Lifestyle

Kanpur (UP), Feb 17 (IANS) In an interesting incident, a pigeon carrying a letter was found in Kathara village of Bidhnu in Kanpur.

The pigeon with a piece of paper around its neck, and having some Urdu text written on it along with blood stains on the other side, was found perched at the entrance of a local resident's house on Thursday.

According to reports, farmer Dharmendra Kushwaha of the village was feeding the cattle, when he found a grey pigeon sitting at the entrance of his house. It was constantly cooing. On giving a closer look, he found a piece of paper tied around the pigeon's neck with a white thread.

Later, Dharmendra caught the bird with the help of some neighbours.

"I thought it was a love letter for someone. On opening the piece of paper, I saw that there were seven lines in Urdu written in blue ink. The whole text was written in a square box," he told reporters.

"There were some blood stains on the other side of the paper," he added.

The villagers put the pigeon in a cage and alerted the police control room.

At the same time, they also started searching for Urdu experts to decipher the meaning of the text.

ACP Ghatampur Dinesh Kumar Shukla said, "The pigeon was carrying a 'tabiz' (amulet) around its neck. The police tried to release the pigeon, but it kept on returning."

--IANS
amita/uk/

Los Angeles, Feb 17 (IANS) Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly desperate to overhaul his reputation for only dating models and actresses aged under 25.

The Oscar-winning 'Gangs of New York' actor, who is turning 49 in November, has been mocked by commentators for his habit of dating women around half his age, and faced a backlash from his critics when he was this month linked with 19-year-old Israeli model Eden Polani, following his split from Camila Morrone after she turned 25, reports aceshowbiz.com.

On Thursday, February 16, a source close to Leo told DailyMail.com about how he's "not pleased" with constant jokes about and criticism of his love life, "Leo is very single right now and he is not keen on the hype suggesting that he is seeking out these very young women."

"He is looking for something more mature in the relationship department. It is just ridiculous because he cannot go anywhere without being linked to the youngest beautiful woman there. He wants to ditch this image once and for all and he is really bothered that this continues to follow him. Leo wants something like he had with Camila, something real."

After the actor's split from Camila he was photographed with models including 25-year-old Victoria Lamas and most recently Eden, who several sources have denied is in a relationship with the actor. An insider told DailyMail.com at the time about how Leo wasn't dating Eden, "They were seated next to each other at a music-listening party There were a number of people at that event."

Leo's dating life hit the spotlight after he starred in 'Titanic' and, two years after its release, he started seeing the then-18-year-old supermodel Gisele Bundchen when he was 24. Their relationship lasted five years before they split in 2004 when she was 23, and a year later he started dating model Bar Rafaeli when she was 20.

Again, their relationship lasted five years before they broke up when Bar turned 25 in 2010 - kicking off a similar dating pattern for Leo that has lasted until now. In 2011, he dated actress Blake Lively when she was 23 before he got together with model Erin Heatherton, 22, for a few months.

He moved on to German model Toni Garrn when she was 22 before they split in 2014 when she was 24. In 2015, he went out with actress Kelly Rohrbach, who was 25 at the time - before they split when she turned 26. His romance with actress Nina Agdal that started in 2016 ended two years later when she was 25, and Leo then started dating Camila - before splitting with her last summer, a month after she turned 25.

He then briefly dated model Gigi Hadid, 27, then again went back to younger women when he was linked to actor Lorenzo Lamas' daughter, Victoria, 25, from whom he was said to have split last August.

--IANS
dc/kvd

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANSlife) No matter what, we all deserve to be loved and valued. Make sure to take the time this year, whether you're single or in a relationship, to express your love in unique ways.


Spend some time expressing your love and gratitude to those around you. Making breakfast in bed for your loved ones can be as simple as delivering a handwritten message. Relationships can be strengthened significantly by demonstrating care.

Reach out to loved ones; whether it be through a phone call, text message, or a handwritten note, spend some time to let them know that you are thinking of them and value them. Give the people you care about the gift of time, connection, empathy, compassion, and a safe place to be vulnerable.

