Archives February 2025

The 75th Indo-Philippine Cultural and Educational Exchange Summit was a landmark event, celebrating the enduring friendship and collaborative spirit between India and the Philippines. Held on February 15, 2025, at the Gullas College of Medicine Inc., Cebu City, Philippines, the summit brought together distinguished dignitaries, cultural icons and educational leaders from both nations. Under the theme, “GCM Empowering Global Connections: Bridging Education, Health, Culture, and Tourism for a Resilient Future,”

The ceremony was chaired by Mr. VG Santhosam, Chairman of VGP Group of Companies from South India. The event started with the unveiling of a mega statue of Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar in the Gullas College for Medicine campus, the statue stood as a symbol of Tamil heritage and philosophy, marking a significant cultural milestone in the Philippines. This tribute not only honored an ancient philosopher but also symbolized the integration of Indian culture into the Southeast Asian cultural landscape, reflecting the deep historical ties between India and the Philippines. It resonated with the growing Indian student community in the Philippines, reinforcing a sense of heritage and values. The event was witnessed by the eminent bureaucrats and educational officials of Philippines.

The event commenced with the national anthems of India and the Philippines, Followed by a doxology and a warm welcome from Dr. David K. Pillai, Chief Executive Consultant of Gullas College of Medicine Inc. As the Chief Executive Consultant of the Gullas College of Medicine, as well as a prominent driving force behind the institution’s successes, he unveiled an exciting vision for a futuristic knowledge city that would transform education and innovation in the region.

Direct flight to Philippines from India soon, a boon Indian Ambassador to Philippines H E Harsh Kumar Jain disclosed that direct flights between India and Philippines will become a reality soon. He was addressing at the glittering event of 75th India-Philippines Friendship Celebration organised at Gullas College of Medicine, Mandaue city in Cebu while unveiling of Saint Thiruvalluvar’s statue when he pointed out that the bilateral trade between the two nations has surpassed 3.5 mn mark which only proves to show the diplomatic relations and friendship between India and Philippines.

The potential for collaboration between the two nations is boundless, he said, adding that the people to people contacts will give a boost to tourism besides trade and commerce between the two nations. “Our friendship is truly an enduring one,” he said in a touch of pride that this is poised to grow for a bright future.

Heaping praise on Dr David K. Pillai, the CEO of Gullas College of Medicine, Harsh Kumar Jain said that he is a pioneer in establishing close cooperation with the Philippines in the field of medical education in the Philippines and added that the scholarship program is benefiting the aspiring medical students from India and within the country.

Eulogising the keen interest and commitment of Dr Pillai, he said that Pillai played a proactive role in ensuring Gullas College of Medicine a prominent institution in the field of medical education and the Pillai Medical scholarship program making the dreams of aspiring medical students come true. By installing the Thiruvalluvar statue, Harsh Kumar Jain felicitated Pillai for contribution in ensuring cultural ties between the two nations.

It may be noted that the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines declared open a new office of Wipro a few months ago which has opened up new openings for Indians and those within the nation offering bright prospects. Further, he congratulated Datamatics on the occasion of opening a new office of Datamatics in Cebu on December 10, 2024, which he stated marked another significant milestone in the company’s journey in the Philippines.

The summit featured vibrant cultural performances, symbolizing the harmonious blend of Indian and Filipino traditions. Team Sakhyam showcased traditional Indian dance performances, celebrating the rich artistic heritage of India and Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe presented captivating Filipino cultural displays, reflecting the cultural vibrancy of the Philippines. These performances celebrated the shared cultural legacy of both nations and fostered greater appreciation and unity.

Udaipur,17th February 2025-Urban Square Mall, Rajasthan’s largest mall, is set to redefine the shopping experience with its exclusive Valentine’s campaign, “Be Our Valentine,” running from February 14 to February 28, 2025. This unique initiative brings together all retailers under one roof to offer an array of exciting freebies and special surprises for shoppers, making this Valentine’s season truly memorable.

Speaking on the occasion, Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said:
“At Urban Square Mall, we are committed to enhancing customer experiences and making shopping more exciting. Over time, we have organized several engaging campaigns that bring together our retailers and shoppers, creating a dynamic and interactive shopping environment. ‘Be Our Valentine’ is another step in this direction – a celebration of love, joy, and retail therapy, where every shopper will be treated to something special. We are thrilled to have all our retailers on board for this one-of-a-kind campaign, and we look forward to hosting many more such engaging initiatives in the future.”

