From almonds to kiwi, take a look at some foods that will help you sleep like a baby. 

Struggling with insomnia? Food items to help you sleep well 

Here's a list of foods you can include in your diet to help tackle insomnia.

From almonds to kiwi, take a look at some foods that will help you sleep like a baby.&nbsp;

Getting a good uninterrupted 7-9 hours of sleep every night is essential for overall health and well-being. However, a lot of us suffer from insomnia or sleeping disorders. Certain dietary changes could help fight insomnia.
Here's a list of foods you can include in your diet to help tackle insomnia.
Almonds&nbsp;
Add some almonds to your snacking regimen, if you're struggling with insomnia. They are rich sources of magnesium and the hormone melatonin, which helps boost sleep quality.&nbsp;
Kiwis
Eating kiwis an hour before going to bed could help beat insomnia. The nutritious fruit helps release serotonin in the body that not only helps you to fall asleep quickly but also ensures that you sleep well through the night.&nbsp;
Walnuts&nbsp;
Research states that the fatty acids in walnuts could improve your sleep cycle. Pop in a handful of walnuts before bed and watch your sleep pattern improve.
Bananas&nbsp;
Bananas are a rich source of magnesium and they also contain tryptophan. Both these help in inducing a good night&rsquo;s sleep! Along with magnesium, bananas are also rich in potassium which serves as a muscle and nerve relaxant.
White rice&nbsp;
White rice has a high glycemic index. Studies show that when food items with a high glycemic index are consumed a few hours before bedtime, they may help in improving sleep quality.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/what-is-weight-cycling-and-how-can-it-lead-to-insomnia-in-women-1622092969365"> What is weight cycling and how can it lead to insomnia in women?</a>

Actor Shenaz Treasury recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with prosopagnosia, stating that she can't recognise people's faces. 

Actor Shenaz Treasury diagnosed with Prosopagnosia; Know all about this disorder

Actor Shenaz Treasury says she suffers from Prosopagnosia; a disorder that leads to an inability to recognize faces.

Actor Shenaz Treasury recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with prosopagnosia. Here's all you need to know about the disorder.&nbsp;

Actor Shenaz Treasury recently revealed on social media that she is suffering from Prosopagnosia. The actor explained in her post that the condition is a neurological disorder that prevents her from recognising faces.
Let's find out what this disorder is all about and how it affects a person's ability to function in their day-to-day lives.
What is Prosopagnosia?&nbsp;
According to doctors, Prosopagnosia or face blindness is a condition in which people are unable to recognise family members, partners or friends by their faces. &nbsp;
Normally, an individual can recognise and remember 5000 plus faces throughout their lifetime. However, people who suffer from this condition have difficulty recognising people's faces out of context. Patients use techniques such as voices and face shapes to identify people easily.&nbsp;
Causes of Prosopagnosia
Prosopagnosia can be acquired or hereditary. Acquired cases can result from ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury and certain kinds of neuropsychiatric illnesses like Alzheimer's disease, depression and schizophrenia.&nbsp;
Treatment for Prosopagnosia
As of now, there is no specific treatment for the disorder but alternative techniques are taught to patients to identify people. If left undiagnosed, Prosopagnosia can lead to anxiety, depression, functional impairment and extreme social isolation.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/alzheimer-s-study-claims-this-diet-may-protect-against-memory-loss-1620901730717">Alzheimer&rsquo;s study claims this diet may protect against memory loss</a>

A new study says consumption of caffeine before shopping impacts what you buy and how much you spend. 

Trying to control impulsive buying? Avoid drinking coffee before shopping

Trying to control impulsive buying? Here's what you need to do 

A new study says consumption of caffeine before shopping impacts what you buy and how much you spend.&nbsp;

A new study has revealed that caffeine consumption impacts what you buy and how much you spend when shopping. Published in the Journal of Marketing, the study highlighted the increasing trend of adding coffee shops near the entrances of retail stores.
For the study, researchers set up an espresso machine at the entrances of a retail chain and home goods store. Upon entering those stores, shoppers were given complimentary caffeinated coffee, water and decaf. While exiting, customers had to share their shopping receipts with the team.
As per the findings, shoppers who drank a cup of caffeinated coffee before shopping spent about 50 per cent more money and bought nearly 30 per cent more items than shoppers who drank decaf or water. The team also found a similar impact of caffeine consumption during online shopping.
Hence, consumers who are trying to control impulsive spending should avoid consuming caffeinated beverages before shopping, the study authors suggested.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/love-coffee-5-signs-you-re-overdoing-your-caffeine-intake-1641892783313">Love coffee? 5 signs you&rsquo;re overdoing your caffeine intake</a>

Drinking beer might help you have a healthier gut, according to new research.