Dr Chandni Tugnait, a Psychotherapist, Life & Business Coach, & Founder-Director of Gateway of Healing, shares 14 ways to help you create meaningful memories:

Have a spa day: Treat yourself and your loved one to a relaxing spa day, complete with massages, facials, and other pampering treatments.

Plant a tree: Plant a tree together in honour of your relationship or friendship. This can symbolise growth and remind you of the love you share.

Do a puzzle: Working on a jigsaw puzzle helps enjoy each other's company and boosts the satisfaction of completing a task as a team.

Have a photography session: Have a professional photography session together or take candid photos of each other throughout the day.

Go stargazing: Find a secluded spot away from city lights and spend the evening stargazing and discussing your hopes and dreams for the future.

Write a song: Write a song together, either from scratch or by remixing a favourite song to make it your own.

Plan a scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for your partner or friends, leading them to different locations with unique gifts and special memories.

Create a care package: Put together a care package for someone you love, including their favourite treats, a cosy blanket, and a handwritten note.

Create a memory book: Collect photos, mementoes, and memories from your relationship or friendship and create a memory book that you can look back on for years to come.

Have a movie marathon: Choose a selection of your favourite romantic comedies or heart-warming films and spend the day with your loved ones.

Play games: Play games together, such as board games, card games, or video games. This can be a fun and playful way to spend time together.

Make handmade gifts: Create handmade gifts for each other, such as a painting, a photo album, or a knitted scarf.

Take a dance class: Sign up for a class together and learn how to salsa, tango, or swing dance.

Perform acts of kindness: Plan a day of random acts of kindness, such as leaving positive notes for strangers, paying for someone's coffee, or donating to a charity.

Dr. Chandni Tugnait suggests celebrating everyone who brings happiness and joy into your life - friends or neighbours who have been by your side during tough times or family members who keep filling your life with laughter. Remember to be kind to yourself too! Give yourself the same amount of love and kindness that you give others, and don't put yourself last on the list constantly. Treat yourself well - it'll make all the difference!

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
IANSlife/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANSlife) Shoes contribute a lot to your style, not only do they elevate your look but they also say a lot about your personality. Most people are judged by the shoes they wear. There's an old English proverb that points towards the same and holds to date.


It is also said that shoes affect your mood. The shoes you wear can reflect your style, mood, personality, attitude, and much more. If you want to leave a strong impression, a versatile shoe collection can do the job, they add a lot of depth to your personality. You can unknowingly create a negative impression of yourself with your shoes. Hence, it is recommended to never laze around the shoe matter.

Take things into your own hands and start building a fantastic shoe collection today. If you are extremely unaware of shoes, Kuldeep Singh, Founder and CEO of San Frissco outlines a collection of shoes you should own and what they convey. Let's dive in!

Sneakers

Sneakers are the most frequently worn shoes these days. They usually represent a happy, sporty, and comfortable attitude. They are best paired with casual outfits. If you want to look professional, it is better to avoid these. Sneakers are comfortable, cozy, and stylish. They convey an extremely relaxed vibe. From your friend's birthday party to your workouts, you can wear them everywhere. You need to invest in a sneaker to complement all your styles.

Chappals and Sandals

Leather Sandals or Chappals elicit an extremely comfortable, chilled, and relaxed attitude. They are perfect for beach vacations. Additionally, they are the most suitable for your feet during summer. Apart from a beach vacation, you can also wear them for daily activities. They are street-friendly, and even celebrities and influencers are opting for them.

Boots

One of the best additions to your shoe collection, boots are a sight to behold. They work well in both personal and professional settings. They convey a strong, professional, chic, and charismatic attitude. You can style it with denim, pants, or even dresses. You can wear a pair to the office and even parties. They convey extreme confidence as well.

Loafers

Loafers never go out of style. They can easily convey a casual and light-hearted attitude. They are perfect for get-togethers and parties that involve your near and dear ones. They are minimalist yet stylish. They can give a confident and chic vibe with chinos, denim, and even a well-fitted suit. They are extremely comfortable and you'll feel confident in your skin.

