Vibrant lights brightening up the atmosphere, beautiful diyas lending charm to the festival, colourful rangolis at entrances inviting you inside, refreshing torans spreading the festive cheer – adorning homes with décor items is an essential part of Diwali that most people look forward to. It is not only an opportunity to transform your space but also to employ your creativity in the process. While there are many traditional ways of decorating homes during festivals, adapting and innovating while staying true to traditions is key to maintaining the essence of the festival without causing harm to the environment. Festivities can have a significant environmental impact and it is our responsibility to minimise it with sustainable practices. “As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, incorporating sustainability into our festive décor is both a mindful and beautiful way to celebrate Diwali 2024,” says Amrita Gupta, Chief Interior Designer & Director of Manglam Group. Going sustainable with Diwali décor From using natural materials to opting for reusable items, there are many ways to elevate your home interiors sustainably. “Some simple yet impactful décor ideas bring in the spirit of Diwali while keeping sustainability at the forefront, proving that conscious design can be as beautiful as it is responsible,” believes interior designer Misbah Kapadia, founder and curator of Design Konstruct. The experts share the following ideas to implement sustainable home décor choices: Decorate your space with natural elements like handmade clay diyas, which not only bring warmth but also align with eco-conscious practices and support local artisans. Instead of artificial flowers, opt for real marigolds, jasmine and other seasonal blooms to bring in the freshness of nature. These are also compostable after use. You can also embrace reusable fabric décor such as handwoven table runners, cushion covers and wall hangings made from organic cotton or jute. These can be repurposed beyond the festive season, making them both stylish and eco-friendly. Sustainable candles are excellent alternatives to paraffin-based candles, providing a warm glow without harmful emissions. Additionally, investing in decor pieces that use reclaimed wood or recycled materials not only elevates your interiors but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. Upcycled or reusable décor, such as brass or metal lanterns, can be filled with candles or fairy lights to add a soft, festive glow. You can also incorporate eco-friendly paints for wall art or rangoli designs. Eco-friendly alternatives to common décor items Opting for a sustainable approach to Diwali décor does not mean letting go of items that have adorned your homes for years during Diwali. One can just innovate and choose eco-friendly alternatives to those décor pieces. Many such options can help create an equally festive yet environmentally conscious ambiance. “Instead of plastic string lights, choose energy-efficient LED lights that consume far less electricity and last longer. These lights can be wrapped around windows, balconies or even in jars to create a warm and inviting glow,” suggests Gupta. She continues, “Decorative bowls filled with organic spices, dried flowers or scented herbs can replace non-biodegradable décor items and add a lovely aroma to your home. Upcycled glass jars or wine bottles painted or decorated with ethnic patterns can serve as beautiful candle holders or vases, contributing to a rustic yet elegant feel.” Switching to eco-friendly décor alternatives that also support local and sustainable craftsmanship is a special way to celebrate Diwali. Kapadia states, “Swap out plastic décor items for handcrafted pieces made from natural materials like wood, bamboo or clay. Terracotta diyas, for instance, not only add traditional charm but are also biodegradable. Choosing long-lasting, artisanal décor such as brass figurines or hand-painted pottery helps elevate your home’s aesthetic while supporting sustainable craftsmanship.” Other eco-friendly swaps she suggests are: For rangolis, use dried flower petals, turmeric and rice flour instead of chemical-laden powders. Fabric banners and buntings made from leftover textiles are fantastic alternatives to single-use plastic streamers and can be stored for future festivals. Do it yourself While all these eco-friendly items can easily be found in the market or may just be lying at your home, one way to lend character to these is to use your creativity. “One of the joys of celebrating Diwali is adding a personal touch to your home through DIY decor. There are many creative and simple ways to elevate your interiors using materials you already have at home,” says Gupta. She suggests the following DIY ideas that you can use for your home: You can create your own lanterns by wrapping leftover fabric or paper around mason jars or old containers and placing tea lights inside. These lanterns are perfect for lighting up entryways, balconies or even table centerpieces. Another easy DIY project is to create eco-friendly torans or door hangings using natural materials like coconut shells, dried orange slices or small terracotta ornaments. You can string these together with jute twine to create an authentic and sustainable decor piece. For a touch of elegance, use old sarees or dupattas to make drapes or decorative table runners, adding a traditional yet personal feel to your space. If you have children or enjoy crafting, try making hand-painted diyas or candles. Using non-toxic paints or natural dyes, you can create colourful and unique pieces to light up your home. Not only are DIY Diwali décor ideas fun but also a great way to bond with loved ones. “DIY décor projects are creative, eco-friendly and perfect for involving the whole family in the festive preparations,” believes Kapadia. She gives the following ideas: One easy DIY project is turning old glass jars or bottles into candle holders or vases. Wrap them with jute twine or paint them with eco-friendly paints for a festive look. For a natural touch, you can make your garlands using dried flowers, herbs or fabric scraps. These garlands are not only beautiful but can be reused each year. Another idea is to create your rangoli using organic powders or flower petals, adding a colourful, biodegradable element to your entrance. Hand painting terracotta diyas is another fun project that allows for customisation, and these can be reused year after year.
