BE N N E T T, C OL E M A N & C O. LT D. | E S TA BLI S H E D 183 8 | T IM E S OF IN DI A .
C OM | N E W DE L HI
➤ Brush up on your
playground manners
TODAY’S
EDITION
PLUS: 10 Style tips to
be a sharp dresser
PAGE 2
FOMO is over.
FOGO & FONO are here.
Nupur.Amarnath@timesgroup.com
N
ow that we seem to be on day 10
million (who’s counting) of the
pandemic, things seem to be
reverting to type. And that may
not be a comforting thought for
many. Thanks to the Internet memeverse, we
now have cutesy acronyms for this anxiety
you may be experiencing as we
approach a mask-less (to an extent)
life: they are FOGO aka fear of
going out or FONO i.e. fear of
normal. Last year, when
things seemed to
improve the same anxi-
ety was editorialised as
‘re-entry anxiety’.
A recent “Washington Post”
article talked about a new phe-
nomenon some are starting to
experience, as the end of COVID
flashes on our collective hori-
zon. It’s FOMO for the post-
pandemic world. Both fears
are similar and describe the
anxiety and stress people
are feeling about socialis-
ing again. If you have any
such feelings you are not
alone. According to the
American Psychological
Association’s COVID-19 sur-
vey, 74% of psychologists report-
Interesting facts about
INSTANT NOODLES
Did you know March 5 is the birthday of inventor
of instant noodles Momofuku Ando. We tell you
more about this man and his invention
Momofuku Andu invented the
idea of instant ramen
Born on March 5, 1910 in Taiwan,
Momofuku Ando founded Nissin
Foods on September 4th, 1948 in
Osaka, Japan. He got the idea to
make an instant noodle product
when he saw people waiting in
long lines patiently for a bowl of
ramen. Thus, he wanted to create a
product that was tasty, inexpensive, and
easy to prepare. He first introduced the chick-
en ramen in 1958 and then the Cup Noodle in
1971. With
Japan
suffer-
ing post
war food
shortages,
Ando’s cre-
ation was
aimed at
tackling food
shortage.
After months
of trial-and-error
experimentation to
perfect his flash-
frying method, Ando
marketed the first
package of precooked
instant noodles.
It was once consid-
ered a luxury item
For a product that aimed to
tackle food shortage, Ramen
wasn’t always so cheap. When
it was first released, it was
actually considered a luxury
because it was cheaper to buy
fresh Japanese noodles (udon)
from the grocery store than it was
to purchase instant noodle. It was
priced at ¥35, around six times
that of tradition-
The noodle
length inside
an
instant
ramen packet
is 51 meters
that is equivalent to 2
basketball courts
STUDENT EDITION
➤ Books that inspire ➤ A look at the rising
Hayao Miyazaki Chess prodigies who
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022
PLUS: Movies to are likely to be stars of Newspaper in
Education
understand bullying the game tomorrow
#GOALS
PAGE 3 PAGE 4
GET INSPIRED
10 powerful quotes for
Int’nl Women’s Day 2022
CLICK HERE: PAGE 1 AND 2 RUPI KAUR, poet
“What’s the greatest lesson a woman should
RETHINK Pics: Istock learn? That since day one, she’s already had
everything she needs within herself. It’s the
world that convinced her she did not.”
Now that we are tentatively FEAR: IT’S EMMA WATSON, actress
“If we stop defining each other by what we
stepping out, most of us are facing OVERWHELMING
HOW TO HANDLE IT: It goes without say-
are not and start defining ourselves by what
we are, we can all be freer.”
a ‘fear of going out’ or a ‘fear of
ing that re-emerging into a normal life
may feel overwhelming, after two years of AMANDA GORMAN, poet
normal’. Here’s how you can fight it isolation. To quell this feeling maintain
your pandemic-era boundaries like where
“There is always light. Only if we are brave
enough to see it. There is always light. Only if
you will go, whom to we are brave enough to be it.”
visit, etc. Boundary- KALPANA CHAWLA, astronaut
setting is an important “The path from dreams to success does exist.
practice. Start with May you have the vision to find it, the
what’s comfortable to courage to get on to it, and the perseverance
you and then slowly to follow it.”
introduce changes.
Also, now is a god RUTH BADER GINSBURG, jurist
ed an increase in treatment provided for give compliments that are not about chance to examine the source of your “Women belong in all places where decisions
anxiety disorders, and 60% saw an increase appearance at all. overwhelm. What is causing it? Is it just are being made. It shouldn’t be that women
in depressive disorder treatment. The the re-entry or maybe the fact that it is are the exception.”
FONO/FOGO is real. But unless you have a some deep-seated mental health issue? SERENA WILLIAMS, tennis player
deep-seated fear of people (agoraphobia) or NEW PANDEMIC TERMS “Every woman’s success should be an inspi-
a social anxiety, there are simpler ways to ration to another. We’re strongest when we
handle this social anxiety. FORO FEAR: YOU ARE NOT cheer each other on.”
Abbreviation for “fear of running out”: a GD ANDERSON, feminist
worried feeling that you may run out of a READY FOR “NORMAL” “Feminism isn’t about making women
FEAR: SPEAKING FACE- product or a supply of something as HOW TO HANDLE IT: You may not want to stronger. Women are already strong. It’s
many did immediately after the pandem- return to your pre-pandemic “normal” – about changing the way the world perceives
TO-FACE MAY FEEL ic-induced lockdowns were announced maybe you didn’t like going to work or that strength.”
school. Since the world is mostly hybrid
LESS NATURAL HOGO now, use that option. You can also have a MARGARET THATCHER, former UK
HOW TO HANDLE IT: Abbreviation for “hassle of going out”: a detailed talk with your school, office or the PM
Socialising face-to-face may feeling that leaving the house to socialise place you are visiting for a dinner on their “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a
feel a lot tougher, but is too difficult or not worth the trouble Covid protocols to set your mind at rest. man; if you want anything done, ask a
remember that you’re not the woman.”
only one. Mostly everyone is RE-ENTRY ANXIETY
ANNA QUINDLEN, author
on the same boat and A feeling of stress or worry
about returning to normal
FEAR: NOT EVERYONE IS “After all those years as a woman hearing,
many would feel as ‘not thin enough, not pretty enough, not
socially awkward life after the restric-
tions caused by
WORTH RECONNECTING smart enough, not this enough, not that
as you. If HOW TO HANDLE IT: While its great to enough,’ almost overnight I woke up one
needed, be COVID-19 return to your friends, we all have nega- morning and thought, ‘I am
ready with a RE-ENTRY tive people in our lives. Not every connec- enough.’”
couple of ice- tion is positive, there are the ones who
breaker questions
DRESS give unsolicited opinions, toxic friends, MAYA ANGELOU, poet
As we emerge from “Each time a woman
as conversation starters. unsupportive people. For many, lockdown
our homes, the little stands up for
Shift your focus to kindness. has been a time for introspection. You
black dress has been chris- herself she
Instead of trying top make now know what connections really matter
tened as the “re-entry dress” stands up
