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Top 15 Children’s Magazines & Newspapers In India 2019

Posted on by Ekta

We bring to you the “Top 15 Children’s Magazines & Newspapers In India 2019”. With a view to cultivate or rather revive the habit of reading, this blog has been dedicated to all those parents who have spent their childhood, especially the vacations, reading their favourite magazines,comic strips and kids newspaper. Ask a 10-year old kid what he wants for his birthday – there is a fat chance he will want a Wii, X-Box, playstation or some gaming gadget that he has recently seen at his friends place. It is amazing to see today’s kids playing complicated games so effortlessly.

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It is unlikely for a child today to yearn for a book or a magazine. The diminishing interest in reading is alarming as the technology advances. As parents, we always look for ways to ensure our child is not a couch-potato. Reading interesting stories & facts, indulging in challenging but fun-filled activities that develop logical & cognitive abilities, enriching vocabulary are some unmatched benefits of getting your kids to read magazines. We bring to you the best children’s magazines and kids newspaper in India. These are in no particular order.

Top 15 Children’s Magazines & Newspapers In India 2019

Tinkle

Tinkle

Ideal Age – 5 years+

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.50

This one is my personal favourite – definitely a blast from the past. Can’t imagine spending my childhood without reading Tinkle! From Supandi to Tantri the Mantri, this magazine is a delight to all young & old. Grab one & get glued till you possibly want to read it all over again.They also host interesting quiz and art contest,the readers can take part in it and win exiting prizes.  Click here to subscribe to Tinkle.

Champak

Champak

Ideal Age – 4 years+

Type – Fortnightly

Cost – Rs.30

Champak has the perfect concoction to keep the young readers glued. From parables to puzzles, crafts to comic strips, it is power packed with everything your child would love to read. Inculcating the right values & providing interesting trivia makes it one of the best sellers for generations. Champak also invites young talent to showcase their creativity in terms of drawings, colouring & poetry, which will be published in their editions.  Click here to subscribe to Champak.

MagicPot and MagicRead & Colour

MagicPot and MagicRead & Colour

Ideal Age – 3-7 years

Type – Weekly

Cost – Rs.15 / Rs. 20

It is never too early to introduce the habit of reading. When your baby is 3 years old, he or she can associate morals with stories, thereby promoting reasoning. Numbers & alphabets which are newly introduced at play school can help in relating to the content of the Childrens magazine. Puzzles & mazes make the reading interesting at every turn. Freebies like toys & stickers are a good way to kids hooked to subscribing to the magazine. You can also request for a free sample. Click to subscribe to MagicPot

Tell Me Why Magazine

Tell Me Why Magazine

Ideal Age – 7 years +

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.30

Tell me why  magazine is like an encyclopedia, which details one topic completely every month. Dedicated experts answer questions pertaining to that particular field. With interesting illustrations, cartoons & facts, this magazine from Manorama Publications quenches the thirst of a curious mind. Click here to subscribe to ‘Tell Me Why’

Chacha Chaudhary

Chacha Chaudhary

Ideal Age – 7 years +

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.20

The rib-cracking comic series of Chacha Chaudhary is an easy grab for any child who loves to read humorous stories uncovering crimes & cases. It is one of the Top children’s magazines in India as it is simple & easy to read. This magazine for children has been there for ages. It is available in 10 regional languages. Arousing curiosity & building intellect, it is a true winner among kids. Click here to subscribe to “Chacha Chaudhary”

Children’s Magazine

Children’s Magazine

Ideal Age – 4-9 years

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.40

Children don’t want to read long & boring stories. Short, simple & interesting content articulated well with attractive illustrations are always an instant hit. Meaningful activities help build logical thinking too. Children’s Magazine has got the right equation to get your grab your child’s attention & inculcate the habit of reading. Click here to subscribe for The Children’s Magazine

Highlights Genies & Highlights Champs

Highlights Genies & Highlights Champs

Ideal Age – 2-6 Years (Genies)

Ideal Age – 6-12 (Champs)

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.40

Highlight champs is an US based magazine that was welcomed in India 4 years back. The remarkable content grips the attention of children & enlightens their mind. After all, reading stories with morals helps understand the nuances & take better decisions in life. With a high quality paper & print, this magazine gives a premium finish. Every edition of the magazine announces a small cash prize for the winner of the painting  competition. Well, can you ask for more? Click here to subscribe to Highlights Champs

Oyla Magazine – Best Youth Science Magazine In India

Oyla Magazine - Best Science Magazine in India

Ideal Age – 8 Years+

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.100 per month or Rs.1000 for annual subscription.

We want our children to know history, learn   many languages, understand mathematics and physics, conduct chemical experiments and love all the diverse forms of life on Earth.

We want our children to know how to think!

Oyla does right that! From technology to sports, medicine to fantasy, this  scientific magazine designed for children and students as well as their parents. The focus and content of the magazine are based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts. Learn about the amazing discoveries, the principles of the device of the universe, about the tasks over which the best minds of man were fighting, this is undoubtedly one of the Top 15 Children’s Magazines & Newspapers In India 2019. Also available on Amazon or Mysubs.  Click here to subscribe to Oyla Magazine

Junior Chandamama & Chandamama

Junior Chandamama & Chandamama

Ideal Age – 4-7 years – Junior Chandamama

Ideal Age – 7-12 years – Chandamama

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.20 / Rs.30

This is our own desi magazine which has evolved over decades, to keep up with changing times. It is one of the few magazines that lays emphasis on the importance of mythology & inculcating good values in children. Thereby, keeping our heritage & culture live. The vikram-betal stories are always thought-provoking. Since it available in many regional languages, it is popular choice among all, old & young. Click here to subscribe to Junior Chandamama

Toot & Hoot

Toot & Hoot

Ideal Age – 3-6 years (Toot). Ideal Age – 6-12 years (Hoot)

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.99

The learning during the formative years of your child help in building a strong foundation. Although you may pay a premium for this magazine, you can be sure that your child will get  an exceptional exposure & a cutting edge. You can subscribe to it online since it may not be very easily available at the stores. Click here to subscribe for TOOT. Click here to Subscribe to HOOT.

BBC Knowledge

BBC Knowledge

Ideal Age – 7 years+

Type – Bi-monthly

Cost – Rs.125

An absolute enthralling read for kids was introduced when BBC joined hands with Times Of India. From science, technology, history & know-how of things, this magazine for kids is a must buy. Priced at a premium than most other magazines, these are well researched topics that are sure to uplift the IQ of your kids. Click here to subscribe to BBC Knowledge

Kids Explore

Kids Explore

Ideal Age – 6-12 years

Type – Fortnightly

Cost – Rs.15

Do you want your tween to foray into the world of amazing books? Kids explore is one of those few magazines which offers you a free sample if you wish to before subscribing annually. Let your child indulge in exciting activities, science experiments & crafts. Now, let the creative juices flow. Engaging content for kids is also complemented with a note for parents too. Hence, it promotes parent-child interaction. Click here to subscribe to Kids Explore.