Heels

Heels have been a status symbol since time immemorial. Kings and Queens wore heels to denote their high status. It was also used during dances. Even today, heels represent confidence, boldness, and even a high status. Women who wear heels are deemed more attractive as well. Thus, wearing heels can convey a strong, attractive, and powerful attitude. You can pair them easily with dresses, jumpsuits, and even denim.

Shoes can convey more than you know. You should always keep a good check on your shoes and wear the most suitable pair. You need to dress up according to the situation, surroundings, and people. Only when you can do that, you can create the desired impression with your shoes.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
lh/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANSlife) There were five European communities or colonies along the Hooghly River's banks: British colonies, French colonies, Danish colonies, Dutch colonies, and last but not least, Portuguese colonies. Their colonies were mostly created for training purposes.


Native artists learned how to use oil colours and to paint on canvases instead of little paper miniatures through exposure to their artistic expertise and practise. Wealthy European or indigenous merchants and zamindars were the primary patrons of European artists.

They were adopting new subjects even though they were primarily painting portraits. These paintings are now referred to as "Early Bengal Oil Paintings" or "Dutch Bengal Paintings," which is the more common name for them. In Calcutta, formal art instruction first began in the 19th century.

Native artists had European-style art training before turning to their own traditional themes of Gods and Goddesses and personality portraits. The artwork on display in this exhibition dates from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries.

The historical context of the Indian Art Movement and the artistic practise of the early works in the genre of oil painting in India can both be observed and appreciated through this show.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

By Archana Batra
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANSlife) "The way to someone's heart is through their stomach," this quote is accurate, but planning a lovely and delicious evening for a partner who prefers to keep their calorie intake under control, may be a bit difficult, especially on Valentine's Day.


Let's make things simpler for you, here's what you can cook for your gym freak partner or health enthusiast.

Strawberry Mojito

We've all heard how strawberries complement a Valentine's Day menu. They are sometimes referred to as the "fruit of love," thus a Strawberry mojito is all you need to rekindle your memories with your love.

How to make it?

Start by slicing a lemon into small pieces. Next, slice your strawberries very thinly. Add the strawberry slices, lemon slices, and some fresh mint leaves to a glass. Muddle the ingredients in the glass gently and add a dash of honey or brown sugar.

Then grab a tall glass of water. Add some of the muddled strawberry mixtures to it. Pour in a low-carb soda or sparkling water as well as some ice cubes. Lastly, garnish your mojito with a few more strawberry slices and mint leaves. If you want to make it into a margarita, add some tequila to it.

Humus Egg devil

With this hummus-filled egg dish, you can add a Lebanese twist to your Valentine's Day menu. This could become your partner's favorite starter. Egg devils look fancy on the dinner table. They appear to be simple, but they are the perfect start for your lavish meals.

Hummus is a wonderful source of organic protein. It contains vitamins and elements such as calcium, iron, folate, and zinc. Tahini, a source of vitamin E, is found in hummus. It is also beneficial to gut health because it contains prebiotic fiber, which helps to nurture and sustain the good bacteria in our digestive tract.

Normally, you may use any type of filling for your egg devil, but humus is the ideal filling to go with if your partner is cautious about their health and fitness.

How to make it?

Boil the eggs for around 7-8 minutes. After the eggs have been boiled, set them aside for 12 minutes, then transfer them to an ice-cold water bowl. This makes egg peeling quick and easy.

Peel your eggs and cut them in half and remove the egg yolk.

Next, in a bowl, mix the hummus with cajun seasoning, mustard, a pinch of paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything properly. Fill a piping bag halfway with the hummus mixture and delicately pipe it down on each half of the eggs.

Garnish with chives or parsley and your delectable appetizer is ready!

Cod Fillet

Cod fish is a low-fat protein food, making it a good choice for people who prefer to manage their fat intake. Therefore, this dish could be a fancy yet healthy option for your beloved. Cod helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and avoids artery-clogging, thereby enhancing heart health. It contains a high concentration of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Cod has a significant proportion of iodine, which is essential to regulate thyroid hormones.

