When you see a red light at a traffic signal, your sensory receptors detect the light, but your brain interprets this as a signal to stop, based on your prior knowledge of traffic rules. This process where raw sensory information is transformed into meaningful understanding is known as perception. 

Perception is a fundamental cognitive process that allows us to interpret and make sense of sensory information from the environment. It involves not just receiving raw data but processing it to form a meaningful experience. This process bridges the gap between sensation (the raw data our sensory organs collect) and cognition (our thoughts, memories and understanding) Without perception we would lack the ability to make sense of our environment and make decisions accordingly. This mental process becomes a huge part of cognitive psychology considering its impact on our decision-making process, thinking, understanding and also experiences. 

Stages of Perception 

Perception occurs in these distinct stages.

Sensation: This is the initial stage where sensory organs like the eyes, ears and skin detect stimuli

Attention: The selection of relevant stimuli for further processing, while irrelevant stimuli are filtered out.

Organisation: The brain organises the incoming data by recognizing patterns of familiar structures

Interpretation: Finally, the brain interprets the organised data based on past experiences, context and knowledge, giving it meaning. 

Example: When walking in a park, you may hear a bird singing (sensation), decide to focus on it (attention), recognize the pattern of the bird’s song (organisation), and identify it as a robin based on your previous experiences (interpretation). 

Types of Perceptual Processing

There are two ways in which information can be accessed by the brain and how the data which is consumed from the environment is articulated. These are:

Bottom-up processing

Bottom-up processing is the most basic form of perception, where understanding starts with sensory output itself. This process is data-driven, meaning that perception begins with the raw data that our senses receive from the environment, and then builds upward toward a higher level of understanding. The brain processes this information in real-time, without relying on prior knowledge or expectations. 

Example: Imagine you’re walking through a forest and see a tree you’ve never encountered before. The brain starts by processing the visual input: the tree’s shape, colour, size and many more. You don’t immediately recognise the type of tree because you have no prior knowledge o, so your brain works from the bottom up, analyzing the features and characteristics to form a basic understanding of the object in front of you. 

   Infants extensively use this form of perceptual processing since they have no prior knowledge or experience of the outside world. They use their sensory output to receive information and process it accordingly. 

  The bottom-up processing is vital when encountering unfamiliar stimuli, as it helps build a detailed perception without biases or expectations that might otherwise cloud your interpretation. However, bottom-up processing can be slow, as it requires the brain to methodically interpret each sensory input bit by bit. 

Top-down processing

In contrast, top-down processing is conceptually driven, where perception is guided by prior knowledge, expectations and experiences. This process allows the brain to interpret sensory information more efficiently by filling in gaps or recognising familiar patterns. Rather than building from the sensory data itself, top-down processing works by using existing knowledge to shape how we perceive the stimuli. 

Example: When reading a jumbled sentence like “Ths is a t_est”, you can quickly recognise it as “This is a test” without needing to analyse each letter in detail. Your brain fills in the gaps based on your knowledge of language and context. Similarly, when you see a partially obscured stop sign, your experience with road signs allows you to recognise it immediately, even if part of the sign is hidden from your view. 

   Top-down processing makes perception faster and more efficient because it allows us to skip some of the slow, methodical stages involved in bottom-up processing. However, this efficiency can come at a cost: it can sometimes lead to perceptual errors or biases. When our expectations are too strong, we might misinterpret or overlook details that don’t align with our assumptions. 

While we understand that these are two types of processing, they also work hand in hand in most situations. While bottom-up processing provides a foundation by gathering sensory information, top-down processing uses prior knowledge to quickly make sense of that information. These processes are not mutually exclusive but complementary. 

   An example of this would be when you walk into a restaurant, bottom-up processing might help you identify unfamiliar objects or food items on the menu, while top-down processing allows you to quickly recognise common elements like tables, chairs and structure of the menu based on your previous experiences and restaurants. 

  The balance between the two is dynamic and context-driven. Based on the need of the situation, bottom-up or top-down processes play different roles in different situations and may pose them being prioritised at different levels. 