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, of Bhumika Group, added:
“This initiative reflects our strong collaboration with retail partners and our dedication to providing unparalleled shopping experiences. With exclusive offers and exciting freebies, ‘Be Our Valentine’ is set to create a festive atmosphere that shoppers will truly enjoy.”

Shoppers can look forward to a series of special giveaways, discounts, and exclusive brand offerings throughout the campaign period. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be a part of this exciting Valentine’s celebration!

Mumbai, Feb 17, 2025: The youths and job seekers should avoid illegal migration routes, commonly referred as “donkey routes” for seeking opportunities in foreign countries and instead leverage NSDC International’s skilling initiatives for ethical migration, said, NSDC CEO and NSDC International MD Shri Ved Mani Tiwari.

In a message to the youths of India, Shri Tiwari emphasised on the process of ethical migration, and shared with media personnel here, how NSDC International with support of the central government has been developing pathways in collaboration with international governments in streamlining the migration process, as global market has lots of opportunities for skilled Indian youths.

“The world values skilled professionals, and with the right training, certifications, and ethical migration, the youths of India can build sustainable and long-term careers abroad. Taking illegal migration route is not only dangerous but also puts lives at risk. The youths can enrol themselves in skilling programs of NSDC International, which offer skilling programs and courses that are in demand in the global market,” Shri Tiwari said.

He said skill assessment centres have been set up for 100 trades across the country. “So effectively, anybody who believes that the person in the job is ready to go to Israel or Japan or Germany, they can simply present themselves to these assessment centres… we can provide a list of these assessment centres where their skills will be assessed and certified, and this is that they can apply for work visa also,” Shri Tiwari said.

He highlighted that NSDC International has been actively collaborating with international governments to create structured job opportunities for Indian youth. Recognizing India’s skilled workforce, several countries have approached NSDC International with employment opportunities. Israel has asked for 5,000 healthcare workers, an indication of demand for Indiana abroad. On similar lines, Germany and Japan continue to seek trained healthcare professionals.

To increase global employability, NSDC International is setting up global language labs offering training in Russian, Italian, Korean, and French languages. The initiative aims to break language barriers and increase the chances of Indian candidates, securing high-paying jobs overseas.

Shri Tiwari also said that NSDC is going to open 10 new international academies to empower youth in foreign languages and soft skills.

Since its inception in October 2021, NSDC International has created 88,924 overseas job opportunities across 22 countries. Through strategic collaborations with international governments and organizations, over 64,000 skilled Indian candidates have been successfully placed in countries, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

It has facilitated training and job placements across 19 industries, focusing on key sectors such as construction, mechanical, electrical & plumbing (MEP), and facility management.

“Skill yourself, choose the right path, and embrace global opportunities through ethical means. The future belongs to those who are prepared—let’s work together to shape a brighter tomorrow,” he concluded.

He said Isreal has asked for 20,000 skilled construction workers last year from India, besides the demand from the nation for 5,000 care workers.

He, further explained, about the enormous opportunities coming in the caregiving sector from across the globe, and NSDC International is in touch with agencies of foreign governments to inculcate right skills among the youths of our country to make them eligible for employment. “We believe that close to a lakh care-workers will start getting deployed (annually) in various parts of the world in about two years,” the NSDC CEO shared.

Describing it as an outcome of India’s soft diplomacy, he said, “Our care workers will be providing care and support to aging populations across the world.”

Shri Tiwari assured that NSDC International is working tirelessly to expand global employment avenues, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for India’s skilled workforce.

Hyderabad, February 17, 2025: The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Hyderabad Chapter successfully hosted the first day of a two-day National Conference on the theme “Mining the Marvels: Way Forward Towards Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.” The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and experts to deliberate on the future of the mining sector and its role in India’s journey towards self-reliance.

 The inaugural session was graced by Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-Cum-Managing Director (Additional Charge), NMDC Ltd., as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Shri D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I, MEAI & Vice President, Tata Steel; Shri Dr. N.K. Nanda, Former CMD (Additional Charge) & Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd.; Shri B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), CIL & Former CMD, CCL; G Dhananjaya Reddy, Vice President II, MEAI and Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC Ltd. The event was presided over by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd. and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter.

