Sachin Sharma

Tag: Culture

  • The Connection between Mental Health and the Workplace

    The Connection between Mental Health and the Workplace

    We spend a lot of time at work, and for many of us, our job is a big part of our identity. But did you know that our workplace can also have a big impact on our mental health?

    It’s true, our job can be a major source of stress, which can lead to a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. But it’s not just the workload and deadlines that can be stressful, it can also be the culture and environment of the workplace. Factors such as lack of support, poor communication, and a lack of autonomy can all contribute to poor mental health.

    But it’s not all bad news, there are ways to improve your mental health in the workplace. One of the simplest ways is to establish boundaries. This means setting aside time to disconnect from work and focus on self-care. It’s also important to communicate with your coworkers and supervisors about your needs and concerns.

    Another way to improve mental health in the workplace is to find ways to relax and unwind during the workday. This can include taking short breaks to go for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or listening to music. These activities can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

    It’s also important to find ways to feel fulfilled and purposeful in your job. This can include setting goals, finding ways to be creative, and getting involved in projects that align with your values and passions.

    And lastly, it’s important to seek support if you’re struggling with your mental health in the workplace. This can include talking to a therapist, seeking guidance from an employee assistance program, or joining a support group.

    In conclusion, our job can have a big impact on our mental health. By establishing boundaries, communicating with coworkers and supervisors, finding ways to relax and unwind, feeling fulfilled and purposeful in our job, and seeking support if we need it, we can improve our mental well-being in the workplace.

  • The 4 Types of Toxic People You Need to Stay Away From

    The 4 Types of Toxic People You Need to Stay Away From

    Toxic people come in all shapes and sizes and can creep into your life without you even realizing it. They can be your friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, or even strangers on the subway. Some are easy to spot, while others are more subtle in their toxic behavior. But, the good news is, you can identify them and take action to protect yourself.

    As we step into the new year, it’s time to leave toxic people behind and make room for positivity and growth. In this article, we’ll be discussing four types of toxic people you need to stay away from and why.

    1. The Possessive Type

    These are the people who initially seem caring and concerned, but as time goes on, their true colors show. They want nothing more than to control every aspect of your life, which stems from their own insecurities. They disguise their control tactics as concern for your well-being, but deep down, they know they can’t survive without you. They try to isolate you from your loved ones and make you dependent on them.

    While co-dependence is a necessary component of a healthy relationship, it’s important to remember that you need to be in charge of your life. If someone else is making decisions for you, it’s time to show them the door.

    2. The Jealous Type

    These people appear friendly on the surface, but they won’t hesitate to bring you down behind your back. They constantly criticize you, find ways to undermine you, and make your life miserable. They often originate from a lack of confidence in their own abilities or jealousy towards your achievements.

    It’s important to keep your distance from these types of toxic people, as they can take advantage of you when you’re most vulnerable. Keep in mind that their jealousy is a reflection of their own weakness, and you don’t need them in your life.

    3. The Intrusive Type

    These toxic people can be found among friends, relatives, or even family members. They have no respect for your privacy and want to know everything about your life. They offer unwanted advice and are always in your business, even when it’s not their concern.

    To deal with these types of toxic people, you need to be firm and set clear boundaries. If you don’t, they will take advantage of your kindness and bring you down with their constant chatter and intrusion.

    4. The Competitive Type

    Life is not a race, and it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own unique path towards their own unique destination. But, being surrounded by competitive people can lead to you comparing your life to others and hinder your progress.

    In a workplace filled with competitiveness, it can be hard to focus on your own goals and be creative. It’s better to look for a supportive work environment where colleagues are more collaborative and less competitive. This will help you grow your skills and establish yourself as a valuable team player.

    In conclusion, these four types of toxic people can easily be misinterpreted as positive influences, but it’s important to recognize their toxic behavior and take action to protect yourself. As you start the new year, leave these toxic people behind and make room for positivity and growth in your life.

