Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While normal sadness is common in all, but clinical depression is continued and often interferes with a person’s ability to experience or anticipate pleasure and it significantly interferes with functioning in daily life. If untreated, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years; and if inadequately treated, depression can lead to significant loss, other health-related issues, and in some cases, it can lead to suicide.

Adolescence depression can lead to emotional changes like irritability, low self-esteem, and anger, as well as behavioural changes such as over sleeping, loss of appetite, withdrawal, binge-eating and a decline in academic performance. Treatment options, which should be discussed with a psychologist it can include psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication.

Depression is twice as common among young women as among men. About 20 percent of women will experience at least one episode of depression across their lifetime. Scientists are examining many potential causes for and contributing factors to women’s increased risk for depression. Biological, life cycle, hormonal and psychosocial factors unique to women may be linked to women’s higher depression rates. Researchers have shown, for example, that hormones affect brain chemistry, impacting emotions and mood. Women experience natural hormonal shifts during several key life stages: puberty, menstruation monthly cycle, pregnancy, postpartum (after childbirth), and perimenopause and menopause. More than 50% of children will engage in a form of sexual behaviour before the age of 14 (around puberty), including sexual experiences with other children.

Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency. By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty are likely to contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In addition, research has suggested that girls are more likely than boys to continue feeling bad after experiencing difficult situations or events, suggesting they are more prone to depression.

Adolescence presents challenges related to physical changes, emotions, and social development, including issues with body image, mood swings, and peer pressure. Teens also face risks like substance abuse, early pregnancy and abortion , and violence, as well as mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. Developing a sense of identity and independence is a major focus during this time. Hormonal changes lead to puberty, which can cause self-consciousness about body image, weight, and height.  Adolescents are vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety, which can be heightened by hormonal shifts and academic pressure.

A desire for independence and peer approval can lead to risky behaviours like consuming drugs, alcohol, unsafe sex, and violence. Common health issues include mental health problems, early pregnancies due to unsafe sex, sexually transmitted infections, violence, and malnutrition.  Teens feel a strong need to belong to a peer group, which can lead to conformity and risky behaviors to gain acceptance. At adolescents’ youngsters crave for identity and independence.

German-born American psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist best known for his theory of psychosocial development and for coining the term “identity crisis”. He is renowned for his work on human development, which he theorized occurred across the entire lifespan in eight stages. According to Erik Erikson, the teenage years are defined by the fifth stage of development, identity versus role confusion. During this time (ages 12–18), adolescents grapple with the question “Who am I?” by exploring different roles, beliefs, and goals to forge a sense of self. Success leads to a strong identity, while failure can result in a confused sense of self and future.

Adolescents experience intense emotional swings, such as anger, jealousy, and frustration. Majority of the youngsters get attracted to excessive use of electronic devices can contribute to problems with self-esteem, cyber addiction, and even musculoskeletal issues from constant texting, as well as impact school performance and behaviour.  Adolescents face problems with social media including mental health issues like depression and anxiety, cyberbullying, poor body image, sleep disruption, and exposure to harmful content and predators. Excessive use can also lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO), reduced in-person interaction, and difficulty focusing on other activities like schoolwork.

Social media use is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially with excessive use. The fake social media shows curated versions of others’ lives which can lead to negative feelings about one’s own life and self-worth. The pressure to stay connected, maintain a certain image, and receive approval (likes, comments) can cause significant stress. Constant exposure to others’ leads to anxiety about being excluded from social events or trends.

Adolescents are frequently targets of cyberbullying. Online harassment, which can involve name-calling, rumours, threats, and unwanted explicit content. Social media platforms can expose teens to content like pornography, self-harm depictions, violence, or illegal substances and drugs. Online predators target teenagers who exploit and times extort them.

Careless online activity can lead to long-term reputation damage and make them more vulnerable to marketers and fraudsters. Body shaming, physical and behavioral issues, sleep disruption due to using social media before bed, especially with blue light from screens, can disrupt sleep patterns and delay melatonin release. Children get sluggish because of bad junk food consumption and decreased physical activity their body clock goes haywire. Time spent on social media often displaces time that could be spent on physical exercise and other healthy activities.

Conclusion

Though depression affects people of all ages, teenagers are at a high risk, with recent estimates suggesting that up to one in five adolescents may experience depression. This is a major public health concern, with depression being one of the leading causes of illness and disability in this age group, notes the World Health Organization. Several factors contribute to this, including a combination of genetic, biological changes like hormonal changes, and environmental factors, such as stressful life events, family history, and peer issues. Adolescent health requires directed attention from parents, family, teachers and society due to their vulnerability to risky behaviours. In India, overall, 39.7% of students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% attempted suicide. Overall, the teenagers and early twenties behaviours need attention. I have written this passage because of my experience as a teacher of Management Studies for past 24 years. 

A Goldilocks economy is when economic growth is stable enough to avoid recession but not so strong that it activates high inflation. It’s characterized by balanced growth, low unemployment, and moderate inflation, creating a “just right” environment for both businesses and consumers. 