 Delivering the keynote address on the theme of the seminar, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Addl. Charge), NMDC, said, “The role of mining in national development is crucial. He spoke about how the mining industry can bring social and economic impact in the communities. He emphasized the challenges of attracting young talent due to the remote nature of mining operations and urged MEAI to encourage students and professionals to consider careers in mining. Shri Amitava Mukherjee also highlighted NMDC’s commitment to Responsible Mining and spreading smiles through its community initiatives, setting industry standards as a leader in sustainable mining practices. He also resonated that it would be imperative to have a long term perspective to gain significant goals in the mining industry as it takes more than a decade, globally, to set up and generate thought-provoking revenues. Shri Mukherjee addressed policy challenges including India’s 100th ranking on the Fraser Index and the need for smoother policies to attract foreign direct investment. He stressed the importance of supporting local mining corporations to lower administrative costs and enhance resource utilization. Concluding his speech, he praised GoI’s ongoing efforts to improve exploration in critical minerals and technological advancements in mining, emphasizing the need for sustainability and innovation in the industry.”

 Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC Ltd. and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter, in his inaugural address, set the tone for the conference by outlining the progress made in India’s mining sector over the past decade. He provided insights into the current status of mining block allocations and how expedited processes are boosting productivity. He highlighted the role of AI-driven database management in improving exploration efficiency and discussed government initiatives aimed at fostering startups and private sector participation. Shri Vinay Kumar, also emphasized the employment potential of the mining industry, stating that it currently engages around 1.3 million professionals and has the potential to generate an additional 1.5 million jobs by 2047. He reaffirmed NMDC’s commitment to responsible mining and its strategic partnerships aimed at achieving 100 MTPA as part of the vision for Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat 2047.

Shri B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), CIL & Former CMD, CCL emphasized the urgent need to accelerate mineral exploration in India, citing how the country lags behind global mining leaders. He advocated for AI-driven data analysis and machine learning to improve exploration planning and highlighted the necessity of a single-window approval system to streamline administrative processes.

 Shri D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President – I , MEAI & & Vice President, Tata Steel commended NMDC for instituting the NMDC CMD Excellence Award and spoke on the need for deep-sea exploration and self-reliance in critical minerals. He stressed the importance of policies that enhance domestic mining while encouraging low-carbon mining and increased scrap utilization for sustainability.

 The conference also featured technical sessions with expert presentations from academia and industry, focusing on key advancements in mining technologies, policy frameworks, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, an exhibition featuring leading mining and steel companies, including NMDC, AN/MS, JSW, and NMDC Steel was organized alongside the conference.

 The MEAI Hyderabad Chapter also recognized the contributions of stalwarts in the mining sector on the first day of the event by honoring Shri B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical), Coal India Limited, Kolkata and Former CMD, Central Coalfields Limited, Ranchi, Shri V. Laxminarayana, Dy. Director General, DGMS, Dr. N.K. Nanda, Former CMD(Additional Charge) and Director Technical, NMDC, Shri B. Surender Mohan, Former CMD, NLC India Limited, Er. K J Amarnath, Former CGM, SCCL and Shri M. Fasihuddin, Resident Director, Tata Steel Mines, for their invaluable service to the industry.

 The first day concluded with insightful discussions on the road ahead for India’s mining sector, reinforcing the industry’s role in national progress. The conference will continue on February 15 with further deliberations on critical aspects of mining innovation, policy, and sustainability.

Mumbai, February 17, 2025 – India’s care sector is at a crucial juncture, requiring a strengthened workforce to meet both national and global demands. In a summit -Transforming the future of the skilled workforce in the care sector – organised by NSDC international in Chandigarh, Shri V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, emphasized the need to expand skilling initiatives beyond traditional medical education, balancing quality with quantity.

Talking about skilling initiatives, Shri Paul said that the NSDC International is playing a pivotal role in this effort, ensuring care professionals trained in India are globally employable. He highlighted the importance of evolving curriculum, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and scaling up skill-based training programs to address workforce shortages, including in specialized areas such as geriatric care. He said, “The private sector collaboration is essential to bridge the skill gap. With structured policies and strong industry-academia partnerships, India can enhance its healthcare skilling ecosystem and emerge as a key contributor to the global workforce.”

The summit witnessed participation of vice chancellors from 50 institutions and around dozen AIIMS chief working towards a stronger healthcare ecosystem.

Shri Paul further said, “India’s healthcare workforce is a critical asset to both the nation and the world. With increasing global demand for skilled professionals, structured skilling initiatives play a pivotal role in equipping our workforce with the expertise required to meet international standards. The efforts of NSDC International in developing a highly trained Care talent pool have significantly contributed to this vision, enabling professionals to excel in diverse healthcare environments. By strengthening skill development and placement pathways, we are not only addressing workforce requirements domestically but also enhancing India’s position as a trusted provider of skilled Care professionals across the globe.”