  • A Lotus in the Mud: An Interview by Pragati Sharma

    A Lotus in the Mud: An Interview by Pragati Sharma

    Dilshad Ali and Tilak Raj have been friends for over 20 years now. From sharing a rented apartment to sharing food, their story of love and care despite different faiths is all what we need to look up to. A simple story with foundation of values of compassion and respect; basic and yet forgotten.

    The Khan Rajma Chawal stall comes across as any other roadside food joint in Chandigarh. It sells delicious Rajma Chawal and Curry Chawal at prices starting as low as ₹30.

    The owner Dilshad Ali and his friend Tilak Raj, along with two helpers can be seen setting up their food stall a little after noon. It is usually the lunch hour, and customers from office-goers, passers-by to students can be seen buying from them. Students are especially fond of their feed and thus are seen in more numbers. Ali and Raj remain busy for the next 3 hours as customers come steadily.

    Dilshad Ali and Tilak Raj have been selling Rajma Chawal and Curry Chawal for 3 years now in Sector 15 Market, Chandigarh. However, it isn’t just the delicious food they sell that makes their story worth sharing, but a tale of incredible friendship thrashing stigmas and stereotypes.

    In present times when it is hard to overlook cases of communal tensions, their story sets a confident example of tolerance and fraternity between religions. The intimacy is both an inspiration and assurance to gladden our hearts.

    Dilshad Ali Khan, a Muslim by faith and Tilak Raj, a Hindu, boast of a friendship which is 23 years old. The friendship has witnessed no ups and downs in these years.

    “Ups and downs in friendship come with selfish interests. Here, it is pure love and support.”

    Dilshad, who started off as an electrician says he always have had love for cooking and wanted to pursue it. “I used to see youngsters around, they had problem finding good food here. My only attempt was to provide them quality food so they don’t miss home.” His wife, who also is a good cook, helps him in preparing the food. Tilak Raj, otherwise a government employee, comes only to help during the selling hours. He talks less and is quiet during most of the interview.

    Dilshad and Tilak Raj serving food to customers

    In response to skirmishes in the relation due to different belief systems, they say there have never been any.

    “It never felt like we are different or our beliefs are different. Mazhab nahi sikhata, aapas mein bair rakhna (Religion does not profess hostility). We follow this teaching.”

    Overall, the city has been kind to them, but their association have now and then faced criticism which “isn’t deserving enough to be paid attention to and should be ignored.”

    Talking of the persisting communal tensions in the country, Dilshad says, “The government should not try to incept communal hatred and rather maintain a congruous atmosphere. It is only a handful of people who try to disturb the peace and such people have no religion. Amidst of all this, it takes an effort to preserve this brotherhood of ours, allowing it to not get stained. I pray to Allah that it stays the same.”

    Pleased at being able to provide healthy and hygienic food at a reasonable price, they plan to extend the business. The food comes as a savior to students living as paying guests and is greeted with immense liking as people appear in considerable numbers.

    “I am a college student and I live in a paying guest (PG) accommodation, so it feels really good to have lunch there. It reminds me of my mother’s hand made food.”, says Shraddha Juyal (20), a college student. “Khan stall’s food gives me a taste of home away from home!”, says another college student,  Anmol Kaur (20).

    Their beautiful pact among serious communal conflict prevalent today, blooms and stands alone like a lotus in the mud! (pun intended)

  • The Panchayat’s Verdict: How Arbitrary Justice Denies True Justice

    The Panchayat’s Verdict: How Arbitrary Justice Denies True Justice

    Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a young girl who lived with her parents. She was raised in a household where arguments and fights between her parents were more common than the daily news. Due to this, she grew up feeling neglected and yearned for love and attention from anyone who showed her kindness.

    One person who filled this void in her life was her uncle. He treated her like a little doll and she would often visit his house just to be in his presence. To her, he was more than just an uncle; he was the father figure she had always dreamed of having.

