THE INDIAN COACHING INDUSTRY

‘Enroll in 2 year, 3 year, and 4 year classroom programme, guarantee your seat in Dream colleges!’ is the famous slogan of coaching institutes in India nowadays. Education- a basic thing that was required to be spread freely among the people now has been commercialized. It has turned into a brand. Various courses with different validity seems like we are buying a SIM card and recharging it with calling, messaging etc. The skyrocketing prices of these centres has killed the creativity of students and made them dependent compulsorily. With thousands of competitive exams come millions of such hubs that are making hay while the wallet of the parents shines. Gone are the days when students had to score good marks in board exams to enter the premises of their dream college.

Rising aspirations, combined with the falling quality of mainstream education, have meant that examination-oriented tuitions have taken over the lives of most school and college students in India. Not an option anymore, it has become mandatory for everyone. Asian Development Bank (ADB) report of 2012 alerts by stating that 83% of India’s high school students juggle time around school and tuitions. This industry was initially connected with IIT-JEE and PMT exam. Kota and Delhi were the first two cities where invention of coaching hubs took place. With the advent of technology, press and digital media helped these hubs to grow exponentially through advertisement. Nowadays, the front page of newspapers are filled with pictures of toppers of various elite coaching institutes which gives a strong message among parents and students that it is an easy way to get success.

Now every exam, from class 10^th till job, these shops have come up with various offers tailor made to suit you. Classroom programmes, distance learning, Crash Course, and Test Series are some ways of looting students. The biggest question arises for our schools, Private or Government, and our Education Ministers who can see the pillars of the nation living a directionless life. Why our schools and its curriculum not able to prepare us for these exams? Why the syllabus of school and exams is totally different? Why government hasn’t taken a single step to curb this practice? An industry worth billions of dollars was allowed to flourish without even thinking about its consequences. At one time when India is facing the problem of poverty and illiteracy, due to which children miss out the chance of going to a school, we are creating an atmosphere that even schools are incompetent to grab you a job/college.

Thus, education has become a jigsaw puzzle for students and parents. Even after spending Lakhs of money, one does not achieves what he desires. The courses offered are not up-to-date with the requirement of industry due to which students are not getting jobs. Is this Incredible India? The need of hour is to abolish these coaching hubs and raise a voice so that this illegal practice of making money out of education comes to halt. Every student gets equal opportunity and may the best talent clears the exam, not one who has the money.

Diabetes a silent killer! Reverse it in a natural way.

Guest Blog by Sharmila Srinath

Diabetes Mellitus has become the most common lifestyle disorders in India. It is India's fastest growing disease and its disheartening to know the facts and figure-72 million cases were reportedly recorded in 2017.the repercussions of diabetes are  irreparable damage to vital organs of our body. Most of the people are aware about the disease but don't take it seriously.

Proper diabetes management is vital for a healthy life.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to kidney failure and heart disease.

Diet and lifestyle changes are the cornerstone in the management of Diabetes(Type 2)

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TO COMBAT DIABETES:

1. Obesity is a route cause for diabetes. Lose weight especially around the midriff.

2. Be well hydrated. Drink lot of water and even while exercising do so.

3. Body movement or mobility is crucial. Kick off the sedentary lifestyle. Join an aerobic class or go on long walks.

4. Increase fibre intake.

5. Implement portion control and have small meals.

6. Choose foods with low glycaemic index. SWEET POTATO can be used instead of potato as it is loaded with

Vit-A,fiber,protein and low GI.

7.Control STRESS. Practice meditation, yoga and even colour therapy. They de-stress you and create a happy state of mind.

8.Monitor your blood sugar levels once in six months if you are prone to diabetes.

RECENT INTERVENTIONS IN NATURAL SCIENCES TO NATURALLY CURE DIABETES:

1. PERI WINKLE/CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS/MADAGASCAR PERI WINKLE

This is known to be a wonder shrub-used in natural remedies to treat diabetes. Even the decoction of infused leaves can be consumed in Tea form.

