The Writer’s Flight

India's splendid show at the Tokyo Paralympics has inspired many people with disabilities to get into sports; here's how they can complete the exciting yet challenging journey that will get them there Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi                                                  Sport changes a disabled person profoundly, empowering him to realise his full potential. Today, athletes with disabilities can play any sports activity, at the highest levels. Credits: Adobe Stock India won a total of 19 medals--five gold, eight silver and six bronze--at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. While we celebrate the massive achievement, one cannot help but notice a coincidence—India sent 19 athletes to the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Five years later, and the Tokyo Paralympics, the country took home as many medals! Says Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO GoSports Foundation: “I was at the Rio Paralympics. It had a large contingent of 19 people from India, but at Tokyo, we had 54. This means in about five years, we tr

From earth tones to bright hues, alpaca wool to pure silk, handmade shawls are a wonderful way to introduce colour and class into your wardrobe Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi   Artisans usually improvise the patterns and colours without leaving any drafts, so it is hard to embroider another shawl with exactly the same design, making each shawl unique. Source: Adobe Stock Shawls are often regarded as heirlooms, passed on from one generation to the next. This is especially pashminas whose soft fabric, heavenly feel and great workmanship make them extra special. They are the quintessential 'haath ka kaam' or handmade and handcrafted stuff as every shawl is a labour of love and each piece takes anything from a few weeks to a few months, and sometimes years to make. They lend style, comfort and a unique flair to a woman’s wardrobe, and no two  pashmina  shawls are ever the same even if their embroidery and colour match. Says Bhuvan Ahuja of Ahujasons: “There was a time when stoles an

In a Q&A, the Director of the India Habitat Centre says every communication is about pitching it correctly so that it is received well by the listener on whom you want to make an impact Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi   Sunit Tandon, Director of the India Habitat Centre He has been a television anchor, radio broadcaster, theatre actor and even a music critic. Meet  Sunit Tandon , who deftly fits into many moulds such as being the current Director of the India Habitat Centre or President of the Delhi Music Society. In the recent past, he has served as Director of the coveted media college IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication) and CEO of Lok Sabha TV. But public speaking has been a steady companion with Tandon, a skill which got honed further with exposure to theatre and music. Tandon dwells on the finer points of effective communication in an interview with Namrata Kohli. Edited excerpts: Warren Buffett  had said to increase your worth by 50 per cent, you must hone your commun

Nobody listens as you speak? Don't fret-all you require is structured preparation and practice to help you make an impact, and inspire and impress people with your ideas and speech Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Terrified about drawing a blank when facing a large audience? The best way to overcome the phobia is to practice well beforehand. The fear may persist, but will be manageable. Credits: Adobe Stock Anubha Sawhney was initiated into public speaking at an early age as the primary school head girl, a role that involved a smattering of speech making. She was also active in inter-class elocution competitions, and all of this has stood her in good stead, personally and professionally even later in life. Sawhney feels speaking well is always a plus. She says, “It gives you confidence and keeps you relevant and interesting. But public speaking is both about confidence and content. Beyond a point, one cannot exist without the other.” There is no single formula for a great talk, but a

Solid wood and mid-to-dark brown furniture is giving way to lighter hues. Customisation is in as people want solutions that suit their lifestyle and help them shed clutter Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi A clutter free home leads to positive vibes. Buy for your needs, not greed and make donation a way of life to have minimal stuff to hoard. Credits: CPRN Homood available at Ottimo Having clutter-free zones around the house can bring Zen-like vibes to your space and help uplift the overall decor. We all want to live small and store well. And there are plenty of ways to organise the breakfast nook, dining room, or even the laundry closet, all of which tend to become chaotic throughout the year. Knowing how to store can help you figure out both your physical space and head space. The need for storage has been amplified much more now than ever before. Says Erik-Jan Middelhoven, Home Furnishing & Design Manager,  IKEA  India: “Not only has the amount of time we spend at home increased, bu