Referring to a recent assessment by the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told The Economic Times that India is currently in a “Goldilocks situation” with steady growth, controlled inflation, and rising private investment activity. She attributed this balance to over a decade of sustained policy reforms.

Balanced Growth

India is currently the fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP growth estimated at 6.5% in 2024-25. Its growth is supported by strong domestic demand, easing inflation, robust capital markets, and increasing exports. The country’s nominal GDP has also seen substantial growth, more than tripling from ₹106.57 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹331.03 lakh crore in 2024-25. Balanced growth avoids over-reliance on any single sector and promotes long-term macroeconomic suppleness. India is working to reduce regional and income disparities through policies like progressive taxation, minimum support prices for farmers, and social safety nets. Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Low Unemployment

A healthy job market with low unemployment is a key feature of Goldilocks economy. This indicates that businesses are thriving and creating job opportunities for unemployed. In India, the unemployment rate has generally shown a declining trend in recent years, with a notable decrease from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. This positive trend is reflected in the increase of net additions to EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) subscriptions, which have more than doubled. Unemployment Rate in India averaged 8.53 percent from 2018 until 2025, reaching an all-time high of 20.80 percent in June of 2020 and a record low of 5.10 percent in April of 2025.

Moderate Inflation

Inflation is under control, meaning prices are rising at a sustainable pace, not too high to eat into purchasing power or too low to signal economic stagnation. India’s retail inflation has been trending downward, hitting a six-year low in the fiscal year 2024-25. This easing of inflation is attributed to the combined efforts of the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy and government interventions aimed at stabilizing prices of essential commodities.

Moderate Interest Rates

Interest rates, set by central banks, are neither too high nor too low, supporting economic activity without causing excessive borrowing or lending. interest rates on various financial products like Fixed Deposits (FDs), personal loans, and home loans are currently in a moderate range, with some variations depending on the specific lender and product. For instance, FD interest rates for tenors of 2-3 years are around 6.45% for the public and 6.95% for senior citizens. Personal loan interest rates generally range from 9.9% to 24%. Home loan rates are also in the moderate range, with some lenders offering rates starting from 7.35%.

Speed up asset monetisation

From extracting value out of government land to straight out disinvestment, the pro-capitalist Modi government has been surprisingly slow in asset monetisation despite several schemes, the latest in FM’s budget this year in February. It’s simple arithmetic that many such moves will help the government with much-needed capital for its infra projects and capex; the money spent to buy fixed assets for growth of infrastructure. For current fiscal (FY26), a capex allocation of Rs 11.21 lakh crore has been set by the government.

Banking reforms

Nirmala Sitharaman has voiced her intent, talking about strengthening regional rural banks, as well as categorically stating that IDBI Bank will be privatised this year. She also spoke of a nimbler financial system, with banks more agreeable to the needs of the industry and how credit needs to be tailored to the requirements of different segments.  A series of measures aimed at modernizing and strengthening the country’s banking system. These reforms, initiated in the early 1990s as part of economic liberalization, have focused on improving efficiency, competition, and financial stability. Key areas of focus include privatization, consolidation, technological innovation, and enhanced governance. 

Conclusion

It’s a “Just Ideal” condition for the Goldilocks Economy. This is an ideal time for Investors and Consumers to invest and buy. A Goldilocks economy provides stable environment for businesses to plan, invest, and expand. It also encourages consumer confidence and spending. Indian stocks have outperformed broad emerging markets for four consecutive years, reflecting the country’s strong economic growth, structural reforms, and digital transformation. Geopolitics has seen a sea change, and the immediate threat to India from China is not across the borders, but China’s trade war whereby it has limited India’s access to rare earth minerals, fertilisers, magnets used in automobile manufacturing as well as ingredients that go into Pharmaceuticals. Ensuring supplies do not get interrupted and the India story keeps continuing along in full throttle will take more than the finance ministry’s efforts.

The Thucydides Trap describes the high risk of war when a rising power threatens to displace a dominant ruling power. This concept is  named after the Greek historian Thucydides who noted the dynamics between Athens and Sparta leading to the Peloponnesian War.

Thucydides war was further popularized by political scientist Graham T. Allison, suggesting the fear of the rising power by the established nation, coupled with the challenger’s growing confidence, often leads to conflict, though Allison aims to help manage this dynamic (currently U.S.-China) to avoid war through understanding and diplomacy.

The origin of the Thucydides’ trap started in situation where rising power Athens challenged the status of an established, ruling power  Sparta. The war was called Peloponnesian War, The Peloponnesian War was fought in the Eastern Mediterranean between the Athenian-led Delian League and the Spartan-led Peloponnesian League from 431 to 404 BC for domination over Ancient Greece. Thucydides approached ethics with scepticism, viewing morality as shaped by one’s environment rather than universal truths. Thucydides’ observations during the Peloponnesian War led him to develop political realism, the theory that political behaviour is fundamentally driven by fear of war and self-interest.