Study claims a beer a day might keep gut bacteria away!

Drinking beer might help you have a healthier gut, according to new research.

Good news for beer lovers! Moderate consumption of beer can increase the diversity of people&rsquo;s gut bacteria, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.&nbsp;
Microbes in the gut aid digestion, protect bodies against disease-causing bacteria and regulate immune system.&nbsp;
The researchers conducted the study over a four-week period, participants were given 325 ml of beer (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) every day. Their gut microbiota was examined both before and after the study.
The team found positive impact of beer consumption on the participants&rsquo; intestinal health. Study authors also observed that moderate consumption of beer didn't impact participants&rsquo; body weight, fat mass or even their heart health and metabolism.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/cat-wines-and-dog-beers-will-make-your-pet-s-life-oh-so-cool-1631084245876">Cat wines and dog beers will make your pet's life oh-so-cool</a>

According to a study, opening the windows at night and pulling down the shades during afternoon can protect your house from becoming a heat hazard during extreme heat waves.

How to protect yourself from the heatwaves

This is your guide to staying cool at home during a heatwave!

Here's how you can protect yourself from the heatwaves

Should you open your windows or close them? Can plants help and should you get air conditioning? This is your guide to staying cool at home during a heatwave!

As large parts of the country continue to swelter under the grip of a scorching heatwave, it is important to understand how we can protect ourselves.
According to a study published in the journal Applied Energy, opening the windows at night and pulling down the shades during the afternoon can protect your house from becoming a heat hazard during extreme heatwaves.
Researchers found that shades and natural ventilation can keep your house temperatures out of the danger zone during a heatwave. It also reduces the load on air conditioning by up to 80 per cent.&nbsp;
Thanks to climate change, such extreme heat events are expected to be more frequent. So figuring out how to make a home livable during the intense summer heat becomes an increasingly urgent issue.&nbsp;
Such passive cooling strategies can be a lifeline for people without air conditioning. And even people with air conditioning can use this technique to lower their summer energy bills, researchers concluded.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/tips-to-keep-digestive-problems-at-bay-during-summer-1651748184661">Tips to keep digestive problems at bay during summer</a>

Covid-19 positive outpatients are at a higher risk of neurodegenerative disorders compared with those who tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a study. 

Covid-19 patients at a higher risk of Alzheimer's, stroke: Study 

Covid-19 positive outpatients are at a higher risk of neurodegenerative disorders, according to a study. 

Covid-19 positive outpatients are at a higher risk of neurodegenerative disorders compared with those who tested negative for the virus, according to a study.&nbsp;

According to a study presented at the &nbsp;European Academy of Neurology (EAN), Covid-19 patients are at an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer&rsquo;s, Parkinson&rsquo;s disease and ischaemic stroke.
For the study, researchers analysed the health records of 9,19,731 individuals from February 2020 to November 2021. They used statistical techniques to calculate relative risk and results were stratified for hospitalisation status, age, sex and comorbidities.
As per the findings, 43,375 people who tested positive had 3.5 times increased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease, 2.6 times higher risk of Parkinson&rsquo;s disease and 2.7 times with ischaemic stroke.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/30-people-infected-with-coronavirus-develop-long-covid-study-reveals-1650618012041">30% people infected with coronavirus develop long Covid, study reveals&nbsp;</a>

Places across the world that have legalised cannabis appear to have increased its regular use, according to a  UN report. 

