feel hungry? That’s fine because probably you’re not a big fan of momos or ice cream or pizza. Or you probably just had food and hence don’t feel so hungry. But if you don’t feel hungry in general when you look at a variety of food then it is concerning. Many times if we are not feeling good we end up not eating properly or don’t feel like eating at all. This is another sign for you to notice to see if somebody is not mentally well.

How can you take care of your mental health? 

Talk It Out:

The simplest way you can ensure you have healthy mental health is by not holding back what is bothering you and letting people you trust know what is bothering you. Everyone has those days when something doesn’t feel right but rather than suffering through it all by yourself you can share. Sometimes hearing others’ opinions can help you see the problem from a completely different angle. Always remember that: “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. 

Eat Healthy & Sleep Well:

Eating a balanced diet that sometimes includes your favourite treats and sleeping for 7-8 hours every day ensures that your body has enough energy to battle any problem. Though eating and sleeping may not exactly make your mental health problems go away, they will give your brain enough fuel to run like a super-fast car.

Exercise More:

Exercising and staying active helps your body release the happy hormones (dopamine). And with happy hormones your mental health is bound to get better soon. So, don’t forget to go out and play.

Spend Time With People You Love:

Spending time with people you love makes you feel safe just like Nobita feels with Doraemon. And when you feel safe you slowly start feeling more happy. As you feel happier, your mental health also feels better.

Do Mindful Deep-Breathing:

Feeling nervous or upset? Try doing this: 

• take a deep breath in through your nose for 4 seconds
• hold it for 4 seconds 
• slowly breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds.

This small deep breathing exercise will help you calm down and focus on what’s in front of you. Be mindful of the seconds you are counting. When we feel nervous or upset, we tend to think of too many things at once. By counting the number of seconds, we can focus on one thing, which helps us calm down. 

Various Activities You Can Try: 

• Gratitude Jar: Write something you are grateful for every day and put it in a jar. Open the jar only when you are feeling really bad. Reading the words on a bad day will help you realise how great things have truly been for you.

• Nature Walk: Take a walk in the park or a forest without any electronic devices to bother you. Focus on the birds and the bees and the clouds and the animals. Try talking to them and who knows you might have a hidden ability to communicate with them just like Snow White. 

• Music & Dance: On days when you are too mad or sad at the world turn up the speaker and dance your heart out. The exercise from the dancing will release the happy hormones and who doesn’t love Taylor Swift? 

Me Time: Make it a habit to carve out at least an hour or so just for yourself. This time is just for you and you only. This will ensure that you remember what you need and do what you like instead of always trying to do what your friends or siblings like.

You can also try out these various activities to help you feel more relaxed.

Seek Help, Don’t Hesitate

Although the above tips are helpful, if you feel like you are mentally not keeping well no matter how much you try any of these above tips, don’t hesitate to seek help from a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Gone are the days when you are supposed to visit them only when you have gone completely insane. Many psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to help you with your day-to-day problems that become too much for you to handle. 

Every day when you wake up for school, the thing that probably you and your friends have in common during breakfast is milk. You may love it a lot or you may not like it so much, but it is a big part of your day-to-day life. But have you ever wondered what do people in different parts of India where they don’t have enough grass for cows to graze on like the great desserts of Rajasthan drink instead of milk as they can’t raise cows there? Have you heard of camel’s milk? That’s what they drink. And not only that, just like a cow holds a lot of significance for people in other parts of India, it’s camel’s milk that holds a lot of importance in west India where climate conditions are bad but people still thrive. The United Nations, an international organisation that was founded to maintain world peace and security, declared the year 2024 as the year of Camelids. So, let’s explore these amazing species and their values.

Camelids: What are they?

Every animal in the world belongs to either of the five broad species, they are either mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians or insects. However, within each species, there are a variety of other subspecies. Just like humans, camelids are also part of the mammal family and belong to a certain type of mammal known as Camelidae, which includes animals adapted for survival in diverse and often harsh environments.

It’s very easy for you to spot a camelidae. What you need to look for is a long neck, thin or slender legs and the ability to conserve water and energy for a long time. Reminds you of a certain hump friend? Perhaps a camel? Along with camel, alpacas and llamas are also considered to be a part of the camelids or Camelidae family. 

What makes camelids unique is the way they can go days without worrying about water or energy. They not only can take care of themselves but can also help sustain you in the long run by providing you with a livelihood. Given that it’s hard to raise cows and other cattle in deserts like Thar desert or in hilly cold areas many people living there rely on cattle like camels, alpacas, llamas etc. for milk, meat and fibre. These types of cattle that survive in even the harshest conditions are known as camelids. Given their ability to fare through even the harshest of conditions they are considered a very important part of the ecosystem.

If you want to know more about the different types of camelids check out the videos below:

Camelids & India

For thousands of years, camels have been a very important part of Indian culture and heritage, ever since the days of the Silk Road which existed way before the colonisation that India faced camelids have been used to transport goods through harsh and difficult landscapes from one place to another. This transportation allowed India to connect with the rest of the world and hence gave a space for cultural exchange. And the only way India could travel through these difficult roads is with the help of camels.

Known as the “ships of deserts” camels are celebrated in Rajasthani folklore, music, and festivals, embodying resilience and resourcefulness. Events like the Pushkar Camel Fair highlight their cultural importance, drawing global attention to the traditions surrounding camel rearing and trading.

Despite their huge importance, camel populations in India have been declining steadily over the years. According to the Livestock Census of India, the camel population dropped from 4 lakh in 2012 to 2.5 lakh in 2019. This is very worrying as that means that it is harming the overall ecosystem. This decline can be due to several factors:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many urban dwellers are unaware of the ecological and economic contributions of camels, leading to very little appreciation and investment in their conservation.
2. Economic Shifts: With people relying more on modern transportation such as cars, trucks, etc. the demand for camels to transport goods has reduced.
3. Urbanisation: Expanding urban areas have reduced the grazing lands for camels, thus, making it difficult for them to live even on limited resources.
4. Policy Gaps: While camels are recognised as important animals, there is a lack of proper policies that support camel herders and their livelihoods.

Afterword

Thus, the United Nations declared the year 2024 as the year of Camelids to help spread awareness about these species that help mankind survive in the harshest of conditions. Let’s take this initiative forward in the coming year and make 2025 a remarkable year for both humans and camelids.