19 October,2024 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainSpotify, the Swedish audio streaming and media service application, is all set to host the third edition of RAP 91 in Mumbai on November 10 at Mehboob Studios in Bandra. While most of us grew up listening to hip-hop from all over the world, the last few years have shown how Indian hip-hop has matured significantly and is in fact now one of the fastest-growing genres on Spotify. RAP 91 is Spotify’s flagship Indian hip-hop playlist with a home to the latest and biggest chartbusters from the Indian rap scene. Returning for it’s third edition, this year’s RAP 91 event is set to feature its most linguistically diverse line up yet. The lineup includes the likes of Raajmusic (Bhojpuri), 59 Assembly (English/Hindi), Kinari (Hindi), Krish Rao (Haryanvi), Dhanji (Gujarati), Rapper Big Deal (English/Oriya), G’Nie (English/Mizo), Cizzy (Bengali), Simiran Kaur Dhadli (Punjabi), Fotty Seven & Bali (Hindi), Paal Dabba (Tamil), Tricksingh (Punjabi), Dhanda Nyoliwala (Haryanvi), MC Square & Firozi (Haryanvi), Vijay DK (Hindi/Marathi), LOKA (Hindi), Farhan Khan (Hindi/Urdu), MC Gawthi (Marathi), Baby Jean (Malayalam), KR$NA (Hindi), the line-up features artists from across the country. Interestingly, Rap 91, Spotify India’s flagship hip hop playlist, has seen an over 110 per cent growth in followers in the last two years alone. Dhruvank Vaidya, head of Music and Podcast, Spotify India, “Indian hip hop has seen tremendous growth in the last few years, across languages and regions, and even breaking through on the global stage. At Spotify, we have been committed to supporting this growing culture, through our hip-hop playlist ecosystem, which includes our flagship hip hop playlist, Rap 91, as well as playlists across languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Haryanvi, and Bhojpuri. In 2022, to further our commitment to spotlighting Indian hip hop, we launched Rap 91 Live, with some of India’s biggest rappers, as well as up-and-coming talent from around the country. This year, Rap 91 Live will continue to give a platform to hip hop artists from across India, representing the country’s diverse rap music scene, which includes Hindi, Tamil, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, and Malayalam rap - and more.” The tickets for the show are available on PayTM InsiderWhat: Spotify's Rap 91 Live When: November 10Where: Mehboob Studios, Bandra
19 October,2024 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReal estate remained the most preferred asset class for investment among 59 per cent of Indians in the first half this year, as 57 per cent of investors said they are buying premium properties to earn rental income, driven by surging rental rates in cities, according to a report on Friday. About 51 per cent of respondents prefer 3 BHK units, showing increased demand for larger home, as 67 per cent of buyers seek property for end use, while 33 per cent the investment purpose, said the report by FICCI and Anarock Property Consultants. The report highlighted significant shifts in homebuyer preferences and market dynamics in India's real estate sector. “Investor confidence is vital for the industry's long-term success, and SEBI’s focus on transparency and governance has been key in building this trust,” said Pramod Rao, Executive Director, SEBI. He emphasised that strong compliance and better disclosures will be crucial in attracting institutional investments. According to Sandip Somany, Past President, FICCI, the significant shift in consumer preferences away from ready-to-move homes towards under-construction properties indicates growing confidence in developers and the regulatory environment. The report found that the demand for ready homes has declined significantly. The ratio of ready homes to new launches is now 20:25, compared to 46:18 in the first half in 2020. The Rs 45-Rs 90 lakh budget remains the most popular, but there's a shift towards premium properties. About 28 per cent now prefer homes priced between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore. Apartments are still the most preferred property type (58 per cent), but residential plots are gaining popularity, especially in southern cities, the report mentioned. Top homebuyer demands are timely project completion (98 per cent), improved construction quality (93 per cent) and well-ventilated homes (72 per cent). However, over 53 per cent of homebuyers are dissatisfied with current affordable housing options, citing issues with location, construction quality and unit sizes. Anuj Puri, Chairman and Founder of Anarock Property Consultants, said that the survey provides all industry stakeholders with critical insights into the Indian property market from a consumer perspective. Also Read: Housing sales in top Indian cities record a dip; festive quarter expected to