RobinAge & Jr. RobinAge

RobinAge & Jr. RobinAge

Ideal Age – 6-15 years

Type – Weekly

Cost – Rs.2o

If you are looking to engage your child with the abundance of knowledge from diversified fields like sports, science, technology, current affairs, RobinAge it is. Everything important and interesting that you wish your child should know, this magazine has it. If you want to build your child’s IQ, you have stumbled upon the right magazine. Around 25% of the content is contributed by kids to stir their creativity. Can you ask for more? A yearly investment of Rs.825 as the subscription fees is definitely several notches better than buying your child a box of Ferrero Rocher. Click here to subscribe to RobinAge

Gokulam

Gokulam

Ideal Age – 7 years +

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.15

Another magazine that has ruled the hearts since ages is Gokulam. With a good mix of puzzles, stories, art & experiments, this child’s magazine makes it an interesting read. It is available in Tamil & Hindi. Click here to subscribe to “Gokulam”

Mocomi

Ideal Age – 3 years +

Type – Fortnightly

Cost – Free subscription

Mocomi is a digital magazine for the new age kid. Instead of watching the soaps during prime time, you will love to INVEST your time in getting your tech-savvy child to equip himself with the interactive games & activities that will set his mind  free. Subscription to this magazine is free. Care to need more? Click here to subscribe to Mocomi.

Best Magazines Related to Nature & Wildlife

Best Magazines Related to Nature & Wildlife

National Geographic Kids Magazine

Ideal Age – 7 years+

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.50

Earlier this quarter, Malaya Manorama Group partnered with National Geographic to launch the Indian version of National Geographic kids magazine version called National Geographic Kids in April 2016. Printed on premium quality A-4 sheet with high definition images, this magazine is a true winner in the new entrant category. Enticing   kids with it’s content on wildlife & nature, it keeps the passion for reading alive. Click here to subscribe to National Geographic Kids

Sanctuary Cubs

Ideal Age – 5 Years +

Type – Monthly

Cost – Rs.100

If you love nature, animals & wildlife, you will fall in love with this magazine. With high definition images contributed by the best wildlife photographers, this is an absolute delight for kids. Now introduce your child to all the species & interesting trivia that will delight them. Click here to subscribe to Sanctuary Cubs

As a parent it is your responsibility to inculcate the habit of reading & influence your opinion. However, your child will gauge the quality of the content & choose what he enjoys the best. So, let your children cherish their childhood & build their intellect that lays a strong foundation that will last beyond just education.

How To Feed Your Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler

Posted on by Ekta
How To Feed Your Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler

Being a mother of a 11 month old baby, I know how much patience it needs to handle a picky baby when they throw tantrums of unknown origin. Every session of meal can stretch to about 45 minutes. The tight-lipped, mouth shut child always crawls away in the opposite direction when being fed. So how to How To Feed Your Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler without bribing, blazing & begging? How To Handle Picky Toddlers & Fussy Eaters?

How To Handle A Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler?

While it gets very irritating, you should remember that your baby needs time to get used to the various colors, textures & tastes. Something that she relished two days back might be a put-off for her today. Their taste buds change. Their moods change. They become independent by the day. Discovering new things, making choices about food, toys, people, environment & anything new he comes across. So, give your baby enough time to develop a liking towards new foods. Respect her opinion. Pushing too much may totally put her off & invite more whining & crying.

How To Make Picky Toddlers Eat?

So what do I do? From making funny faces & funny sounds to singing rhymes & bhajans(if elders are around.lol) to playing with countless musical toys to showing the kaa-kaa(crow) on the tree to carrying them in our arms and walking around, I do EVERYTHING. EVERYDAY. I’ve got abundant tricks up my sleeve to get that bowl of porridge empty. Getting her to eat variety of healthy nutritious food feels like completing a Marathon. We have enlisted few tried & tested methods that work well with a Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler.

It may also interest you to read Top 20 foods that help your baby weight gain.

  1. Let there be peace – A child, no matter how small, you child can understand your mood & feelings. Do not stress & cascade the same to your child. Just stay calm & complacent. Let’s admit it. You won’t enjoy eating Ragi every day. But, you expect your child to relish it because it is very healthy. Don’t make your dinner table a war zone. Children ape their parents. Even their anger & frustration. So, watch your move. Shun distractions at the table. Let the atmosphere be calm & relaxed.
  2. Do not bribe – It may be the easy way out. But never bribe for child for a chocolate or an ice-cream. You do not want him to develop a sweet tooth & a cavity right? Neither do you want to keep providing sweets with every meal & make your child prone to gestational diabetes & obesity.
  3. Take the first bite – Like I just mentioned, children ape their parents. Take the first bite. Let your child watch you eat it, and then offer it to your child. The chances are that your baby will agree to try something new, much better. Your excitement can be transferred to your baby into trying the new recipe you learnt online.
  4. Strike a balance – Striking the right balance is very essential. For the quantity, for the frequency & for the timing of the meal. Remember, your baby probably has a fist sized stomach. You can’t over-feed the child just because you want him to look like the royal Khandani types.
  5. Feed when your baby is hungry – Don’t keep feeding your child every half an hour. Let there be enough gap between meals. A hungry kid eats better than a kid who is fed very frequently.
  6. Space it out – As recommended by doctors, introduce a new food every week. This way you can ascertain if the child is allergic to that particular food and also gives him enough time to get used to the taste.
  7. Don’t force feed the child – It is always good to instill the right values from childhood. Wasting food is a bad habit. But, your toddler may not understand this. It’s not a feat to make your child cry just to see the bowl clean. So, do not force feed the child till the last bite. There are good chances that the child will dislike that particular food even more. Mothers get a weird satisfaction of accomplishment if they are able to force the entire food down the throat. Isn’t it?
  8. Time it – Well, may be easier said than done. But try to time your child’s meals. This way he can eat proper meals with some healthy snacks in-between.
  9. Early introduction of foods: It’s never too early to introduce new foods to the child. Let the child have a roller coaster on the taste buds. He or she should be used to eating something sweet, salty, bitter, sour or bland for that matter. Early introduction of foods will help the child to better adapt itself to all the array of foods that the family eats.
  10. Let them watch you make – Allow children to watch you cut & make the dish. They can also be encouraged to help you if the activity does not include playing with sharp knives or fire. They will be excited about trying the dish & act as a food evangelist urging other family members to try it out because they have lent you a helping hand.
  11. Avoid too much variety – When there is too much to choose from, people will conveniently pick up something they like the most. Many parents resort to the 2-minute Maggie noodles which is worse thing to offer a hungry child. If rajma-chawal is the only dish served on the table, the child learns that he has to eat it or go hungry to bed.
  12. Fun, facts & figures – “I’m Popeye the sailor-man…” “Guess what made Popeye super-strong? SPINACH! Do you want to become strong like popeye?” Tell the child why a particular fruit or vegetable is good for health. Relating & mapping the food helps the child associate & might pick a liking for it.
  13. Repeat value please – If I discover that my child has liked a particular veggie, I try to incorporate the same indifferent ways. For instance, if your child likes carrots, you can make gajar ka halwa, carrot juice, upma with carrot, beans & peas, in poriyal & in mixed salad.
  14. The Domino effect – Often children adapt to what the other family members do. If someone refuses to eat something, it won’t take long for the rest to follow suit.
  15. Bring it on – My child likes small spoons, small idly, small dosa, small anything edible or non-edible. Wonder why they are attracted toward miniatures. They love plaing with toys. Bring them their favourite toys so that they are distracted playing with their best buddies.
  16. Give it time – Research has proven that a child may take around 7-14 times to get acquainted with the taste of a particular food.
  17. Beg not – It’s nice to be good & coax your baby to try new things. But don’t get them used to being requested repeatedly to eat food which is good for their own health.
  18. Everybody deserves a treat – It is ok to let the strings lose sometimes. While you should be conscious of a healthy diet all through the week, it is fine if you let them have pastry when they are out for dinner, movie or visiting friends & relatives.
  19. Miniatures are always a hit – Half the battle is won if you and your baby is having fun. Make interesting shapes out of vegetables & toasts with different toppings to make it an instant hit with the kids.
  20. One size fits all – It is important to set the right precedent. If you are going to cook two different breakfasts, lunch & dinner that’s absolutely exhausting. Let the child learn to eat what ever is cooked for the entire family.
  21. Axe the junk – Let’s admit it. Junk food is always tastier than healthy food. It may be easier to cook or readily available or ready-to-eat. Be a role model. Your kids would think that it is normal to eat junk everyday.
How To Make Picky Toddlers Eat

