BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

When we talk about the Sustainable Development Goals, set forth by the United Nations, we really need to be clear as to what the term exactly means and holds. The SDGs were adopted by the UN as “an urgent call for action”, which includes shared interests and partnerships of the developed and developing countries. There are in total 17 SDGs listed out by the UN, ranging from “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger” to “Climate Action” and “Partnership for the Goals”. In words of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, “The 2030 agenda and its 17 SDGs, adopted in 2015, provide a coherent, holistic framework for addressing these challenges and their interconnections. Their implementation must embody the principles of inclusiveness, integration and ‘leaving no one behind’ “. The United Nations has set a target of the year 2030 to achieve a more secure, prosperous, and equal world by the international community. The critical areas that these goals would focus and stimulate action upon include- poverty, hunger, education, health and well-being, education, gender equality, water and sanitation, energy, economic growth and decent work, infrastructure, industry and innovation, reducing inequalities, sustainable cities, consumption and production, climate action, ecosystems, peace and justice, and partnership. These goals establish the fact that education, economic growth, climate action and partnership are not different and individual entities, but rather are interconnected to one another. The 17 Goals and 169 targets cannot be met efficiently if there are no effective and renewed collaborations and partnerships amongst individuals, the society and also the governments. Each individual on this earth needs to pitch in and contribute as much as they can so that this planet can become a more sustainable and better world to live in. That is precisely the reason why the tag line of SDGs is ‘Leave No One Behind’ to highlight the importance of each individual’s participation. But to put things in perspective, it is quintessential to actually implement them in reality, rather than just imbibe them by reading. One of the important factors required is to decarbonize and apply efficient energy services. Secondly, it’s necessary to cut down on pollution, and focus on sustainable housing and mobility. Thirdly, there is an increased need to press for gender equality, better health, education and decent job facilities. Living in the age of digital revolution, it is highly recommended to inculcate biotechnology, big data, nanotech and artificial intelligence to meet essential diagnostic and research needs and to know how far-fetched the goals are. Another aspect that needs great emphasis is circular economy, continued diplomacy and sustainable use of non-renewable resources to realize the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The essence of these goals lies in the fact that these are universally applicable in nature and are linked to one another, hence are indivisible. It all depends upon the current generation to become the torch bearers of mankind and it’s necessary to be aware of the fact that it all lies in our hands. In short, it is “now or never”. Thus, there is undoubtedly, an urgent need to address the global issues and find pertinent mitigation steps to resuscitate human kind and save the world from the blushes of the wrongdoings. It is also noteworthy to mention that the respective governments taking up the implementation of these goals do so according to their national policies, strategies and laws as it may differ from nation to nation, society to society. There is definitely a reaffirmation of values underlining the society, such as peace and partnership, without which the penetration and awareness of these Sustainable Development Goals isn’t possible globally. It needs to be consistently stressed that these fifteen years, (2015-2030) would be defining for the world as a whole and the global society faces an acid test as far as achieving these goals are concerned, particularly in a post-pandemic world. There are no doubts that a cent percent application of these goals along with the targets to be met would be no cakewalk as the under-developed and developing countries, affected by the pandemic would grapple with far wider national issues, such as struggling economy, poverty, etc. But we as youth need to make sure, that we do our bit for the same as, “Leave No One Behind” is the very motto given to us. Hence, adherence to these and careful diplomatic deliberations amongst sovereign nations would go a long way to achieve our dream- making the Earth Sustainable and a better planet to live in for our future generations.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