In the world wars happen due to complex, overlying reasons like disputes over resources such as land, oil, power struggles, political control, influence, and identity clashes  due to religion, nationalism, ideology, often fuelled by economic inequality, historical grievances, resource scarcity exacerbated by climate change, or a breakdown in diplomacy, leading groups to use organized violence when peaceful resolution fails. For example, Pakistan’s frequent conflicts with India stem mainly from the unresolved Kashmir dispute since 1947, leading to wars and ongoing border clashes, fuelled by religious/communal tensions and strategic interests, alongside internal instability and support for militant groups impacting regional security, especially with neighbours like Afghanistan, creating a cycle of conflict. The violent 1947 split by British created a deep-seated hostility between India and Pakistan leading to religious divide between  Hindu-Muslim, and a legacy of distrust.

Wars, often arising from economic, territorial, religious, or political reasons, can leave countries war-torn, requiring decades for rebuilding infrastructure and economic reconstruction. Rebuilding nations after war is indeed a daunting task, involving immense challenges across social, economic, political, and infrastructural domains. It requires comprehensive, long-term strategies and often international cooperation to establish lasting peace and stability.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, beginning in 2022, it exemplifies the complexities of modern warfare, including unexpected resistance, strategic and logistic challenges, and significant civilian impact. On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation began a military invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict that had been simmering since Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.

Global war statistics reveal a diversity of conflicts, from Myanmar’s long-standing civil war to the ongoing drug war in Mexico, each with unique causes and consequences.

Myanmar’s civil war stems from the military’s 2021 coup, overthrowing a democratically elected government and triggering widespread armed resistance by pro-democracy forces and ethnic groups against the ruling junta, building on decades of ethnic conflict and military dominance over civilian rule. The core reasons are the military’s desire to retain power, suppression of democratic movements, and long-standing ethnic grievances, all exacerbated by the military’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests after the coup.

The Mexican drug war is an ongoing lopsided armed conflict between the Mexican government and various drug trafficking syndicates. When the Mexican military intervened in 2006, the government’s main objective was to reduce drug-related violence. This conflict has resulted in widespread violence, including mass killings and brutal tactics employed by the cartels, such as execution-style murders and the use of mass graves. The conflict known as the Mexican Drug War is still very much ongoing as an intense armed struggle between the Mexican government and powerful drug cartels, despite various government initiatives and claims of ending the “war,” with cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel remaining dominant players in the multi-billion-dollar drug trade, driving violence and instability.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a long-running, complex dispute over land and self-determination with historical roots stretching back over a century. It encompasses a series of wars, numerous military operations, and ongoing political conflict, most notably the current Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Palestinians seek to establish their own independent state in at least one part of historic Palestine. Israeli defence of its own borders, control over the West Bank, the Egyptian-Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian internal politics currently make the Palestinians’ goal out of reach. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict about land and self-determination within the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine.

Civilization Identity will be increasingly important in the future, and the world will be shaped in large measure by the interactions among seven or eight major civilizations. These include Western, Confucian, Japanese, Islamic, Hindu, Slavic-Orthodox, Latin American and possibly African civilization.

The Soviet-Afghan war and the First Gulf War as the emergence of civilization wars. Huntington interprets the Afghan War as a civilization war because it was the first successful resistance to a foreign power, which boosted the self-confidence, and power of many fighters in the Islamic world says American political scientist Samuel Huntington.

Cold Wars are increasingly appearing at these civilizational divisions. Wars such as those following the breakup of Yugoslavia, in Chechnya, and between India and Pakistan were cited as evidence of inter-civilizational conflict.

Impact of clash of civilization on business

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, a staggering 70% of international ventures fail due to cultural differences. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for mastering cross-cultural communication. Because human societies are complex systems, some common factors that may contribute to their decline are economic, environmental, demographic, social and cultural. These factors may cascade into another and build up to the point that could overwhelm any mechanisms that would otherwise maintain stability.

Culture clash in the workplace refers to the conflict that arises when different employee backgrounds, beliefs, and behaviours collide. This can manifest in various ways, including: miscommunication, diverse communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Also, cultural clashes disrupt businesses.

Increased Trade Costs and Reduced Flows

Cultural differences act as a significant, and in the post-Cold War era, potentially increasing barrier to international trade. Countries belonging to different civilizations tend to trade less with each other. This is due to higher transaction costs, a lack of trust, and differing business norms which complicate negotiations and collaboration.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Risks

Businesses investing overseas face “cultural risks” in regions with vastly different languages, religious beliefs, legal origins, and values. These risks can lead to potential operational challenges, social tensions, and the need for significant adaptation to local cultural norms, which can be costly and difficult to manage.

Geopolitical Conflict and Instability

The theory posits that conflicts will primarily occur along “fault lines” between civilizations. This increases the risk of regional instability, proxy conflicts, and “tit-for-tat” sanctions (e.g., in trade and finance) which can disrupt global supply chains, catch businesses in the middle of political disputes, and increase compliance costs.

Challenges in Mergers and International Operations

Within organizations, a clash of corporate cultures, often exacerbated by different national or regional operating styles, can lead to communication breakdowns, demotivation, resistance to change, and a lack of cohesion in teams. This makes successfully integrating acquired companies or managing diverse global operations a major challenge.

