While we stay at home, we need to do our best to stay healthy and its important to choose nutritious healthy snack foods. Why? Its because snacks that combine protein, high fiber carbs and healthy fats are nourishing. To keep our strength, energy and mood up, try to find a balance of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables , pulses, dairy products, eggs, poultry and meat. Cooking healthy meals is the gateway to good health .To stay fit and to stay healthy , I would like to propose a balanced healthy eating plate.

1.HEALTHY OILS

Oils are not a food group but they do provide the essential nutrients but we must note to use only small amounts.Use healthy oils (like olive) for cooking, on salads and at the table. It is preferable to use oils that are low on saturation fats like canola oil. Also i would suggest to limit butter and avoid trans fat.

2.FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Promote a healthier gut by eating more more foods rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber. Nutritionist recommend red fruits and vegetables, yellow fruits, green leafy vegetables , carrots supplement our body and boost our immunity system. The more veggies – and greater the variety – the better . Eat plenty of fruits of all color. Avocados delivers in nutrients and tons of healthy fats that supports your body’s nutritional requirements as it aids digestion and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Fruits like watermelon and muskmelon are loaded with electrolytes and have hydrating properties. Also eating salads almost everyday may be one of the most healthy eating habits you can adopt, and one of the simplest, experts say.

3.WHOLE GRAINS

Eat a variety of whole grains(like whole-wheat bread, whole grain pasta and brown rice.) Limit refined grains(like white rice and white bread) as whole grains are more nutritious than refined grains because they contain the fiber- rich outer bran layer and are nutrient packed and their consumption would be connected to a lower chance of stroke, diabetes , obesity.

4.HEALTHY PROTEINS

Choose fish, poultry ,beans and eggs. Avoid bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats. Protein rich food like cheese, grams are also very beneficial to us. Milk is an ideal source of protein and calcium and also contains the essential vitamins and minerals.Also nuts and seeds contain tons of protein and have the much needed omega 3 fats.A study shows that eating protein-rich foods like eggs increases the thermal effect of the food. We need more energy to digest them and hence it increases our metabolism .

Most importantly, one must always stay healthy and hydrated by drinking lots of water. Adding complex carbohydrates to our diet can help us stay full longer, maintains healthy blood sugar levels and is essential for our brain functioning. Good , fresh healthy food is essential for a strong immune system and a healthy balanced diet which gives the essential vitamins and dietary fibers is needed for better metabolism and is crucial during the pandemic.So, eat healthy, stay healthy!

There are a lot of misconceptions about introverts, like that they are anti social, unfriendly, shy or lonely. But in many cases, being an introvert can actually be an asset. Introverts are people who get their energy from spending time alone. Its kind of a battery they recharge. And then they can go out into the world and connect really beautifully with people.

• They’re good listeners

Introverts are naturally adept when it comes to actively listening. Extroverted people are more inclined to jump into a conversation before fully processing what the other person has said. Conversely, introverts process information internally. That skill allows them to hear, understand and provide carefully considered insight when they do respond.

• They’re observant

In addition to their superior listening skills, introverts possess a superpower: their observation skills. We notice things others might not notice because they’re talking and processing out loud. Although it may look like they’re just sitting quietly during a meeting, introverts are actually soaking in the information that’s being presented and thinking critically. They can tell when a person is thinking, processing and observing and then gives them the space to do so. They allow time to really connect with people.

• They’re thoughful networkers

Being in a group where the goal is to meet, talk, and make a good first impression can be overwhelming for many, espeacially for us. Introverts use their natural strengths to create meaningful connections. This type of network can be more beneficial.

• They make loving romantic partners

Introverts crave personal space to reflect and refuel, and they can sense when their partners need space, too. At the end of a long day, they’re there to listen and support their partner without feeling compelled to talk about themselves. There can be something attractive about the mystery factor of introverts, that can inspire curiosity and wanting to know the person better.