see uptick in demand This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 October,2024 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs India kicked off online festive season sales, affordable fashion and premium electronics emerged as the top-performing categories, as private consumption surged especially in the rural parts of the country, a report showed on Thursday. The festive season sale in the first leg on various online e-commerce platforms reached over Rs 54,500 crore. From September 26 to October 6, unbranded and value segment in women’s apparel, daily-wear jewellery and kids’ fashion also saw significant growth, with a notable boost from tier 2 markets and beyond, according to the report by Redseer Strategy Consultants. Kushal Bhatnagar from Redseer said that e-commerce festive sales this year have shown dynamic growth patterns, building on the momentum from last year. “In 2023, the nine-day festive event saw approximately 19 per cent YoY growth over 2022. This was primarily driven by high average selling price (ASP) purchases such as mobiles, electronics and large appliances, contributing to about 67 per cent of the sales,” he noted. However, the 2024 festive season has been different. While the early phase followed a similar trend with high ASP products leading the charge, the latter half experienced strong demand for lower ASP items, particularly in fashion, which saw massive growth driven by ethnic wear and tier 2+ markets, the report noted. With increased participation from e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands and quick commerce players, consumer spending saw a remarkable surge. ACs, refrigerators and premium electronics are the main drivers of the growth. Extended summers and rising humidity levels have boosted demand for ACs and refrigerators, particularly in the under-penetrated regions, the report mentioned. Premium electronics like robotic vacuum cleaners and water purifiers have seen growth, particularly in Metro and Tier 1 cities, as consumers upgrade to life-comfort products. Premium TVs performed well too. “The broader mobile phone market experienced muted growth, but premium brands such as Apple continued to thrive. There was a noticeable shift of Android users to iOS, marking an interesting consumer trend,” the report noted. Quick commerce platforms saw an unexpected spike in mobile phone purchases, further emphasising the evolving role of these platforms. The beauty, grooming and home category saw an increase in the availability of low average selling price (ASP) items and new selections across various platforms, said the report. Also Read: Festive shopping: AI, quick commerce, micro-influencers major trends in 2024, finds report This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 October,2024 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that the recognition of Pali as a classical language honours the great heritage of Lord Buddha, as he took swipe at past Congress governments for its neglect of India's cultural legacy after Independence. Speaking at a programme on the occasion of International Abhidhamma Divas, Modi said while every nation associates its heritage with its identity, India was left far behind. Invaders tried to erase India's identity before its Independence, and those suffering from "slave mindset" did so afterwards, he said, adding that an ecosystem captured the country which took it in an direction opposite to its its heritage. He said his government's policies and programmes have been guided by the teachings of Lord Buddha, reiterating that the world plagued by instability and insecurity can find solution to its problems in his teachings. World can find solution not in "yuddh" (war) but in Buddha, and it should learn from his teachings to pave the way for peace, he said. Buddha is not only relevant but also a necessity, he said. Buddha, he said, resides in India's soul. "The country is now moving forward with self-respect, self-confidence, and self-pride, freeing itself from the inferiority complex. It is taking bold decisions due to this transformation. That's why Pali received the status of classical language, and also Marathi," he said. Modi also paid tributes to B R Ambedkar, an iconic figure who hailed from Dalit community and converted to Buddhism later, noting that his government has been developing places associated with him and Buddhism. Noting that Buddha's teachings were originally preserved in Pali, he said it is everyone's responsibility to preserve the language which is no longer in common usage. He also greeted people on the occasion of Sharad Purnima and Valmiki Jayanti on Thursday. Also Read: 'Everyone should try to follow ideals described by Adi Kavi': President Droupadi Murmu extends greetings on Valmiki Jayanti 2024 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIPresident Droupadi Murmu on Thursday extended her greetings on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.In a post on X, President Murmu said that everyone should try to follow the path of ideals described by Adi Kavi."Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti! The epic Ramayana composed by Adi Kavi Valmiki has gifted the human society with the divine story of Lord Shri Ram. A unique depiction of human ideals is found in Ramayana. Everyone should try to follow the path of ideals described by Adi Kavi. I bow to the sacred memory of Maharishi Valmiki!" the President said. महर्षि वाल्मीकि जयंती के अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! आदिकवि वाल्मीकि द्वारा रचित रामायण महाकाव्य ने मानव समाज को प्रभु श्री राम की अलौकिक कथा का उपहार दिया है। रामायण में मानवीय आदर्शों का अनुपम चित्रण मिलता है। आदिकवि द्वारा वर्णित आदर्शों के मार्ग पर चलने का… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 17, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wishes the countrymen and said on X, "Happy Valmiki Jayanti to all of you." आप सभी को वाल्मीकि जयंती की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। pic.twitter.com/EVb79dKHky — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2024 Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu festival observed as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who wrote the great Hindu epic Ramayana.Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X and said that the Ramayana written by Valmiki will continue to inspire various civilizations for ages."Best wishes to everyone on the birth anniversary of the first poet Maharishi Valmiki, who chronicled the life philosophy of Lord Shri Ram. Maharishi Valmiki composed the epic 'Ramayana', introducing the entire human race to the life of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram. This immortal book will continue to inspire various civilizations for ages in every moment and situation of life," Shah said. प्रभु श्रीराम के जीवन-दर्शन को लिपिबद्ध करने वाले आदिकवि महर्षि वाल्मीकि जी की जयंती की सभी को शुभकामनाएँ।महर्षि वाल्मीकि जी ने समूची मानव जाति को मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्रीराम के जीवन से परिचित कराते हुए ‘रामायण’ महाकाव्य की रचना की। यह अमर ग्रंथ युगों-युगों तक विभिन्न सभ्यताओं… pic.twitter.com/HueY857lYs — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 17, 2024 Maharishi (great sage) Valmiki is hailed as the author of the oldest version of Ramayana -- the story of Lord Ram.His contributions to literature and spirituality have made him a beloved figure. He is revered as Adi Kavi the first poet of the Sanskrit language.According to the Hindu calendar, Valmiki Jayanti falls on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar.Valmiki Jayanti 2024 is being celebrated on October 17 i.e., on Thursday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
“Curiosity, that crosses the line into someone's boundaries, becomes a form of harassment,” states Smita Shetty Kapoor, CEO and co-founder of Kelp. This is especially true for individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, who are often subjected to intrusive, deeply personal questions under the guise of curiosity. According to a 2023 LGBT+ Inclusion at Work report by Deloitte, nearly 83 per cent of LGBTQIA+ employees in India reported experiencing discrimination and 95 per cent experienced micro-aggressions in the workplace. While some members of the community may choose to answer questions to foster understanding, it is not their responsibility to explain or justify their gender identity or sexuality, particularly in professional settings. “Curiosity can easily turn harmful when it's used as a mask for invasive questioning. Asking someone about their body, sexual preferences, or intimate details of their life is inappropriate and crosses clear boundaries. This behaviour is not only unprofessional but also dehumanising, reducing an individual to a mere label or identity rather than seeing them as a whole person,” explains Kapoor. Sonica Aron, founder of Marching Sheep, says curiosity harassment manifests in different ways. She elaborates, “When people do not understand same sex relationships, or why are pronouns important, or what can different symptoms of disabilities be and how they affect personal lives, or professional lives. Inability to handle sensitive conversations can lead to curiosity harassment with significant negative consequence on individuals, team dynamics and overall organisational culture.” This Global Diversity Month, experts delve into what entails curiosity harassment, the line between curiosity and harassment, and how can organisations address the issue. Curiosity harassment, and creation of hostile work environments A study by William Institute, UCLA, found that 37 per cent of LGBTQIA+ employees experienced harassment at work due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. “Intrusive