Rose periwinkle regulates blood sugar.

2.SWEET POTATO

It has a low glycaemic index.

helps in managing diabetes as it is loaded with vit-A,fiber and protein which controls blood sugar, enhances weight loss and reduces insulin resistance.

3.BITTER GOURD

KARELA JUICE though bitter is an excellent beverage which contains p-insulin and naturally controls diabetes.

I was shattered when I was diagnosed with GESTATION DIABETES but proper diet and exercise helped to control my sugars and its been a constant battle of the bulge but I gave up whites-Rice,Maida,sugar..and have been consuming Daliya,Rotis,green salads, detox drinks, lemon juice with warm water in the early morning....still discovering healthy ways to win the battle against diabetes. Persistence pays but change in the lifestyle ( few cheat days) definitely transforms your health and thinking for a better life.

Thanks

Global Knowledge Works

'Midlife Crisis-A Life Changing threat!

Just imagine that you wake up in the morning one fine day and feel that you need to question the purpose of your life or out of nowhere feel that you have to enhance your beauty and become that obsessed to even go for breast implants or botox! You are undergoing a crisis and a feeling of disillusionment. You are not alone. You are undergoing a midlife crisis! A girl who is extremely career oriented may give up her job to become a homemaker. After many years this guilt can haunt her. She may feel that she could not achieve anything in life and there is a state of disillusionment. An woman who suddenly lost her partner may feel completely disoriented, devastated and bereaved and if there were no savings definitely it would attribute to mid-life crisis.

•  Midlife crisis is an emotional crisis of identity and self-confidence that can occur in the early middle age.

"Midlife crisis begins sometime in your 40s when you look at your life and think, "Is this all?'and end about 10 years later, when you look at your life and think 'Actually, this is pretty good.'-                                               

Donald Richie

• Life can be an unpredictable and incredible journey with an unknown destination.
• Symptoms of the midlife crisis:

1. Change in eating habits-erratic eating habits and loss of appetite.
2. Change in sleeping pattern-You feels like staring at the clock the entire night disillusioned about life.
3. The feeling of hopelessness-You become more vulnerable and feel that you have not achieved what you wanted from life which leads to frustration
4. There are bouts of depression.
5. Restlessness and anxiety.
6. The feeling of guilt, helplessness and worthlessness.
7. Constant feeling of boredom.

Usually, mid-aged women in the age group of 45 years and 65 years are susceptible to this crisis.

Let's explore the warning signs of a midlife crisis. These potential signs are:

1. Starting to panic about health problems: You start hallucinating about health ailments and suddenly become very health conscious.
2. Becoming obsessed with weight loss and make attempts to get into shape: You are hellbent on losing weight and try all ways to get the desired result.
3. Comparing oneself with his friends or peers: You suddenly start comparing your status, your job with your peer and there is a level of dissatisfaction and you may feel low.
4. Suddenly you contemplate on quitting your job: You think of quitting your job even if it is good. There is a sense of self-searching and you ask yourself deep probing questions, like what you wanted to be in life and what you ended up becoming which creates a sense of confusion and worthlessness.
5. You make rash decisions: You are impulsive in decision making which can lead to major issues.
6. Either you are more appearance-conscious or you may neglect your appearance in the first place.
7. You feel that you have replenished the best days of your life-Suddenly you feel you have grown old which leads to helplessness and anxiety. 

We can definitely overcome this crisis. One needs tremendous patience and conviction to overcome this crisis.

• One needs to have realistic goals in life.
• After we reach a particular age it is better to nurture nature walks, morning walks, gardening, yoga sessions, meditation which are stress busters.
• Every person has capitalised on his opportunities to choose a particular career and achieve esteem needs. Some people are more successful than others but every person's story is different. Comparison leads to jealousy and disharmony. Let us appreciate others and learn to accept our life situations.
• Some people yearn to become entrepreneurs and others want to choose their passion as their profession but ultimately follow the trend and don't take impulsive steps in life.
• Strike a balance when it comes to your appearance. You cannot set unrealistic goals for instant weight loss or rhinoplasty for nose correction. Learn to accept your imperfections are enhance your personality with a positive attitude.
• Don't allow depression to overtake you. Try to get professional help and counselling if you constantly feel low, disheartened and feel worthless. Talk to you family and friends.
•  Life is not a bed of roses. As one age, there are pleasant and unpleasant memories which are an integral part of our life. One needs to cherish the good memories and try to slowly leave behind unpleasant ones which can make us happy individuals.