“We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly – spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.” – Susan L. Taylor 

Let’s face it. Their is a lot of noise and distraction in the world. Sometimes, the din is so loud and the interruptions so many and varied that it’s tough to tend to what’s necessary and right, much less what is desired. The yearning for peace and quiet, however, has more significance than just taking a well-deserved break. It’s an important and integral part of growth, renewal and joy of living.

But making the time to find comfort in solitude and silence is often seen as an unaffordable luxury. After all, if you’re off being quiet and reflecting, you’re not accomplishing anything, right?

This is the wrong way to look at the situation. When you’re quiet and engaging in self-reflection, you’re doing something much more profound and that is helping to establish a cadence and priority, finding that life-affirming spark of enthusiasm and coaxing it into a fire that motivates and inspires you to act.

Why does anyone need quiet time? How do you prepare for it? What do you do to nurture it? How do you ensure there’s time in your schedule to accommodate your need for self-reflection? Here are some thoughts.

1. You need to rest to renew.

It’s humanly impossible to just keep going without ever stopping to rest. Even machines need downtime for repairs and maintenance. The human body is no different, with the exception that the mind often tries to influence continued action at the expense of physical, emotional and spiritual needs. You need quiet time, that uninterrupted silence that is so elusive and prized, to rest and renew.

2. Quiet time helps you discover what’s important.

When you’re constantly doing things, caught up in the whirlwind of the moment, you may tend to forget or ignore what’s important. By involving yourself in too many activities, taking on too much or spending time on unnecessary and time-wasting projects and tasks, you’re losing sight of what matters most. You need quiet time to rediscover what you’ve neglected and to discover what is most important to you if you’ve never done so.

3. When it’s quiet, you can make order out of chaos.

When you’re deep in a flurry of activity is no time to prioritize tasks. You’re too busy working on making progress. The time to examine your reasons for what you’re doing and to figure out some semblance of order that works for you is during times of quiet self-reflection.

4. There’s grace and spiritual renewal in quiet time.

All the negatives attendant in everyday life can overshadow the good and positive that co-exist. You need quiet time to allow grace to suffuse you and your spirit to renew itself in those golden moments of quiet introspection. Savor the silence. Allow your thoughts to wander where they will and then draw back your attention to your center. This is the core of mindfulness meditation.

5. Quiet time reinforces your sense of place in the universe.

Since you are human and not a machine, you can put things into perspective. This is difficult when you’re crashing to meet a deadline or attempting to multitask. You need quiet time to do that. It’s now when you’re able to think about where you are in the universe, to discover your purpose and find meaning in what you are fully capable of doing in this lifetime.

6. Reduce stress with regular quiet time.

If you cannot escape stress, you can certainly do something to mitigate it. One quick and straightforward way to reduce stress is to carve out 10-15 minutes regularly to sit quietly, meditate, listen to music, go for a peaceful walk, take a brief nap. If you have longer, perhaps on your lunch break, you can extend your quiet time. The point isn’t how long you’re quiet, but that you give quiet time its proper place in your life. There’s no easier way to nourish your body and soul. A bonus is that you return to the task at hand at work, home or school energized and more focused.

7. Quiet time helps you heal.

It’s no coincidence that caretakers and medical professionals encourage a darkened, quiet room for patients in recovery from surgery, illness or other chronic conditions that require constant management. Healing takes time and the body needs complete rest to jumpstart this process. Emotional wounds from anxiety and depression similarly benefit from quiet time. In a fast-pace world, stepping off the treadmill — as is necessary when sick or recuperating from serious illness — and allowing the quiet to envelope you are basic components in the overall healing process.

“Take Life day by day and be grateful for the little things. Don’t get caught up in what you can’t control. Accept it and make the best of it.”