The most common opinion of us all, when we would hear of the topic would be, “we love sunrises and sunsets because it looks Instagram-able”. Almost everything tends to be associated with capturing, posting and vying for likes on social media. Though, here let us take a different route to this beautiful topic, rather than going for the conventional social media rut. So, don’t all of us fantasize about a vacation where we would spend time on the beach or mountains seeing the sun set, or get up with the rays of the rising sun? Well, it is the dream of every person on earth to witness the sheer beauty of nature. The one who doesn’t appreciate the beauty may well be a lost or depressed chap for sure. Look at the patterns of nature and humans simultaneously there. The birds come out of their nests, just like humans do every morning along with the sunrise, gearing up for a day full of work. Evenings comprise of birds, animals and human beings making their way home after a long and exhausting day at work. These patterns have been adopted by humans by taking a cue from nature. Every sunrise brings with itself a new beginning, a fresh start and lease of life, a new way of perceiving things, and also a chance to do good karmas and forget the past troubles. Just praise the Creator for the magnificence that he filled the earth with, courtesy sunrises and sunsets. It just shows humans, with nose-high ego’s, that they are nothing in comparison to the might of Mother Nature. And Indian culture and religion teaches us the way of life in synchronization with nature- morning yoga, spiritual-ness during dawn and contemplation, reflection, introspection and having meals early before sunset. All of these have scientific purposes, as Jainism and Hinduism strongly believe. Appreciating things as big or rather, as small as a sunrise or sunset would give a sense to us to live in the present, rather than brood about the past or worry excessively about the future. The importance of going to bed early and waking up with the sunrise cannot be stressed enough and is no rocket science. Yet, we humans tinker with our biological sleep clock by remaining up all night and sleeping in the morning, especially the millennial Gen-Z. Well, everyone knows everything, including the pros and cons; it’s just about how well one has self-control over ones thoughts and actions, and ofcourse, priorities. Rather than picking up a bottle of beer or cup of caffeine, one could connect with Mother Nature and update one’s mental schemas, along with the feelings of satisfaction, time management, and less impatiency. These aren’t just simple theories; it’s best to try it out. Well, you get two chances in a day, right? So, why to waste even one of them? Try and appreciate the small bounties and beauties of life. The connect with nature has been decreasing day by day. Just try and look at the various hues that fill up the sky during the two times of the day, and try and give those colors a name. I bet, the variety of the hues and magnanimous-ness is so intense that even the best artist of the world would find it difficult to categorize it as a single color. As it is said that “nature is fuel for the soul”, it is also interesting to note that the bounties of nature are free of cost. The huge amount of money that one earns in a day is of no value if the person doesn’t value the small but magical creations of the Almighty. There are no surprises to the fact that careful deliberation with oneself during these hours can also help to alleviate stress, anxiety and depression from our daily lives. There’s even a possibility of multitasking while seeing through sunrises and sunsets, as the current generation likes it. You could probably take a stroll, or cycle down, or even jog, while admiring it simultaneously. Or, if someone doesn’t like to multitask, it’s all-the-more better. All that is required is to gaze at sky at that particular time and just see where our thoughts are wandering. Practicing mindfulness by simply sitting or standing and gazing can work wonders over a period of time, and so can also instill the much-needed tranquility that one urges for every single day. Mahatma Gandhi observed the power of nature when he said, “When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.” Coming back to the habit of clicking photographs of them, a regular practice would enable to beat the urge of clicking and posting every day, because maybe nobody would be that interested to see the same monotonous posts of ours every time, right? You need to do it for yourself, rather than to show the world on social media. Rather than enjoying the moment in front of our eyes live, we spend the entire time capturing it on our phones and cameras. After all what one sees from their eyes lasts longer in the memories than the storage memory of the device, isn’t it?