How to make it?

First, season the Cod Fillet with olive oil, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt & black pepper. Then bake it at 350F for 15-20 minutes.

Following that, we'll make a butter sauce. Heat the butter in a saucepan until it melts and turns brown, giving off the aroma of a nutty flavor. After that, add the lemon juice and parsley. Mix them well and your sauce is ready. This will take roughly 3 minutes.

In the meantime, grease your non-stick pan with olive oil. Put in the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers and asparagus, and a handful of baby spinach leaves.

Gradually add your seasonings (black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and salt as per taste). Saute your vegetables for a few minutes before adding low-fat cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Then sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley. Combine them well so that all of the ingredients are amalgamated.

Finally, arrange your vegetables on a dish and top it with the fish filet. Garnish with lemon zest, butter sauce, and plenty of love.

Roasted Bell Pepper Whole Wheat Pasta

We all enjoy pasta, but it is packed with carbs. If your valentine enjoys both pasta and fitness, whole wheat pasta is the best alternative to regular white pasta. The usual white pasta is prepared with refined flour, which has a large amount of fat. Whereas, whole-wheat pasta is prepared from wheat grain kernels and is a great source of nutrients like complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

How to make it?

In a pan, heat about a tablespoon of oil and toss in the onions, roasted bell peppers, and three garlic cloves. Cook for three to four minutes, then season with salt, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Combine all of these ingredients until the vegetables are well-cooked and mushy.

After that, set this aside to cool. Once cooled, place it in a blender and puree until it resembles a sauce-like consistency.

Once again, heat a spoonful of butter/oil in your pan. Then add the blended sauce and simmer for around 2-3 minutes. After that, gradually pour in the vegetable/chicken broth, almond milk, and red wine vinegar. Give your sauce a thorough stir and bring it to a boil. Finally, put in the whole wheat pasta and some fresh basil. Stir your pasta well and serve it hot! Always feel free to add your choice of protein or vegetables.

Banana-Peanut Butter Munchies

Most people enjoy peanut butter, as do protein-rich bananas. Peanut butter contains a plethora of beneficial minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium, and vitamin B6. Bananas, on the other hand, are high in potassium, fiber, and iron, and fitness enthusiasts choose them as part of their daily diet.

So merging the two will give you a great sweet snack to relish with your sweet love.

How to make it?

This is the simplest to make. Simply chop the banana into little chunks and cover it generously with peanut butter. Then freeze it for at least 4 hours till your delicious snack is ready. You can also use dark chocolate coating along with peanut butter to enhance the taste.

Grab a bite and end the evening on a sweet note!

We all appreciate a delicious meal on special occasions to remember and cherish. Try these incredible meals for your fitness-obsessed lover without making them feel guilty about their diet.

(Dr. Archana Batra is a Dietician, and a Certified Diabetes Educator, who has 13 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling.)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
archana/tb

By Husain Minawala
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANSlife) Valentine's Day is often associated with sweet nothings between lovers, chocolate, and flowers. However, the only emotion worth honoring on Valentine's Day is Love.



Even in the most mundane aspects of our everyday life, love may be found in a number of shapes and forms. For example, we can feel love in friends' compassion as they console us when a coworker provides a helping hand when we feel we can't handle things on our own, or when we are playing and snuggling with our pets.

Why not take advantage of this opportunity to perform small acts of kindness for people dear to us at a time when we need to care for ourselves and others more than ever?

Here are some suggestions:

The first love is for you. It's not at all selfish to take some time off for yourself to do something you enjoy. Recharging your batteries ever so often is even necessary. Take some time this Valentine's Day to pamper yourself and care for yourself because you deserve it! Have you run out of ideas? Plan a soothing evening by placing a takeout order from your preferred restaurant, watching a calming film, and then unwinding in a sumptuous, ultra-calming bubble bath. Go shopping. Give yourself permission to splurge a little. Buy yourself something special that you always wanted for yourself. Make a list of 3 things that you love about yourself. Whether it's a part of your body, something about your personality, or a special talent you have - write it down and show yourself some love. Be selfish and do something that makes you happy without caring about what others might think of you. It could be a yoga class, Zumba session, or cooking. The point is, you, do you.