Live in present not in past and future . If you are living in future or past then you can’t perform well in present . By doing this , means living in any other phase you spoil your present life . As we all are doing the same mistake again and again , worrying about those things which you can’t control and which you can’t change . Sometime you are thinking about what you did in your past, those mistakes , thinking if you did this so everything is fine , thinking i wish if this happens were like that than everything is adorable . As an example we can say when we are giving exam we think if we were read this chapter or this topic then i perform definitely well. But at that situation we have to think how we perform well , whatever the knowledge we have , how we represent those knowledge in a systematic manner so at least we can clear the exam although doing this we wish if we read this , that bla bla ……… And we start thinking about future what will be the result , what will happen now and so on . But there is no meaning to think about all those because what was meant to be done is already done and you can’t change it if you want to. बीती ताहि बिसारि दे, आगे की सुधि लेइ।
जो बनि आवै सहज में, ताही में चित देइ॥

Some day you start thinking what will happen in my future . Is everything will be done as per my planning . If something gonna wrong in my life , something bad will happen with me and my loved one or a lot of unnecessary thought building home in our mind. “Don’t Worry about things that haven’t yet ” Sometime you are that much coward that while walking on road or crossing road you are going to think , If I met with an accident. Anything you are going to do or take a new initiative to do, whether you did it or not you start thinking a lot about consequences as well as negative , if this project will not succed or not work as i thought .” Don’t worry about what I m doing.Worry about why you’re worried about what I’m doing”. As written in The sacred Geeta ” Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma phaleshu kadachane“. Means do your duty honestly and rest leave on god . Just be positive in any situation . If you are doing your duty very honestly and sincerely in present then undoubtedly your future will be bright. And always learn from your past mistakes and forget your past.

This song teaches a lot who think a lot that what will happen at next step. “Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suahana Yha Kl Kya Ho Kisne Jana” .

But this is very common and truth or reality that you are thinking about those things in which you have no control. Keep in mind this vicious truth of life that over many of the things that happen in your life they are not in under control of you . “Worrying is waste if time it doesn’t change anything , it just masses with your mind and steel your happiness”. By taking a lot of tension , worry you are sacrificing or loosing your own happiness . You are gonna away from your happiness . And this lifestyle gives you a lot of disease , disorder , anxiety , depression. A disorder name Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in this disorder people feel extremely worried or feel nervous about these and other things even when there is no reason to worry about them . People with GAD find it difficult to control their anxiety and stay focused on daily task . It causes lack of sleeping or sleeping disorders . Blood pressure or hypertension which causes heart diseases sometimes it can take a cardiac arrest or heart attack also. So there is lot in life you just can’t change some of them are following .

• You’re accountable to someone
• You are not going to live forever
• You can’t please everyone
• You’ll never catch up the Joneses
• Holding that grudge is never going to have the effect you are hoping for
• Similarly you can’t control what someone else thinks
• Yesterday is over

So don’t focus on all those things , avoid these topics/points in your life. You can take it as precautions also.

What to do to stop worrying about things you can’t change.

• Determine what you can’t control
• Focus on your influences
• Create a plan to manage your stress
• Differentiate between ruminating and problem solving
• Develop health affirmation

And this measures this analysis will help you to overcome this habit.

I spend countless nights awake alone, because I can’t sleep, and nobody is there to share my emptiness while people kéep adding to it. The doubts and questions raised upon me by society, and more so, my family, are heart- wrenching. Nobody watches me being undressed in a manner that i dont want to ease out of my clothes, but my flesh. Nobody sees the hollow in my eyes, and feels the screams I gulp down while everyone complains of me being anti- social. Nobody sees me laughing aloud wishing my tears will go by unnoticed and it was me who scribbled behind the washroom door, ‘ Let me live’, while i was dying. I wish someone’s love would have been enough to conceal me from all the hurt from outside, but everybody asks me to shut up and forget about this crap. Nobody can never save me from the hurt within myself. Nobody can wear my skin with pride. I want to run away from the ignorance of my family, from the mockery of my siblings, from the toxicity of this society, but more so because i hope to run away from myself. They created that invisible prison for me.

It would have taken just a few words to keep me all happy and make me feel comfortable and confident in the sheets of my skin.