great conversation, ask people to you and what you are better without.
only its more summery, volumi- for all
how they’re doing, listen atten- Use that knowledge to cut off toxic ties or
nous and with loose sleeves women.”
tively, show interest in what to adjust your behaviour in a way that the
they’re saying, and negativity doesn’t affect you.
TRIVIA TIME FITNESS
DEPRESSION
AND EXERCISE
al udon and soba noodles at the time. Ando
WHAT’S THE CONNECT?
Supriya.Sharma2@timesgroup.com
THE EXERCISE EFFECT
team sports compared to individual
began the sales of his most famous sports. Athletes who met the World
For more such inspiration, check
A
Obviously product, the Cup Noodle, on lot of research has come to
In people with depression,
Health Organisation’s exercise guide-
its not the September 18, 1971 with the mas- the fore that talks about
neuroscientists have noticed that the
lines – 150 minutes of moderate phys- our special edition to mark
healthiest of food terstroke of providing exercise as an all-natural ical activity per week – generally
and one must eat in a waterproof treatment to fight
hippocampus in the brain —the
experienced better mental health International Women’s Day 2022.
region that helps regulate mood
moderation it has polystyrene According depression – in
— is smaller. Exercise supports
than those that didn’t. Out this Tuesday, March 8
many chemicals in it container. to the World some cases being even as
nerve cell growth in the SLOW AND STEADY
to prolong its Instant Noodles effective as antide- While we all feel sad, moody or low
hippocampus, hence relieving
shelf life Association China con- pressants. The from time to time, some people all of which can result in less motivation to
It was the depression. Other than that, any
sumes 46 billion pack- Sports sociology experience these feelings intensely, exercise. So, the idea is to start slow and take
amount and type of sustained
first type of ets of ramen yearly— research for long periods of time (weeks, it a notch higher every week.
physical activity results in
the most in the department months or even years) and some- TEAMWORK WORKS
lifting mood; better sleeping
noodle in space world of the
patterns; good energy levels; times without any apparent reason. “You get different benefits from group exer-
Again Ando developed University of Depression is more than just a low cise than from individuals. Typically, group
blocking negative thoughts
Ramen that could be South mood – it’s a serious condition that exercise keeps you engaged and is energizing,
eaten in space in 2005. The Australia Germany released a study has an impact on both physical and while individual exercise is more contempla-
“Space Ram” is a vacu- (UniSA) and that demonstrates how mental health. One in six women and tive and stress reducing,” says Thomas
um-packed ramen MSH Medical sports can protect people one in eight men will experience Plante, PhD, ABPP, a professor of psychiatry
made with smaller School from serious mental depression at some point in their lives. and behavioural sciences at Stanford
noodles and a thick- Hamburg health disorders. They Depression manifests physically University. But ‘moderation’ is the key. Over
er broth. This in also gauged factors such through symptoms like disturbed exercising or vigorous-intensity physical
space food was as indoor settings versus sleep, reduced energy, appetite activity can add more stress to both your
invented for outdoors, as well as changes, body aches, and chronic pain, physical and emotional state.
Japanese astro-
naut Soichi
Noguchi’s trip in HEALTH
the Discovery
space shuttle. let them rest.
WAYS TO PROTECT
5 YOUR EARS
3
Get moving: Hearing health
professionals believe exercise
Ramen is the increases the blood flow to the ear.
Japanese pronun- Good blood flow is essential to the health
of the tiny hair cells in the inner ear
ciation of the which are responsible for translating the
Lots of people who suffer from sound your ears collect into electrical
Chinese word lamein impaired hearing say a yoga
There The true history of this noodle dish is Hearing health is perhaps the most overlooked workout can sometimes help them
impulses for your brain to translate.
4
is a CupNoodles Focus and Locate Sounds: It’s a
unclear. Some say it has a Chinese hear better. Relaxing and
Museum in Japan origin, while others say it was aspect of our lives. Let’s try and stretching in positions like
good idea to try fine-tuning your
where you can learn the focus on noise, as this can help
invented in the 20th century by
history of how the instant Japan. Either way, the Japanese
change that to mark World downward dog gets oxygen-rich
blood to your head quicker,
improve hearing. There are various
noodle came to be and exercises you can do. One of the most
you can make your
word for ramen comes from the
Chinese word lamien, which
Hearing Day (March 3) this month which may assist with popular involves putting on music in a
hearing quiet room and walking around your
own noodle con-
A
means Chinese noodles. In fact in
coction too ccording to the house while listening; you then attempt
a poll, Japanese voted for the
World Health ears by following the 60/60 to identify certain words and
Ramen as their best innovation with
Organisation, 1.1 rule. The suggestion is to instruments. This helps train your brain
karaoke coming a close second.
billion teenagers listen with headphones at no more to locate and understand sounds with
and young adults than 60% volume for no more than 60 increasing ease and success.
5
Instant noodles cause more harm worldwide are at risk for minutes a day. Earbuds are especially Right nutrition: Some minerals are
noise-induced hearing loss dangerous, as they fit directly next to also critical elements in protecting
to women than men from unsafe use of audio the eardrum. If possible, opt for over- our hearing health. Potassium
According to a Harvard Study, women have 68%
devices. Researchers have found the-ear headphones. regulates the fluid in your inner ear
higher risk of metabolic syndrome if they have
2
that your ears need an average of Avoid prolonged noise: If you are which is important because as we age
instant noodles twice a week, but not men.
16 hours of quiet to recover from one exposed to loud noises for a these levels tend to drop which can
Scientists aren’t certain why that is so, but some
loud night out. prolonged period of time, like at a contribute to hearing loss. Eat potatoes,
of them think that the results could be due to the
1
Turn down the decibels: If you like concert or a bar, your ears need time spinach, lima beans, tomatoes, raisins,
female subjects reporting their diet more accu-
to enjoy music through headphones to recover. If you can, step outside for apricots, bananas, melons.
rately or that they count servings more precisely. — SUPRIYA SHARMA
or earbuds, you can protect your five minutes every so often in order to
 02 “Good grooming is integral and impeccable style is a must. If you
don’t look the part, no one will want to give you time or money.”
— Daymond John, businessman
ETIQUETTE SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