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

These two towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar are just close to each other, and till the time I visited these places, I was always confused between the two. Jostled up in the state of Uttarakhand in the northern region of India, these two towns are the perfect destination to experience the real essence of Hindu culture and traditions. Haridwar in Sanskrit, literally means “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. Set at the scenic foothills of the Shivalik Ranges of the Himalayas, Haridwar is set on the bank of the most revered river in India, the Ganges or Ganga. Millions of devotees attend the ‘Kumbh Mela’, which takes place every 12 years. According to Hindu mythology, taking a dip in the holy Ganges washes away the sins of an individual. It is an important place in the context of the ‘Char Dham’ yatra- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. According to mythological legends, Haridwar,  along with Nashik, Allahabad and Ujjain is one of the four places where ‘Garuda’, the mythological Hindu bird, dropped ‘Amrit’, also known as elixir.  It was in Haridwar, that Goddess Ganga descended on earth, according Hindu scripts. Also, it is one place where Hindus believe ‘Moksha’ can be attained. Well, as far as travel was concerned, it was mighty cold there since we had visited it during year end. One thing that needs to be noted is that in these two cities, non-vegetarian and alcohol consumption is strictly banned, taking into account the Hindu customs. Before going to Haridwar, it was my dream to witness the hair-raising atmosphere at the Har ki Pauri. So, it can easily be remarked that without a visit there, your trip is incomplete, as it has to be the highlight of the trip. During the evening ‘aarti’ or prayers, tens of thousands of people from all over the world throng the ‘Brahmakund Ghat’ for the prayers. This ought to be my best religious experience, ever in life as the ‘bhajans’ and ‘shlokas’ reverberate in the ears and one completely submits to God. People, while performing the aarti completely devote themselves and prepare a ‘tokri’ or paper or leaf bowl, consisting of flowers, incense and other religious stuff and float it in Ganga waters, along with ‘diyas’ or floral floats with lamps in earthern pots. During dusk, the floating diyas and the exuberating atmosphere makes one feel alive. There can be an experience like this, found nowhere else in the world, except Varanasi. The next day we were off to the Chandi Devi Temple. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had established the statue in 8^th Century A.D. A ropeway is also present, that can transport you from  Chandighat to this place. Next place to visit was Kankhal, which houses the Sati Kund, another historical place in Haridwar town. According to Hindu texts, Sati immolated herself in that very kund, and the ‘sati pratha’ is said to have had associations from that episode of history. Another temple that followed the visit was the Mansa Devi Temple. It again, reflected the true Hindu essence with the scriptures and the artistic idols of the deities.  One place that ought to be visited in Haridwar is the Patanjali Vidyapeeth. Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Vidyapeeth houses a yoga and meditation centre. Also close to this is the Patanjali Manufacturing Unit of Baba Ramdev, India and the world’s yoga guru. There are not just these many temples in the holy town, but there are hundreds and hundreds of small and big temples dotting the holy town of Haridwar. Well, after spending a few days in Haridwar, it was time for us to step into its twin town, Rishikesh, another religious Hindu pilgrimage site. Popularly known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, it just a 30-minute drive from Haridwar. The town is host to the International Yoga Festival since the year 1989. The town rose to fame courtesy the songs produced by the ‘Beatles’ during their time in Rishikesh. The town is extremely famous for drawing tourists around the world for yoga, spirituality, Hindu traditions, rafting and the world famous ‘Ram Jhoola’ and ‘Laxman Jhoola’. It was one of my dreams in life to do river rafting in The Ganges in Rishikesh, and thankfully, that did come true. It has to be, the most exhilarating experience in my life. I joined a group in one of the rafts and set sailing for a couple of hours to my heart’s content, watching the iconic Ram Jhoola and Laxman Jhoola pass over my head. The rapids literally pushed us out of the raft and I found myself, the very next moment immersed completely inside the cold waters of the Ganges. I drank the water of the Ganges, and it tasted purely heaven-like and sweet; felt like having “Amrit” or the elixir. Specifically speaking, the Ram Jhoola connects Swarg-ashram in Pauri Garhwal to Muni ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal. The Parmarth Niketan is located just at the foot of the bridge. One would expect the Ganges to be full of flower waste, partially corpsed bodies and other dirt. But quite contrary to my expectations, I found the Ganges water to be crystal-clear and beautiful bluish-green in color. Also, the scenic beauty of the Jhoolas from the Ghat is a spectacle to behold. The huge cramped up market of Rishikesh is famous for typical Hindu stuff, such as vermillion, deities’ statues, rosemary beads, Om and Shloka- printed tees, etc. One must not forget to take home the most prized possession for Hindu homes- “Ganga Jal” or the Holy water of the Ganges, to offer Gods in the temple back home. The local food in Rishikesh is to die for, with the world-famous “Choti-wala” restaurant in the town. The traditional and scrumptious North Indian cuisine of ‘Chhole Kulche, Bhature’, ‘Chaat’, ‘Rajma-Chawal’ can be found at every corner of the town. Hundreds and hundreds of foreigners from all around the world stand baffled and open-mouthed to the grandeur and customs of the Hindus. The trip to these two towns can never be forgotten because of the sheer religious sentiments attached to it, with respect to the temples, ghats, Ganga, etc; and it is no less than a pilgrimage for the Hindu community people. Invariably, the true essence of Hindu and Indian hospitality can be found there, that would leave one astounded and gasping for more. 