Happiness in our love nest. The pandemic might have strained your relationship because everyone was working from home. Valentine's Day is the ideal occasion to break from the norm and indulge in a little extravagance as you celebrate the miracle of your relationship. Why not have formal gatherings for yourself at your house? Put on some clothes, put a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator, and order a fine-dining meal suitable for a king or queen. Don't forget to catch this lovely occasion on camera with a few pictures.

Loving on our little ones. In your family, showing affection is something that happens frequently, even in the tiniest actions. Why not make Valentine's Day a huge celebration of love to please your young children and school-aged kids? To manufacture decorations for the house, such as garlands or greeting cards, assist the kids. For each member of the family, you can include heartfelt messages and praises. Prepare red foods for the day to make it even more joyful, and don't forget to give lots of hugs!

Asserting our friends with gratitude. They support us in both good and bad times, which makes our friends so priceless. Take the time to appreciate your friendships on Valentine's Day. This is the ideal time to send a heartfelt note of appreciation to each of your pals, praising them for their encouragement, openness to your ideas, or sense of humor. Mention how having them in your life has improved it. Your letter is complete once you've included hilarious stories and images you've shot together. It's a given that you'll make others happy.

Increasing our contact with those who loved us first. Parental and geriatric love is so wonderful and priceless because it is unconditional. Since the first day they took care of you, they have been able to watch you develop and flourish. Take this opportunity to let them know you care about them on Valentine's Day. By gathering the pictures you have of them, you may show them your thanks and affection. Then, you can send the photo album together with a heartfelt note. They'll be excited to share all those lovely experiences with you when you look back on them.

Thanking those who are a part of our daily life. Our ability to collaborate with our co-workers differently as a result of working from home has taught us to think of them as family. Express your gratitude for their support and thoughtfulness to them this Valentine's Day. Why not provide them with a coupon that they may use to purchase a homemade meal or a restaurant meal at a later date? It's always appreciated when people make little gestures like this! Offer your favorite workers a delicious baked treat or a lovely plant to spruce up their workplace, if your work environment permits.

Spoiling our fur children. Through the good times and the bad, our four-legged friends never judge us and always stand by our sides. They've had to adjust to our increased house presence in recent months as they've frequently joined us for our numerous video sessions. That's not always simple to do! Give them a special treat or a fun new toy on Valentine's Day. There will be kisses!

Rendering love to those who most deserve it. Why not show some love to people outside of your network that is in need if your circumstances permit it? There are a lot of people and important causes that could use some love and support, whether your heart goes out to homeless families, elderly people living alone, or animals in shelters. If you want to lend a hand, you can volunteer a few hours of your time, bring extra food to community kitchens, or donate to an organization that you care about. It's incredibly satisfying to give. What a wonderful method of sharing the love!

(Husain Minawala, Founder of Beyond Thoughts)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
husain/lh/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANSlife) With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's time to bust out the old shakers and turn up with a cocktail that is sure to wow your partner. Be it your first valentine's or your 10th, there is nothing more special than making something unique and flavourful to mark the special occasion. Whiskey, in particular is a brilliant base if you are looking to create a cocktail that is unique and enticing, and share a unique drink this Valentine's Day. We have Poonam, NeuWorldSpirits to show you a few whiskey base cocktail recipes to help you have a glass full of whiskey and a heart full of love.


Whiskey Old Fashioned

Made with whiskey, sugar and bitters, the whiskey old fashioned is a classic drink that will never go out of style. The smooth taste of whiskey coupled with the strong aromatic elements of the bitters is perfect for those cosy evenings with your loved one, especially if you both like the classics and know exactly what you love.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz downing street whiskey

1 Sugar cube

2 dashes angostura bitters

Few dashes plain water

Preparation:

Place sugar cube in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters, add a dash of plain water.

