Creative Desk

The Other Side of a Man By PRAMITA BOSE Men are no longer shy of exposing their vulnerable side. Many neither hide tears nor mask weaknesses with a put-on act of bravery. They know how to face challenges and deal with problems via practical solutions, and even accept defeats gracefully as God’s verdict or destiny’s decision. Modern men want to denounce chauvinism and break free of the shackles of patriarchy. “Sometimes fake masculinity is imposed on our shoulders, which could be toxic both for us and the society. Aggression doesn’t define a true man. What is machismo after all?” questions sociology student Shekhar Bajwa, who’s pursuing masters in the subject.  “It’s no harm to sometimes drop the guard and be less conscious,” he further chips in. Ray of Sunshine Incidentally, there’s a leeward side to men with coveted qualities that every woman would yearn to find in her desirable partner. “I’d wish my lover or my future husband to be a ray of sunshine in my life. A warm hea...

Go the Milky Way!   Many a time we marvel at the surreal, hazy, white streak of light appearing in the night sky. It is the ‘Milky Way’ galaxy that girdles our vast solar system with orbiting planets, the static sun and numerous twinkling stars, located near or crores of miles away. How about drinking the same hoary-white liquid called milk for health and nutrition everyday? Health experts share a handbook of different types of milk and its nitty-gritty.  Last month, the National Milk Day (India) was celebrated on Nov 26, 2025.   By PRAMITA BOSE Milky Nostalgia  It is interesting to think that the human race forges its connect with milk since birth. A newborn baby tastes mother’s milk as the first food of its life. As kids too, we enjoyed looking at the reflection of our funny milky moustaches in the mirror, which would border our upper lip the moment we dipped it into a cup of boiled hot milk to take a sip. Furthermore, we would ...

Father Figure Modern-day dads have more variant roles and responsibilities on their platter to carry out. Read on… By PRAMITA BOSE My daddy’s strongest …. This oft-quoted tagline of a popular health drink commercial rings true like never before. What once became a household mantra and was perfectly mouthed by every Indian kid is now a reality to reckon with. Whether it’s a single guardian or a couple in partnership, a caregiver ought to have a finger in every pie. No Longer a Distant Star Today’s gym-hitting dads are not just deliciously grooming-conscious but self-proclaimed domestic gods too. No wonder, the videos posted by celebrity dads mingling with their children always invite an ‘awwww’ reaction from star-struck fans and admirers going gaga over their gestures and poses. One day, he could be that party-hopping stylish hunk, while on the other, he might be your pot-bellied, roly-poly gift fetcher — playing the secret Santa — who comes calling every snowing Christmas wi...

Douse and Dazzle With Ice   The freezing cold plunge with ice dunking is a useful skincare regime as it removes puffiness and redness, tightens the pores and lends a cosy vibe to the skin.   By PRAMITA BOSE What is Ice Dunk? The most common synonym for ice dunk is ice water facial — a beauty and wellness ritual that requires repeatedly submerging one’s face in a container of ice water for a brief timeframe to restore the skin. It can also be dubbed ice bath, a cold plunge or cryotherapy. This useful routine helps reaping the benefits of cold therapy, such as reduced puffiness, pain or soreness and a rapid feeling of revival and relaxation. Health Benefits Beyond skincare, cold exposure via ice dunking activates the vagus nerve — improving circulation, shrinking puffiness, increasing lymphatic drainage and even boosting the overall mood. In a nutshell, it’s a natural way to shake off festive fatigue and start your day with renewed energy and focus. Other Skin Regio...

Sound of Silence! By PRAMITA BOSE Silence speaks when black dots appear on chat screen  but no words get keyed in Silence speaks when a blue tick is visible but no reply is received Silence speaks when mail inbox remains empty for ages but no revert is seen from the sender’s end Silence speaks when I turn my head to look back but can only catch your flitting shadow on the wall Silence speaks when footsteps are heard at the doorway but none presses the bell The expected visitor to be precise! Silence speaks when tears roll down the cheeks and the lips are sealed but the look in the eyes says it all Silence speaks when there’s a lull after a storm but the squall in the heart refuses to subside.... *********************************************************************************************************************