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

How can one not visit the serene and reposeful town of Gangtok? There are a number of reasons to visit this tranquil and well-developed town, which has a lot to offer. This palatable town is the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, located in the north-eastern region of India. It is endowed with loads of natural beauty. Sitting at an elevation of over 1,650m Gangtok falls in the eastern Himalayan range. Gangtok is one of the most widely visited cities in the north-east and tourism is one of the most important means of occupation for the locals. The city, just like other Himalayan cities, has a cold climate throughout the year and is mostly enveloped and wreathed amongst clouds.  It is accessible by road from towns like Darjeeling and Kolkata. Siliguri is the closest town, being approximately 120 kilometers away. The town was once an important trading route for the Britishers, linking Tibet to Calcutta. Today, Gangtok is one of the most developed, literate and cleanest cities of India. After having a warm sleep, we were itching and raring to go and visit the city the next day. The first place to visit on our bucket-list was the Rumtek Monastery. One of the most famous places to visit around the city, it is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city. The practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage and various rituals are practiced in the monastery, which also holds the distinction of being the biggest monastery throughout the state of Sikkim. The much cherished relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa is present there and the Golden Stupa is splendid and glistening. After a few clickety clicks, it was time for us to visit the Tsomgo Lake. Located at a distance of 40 kilometers from the city, this lake is a must-see for nature lovers. When we were there, the lake was in its semi-frozen state. Interestingly, one may find the lake reflecting different colors according to the season. The mountains surrounding the lake and the plethora of clouds were ravishing and radiant. Do not forget to drink a cup of coffee or tea to withstand the chills and also soak into the fresh, cool air. There are various restaurants and cafés in the city center which offer an array of international cuisines. Chinese and Tibetan dishes, including varieties of momo’s are a must try to soothe your taste buds. A visit to Gangtok is incomplete without a visit to the fabulous Mahatma Gandhi Marg. It is a pedestrian avenue and a boulevard. You will be astonished to know that it is the only road in the whole of India to have a litter-free, smoke-free and vehicle-free area. The entire stretch of the road is lined up with marvelous and glistening bars, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, etc. The best way to enjoy and get a feel of the atmosphere is by taking a table on a road-side restaurant and enjoy the local delicacies. This was my favorite part of the trip since you also get a feel of being in New York or Tokyo, which those sky-high neon lights, clean environment and organized things. The ‘Statue of Unity’ stands on this street, as an ode to the famous local Lepcha leader. I was left mesmerized by the bewitching Victorian Lamps lit all across the road. This road ought to be visited during late evenings and nights to enjoy the dazzling and eccentric atmosphere. Every year, this area is host to the Gangtok annual food and culture festival in December, where several music shows, ethnic dance performances and cultural shows are organized. You find everything in these markets under the sun, ranging from artifacts to rare artillery. I found myself indulging in some delicious bakery stuff, which is extremely famous in Gangtok town. The next day we set off for the local city tour. We first visited a couple of waterfalls in and around the city and halted at a very famous library located in the city center. It was then, time to visit the exquisite Ganesh Tok, which is at a distance of 5 kilometers from the town. The spot is the perfect place to admire the beauty of the snow-capped mountain tops. There is a small temple dedicated to the Indian God Ganesha. I loved to indulge in a plate of fresh fruits which is widely available at the base. As a fruit lover, I was left astonished to find the variety of fruits in the region. Another evening was spent in the entrancing MG Marg, where I shopped my heart out the whole evening. The hotels in Gangtok are very beautiful as you find yourself in the midst of snow-covered mountains and lakes, which flow almost all around the town. We went to sleep early that day as we had to set off for the Nathu-La Pass the next day. The experience of visiting Nathu-La Pass was indeed historic. It is a mountain pass in the Himalayan region which connects India (Sikkim) to China (Tibet). Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit the pass and a special permit has to be undertaken from the Government authorities in Gangtok. It is around 55 kilometers from the town but due to the hilly and mountainous terrain, it takes about 3-4 hours to reach. It is also one of the five officially agreed Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China. It is also one of the three open trading border posts highlighting the Sino-Indian ties. As a matter of fact, it was part of the ancient Silk Road through China. You can see Tibet, China and Bhutan through the pass. There are various check posts of both India and China. A war memorial has been built on the Indian site to pay tribute to the martyrs. One may find several lakes there and the temperature is always in the minus. I was so fascinated that I clicked a few pictures with the Chinese Military personnels, who are quite unwelcoming otherwise. It is noteworthy to mention that it is one of the passing routes for pilgrims to Mansarovar as well as for Tibetans to visit India. There is a temple which goes by the name of ‘ Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple’ in the Nath-La Pass. According to a legend, he was a soldier of the Indian Army and is regarded as the ‘Hero of Nathu-La’.  Many of the army personnel deployed along the Sino-Indian border worship him. The army personnel have come to believe that his spirit protects every soldier in the high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas. The Baba is believed to grant favors to those who revere him. He is said to be protecting the country even after death. As per common belief, any army official not maintaining a clean and disciplined attire is punished with a slap by Baba himself. His own attire which hangs in display need not be cleaned by anyone as it gets cleaned by his own soul, goes the tail. While returning back to Gangtok from the pass, it is fun to stop at a local makeshift shop and eat Cuppa/Maggi Noodles to give warmth. We also made a quick stop at Tsangpo lake, which flows into India from Tibet makes its way into Brahmaputra and nearby Bhutan. A ride on the yak and some yak milk is definitely recommended when in Tsangpo lake. We reached the city late evening and relaxed. Next day was the most painful as we had to leave this adorable place and head back home. No matter what, I am sure I am going to visit this place soon. What about you all? It’s time to get going.