Every child is different. And so are their taste buds. It’s best to go with your instinct. As a parent you can best judge what your child enjoys the most. Give special importance to any allergies caused due to foods. Consult your pediatrician & restrict your child from consuming the same. Wishing you a blissful parenthood. If your baby rejects the idea of  something, try again after few days or a week. even if it few spoons. Let the child get acquainted to the taste gradually.

Hope this helps with handling your Picky And Fussy Eating Toddler.

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Quinoa Upma Recipe

Posted on by Ekta

Quinoa Upma is one of the best possible breakfast options for your kids. Want to know why? Upma is a traditional South-Indian dish that is very versatile in terms of how it can be made, garnished or served. Wonder how to pronounce it? It is called KEEN-wah. So go ahead & read the Quinoa Upma Recipe.

Quinoa Upma Recipe

I remember meeting a super-fit mother at a friend’s wedding who had stayed in Japan for 3 years with her husband since he had on off-site project to manage. During my conversation with her, I realized how small things can make a difference to our infant’s health. Doctors in Japan VERY STRONGLY RECOMMEND BREAST FEEDING FOR CHILDREN & SUGGEST AVOIDING THE USAGE OF SUGAR & SALT FOR ATLEAST 1 YEAR. She also mentioned that she prefers to give Quinoa Upma to her children twice a week. Quinoa is fairly new to the normal Indian house-hold. It was something I’d never tried before. But, I asked her for the recipe & gave it a shot anyway. And boy, my daughter loved it 🙂

Recipe Of Quinoa Upma

Time Required  : 20 mins

Serves                  : 3-4

Quinoa Upma Ingredients:

Quinoa                           – 1 cup (150ml)

Onion, finely chopped – 1 small

Carrot, finely chopped – 1 small

Peas                                 – 2 tbsp

Beans, finely chopped – 5 – 6 nos

Potato, finely chopped – 1 small

Green Chilles, slit into half – 2 nos

Raw Groundnut             – 1 tbsp

Jeera                                 – 1 tbsp

Salt                                   – To taste

Water                               – 2.5 cups

Coriander leaves, finely chopped – 1 tbsp

Olive oil/ Ghee               – 2 tbsp

Method:

  1. Take the quinoa in a saucepan and add water. Bring to low flame for 10 minutes till the quinoa till the quinoa is cooked completely.
  2. Meanwhile in a kadai, pour some ghee or olive oil, jeera, raw groundnut and onions. Saute it till it turns pinkish brown. Add the remaining chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato) along with the green chillies.
  3. Add some water and simmer for ten minutes until the veggies soften. Add salt as required.
  4. Once the vegetables are cooked, add quinoa and mix well. Bring to low flame & allow the mixture to blend well with quinoa.
  5. Add the coriander leaves & upma is ready to be served.
  6. Loaded with the goodness of colourful veggies, Upma is best served with coconut chutney.
Quinoa Health Benefits

Quinoa Health Benefits

Want to know why is Quinoa called “The Superfood Of The Future”?

  1. It contains double the fibre content than most other grains we consume. Thereby, helping shed those extra kilos.
  2. It is packed with magnesium, iron, 9 essential amino-acids that are easily digestible, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorous, flavonoids, antioxidants & lysine.
  3. It increases stamina.
  4. It is gluten-free.
  5. Low glycemic index; hence good for controlling blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
  6. Parts of the Quinoa which are removed (saponins) are used as anti-septic, treat skin-infections as well as detergent. Amazing isn’t it?

Although Quinoa is more expensive than most other grains (around Rs.500/500gm), it has tremendous health benefits that stands unmatched.  A can of pepsi or coke costs Rs.8 for 200 ml. But buying tender coconut costs you anywhere between Rs.30-Rs.45. This probably explains why healthy foods are more expensive than regularly consumed foods. Well, we hope with more people taking to a healthier lifestyle, Quinoa can by produced in a larger scale thereby reducing the overall cost. Wishing you a happy & healthier lifestyle. Try this recipe at home and tell us how you liked it.

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Confessions of an Exhausted Mom

Posted on by Ekta

Confessions of an exhausted mom! what you will read in the next few minutes is very close to my heart. Something that makes me smile. Something that I am not particularly proud about. But most importantly, something I will remember for a long long time.

I just can’t stop adoring & kissing my baby, especially after a shower – she feels like velvet. I love to swing her around and play with her just to see the most contagious smile. No matter how much I love her, and love playing with her, I must confess, “Raising toddlers is exhausting”. Very exhausting. No matter how supportive your family is, no matter how experienced you are, every child is different. Some throw tantrums to eat, while others need constant attention and most kids, as admitted by all mothers are notorious and naughty. Well, can’t complain much about that.

Confessions of an Exhausted Mom
Young girl and boy playing on floor

Lately, what I feel more than anything is that I am exhausted. More than just physically tired, I am drained out in the full, all-encompassing sense of the word. Exhausted of changing nappies. Exhausted of listening to her shrilling on top of her voice causing hearing damage to everyone in the family. Exhausted of redirecting her away from the doors, drawers, bathroom & the stairs dozens of times every day only to find her trying to silently pick all the possible nanoscopic dirt from the ground and quickly put it in her mouth. Honestly, when someone asks “How are you?” I end up saying – “Doing great”. Really?

But all of this is sometimes a blessing in disguise. You can get away with such unsightful things when you are in an awkward situation. Motherhood comes with a baggage but with many benefits. I am sure you can relate to atleast some of them. Without further ado, these are my confessions as an exhausted mom.