PICS: ISTOCK
MANNER MANUAL
Pallavi.Shankar@timesgroup.com

T
here is no playground/park eti-
quette handbook, but there are
time-tested manners that should
be followed while enjoying play
time as this space is shared by all
age groups, from toddlers and tweens to
teens — and in the case of colony parks,
elders like parents and grandparents too.
Here’s a guide that will help.

BE MINDFUL OF
SMALL CHILDREN
“Tweens and teens, while it is fun to leap
from monkey ladder to the ground, make
sure there are no toddlers underneath
before you play Spiderman,” advises eti-
quette expert Pria Warrick. Ditto for being
cautious while playing cricket or soccer so
that no one around is hurt by a fast-mov-
ing ball. It is the first lesson in thoughtful-
ness and etiquette.

SAY SORRY SAY NO TO BULLYING with your friends but be mindful enough to
“Apologies are important, even if you have dispose of unused food and packets/bot-
unintentionally stomped on a child or the This applies to both – the bully and the tles in the dustbin. Don’t drop them on the

PLAYGROUND
accompanying parent’s feet,” says bullied. Sometimes bullying is subtle, at ground carelessly – it’s very unhygienic,
Warrick. Say ‘sorry’ when something like other times in your face – both have especially in the time of Covid.
this happens – chances are the person will devastating consequences on the
say ‘no problem’ and continue doing what psychology of the person being bullied,
NO HUGGING

MANNERS MATTER
they are busy doing with a smile. as was seen recently after a boy in a
Delhi school developed acute school
phobia after being bullied for years. Do
know that bullying is anti-good manners,
anti-social and anti-humanity. If you are
being bullied by your senior/classmate
in the school playground or in your
society park while playing, inform your
teacher/parents. For those who bully, do
Just because you are heading to your local playground, don’t leave understand that it’s punishable and the
bully can be rusticated from school or if
Now that the third Covid-19 wave is reced-
ing, people are dropping guard and min-
gling more. Children, you will
understandably be excited at the opportu-
nity of playing in the park/football ground
with your friends but avoid hugging each
other. Say hi and wave at each other and
wash your hands and face well after you
are done playing.