Cannabis use has risen with legalisation and Covid-19 lockdowns: UN report

Places across the world that have legalised cannabis appear to have increased its regular use, according to a &nbsp;UN report.&nbsp;

According to a recent UN report, Cannabis use has widely increased in countries that have legalised the drug. The regular intake of the drug also rose during the Covid-19 lockdowns, raising the risk of depression and suicide, the report added.&nbsp;
Various U.S states have legalised non-medical the use of cannabis including Washington and Colorado. Other countries including Canada have taken similar steps.&nbsp;
While cannabis has been the world&rsquo;s most widely used drug, the content of the drug is also getting stronger. As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) annual World Drug Report, roughly 284 million people or 5.6 per cent of the world&rsquo;s population consumed drugs such as heroin, cocaine and ecstasy in 2020. Of those, 209 million used cannabis.&nbsp;
The consumption of cannabis among teenagers has not changed much but the drug use has majorly increased among young adults, the report concluded.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/indian-ayurveda-and-the-traditional-use-of-cannabis-1635146932652">Indian Ayurveda and the traditional use of Cannabis&nbsp;</a>

People who sit for six to eight hours daily have 13 per cent higher risk for heart disease, early death, says a new study.

Sitting for more than six hours daily can put you at high risk of heart disease: Study

Trade the chair for fresh air! Here's why sitting too much is bad for your health

People who sit for six to eight hours daily have 13 per cent higher risk for heart disease, early death, says a new study.

According to a study published &nbsp;in the journal Jama Cardiology, people who sit for six to eight hours a day have a 13 per cent higher risk of early death and cardiovascular disease. The risk went up to 20 per cent for those who sit for more than eight hours daily.&nbsp;
For the study, researchers analysed more than 1,00,000 people from 21 countries for a period of 11 years. The team found that participants who sat the most and were the least active had the highest risk of heart disease, up to 50% while those who sat the most but were also the most active had a significantly reduced risk of around 17%.
However, replacing half an hour of sitting with exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by two per cent, researchers concluded.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/sitting-all-day-long-due-to-wfh-according-to-a-new-study-this-might-put-your-mental-health-at-risk-1637386528811">Sitting all day long due to WFH? According to a new study, this might put your mental health at risk</a>

Long working hours affecting your health? Freight not! Here are a few tips
that employees should follow in order to de-stress and take care of themselves.

Work-life affecting your health? Tips to reclaim control

Here’s a list of things you can keep in mind if you’ve been feeling victimised by the endless rat-race that life may seem to be.


Long working hours affecting your health? Freight not! Here are a few tips that employees should follow in order to de-stress and take care of themselves.

If you're struggling to achieve a work-life balance, you're not alone. Understand how to better manage your time, detach from work and care for yourself. &nbsp;
A stressful work-life can harm you in more ways than you think, impacting both your mental and physical health. Here are a few tips that employees should follow in order to de-stress and take care of themselves.&nbsp;
Prioritise your health&nbsp;
A healthy lifestyle is essential to cope with stress and to achieving a work-life balance. Eat well, include physical activity in your daily routine and get enough sleep. &nbsp;
Set goals and priorities &nbsp;
Set achievable goals by implementing time-management strategies, analysing your to-do list and cut out tasks that have little or no value. Structuring your day can increase productivity at work, allowing you more free time to relax outside of work.
De-stress 
The anxiety and the panic of meeting deadlines gradually becomes a habit for corporate employees. It's important to practice deep breathing twice at least for 5 minutes while travelling to and back from work.
Make time for yourself 
Regularly set aside time for activities that you enjoy, such as practicing yoga, gardening or reading. Hobbies can help you relax, and take your mind off of work which helps you to recharge.
Seek professional help 
If your life is too chaotic to manage, talk to a mental health expert or a councilor. If you have access to an employee assistance program, take advantage of the available services.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/follow-these-tips-to-stay-optimistic-and-boost-your-mental-health-1652162906202">Follow these tips to stay optimistic and boost your mental health&nbsp;</a>

Are you a fan of rice? Then check out this list of the some of the most famous rice dishes from around the world. 

4 Popular rice dishes that you must try 

Are you a fan of rice? Then check out this list of some of the most famous rice dishes from around the world.&nbsp;