questions, teasing, and exclusionary behaviours not only create discomfort but often lead to deeper psychological effects. As a result, many LGBTQIA+ employees feel compelled to mask their true selves, suppressing their identities to avoid further scrutiny or mistreatment,” suggests Kapoor. “I consider myself fortunate in terms of curiosity harassment compared to many friends in the queer community who have endured severe workplace harassment. Aside from some unwarranted curiosity and jokes that I learned to ignore in my early career, I have heard colleagues make fun of queer individuals and openly express homophobic sentiments in my presence. Some have been forced to leave their jobs and accept positions that don’t align with their qualifications. It’s disheartening to see highly qualified individuals struggle to find basic decency in their workplaces after being onboarded,” observes Meenakshi Vuppuluri, lawyer and subject matter expert – PoSH and DEI, Kelp. Bisexual and lesbian women frequently encounter intrusive questions about their sexual experiences, and unfortunately, some find themselves objectified by colleagues in a fetishising manner. Vuppuluri recalls, “A highly educated lesbian friend of mine, an economist educated in the US, shared a disturbing experience where a male colleague claimed to be an ally, stating he would love to join her and her partner in bed if they ever needed assistance. This kind of objectification and disrespect underscores the need for a cultural shift in how we perceive and treat LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace.” Also Read: Creating an inclusive workplace: HR strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ employees The expert further shares how sexuality and gender become a subject of scrutiny and gaze for all the others consume. “Trans individuals in my network often face invasive questions about their bodies, their decisions to transition, or their sexual partners. Such inquiries are not only inappropriate but also highlight a troubling trend where the affected individual often bears the consequences, losing their job rather than the harasser facing any repercussions,” highlights Vuppuluri. This kind of workplace dynamic fosters a hostile environment, where community members are forced to navigate constant microaggressions and invasive curiosity. “Over time, this not only undermines their ability to be authentic but also leads to heightened stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. The toll of such harassment extends beyond mental health, often manifesting in physical health issues as well, as the chronic strain from these experiences takes its toll on both mind and body. It is critical for organisations to ensure personal boundaries are respected and that conversations remain professional and appropriate to foster a truly inclusive workplace. If someone truly wants to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community, there are alternate and respectful ways to approach it without imposing on personal boundaries,” proposes Kapoor. The line between curiosity and harassment “Curiosity is natural and can lead to understanding, but when directed at a colleague’s personal life, especially in the workplace, it crosses a line. The key factor that distinguishes curiosity from harassment is relevance. If the information being sought has no professional relevance and pertains to private matters that an individual hasn’t volunteered, then asking such questions can be harmful and inappropriate. Even well-intended questions, when irrelevant, can make an employee feel uncomfortable or singled out. For example, asking someone when they decide to become gay,” shares Kapoor. She stresses the importance of recognising non-verbal cues, “Body language can reveal a lot about someone’s comfort level. If an employee seems uneasy, that discomfort should be a clear signal to stop. Consent is a major consideration here. Before diving into personal topics, it’s important to gauge whether the person is open to discussing such matters. Consent not only creates a respectful boundary but ensures the conversation remains in a safe space.” How can individuals recognise that their questions might be inappropriate or offensive? Kapoor advises, “Being sensitive to others' feelings is like building an inclusive and respectful workplace. A simple yet effective way to gauge whether a question might be intrusive is by placing yourself in the other person's shoes. Ask yourself, ‘Would I be comfortable answering this question?’ If the answer is no, it’s a sign that the question may be crossing a line.” Responding to curiosity harassment When asked how to respond to curiosity harassment, Vuppuluri recommends, “For a queer person who is being subjected to such curiosity harassment, I’d suggest that having strong boundaries and being assertive goes a long way. Stay calm because it is a professional setting, set a firm boundary and do not apologise for setting that boundary. Remember, it is not your job to educate anyone. Ask them if they’d like some online resources for general questions about the community. If people are being ignorant, assertively state that it is highly inappropriate that they are asking you such questions and you do not feel comfortable answering them. Tell the person asking unwanted questions that they are personal to you and you don’t want to respond. Please contact an HR professional and state your discomfort in handling those questions. Remember, people ask such questions to get a reaction out of you and the best response is no response.” Addressing curiosity harassment in organisations “At an individual level, people subjected to inappropriate questions may feel anxious, frustrated, and even violated by such actions. It impacts their sense of belonging, job satisfaction and overall well-being. At a team level, it can lead to isolation, groupism and a toxic environment. At an organisational level, it promotes a culture of non-disclosure, trust deficit and lack of inclusion. Therefore, addressing curiosity harassment becomes essential for HR teams as a part of building high performance and inclusive culture in organisations,” believes Sonica Aron, founder of Marching Sheep. Leadership should pave the way Highlighting the crucial role of individual behaviour and awareness, Aron poses, “Our organisations are a sub unit of the society. Our leaders, people managers and team members come from a society that is steeped in stereotypes and divisive norms. Hence systemic, holistic, continuous and consistent efforts are needed to nurture and sustain an inclusive culture in the workplace. This is not limited to being an HR key responsibility area (KRA) but every individual has a role to play. It starts with the leadership, to set an example of appropriate behaviours, showing commitment to an inclusive environment where curiosity harassment is not tolerated.” Awareness and education of employees Organisations should make sensitisation training a top priority for all staff. “The primary focus must be to explain what curiosity harassment is, as well as demonstrating what it feels like by including real-life scenarios, storytelling approach, or role-playing exercises in them. In this way, employees begin to recognise inappropriate behaviour in context, as well as how it affects colleagues. Integrating messaging around non-tolerance towards curiosity harassment in townhalls, review meetings, and team meetings in visual in-house communication like screen savers, posters, and virtual meeting background, and making it a part of monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and KRAs are some ways in which one can drive positive behaviour changes,” says Aron. Strict guidelines and policies To prevent curiosity harassment, it is important to pay close attention to the formulation of guidelines by HR departments. “Articulating and documenting communication guidelines, along the employee lifecycle, from entry to exit, at formal and informal touch points becomes a necessary part of increasing awareness on appropriate and inappropriate questions,” describes Aron. She emphasises the need for anti-harassment policies that explicitly address curiosity-driven intrusions which should be communicated to all employees to set clear boundaries and deterrents. There need to be governance processes in place to check and monitor instances of curiosity harassment, just like organisations have mechanisms for disciplinary actions and grievances. Implementation is key so that team members experience an inclusive culture in letter and spirit,” shares the expert. Addressing curiosity harassment in remote or hybrid work environments The rise of remote and hybrid work models has presented unique challenges for addressing workplace harassment, including curiosity harassment. It may entail remote-work-specific guidelines, among new strategies. Aron recommends, “With more distributed remote and hybrid workspaces, the management of curiosity harassment would probably imply new methodologies tailored to such arrangements. For example, organisations should adapt their training to include virtual activities on how such harassments can be established through video calls or messaging to pinpoint proper digital communication boundaries. Therefore, guidelines for communication should indicate what is allowed in the workplace for discussion during virtual meetings or team chats to ensure that private boundaries are respected.” She concludes by suggesting that team-building activities based on empathy and understanding can help bridge the cultural gaps created by physical distance and help institutionalize a positive culture of respect in virtual environments too.