Adding to this, Alok Kumar, CEO, NSDC International said,” With a projected global shortage of 15 million Caregivers by 2030, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. Countries like Germany, Japan, and Canada have increased their intake of international Caregivers by over 30% in the last two years alone. India, with its young and skilled workforce, has the potential to bridge this gap. At NSDC International, we are committed to developing a globally competent caregiver workforce by aligning skilling programs with international accreditation, streamlining certification processes, and integrating cultural adaptability training. By fostering strategic global partnerships, we aim to position India as a trusted provider of skilled care professionals, creating dignified employment opportunities while strengthening global healthcare systems.”

Kochi, February 17th, 2025: Aster Medcity, Kerala’s first JCI-accredited quaternary care multispecialty hospital, marked a significant milestone with the launch of its fourth tower. Inaugurated by P Rajeeve, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, in the presence of Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director, Aster DM Healthcare, Mrs. Nazeera Moopen, T J Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head-Corporate Governance, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, COO, Aster India and Dr. Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, Aster Medcity. The new tower spans 1lakh sq. ft with 100 new beds, meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region and providing advanced medical care to its patients.

The new tower will house the Aster Institute of Cardiac Sciences and Aster Aesthetics, Aster Dermatology with 25 consultation rooms (cosmetic and reconstructive surgery). This expansion coincides with Aster Medcity’s 10th anniversary celebrations, underscoring a decade of medical innovation, excellence, and community care.

Inaugurating the new tower, P Rajeeve, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir said, Kerala has a world-class healthcare system and is rapidly emerging as a medical tourism destination, a demonstration to the strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Aster Medcity is a vital contributor to this success, providing top-notch facilities. Aster’s active participation in numerous CSR-funded healthcare initiatives, particularly under Dr. Azad Moopen’s significant leadership, is commendable, and we look forward to their continued impact. I am especially pleased to see specialized centers at Aster dedicated to areas requiring such expertise, like women’s heart health and geriatric care.

There were launch of new departments including ,the renovated Aster Institute of Cardiac Sciences, launched by Dr. Azad Moopen, and the 360-degree heart care segment, launched by MLA T J Vinod. Manoj M.G, a patient who underwent a successful wrist replantation at Aster Medcity, launched the renovated Aster Aesthetics department. His hand had been completely severed at the wrist, and the wrist replantation was performed by the hospital’s exprt Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic team.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The launch of our new tower at Aster Medcity is a testament to Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to world-class healthcare services. Since our inception, we have continually evolved to meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities. This expansion comes at a time when healthcare innovation is paramount. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to making healthcare accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality. This milestone reinforces our vision of providing compassionate care, strengthening our global footprint, and ensuring that every patient who walks through our doors receives world-class medical attention.”

Mr. Anoop Moopen, Director, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “This expansion marks another significant step in our journey to revolutionize healthcare. At Aster, we strongly believe in leveraging innovation to enhance patient care and experience, and our new tower is designed to do just that. Our commitment to excellence has earned us several accolades, including different media awards. This new tower will further cement our position as a leader in patient-centered care, ensuring that we continue to provide best-in-class medical services to those who trust us with their health.”

As part of the inauguration, Aster Medcity also launched a unique health initiative aimed at encouraging individuals to “Take Charge” of their health. Hibi Eden MP inaugurated the initiative. This campaign is designed to inspire people to adopt healthier lifestyles, reducing their dependency on hospital care and fostering a culture of proactive health management.

Dr. Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, Aster Medcity said, “Aster Medcity has always been at the forefront of medical excellence, and the launch of this new tower takes our commitment to the next level. Our NABH and JCI-accredited standards, along with cutting-edge technologies will empower us to deliver unparalleled care to our patients. Beyond just infrastructure, what truly sets us apart is our focus on compassionate, patient-first healthcare. Our new tower is not just an expansion—it is a promise to our patients that we will continue to lead, innovate, and transform healthcare for generations to come.”

Since its inception, the 40-acre waterfront campus, has played a pivotal role in transforming medical value tourism in Kerala, attracting patients from across the globe. Aster Medcity is also the first facility in Kerala to introduce high-precision robotic surgeries using the da Vinci surgery system. Through its Aster Minimal Access Robotic Surgery (MARS) program, the hospital has successfully performed over 5,000 robotic-assisted surgeries across various specialties.