Reinforced Economic Regionalism

The theory suggests that successful economic regionalism often succeeds only when it is rooted in a common civilization. This trend toward stronger intra-regional trade blocs (e.g., in Europe, East Asia, North America) could lead to the marginalization of businesses from outside those blocs, making cross-regional expansion more difficult.

Weaponization of Trade and Finance

The intensification of civilizational competition can lead to the “weaponization” of economic tools, such as trade tariffs, sanctions, and restrictions on technology transfers, in “nationally sensitive” domains for example,  semiconductors, clean energy. This environment of economic warfare forces businesses to navigate a complex, fragmented international system.

I love the song “Dil ka diya jala ke gaya” from film Aakashdeep (1965) The song is composed in Jaijaiwanti raga. Lata Mangeshkar has sung it in “half breath” which refers to a quick, shallow inhalation taken during a phrase to refill breath support without completely stopping the musical line. It is a subtle and controlled breath that allows singers to maintain momentum and phrasing, especially when faced with long musical passages. This sweet melodious song was composed by veteran Music Director Chitragupta and the lyricist of the song is Majrooh Sultanpuri. 

Jaijaiwanti is from the Khamaj family of ragas. In Carnatic Music, its equivalent is the Raagam Dwijawanti. Jaijaiwanti usage spans several genres such as Sikh Gurbani which were compositions of Guru Tech Bahadur. In Bollywood Shankar Jaikishan, Madan Mohan used Jaijaiwanti for composing some evergreen songs.

The Khamaj scale  is a foundational structure in Hindustani classical music, and several ragas are derived from it. Some prominent ragas within the Khamaj family include Khamaj itself, along with Rageshree, Jhinjhoti, Desh, Tilak Kamod, and Jaijaiwanti. These ragas share characteristics with the Khamaj thaat, but each possesses unique melodic contours and emotional nuances according to music archives. Raag Jaijaiwanti is typically sung during the second prahar of the night, from 9 PM to 12 AM.

Jaijaiwanti on sarod is a relative rarity, owing to the complex structure of the raga. When songs are composed in this raga, usually,  the music director, the singer, and the actor come together which portrays beautiful cooperation that makes a song a hit.

I wonder how Lata could sing the song so perfect, not a single note here and there, so precise and accurate in half breath. She sang in low notes with same power and clarity the way she sings in normal and high notes.

The heroine of movie Bani (Nimmi) has fallen in love; she is a mute girl  who plays a record to  express her feelings to the world. Her expressions are as soft and subtle.  Nimmi has acted beautifully experiencing the love she feels for the hero (Ashok Kumar).  How brilliantly the song has been composed in this context! Chitragupta has kept the tune subdued, and somewhat muted melody. A muted melody is one that is played softly, with a lower volume or intensity. It can evoke a sense of quietness, introspection, or melancholy.

Violins in the beginning give the account of thrill of love experienced by Baani. And then the soft melody takes over with the jal tarang. Lata Mangeshkar as if whispers the lyrics in your ears, letting out the secret of her feelings. The soft glow of love sparking Nimmi’s heart. Bringing up the feelings as a song, which were deep down in her heart which she expresses for the first time. Listen to this beautiful song.

When we buy something new – a new car, a bike, a bag, a goggle, perfume, a shoe we strive to maintain it; we handle all new things with care. But, as those things start getting older, we lose interest in them. As human, we have this fascination with ‘newness’.  A newly made acquaintance is always good; we find everything nice in him/her. Similarly when you fall in love, the initial few days you see everything good in the person, new love, new relationship, new job, and new aspiration every “new” in life has a special spot in heart. Because newness brings  eagerness with it.

Similarly a New Year is also special to us. We ring out the old year and invite the new. As we say good bye to one year, we look forward to a new year with a hope and optimism welcoming a brand new chapter into our life. However hard we try to plan, handle and maintain our lives, each year, all of us face situations and circumstances that are completely out of our control. But, still we look forward to welcoming a New Year with keenness. Making resolutions for the New Year is one such strategy to control our life.

(A statue of Janus in Vatican Museum)

Do you know that ancient Romans prayed to Janus – the God of new beginnings?  And, the month January is named after Janus. Romans believed that Janus has two faces: one looking forward and one looking backward. This allowed him to look back – the past and look forward to a new future. On 31^st December, the Romans thus believed in making resolutions, to forgive enemies, forget troubles of past and make a new beginning. The Romans also believed that Janus would forgive them for their past mistakes if they confessed in him to make a new positive beginning. So, they would give gifts and make promises, believing that Janus looks on them and blesses them in the year ahead. New Year’s resolutions are in fashion since then.