Every problem has a solution but unless we reason out problems we cannot seek solutions. Today even celebrities like Deepika Padukone have confessed that they have been victims of depression and have undergone therapy and are out of it. This can happen to anyone. The flipside of the coin is Robbin Williams succumbing to depression, which was really unbelievable and a rude shock to one and all. 

Let's gear up for a healthy lifestyle, positive approach and spiritual retreats to beat midlife crisis and become empowered women with exuberating confidence and strength.

For more such insights , contact Life Coach Vivek Gupta

Personal Coaching

How to prevent abuse of a smart phone!

Smartphones have become inseparable companions of the present generation. Digital revolution has taken our country on a stride.Youngsters are swooned by smartphones and numerous apps like WhatsApp,twitter and Facebook have created virtual socialisation.

Netflix and Amazon prime have taken on the techno savvy audience and have started providing entertainment in a heightened level..

High-end mobiles have even replaced laptops in the workplace..

 Gadget addiction is the result of overuse and abuse...Children are falling prey to dangerous games like Blue Whale and Momo challenge and deaths have also resulted...a peril indeed...

*How can we overcome the perils or dangers related to a smartphones?

There are tried and tested ways which can help us handle our smartphone in a safer way!!
#Let's learn the smart way of using our smart phones..

Avoid keeping your smartphone in the chest pocket of your shirt.Mobiles produce radiations which can be hazardous to our health.
Don't expose smartphones to direct sunlight as this can heat up the mobile beyond permissable range.
Never overcharge your mobile for long hours.
Don't plug in your earphones and use the mobile while charging..
Never listen to music while crossing the road as accidents occurs frequently...one is lost in the dreamland and can't hear the approaching vehicle as his ears are plugged.
Never use spurious or cheap rate chargers to charge your headset as they pose serious risks.
Don't plug anything to a wet phone.
Don't keep your mobile unlocked as personal information,credit card details can be compromised...The best way to secure one's smartphone is by using biometric authentication...that's our fingerprint which can never be replicated.
Don't keep your mobile below your pillow.Cases have been reported of battery exploding there by killing the unsuspecting person.
   Smartphones are definitely a great saviour helping us in multiple ways like shopping online,access to Google and all search operations..Facebook,twitter..

We take beautiful selfies,photos of travel destinations and also pay bills..

Children play games and watch cartoon shows....

Let's take a pledge to use a smartphone safely and not to break the above rules....let's not ditch our normal routine and use smartphones in a sensible way as they have become an integral part of our life..

For more such insights, contact Life coach Vivek Gupta

Personal coaching

How I succumbed to the temptation of shopping

Guest Blog by Sharmila Srinath



      You know it when you find it:  the perfect black top for your fabulous Levis jeans, the wind chimes for your new home, the dungarees for your sister's kid. Well, it's a long list. The mission may be anything where you indulge for yourself or your loved ones but this marks life's major events, celebrates your inner passion to shop, exhibits yours taste and uniqueness in choosing the best stuff. Shopping is therapy and it can be fun too!
      I used to take shopping a bit too seriously, dress up for the occasion,  plan for the action the previous day itself and set course with a lot of anticipation that I can strike a great bargain with a winning smile.  I used to frequent the popular market areas of Delhi like Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar which are famous for a variety of women wear especially the ethnic collection like Kurtis, Salwar Kameez, bed linen. I used to just get carried away seeing numerous shops and eye-catching displays with the latest fashion. 
Whenever I wanted to buy something, the minute I bargained they would easily make out that I was not a localized from my Southern accent and I would pay a price.
The onset of e-commerce and subsequently online shopping hit the market which was a blessing in disguise for many women like me who are staying at home moms and need to attend to home keeping and also jostle with shopping. 
It all started with ordering books and electronic goods on Amazon. This turned out to be a win- win situation! Then I got a hang of it. 
 Myntra, lifestyle,tatacliq and many more sites have redefined fashion, style and accesibility and created a sense of convenience for us to just click a button and choose what we want customising the size, pricing and trends. Some brands even offer to try and buy option which is like icing on the cake!
The options galore are aplenty formal, casual, lingerie, party wear, you name it; all categories are available and even there is a great choice for plus size clothing. Luxury brands from other countries also offer apparel, handbags and cosmetics.