    However, this fantasy world was shattered one day when her uncle made advances on her in the kitchen, when they were alone. He hugged her from behind and said things that made her feel uncomfortable. This continued to happen every chance he got, and she was left helpless, as her parents were too caught up in their own problems to notice what was going on.

    After a few years, she mustered up the courage to tell her mother about what was happening, but her father was angry and blamed her for what was happening. He thought that she was responsible for her uncle’s actions because she was too close to him. Her parents didn’t believe her and dismissed her claims.

    Years passed, and the girl found herself standing in front of a crowd of around 50 people, listening to her uncle give a judgment as the Pannch (judge) of the Panchayat. The topic at hand was the moral and ethical behavior of young adults, and her uncle was speaking of how the youth of today were being misled by the world of cinema and TV.

    The girl’s heart sank as she listened to her uncle, who was the same man who had taken advantage of her and made her feel uncomfortable all those years ago, talk about morality and respect. Everybody was happy with the judgment, but the girl felt like it was a mockery of justice.

    She thought to herself, “If only there was a Panchayat that day to punish my uncle for his actions, who just made a mockery of the word ‘morality’”. The girl went home, behind her parents, feeling defeated and hopeless.

    This story is a reminder of how arbitrary justice can sometimes deny true justice. The Panchayat system, which is supposed to provide justice to the people, can sometimes fail to do so if the judge is biased or has his own hidden agendas. This highlights the need for a fair and just legal system that is free from any kind of biases or prejudices.

    The young girl in this story represents all the victims who have suffered at the hands of people in positions of power, who abuse their power to fulfill their own desires. We must work towards creating a world where every voice is heard, and every person is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

    We must not let the fear of being judged or the fear of being blamed stop us from speaking out against the wrongs that are being done to us. Only by speaking up and fighting for what is right can we create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

  • The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    Marriage is a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and compromise. Whether it’s a love marriage or an arranged one, once you get hitched, you are in for a wild ride. Some of the sacrifices you may have to make might not be easy, but they are necessary to keep the marriage going strong. In this article, we’ll take a look at eight common sacrifices that Indians make after getting married.

    Letting go of passions

    In our pre-marriage days, we all have something that we are passionate about – be it travel, sports, adventure, or collecting things. But after getting married, many of us feel the need to let go of our passions to settle down with our significant other.

    Eating habits

    Food is a big deal in any marriage. You may have to adjust your eating habits to accommodate your partner’s preferences. For example, if you are a non-vegetarian and your partner is a vegetarian, you may have to give up your favorite meat dishes. If you are a north Indian and your partner is from the south, you may have to adjust your diet to suit both of your palates.

    Fashion sense

    Your fashion sense may change after you get married, especially for women. You may feel the need to switch from a more casual style to a more formal and modest one. Observe your married friends, and you’ll notice the difference in the way they dress after tying the knot.

    Spending habits

    Gone are the days of splurging on expensive bikes or clothes without a second thought. After getting married, you may feel financially insecure, and it becomes important to prioritize your expenses according to your income. This means cutting back on frivolous spending to save for the future.

    Friendships

    Maintaining friendships after marriage can be challenging. Your priorities change, and you may have to put your partner first. You can still hang out with your old buddies, but you can’t be in constant contact with them every weekend. Making your partner your top priority is a sacrifice you may have to make for your marriage to work.

    Ex-partners

    Staying in touch with exes after a breakup can cause tension in your marriage. It’s best to cut ties with them and avoid any potential complications.

    Affinity to family

    It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your parents and siblings, but once you get married, your spouse takes precedence. You may have to make the sacrifice of giving them less time and attention to make room for your partner in your life.

    Daily habits

    Finally, you may have to change your daily habits to accommodate your partner. This includes cleaning up after yourself, not wearing the same clothes for a week, and being a responsible partner.

    Making sacrifices for your marriage may seem daunting, but it’s all worth it in the end. A strong and loving marriage is a beautiful thing, and the sacrifices you make will only make it stronger. So, embrace the changes, compromise, and enjoy the journey.