Muddle until dissolved

Fill the glass with ice cubes and add whiskey

Garnish with orange slice, and a cocktail cherry


Classic Whiskey Highball

For those who like their whiskey fizzy, the classic whiskey highball is the perfect way to kick-start your Valentine's Day evening. The dash of lemon coupled with sparkling water is sure to leave your loved one wanting more on this special day.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz downing street whiskey

100-150ml sparkling water or soda

Strip of lemon zest

Ice cubes

Preparation:

Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the whisky and then add the sparkling water.

Drop in the lemon zest to garnish and the mint leaves

Stir in a gentle folding motion to combine the flavours


Hot Toddy

Made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices, it's a soothing and cosy drink that's sure to warm you up on a cold night. The warmth of the drink coupled with the aromatic flavours is sure to spice up your evenings and make your Valentine's Day more fun.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Downing Street Whiskey

3 tsp Honey

1 Cinnamon Stick

Juice of Half Lemon

2 cloves

Preparation:

Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses.

Add half of the cinnamon stick to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water.

Add a splash of lemon juice to each.

Finish each with a slice of lemon, studded with a clove, and serve immediately.


Whiskey Highball

Typically served in a high glass with ginger and lemon, the whiskey highball is the perfect drink for those who want to enjoy a refreshing new take on whiskey like never before. A whiskey highball is traditionally made with whiskey and a mixer, typically carbonated water or ginger ale, and is perfect for those who aren't too big on the stronger taste of whiskey and want something that neuters down the taste, just a little bit.

Ingredients:

2 oz whiskey

1 can of ginger ale

Ice Cubes

Preparation:

In a tall glass, add the whiskey, ice and top it off with ginger ale

Stir in a gentle folding motion to combine the flavours


Penicillin

Ginger and lemon are one of the best flavours to compliment the smooth oakiness of scotch, which is why the Penicillin has become one of the most loved whiskey based cocktails in recent years. The combination of ingredients also contributes to a holistic power packed flavour, giving you everything you need to have a beautiful Valentine's Day, right here.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Blended Scotch

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Honey-Ginger Syrup

1/4 ounce Single Malt Scotch

Preparation:

Add the blended scotch, lemon juice and syrup into a shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

Top with the Islay single malt scotch.

Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

Whiskey cocktails are perfect for Valentine's Day because they offer a warm, and comforting feeling, perfect to share with your loved one. Giving your loved one a whiskey cocktail on this special day is sure to lighten your mood, and give you a perfect way to enjoy your special evening.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
IANSlife/tb

By Vivek Tripathi
Varanasi, Feb 5 (IANS) Benaras has got a 'roti ATM', a first-of-its-kind initiative to feed speechless stray dogs and cows.


Grootguardian, the organisation which Gaurav Rai set up along with his four friends for the noble purpose, now houses 40 youths.

Grootguardian President Gaurav Rai said that he got inspiration for the work from his friend Siddharth Singh who passed away in a road accident.

Rai said that Singh was an animal lover and wherever he used to see hungry animals, he used to feed them biscuits and jaggery.

"We have started this ATM after his sudden demise. We feed the food collected in the ATM to stray dogs and cows," Rai said.

First ATM is installed in a society in Pandeypur in Banke Bihari, in which around 100-150 chappatis are being collected. The next ATM will be installed in Shivpur where 200 families reside.

"We are being supported by around 40 people including Prajwal, Harsh, Aman, Mrintujay, Vikas, Kavish, Sadas, Avinash, Shivani, Tulika , Akshara, Kritika, Himalaya and Nihal," he said.

Prajwal said that organisation was founded in 2019 and during the Covid pandemic, they used to feed the stray animals and distribute ration to the poor people.

"His team is continuously working for animal welfare, women and child education and enviornment conservation," Prajwal said.