It’s common to have New Year resolutions. We spend a lot of time and efforts in making them. A New Year’s resolution is a promise a person makes for the New Year. A resolution is made regardless of what resolution one commits to. The goal is to improve life in the coming year. We spend so much time writing them down with action plans to achieve them; using colored ink to mark some most important ones, discussions with friends, finding reasons for not having achieved few resolutions of current year as yet. Few most common resolutions are: losing weight, strictness with spending money, saving money, staying healthy, go for long walks, getting organized, acquiring more educational degrees, quit smoking, cut down on drinks, buy a new house etc, etc, etc. A research has shown 45% Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions. But, we have seen that however well planned our resolutions are we commonly break them under some or the other excuse. With everything that happens around us, it is sometimes difficult to reach each and every goal.

There are those sticklers who do try their best to attain all resolutions. Many even carry forward the unmet resolutions of previous year to the New Year. I have seen some perfectionists who do achieve most of their resolutions.

The first day of the New Year 2018 signifies the end of a chapter. I probably didn’t reach my highest expectations last year, but it wasn’t all that bad. The New Year of course holds the hopes, the dreams, and the possibilities of a great happening new year. I have made as usual some resolutions, written them down in my diary and resolved to make some good beginnings.

What’s so new about the fresh year? In the night when the clock struck 12 one minute changed the year – from one to next, a new year, a new start. While writing date, it will take some time to get adjusted while writing number of the year. Yes, we will need time to help to get past year into past.

Looking back upon the last couple of years, I feel some emptiness as my parents, some of my friends some acquaintances and my pet who have passed away and left vacuum.  I missed on some opportunities in my career, took some wrong decisions by reacting wrongly to some situations in my career, this has led some people reacting badly to me. But I dint stop, moved ahead in life. I moved forward and I continued to grow. I dumped all disappointments behind. You know, writing a resolution does help a lot. Subconsciously your mind keeps reminding about those unfulfilled resolutions. It makes you take some stern, some lenient, some naïve actions, and they are worth it. Life is all about moving ahead, not remaining stagnant.

A New Year tells us to look forward to what we have not seen. It tells us to stop regretting. It makes us leave past in past. Positive things happen in our life when we sensitively distance ourselves from the pessimistic things.  So stop holding on to those grudges, those small and big hurts, and make room for the best things. Welcome the New Year with open arms.

 Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end – Seneca.

Christmas is an annual festival honouring the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. Santa Claus is Santa Claus, legendary figure who is the traditional patron of Christmas in the United States and other countries, bringing gifts to children. 

Santa Clause is mythical giver of gifts in Christmas, his popular image  is associated with Saint Nicholas,  a 4th-century Christian saint who is typically portrayed in red bishop’s robe. The Dutch are credited with transporting the legend of Saint Nicholas who was also called Sinterklaas to New Amsterdam (now New York City), along with the custom of giving gifts, toys, clothes and sweets to children on Christmas.

The current depiction of Santa Claus is based on images drawn by cartoonist Thomas Nast for Harper’s Weekly beginning in 1863. Nast’s Santa owed much to the description given in the poem  “ A Visit from St. Nicholas” first published in 1823. The image was further defined by the popular Santa Claus advertisements created for the Coca Cola company from 1931 by illustrator Haddon Sundblum; his Santa was a round, overweigh, white-bearded gentleman dressed in a red suit with a black belt and white fur trim, black boots, and a soft red cap.

Christmas is called the festival of giving. Giving has a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. By providing support to those in need, we can make a positive difference, both now and for eternity. This was the whole idea of Christmas. It is about giving. Over the years people forgot it’s true motive and started celebrating it just for their own happiness. Christmas additionally explains how giving and sharing not only helps the recipients happy but also gives you a sense of satisfaction and joy.

In today’s selfish world, the joy of giving is highly underrated. It’s a mutual feeling and not a one way feeling. It makes the other person happy because you’ve helped them or given them a reason to feel joy. It also makes you happy because the satisfaction you receive is unmatchable. If you possess the power of giving and if you use that power in the right manner, you’ll never be dissatisfied.

And trust me when I say giving is not always monetary or something which can be bought by money. It can be anything which brings joy, happiness or satisfaction to the other person and yourself too. It can be a feeling, good news, a few kind words, words of wisdom, a small gift, a kind gesture or anything in general. Toward the end of the 18th century the practice of giving gifts to family members established. Theologically, the feast day reminded Christians of God’s gift of Jesus to humankind even as the coming of the Wise Men (Magi) to Bethlehem suggested that Christmas was somehow related to giving gifts.

The famous belief about Santa Claus is said that he lives at the North Pole with his wife (Mrs. Claus), where he spends the year making toys with the help of his elves (small creatures with pointed ears who has magic powers). He receives letters from children asking for Christmas gifts. On Christmas Eve he loads his sledge with toys and flies around the world, drawn by eight reindeers, stopping at each child’s house. He slides down the chimney and leaves the gifts, refreshing himself with the milk and cookies left for him by the household’s children.

Santa Claus’s story stretches all the way back to the 3rd century, when Saint Nicholas walked the earth and became the patron saint of children. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his goodness and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all his inherited wealth and travelled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best-known St. Nicholas stories is the time he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married. Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread, and he became known as the protector of children and sailors.