Rice is an ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is pretty versatile, to say the least. Rice when cooked for a long time, can be used to prepare a sweet dish. While when it is cooked al dente, it can used as a side dish.&nbsp;
When it comes to some of the most famous rice dishes from around the world, these 4 top the list.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/environment/consume-local-food-to-fight-against-climate-change-research-1655981039792">Consume local food to fight against climate change: Research</a>
Nasi Goreng&nbsp;
Nasi Goreng is the Malaysian term for fried rice. This dish is made with ingredients such as egg, vegetables, soy sauce, shrimp paste and chillies. It is spicy and has a pretty strong flavour profile.&nbsp;
Biryani&nbsp;
This Indian dish can be made with different kinds of meat. It is prepared with potatoes, onions, garlic, yogurt and a variety of Indian spices. This dish uses the slow cooking method and is usually made in a handi.&nbsp;
Paella&nbsp;
Paella means &lsquo;pan&rsquo; in English. This dish is cooked in a shallow pan and uses ingredients such as paprika, seafood, meat and saffron. It has a unique flavour and is traditionally Valencian.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/food-items-that-we-should-say-a-big-no-no-to-during-the-monsoon-season-1622954847363">Food items that we should say a big no-no to during the monsoon season</a>
Risotto&nbsp;
This Italian rice dish takes a lot of time to cook and includes ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables and cheese. The rice is cooked in a broth till it becomes soft. It can be served as an appetizer or even for dinner.&nbsp;

Editorji is your personalised video news platform, we learn about your interests in order to show the news that matters to you! Watch it on your phone, tablet or TV.

ABOUT US

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Maharashtra Floor Test LIVE

Live Blog

ONGC Helicopter Crash

Mukesh Ambani News

Udaipur Tailor Killing

Maharashtra political crisis

Presidential poll 2022

Agnipath Scheme

Sidhu Moose Wala murder Case

India Covid-19 cases

Nupur Sharma 

Ukraine Russian War

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi on Monday lit the first customary diya&nbsp;at the Raj&nbsp;Ghat in Varanasi to kick off the Dev Deepawali&nbsp;Mahotsav.
Nearly 15 lakh&nbsp;diyas&nbsp;were illuminated along the ghats of river Ganga&nbsp;on the occasion of Kartik&nbsp;Purnima.
To commemorate the auspicious evening, cultural programmes with classical dancers, laser light shows were also organised at 15 ghats&nbsp;of the holy Ganga river.
The PM also visited the site of the Kashi&nbsp;Vishwanath&nbsp;Temple Corridor project before reaching the ghat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Modi lights 1st diya at Varanasi's Dev Deepawali Mahotsav along Ganga ghats

PM Modi lights 1st diya at Varanasi's Dev Deepawali Mahotsav 

PM Modi lights 1st diya at Varanasi's Dev DeepawaliMahotsav
Nearly 15 lakh&nbsp;diyas lit along 15 ghats of river Ganga&nbsp;
Cultural programmes, laser light show also organised&nbsp;
PM also visited the site of&nbsp;Kashi&nbsp;Vishwanath&nbsp;Temple Corridor project

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi on Monday lit the first customary diya&nbsp;at the Raj&nbsp;Ghat in Varanasi to kick off the Dev Deepawali&nbsp;Mahotsav.
Nearly 15 lakh&nbsp;diyas&nbsp;were illuminated along the ghats of river Ganga&nbsp;on the occasion of Kartik&nbsp;Purnima.
To commemorate the auspicious evening, cultural programmes with classical dancers, laser light shows were also organised at 15 ghats&nbsp;of the holy Ganga river.
The PM also visited the site of the Kashi&nbsp;Vishwanath&nbsp;Temple Corridor project before reaching the ghat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Take a lot at some of the most costly teas and the reasons behind their exorbitant prices. 

Here's the tea: Take a look at the the most expensive teas in the world

Attention tea lovers! These are the most expensive teas in the world

Take a lot at some of the most costly teas and the reasons behind their exorbitant prices.&nbsp;

Tea or Chai is a popular beverage in many countries. People and especially tea lovers love to experience the texture, fragrance and flavours of the&nbsp;finest teas available across the world.&nbsp;
So, if you're a tea lover, here are some of the most costly teas you must try:&nbsp;
Da hong pao&nbsp;
Da hong pao is one of the most expensive black teas costs $1.2 million per kg. It is found in the Wuyi Mountains of China and the leaves are collected from more than 300 years old plants.&nbsp;
Panda dung&nbsp;
Panda dung is another premium tea with a heavy price tag. It costs approximately $70,000 per kg. Produced in &nbsp;China, Panda dung &nbsp;has high antioxidant content that helps you get innumerable health benefits.
Yellow gold tea buds
Sold only in Singapore, the Yellow gold tea costs approximately $7,800 per kg. It has a unique metallic and floral flavour and contains anti-aging properties.&nbsp;
Silver tips imperial&nbsp;
Also known as Darjeeling tea, Silver tips imperial tea is cultivated on the sloping hills of Darjeeling, India. The tea provides you with silver needless and a subtle fruity aroma. It is one of the most expensive teas in India and costs $1,850 per kg.&nbsp;
Gyokuro
It is one of Japan&rsquo;s most expensive and finest green teas that costs around $650 per kg. The specialty of this tea is that it is made without crushing the leaves but shading the leaves from the sun for two weeks.&nbsp;
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/are-you-drinking-your-green-tea-right-know-the-how-s-and-why-s-1632820944230"> Are you drinking your green tea right? Know the how&rsquo;s and why&rsquo;s</a>