Hyderabad, 17th February 2025: Apollo is revolutionizing healthcare access with a groundbreaking milestone – the launch of its 6,500th Apollo Pharmacy in Narsingi, one of Hyderabad’s fastest-growing suburbs. This new pharmacy introduces an innovative twist: it will be co-located with an Apollo Clinic and the diagnostics division of Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited (AHLL), creating a comprehensive healthcare hub for the community.

This 3200-sq-ft multispecialty centre represents a significant step forward in its neighborhood healthcare program aligning with the promise of customer centricity. This new format will make Omni Channel ‘One Apollo’ Model a reality in the physical world by bringing in medicines, diagnostics and doctor consultations under one roof.

This will add to the already existing Apollo 24/7 online platform where over 35 million users have benefited from accessibility to seamless healthcare continuum of the Apollo group.

Shobana Kamineni, Promoter Director – AHEL & Executive Chairperson – Apollo Health Co. Ltd., said, “This One Apollo approach makes access to trusted and high-quality care easy and immediate. It’s also the best way to integrate the Apollo Health universe to benefit customers. We can easily repurpose some of our large format pharmacies and open new centers to scale this model. It’s an Apollo advantage.”

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, added: “Apollo Hospitals, at the forefront of pioneering healthcare formats is now strategically expanding its reach with the launch of the clinic-in-pharmacy model. Recognizing the integral role of retail healthcare in the consumer health journey, this integrated format is designed to provide pharmacy customers with readily accessible and quick consultations, health checks, and blood tests, all within the unified environment of the pharmacy. “

St. Xavier’s High School, Ghaziabad, celebrated its much-anticipated Annual Day 2025 with grandeur on 15th February 2025. Themed “The Guru to the World: Swami Vivekananda”, the event gathered over 1,200 attendees, highlighting the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda through a spectacular stage production.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Mahamedhaa Nagar, Spokesperson BJP UP and DUSU Secretary 2017, who commended the school for its efforts in promoting cultural and intellectual enrichment.

The theatrical presentation explored Swami Vivekanand’s journey from childhood to becoming one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders, offering a profound message of spiritual awakening, self-confidence, and national pride. Under the team of teachers and staff, the play’s production took 3 months of ideation, playwriting, and auditions, followed by a month of intensive rehearsals, all while maintaining the students’ regular academic schedule.

With a cast and crew of over 400, the play was a testament to in-house direction, scriptwriting, choreography, and live music playback, making it an immersive and emotionally charged experience. The audience was deeply moved by the passionate performances, intricate stage design, and soulful musical renditions, all of which combined to make the production truly unforgettable.

Ms. Sudha Murugkar, Principal of St. Xavier’s High School, Ghaziabad, said, “The play was a beautiful fusion of history, culture, and talent. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication to bringing this important story to the stage. Swami Vivekananda’s vision continues to inspire and challenge us to strive for greatness in all that we do, and it’s heartening to see our students embrace these ideals.”

The Annual Day celebrations served as a perfect blend of cultural heritage, artistic brilliance, and educational excellence, leaving parents, teachers, and the larger community inspired. As St. Xavier’s High School concluded its annual day on a successful note, the event reaffirmed its vision of providing education to students that encompasses the development of the whole individual: academic, aesthetic, creative, social, physical, emotional and spiritual.

By-Dr Payel Kumar Roy, Chief Dietician & Critical Care Nutritionist Techno India DAMA Hospital

Confidence during exams,one should focus on a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, prioritizing foods like: whole oats, berries, fatty fish (salmon), nuts, eggs, leafy greens, yogurt, and avocado as they provide sustained energy, essential nutrients, and antioxidants to support brain function and focus.

Key components of an exam-boosting diet:

i. Complex carbohydrates:

ii. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread

iii. Oats

iv. Sweet potato

v. Lean protein:

vi. Fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)

vii. Chicken breast

viii. Eggs

ix. Tofu

x. Lentils

xi. Healthy fats:

xii. Avocados

xiii. Nuts (walnuts, almonds)

xiv. Seeds (chia, flaxseed)

xv. Olive oil

xvi. Fruits and vegetables:

xvii. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)

xviii. Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit)

xix. Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

xx. Broccoli

xxi. Bell peppers are included into

Important considerations

I. During exam time, one should have foods that are brain-healthy, provide energy, and helps to focus.

II. Brain-healthy foods

III. Eggs

IV. Contain choline, which is important for brain function

V. Leafy greens

VI. Contain vitamins that can improve alertness and memory

VII. Berries

VIII. Contain anthocyanins, which may help promote academic performance

IX. Nuts

X. Contain vitamin E and zinc, which can help with cognitive functioning

Other Important Suggestions

i. Stay hydrated

ii. Avoid excess sugar, salt, processed foods, and aerated drinks

iii. Eat small & frequent meals that are easy to digest

iv. Eat high-fiber foods to prevent indigestion and bloating.