Components of Perception 

Here are several components of perception we come across in our daily lives:

Perceptual Set and Expectations 

Perception is not always objective, it is shaped by our expectations and experiences, a concept known as the perceptual set. This refers to the tendency to perceive stimuli in a particular way, influenced by emotions, expectations and cultural experiences. For example, if you’re in a dark alley at night and hear a sound you perceive it as a threat rather than it being a bustle of leaves due to your previous experiences of being in that situation or due to the media coverage in your neighbourhood. 

Depth Perception and Visual Cues

Depth perception is what allows us to view the world in a three-dimensional space, even though our retinas only retrieve images as two-dimensional. This is accomplished through binocular cues and monocular cues. These cues help us understand the coverage of the area, the difference between the images in both eyes, the objects’ sizes and many more. For example, when you’re driving a car, you can gauge the distance between your car and the others’ using your monocular cues of size consistency and other forms of the cues. Even though a car farther down the road looks smaller, you know it hasn’t shrunk, it’s just farther away.

Illusions

Perceptual illusions reveal the limits and biases of our perception. This occurs when our brain misinterprets sensory information, leading to a distorted or misleading perception of reality. Illusions highlight the shortcuts our brain takes to process information efficiently. One well-known example is the Müller-Lyer illusion, where two lines of equal length appear to be different because our brain interprets the arrowheads as depth cues, making one seem longer than the other. 

  Other illusions like optical illusions and colour constancy illusions, showcase how our brains can be tricked into misinterpreting visual information which reveals the intricacies and limits of our processes.

  Perception is a complex cognitive process that goes beyond simply seeing this world. It involves sensation, attention, organisation and interpretation to create a meaningful understanding of our environment. From the influence of our prior knowledge and expectancies to the cues used to perceive, perception is an essential function of cognition that shapes our everyday experiences. However, perception is not infallible, as demonstrated by phenomena like optical illusions. Understanding the complexities of perception helps us deepen our understanding of making sense of the world around us. 

Are you a parent wondering if your parenting style impacts your child? Raising a child is a remarkable journey, and you may question if you are doing your best for your child. Building a positive child-parent relationship involves open communication and a supportive environment. Understanding yourself as a parent and recognizing how your parenting style affects your child’s cognitive, biological and socio-emotional development is crucial. Reflecting on your parenting style helps ensure you provide what’s best for your child. 

 Parenting involves nurturing a child from infancy to adulthood. Parents need to create an ideal environment for their children’s growth, ensuring they develop into independent and responsible individuals. Key aspects of parenting include guiding and supporting the child, fostering a healthy environment, providing love and care, and allowing the child to form their own identity. A crucial element of parenting is the style used to care for the child. Psychologist Diana Baumrind, in the 1960s, identified three primary parenting styles— Authoritarian, Authoritative and Permissive. Here we understand the aspects of Permissive Parenting Style and how it affects your children. 

The Permissive parenting style is described by Baumrind as the type with low demands and high responsiveness. Some of its qualities are that the parents are quite lenient, find it hard to make rules for their children and agree with most decisions their children make. As the word ‘Permissive’ suggests, parents who follow this approach tend to stay away from their children’s life and provide them with every want and need. Some of the characteristics that this type of parenting style also portray which you might see in your daily life are

• child-centric behaviour 
• high tolerance for misbehaviour 
• leniency in forming boundaries
• open communication 

   The above characteristics encompass the ability of the parents to provide love and affection for their children to an extreme extent where the lines of authority and responsibility are blurred. While it might be extremely crucial to provide emotional support to your child, giving them the first line of dependency on yourself rather than their own regulation can also make it harder for them to deal with their problems in the long run. Some of the best qualities of this type are the open communication, friendship, dependability and closeness between you and your child. 

 Effects

 Since we now understand the crux of the permissive parenting style, here are some of the effects it has on your children

Impulsiveness

Without you being there to stop any behaviour of your child, they may continue to act the same. It may be as simple as them not doing their homework to stealing something from the shop. This can lead to them having no consequences for their actions increasing their frequency of impulsive behaviour as they get older. Having no discipline can hence lead them to not having to think through before acting or due to fear of a consequence.