Nowadays, it is so common to see people getting stardom and fame so easily. Sometimes, all it takes is a famous TikTok video, a controversial tweet or a snap with a famous celebrity to become famous. Internet has made the road to fame easier and more accessible through social media and wide-range applications online. Thus, you find so many people from such humble background hogging limelight, like never before. Add to that the multifarious reality shows, the path to stardom has become easily achievable. It is a kind of a rage that runs through internet; it is kind of an easy come, easy go dynamic. There are so many examples of people who have risen from humble backgrounds and have gone on to become widely followed celebrities, either through television or internet medium. The problem lies in the fact that these kinds of people aren’t able to appropriately handle the money and fame that revolves around it.  They have a short-lived status. For instance, a huge number of reality shows take place throughout the year and a number of people emerge winners. But then, the question arises as to what is the way forward for these contestants? On one hand, some of them manage to ink contracts and sign up for upcoming events. On the other, a majority of them are never seen again. They are just lost. This is nothing else but a short-lived celebrity status. Unfortunately, the extreme high and an extreme low thereafter, are major causes of depression among the celebs and in extreme cases, they resort to suicides. We have seen and heard of all this before too, but the rage is just growing. These kind of people also resort to other means of livelihoods and are then reported seen sometimes abandoned. It is quite common among models and other small-screen actors. The fact is that stardom has spread to all the major fields, such as chefs are now known as celebrity chefs, writers are now known as celebrity writers, designers are now known as celebrity designers.  It has penetrated the entire domain of media and other professions also. It is quite common to find religious saints mix their aura with celebrity status and fame. A number of celebrities like Kapil Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan have had fair share of highs and lows, where the former almost lost his head because of all the fame and money, and let to a major fallout, only to be resurrected by the messiah of Bollywood, Salman Khan, who pulled things back for Kapil by producing his comedy show. How many people are able to rise from being just an Indian Idol winner to being one of the most famous singers in the world, Neha Kakkar? Hardly there are any, because the key lies in how you accept the love and adulation from people and handle pots and pots of money. The fact that money spoils one’s brains and makes a person go berserk is not new. How that adulation and celebrity status is accepted goes a long way in shaping of their respective careers. Therefore, we can say that the celebrity status has become extremely short in today’s modern era, unlike before. Everyone you meet nowadays, wants to become a celebrity, and it isn’t an arduous and herculean task anymore. Small town boys and girls are making their headways into fashion, films, OTT platforms and other media platforms, which is definitely a sign of changing winds and is encouraging. But the truth of sustenance remains on an equal footing for everyone. Just imagine people loving you and watching you so closely and then suddenly you’re nowhere seen. How would it feel?

1. Kenya- Kenya can easily be termed as the best country in terms of wildlife tourism. It is rather common to find 70 or 80- odd elephants move together in a herd. One of the most visited cities in Kenya is its bustling capital of Nairobi. Various National Parks and rich wildlife habitats await the travellers in this part of the world.
2. Namibia- Namibia is another African nation that has a rich buffer of flora and fauna. Vast stretches of desert lands in Namibia offer a range of exciting activities. One simply cannot miss the Hot air balloon rides and the stunning landscapes dotting the country. It is definitely a destination that can be visited year round owing to the climate, which fluctuates between warm and cold because of the desert.
3. South Africa- One of the most promising destinations in not only Africa, but globally, South Africa has everything to offer. It is definitely a traveller’s paradise. Treks to mountains such as Table Mountain, amazing Indian-food influence, pristine and tidy beaches and wine tours are not to be missed here. Popular destinations include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Durban.
4. Egypt- This country ought to be on a travellers bucket list. With the ancient pyramids and the longest river in the world, Nile, being there, Egypt has it all. The mesmerizing tombs of Tutankhamun and eerie mummies in the pyramids are sure to leave one in splits. A cruise along Nile is mandatory, while in Egypt. Cairo is one of the most visited tourist destinations there. And, not to forget the beautiful Islamic culture and mosques throughout the country, are big draws.
5. Morocco- Another desert country, Morocco is famous for its Arabic culture. The souqs here are as beautiful as those of Dubai and the Arab world. The Sahara Desert offers a variety of tourism options and the cities of Marrakech and Rabat are quite famous. The bustling squares of Morocco are indeed marvelous and glistening at night, owing to the dances and local music.
6. Zimbabwe and Zambia- As they sound quite similar in their names, their tourism capacities are at par too. Just like other African nations, these two countries too have a large number of National Parks. Zebras, lions, tigers, cheetahs and other huge animals are commonly found. Zambia is particularly famous for rafting or simply gazing the sky amidst the vast desert stretches. It is nature at its best.
7. Tanzania- Tanzania is home to the highest peak in Africa- Mount Kilimanjaro. It draws tourists all around the year. Hikers and professional adventure enthusiasts flock this country for the varied landscapes and ofcourse, Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife, again, just like other African nations, is a big industry.

People love to tell you how to live your life. There is no shortage of family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, businesses, and of course, magazines and websites offering plenty of guidance about what you should or shouldn’t do. Others want to tell you what or how you should (or shouldn’t) eat, drink, shop, vote, believe in (or not believe in), dress, exercise—you name it.

Unsolicited advice is one of those facts of life that most of us don’t like but are forced to accept. To begin, what kind of person tends to give unsolicited advice? Personalities who are known colloquially as “alpha” personalities are the most frequent advice-givers. Unsolicited advice-givers tend to be rigid in the way they approach life in general. In terms of their thinking style, unsolicited advice-givers tend to be cognitively rigid. They typically believe that they are right, and when they approach a problem, they often have difficulty seeing the situation from multiple perspectives. They can be absolutist in their thinking, perceiving things in an all-or-nothing, black-or-white way. In terms of their personality style, unsolicited advice-givers tend to believe that they are more intelligent, special, or sensible than others. Unsolicited advice-givers wouldn’t give advice if they didn’t believe that their feedback about how to approach a given situation was optimal or superior. These men and women tend to operate in daily life with the mind-set that the world would run much more smoothly if only they could make all the decisions.