Don’t
throw used face
your manners behind. After all, it’s good to play with rules it’s outside the premises of school, can
get a bad reputation in the area. MIND THE ELDERS
Bullying, sometimes, comes from When playing in the park, you may see a
masks or hand gloves
in the park or school play- DON’T ground is just not done. Besides making ing or running around, don’t walk near the unresolved issues like insecurity, low group of elderly people practicing yoga or
the place dirty, the soil can get into the swings. And if you are on the swing, give self-esteem and such other issues. enjoying being a part of the laughter club
ground – they can be a
source of infection for oth- THROW eyes of people around, leading to dis- chance to others too if they are waiting. If you feel you are prone to being a or just out for an evening walk. Give them
comfort, skin allergies and also fights. Hogging the swing for a long time, when bully, address these concerns to your space and don’t snigger or laugh at them.
ers. Dispose them off in the
trash bin and wash or MULCH So, avoid at all costs. there is a queue, is bad manners. parents, teachers or a trusted elder. Warrick says: “If you spot a known face in
sanitise your hands It is tempting all They will help you in regulating your the elderly group — your friend’s grand-
right but throw- emotions and may even consult a parent or a neighbour — greet them with a
once done.
ing mulch — soil BE ON SWING WATCH DON’T DROP FOOD psychologist to manage the issue. Either smile. These small gestures go a long way
and decaying leaves — Remember, the child on the swing can’t Soggy biscuits and chips attract insects way, don’t stay silent – don’t bully and in inculcating etiquette and humane values
around the park or play- control momentum, so when you are walk- and ants. So, enjoy your favourite treats don’t accept bullying. in your life.”

PANDEMICQUETTE DRESSETIQUETTE

YOUR BACK- 10 STYLE TIPS ON HOW TO DRESS

SHARP AS A YOUNG PERSON
TO-SCHOOL While personal style with good quality shoes. Other than
your school shoes which you must keep
of basics (white, blue and black
shirts/tops); basic trousers and jeans,
Put away styles that are no longer in
vogue as they might just make a come-

ETIQUETTE GUIDE
evolves as you grow spick and span you should have a good
running shoe, one formal pair, a kitten
shoes and jackets in core colours. Add
elements like quirky bags, scarves and
back. Give away clothes that are
beyond repair. See what it is lacking
there are some style heel and flat shoes for dailywear. Build
over and above this. Shoes represent
more to make the looks trendy. and shop for only those styles next.

rules that stay the attention to detail.

EDIT YOUR CLOSET IGNORE FASHION TRENDS
same even so
#7 #8
Do a wardrobe audit every It’s difficult to fight off trends
A ready reckoner for DROP OFF AND PICK UP CARE FOR YOUR CLOTHES year to keep a check on the as a young person but seri-

getting back to physical SELF-CONFIDENCE IS KEY
learning as schools reopen
#1
A big chunk of style depends
on a confident attitude. Self-
confidence is an internal driv-
GET YOUR JAB ing force for remembering who are you
If you are eligible for a vaccine shot, then make are and what you stand for. When you are
sure you get a jab before you join. Also be confident it will send a strong signal that
#4
Sharp style is not how much state of your clothes and ously true personal style is
you spend on your clothes but
how well you take care of
accessories. beyond trends. Resist being a prey to the
whims of fashion. Mainstream fashion
them too. Buying the right equip- trends change too fast to become staples
ment to store also goes a of your style. And you can’t afford to
long way in keeping your overhaul your wardrobe every month.
clothes as good as new. Get
wooden hangers, shoe trees
for your shoes, a good iron, GET A BLAZER

#9
truthful about the vaccination status of the affects your “aura”. To develop self-confi- and mild detergent. Know Get it stitched or maybe just
people in your family. Getting vaccinated dence, pick a mentor close to you – it can about how to wash away off the rack but a good blaz-
makes it much less likely that you will get be your parent, teacher or even your peer. stains and how to iron and you er is a great addition to any
infected. And if you do, a vaccine reduces your Also work on your self by reading more will always look sharp. wardrobe. It can instantly add a style
risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and and educating yourself, it all helps in statement to your basics or make a
death. It also also protects those around you developing a well-rounded personality. casual outfit formal. You can get it in a
from becoming infected. MIND THE FIT fun colour for a day look or get it tai-

Drop off and pick up will need to
MASK UP
function differently since they
Unless the orders whether to mask naturally lead to crowding. Many
up or not are specified, invest in schools are implementing new
some comfortable high-quality drop-off and pick-up protocols, like
DEVELOP AN IMAGE
#2
Whatever you have heard
about beauty being skin-deep
is true but in the real world,
first impressions matter. In short, people
#5
A good fit is always lored for a formal outing. For a formal
a great way to blazer black, grey and blue work. A
dress sharp. Fit is casual blazer can be over sized.
king for any clothing item too
look good. Always try on your
clothes. If shopping online, fol- PERSONAL STYLE

#10
masks for your child that are long having kids line up on assigned, still judge books by their covers. Paying low the size guide diligently and Know what works
wear and easier to operate for the spread-out spaces and wait for attention to your appearance is not shal- keep your measurements handy for you. This is a
whole day. In-person learning will attendance to be taken; low because it will get people to want to to nail the right fit. trial and error game
require adherence to COVID-19 introducing scattered drop-off talk to you and get to know your better – – the more styles you try, the more
precautions in order to reduce and pick-up times to reduce and that’s when your personality kicks in. you will know what works for your
risk. Parents and teachers crowding of parents or using Also note that appearance is not about QUALITY > QUANTITY body type, height, build and even

#6
should explain to kids why sidewalk drop off and pick up. looks but being a well-groomed, well- Ever faced the dilemma hairstyle and skin tone. Use these
we need to social distance There’s a need to follow styled and well-spoken person. of a full closet but formative years to develop a per-
and encourage them to these protocols strictly as nothing to wear? It is sonal style. Remember, it’s now
do so. It’s important to we are gingerly getting quite common. A minimal you can make as many style mis-
teach children to use back to the new GET GOOD SHOES wardrobe could be your style sav- takes. Know that we are all not the