‘are you really ok’ instead of ‘why are you so distant

”do you want to talk’ instead of ‘stop overthinking”

how can I help you’ instead of ‘what’s wrong with you”

I can understand you’ instead of ‘ why dont you mix and open up with others’

I wish if people would have said these words more often, perhaps I wouldn’t have thought of running away to somewhere else where the new air frees me and prevent my heart prying apart into peices.

Positive thinking can change your life. If you want to live longer, be happy, healthy and successful, all you have to do is think positive.

More and more people (including Doctors and Scientists) are turning to positive thinking because it is a powerful tool for transforming your inner self into an amazing health generating, and self-healing entity. Optimistic people have discovered that the human mind has the power to turn wishes into reality through positive thinking. Researchers continue to find increasing evidence pointing to the many benefits of positive thinking. According to a Stanford Research Institute study – success is 88 percent positive thinking, and only 12 percent education. Therefore, positive thinking is an important factor in your ability to succeed in life.

Positive thinking is an optimistic state of mind that always sees the bright side of life and focuses on the glass being half full instead of half empty. Positive thinking is a mental attitude that produces constructive results. Positive thinking brings inner satisfaction, happiness, peace and better health; improves relationships and attracts success into your life. While we all have this powerful tool, many of us are not aware of it.

Some long term studies on positive thinking and health have been conducted that confirms positive thinking strengthens the immune system and assists in healing. The evidence so far affirms that positive thinking leads to positive outcomes. Perhaps the greatest contribution made by psychology and neuroscience is that positive thinking is linked with virtues like kindness and compassion, and in proving that positive thinking leads to “wealth” of mind, body, and soul.

How does the power of positive thinking work?

According to psychology our mind controls our body. You can tap this capability by following a few simple steps. Each person is capable of programming their own mind to achieve what they desire. By learning to direct your thinking, you can change the way you behave and achieve a positive mindset. With a positive mindset, you always expect more joy, happiness, better health, greater success which also helps you reduce your stress levels. Basically, whatever your mind thinks and believes is what you expect. Anticipate positive situations and you’ll get positive outcomes. So, taking charge of your mind becomes a vital factor in keeping your body healthy. You can do this through affirmations and by consciously relaxing your mind through meditation.

The power of positive thinking helps us cope more easily with the daily affairs of life, see the opportunities all around us, and gives us the courage to take action when the moments of truth arise. There is no greater joy than a healthy, positive life. You feel exhilarated, energetic, happy and on top of the world. A sense of total well being permeates your mind. The future looks bright. You feel good to be alive. Adopting positive thinking as a way of life will bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful. An emerging field of psychology takes a scientific approach to the power of positive thinking and has come up with some surprising revelations:

· Positive thinking is a “skill” that can be learned to create happiness.

· Happiness is the cause of positive outcomes in life, not the result.

· Wealth does not bring happiness, but using one’s wealth to benefit others does contribute to personal happiness.

· Happy people tend to have deep religious or spiritual beliefs.

How to develop Positive thinking?

Many of us know what positive thinking is, but not all of us know how to be positive or how to maintain a positive attitude. Watch what you say – try to say positive things to people, avoid complaining and saying negative statements. In order to turn the mind toward positive thinking, some inner work is required, since attitude and thoughts do not change overnight.

You can develop this state of mind by reading inspiring and motivating literature, through visualization, affirmations and meditation. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. This ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

Here are 10 simple things you can do to jump-start positive thinking:

1. Smile and Laugh – It has been scientifically proven that smiling can improve your overall mood and outlook in life. Laughter is the best medicine and they aren’t lying. Join a Yoga laughter club for group support for laughing and Meditation practice for calming the Mind, Body and the Soul.

2. Help others unselfishly – Focus on helping others by donating your time, wisdom, and money.

3. Eliminate your ego – Human ego is a dangerous thing since it makes people criticize and judge others.

4. Gratitude – Being grateful improves your chances of becoming more happy and content in your life. By being thankful for what you have, you will achieve true happiness.

5. Set goals – Set your goals daily on a piece of paper and plan out your priorities from the top to bottom. Having goals will provide the drive and motivation you need to become happy and successful in life.