Difficulty accepting authority

Children grown with a permissive parenting style can have significant difficulty in accepting authority as they get older. This happens due to their lifestyle being unequipped with rules and regulations or boundaries. This upbringing can lead them to have a lack of respect for rules, making it difficult for them to adapt to the school system and other forms of structure. These children often lack the constructive criticism provided by authoritative figures but rather take them as a threat to their independence. Since they haven’t been taught to accept consequences, staying in the structure and compromises can get difficult for them. For example, a child always being given what they wanted like junk food or chocolates and snacks is being restricted for the first time in the preschool by the teacher. This can be an extremely difficult experience for the child and they might stay relatively resistant to the authority figure which is the teacher. 

Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem in children raised by permissive parents often stems from the lack of clear boundaries and consistent guidance. Without rules, children may feel insecure, as they don’t have a strong sense of right or wrong or the confidence that comes from mastering challenges that are present in the outside world. This insecurity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-worth, as they are unaware of their abilities and question their place in the world. For example, a child allowed to not take up any chores or responsibilities may end up struggling later on in life when faced with these. While facing these and the difficulties they might encounter, they may doubt their capabilities, feeling they cannot succeed with external validation and support. This self-doubt can also make them more susceptible to criticism, causing them to shy away from challenges and reinforcing their self-worth. Ultimately, the permissive parenting style may deprive children of the confidence-building experiences required to enhance their self-worth. 

Modify

Now that we understand the effects of the probable consequences of continuing this parenting style, here are some of the ways you can modify your parenting style to a more practical and effective approach for your children.

Communicate 

Since we know that there is open communication established between parents and children of the permissive parenting style, we need to understand the effectiveness of this process. An ideal communication between a parent and a child would be a blend of guided and friendly approaches rather than a friendly approach usually adopted in this style of parenting. Hence, slowly changing your communication style to facilitate the growth of your child rather than focusing on staying “friendly” with them would help them in the long run. 

Balance

The optimal balance between warmth and structure needs to be maintained to provide your child with responsibilities and an understanding of the outer world. While we understand that most permissive parents concentrate on providing utmost warmth, love and affection to their children, you also need to know the effects as described above. Love without consequences may end up leading your child to hurt in the future while they form other relationships. Having a balance between structure or rules and warmth or love can help your children learn the effective way of forming any relationship.

Consistency

Providing a set of rules to be followed, helping them realise there are consequences for their actions, and also pushing them to take on responsibility and ownership are a few of the ways you can achieve structure which is lacking in your permissive approach. Being consistent with these principles and also blending them with the warmth and love you provide can make your child feel more secure and develop their sense of self in a more positive environment. 

  At the end, Permissive Parenting Style has its strengths and weaknesses. It is quite apparent to state that though there is an “ideal” parenting style to achieve, every parent may not be able to achieve it due to their difficulties and differences. While we point this out, we can also strive to achieve what’s best for our children since upbringing is also about certain changes to be made within you. Fostering a healthy communication approach, balance between structure and warmth, and also consistency with rules can provide your children with a healthier upbringing and prepare them for the outside world. 

Alluri Sitarama Raju was an Indian revolutionary who led an armed rebellion against British colonial rule in India. Born in present-day Andhra Pradesh, Raju’s resistance was primarily in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which restricted the free movement of Adivasis in the forest habitats and prevented them from practising their traditional form of agriculture, “Podu”. This act threatened their way of life, leading to widespread discontent. Against this backdrop and during the non-cooperation movement (1920-1922), Raju emerged as a leader in the Rampa Rebellion (1922-1924), mustering forces of tribals and other sympathisers to engage in guerilla warfare against British forces across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The local people bestowed him with the “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero Of The Jungle) for his exploits.

Early Life and Background

Born into a Telugu family, Alluri Sitarama Raju originally went by the name Alluri Rama Raju. He adopted the name “Sita” in memory of a girl he loved during his youth, whose untimely death left him heartbroken. At 18, Raju took sannyasa, dedicating himself to a life of asceticism and spiritual discipline. This transformation set the stage for his future role as a charismatic leader of tribal people in colonial India.