#3
good manners with normal. A shoe can instantly elevate iour. Aim towards building an same: an outfit you see working on
each other while any outfit. Keep your shoe interchangeable wardrobe, someone may not be for you.
also staying safe. masks. This is where wardrobe small but stocked which includes a good core Find your groove.
Make sure social social distancing has
distancing doesn’t to be more stringent.
become a form of There are a ASK THE EXPERT

“My 11-year-old is always

bullying. number of
safety rules
around
LUNCH lunchtime
that need to
ROOM be observed like
Lunchtime is a
tricky part of the
day because it’s
one of the only times
washing hands
before lunch; three
feet distance; masks
on unless seated and
overwhelmed these  Further, the basics
days”
Q
that everyone needs eating; assign seats and no My 11-year-old daughter changes such as school-related issues, more positive way.
to take off their sharing food. feels very confused and over- home environment, social changes, phys- for maintaining good  Avoid pressurising her with
whelmed these days. She ical changes etc. Although this is a com- respect to academics or any
tells me she can’t explain why she mon change we see in most children, if activity at the moment, if at all you do.
feels so. She says it feels like she is you feel your child seems persistently mental health  Keep a check of the environment at

Queries relating to Etiquette not the same happy person anymore.

I don’t know how to help her.
sad or hopeless and it is affecting
her day-to-day life, then we need
include a healthy diet,
enough sleep, exercise
home. Avoid any fights, arguments or
disagreements in front of her, and till

A
Most kids have days where they to give it some attention. Some and positive connections whatever extent it is possible try to
Etiquette is the customary code of polite behaviour in socie- feel sad, lonely or they don’t want of the steps you can take are: with other people at maintain a happy environment at home.
ty. Social situation and the way we live, even etiquette, is to do their daily activities. There  Talk to your daughter home or  Talk to a professional therapist. They
are many reasons why chil- about her feelings. Ask her at school. may recommend psychotherapy which
ever changing. For instance, who would have thought that dren to go through such about how her day was  Talk to and listen to involves counselling to help with
one would need a whole new set of classroom rules in 2019? mood swings. While in school or your child with love emotions and behaviour.
one can owe these anywhere else and support. Hope this helps. TNN
If you have a question on the new rules of engagement in a changes to puberty and try to figure Encourage her to
post-covid world, a relationship dilemma or just a query related changes, out if there were share her feelings. — Expert: Dr Rachna Khanna Singh,
regarding writing a thank you note, write in to us there are a couple of any events that  Help your HOD, Holistic Medicine, Artemis
other factors that may might have daughter look at Hospital, Gurgaon, Relationship,
toinie175@gmail.com with the subject line ETIQUETTE. contribute to such bothered her. problems in a Lifestyle & Stress Management Expert
 CLICK HERE: PAGE 3 AND 4
FILMS.BOOKS.MUSIC
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022
“This above all: To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet
03 PICS: ISTOCK

tions between Copper and his uncle.
The two take long walks through the
streets of Tokyo, exploring ideas as they
talk, and the uncle writes his own reflec-
tions on their conversations in a note-
GEORGE
female characters weren’t weak
princesses but strong, and sometimes,
fierce humans. For example, Nausicaa
from ‘Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind’
and San from ‘Princess Mononoke’,

book that he leaves for Copper to read.
Interestingly, in 2018, artist Shoichi
Haga published a manga adaptation of
‘How Do You Live?’ which sold more
copies – a whopping two million – than
any other Japanese book that year.
‘How Do You Live?’ takes readers on a
simple yet profound quest that should
not be missed. At some point it has
been announced that Miyazaki was
returning from retirement to make a
film based on this book with a tentative
release scheduled in 2023.
ORWELL’S
Sophie in ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ and
Kiki in ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’, are fear-
less in the pursuit of their goals.
Perhaps, it is unsurprising then that
Eleanor Doorly’s 1939 children’s book —
a biography of famed (and courageous)
scientist Marie Curie — features in the
director’s list. Miyazaki also listed Lewis
Carroll’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’ and ‘Heidi’
Rules of
by Johanna Spyri among his favourites.

IVAN THE FOOL WRITING

A
by Leo Tolstoy s the writer of seminal novels like ‘1984’, ‘Animal
First published in Farm’, and ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’, and
THE SECRET GARDEN 1886, Leo Tolstoy’s essays like ‘Shooting an Elephant’, George Orwell
by Frances Hodgson Burnett fairytale for children was passionate about good writing. According to
If you have ‘Ivan the Fool and His reports, he asked himself the following four
watched his Two Brothers’ spoke questions for every sentence that he wrote:
film, you know warmly about the val-  What am I trying to say?

The message of
Miyazaki is ues of living simple,  What words will express it?
famous for cre- generosity and being  What image or idiom will make it clearer?
ating characters truthful to oneself.  Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?