  • From Sunrise to Success: The Morning Habits of Highly Successful People

    From Sunrise to Success: The Morning Habits of Highly Successful People

    Good morning, sunshine! Are you ready to kickstart your day? Do you want to know what separates highly successful people from the rest of us? It’s not just luck or a magical gene. It’s how they start their mornings that sets them apart. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top three things that successful people avoid doing in the morning, and how you can implement these habits in your own life.

    Scrolling Through Your Phone

    Alarm goes off. You reach for your phone. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, for most of us, our phone doubles as an alarm clock, and the first thing we do when we wake up is check it for notifications, messages, and emails. This might seem harmless, but it can actually have a significant impact on your day. When you first wake up, your brain is fresh and relaxed, ready to tackle the day’s challenges. But if you immediately start scrolling through your phone, you’re putting your brain in overdrive and bombarding it with information. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress, and it can set a negative tone for the rest of the day.

    The solution? Put your phone down and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Take a moment to reflect on the day ahead, and think about your goals and priorities. This simple habit can make a huge difference in your productivity and overall well-being.

    Skipping Breakfast

    We’ve all been there. You’re running late, you have a long to-do list, and you just can’t seem to find the time for breakfast. But skipping breakfast is a mistake that can cost you big time. It’s not just a cliche that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it’s scientifically proven. After a long night of fasting, your body needs fuel to start the day. If you skip breakfast, you’re depriving yourself of food for more than 12 hours. This can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and low energy. And that’s not even considering the fact that your brain needs glucose to process information and stay alert.

    A healthy breakfast can provide the energy you need to power through the day and improve your mood. So don’t skip it – your success may depend on it!

    Failing to Plan Your Day

    Do you have a system for planning your day? Do you make a list of tasks and prioritize them in order of importance? If not, you’re missing out on a crucial habit of successful people. Planning your day may seem like an extra step, but it can make all the difference in your productivity and success. By making a list of tasks and prioritizing them, you’re preparing yourself mentally for the day ahead. This can help you stay focused, keep track of your progress, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    You don’t need a pen and paper to plan your day – there are plenty of apps that can help you do it, like OneNote. So make a plan, and take control of your day!

    In conclusion, starting your day right is key to achieving success. By avoiding these three habits, you can set yourself up for a productive, successful day. So put down your phone, eat a healthy breakfast, and make a plan – your future self will thank you!

  • The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    As Indians, we often judge people and things based on appearances alone, without fully understanding the situation. Our brains are wired to make quick conclusions. But when it comes to caste or religion, our perceptions can change in a dramatic way. We may suddenly feel compelled to defend our own caste or religion, even if we are not directly involved. This can lead to taking things personally and not being able to let go until the situation subsides.

    Recently, there were incidents in the state of Haryana involving the blocking of roads and railways, aggressive attacks causing damage to public property, theft from ATMs, and the setting of shops and malls on fire, all in response to the “Jat Agitation” demand for reservation. The national media was covering these events extensively.

    I wrote a Facebook post condemning the incidents and the demand for reservation by the Jats, who are known for being royal and rich, but are neither socially nor economically backward. To my surprise, some of my Facebook friends who are Jats started defending and justifying the protests. One of them even called me to ask if I was following a politician who was speaking out against the demand for reservation. I told them that I don’t have to follow anyone to see that what was happening was wrong and to speak out against it.

    What was interesting was that these friends who were defending the riots were not even participating in the protests. Some of them had previously spoken out against the idea of reservation. But now that their caste was demanding reservation, they suddenly had a change of heart.

    There were a few who spoke out against the riots, regardless of their caste, but the majority of people criticized them for bringing shame to their caste, as if the agitators weren’t already doing that. It’s difficult to understand how anyone could justify blocking a road, let alone the more aggressive acts that took place, just to demand reservation for one caste. It causes inconvenience to innocent people who have no part in this reservation controversy.