Leadership and Rebellion

As the leader of the Rampa Rebellion, Raju aimed to expel the British from the Eastern Ghats region in the erstwhile Madras Presidency. He orchestrated numerous raids on imperial police stations to acquire firearms for his under-equipped forces. After each raid, he left a written note signed by him, detailing the plunder and daring the police to stop him; his forces targeted police stations in Annavaram, Addeteegala, Chintapalle, Dammanapalli, Krishna Devi Peta, Rampachodavaram, Rajavommangi and Narsipatnam, resulting in significant police casualties.

In response to these raids, the British colonial authorities undertook a nearly two-year-long search for Raju, spending much money. Despite the heavy expenditure and relentless pursuit, Raju continued his resistance until he was trapped in Koyyuru village in the Chintapalle forests. There, he was captured and tied to a tree and executed by a firing squad in 1924. A mausoleum with his final remains was built in the village of Krishnadevipeta in Andhra Pradesh.

Legacy and Recognition

Alluri Sitarama Raju’s legacy as a powerful tactician and fearless leader is widely recognised. The British grudgingly accepted and acknowledged his prowess in guerilla warfare, which had cost them significant resources to quell. 1929, despite his advocacy for non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi paid homage to Raju, recognising his bravery, sacrifice and noble character. Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose also acknowledged Raju’s unparalleled courage and dedication to the cause of Indian independence.

In modern times, Raju’s legacy continues to be celebrated. The Indian government released a postal stamp in his honour, and the Andhra Pradesh government named a new district after him. His life has been depicted in films, and his birthday (July 4th) is celebrated annually as a state festival. The Alluri Sitarama Raju Cricket Stadium in Eluru is named after him, and plans are to install his statue at the Parliament of India.

Alluri Sitarama Raju’s story is a testament to the relentless spirit of resistance against oppression and the enduring fight for justice and freedom.

The reading community surely has two sides – fiction and non-fiction. I happen to belong to the side where we only read fiction for non-fiction lacks the taste of sheer delightfulness. To contradict my bubble, I recently came across Nilosree Biswas’s Calcutta on Your Plate. To my surprise, the only thing I knew about the book was that it is about everyone’s common interest – food!

Food has long been the central element of bringing people together from lands apart and diverse communities. Calcutta on Your Plate is one such book that travels down the Bengali memories and the city’s lanes to talk about how Bengali cuisine evolved over 340 years. 

Nilosree Biswas, in her book, Calcutta on Your Plate, presents her exploration of the rich and diverse culinary history of Calcutta (modern-day Kolkata). She divides her book into four sections – Charnock, Muddy Tracts and the Old Cotton Market, Turtles Dressed, ‘Gentlemen Boarded’, Guava Jelly, or the Good Housekeeper Code and Tangerine Realities. 

Calcutta on Your Plate: Plot

Biswas traces back the gastronomical journey to 1545-47. This was when Chandimangal Kaby, a Bengali littérateur, described the everyday life of lower-caste hunter-gatherers. Biswas goes over the geographical conditions of Calcutta that provide rich yields of rice, fresh fish, vegetables, and milk. This fertile land is the primary reason behind the culinary advancements. 

Biswas acknowledges that the majority of urban development in India was at the hands of British imperialism. However, the food of Calcutta had many contributors. Before the East India Company, there were Portuguese, the Dutch, the Armenians, the Afghans, and the Chinese. All of them combined over the long span of years to create the cuisine of the city. Biswas mentions that the book tells the story of Calcutta’s food. However, the story is not linear but rather explores how multifarious factors played their part in creating food tastes.

She highlights the convergence of indigenous food habits with foreign influences, showcasing the impact of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s entourage on Awadhi cuisine in 1856. The book also brings forth the vast confluence of culinary traditions that resulted in an eclectic and vibrant foodscape. This was continuously enriched by talented cooks, entrepreneurs, and enlightened Bengali women who experimented with the diverse array of dishes.

The book explores the gastronomic opulence of the Baboos, the elite Bengalis, emphasizing their eagerness to embrace foreign dishes and integrate them into their lavish tables. It provides a comprehensive account of Calcutta’s snacking habits. Biswas highlights how the British delights blended with local favorites, accompanied by the rising popularity of tea in the late 19th century.