  1. I’ve woken up later than 9 a.m on a Wednesday morning only to blame it on a sleepless night – Sole credits: My little angel. Well, nights may not be all that sleepless you just refused to wake up when the alarm rang thrice.
  2. Getting back to shape is a far-fetched goal because it needs commitment & energy. We obviously don’t have both. Yearn to get off the plus sized clothing & maternity wear. Look fit & fell confident.
  3. I often blame a messy home on your child when I have guests coming over. Even if the “mess” is not created by my child. Well, give me some benefit of doubt. I didn’t have enough time to clear the mess because I was busy nursing the baby.
  4. Arriving late at a party, wedding, college re-union or family get together is probably the most common occurrence. This excuse at office is a “bolti band”. It always works. It often goes unquestioned.
  5. I honestly believe I can become a chameleon. My opinion becomes biased based on my mood & the circumstance – My baby becomes an angel with an over-doze of cuteness when she is taking her first steps. And a demon (not literally though) when the first few steps become destructive throwing & breaking around stuff.
  6. I end up giving Maggie – THE 2 MINUTE SOLUTION to the 4 p.m. hunger pangs after school. There are times we are exhausted with work at home. We just don’t have the energy to make something fresh & nutritious. That’s when I resort to the not-so-healthy noodles. But, don’t worry, your child’s delight somewhere negates your guilt.
  7. Make hay while the sun shines – I love to browse through my phone – chat with friends on Whatsapp, FB, Twitter in my bathroom; shut from the whining & potty cleaning of my baby. I wish I could do this more often.
  8. The lost master chef – Someone who loved baking & trying out new delicacies from a tv show or the internet now sticks to the basics. Who really has the time to make new things every week to delight your family.
  9. Dear husband – you are the new scape goat – Be it the maid issues or the mother-in-law issues, the husband has to bear the brunt of all things bad. He has to understand that raising a child isn’t easy. So I become a “complaint box” venting out all my emotions the moment he steps into the room.
  10. When smelly feet & unshaped eye-brows go unexplained, it becomes very convenient for me to blame that I am pressed with time & hence I cannot afford to step out for a grooming session. Dear ladies – learn to love yourselves. Look good to feel good. Your child is the most important, but not the only thing that’s important.
  11. There is a blanket excuse on why I don’t answer phone calls, reply to messages or reply on groups. You see, my child is my priority – I am a good mother.
  12. “What’s wrong with you? You are such a pain sometimes.” – Getting pissed at your baby & swearing in private is shamefully a common occurrence when she goes out of control.
  13. I do not iron the clothes unless it’s a must. Never.
  14. Messy hair is either the “in-thing” that’s pretty cool or obviously my baby has the habit of pulling them anyway.
  15. I bribe my child with chocolates, ice cream & french fries very often – perhaps one more victim of childhood obesity.
  16. I allow my baby to pick up stuff from the floor & eat unless it’s landed on sand or on her poop. Well, all children drop food on the floor, make a mess & eat right?
  17. Kaapi-Kaapi…. Chaaya-Chaaya… Yes! I need my tea & coffee 4 times a day just to keep me awake & keep going. I can do without milk & snacks but not my caffeine.
Exhausted Mom

Well, although I have given my best to my child, these are some things I am less proud of. I am not a terrible person to blame my child or motherhood for all things unpleasant. How we behave & react to things is often quite different when we are worn out. At times, I may be depressad (Depressed+Sad = Depressad. A word “self-discovered” that I use quite often 🙂 ). But I can’t explain what my little one means to me. And when she smiles like an angel, I recoup in a jiffy and gather all the energy to carry her in my arms, kiss her 20 times and fling her round’n’round till she is over-joyed and gives me the most contagious smile healing her jaded mommy.

Motherhood is synonymous with exhaustion. While you get to cherish the perks of motherhood, exhaustion and depression come in the same package. BetterHelp can be your one-stop destination to erase your depression. With the help of their trained professionals, you can now enjoy your motherhood whole-heartedly.

Do you have any confessions? Let’s get real, all of us do. Dear mommies we are happy to hear something interesting from you. Does this post remind you of someone? Tag them & share this post.

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Those Unexpressed Words “I Love You”

“I Love You” – Those unexpressed words

Posted on by Ekta

“I Love You” – Those unexpressed words, seem to fade years or maybe months after marriage. That feeling of love may not change but the expression of love can. They say true love only grows. It obviously can’t be as rosy as it was during your courtship period, but, it becomes deeper & stronger with time, with every battle you fight together as a couple. And whilst fighting all odds, sometimes we forget to tell each other how much they mean to us. That gentle kiss on the forehead & that little smile that flashes, strikes the right chord & brings back all those beautiful memories of the past that you cherish the most.

“I Love You” - Those unexpressed words

“Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus”. Men & women have reciprocally different natures. Women, especially cease to appreciate these differences & expect their husbands to react & behave the way they do. But men will be men. They can’t express themselves like women do. When faced by tough situations, they like to stay calm & aloof. They do not like interference so that they have time to figure out things themselves. On the contrary, women like to interact & discuss their issues to get collective opinion. Most importantly enjoy the feeling of satisfaction sharing their problems with their family & close friends.

Love inevitably changes over time. Love or arrange marriage – it doesn’t matter much. The “I’ve fallen in love” bliss doesn’t last too long especially once you get busy with nurturing your baby. It might have been few months when your husband last swept you off your feet with a surprise dinner date. But do not get discouraged. Give him the benefit of doubt. If you pay heed to the simple sacrifices he makes to make you happy, you will realize that the initial bliss matures into caring love which only gets stronger as months fly by. He loves you. And stands by you. Perhaps you have missed those priceless expressions of love & affection. Let’s take a trip down the memory lane to see if your husband has made these little efforts to make you happy.

“Man jaave, Mainu Shopping Karade…”

Yes. The famous song which says “Take me shopping honey”. Let’s face it. All men hate shopping. And all women do – Shop till they drop! If he is patient enough to take you along for buying your peep toes or camisoles, he is sacrificing his weekend “chill out” time to only spend time with you and let you enjoy the pleasure of going to 10 stores, try 10*10 dresses & ultimately choose only a dress if you think it doesn’t make you look fat. And above all, deal with your post-purchase dissonance that is common with women of all ages. If lifestyle & fashion shopping wasn’t enough, he helps you with grocery & veggie shopping – ALL OF WHICH HE HATES! “Listen, can you buy this while coming home?” Bet every wife has made this statement atleast once in her life. The last minute ingredients are always met by your dear husband (who occasionally can end up buying Ragi for Mustard Seeds – you have to learn to deal with it).

He let’s you take decisions, small & big

If your husband let’s you choose his shirt (because they have an innate tendency to repeat the same shirts, every week) or choose the restaurant for a dinner date well, you can be sure these small things make big differences in life. If he gives you the freedom to make decisions at home, small & big, it is his way of showing his love & respect. If he himself asks for your suggestion or advice, it means he trusts you. This doesn’t come easily to men.

“Pushpa, I hate tears…”

For those ardent fans of Rajesh Khanna, you can’t miss this famous dialogue from the movie “Amar Prem”. If your husband can’t see you in tears (often the “Brahmastra” of women when they need to get things their way”) & ultimately surrenders to your wish, he is screaming his love for you. His heart melts when tears roll down your cheeks. He takes you in his arms & apologizes for mistakes that HE has committed. Well, if that doesn’t spell love then what does?

Being a Home-Star – Helping you with the chores

Little do his colleagues know that he helps you with clearing up the table after dinner, with giving a shower to your toddler & with putting off the soiled clothes in the laundry bag. He doesn’t do this because he has come back early from work. He does because he wants you to give a break, to reduce your work-load & to spend some quality time with you. When your husband helps you with the chores, it means pure love. It doesn’t matter whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. Both jobs are equally challenging.