What’s lacking with this perspective is humility and insight. As bright and competent as they often are, one would expect that they learned a very basic truth long ago: We must make certain mistakes ourselves in order to learn from them and change our behaviour later. If you know any unsolicited advice-givers, you know that it often seems as if they can’t stop themselves from giving advice. At root, they are compelled to give it. What’s interesting is that as self-assured and strong as they appear on the surface, they simultaneously lack a certain level of awareness. Not only are they not aware of others’ thoughts and feelings, but they also lack self-awareness. These individuals do not see how their actions are often unwarranted or even uncalled for, and they never stop to reflect on their own motivations for giving unsolicited advice in the first place. They seek a sense of control and order. Adults have spent enough years listening to teachers preach in front of the classroom, or being subjected to parents who control so much of a child’s life. In other words, most men and women reach a point where they’re tired of listening to others tell them what to do, and they would rather make a mistake and suffer the consequence than comply like a dutiful child in response to advice, even if the advice would actually lead to a better result. What comes to mind is Swiss philosopher Rousseau’s famous quote from The Social Contract: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” It is precisely these chains that make men and women reject unsolicited advice. All that most men and women want as adults is a sense of independence and freedom.

I am pretty sure you know at least one person who keeps giving you advice but who at the same time does the opposite of what he says. If that person isn’t really convinced then why does he keep giving advice?
Why would a person ask you to do something if they fail to do it themselves? There are many reasons behind that behaviour. One of the main causes of such behaviour is when a person gives advice to try to achieve an important goal that has nothing to do with the advice. A person for example, can give an investment advice in the presence of others in order to seem knowledgeable and wise, and then do the opposite when he is totally alone just because he only cared about projecting a certain image. Many people give advice in order to encourage themselves to do something. A friend might keep telling you about the dangers of smoking because he is afraid to become a smoker as well. That friend might be giving you advice in order to encourage himself to stay away from cigarettes and smoking.

Another factor that might motivate a person to give advice is wishful thinking. A person can ask you to do something that he doesn’t do, because he wishes to start doing it. Wishful thinking can motivate a person to give advice as he hopes to end up doing like what he is saying. Some people show greater interest in solving your problems than they do their own. In such cases, what might these self-appointed, habitual advice-givers be revealing about themselves? Actually, much more than you may have realized.

What the chronic advice-givers’ suggestions—often gratuitous and unsolicited—typically betray is a powerful need to prove to themselves that they could deal with your difficulties better than you could ever be expected to. Also that the depth and breadth of their intelligence, knowledge, and comprehension indicates a still more general superiority over you. What comes to mind is Swiss philosopher Rousseau’s famous quote from The Social Contract: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” It is precisely these chains that make men and women reject unsolicited advice. Ultimately all what men and women want as adults, is a sense of independence and freedom, that’s it.

BY : PRATHAM GOLCHA

1. Australia : Touted to be amongst one of the most beautiful countries of the world, Australia surprises you at every juncture. Famous world-wide for its beaches and coasts, Australia has a lot more to it. It is particularly famous for scuba diving, water sports and coral reefs, especially in the Great Barrier Reef. Also synonymous with this country are its famous national parks, housing adorable koalas. Touristy destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, New South Wales, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane are a must-visit.
2. New Zealand : Traditionally inhabited by the Maori tribe, New Zealand is a nature-lovers’ paradise with a variety of flora and fauna on display. The active volcanoes, pristine beaches, varied landscapes and gigantic mountains are highlights of New Zealand. And, how can one ever forget Kiwi’s whist one is in New Zealand! Famous places to move around in Kiwiland include Napier, Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Nelson.
3. Fiji : Though being just a dot-sized nation in the Indian Ocean Region, Fiji is one of the most revered tourist destinations in Oceania. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Fiji boasts of breath-taking coral reefs and coasts. Suva is the capital and undoubtedly, the biggest city of Fiji. The local markets of Fiji are a must-visit.
4. Vanuatu : Dominated by the British-French Condominium until 1980, Vanuatu is a small island nation in the Oceania region. Just like other nations of Oceania continent, Vanuatu too is home to surreal beaches, natural wildlife, serene atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.
5. New Caledonia : Again, a tiny island nation, sitting close to Australia’s coast, New Caledonia too has a lasting French influence, like Vanuatu. Noumea is the capital of this wonderful country, where there is still a presence of ancient tribal people. It is quite an isolated and well-developed island nation. It has an excellent collection of wide-ranged flora and fauna.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

