Kargil diwas celebration on 29th July '2018

On 29^th July’2018 ,on the occasion of Kargil Diwas, the Balgokulam family in Mahindra Ashvita had the privilege to witness 2 eminent personalities from our esteemed Indian defence fraternity Retd Wing Commander Sri Bal Reddy and Group Captain Sanjay Prabhu.

The event kicked-off with Mr.Bala Reddy and Mr.Sanjay lighting the diya along with chanting of divine mantras making the environment surreal for such a marvellous event.This was followed by Vande Mataram.

Mr.Bala Reddy then took over to explain about the Kargil war and memorable incidents worthwhile for us to remember for a lifetime.I must mention here that the choice of words and sentiments he used were beautiful enough to hold the attention of kids and kindle the fire of love for our motherland. Mr.Sanjay also joined in to reminisce his flying experiences.

They also imparted outstanding values like respecting everyone irrespective of one’s class, being happy in true sense, valuing people who help and protect us, importance of developing feelings of healthy competition among kids, developing a certain discipline etc which, if followed regularly can go a long way in exceptional development in our kids and us too.

There were some very interesting and thoughtful questions from the kids like “Tell us about your most unforgettable experiences during your flying days”, “Please tell us how the high level of discipline is maintained in the armed forces and why it is lacking in general public” , “Tell us about some fun time spent in the Air Force”

which our honorable guests answered to their heart’s desire.

The event concluded with vote of thanks and presentation of a memento to the honorable guests.

In the end I can say that it was one of those days that comes once in a life-time to reflect and salute to the sacrifices made by our Indian soldiers giving us a life to live without fear.

“Jai Hind”

A few words on our honorable heroes :

Retd Wing Commander Sri Bal Reddy:

Graduated from NDA in 1994.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1995 as a pilot in the fighter fleet.

He flew the MiGs and Mirage2000.

Participated in the Kargil War.

He has been a part of the Mirage Aerobatic Team.

He retired as a Wing Commander from IAF.

He is currently working with Indigo Airline and lives in Hyderabad.

Group Captain Sanjay Prabhu

He was born into a Konkani family and has been a product of Kendriya Vidyalaya. His father is a scientist and his mother is a teacher.

He is probably the youngest Group Captain in IAF.

Graduated from National Defence Academy, Pune and commissioned into the fighter stream from Air Force Academy, Dundigul in 1996.

During the Kargil war, Captain Sanjay was posted in J&K sector & had the opportunity to be part of the war effort closely.

During his impeccable career with IAF , he had been the youngest pilot trained on the Mirage2000 and went on become a Weapons instructor.

He also commanded an elite Fighter squadron and is currently undergoing Higher Command Course.

He is also an avid reader and loves to travel.

The usefulness of the much desired but scary PICKLE (by Rujuta Diwekar)- You can relish it now!!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the Indian Pickle...Wow I love them but oops........calories !calories! calories!!!!(coz of the huge amount of oil and salt that accompanies it)

Now here is the good news..

Easy recipes for kids- Ragi(Finger millet) halwa

This recipe is full of calcium and protein and contains a great amount of iron and other minerals..Why ?? coz its a halwa made with "Ragi" , commonly known as "Nachni" in Maharashtra and common name of Finger Millet in South India.It's not only good for children but for everyone and can double up as a healthy dessert too!!! As with my other recipes,I always try to bring in the health part by using more of healthy and nutritious food items.I almost always manage to trick my son by calling it a "chocolate pudding" !!

Indian Food Wisdom by Rujuta Diwekar - The importance of "tadka" in our food

I am about to start a series on sharing health and weight loss mantras from Rujuta Diwekar's video "Indian Food Wisdom" . I am really quite fond of her ideas since she doesn't stress on fad diets and talks on the importance of traditional food and their benefits and why we don't need to follow senseless diets to lose weight.We can stick to our old rich Indian food , eat merrily and still lose it all by eating it the right way !!

So, come and join me in this journey!!!!

                                    The importance of "tadka" in our food

The tadka that we apply to our food doesn't only carry calories,but it also has loads of nutrients and therapeutic values in it e.g. turmeric powder,ghee,oil,sesame seeds,coconut seasonings,etc.Unless you use it,you wont be able to absorb the vitamins and minerals and the heap of benefits that come with it.In other words,consuming vegetables alone without the tadka has no value.And of course,undoubtedly, it adds heavily to the taste.So what happens then?
a.You enjoy eating the food
b.Since your appetite is satisfied,you wont get cravings for high calorie food post the meal and that's where you will lose it healthily.

Most importantly,it helps you get "pranic" value .

Prana – that most people are unaware of – is vital energy.It is extremely important to uplift our senses,our joints and scalps healthy,our moods ,makes us light and lively and helps us stay healthy and energetic and keep us looking young and thin.So the mantra here is "to count prana and not calories."

Easy kids recipes – Dalia (broken wheat) porridge -II

This dalia porridge is perfect for all those fussy eaters who would shriek at the sight of dalia.

You can also try out a similar recipe for infants from my other post: http://stay-athome-moms.blogspot.in/2012/03/easy-baby-food-recipes-1.html

Vector portait of a beautiful woman

Exercises at home for women

They say a workout can take you off the worst mood coz it releases endorphins - responsible for releasing positive feelings in the body. Really? Can’t comment much on that!!For me exercising brings a sense of relief and achievement if I can manage to sneak in 30 minutes of workout in my morning schedule and of course with it comes the awesome sensation of burning some calories ,losing weight and looking good(Isn’t that every woman’s dream!!)