A complaint box

You can’t deny. Women can be very irritating at times. They just can’t stop complaining about the same things over & over again. Mother-in-law & sister-in-law issues, the never-ending maid problems, “Ritu had worn this… Sonia has bought this… only I don’t have this… this… and this…” kind of conversations are very common. If he lends you a patient ear, he is shouting out “I love you”. Love in it’s simplest form. Lending a shoulder & appeasing your wife can be a Hercules task. You should value his effort & acknowledge his time. After all, after a very tiring day at work (bosses are no good either), listening to a complaint box is the last thing anyone wants to do.

Surprise!

It has been 4 years since you are married & you are busy taking care of your infant, almost forgotten to love yourself. On a Sunday evening he springs a surprise! He offers to baby-sit the child and coaxes you to go for a nice, relaxing pedicure or massage. It’s an act of love showing that he cares for you. A much-needed break from motherhood can help you bounce back, rejuvenate you, to make you nurture your family happily. Whether it’s a mini get away from home or inviting your friends home to watch you laugh & relive those school memories, his heart is overflowing with love. Value it. Deeply. Especially if it a diamond pendant! Lol. J

Hola!

“Hola!” “Heya!” “Wassup?” Or anything silly or sillier (if such a word exists) that he uses when he smiles at you, there is so much love in this simple gesture. However harrowing his day has been, if he comes home without a baggage, leaving his office tensions behind, he cares for you. Greeting your spouse with a smile is one of the best possible things you can do. It can be a great mood elevator. This is how you can keep the magic of love alive.

Homework? – Whose work?

Who helps your kid with his homework? If it is joint responsibility then thank your stars, and more importantly your husband for helping you with the same. Many husbands feel that it is the wife’s responsibility to take care of the child’s education. It is his duty to pay the fees and her responsibility to take care of the rest.

If this blog has struck a chord somewhere, don’t hold yourself back. Show your spouse how special he/she makes you feel. Actions speak more than words, isn’t it? Dear ladies, we would love to hear from you – how does your husband show his love? Share or tag – Let’s make someone smile today. Someone very special 🙂

i love u1

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Lisping in Children – Signs, Symptoms And Treatment

Posted on by Ekta

I remember Manoj uncle’s son once said – “Hi Aunty, pleath thit here”. I smiled at him. But the confused mind wondered for a moment what he actually meant. I looked at uncle puzzled; he told me what the sweet little boy wanted to convey. The little boy meant was very sweet to say “Please sit here”. It is not uncommon to see some children “lisping”. We will discuss about Lisping – Signs, Symptoms & Treatment.

What is Lisping? Signs And Symptoms

Lisping is a functional speech disorder in children generally below the age of 5 years. It is the inability of a child to pronounce the consonants like ‘s, z, sh, l, r, ch’. The ‘S’ and ‘Z’ sounds are often mastered by the time a child is 7 or 8 years old. Lisping may make his speech sound different from other children at school, but demonstrating a lisp not necessarily to be dealt with frustration or shame. Deal with it by correcting your child in a fun or a funny way!

Types Of Lisp

Lisping can occur in 4 different ways – Interdental, Dentalized, Lateral & Palatial.

  1. Interdental lisp – This occurs when the tongue protrudes in-between the front teeth and the ‘s’ or ‘z’ is pronounced like ‘th’.
  2. Dentalized lisp or dentalized production -It occurs curs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth.
  3. Lateral lisp -It occurs when the the air flows around the tongue, which is in the normal position to produce the ‘l’ sound.
  4. Palatal lisp -It occurs when the middle of the tongue touches the soft palate, or roof of the mouth, when trying to produce the ‘s’ sound.

Read http://www.healthofchildren.com/L/Lisping.html#ixzz5hYLwMPQL

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What Causes A Lisp

Every child id different. It might not always be possible to ascertain the reason.

  1. A common cause is excessive sucking of the thumb
  2. Overuse of pacifiers
  3. Structural irregularities of the tongue, palate or teeth 
  4. Mild hearing loss for a brief period
  5. Imitating other kids with a Lisp at school
  6. Prolonged bottle feeding
  7. Prolonged habit of sucking the thumb causes to push out the teeth from their normal position, generally outwards
  8. Respiratory illness (prolonged or acute) eg. Stuffy nose causing the child to breathe through the mouth. Shutting the mouth and teeth to pronounce ‘s’ / ‘z’ sounds cuts off their breath, hence they compensate by trying to speak without closing their mouths completely

Nearly 9-10% of the kids suffer from voice or speech disorders in early childhood. This may persist until they reach 1st or 2nd grade. 

Lisping in children

Is Lisping A Concern?

Do not fret. Lisping is common in many children & absolutely normal if it occurs upto the age of 4.5-5years. If it persists longer than 8, you can probably can consult a speech therapist who will guide your child through it. It is rare to see lisping in children beyond 6 years. However, remember, these teeth are milk teeth & the permanent ones most likely will find the right position & your child in company & with your support will start pronouncing all the words correctly.

Many or most young kids repeat words or phrases as they learn to talk especially when they are excited, tired or have alot to express. This can happen for few months and then disappear. If it persists longer, call for professional help.

How can Lisping be treated?

Articulation Therapy includes introducing the exercises that gradually help the child identify the differences in the words & having a controlled speech which by practice become a habit to pronounce the words & sentences perfectly right.

Can Lisping affect my child?

Unfortunately, it can. Lisping does affect your child. How much – depends largely on how you deal with it & how supportive you are. Many children grow out of it. But, some can’t. So, it is always better treat it as early as possible.

  1. Negative feelings of inferiority, being “different”, being mocked at, unwilling to socialize, low self esteem are very common sights.
  2. In some cases children who are stressed out end up bed-wetting or will insist on sleeping with light on.
  3. They may experience respiratory disorders.

What should I do as a parent to deal with Lisping?

The first step to deal with the situation is to NOT MOCK YOUR CHILD – NOT AT HOME & NOT IN FRONT OF OTHERS. What else can you do?

  1. As a parent, you should take efforts in understanding what your child is trying to communicate with patience instead of displaying irritation & anger.
  2. If the child is being mocked at, you should be the pillar of strength & encouragement and politely teach your child to handle the situation.
  3. You can break the words into smaller fragments or syllables and make the child repeat.
  4. What the child feels has a great impact on his self-confidence. Don’t kill it. He may end up having an inferiority complex at home & at school. So make him feel loved. Not many people around will make him feel the way you do.
  5. Speak to his teacher & request for special attention at school.

How To Fix A Lisp?

Lisping can be prevented by taking necessary precautions.

  1. You can encourage to sip from a straw instead of bottle feeding.
  2. Take extra care of allergies if your child is prone to infections in the respiratory tract.
  3. Check for the alignment of teeth periodically. Afterall, prevention is better than cure.

How To Correct A Lisp In Adults?

With repeated efforts if an adult has not been able to grow out of the language, speech or lisp problem, you should see a speech expert also known also speech-language pathologist. While most may consider it too late to mend their problem and may hamper their self-confidence, as “Lisping” is young men may be often teased as being “gay”; THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT TRUE and has no connection.

Common FAQ’s Regarding Lisping In Children

Do infants & toddlers understand what we communicate?

Toddlers definitely grasp & understand more words (receptive language) than they use to communicate with us (expressive language). They may not understand the meaning of the words initially, but with repeated use in different texts, they ascertain the tone of our voice, facial expressions and learn the sounds and learn the appropriate use of the language.