The legend also has that after the birth of Jesus Christ in the winter season, some of the trees shook off the snow and turned green to mark the great event. Thus, the Christmas tree represents permanence and immortality. That’s why it is decorated.

Christmas is classically a peak selling season for retailers in many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically as all rich and poor purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In the U.S, the “Christmas shopping season” starts as early as October. In Canada, marketers begin advertising campaigns just before Halloween, (it is a yearly ritual observed in a number of countries to remember all dead people on October 31st), and step up their marketing following Remembrance Day on November 11. In the UK and Ireland, the Christmas shopping season starts from mid November; around the time when high street Christmas lights are turned on to mark the beginning of celebrations. In Mexico it begins from third week.  In the United States, it has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas shopping season. The winter breeze has a charm in it; shopping in winter is a blissful affair.

Winter season has a rustic appeal. Winter is the coldest season of the year. December and January are chiefly the winter months. Cold winds blow from the north. Thick fog often hides the sun, and cold becomes severe. People are seen basking in the sun, or sitting around the fire, to keep their body warm. In winter, we get lovely fruits and vegetables; it gives us various kinds of seasonal flowers; Dalais, Roses, Lily, Lavender, Primrose, Daisy, and Begonia and many other seasonal beautiful flowers make the season multihued. The winter sky is clear and blue. The roads and paths are clean and dry. You can go for long walks without sweating. The winter sun is mild and warm. Everyone is in full of amusement. The winter season is lit with nice, dim beautiful sconces. The beautiful, cold dew drops on rooftops and ground look as beautiful as pearls. The cold morning with nice music and deep-red rising sun is what people wait for. Winter is indeed a season to be celebrated.

The month of December being the last month of year usually passes fast because of the Christmas and year-end. People usually prefer celebrating year ends in far-off destinations. Therefore after 15^th December you find many people opting for leave. Holiday plans are made well in advance.

And 31st December means celebration for every individual. The New Year carries special symbolism for one and all. And why is the celebration of the New Year so common around the world, as it has been for at least as long as there have been calendars? Behavior that everywhere must surely be tied to something natural in the human beings, something intensely meaningful and important given all the energy and resources we put into both the celebration and our efforts to make good on which we start working well in advance. As common as the celebration of New Year’s Day is, it may be that the symbolism we attach to this one moment is rooted in one of the most powerful motivations of all, and that is our motivation to stay alive another year. And, many of us make list resolutions for the New Year. So what even if we fail to keep most of them…..

At one second past midnight on Sunday, the day will change to Monday, which is otherwise normal ordinary transition that happens every day, with no connotation. But somehow this change, which will end one old year and begin the next New Year 2018. That makes the difference. This unique tick of the clock has always encouraged all of us to celebrate, welcoming the New Year with new zeal and new enthusiasm. On the other hand, some people experience a sense of nostalgia as they reflect on the events that took place in their lives in the past 12 months. To step outside to live day-to-day in which we’re at all times so busy with. For many of us the last day of the year is the day to reflect back; to look flipside, take stock, to assess how we did in the year, and to cheerfully resolve to do better and look forward. Ha! Another year, it’s time to raise our glasses and toast to “our survival” yes, another year to accomplish many more things.

Some people celebrate New Year’s Eve by attending midnight church services, while others gather around in public venues such as hotels, clubs and many gather in friend’s house, grounds etc. The size of festive events for New Year’s Eve varies in size and theme. Some people attend formal masquerade balls while others have costume parties. Many New Year’s Eve celebrations are commenced with firework.

Many people start counting down to New Year’s Day in the last minute or seconds before the last night of the year ends and the New Year begins. Some people tune into watching televised countdowns. As the clock strikes midnight into New Year’s Day, many people celebrate this event by exchanging hugs, kisses, and wish each other a “Happy New Year”. In some parts of the world, including in the United States, many people sing the Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne” during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The song means can old acquaintances be forgotten and never be brought to mind? The song references the love and kindness that was experienced in the past; it also gives listeners a sense of union and belonging to bring with them into the future. Because of its meaning it’s quite fitting song to be sung on New Year eve.

It is important to note that not all cultures follow the Gregorian calendar in observing New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. But, the Hindus, Chinese, Coptic, Jewish, Islamic calendars differ to that of the Gregorian calendar. However, for businesses around the world, 1^st Jan marks a new beginning of a calendar year.

Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas!!

]]> https://drvidyahattangadi.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-christmas/feed/ 0 https://drvidyahattangadi.com/how-aroma-marketing-adds-to-the-christmas-festivity/ https://drvidyahattangadi.com/how-aroma-marketing-adds-to-the-christmas-festivity/#respond Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:01:00 +0000 http://drvidyahattangadi.com/?p=5418

December is always a cheerful yet busy time of year no matter where you are in the world. You see lot of activities and festivities taking place. It is the last month of the year; people just want to enjoy it. The streets, gardens, churches, shops, and restaurants are lit up. The cool breeze has joie de vivre in it. It’s a great time to get away from home and travel somewhere to a different destination. I also like Christmas because there is an aroma in the air. More than 70% of human emotions are based on the smells. In addition, the memories of smells are saved in mind longer than visual or auditory one. The Christmas cookies, cakes, fudges, pudding and pastries add yummy smacking energy in the air. Aroma-marketing helps in increasing sales.