    Why is it that our caste or religion is more important to us than humanity and the greater good of people? I can’t help but wonder what would happen if people from ISIS or other terrorist organizations were of the same caste as my friends. They would likely cry every time a terrorist was hanged by the law and protest against it, just like they did for the reservation.

    This is why politicians are able to win elections through their dirty politics of caste and religion. It’s our emotional attachment to our caste or religion that is the biggest obstacle to our country’s development. We are the biggest fools in this conspiracy to keep people divided by caste and religion, but one thing is for sure – we won’t change.

  • Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    It’s a sad reality, but many Indian men who try to connect with women from other countries on social media often face rejection. As soon as a woman finds out that the man trying to talk to her is Indian, she often chooses to avoid him. This can be frustrating for Indian men who are polite and respectful in their interactions with women, but unfortunately it’s a common experience due to the actions of other Indian men.

    Recently, an American woman decided to share her experience with Indian men online in an effort to shed some light on the situation. This woman, who loves to travel in India but doesn’t have a preference for Indian men, shared her thoughts with brutal honesty.

    She explains that on her social media pages, she is primarily approached by Indian men of all ages, states, religions, education levels, and jobs. And unfortunately, her experience has been that many of these men immediately ask personal and inappropriate questions.

    Some common questions include asking about what she is wearing, if her husband is home, if she gets along well with her husband, if she is currently in bed, and when she lost her virginity. These questions are often followed by even more inappropriate and offensive comments and requests.

    The woman goes on to explain that unfortunately, many American women will block these men at this point, as it is very offensive to be asked these types of questions. She also notes that Indian men will often ask to see photos, including requests for specific types of photos such as cleavage shots and images of her in jeans.

    The woman shares that she continues to engage with these men, despite their offensive behavior, because she believes that they are better than this. She feels that by patiently teaching them and helping them to understand the errors in their thinking, she can help them improve.

    The woman also points out the hypocrisy in the way that Indian men view Indian women versus white women. She notes that Indian men often view Indian women as “goddesses” and “pillars” who deserve respect, while viewing white women as objects for sexual gratification.

    It’s important to recognize that this woman’s experience is just one perspective, but it’s a valuable one that highlights the offensive and disrespectful behavior of some Indian men towards women online. It’s crucial for all of us to be aware of this and to actively work to change this behavior, by calling out and educating those who engage in it.

  • The Truth About Love: 6 Cultural Misconceptions

    The Truth About Love: 6 Cultural Misconceptions

    Love is a beautiful thing, but it can also be complicated. There are many cultural misconceptions about love that can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. These misconceptions can come from movies, TV shows, books, and even our own families and friends. It’s important to understand these misconceptions so that you can have a more realistic view of love and relationships.

    1. The Myth of Automatically Finding “The One”

    One of the most common myths about love is the existence of “the one” for everyone. This is a myth that can be harmful to relationships because it creates unrealistic expectations. People often believe that they will immediately know when they meet “the one” who is going to be their soulmate. While it is possible to feel an instant attraction to someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the right person for you. Attraction is usually just sexual or romantic in nature and choosing a life partner is much more complex than just feeling romantic about someone.

    To truly know if someone is right for you, you need to get to know them on a deeper level. You need to understand their values, goals, and personality. You need to see how they interact with your family and friends. You need to see how they handle difficult situations and if they have the strength of character to go the distance with you.

    In addition, it’s important to understand that nobody is perfect. Even if you find someone who seems to be perfect for you, they will have flaws and imperfections just like everyone else. It’s important to accept and love them for who they are, warts and all.

    2. The Myth of “Meant To Be”

    Another common myth about love is that it is something that brings two people together who are “meant to be” together. This is not true. Love is a mutual decision between two people. It takes a lot of effort and compromise to make it work. The myth of “meant to be” can create the idea that if two people are meant to be together, every problem that arises will be easily resolved. This is not the case in real life. Research shows that 67% of conflicts between couples do not get resolved. Problems need to be addressed and worked through in

    order to make a relationship successful. It’s important to understand that love takes work and it’s not always easy.