Maldives to build one of the world's first floating cities in response to climate change.

Maldives to build a floating city to tackle climate crisis, deets inside!

Maldives to build one of the world's first floating cities in response to climate change.

A Dutch multinational firm is all set to build a floating city in the Maldives. The city will be located just 10 minutes away from the capital, Mal&eacute;.
The Maldives floating city will be able to accommodate 20,000 people and residents will be allowed to shift to the completed sections by early 2024. &nbsp; As per reports, the city will hosts houses, shops and schools. And the price for a studio apartment in the luxurious floating city will be between USD 150,000 to USD 250,000 for a family home.
The city is being built to tackle the effects of climate crises and rising sea levels. Most of the islands of Maldives are less than one metre from sea level and they are expected to be under the water soon.&nbsp;
However, a floating city can manage to stay unaffected as it will rise with the rising water level.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/travel/these-are-the-tips-that-solo-travellers-should-always-keep-in-mind-1649744963270">THESE are the tips that solo travellers should always keep in mind&nbsp;</a>

The effects of COVID-19 infection on the thyroid gland can remain even after one year, according to a recent study.

Covid-19 and thyroid: Know the effects of Covid-19 on thyroid gland 

Does Covid-19 impact the thyroid gland? Find out!

The effects of Covid-19 infection on the thyroid gland can remain even after one year, according to a recent study.

According to a recent study, the effects of Covid-19 infection on the thyroid gland can remain even after one year. The study was presented during the 24th European Congress of Endocrinology.
Pertinently, the thyroid function is crucial for metabolism, growth and development. By continuously releasing a stable amount of thyroid hormones, it aids in the regulation of numerous body functions.
For the study, researchers examined more than 100 patients admitted to the hospital with severe Covid-19. They analysed their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to better characterise thyroid involvement and tracked its progression over time.
Researchers observed a clear link between thyroid dysfunction and Covid-19 infection. They also found that severe Covid-19 disease impacts thyroid function through a variety of mechanisms.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/suffering-from-thyroid-these-are-the-foods-you-should-include-in-your-diet-1652860181664">Suffering from thyroid? These are the foods you should include in your diet&nbsp;</a>

Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar recently shared a glimpse of her rich, frothy and hot beverage: ghee-infused coffee. Here's how to make it.

Bhumi Pednekar shares glimpse of Ghee coffee; check recipe and health benefits

Ghee coffee: This healthy concoction is surely a blessing, we'll tell you why! 


Ever tried ghee coffee? Here's how to make the healthy drink 

Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar recently shared a glimpse of her rich, frothy and hot beverage: ghee-infused coffee. Here's how to make it.&nbsp;

You must have tried bulletproof or butter coffee but have you ever heard of Ghee coffee? Yes, it's the new beverage in town! Recently, Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar also shared a glimpse of her rich, frothy and hot beverage: ghee-infused coffee. This healthy concoction is surely a blessing, we'll tell you why.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Coffee can be acidic for our bodies, adding ghee to it can ease digestion</li>
<li>Ghee in coffee helps lower inflammation and strengthens the gut lining</li>
<li>Ghee helps improve brain and nerve functioning and the production of hormones in the body</li>
<li>Ghee in coffee can help boost metabolism and keep you active throughout the day</li>
</ul>
Try this delicious cuppa at home with just two ingredients, brewed coffee and ghee. Here's how to make it:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Heat your brewed coffee at a low temperature for a minute and add a tsp of ghee to it</li>
<li>Now, take it off the flame and stir nicely to allow the ghee to get emulsified in the coffee</li>
<li>Then, add milk or creamer and sweeteners such as jaggery or honey to it, if required</li>
</ul>
Remember! The best time to drink ghee coffee is in the morning.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/have-you-tried-bulletproof-coffee-know-its-pros-and-cons-before-you-do-1625915639622">Have you tried Bulletproof Coffee? Know its pros and cons before you do!</a>

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999! 