By-Ms Pragya Priya Mandal, Counseling Psychologist, Monoshij – A Mental Health Unit Of Techno India Group

With exam season round the corner, how small weekend activities/small outings can help their kids reduce exam anxiety.

One vital piece of knowledge that has been kept in the dark for long is the dangers of overlearning. While learning and repeated rehearsal can strengthen synaptic connections, overdoing it leads to synaptic saturation- meaning, further learning will not only fail to strengthen neural circuits, it will actually weaken the person’s ability to recall the learnt material. If our memory can be thought of as a box filtering necessary information into it, overlearning clogs the filter.

Therefore, as correctly guessed, taking breaks is indeed the way out. Short weekend outings after days of studying can actually help relieve stress. The breaks and times spent experiencing fun with family and friends lowers levels of stress hormone and gives a boost to the secretion of happy hormones! And that lays the foundation for better focus and a calmer mind, enhancing more active learning- exactly what a student needs before an examination.

Imagine having to constantly study with nothing else to do for days on end- no TV, no storybooks, no phone calls, no interruptions from family and relatives. Waking up and sleeping to text-books alone. All it will lead to is mental fatigue, anxiety, and inevitably, a setting sense of dullness in a person.

Outings and family time function like a reset button for the mind, boosting alertness and a spark of motivation. In fact, it is also during these breaks that memory consolidation happens- meaning that if newly learnt material is like wet cement, breaks allow it to harden and preserve the imprint, securing it in long-term memory.

Sleeping after a period of study is known to be highly beneficial when it comes to memory consolidation and also one of the most effective antidotes to anxiety.

The best ways to utilise breaks in between studies could include having a hearty conversation with best-friend, laughing wholeheartedly, stretching, doing light yoga, taking short walks or dancing to one’s favourite tunes.

For the little readers and writers out there, journaling one’s heart, hurling out all worries on the pages and light reading fiction novels are just as helpful to bring oneself back to focusing on the endless series of chapters.

Signs OF exam anxiety & How to balance motivation and relaxation?

Coming to the role of parents. Encouraging the students to study harder, be that through affection or strictness, it is just as crucial to watch out for the key indicators of anxiety and mental fatigue. Youngsters, before exams, might be found to get easily irritable or suddenly fall silent, keep uttering “I’ll probably fail” from time to time, or may be experiencing bouts of crying.

Some are seen to withdraw from people altogether or show a tendency to avoid studying. Others resort to binge-eating food to battle the anxiety or fall ill right before exams- clear signs of anxiety and burnout. Several students complain about difficulties falling asleep or constantly feeling sleepy and dizzy. Naturally so, since exams and the pressure to score well consume their waking and sleeping thoughts.

In times like that, the solution is to balance it out- motivate them but also encourage taking breaks. The worst possible poison is pulling an all-nighter the day before the paper. Using the popular POMODORO technique to study, mixing different subjects instead of sticking to the same one all day, and integrating breaks with creative outlets can help dial down the anxiety and fatigue.

It can help the child if the parent surprises them with movie tickets, asking to go out together for grocery shopping or to the mall, taking mindless TV breaks together, or a quick trip about two weeks before the final day crashes in. It is also essential to ensure that they are getting adequate sleep and healthy meals, especially the night before examination.

Parents can actively take part in disengaging their children from hours of learning. They can call the kids over for a chitchat, remind them to take water-breaks from time to time, praise the efforts throughout the process and resist every external pressure to be the ‘victorious competitive cousin’ in the clan- more than enough for starters.

This is no ‘Alice In Borderland’ where it’s a ‘game over’ unless they win it; one can relax. It is rather the need of the hour to ensure that their young ones feel reassured. Before the exam, showing a bit of faith in them, perhaps with a loving pep-talk, without attaching it to a high percentage goal can actually give them the needed boost in confidence.