MIYAZAKI
Great news! Hayao Miyazaki, the Oscar winning Japanese
director of films like ‘Spirited Away’, ‘My Friend Totoro’, is
coming for your bookshelves. According to the latest
buzz, his graphic novel ‘Shuna’s Journey’, published
nearly 40 years ago in 1983, is being translated into
English. An avid reader, much of the acclaimed director’s
work has been fuelled by his literary inspirations...
“
Nitya.Shukla@timesgroup.com adventure to talking animals and fan-
tasy worlds. Here are some of them:
Hayao Miyazaki is a popular
(frequently chil-
dren) who
exhibit courage,
generosity, hon-
esty, and a will-
ingness to try new things. A favourite
from Miyazaki’s list, ‘The Secret Garden’
is a children’s classic about Mary
Lennox, the headstrong, emotionally
neglected heroine, through which
author Frances Hodgson Burnett taught
the world (in 1911) that it was possible
to heal oneself. Mary’s journey echoed
in Miyazaki’s film ‘Spirited Away’ which
also began with a 10-year-old protago-
nist Chihiro who is spoilt, disagreeable
and selfish. Like Mary, Chihiro yearns
for the love of her well-to-do but inat-
tentive parents and eventually learns to
heal herself emotionally.
THE RADIUM WOMAN
by Eleanor Doorly
The story is about Ivan, deemed foolish  And then he would ask two more: Could I put it more
for being a kind simpleton by his ambi- shortly? and Have I said anything that is avoidably ugly?
tious brothers who constantly pursue
their greedy desires, money, power etc. In his essay, ’Politics and the English Language’ Orwell
And yet it is Ivan who has a happy end- wrote the following rules of writing:
ing in the story, revealing Tolstoy’s philo-  Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech
sophical condemnation of commercial- which you are used to seeing in print.
ism. This story reflected themes of sim-  Never use a long word where a short one will do.
plicity and kindness that have often
appeared in Miyazaki’s films.
 If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
 Never use the passive where you can use the active.
 Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon
TISTOU OF THE GREEN word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
 Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright
THUMBS barbarous.
by Maurice
Druon
Most of Miyazaki’s
films are anchored
powerfully in
nature which
comes through his
vivid depictions.
The environment is

I
do believe in the power of story,”
Hayao Miyazaki once said. “I
believe that stories have an
important role to play in the for-
mation of human beings, that they
can stimulate, amaze and inspire their
listeners.” As a self-described “physi-
cally weak” child, Miyazaki — the co-
founder of Studio Ghibli, filmmak-
er, writer, animator, and manga
artist — read a lot. It was only in
2010, when he revealed his pro-
found love of children’s literature,
and 50 of his favourite books for
an exhibition honouring publisher
Iwanami Shoten. His 50 favourites
ranged from tales of American
HOW DO YOU LIVE?
by Genzaburo Yoshino
First published in 1937, Japanese author
Genzaburo Yoshino’s coming-of-age
classic was a bestseller that year, and
has sold millions of copies since then.
Today, Yoshino’s classic is
an essential part of a
Japanese classical arts
education and has been
called a major influence
by Miyazaki, who cited it
as his favourite childhood
book. Set in 1930s Japan,
‘How Do You Live?’ is
about 15-year-old teen
Japanese animator, director,
producer, screenwriter, author,
and manga artist. He is regarded
as one of the related animators in
the world! He is best known for his
Studio Ghibli movies. His works
take the viewers into relatable
fantastical worlds, and through his
loveable characters, one can learn
important life lessons.
protagonist Copper, who is dealing with
bullies at school and the loss of his
father. The story’s central plot leads him
to confront some hard truths about him-
self before can do the right thing.
However, in between the drama unfolds
a series of long, thoughtful conversa-
Miyazaki once a recurring element both as a physical
presence and as a source of inspiration.
said, “Many of my
In several instances, nature and people
movies have
strong female co-exist in various settings, such as the
leads – brave, countryside, towns, and even cities.
self-sufficient Miyazaki believed people could and
girls that don’t should live in nature, or at the very least
think twice about co-exist in harmony. This idea is promi-
fighting for what nent in ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, as nature
they believe with appears to look after the children. As it
all their heart. did in the story of 8 year old Tistou who
They’ll need a discovers a remarkable gift – that he has
friend, or a sup- green thumbs. Everything he touches
porter, but never a savior. Any woman is sprouts beautiful plants. Tistou is a
just as capable of being a hero as any French children’s classic that ranks with
man.” A recurring theme in Miyazaki’s ‘The Little Prince’ and ‘The Man who
films is women empowerment. His Planted Trees’.

ALL OF US CAN BE BULLIES!

But all of us can also learn how not to be one; or help friends and classmates open up to us. No one should suffer in silence. It's time to take a stance.
Watch these films with your parents to start an honest conversation about the subject that’s on everyone’s mind right now…
SPEAK (2004) DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (2010)
STORY: Freshman high-school student Melinda STORY: Greg Heffley, an 11-year-
(Kristen Stewart) has refused to speak ever old, is about to begin middle
since she called the cops on a popular summer school and wishes to MESSAGE:
party. With her old friends snubbing her for become popular among Dream big, like the
being a rat, and her parents too busy to notice the students. However, protagonist, Greg Heffley.
her troubles, she folds into herself, trying to his attempts to gain He is blissfully unconcerned
hide her secret. But Melinda does find solace in fame land him in hilari- with his own narcissism, lazi-
her art class headed by Mr. ously sticky situations. ness, and lack of muscle tone,
Freeman (Steve Zahn). but that never stops him from
MESSAGE:
believing. And then he dis-
When someone
covers something magi-
known to you
cal: empathy
goes all-quiet, it’s
time to listen to
silence