17 October,2024 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalComedy genius Kumar is all set to perform in India for the electrifying 'KUMARSUTRA' three-city tour this November. While he starts in Mumbai on November 21 at Tata Theatre in the NCPA, he will then perform in Bengaluru on November 23 at Prestige; and Delhi on November 24 at Siri Fort.Coming back to his ancestral land, the show is produced and promoted in India by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, and the tickets are already live. With a career spanning over two decades, Kumar has proven to be a multi-talented performer, entertaining millions as a comedian, TV host, actor, dancer, director and author. For fans across the nation, Kumar promises an unforgettable series of performances that will redefine the comedy-in-concert experience. Celebrated across Asia, UK, Australia and the far west for cheeky razor-sharp wit, brash to-the-gut punchlines, cultural innuendos and unmatched humour, Kumar will unleash laughter-packed material celebrating Asia’s beloved comedian’s versatility and deep connection to music, culture, unity and cultural roots. Born in a South Indian Mudaliar family in Chennai and a Singaporean mother, the India shows are a nod to Kumar’s iconic talent and multi-faceted stand-up performances curated and showcased as high-energy Broadway-style theatrical performances to leave audiences in stitches. Featuring a carefully selected collection of timeless and uproarious stand-up routines, KUMARSUTRA promises a colourful tapestry of social commentary marked with personal anecdotes that captures the essence of Kumar’s comedic genius and infectious stand-up content. Known for a spontaneous ability to seamlessly blend humour with cultural insights, Kumar's performances reflect the diverse tapestry of South East Asian and Indian society, spiced with keen observations on everyday life, relationships and societal norms. Managed by LOL Asia and following outstanding successful international tours entertaining fans with 'sold out’ shows in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Bangkok, Manila and Malaysia, Kumar’s unparalleled showmanship and full-house auditoriums solidify the iconic stand-up comedian’s stature as an international performer par excellence. With highly successful international tours since 2016, fans in India can expect a symphony of rib-tickling laughter and flamboyant comedic routines. Expressing excitement about the up-coming India tour, Kumar states, "India has always been my inspiration and my muse. 'Kumarsutra' is a journey of love, passion and heritage and I can't wait to share it with my fans in India. I dream of travelling the world making people laugh. I'm so blessed to be able to do that and to meet fans from all over. I look forward coming to India!” Owen Roncon, Chief of Business - Live Events, BookMyShow, said, “We are thrilled to bring Kumar's debut show to India. Kumar’s dynamic performances are a testament to the evolving entertainment landscape, where comedy and live music converge to create truly immersive experiences. The Indian audience's growing appreciation for diverse and innovative acts makes us confident that they will enjoy Kumar's incredible talent. Stand-up comedy as a genre has seen a significant rise in popularity and international artists are increasingly recognising the potential of the Indian market. We believe the 'KUMARSUTRA’ tour will set a new benchmark for live entertainment in the country, offering a fresh and exhilarating blend of humour and artistry.” Kumar continues to be a global trailblazer for a unique, gifted ability to connect with audiences across diverse backgrounds through humour, fusing together the traditional and modern aspects of performing arts that have been perfected over the years. Fans in India can expect a show that has been delicately put together with the intention to dazzle and amaze audiences, transcending across age, gender and race; a testament to Kumar’s enduring legacy as a comedic icon.
16 October,2024 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore than 500,000 copies of novels and short stories written by Nobel Prize laureate Han Kang have been sold at two major online bookstores in South Korea since her winning four days ago, the bookstore operators said on Sunday. According to Kyobo Book Centre and Yes24, about 530,000 copies of Kang's books had been sold as of 2 pm on Sunday, since the announcement of her win as the first South Korean to receive the Nobel Prize in literature last Thursday, Yonhap news agency reported. Kyobo sold about 260,000 copies between Thursday and this afternoon, and Yes24 sold 270,000 copies from Thursday until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Kang's poetry and novels swept the top 11 spots in the real-time bestseller rankings at both Kyobo and Yes24, with most of her books now being sold through preorders. A bookstore official said the supply shortage is expected to ease as more stock will arrive over the weekend and by early this week. Her 2014 novel, "Human Acts," followed by the award-winning "The Vegetarian" and her most recent work, "We Do Not Part," were the top three on the sales list, the report said. Kang won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday, becoming the first South Korean to win the big international award and blazing the trail for Korean literature's global recognition. Born in Gwangju in 1970, Kang made her literary debut in 1993 when five of her poems including "Winter of Seoul" were published by the Korean magazine "Literature and Society", while her first short story "The Scarlet Anchor", which came out a year later, won a literary contest. In 1995, she published her first book, "Love in Yeosu", a collection of stories, but it was "The Vegetarian" (originally published in Korean in 2007), about Yeong-hye, who rebels against her family and friends by eschewing meat, which brought her literary renown. The work also won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, making Kang its first South Korean recipient. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