Women and Caste

Most importantly, The book recognizes the vital role played by women in shaping Calcutta’s culinary identity. At the same time, it also touches upon how women used this advantage to liberate themselves from the clutches of patriarchy. Bengalis started educating the women of the community as these women had a great impact on recipe books. This eventually led them to write about their lives and experiment with diverse dishes. Cookbooks included India’s first by Bipradas Mukhopadhyay and later ones by women like Pragyasundari Devi. These became instrumental in disseminating recipes and fostering culinary innovation.

Additionally, the book does not depart from not acknowledging how important caste shaped the society. It presents food as a political subject. Food politics is widely recognized by scholars who have researched caste while at the same time, it is also neglected. Biswas holds caste as an important factor in revealing the social growth and food habits of all sections of society.

Calcutta on Your Plate by Nilosree Biswas becomes a heavenly piece for those who are literature geeks and food enthusiasts. It unravels the history of the smallest parts of our daily food habits and connects us back to the unknown origins. Irfan Nabi’s photographs of the delightful meals served on almost every street today in Calcutta will make you relish the book and leave you mouthwatering with the popular Bengali dishes. 

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, otherwise known as MV, was a well-known Indian Civil engineer, administrator, and statement. MV’s illustrious career and remarkable contributions earned him many awards and honours, making him an iconic figure in Indian history.

Visvesvaraya was born on 15th September 1861. He got an early education in Bangalore and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science ( BSc) degree from the University of Madras. Visvesvaraya pursued engineering studies at the College of Engineering, Pune, graduating with a Diploma in Civil Engineering. During his time at the Deccan Club in Pune, he was associated with influential figures like Sir R.G.Bhandarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, enriching his intellectual circle.

Engineering Marvels and Recognition:

MV’s engineering came to the forefront when he began working for the Government of British India in the Public Works Department, Bombay. He implemented complex irrigation systems in the Deccan Plateau and patented an automatic weir water floodgate system. It significantly improved water storage levels in reservoirs. His achievements led to the implementation of the same approach in various dams, like the Khadakvasla Dam near Pune. Visvesvaraya’s expertise extended to other regions as well; he implemented a water supply and drainage system in Aden while working for the British Colony.

In 1909, he was invited to serve as the chief engineer of Mysore State, and under the patronage of Maharaja Krishnraja Wadiyar IV. He made significant contributions to the state’s development. His achievements at this time were extraordinary. He established factories, institutions, and industrial places, like Mysore Soap Factory. Visvesvaraya played a key role in the founding of the Bangalore Polytechnic, Bangalore Agricultural University, and the Government Engineering College in Bangalore. He also oversaw the construction of various railway lines in Mysore Railways.

Dewan of Mysore:

In 1912, Visvesvaraya was appointed the 19th Dewan of Mysore by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, a position he held for nearly seven years. As a Dewan, he continued to drive the development of the Kingdom of Mysore and furthered the cause of education and industry.

Legacy and Honors:

Visvesvaraya’s contributions are recognized both nationally and internationally. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1911 and knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1915. After Independence, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1955. Throughout his life, he received several honorary memberships, fellowships, and degrees from various institutions. Many colleges and institutions have been named after him in recognition of his legacy.

An Enduring Impact:

Sir M Visvesvaraya’s dedication, technical brilliance, and integrity continue to inspire generations of engineers and administrators. His love for Kannada and his efforts to promote its improvement left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Karnataka. The Visvesvaraya National Memorial Trust preserves his memory at his birthplace of Muddenahalli, spotlighting his awards, personal belongings, and the models of the dams he designed. His legacy lives on, through monuments and the hearts of countless Indians who remember him as the true visionary and nation-builder he was.

Sir M Visvesvaraya’s life exemplifies the power of determination, education, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions as an engineer, administrator, and statesman have left a lasting mark on India’s development. Every year on 15th September we celebrate Engineer’s Day in India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania in honour of this remarkable man. As we remember and celebrate his contributions and accomplishments let us draw inspiration from his life and work. Sir M Visvesvaraya will always be remembered as one of India’s greatest nation-builders and visionaries.