The pleasant smell of baked cookies and fresh-baked bread is inviting. The scent of new shoe leather or new sneakers is unforgettable; the floating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea is so tempting. Aromas are nurtured longer in mind and memory that is why lately the aroma-marketing (in hotels, restaurants, shops) is gaining momentum and helps to popularize the location. Aroma-marketing has a direct effect on the increasing of sales. Many major hotel or restaurant chains even “fix” a particular smell for them, for which they can be recognized.

Obviously, aroma-marketing in Christmas holidays is in demand. Favorites are the familiar scents of tangerine, pine needles, frosty freshness, peppermint, delicious pastries, sweet ginger cookies or chocolate Christmas cupcakes, the smell of chocolate and cocoa. In addition to a pleasant mood, according to the statistics, the customer loyalty increases by 20-25%.  Aroma-marketing on different markets increases sales by 7-27%, return visit to the outlets increases by 15-20%.

Marketers try to create real experience and stronger connections especially during the festivity like Christmas.  Today technology is plentiful and influences our daily life.  We have everything we need at our fingertips; we need not even step out of our homes, we get everything on our cell phones, tablets, and laptops at a click of button. But, during this time of the year, people prefer getting out from their cozy zones and like to experience the real shopping experience.

Creating sensory signatures across multiple senses in an integrated way multiplies the effects of individual sensory elements to create a bigger impression.  This is known as the multiplier effect in marketing.  By incorporating a festive mix of music, visually appealing décor, and nostalgic scents shops and restaurants invite customers.  The holistic effect is an authentic feast for the senses invites and influences holiday shoppers. Research has found that shoppers’ evaluations of stores tend to be highest at the time of year when festive music is being played, this effect enhances when the music is paired with festive scent. The research found that when music and scent were matching it makes a very positive effect on sales.

During the magical holiday season, where consumers are seeking ideas for gift purchases, retail experiences can attract shoppers into stores, inspire purchases, increase dwell time and create brand affiliation.  The opportunity to enhance a retail environment is never more appropriate, available, accepted and even expected. Consumers expect the experience of Christmas long before from end of November.   They are in festive mood and like to be nostalgic, excited.  The right experience can be a hidden persuader to the consumer with gifts to buy.

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. It is a wonderful time of the year. From kids to older people wait for this time of the year because there is so much each one plans to do; listening to Christmas carols with a cup a cocoa is one that is matched by very few other things in life. Snuggling in a blanket with family and friends, and humming these tunes can cheer one up immensely. It encourages a feeling of closeness, and leads one to feelings of joy no matter even if someone has experienced few bad things in life.

Fairy lights and pretty decorations: New lights and fresh decorations mixed with old ones give a feeling of warmth and happiness. When these are up, everyone knows that Christmas is near, and this is enough to brighten even the gloomiest of moods. Decorating a tree is a pleasure worth experiencing in life; from draping garland, avoid branches bulging between tightly cinched garland strands between each wave. This joy is compounded when you know there is a gift waiting for you under the tree. Everyone likes to be pampered with a gift.

Family get-togethers:  This is the time when all your favorite near and dear ones gather. It is a feast time. With all the traditional dishes and sweets, the house full of festivities, and we feel like one big happy family. Yes, there is the occasional family drama, but hey, that’s what Christmas is all about. Forget all grudges, get it out of system.

Nothing evokes the holiday season like the invigorating smell of an authentic white pine and birch. The scent of fresh evergreens and crisp pine needles is stimulating also, thyme notes clear the mind and sharpen one’s focus. Colorful and lovely Orchids along with a warm message on post it note are so uplifting and relieve depression.  Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon, clove, and whole peppercorns topped off with a subtle hint of orange peel creates cozy and nostalgic aroma.  Do you know, a lot of people think that cinnamon is the best scent of Christmas?  Another scent is cool peppermint – when it is balanced with warm, frothy vanilla it creates a comforting wintry aroma. This Christmas enjoy the aromas, pamper your senses.

Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings to one and all!!!

For ages wise people have pondered on the question what is more important wealth or intelligence? People have spent lifetime on searching the answer to this very tricky question.    Both wealth and intelligence have almost similar usages in human life; If not used wisely both can turn out to be destructive. Both are disastrous when used imprudently. Many feel that intelligence always remains with a person which can help in real trouble; but, we have seen numerous examples of intelligent people who are helpless in troubled times without money. Intelligence also wipes out just like the wealth when someone is in real trouble. It only leaves a person left with his empty, dull and wild inner mind.