14 October,2024 01:32 PM IST | Seoul | IANSCats and dogs dominated an event called ‘Blessing of the Pets’ held on Sunday (October 13) morning at Our Lady of Health Church in Cavel, Kalbadevi. Held annually in October, Fr Joe D’Souza, parish priest, blessed pets brought in by owners and parishioners. He has been doing this at parishes across the city for years. He conducts the blessing at the parish he is at that particular year. The Blessing of the Pets is in honour of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. A sweltering Sunday saw many owners arrive at the church located on the narrow and crowded St Viegas street to see that their animals receive a blessing. Cat cool Sajan N brought in a cat named Butterscotch. In fact, one could say, a small blessing itself, that this was a cat and not an ice cream, as it would have melted in no time in the October heat. Sajan said, “We named our Persian ginger Tabby Butterscotch after my son’s favourite ice cream flavour. It is our duty to take our pets where they cannot go themselves.” Owners and parishioners at Our Lady of Health Church Cavel, Kalbadevi. PIC/SHADAB KHAN A Beagle named ‘Sox’ was brought in by owners from Malad. The family said bringing a pet here “is a way of showing acceptance and inclusion. This is also a one-of-a-kind initiative. We want people to demonstrate compassion and kindness instead of simply shooing strays away”. Sox was quite the wise, senior citizen around. Then there was the Labrador Zoe, at seven years, five years younger than Sox, brought in by the Vaz family from Chembur. Bark hark By now, the church silence was broken with some sharp barks. The generally well-behaved animals were restless and straining at the leash. The arrival of Fr Joe D’Souza to begin the blessings was a calming presence. Fr D’Souza weaved between the animals easily, exchanging pleasantries with owners, recalling anecdotes and exchanges with some. Two Shih Tzus, Chico and Pepe, belonging to Breach Candy residents Raunaq and Henna Rajani, looked on as the owners said, “We really appreciate this initiative. Fortunately, we learnt about this blessing.” Special feeling Donna Rodrigues holding her French Bulldog stated, “This is so unique and moving in its own way.” Susan Caldeiro, who was at the church from Khar West, did not have a pet. She explained, “I used to have pets, but it is incredibly hard when they pass away. I now do not have a pet for this reason. Yet, as a dog lover, I have brought treats for all the animals here,” she stated, unwrapping the treats as the canines sniffed in excitement. Fr Joe D’Souza, parish priest, blessed pets. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Little water bowls were also set up on the ground, so one had to look sharp, lest one trip over these, though the animals would not have minded as to err is human and to forgive… canine or feline as the case is here. Stoic faith Sisters Jeanne and Veena Pinto’s cat ‘Baby’ was blind and suffered from epileptic fits. They said, “This blessing is so important for Baby. We hope she recovers,” and added, “The important thing is to have faith when one comes here, faith in the blessing to improve and heal,” they said. Another feline, Ginger, was at church, too, as Meghna Mascarenhas reminded, “We must realise that animals, too, have emotions and feelings.” We need them “as much, or perhaps more than they need us,” stated several owners, with Joel George pointing to his Boxer dog Akira, calling all pets “stress busters.” There was a flutter of excitement quite literally, as a pair of doves were also brought in in a basket, with many whispering excitedly ‘Doves… doves’. Moment silence for Ratan Tata Then Fr D’Souza told everybody to stand up to observe a minute’s silence for Ratan Tata, whose fondness for dogs is part of Ratan Tata lore. Fr D'Souza, in his address, spoke about a couple of crows who used to ‘visit’ him when he was in the Fort parish - “I would put a morsel of bread in their beaks.” He then asked owners whose pets have been sick to come forward to be blessed with a special prayer, gave blessings, and a sprinkle of holy water bringing an interesting morning to a close. The priest ended with a memorable sign-off as he said, “Remember, God spelt forward or backwards is still a man’s best friend,” putting the wow into the bow bows and meows.
14 October,2024 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe Odisha government is planning to distribute the 'Mahaprasad' at Puri's Jagannath temple to devotees free of cost, a state minister said on Sunday. The planned move could materialise soon, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan told reporters here. Harichandan said the free distribution of the 'Mahaprasad' will entail an additional expenditure of Rs 14-15 crore per year for the government. "We are trying to involve a few devotees who are financially sound to come forward and join hands in this initiative. Some of them have already agreed to support the move," he said. The implementation process is likely to start after the holy Odia 'Kartik' month (two months), the minister said. Similarly, special arrangements have been made for 'Habisyalis', the women who perform specific rituals during the 'Kartik' month, he said. "We have started preparing a design to streamline the public darshan (of the Jagannath temple). A dedicated system will be put in place so that devotees do not face any issue while visiting the 12th century shrine," Harichandan added. Also Read: Tirupati Laddu: 5 interesting facts to know about the prasadam offered at Tirumala This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 October,2024 04:49 PM IST | Puri | PTIADVERTISEMENT