Overshadowed in the recent years by the close-by Emirate, Dubai, Abu Dhabi has always been the second option for travellers visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Inspite of being the capital of UAE and the largest of the 7 Emirates, Abu Dhabi has rather been a shadow of Dubai. Situated on an island in the Persian Gulf, the city of Abu Dhabi boasts of a plethora of astonishing places. What mesmerized me the most, first of all, was the airport of Abu Dhabi, which I can easily say is structurally, way superior to Dubai’s. The President of UAE resides in the city and the city is famous worldwide for its oil and petroleum exports. Abu Dhabi is quite accessible by road too. Dubai is around a 90 minutes’ drive from the town, whereas Sharjah is around 1 hour 45 minutes away. We were in the city for a limited number of days, and hence wanted to make the most of it. The first place on our bucket list was the world-famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The project of the mosque was launched by the late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure that would unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with the historical and modern values of architecture and art. Spread over an area of more than 30 acres, the mosque has been inspired by Persian, Mughal, and the Alexandrian Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque in Egypt, particularly the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan being direct influences. Most of the structure of the mosque is composed of marble, whereas the domes and minarets are made up of semi-precious stones, crystals, gold, etc. The origin of the materials and artisans include countries like Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, Germany, Iran, etc. The mosque is host to the world’s largest carpet, approximately 60,570 sq.ft. The weight of the carpet is believed to be a whopping 35 ton, made by around more than 1000 carpet knotters from Iran. The Grand Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from Munich, Germany that incorporated millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest chandelier is the second largest known chandelier inside a mosque, the third largest in the world. There are 96 gigantic columns in the main prayer hall, a fine spectacle of craftsmanship. At many places in the mosque, one may find the various names of Allah, featured in calligraphy all along. Even Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the interior premises of the main prayer hall and are also allowed access to the main library, which contains the holy books of Islam. The mosque’s columns are reflected along the pools, which transform and shimmer in the night. The beauty cannot be defined in mere words. Next place to tick off our bucket list was the renowned and eminent Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Located on the Yas Island of Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World is the most famous amusement park in the world. It is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and is one of the world’s most renowned tourist attractions. Formula Rossa is the world’s fastest roller-coaster, which literally flies at a speed of 240 kmph. First of all, when we entered, we felt like we were literally lost because the Ferrari World is so big that one can’t finish seeing the whole park in a day. We took the map of the Ferrari World and started to go for some exceptional rides, the first one being the world’s fastest roller-coaster, Formula Rossa. We had to wait for some time to get our chance as people across the world throng the place in thousands. As soon as we sat on the Formula Rossa, inspite of all the apprehensions, I had my heart in the mouth because I had seen previously from the balcony how dangerous it looked. Anyways, we were given safety goggles to wear because they might’ve thought the speed may result in people losing their eyes! The moment it started, I suddenly got a tremendous jerk on my neck and I closed my eyes, my lips mincing God’s name. The ride was one of its kinds in the world; the ups and downs, the speed, everything was just too scary. Our next ride was the Flying Aces, which boasts of the tallest loop in the world. It was a ride to remember as you’re twisted 360 degrees, in all directions in space. The experience was unforgettable as it reaches a height of 207 ft, swinging you into loops of all kinds. There were various other rides too, which can never be experienced anywhere else in the world. We visited various other rides like Viaggio in Italia, Speed of Magic, Made in Maranello, Go Karting, to name a few. Various shows are there too, like the Tyre Challenge Show and exemplary Magic Shows. There’s also a collection of Ferrari’s cars, with models dating back to 1947, and a Ferrari factory tour and Ferrari knowledge game show for true car nerds. The food courts in the Ferrari World offer breathtaking options of cuisines from all over the world. Can you imagine, the day was over in doing just these few things? That shows how enormous and mammoth the Ferrari World is; it must be taking a couple of days to go around and do everything. The next morning we set off for the Yas Waterworld. Yas Waterworld is a massively and stupendously big theme park, with waterslides and an inner-tube river ride, as well as the world’s first hydromagnetic tornado water rafting ride; the world’s largest surfable sheet wave; and the Jebel Drop, a free-fall speed water slide. It also houses Bandit Bomber, which is the longest suspended rollercoaster in the Middle East, over 550 m long. It is a splendid way to relax and soak into the Emirati sun. By the time it was evening, we had planned a visit to the Observation Deck, which is the highest point in the city. It is located on the 74^th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi city. It is, certainly one of the most exhilarating spectacles. It was an experience of a lifetime, watching the glorious city shine in the night. The skyline of Abu Dhabi is just phenomenal and remarkable. The following day we set off for an exploration of the city, by ourselves. We went in posh public transport, double-decked buses in Abu Dhabi to visit a few malls nearby. A walk through the streets of the Capital, exploring the local cuisine and ofcourse, some shopping is a must. And a visit to the gold souqs is mandatory too. Just staying rigid on the itinerary and only visiting tourist-y places is a big no! It was our last day in the stunning city and what better to end the trip with a Desert Safari! Early in the evening, we left for the Desert Safari, which was close to Al Ain, the neighbouring Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The air from the car’s wheels was removed and we were told to sit tightly. Suddenly, the car started to twist and twirl on the sand dunes, while in motion. Oh, it was all so exciting and enjoyable. You literally feel its gonna be your last ride ever. However, after enjoying it for an hour or so, it was time to get ready to witness the Arabian cultural extravaganza. The temperature notwithstanding, we enjoyed some amazing belly dances and traditional Arabian performances while in the desert. Later, it was time to pamper ourselves with some scrumptious local delicacies, followed by some huge portions of baklava. It was late night by then and we had to bid goodbye to this gem of a city the next day. All in all, it was a thoroughly satisfying tour in the wonderful town of Abu Dhabi, which is relatively quieter, better planned and away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. So, guys its time to ditch the touristy Dubai, and head out to Abu Dhabi, as soon as possible!