MESSAGE:
When Matilda’s par-
MESSAGE: ents aren’t neglecting
It’s easy to bully or her, they are berating her --
MESSAGE: think of revenge but
Your dreams and that’s never helped anyone.
MATILDA so she decides to punish them.
But she also stands up for the
aspirations are yours Compassion, teamwork, and (1996) principal’s victims. The film
BILLY ELLIOT no matter what the ANT BULLY (2006) loyalty can get much more STORY: Matilda explores themes of youthful
world says. Find one per- STORY: Tired of weather- done, while calming your shares a home
(2000) son who believes in you, ing constant attacks on senses and making you with her parents
independence and per-
STORY: Billy Elliot has an and courage will sonal identity
their colony, ants shrink a believe in goodness and brother, who do
aspiration at odds with his follow… not appreciate her.
destructive boy, named Lucas
father’s. Billy wants to When her principal tor-
(Zach Tyler Eisen), to their size
become a professional ballet tures her and a kind-hearted teacher, she uses
and sentence him to live among them until he
dancer, while Jackie, his coal-miner her telekinetic powers to settle scores.
learns the errors of his ways.
father, sends him to the gym to learn boxing.
STAND BY ME (1986)
STORY: After learning that a stranger has been
accidentally killed near their rural homes, four
CHICKEN LITTLE (2005) Oregon boys decide to go see what’s happened.
STORY: When a piece of sky falls on On the way, they encounter a mean junk man
the head of Chicken Little, no
and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn
one believes him. However, MESSAGE: more about one another and their
his friends trust him and Have courage, very different home lives. Just a
together they save the even when it feels MESSAGE:
lark at first, the boys’ adven-
world from ending. like the sky is literally The movie defines
ture evolves into a defining
falling and no one coming of age and
event in their lives.
seems to believe you. captures the essence of
Speak up till they childhood friendships, as
hear you out well as the way children
are naive to their signif-
icance during
youth MESSAGE:
MESSAGE: Parents need to
To belong is a MESSAGE: know that film deals
powerful need, espe- Decide what it is with some harsh truths
cially, when you are a you want from life and about teen obesity and bul-
teen. But you must always work how best you can lying. By the end, a journal
give a thought to whether achieve it, with 100% commit- assignment changes his
belonging comes at the MEAN GIRLS THE KARATE KID ment you’ll fulfill your goals.
THE FAT BOY life as he realises he is
cost of your
(2004) (1984) “It's okay to lose to oppo- CHRONICLES in control of his
conscience STORY: Teenager Daniel nent. It’s never okay to future
STORY: Cady joins a new LaRusso is bullied by Johnny lose to fear, “ as said (2010)
public school and befriends Mr Miyagi STORY: An overweight teen
Lawrence, who is adept at
Janis and Damian. They warn her to avoid the focuses on his goals of losing weight and get-
martial arts. In order to defend
Plastics, a group led by Regina, but things get ting the girl of his dreams despite being teased
himself, he tries to learn karate from
worse when she falls in love with Aaron, and tormented by his classmates.
Mr Miyagi, his apartment’s kind handyman.
Regina’s ex-lover.
 “Never say never because limits, like fears,
are often just an illusion.”
Michael Jordan, former basketball player
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

TIME FOR A
Photo: ANI

CHECK MATE
AND
Indian teenage grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned the world when he
got the better ofworld No.1 Magnus Carlsen in early February,the youngest at
16 to beat the Norwegian.As India bids to host the 44th edition ofthe Chess
Olympiad this year,we take a look at rising prodigies India has nurtured since
Viswanathan Anand and Koneru Humpy first made their mark on the board...

Photo: ChessBaseIndia Photo: Twitter

ARJUN ERIGAISI NARAYANAN SL VAISHALI

Fide Rank - 2633 Fide Rank - 2658 RAMESHBABU
Grand Master - 2018 Grand Master - 2016 Fide Rank - 2403

International Master - 2018 International Master - 2014 International Master - 2021

FIDE Master - 2017
Candidate Master - 2016
A name to be reckoned in the
future, eighteen-year-old Arjun
Erigaisi is slowly getting used to the
analogies. In August 2018, he
became India's 54th chess
Grandmaster after earning his final
GM norm at the Abu Dhabi Masters.
In 2021, Arjun became the first
Indian to qualify for the Champions
Chess Tour 2021. Recently, he won
the coveted Tata Steel Chess 2022
Challengers, and is currently the
9th ranked Indian chess player.
NIHAL SARIN
Fide Rank - 2652
Grand Master - 2018
International Master - 2017
FIDE Master - 2015
Candidate Master - 2014
At 14, he was a Grandmaster and the
the fourth youngest ever to cross the
Elo rating mark of 2600. He won World
Blitz Under-10 championship and gold
medal for the Indian team in the 2020
FIDE Chess Olympiad. In 2019, aged 15,
he become the youngest Indian to play
in the World Cup. In 2014, he scored 9/11
in the World Youth Chess Championship
and won the Candidate Master (CM)
title. He won World Online Youth
Championships 2020 in U-18 category.
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Hailing from Thiruvanthapuram,
Kerala, Narayanan won his first
championship, the Kerala State
Under-9 Championship, in August
2007. He became the Asian under-16
champion in 2012. In August 2021, he
finished second in the Riga Technical
University Open ‘A’ tournament. In
October 2021, he finished second at
ChessMood Open 2021.
Photo: ChessBaseIndia Photo: Tamilchess.com
BHAKTI KULKARNI
Fide Rank - 2388
International Master - 2019
Woman Grand Master - 2012
Woman International Master - 2010
Candidate Master - 2009
Woman FIDE Master - 2005
Bhakti Kulkarni, Goa’s first woman
IM, won the Asian Junior Chess
Championship in 2011. In 2013, she
was the first at the international
women’s chess tournament in
Czech Republic – Open Vysocina. In
2016, she won the Asian Chess
Women Championship. She was
part of the Indian team in the
Women’s Asian Team Chess
Championship, in 2009 and 2016,
where she won an individual bronze
in 2009. Bhakti had a great 2020,
winning gold with the Indian team
at the Online Chess Olympiad and
Online Asian Team Championship.
Woman Grand Master - 2018
Woman International Master - 2016
The Chennai-based player won the
woman Grandmaster title after com-
pleting her final norm in the Riga
Technical University Open chess tour-
nament in Riga, Latvia in 2018. The
2001-born player won the Girls’ World
Youth Chess Championship for Under-
14s and Under-12s. In 2016, she was
ranked second in India and World no.
12 U16-player, with an Elo rating of
2300. Her brother is Praggnanandhaa
R, the second youngest IM in history
and the fifth youngest GM in history.
Photo: YouTube
VANTIKA AGRAWAL
Fide Rank - 2381
Woman Grand Master - 2021
Woman International Master - 2017
As part of the Indian national team,
she won the FIDE Online Chess
Olympiad 2020. She saw great suc-
cess in the year 2021, winning sil-
ver in Indian Junior Girls Online
Chess Championship and gold in
Indian Junior Senior Women Chess
Championship. She also won FIDE
Binance Business Schools
Supercup. She was ranked in 14th
place in FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss
Tournament 2021. In 2016, she won
the bronze medal in World Youth
Chess Championship in U14 girls
category.