6. Train your mind to focus on more positive thoughts – Replace negative with a positive thoughts and also take positive action.

7. Surround yourself with positive people – Hang out with people who have a positive attitude and outlook on life.

8. Be persistent and find the positive in all situations – Make positive thinking a daily habit and way of life.

9. Work Out & Eat Right – Eating healthy and working out will keep you in a great state of being and help maintain an active mind. Go for a long walk, run, or go to the gym. Also include Yoga, Meditation and Pranayam in your daily routine.

10. Listen to your favorite music.

Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

Researchers continue to explore health benefits that are produced by positive thinking and optimism. For example, positive thinking may help to:

· Lower stress levels;
· Improve your body’s immune system;
· Make you more resilient and to develop the ability to overcome life’s difficulties;
· Bring more happiness and respect from other people;
· Increase your life span;
· Create greater inner power and strength to inspire and motivate yourself and others; and
· Reduce depression.

Conclusion

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that helps us see the “silver lining”. Having a positive mindset causes us to anticipate happiness, joy, health, and favorable results. Real and effective positive thinking requires focusing on positive thoughts and positive emotions, and also taking positive action to bring about favorable outcomes.

The power of positive thinking is about committing yourself to get the most out of your day – every day. It is about being enthusiastic, keeping your mind focused on important things and developing strategies for dealing with problems. Positive thinking can help you to do your best each day. It can also help you to look back at things that happen along the way and view them as positive life lessons. In addition, in sharing positive mood and positive experiences, you and those around you enjoy an emotional boost.

We create our entire world by the way we think. Thoughts are the causes and conditions are the effects. Our circumstances and conditions are not dictated by the world outside; it is the world inside us that creates the outside. Regardless of our circumstances, each person has the innate, God given ability to create or alter reality using the power of positive thinking. Studies show that people who participate in positive thinking lead more successful and happier lives than people who don’t.

Positive thinking reduces stress by eliminating negative self-talk which, in turn, can even improve your health. When you share your positive experience, both you and those around you enjoy an emotional boost. So, refuse to waste time participating in negative inner dialogues. Instead, display a more positive emotional and mental attitude toward yourself, other people and situations.

Positive thinking is the cause of success and happiness. Positive thinkers will look at circumstances realistically, search for ways to improve a situation, and try to learn from their experiences. Positive thinking helps you cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worries and negative thinking. If you adopt positive thinking, it will bring constructive changes into your life, and make experiences happier, brighter and more successful. Choose to be positive. You’ll feel better, make others feel better, and, you’ll look younger too!

Love is the most significant thing in human’s life. Each science and every single literature masterwork will tell you about it. Humans are also social animals. We lived for centuries with this way of life, we were depended on one another to tell us how our clothes fit us, how our body is whether healthy or emaciated. All these we get the honest opinions of those who love us, those who care for us and makes our happiness paramount.

Love is a set of emotions, behaviors, and beliefs with strong feelings of affection. So, for example, a person might say he or she loves his or her dog, loves freedom, or loves God. The concept of love may become an unimaginable thing and also it may happen to each person in a particular way.

What is love? My mind did say,
A caring touch?
A gentle way?
It’s both of these, but so much more,
Numerous aspects , to explore.

What is love? I searched my soul,
A loving glance?
A hand to hold?
It is these things, but just one part,
Of the beauty that lies within the heart.

What is love? I asked my heart,
It seemed the best place,
Where I should start.
Is it fireworks, comets, or astral displays,
Which cause us to feel, so deeply this way?

What is love? It’s simple you see,
It’s essential as air,
For our souls to breathe.
It replenishes your faith, and self- esteem,
Allowing you to fulfill, all of your dreams.

What is love? You’ll be glad to know,
Is the chance for two hearts,
To share and to grow.
Trust, compassion, and a listening ear,
Will dispel all your doubts, cast out all your fears.

To love is to share life together,
to build special plans just for two,
to work side by side,
and then smile with pride,
as one by one, dreams all come true.