There is an interesting story why Goddess Laxmi is invoked with Lord Ganesha on Diwali day, read on:

According to the scriptures (scared writings) Goddess Lakshmi grew very proud about her supremacy in wealth and power. While having a conversation with her husband, Lord Vishnu, She kept boasting about herself in terms about her supremacy, claiming that she is the only one worthy of worship. She is the one who bestows everyone with money and wealth. On hearing her non-stop self-praise and boasting, Lord Vishnu felt she needs little humility and modesty and she must get rid of her feeling of superiority. Very calmly, Lord Vishnu said that in spite of having all the qualities, a woman remains incomplete if she does not bear children. Motherhood is the ultimate joy that a woman can experience and since Lakshmi did not have children, she cannot be deemed to be complete. On hearing this Goddess Lakshmi became extremely disillusioned.

With a heavy heart, Goddess Lakshmi went to Goddess Parvati (Lord Shiva’s wife and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya) to seek help. Since Parvati has two sons, Goddess Laxmi expressed her desire to adopt one of her sons to experience the joy of motherhood. Parvati was reluctant to let Lakshmi adopt her any son because it is known that Lakshmi does not stay in one place for long. Laxmi is fickle by nature; Goddess Paravati felt that how would Goddess Laxmi nurture her son? Whether Laxmi would be able to give time to her child? But, Lakshmi assured Parvati that she would take care of her son in every possible way and bestow him with all the happiness in the universe. Parvati grew sympathetic towards Laxmi, Goddess Parvati let Goddess Laxmi adopt Ganesha as Her son.

Goddess Lakshmi became extremely overjoyed and said that she will bestow Ganesha with all her accomplishments and prosperity. Thereafter, those who worship Lakshmi for wealth must first worship Ganesha to seek her blessings. Those who will worship Lakshmi without Ganesha will not blessed by the Goddess. Hence, Lakshmi is always worshipped along with Ganesha on Diwali.

The rationalization of this story is universal: gaining wealth without intellect will only result in misusing the wealth. So, one must first acquire the intelligence to spend the wealth in the thoughtful and correct manner. Therefore, Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped together.

HAPPY DIWALI TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Traditionally, Diwali began as an important harvest festival. But, there are different legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. For some, it is the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu. While, some believe that it is Goddess Laxmi’s birthday, as Lakshmi is said to have been born on the new-moon day of Kartik; Bengalis celebrate it to worship Kali maa who is considered as the black goddess of strength. On the other hand, few people worship Ganesha—the elephant-headed god who is also symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom on Diwali. Some worship Laxmi, Ganesha and Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom. The Jain community celebrate Diwali to worship Lord Mahavira because he attained the eternal bliss of nirvana. For devotees of Rama, he returned to his Kingdome after his 14-year-long exile and killing the demon-king Ravana. So, worshippers of Lord Rama celebrate joy and happiness. In short, Diwali is a festival of Illuminations for travelling from dark to light.

It’s a five days celebration and each day of Diwali has its own significance.

The first day of Diwali is called Dhan Teras (Dhanvantari Triodasi), and it marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari is believed to have come out of the ocean with Ayurveda, the science of medicine, for the benefit of mankind. A huge amount of buying, specifically gold, silver and precious stones, ornaments, new clothes and utensils is done on this day. In Gujarat, this day is religiously held more important than the actual Deepawali day, people worship Lakshmi, Kuber (the Hindu God of riches) and Ganesha Pooja on this day.

The second day Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to wash off sins which we create knowingly or unknowingly. On this day, you can say sorry to all those whom you have hurt, and also ask for pardon from the Gods. The most important ritual of the Naraka Chaturdashi is, people wake up early in the morning before sunrise, apply ubtan (made up of sesame oil, herbs, flowers as well as some vital elements) on their body and take holy bath which is called Abhyang Snan. This ritual signifies washing away of sins. In this way one can get relief from all past sins.

The third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Goddess Laxmi.  It is believed that on Laxmi Puja day she is in her most generous mood to fulfil the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu who, in his dwarf’s incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali and banished him to hell. Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps and dispel darkness and ignorance while spreading the radiance of love and wisdom.

The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Padwa and Govardhan Puja. On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna saved people from dangerous downpour caused by God Indra. Therefore, people perform Govardhan Pooja. And, Padwa is one of the auspicious days to make beginning of any good work. It is one of the Sade Theen Muhurtha, Three and half days called Sade Teen in Marathi and Muhurat means auspicious time. They are Chaitra Shukla Paksha Padyami (Prathama) – Ugadi / Gud Padwa, Vaisaka Suhkla Paksha Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya/Akha Teej Aaswayuja (Ashwin) Shukla Paksha Dasami – Vijaya Dasami / Dussera and the Half Muhurat is on this Diwali day Padwa, also called Bali Padyami / Bestu Varsh (Gujarati New Year).

The fifth day of the Diwali is called Bhau Beej, dedicated to brother-sister relation. There is legend that Yamaraja, the Lord of Death, visited His sister – the river Yamuna on this day. He gave Yamuna a boon that whoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins; they will achieve moksha (liberation). From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to inquire about their welfare, and many faithful people bathe in the holy waters of the Yamuna River. This day is also known as Bhai Fota among Bengalis, when the sister prays for her brother’s safety, success and well being. This day marks the end of the five days of Diwali celebrations.

Wishing you all A Very Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year!!!