• The flipside is that our security can be compromised when we share our personal information while making online transactions and so it is better to shop on reputed sites. Be cautious with local vendors and opt for cash on delivery.
• Taxes may be levied when we order goods from other countries along with delivery charges.
• This can actually affect the employment of sales girls as we don't frequent retail outlets much as we are happy shopping in the comfort of our home.
• Sometimes I want to feel the fabric,  mix and match some colour hues and get dresses stitched which can only happen in the real shopping experience.

Given a choice, sometimes I love the flea market shopping in carnivals, trade fair where we can buy trinkets, accessories, stoles, hairclips, tops at throwaway prices or thrift sales but I'm really hooked to smartphone and prefer loading carts with my wish list and sensibly buying only the selected ones while I'm stretching myself comfortably on my couch. I’m saved from the hassles of rushing to the tailor, paying a hefty charge for his creation and then again pay visits for alteration.
Definitely online shopping is for women like me who are not very finicky about the perfect fit unless it is a blouse and also so convenient to buy size 41-foot wear as I'm blessed with flat foot issue, I'm saved from embarrassment of coming out empty handed from branded shops as they only have slipper for dainty feet.
 I would not mind if I'm wearing a loose outfit but particular about availability and accessibility and have zero tolerance for tight outfits as I need to camouflage my waistline!
Let's sign off on a lighter note-I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless I buy something.      -Jackie Mason

Global Knowledge Works

How to kickstart life after adversity!

When the inevitable happens, when you lose your better half or soul mate in an accident or to a life-threatening disease the aftermath is initial denial followed by heartbreak, mental agony, bereavement which leaves one disillusioned.

Resiliency is a form of emotional strength which helps a person to quickly from a change completely and bounce back to a normal life situation.

Take emotional support from family and friends.
Accept the situation, take time to recoup and get back to normalcy. Time is the best healer.
Ensure that you have some financial security as back up. Otherwise, take-up a part-time job that can support you.
Try to meet like-minded people and don't brood and be confined to four walls. Socialisation helps you to overcome the stress and feel lighter after coming out with the issues in open.
Try to pursue your hobbies like art, music, reading which can be a solace to you.
If you have small children, then bringing them up is a huge responsibility. Chart out the finances and if requirement arises either work from home or hone your skills to take up a job in their school itself.
It takes at least a year to figure out your life and come to terms but willpower and determination can help you win any battle in life. Life is uncertain and one needs to have the fighter spirits to overcome catastrophes in life.
This incident is close to my heart. I came across one such lovely woman who lost her husband to a terrible accident when she was still pregnant with their first baby. She was never told anything about the incident until the baby was born. Then she was inconsolable to hear the news.

Near and dear ones were there by her side and slowly she started doing things on her own. As she felt that her son needed to be brought up single-handedly, the determination rose high in her and she accepted the job. She even completed her graduation as she was married at an early age and was hardly 21 when her husband passed away.

Lakshmi aunty was very strong-minded and brought up her child giving a good education. He became an engineer and is settled in Australia.

This lady moved on after her husband's death and without prior experience started working and engaged herself in meditation, yoga. Years passed and she used to travel a lot from Bangalore to Chennai and get mom the most beautiful silk sarees from there. She had an eye for the best designs even in jewellery selection and was a frequent visitor at our place.