To love is to make special memories
of moments you love to recall,
of all the good things
that sharing life brings.
Love is the greatest of all.

And when this love gets decorated with the threads of marriage it becomes perfect,
In every single way.
A beautiful fairy tale is a wedding day.
The theme of the day is to have love and laughter.
And to live your days happily ever after.

Marriage is not a house or even a tent ,it is before that, and colder. It is like the edge of the forest, the edge of the desert.

Even child abuse specialists do not routinely screen for domestic violence. This shows how much more education we need to do, even among experts, to understand the known links between violence of the child and the parent.

But what happens when this love turns into a daily hatred. Domestic violence is an perfect example of this statement .

Domestic Violence is a worldwide crime and occurs across cultures in every social grouping in society regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. It is a fundamental violation of the human rights of each and every victim whether male or female adult .It can be defined as abusive, violent behaviour by one or both partners in a close intimate relationship and it can be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse .

Although women make up the vast majority of victims of domestic violence, children and men are also victims. Research shows that children are affected because they are present during the abuse and a high percentage of men who abuse women also abuse children .Violence also occurs when a woman is pregnant and this can cause threatened or actual miscarriage. In a study at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital in Dublin, 12.5% of women reported having experienced domestic violence during a pregnancy and 75% of these women had experienced violence during their pregnancy.

We’ve often heard the adage, “Precaution is better than cure”. Now more than ever, as COVID-19 spreads like wildfire, we need to stay indoors. Reducing contact is the only way to control the virus. But social distancing means we’re going against our primal instinct that makes us human – being social. And while social media does help in being connected, it lacks physical affection, comfort and intimacy. In these times of extremes, all of us are feeling some kind of distress, a sign that we need to take care of our mental health.

Some of us are lucky to have loving homes, where we can stand by each other. Even as India is now put under lockdown for 21 days, can we assume that each person has a safe space to go back to?

As per World Health Organisation, 1 in 3 women face some form of domestic abuse. This adversely affects their mental and physical health. Moreover, throughout history, women’s bodies have been sites of violence. Societal norms expect women to take care of household duties; since ‘honour’ is linked to their virginity, women’s bodies become more vulnerable. Violence within intimate relationships of LGBTQ+ communities has also witnessed an increase. How then does quarantine and self-isolation affect those who’re caught in abusive situations?

When it comes to abuse, you believe there’s no way out. There is always help. There is always a way out.” ― Rev. Donna Mulvey

Data provided by the NWC states that there has been 100%increase in domestic violence.At a time when women are already shouldering higher proportions of the domestic burden during the lockdown, escalating tensions due to depleting resources are further accentuating domestic violence behind closed doors. Denied access to traditional forms of support – family, friends, doctors – the threat for these unfortunate women looms largest where they should be safest – inside their own homes.

Today I’m becoming a voice of one such victim, FATIMA.

FATIMA was brutally abused and forced into having sex with relatives and strangers by her husband for money. She is presentally suffering from anxiety and depression.

I still remember the day of 21 st March
The day I decided to become his forever.
Yes, we have became partners.
With shimmering bangles and a glowing gown,
I decided to walk with him forever.
In the presence of lord,
We promised to let us share the joys.
We were word and meaning, unite.
If he was thought and I was his sound.
The halt of the car lands me into reality,
I rush towards the door to welcome my love.
I am excited and nervous ,
After all it’s my anniversary today.
Dressed up with the perfect dress,
I smile shyly with Hope in my eyes.
Everything was flawless today,
I ensure that I dont commit any mistake .
Yet as always , he pulls my hair,
He slaps my face, he kicks me on the floor.
I love him so much, so I don’t have the strength,
To walk right out the door.
There’s blood on my face,
Everything hurts,
And all I can do is cry.
I dont know what made him mad,so this is what he does.
I wish I knew his reason why.
My heart won’t let me leave him,
And it hurts too much to try.
I wonder if this is how my life will be
From now until I die.
He says he’s sorry.
He says he loves me.
He takes me in his arms.
He even starts to cry.
I tell him I forgive him
And that everything is fine.
For now at least because I know
It will happen again in time.