    3. The Myth of Immediate Familiarity

    Another myth is that if you feel like you have known someone for a long time, even if you’re meeting them for the first time, they must be the one for you. This is not always the case. Sometimes people just have a lot in common and it can create a sense of familiarity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are the one for you. It’s important to take the time to get to know someone before jumping to conclusions about a potential relationship.

    4. The Myth of the Love Story in Movies

    Movies and TV shows often depict love as a fairy tale with a happy ending. They show us a dreamy picture of love that can create unrealistic expectations. In reality, love is not always easy and it’s important to understand that the love stories in movies are not always reflective of real life.

    5. The Myth of Love Being All Butterflies and Rainbows

    Love is a wonderful thing, but it’s not always butterflies and rainbows. There will be tough times and challenges to overcome. It’s important to understand that love takes work and it’s not always easy. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be amazing.

    6. The Myth of Love Should Be Easy

    Love takes work, but it’s worth it. It’s not always easy, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be amazing.

    It’s important to understand that love is a journey, not a destination. Have realistic expectations and understand that love takes work. Everyone’s journey with love is different and unique. Love is a complex and nuanced thing so approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.

    Always remember that you are in charge of your own happiness and well-being. You can’t rely on someone else to fulfill all your emotional needs. Have a sense of self-worth and independence.

    You need to understand that not everyone will have the same experience of love or that everyone will have the same definition of love. Everyone is different and it’s important to respect and honor that.

    Having realistic expectations can help you navigate the complexities of relationships and find the love that is right for you.

  • Breaking Barriers: Why Sunny Leone Deserves Equal Respect as Any Other Celebrity in India

    Breaking Barriers: Why Sunny Leone Deserves Equal Respect as Any Other Celebrity in India

    Sunny Leone is a famous Bollywood actress and businesswoman, but some people in India don’t think she deserves respect because of her past career in the adult film industry. But that’s not fair! Just because she used to be in porn movies doesn’t mean she’s not a hardworking and talented person.

    Lots of people watch porn, but they don’t like to admit it in public. Sunny Leone is just being honest about it, and she’s really good at her job. She’s also a professional, just like other famous actors and actresses in India. And she’s a good person too – she wouldn’t shoot a movie scene if she thought it would be bad for kids to see.

    Some people say that Sunny Leone is bad for Indian culture, but that’s not true either. People have been watching porn for a long time, way before the internet existed. According to Dr. Chauntelle Tibbals, a sociologist and expert on the adult film industry, “Pornography is a normal and natural part of human sexuality, and it has been present in all cultures throughout history. It is not something that can or should be blamed for negative societal outcomes.” And lots of Indian movies and TV shows have adult scenes too. It’s not fair to blame everything on one person.

    We should respect Sunny Leone for who she is, and not judge her based on her past career. It’s not fair to call her names or say she’s bad for India. Everyone deserves a chance to live their life the way they want to, and Sunny Leone is no different.

    There are many other instances where famous people have broken barriers and overcome stereotypes in their respective fields. For example, Oprah Winfrey, who is now a media mogul and philanthropist, grew up in poverty and faced discrimination as a black woman in the media industry. However, she broke through these barriers to become one of the most influential and successful people in the world.

    Similarly, Ellen DeGeneres, a popular talk show host and LGBTQ+ rights activist, faced discrimination and even lost her job in the entertainment industry for coming out as gay. But she persevered and now has her own successful talk show and is a respected and loved figure in the industry.

    These examples show that it is possible to break barriers and overcome stereotypes, no matter how difficult it may seem. As Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and author, says, “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” It is important to recognize and respect the struggles and achievements of those who have broken barriers and overcome stereotypes, regardless of their past or present circumstances. And this applies to everyone, including Sunny Leone.