Photo: Wikipedia Photo:TOI Photo: Wikipedia

ADHIBAN BASKARAN VIDIT SANTOSH P V NANDHIDHAA
Fide Rank - 2648 GUJRATHI Fide Rank - 2380
Grand Master - 2010 Fide Rank - 2723 Woman Grand Master - 2020
International Master - 2008 Grand Master - 2013 Woman International Master - 2015
Hailing from Chennai, this prodigy International Master - 2009 A tenacious player, she won the Asian
is currently the 7th highest-rated Fide Master - 2005 Junior Chess Championship in 2015
player in India. Known as ‘The and 2016, followed by the Asian
Beast’ for his hyper-aggressive He is the second-highest-rated play- Nations (Regions) Online Chess
style of play, Adhiban secured his er in India and is the fourth Indian Championship Team in 2020 and the
Grandmaster title at age 18 in 2010 player to have crossed the Elo rat- Asian Youth Chess Championship in
after completing his final norm at ing threshold of 2700. Born in Nasik, 2011 and 2012. She was part of the
the Olomouc Chess Summer Tourn- Vidit was coached in chess from an Indian women chess team which won
ament. This former U16 World You- early age. In 2008, he won the the Asian Nations (Regions) Online
th champion won the Biel Open in World Youth Chess Championship in Chess Championship 2020. The team
2014 and Barcelona Open in 2013 the Open U-14 section, the first won the gold medal for India beating
and was part of the Indian team Indian to do so. He finished 2nd in 31 Asian countries. This Tamil Nadu
which won bronze in World Olymp- the U16 category of the World Youth born player earlier won a silver in the
iad in 2014. He became the 5th Chess Championship in 2009. He PADMINI ROUT U20 World Junior Chess Champion-
Indian to cross the 2700 FIDE rat- was the captain of the historic gold ship, in 2016, and bronze in U14 World
Fide Rank - 2350
ing mark. A prestigious feat indeed! medal winning Indian team in FIDE Youth Chess Championship in 2010.
Online Chess Olympiad 2020. International Master - 2015
Photo: Wikipedia Photo:TOI Woman Grandmaster - 2010 Photo: ChessBaseIndia

ABHIJEET GUPTA Woman International Master - 2007

SOUMYA
Fide Rank - 2682 SWAMINATHAN
From her first U11 national title in
Grand Master - 2008 2005, Rout has come a long way. Fide Rank - 2360
She won the U14 girls Asian and International Master - 2020
International Master - 2005
World Youth Chess Championships
A five-time winner of the in 2008. Rout played for the Indian Woman Grand Master - 2008
Commonwealth Chess Champio- national team at Women’s Chess Woman International Master - 2007
nship, hailing from ‘textile city of Olympiad, Women’s World Team
India’, Bhilwara, Abhijeet earned Chess Championship and Women’s A World Junior Girls’ Championship in
his Grand Master title at the Asian Team Chess Championship. 2009, she was only the third Indian to
Balaguer 2007 International Open. She was part of the Indian national win the title. She became the Comm-
In the 2012 Chess Olympiad in team at Asian Individual Women’s onwealth women’s champion in 2012.
Turkey, he won an individual silver. Championship in 2011 and. She won She was Women’s World Championships
He is the third Indian to win the an individual gold at the 2014 in 2010 and 2012. She finished second
World Junior Chess Championship, Women’s Chess Olympiad in at the Moscow Open 2016, and won
after Viswanathan Anand and Pent- Norway. In 2015, she became the bronze in the Women’s Asian Individual
ala Harikrishna. He was awarded Commonwealth Women’s Cham- Championship 2016. She was part of
the prestigious Arjuna Award in pion. She won the National Indian team in 2012 and 2016 Chess
2013. He is currently the 10th Women’s Championship from 2014 Olympiads and won Women’s World
ranked Indian chess player. to 2017. Championship with bronze in 2013.