Should I let the school or educational institution take charge of dealing with the Lisp in my child?

Certainly not, time cant’t heal everything on it’s own. If you detect a problem, call for help if you are unable to deal with it. Early identification and treatment of speech problems will aid in preparing your little one for KG and the future.

If my child is struggling to speak good English at school, should I stop conversing in our mother-tongue to ensure frequency of conversations in English will improve his speech problem?

Not necessary. Learning multiple languages is fantastic for holistic development of the young turk. As a result you child will – 

  1. Develop a larger & polished vocabulary
  2. Cultivate a better understanding of how words & phrases sound and rhyme in different spheres of the world.
  3. Proficiency in every language exposed to improves.

After repeatedly correcting my child, if he still pronounces the words incorrectly, is that intentional, for fun or because he doesn’t want to take the effort to learn?

Your child derives no pleasure from intentionally mispronouncing words and getting mocked upon. Their speech pattern developed over time is unconscious. It can be altered though. It can also occur due to recurrent ear infections, however, the cause is uncertain. 

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Top 5 Gynaecologists in Chennai

Posted on by Ekta

No two women share the same experience during their pregnancy. Every parent is excited anticipating their joy towards their journey of parenthood. You have endured the tension these 9 months can cause. You may have thought of baby names. But have you thought of which gynecologist of specialist to choose? We have curated a list with the top 5 Gynaecologists in Chennai just for you.

You should be able to gauge if your specialist has the time & patience to answer your questions. For many doctors, an expecting mother is just another patient, but for a new mommy-to-be it is a once in a life time experience to nurture a child in her womb. Hence, it is pivotal to choose a good gynecologist who understands your needs & more importantly is available to attend to you in case of any emergency.

Top 5 Gynaecologists in Chennai

The fetal development right from conception to birth should be tracked meticulously & only a good & experienced doctor can detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the brain or physical development. The journey towards motherhood can be stressful at times, hence choose your obstetrician wisely. We have articulated the best gynecologists in town. The below list collated is in no particular order. It is based on patient reviews, experience in handling complicated cases & facilities available at the particular hospital or clinic.

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Dr.V.K Shantha & Dr. Tara from Sundaram Medical Foundation

Reluctant to pick the scissors, Dr. Shantha is known for performing successful normal deliveries, a phenomenon very rare these days. No doubt she is one of the Top gynaecologists in Chennai. Owing to her rich experience in gynecology, Dr. Shantha ensures a healthy & perfect development for her baby. She keeps it short & crisp, but is always there to guide you when there is a complication. Dr. Tara, who also focuses on normal deliveries. Patient & simple, Dr. Tara is also one of the senior doctors of Sundaram Medical Foundation. Although the hospital may not have luxurious décor like the premium stand-alone birthing boutiques, it certainly has all the facilities that is a pre-requisite for a comfortable and convenient delivery.

You can call on 044 26144123/124/125 to fix an appointment at SMF.

Address: AD Block, Door No.42 to 46, 4th Ave, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040

Best Gynaecologist In Chennai

Dr.Jaishree Gajaraj – Motherhood Hospital

Dr. Jaishree is one of the Top 5 Gynecologists in Chennai, who was associated with Fortis Malar Hospitals is now also consulting at Motherhood Hospital and Apollo Speciality Hospital. The journey to Motherhood starts not when the baby is born but when you are planning pregnancy. Dr. Jayshree Gajaraj understands the importance of a mother’s holistic health. She appreciates an expecting mother to check for basic glucose levels, RBC count & Thyroid levels while planning pregnancy. A healthy mother can give birth to a healthy baby. She has over 30 years experience and has completed her She has completed her MBBS from Madras University, Diploma in Gynaecology & Obstetrics, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Consultation charges varies at each hospital. Average is about Rs.700.

You can call 044 4915 4444 to fix an appointment with her at Motherhood, Alwarpet since she visits there 5 times a week.

Address: New No. 542, TT Krishnamachari Rd, Opp. Indian Terrain, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018

Gynaecologist In Chennai

Dr.Nirmala Jayashankar – Apollo Hospital

Many mothers who prefer delivering at Apollo First Med, Kilpauk for a safe delivery, trust Dr. Nirmala Jayashankar for her experience in gynecology. She has over 22 years of experience and is a member of Indian Medical Association (IMA). No wonder, she is one of the best gynaecologists in Chennai. Apollo which is one of the most preferred hospitals as it is equipped with the latest technology. Detection of abnormalities & dealing with complications is not an uncommon task with the panel of experienced doctors. Consultation fee – upto Rs.1000.

You can call on 044 3936 6000 to fix an appointment at Apollo First Med.

Address: Apollo First Med Hospitals, No. 154, Poonamallee High Road, Landmark : Near to Kilpauk medical college, Chennai.

Top Gynaecologist In Chennai

Dr.Uma Ram – Seethapathy Clinic

If you are looking for a friendly doctor with great experience (a rarity given that all doctors are very busy & may have little or no time to answer all your questions), you should consult Dr. Uma Ram who is very patient and takes time to address all your concerns. Looking for a pocket friendly hospital with very experienced and trusted doctors? Dr. Uma Ram is the best gyanaecologist for you in Chennai and Seethapathy Clinic maybe your right choice. Consultation fee – Rs.600.

You can call 044 2813 3014 to fix an appointment with Dr.Uma Ram

Address: New No. 128, Old No. 241, Royapettah High Rd, Azad Nagar, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014

Dr.Geetha Haripriya - Prashanth Hospital

Dr.Geetha Haripriya – Prashanth Hospital

One of the most senior doctors in town, Dr. Geetha, MBBS in 1980, DGO, MRCOG, FRCOG also helps in treatment of infertility & IVF treatment is one of the Top 5 Gynaecologists in Chennai. When many couples pin their hopes on alternative methods of family planning, Dr. Geetha is one of the few doctors who are on their wishlist. She has delivered more than 22,000 babies from assisted reproductive techniques, over 40,000 laparoscopic & hysteroscopic procedures. She delivered the world’s second ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) quadruplets in 2003 and has also delivered more than 250 surrogate babies to date.

You can call on 044 4227 7777 to fix an appointment at Prashanth Hospitals.

Address: 77, Harrington Rd, Chetpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031

Dr. S.Samundi Sankari – Srushti Hospital

With over 35 years of professional experience, Dr. Samundi is one of the most respected medical experts in the fertility field and one of the top most gynaecologists in Chennai.. She has been awarded numerous honorary posts, published countless scientific studies relating to Infertility & Genetics.  Consultation Fee – Rs.750.

You can call her on 085085 01111 to fix an appointment at Srushti Medical Foundation & Hospital.

Address: Srushti Medical Research Foundation, #1, Padmavathy Street, Thirumalai Nagar, Ramapuram. Landmark: Near to SRM Hospital, Chennai

Dr. S.Samundi Sankari - Srushti Hospital

We cannot avoid mentioning Dr. Gita Arjun from E V Kalyani hospital who has recently retired (in 2013 at the age of 60), does not consult any more Her success stories of performing normal deliveries had made her one of the most sort-after doctors of her time. In an era where c-sections are more common than normal deliveries, Dr. Gita and her team make way for a normal birthing process almost effortlessly.