She was a simple and dignified lady with a sense of old world charm in her. Even today she has the zest in life and is one lady who overcame the adversity in life in a positive way.

Let us learn to accept sudden pitfalls in life,learn to adopt to change,be optimistic and go with the tide.Life is unpredictable and we need to move on for our one good.

Vivek Gupta
Life and Career Coach
Personal Coaching

Does physical appearance matter in life?

When you see a beautiful girl jogging in the park, instantly you like to pay attention to her and just

give a second look. This is very natural as human beings have this tendency to notice good-looking

people, admire handsome actors like Bradley Cooper or the Indian hunk Hrithik Roshan as superficial

beauty attracts us.

Beauty is skin deep too! As we get to know people, their behaviour, attitudes, good habits tend to draw

 us towards them. We are drawn to their personality which can also be their inherent qualities.

Superficial appearance can change as one ages.No one can defy the ageing process and succumb to it.

 But a person’s exemplary qualities are always noted.

Princess Diana was a charming lady known for her compassion and the connection with the poor,

needy and bereaved. Even to this date, we remember the fact that she held hands with Aids

 patients making people realise that it is ok to touch them as it's not contagious by doing that simple act.

She is remembered for her kind heart and humanity.

Appearances can be deceptive-

A person may speak as sweet as saccharin but his intentions may not be the same, he may be

 backstabbing or double-tongued. He may pretend to be a good wisher but in reality,

he may be a gossip monger.

A person can be gauged by his inner beauty which is permanent and everlasting.

Don't gauge a book by its cover.

Physical appearances only matter in the glitz and glamour world like acting, modelling

where we go by the face value. Celebrities endorse brands and need to look feminine,

sensual and appeal to the audience. Actresses like Deepika Padukone are known for

 their flawless appearance, bewitching beauty and stellar performances too.

In real life, situations don't get carried away by looks alone as it can be a dangerous proposition.

The character of a person matters the most in long-standing relationships.

Physical appearance intimidates but people like Sudha Murthy who is a woman of a substance known

for her minimalist approach dazzles like a diamond in a dark room emanating her dignified presence

always known for her goodness and humanitarian interests.

Are we master of the technology or slave to it!

Digital revolution has resulted in widespread technology where man

 is replaced by machines, gadgets are ruling the roost.

Children are techno savvy and their source of entertainment is  getting hooked to gaming consoles,internet games,instructing Alexa to narrate stories.

Well this is an impact of technology.

It has its advantages and negative impact too.

      Advantages are aplenty.

●       The teacher is able to use computer aids to teach science experiments and even explain parts of a flower with colourful powerpoint presentations.

●       Children are able to learn photoshop,documentation in primary classes and are advanced in their curriculum.

●       Robotics is the latest trend and Artificial intelligence are imparted.

●       Thefts can be reduced using CCTVs.

●       Computerisation in banks has reduced the waiting time and online transactions can be done for bill payments making our life convenient.

●       Even reaching space has become a reality owing to advancement in rocket science.

Disadvantages:

●       The human touch is missing in online teaching and tutorials.

●       A grandma narrating stories has its essence which can of be compared with an amazon echo or Alexa following programmed instructions.

●       Children have reduced their play time in parks which can lead to obesity as they are becoming couch potatoes.They need to go out and play and burn calories to have a healthy mind and body.

●       People are getting addicted to gadgets like smartphones and laptops and human relationships are ignored leading to depression,frustration and lack of warmth.

●       Children have stopped using reference books and depend on Google for all their problems .Reading habit is vanishing which is a threat as ignorance can lead to disasters.

We need to embrace technology in important areas like space research, development, education but let us not abuse it by forgetting age-old practices. We must be able to survive for a day without electricity or a gadget. This is our plight.

Dependency is the worst enemy. Let us not depend entirely on technology because if our computer crashes and if we do not have a backup everything stored is lost.

This is the reality of over dependence on technology.