The Footnote | Revisiting India's first Pride Parade with Pawan Dhall 

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999!&nbsp;

23 years ago, 15 people took a symbolic round of the Park Circus Maidan, and the queer movement in India turned a began a new chapter in it&rsquo;s history. On this anniversary of the Kolkata Friendship Walk of 1999 we take a trip down memory lane with Pawan Dhall, a queer activist, writer and archivist.&nbsp; &nbsp; Nishtha Shanti: Can you take us back to 1999 and tell us what motivated you to hold the march and what preparation went into it? &nbsp;What was the day like, how did things feel and what was the kind of reaction you got after the parade? &nbsp;&nbsp; Pawan Dhall: I felt that this would have been just another &lsquo;michil&rsquo; or just another procession on the streets of Calcutta. And what big difference would it make? But I came around to the fact that we needed much more public visibility for the Indian queer movements. So, the Fire controversy, the controversy around the film Fire had already happened in the year 1998 and then also it spilled over into 1999. And that had brought the issue, the LGBT issues, into the public forum in one of the biggest ways ever. So, we had in the beginning, we had only 30 people who had agreed to participate. And on the day of the walk, only 15 turned up. And what we decided was that 15 people were not going to make much of a difference walking on the streets. So, we said that let's use this occasion to build bridges. So we did a symbolic walk in Park Circus Maidan, and then we split into two teams. So both the teams visited different NGOs, other social activists and government offices to talk to people to advocate on the issue of LGBT rights, and to explain LGBT rights are nothing different from human rights. The photographs went out all the media publications and one of the members who walked in in the first walk, he actually came out to his family through the walk, actually, because his photograph was also published and his family happened to see it and ask him questions. So, he used that occasion to come out to his family and fortunately he was quite well accepted &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: At the time how did the queer community react to the march? How important is inclusivity of all groups within the movement? &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: Some of the queer support groups said that &lsquo;Oh this is just a Western fad&rsquo; You have pride marches in New York and Sydney and you&rsquo;re just a poor copy of those pride marches. But I personally think that that is not how it was and for us straight acting gay men or bisexual men to be visible on the street and to be visible in public forums, it was something empowering I personally had to face a lot of criticism from fellow gay men that you are walking with lower class people, you are working with hijras, you are working with sex workers. They are not respectable. Is this the way you want to take the movement forward? So, my answer was that it is such a sad thing for you to say this because you guys are so scared all the time you are hiding in the safety of your house. You are running down people who are actually out there fighting for your rights. They are getting beaten up by the police, they are being joked about by the public, but they are facing it with courage and they are walking their pride. And this is actually nothing but misogyny as well as transphobia, which was present among many sections of the queer community and still is actually. &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: Most major cities now have their own parades that are held as a celebration and on a large scale, that largely can be attributed to the step you took all those years ago. How do you feel about queer activism today? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: There were something which the Supreme Court had said in its verdict of September 2018, is that we owe an apology to the queer community for all the stigma, discrimination and violence inflicted on the queer community through the years. But what have the governments done to honor the Supreme Court's verdict either for 2018 or for the NALSA judgment on transgender rights in 2014? It is eight years now, but how many government offices have become transgender inclusive? How many government hospitals have toilets where transgender persons can go confidently without being joked or without being called names? So why would these individuals come to the government hospital &nbsp; if they&rsquo;re not going to be treated with respect? &nbsp;Why does the police come and tell adult Indians that you have to listen to your parents? Be a good boy, be a good girl, get married, have children, that is destiny. That is not the police's job. The police's job is to protect our rights. And we have rights irrespective of gender and sexuality. So, the newer activists have to keep in mind the fundamentals and not be swayed just by the upper, you know, the flimflam, the rainbow colors. That doesn't make any difference at the end of the day.&nbsp;

Latest news

PM Modi lights 1st diya at Varanasi's Dev Deepawali Mahotsav

Up Next

More videos

Categories

Trending topics