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

God couldn’t be everywhere and, therefore, he sent a mother to the earth. Out of all the beautiful things that the universe has created, the most wonderful one is the relationship between a mother and a child. The bond between a mother and a child is one which is without any conditions. It means that a mother doesn’t differentiate her child. Even a child who is a special child, ordinary looker, or even a criminal is sure to get unconditional love from his mother. It is a bond that unites the body and soul of two lives, which are inseparable. If a child goes through a problem or stress in life, and even though he may be away from his mother, the mother thousands of miles away knows and understands what her child is going through trouble and has intuitions regarding the same. Such is the love between a mother and child.

Not only in human beings, animals also show such kind of traits. Try and remember, if you go close to puppies or kittens, their mothers are sure to attack you, since they don’t want anyone to cause any harm to their offspring. Even if a person becomes old or reaches number of milestones in life, the only thing that remains constant is mother’s love. Let’s ask ourselves, why did we call out “Mother”, when we got injured or fell in our childhood? Why was “Mother” the first word we uttered? (Atleast I still call out to my mother when I’m in pain). Why do we feel the need to eat comfort food made by our mothers?

Even when the kid is yet to be born, the child becomes the most precious thing for her when she is pregnant. Children don’t even have the faintest of idea how painful and difficult it must be for a mother to keep her offspring nine months inside her and then get it delivered. The mother overlooks all the pains, difficulties, and is ready to do whatever it takes to bring up the child whole heartedly. Indeed, a child is even more precious than a gem for a mother.

Children need to understand the amount of sacrifices a mother makes for him. No doubt, God has given the power of giving birth to only a mother (read woman). A child’s circumstances or characteristics don’t matter to the mother at all. After all, we are a part of our mother. It gives the child as well as the mother a sense of belonging. Mothers are also the backbone of a complete family, they do everything it takes for a family to be happy and peaceful. Researches too have found that a hug and kiss from a mother to her child reduces the stress levels significantly. That’s why it is quintessential to appreciate and value what the mother’s doing for her child. She is the one who would pack a tiffin box for you even if you would’ve to go somewhere close by, check on you again and again, all because she loves you and cares for you abundantly. I still cherish caressing and embracing my mother whenever I feel vulnerable or afraid. A mom puts her child before herself and tries to fulfill all the wishes of her child, economic condition notwithstanding. She’s the only one who pays heed to your nonsensical talks and strange ideas at times and loves you even when you don’t love yourself. A mother’s uncountable experiences are priceless, so it’s important to respect that since that’s the wisdom one needs later on in life. A mother also provides a shoulder to cry on, however helpless you may feel. She’s the one who always takes your side and can fight the world single-handedly for you. I always feel safe and secured when my mother’s with me. One must not forget all the rains and sweltering heat she has had to bear, either to watch you perform in a competition, or leave you for hobby classes, or even to fulfill your desire to have an ice-cream. Even if it meant leaving her job or selling off her possessions, she has done it all, only and only for her child. The kind of warmth and love that a mother has for her child is irreplaceable. Your mother will remain your friend even when you grow old. A mother’s love is closest to God’s love. A Jewish proverb rightly affirms what most of us have experienced: “A mother understands what a child does not say.” Mothers can even understand silences of their child and she knows what’s going on inside him. Mother is a child’s best teacher. Her heart is conscientious and compassionate. As it is said that behind every successful man, there is a woman, what I don’t understand is why that “woman” isn’t referred to as a mother. I guess it’s time for us to ponder over it and value our mothers, because there is no point in garlanding and crying over your mother’s photograph when she’s no more. It’s time to live in the present, cherish every moment with our respective mothers and give back to them whatever they’ve done for us, because all they need is love and respect for what they have done.