Dr. Gita Arjun from E V Kalyani hospital

Cloudnine & Apollo Cradle

They are the two most premium birthing boutiques in the city. With their premium facilities like yoga & lamaze classes, scanning & delivery rooms, they render a luxurious experience for just not the mother but also to the entire family eg. Suite rooms furnished with a comfortable sofa, TV, refrigerator and other state-of-the art amenities that will make your experience memorable. Some of the other well-known hospitals equipped with good facilities for maternity include Fortis Malar, Vijaya, Mehta Nursing Home & Venkateswara Hospital. However, individual experience matters the most.

Cloudnine & Apollo Cradle
gynecologist

While we bring to you the Top 5 Gynaecologists in Chennai, based on people’s opinion, we will be happy to hear back from you on your experience with these doctors or your gynaecologist who helped you through your pregnancy. Your opinion can help other women take the most important decision of their life.

Why Is Exercise An Inevitable Aspect Of An Infant’s Development?

Posted on by Ekta
Why Is Exercise An Inevitable Aspect Of An Infant’s Development?

Just like how exercising every day is important for adults, it is equally important for our kids too. Your baby needs atleast 60 minutes of self exercise everyday. You can also make it a fun activity by holding their hands & legs and moving them criss-cross while giving your baby a gentle massage in the morning. Why Is Exercise An Inevitable Aspect Of An Infant’s Development? Read further to know why.

I recollect watching my baby admire her cute little fingers. Every time she did, it felt like she is admiring them for the first time; like she is discovering something new about herself (body). This is how toddlers start relating to things around them. This is a very important aspect of infanthood. A child should be left free on the floor to move about as much as possible. Research has proved that children who move about freely & roll on the floor have better loco-motor skills & cognitive abilities. As the baby moves about on the floor, they learn to discover more about themselves, their body & their environment.

That reminds me how my mother insisted to put my darling baby on the floor. The more you want to hug your baby, the more your family persuades you to let the baby move free on the floor. A child learns to crawl quickly, walk faster & most importantly a daily dose of “exercise” makes their bones stronger. Exercise is extremely crucial for an Infant’s Development.

Why Is Exercise An Inevitable Aspect Of An Infant’s Development?

Holistic health

As the baby rolls on the floor, their blood circulation improves, they develop fine loco-motor skills, stronger back & stronger bones. Although children need constant monitoring because the inquisitive mind wants to discover newer things, they should be independent for sometime everyday. Let them explore, make mistakes & learn. You may want to consider to child-proof your home by introducing child locks where-ever required (like the drawers or doors) for their safety. Exercising will help them in problem-solving & become more independent later in future. It is believed that children who are let to free play learn to crawl & walk faster than those who are restricted to prams & walkers in confined spaces.

Promotes better sleep

“She sleeps like a baby” – heard that before? You can sleep like a baby only when you exhausted. Toddlers spend most of their day moving about on the floor. Rolling, crawling, walking, stretching to reach out for their toys; basically everything that tires them physically. Well, a good night sleep for your baby is a good night sleep for you too. Isn’t it? Definitely a blessing in disguise when you have had a tiring day running behind you hyper active child all day long.

Fit babies. fit mothers

Kicking arms & legs and going round & round are the best ways to exercise for the baby. By exercising they burn the excessive fat. Research has proved that many children who are obese in their formative years continue to remain over-weight even at their teenage & adulthood. Gift the priceless bundle of good health to your bundle of joy. Moreover, as a concerned mother you will also tend to bend more, run more & in turn work out more, which will help you shed those extra kilos you have gained through your pregnancy. Save on those extra bucks you were planning to spend on the gym. Thank you little brat. You will shed them without the hassle of travelling to the gym everyday.

Promotes digestion

Infants especially between 0-5 months tend to get colicky and cry all night. Free play can alleviate gastric problems & indigestion thus promoting digestion. The food gets digested quickly and absorbed by the body. This is why you should encourage babies to move about as much as they can.

Promotes cognitive ability

Exercising regularly is crucial for cognitive functioning in kids. Longer attention spans & better grades – these are few marked benefits of playing about yourself. You can spread some toys on the floor for you little one to move about and try to grab one of their choice. Children can get bored of a particular toy easily and hence an array of toys & teethers can keep them occupied.

Exercise For Infant’s Development

Carrying your baby around can also cause the occurrence of varicose veins in women which can be very painful and irreversible in many cases. It’s an indisputable fact that children need their daily dose of exercise. Ever wondered why is their body so flexible? This is because they keep moving around all the day. And while they are enjoying discovering newer things you can utilize this time by doing the chores or cooking or taking a nap while there is someone else monitoring your baby. Really, did you just hear the word ”nap”? Yes, you did. It can’t get better than this.

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She is not a parent, but why is she called “Amma” ?

Posted on by Ekta
She is not a parent, but why is she called “Amma” ?

To preface, let me say that I’m not fan of any of the political parties neither am I interested in politics. It is amusing to watch people trying to follow & decode the return of political parties to power. But Mrs. J Jayalalitha has been so astonishing a leader that I have wondered myself a several times ‘She is not a parent, but why is she called “Amma”?’

On 25th March 1989, a bold statement was made by Mrs. Jayalalitha after she was humiliated by DMK ministers (like Dushasana pulling Panchali’s saree) – “I will return & attend the parliament only as the Chief Minister”. As destiny had it’s course, her alliance partner Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991. The sympathy votes won people’s hearts, & Tamil Nadu got it’s first, youngest chief minister who completed her term successfully (between 1991 to 1996). This marked as a turning point in the history of the state. As she embarked on her journey to adopt some of the unconventional strategies over the years, let’s have a look at her administration at grass root level.

Surpassing the founder’s record of winning the maximum seats, Mrs. Jayalaitha contested & won all the 39 seats in 2014 elections. A gigantic victory for the party after the DMK scam came to light, people found new hope in AIDMK bestowing her with political fortunes. The former actress, a writer, a politician, well let’s say an educated politician who was familiar with English, Tamil & Hindi; thus making her a versatile woman.

The question arises – Why is she called Amma? Many people believe that her cult figure among poor who are dependent on her for their little necessities like rice, fan, sarees & “Amma” branded products has made her one of the most successful politicians and thus bringing her to power for the 5th time. Commendable isn’t it? Just like a mother provides you with food (pulses, oils, wheat), shelter (allotment by the housing board) & clothes (sarees & other clothing), Jayalaitha also tapped the emotion of upliftment from poverty by providing the basic necessities to luxury for the needy (free power, phone, tv, grinder & more as you read further). But what has made her the “Amma” of Tamil Nadu?

Freebies In Tamil Nadu

Free! We Indians love the word “Free”. Isn’t it? It is the normal Indian mentality to get excited by anything that you receive free. Last electoral polls promised free mixer, grinder & fan. This year a cell phone, fridge & washing machine. Wonder who pays for these freebies & how deep are someone’s pockets. Whatever the case maybe, no matter how much inflation has our oil, veggies, grocery, vat & tax has seen, we Indians, in this case we the people of Tamil Nadu are delighted with the freebies that is provided to us.