--IANS
vivek/svn/

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANSlife) The last two years have been extremely challenging for a lot of people around the world. From losing loved ones, livelihoods, and hope, these few years have been one of the toughest in recent memory. What kept us going in the midst of this crisis are acts of generosity and kindness that have come to the fore and built a sense of community and interconnectedness. This crisis has put a spotlight on how crucial these community care networks are for providing healing and supporting a thriving and more connected society.



GivingTuesday - a global generosity movement that envisions a world built on radical generosity and shared humanity through its study of generosity over the years has found that giving is an important way in which people address their uncertainty. Expressing generosity-whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or charitable donations-gives people agency, allowing them to feel hope and connection in a time that many have felt hopeless and disconnected. As the New Year dawns upon us, there has never been a better time for people to embrace generosity, in all of its forms. GivingTuesday highlights a few ways one can make a resolution to incorporate generosity in everyday life:

Offering small acts of kindness: Random acts of kindness are all about sudden inspiration and good intentions. It is important to pay attention to the people around you and take note of what you can do to make their lives a little easier. Sometimes a kind word or act is all you need to create a ripple effect that lasts throughout the day.

These include acts such as offering your seat in public transport to a pregnant woman or a senior citizen, holding the door or elevator for someone, checking in on an elderly neighbour, or bringing dinner to someone who has fallen sick or is going through a rough day, dropping off a little baked treat to neighbours, morning bus driver or to your household. Any small act of kindness or a simple gesture can brighten someone's day.

Volunteering and Community Engagement: One of the most effective ways of giving back is by volunteering for a cause you believe in. This could be at an awareness drive, beach clean-up, food distribution, animal shelter, etc. Volunteer work is also flexible, so you can participate as per your schedule, and you can choose opportunities that fit your interest.

It also helps to volunteer with other so that it can be an enriching community experience, and socially beneficial at the same time. It is also important to find your right interest cause, and not give up if the first volunteering experience does not match up to your expectations. Volunteering is a small step that goes from knowing an interesting cause to make sure that the cause comes into action.

Giving your time: People tend to misunderstand that generosity should only include the donation of money. Giving your time to someone in need can also be an equal act of generosity. Acts like spending time with senior citizens at old age homes, teaching intellectually disabled kids, collaborating with local non-profits, etc, can also be impactful acts of generosity.

There are also organisations where one can volunteer to cook a meal for homeless guests. Taking the time to help prepare or serve a meal can be of great help to people who need it. With a wide range of options for people to spend time on, the key is to make some time for things that matter and can make a difference. Giving your time for a noble cause is a beautiful act of kindness, and supports the spirit of giving.

Using your skills for good: The most underrated yet the most innovative and impactful form of giving is to use your skills for good. Teaching a subject or basic reading/writing practice to underprivileged children, using your marketing/ logistics skills to help a non-profit, supporting a fundraiser drive by using your financial skills, or helping a charity or non-profit get more funds for a cause they are working towards.

You can also teach your skills to people who would need them in their lives, and give them mentorship as and when required. Not only is this a noble generosity effort but also helps someone gain life skills. Every hour you spend using your skills for someone turns into an hour of changing someone's entire life for good.

Using your voice to promote giving: Give your voice to amplify the concept of giving on social media, and engage as many people to come forward and contribute to it in whatever way they can. Be a part of organisations or movements of larger social impact such as GivingTuesday, that aims to grow more generosity, and encourage people to adopt, recognise, and practice generosity as a way of life.

Voicing acts of kindness and generosity will raise awareness about the movement and make people more inclined towards being more generous and practicing small acts of kindness in their day-to-day lives. Sharing one's feelings about the acts of kindness that they have done, or seen around can inspire people to adopt this virtue as a part of their lives.

However one chooses to incorporate generosity; your time, compassion, and service will be appreciated more than you may ever know. An act of generosity comes from a place of service and genuine kindness and has the power to change someone's life for the better.

May this coming year encourage all of us to make a resolution to practice generosity, and enable us to embrace this virtue-not just on one day or during a calamity, but throughout the year. Small acts of kindness and a whole heart of generosity can bring the change we all wish to see with each New Year.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
lh/tb