Confinement is fostering the tension and strain created by security, health, and money worries. And it is increasing isolation for women with violent partners, separating them from the people and resources that can best help them. It’s a perfect storm for controlling, violent behavior behind closed doors,”

Where does the solution lie? In a society like India’s, where this malaise is deeply entrenched, experts say building awareness is vital. Sensitization campaigns and platforms like the ones established by Breakthrough, an NGO working to making gender-based violence a mainstream issue, can help.

Even child abuse specialists do not routinely screen for domestic violence. This shows how much more education we need to do, even among experts, to understand the known links between violence of the child and the parent.

The boys had always been her reason to stay, but now for the first time they were her reason to leave. She’d allowed violence to become a normal part of their life.” ― Liane Moriarty

As the steps to contain the transmission of the virus might require more stretches of isolation and confinement for the public, the government all around the globe, need to address the upsurge in domestic violence immediately. In this context:

It is critical that governments utilise a human rights and intersectional based approach to ensure that everyone, including the most marginalised, has access to necessary information, support systems and resources during the current crisis.
The state governments need to declare helplines as “essential services” that should remain open during lockdowns.
Media can sensitize the public against gender-based violence, publicise resources and services available and encourage the equitable sharing of domestic tasks at home.
Increase resourcing for NGOs that respond to domestic violence and aid — including shelter, counselling, and legal aid — to survivors, and promote those that remain open.
Ensure women’s timely access to necessary and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services during the crisis, such as maternal health services, safe abortion etc.
Finally, the perpetrators of domestic violence must be brought to trial and repeated offenders must be dealt with strictly as per the provisions of law.

So, as you all can see my topic for today is Child Marriage.

First of all lets start with understanding what child marriage actually is. So, child marriage is any formal or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF). According to the UNICEF, India has the highest number of child brides in the world i.e. 15,509,000 approximately. 27% of girls in India are married before their 18th birthday and 7% are married before the age of 15.

Why Child Marriage happens? Child Marriage happens because of a belief that girls are more inferior than boys and that they are burden on a family, so to get rid of them their parents get her married. Other reasons why child marriage happens are listed and explained as- (1)POVERTY: Child marriage often happens in poorer households, many families marrying off their daughters to reduce their economic burdens. Also, less dowry is expected for younger brides. (2)BETROTHAL: Before their birth, some girls are promised in marriage in order to “secure” their future. Once they reach puberty, they are married officially. (3)LEVEL OF EDUCATION: Many families consider girls as “paraya dhan”. And therefore educating a girl seems waste of money to them. They believe that girls are born to do household works and they will always remain inferior to men. (4)HOUSEHOLD LABOUR: When the girls are deemed to be more productive they often get married and suppose to take care of household and children. (5)GENDER NORMS: Normally girls are seen as inferior to men and therefore they are expected to be adaptable, docile, hardworking and talented wives. (6)VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRLS: Some girls are married early because of so called “kharab mahaul”. These are only some points, the list is endless.

India has committed to eliminate child marriage completely by 2030. India acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, which sets a minimum age of marriage is 18, and ratified the Convention on the Elimination if All Forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW) in 1993, which obligates states to ensure free and full consent to marriage.

In the end, I just want to say that girls are not inferior to boys, they are equally productive and even more. A girl does all the hardwork like going to office, taking care of in-laws and children, taking care of household, and etc. she is a multitasker, a boy cannot do this, he cannot perform several functions at one time but a girl can do. Girls are more capable than boys. Never underestimate the power of a girl. She performs various roles like, mother, sister, daughter, wife, etc.. A boy is nothing without a women. If there were no women than I don’t think so anyone would’ve existed. Spending each penny on women’s education is worth it. Today, women’s are leading the world, and still in some parts of the world they are treated like a burden. Women are mot a burden!

Stop child marriage and give them a chance, they’ll make you proud!

A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform~Diane Mariechild