Amma Canteen (Unavagam)

They say – The way to win a man’s heart is through his stomach. Amma Canteen (Unavagam) is a sure winner for the AIADMK party leaving no stone unturned. It has attracted several people from other states & countries to understand how is the government able to run these self-help groups led canteens, selling food at penny prices & maintaining the quality throughout. Sambar rice at Rs.5 a plate & an idly at Re.1. Can the blue-collar & labour community ask for more. Even if Amma Cement is unable to make her place concrete, Amma canteen surely has & will stand strong for years to come. Because with Amma canteen in your neighborhood, no one has to sleep hungry.

Amma Water(Kudineer Thittam)

Amma water sold at Rs. 10 a litre was introduced 3 years back with a motive to quench thirst. With summers getting hotter by the year, Amma water sells like hot cakes at stations, depots & small shops because private players sell double purified water at almost double or treble the price.

Amma Laptop

It came to a surprise to many when the chief minister announced the distribution of 11 Lakh laptops to all students loaded with 2GB Ram & WiFi facility. In a state where lakhs of people live below poverty line striving to meet their basic necessities, a laptop was a luxury to them. Although many preferred a cash compensation for the same, the laptops soon found a place in the grey market which were sold at less than half the price. The cost of procuring each was about Rs. 26,000. Wonder where the money comes from?

Amma Mother’s Kit

To add to the joy of every mother, 2015 saw an interesting scheme rolled out to avoid child (female) infanticide and delight all the mothers who have just delivered a child. The goodie back contains all the basic essential baby products that are essential for nurturing the baby. The kit contains baby oil, shampoo, soap, rattler, hand sanitizer, nail cutter, towel, mattress & a mosquito net (quintessential for a city like Chennai). As a custom, most mothers would gift their daughter a set of the same. Wonder why she is called “Amma”?

Amma Salt

Salt, a humble but quintessential element of every household is now available at a lower price. Double fortified salt, Refined free flow & Low sodium salt is sold at about 30% lesser than market price. Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation is reaching out widely to grant the benefit to all the needy.

Amma Cement

Building a strong concrete for her next polls, Amma Cement is booming with an unending demand for the quest of shelter. Sold at Rs.190 per bag, common man can now be a proud owner of his own home. There is a cap on the quantity of cement that every family can avail to avoid exploitation of resources.

Amma Seeds

To propel production of good quality agricultural yield, Amma provides high quality seeds to the farmers to provide some relief to the soaring costs of production. A DIY kit is also distributed which encapsulates methods for growing veggies on open terrace & farms.

Amma Pharmacies (Marundagam)

Amma promised holistic health welfare to the less affluent people. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to afford medicines, Amma has proposed safe drugs & medicines at subsidized rates that is lower than market prices, giving stiff competition to the private players who have been stalwarts in the pharmaceuticals industry. Shelling out 20 crores from the state reserve, pharmacies even at subsidized rate can bring great revenues for the government.

Amma Mobiles (Kaipesi Thittam)

The end of 2015, saw the launch of Amma mobiles with a specialized software that would be provided to all the self-help women groups (92 Lakh members currently). The training & equipment cost comes to about Rs.15 crores. Well, Amma knows how to make her brand & presence felt.

Amma Call Centre

Tired of waiting for the property approval? Dial the toll free number “1100”Amma’s people are there for you to address all your issues. Need help with construction approval, water or gas connection, birth certificate or driving licence, property tax or electrical supply. You can contact with the call centre who will connect you to the government officials & expedite the process. Notification via sms & email will be sent along with the complaint or registration number. It is gearing up to handle about 15000 calls a day.

Amma Master Health Check-up

Special woman check-up for the needy in the rural & sub-urban areas for the upliftment of the over-all health & hygiene of the state. Similarly, Amma Maternity Sanjeevi was also extended for those women who are expecting mothers. The government has spent about Rs.208 crores. If dolling out populist schemes like providing freebies doesn’t help in futuristic development, this one certainly does.

Amma Cinemas

Bringing her passion for movies back to life, Amma proposed to introduce Amma Cinema about 2 years back that will sell tickets at under Rs. 25. Yes, we are talking of fully air-conditioned theatre. Beat it? Kollywood only please.

Amma vegetable shops

Curbing the ever-soaring prices of veggies, Amma introduced Amma Vegetable Shops at prices substantially lower than private players. With tremendous sales of about 13,000 kg of veggies, Amma Vegetable shops is set to expand to as many districts as possible.

Other Aspects

Apart from these Amma Branded products or services, which are named after her to make her presence felt everywhere, there are other commendable aspects of her administration that cannot be ignored. Some of them as follows.

  1. The first day after the win at the recent electoral polls, the chief minister declared to shut 500 liquor shops across the state. All liquor shops are operational only between 12pm to 10pm, thus reducing the chances of domestic violence, drunk driving & excessive expenditure on alcohol by the poor.
  2. Waiver of agricultural loans for farmers will be implemented this year, giving much relief to the farmers.
  3. 100 units of free power, every month, for every household or commercial establishment has been promised by the government this year (2016).
  4. Jayalalitha has also promised to provide gold mangalsutra or scared thread that is worn by married women going forward.
  5. Completion of Veeranam project that brought water & electricity that seemed a far-fetched dream for years. Thereby disproving those people who believed that she doesn’t have an iota for administration.
  6. Long before the Amma Canteen had begun, Anna Dhanam, an initiative to provide free food to all the needy people at the temples was introduced.
  7. Jaya TV – Her love for movies can’t go unnoticed. Jaya TV is one of the most viewed channels in the Tamil Industry. There might be an overdose of “Amma News”, but, well there is entertainment, entertainment & entertainment!
  8. While she was in power, she ensured that Veerapan(the bandit) was caught & shot since he was corrupt & indulged in mishaps in the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka forests.
  9. Bicycles for rural children – To encourage children to attend school in the rural areas especially those who are travelling from their home.
  10. The Meter Rule – Here is one benefit for the middle & upper middle class society. She has made the meter rule mandatory with the auto-rickshaws. Albeit, they weren’t happy about it. Although, most rickshaw-walas tend to bend this rule, it has brought some relief to the commuters.
  11. Rain Water Harvesting – Bringing much relief to the water crisis, she had introduced the rain water harvesting scheme to be incorporated to every building new & old.
  12. Mid-Day meal scheme – With a vision to improve literacy rates & shun drop-out rates from the government schools, she rolled out the mid-day meal program that provides free lunch to all the students who attend school. The nutritious food ensures that children get to eat atleast one good meal everyday, thereby reducing the burden from those parents who cannot afford to provide good food for their children.
  13. In her term, she introduced 57 “all – women” operated police stations. A minimum 30% quota for women in all the police jobs was made mandatory. Other all-women establishments included libraries, stores, banks and co-operative elections.
  14. Tremendous development in the OMR belt & the IT sector that supports the same. Eg. The massive IT parks in the belt (Taramani to Siruseri) have attracted the big MNCs to establish a strong foot in this space.

The recent polls where AIDMK had a clean sweep, clearly state that Amma is the “Godmother” for many in the state. The return to power after the judgement was revoked into her favour has made her unstoppable. As her reign continues, we hope that the future holds bright for Tamil Nadu. Apart from the success stories of the Amma Canteen, we look forward to seeing Tamil Nadu or India in the Global political map for achieving commendable milestones that the whole world looks upto.

In your opinion, how do you think that the current government can perform better operationally? What can be the possible areas of improvement? Please share your opinion. Well, your voice might ring bells & push doors paving way to making Tamil Nadu the way we want it to be.

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