Explore our Editorial page for thought-provoking articles, insightful commentary, and engaging perspectives on a wide range of topics
Reading Time: 6 minutesExplore the virtues of tourism, emphasizing its potential to foster cultural exchange, and economies, and cultivate a profound appreciation for natural beauty.
Chapter 2: The Virtues of Tourism Read More »
Editorial
Reading Time: 5 minutesRead about Nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine and how they affect our lives.
Nanobiotechnology: Bridging the Gap Between Nanoscale Science and Life Sciences Read More »
Biotechnology, Editorial, People Forum
Reading Time: 9 minutesExplore the Perils or the side-effects of Tourism. From Venice to Goa, increasing tourism has caused some grave effects on nature.
Chapter 1: The Perils of Tourism Read More »
Editorial
Reading Time: 4 minutesJourney To The Source: Exploring The Origins Of Ayurveda Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, where “Ayur” signifies Life, and “Veda” signifies Sciences. This medicine system has its roots in ancient India and originated about 3000 to 5000 years ago, prevailing to the present day. With a Rich history and traditional heritage, Ayurveda is often admired and esteemed for its holistic approach to health and well-being. Just imagine how they managed to find cures for all ailments without the help of modern Science! According to Hindu mythology, the origins of Ayurveda can be traced back to the Creator of the Universe- Lord Brahma, who passed on the knowledge to Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods. Another legend suggests that Lord Brahma shared holistic healing knowledge with sages, who passed it down through generations, eventually reaching the common people through oral narratives and writings. Yet another legend claims that Lord Brahma transmitted this holistic wisdom to Lord Indra, who then passed it to Atreya, the author of the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. Agnivesa compiled this Vedic knowledge, and Charaka further refined it. This compilation is known as the Charaka Samhita, encompassing all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine. The founder of Ayurveda is Charaka also called Charaka Muni, an ancient scholar and physician who contributed notably to the Ayurveda field of medicine. His work, the Charaka Samhita, continues to be a vital reference for holistic medicine practitioners and has been translated into Tibetan, Greek, Chinese, Arabic, and Persian. Ancient Wisdom Scripted in the Vedas The Vedas, the earliest written scriptures in the Sanskrit language, contain profound knowledge. The Atharva Veda, in particular, imparts wisdom about the healthy lifestyle we ought to follow. Ayurveda, often referred to as the 5th Veda has its roots in these ancient texts. Within these historical scriptures, the teachings concerning the healing properties of various herbs and medicinal plants are conveyed through poetic verses known as “Shlokas.” Recognition of Ayurveda on Global Platform In fact, Nepal has embraced Ayurveda and issued a National Policy on Ayurveda and it is widely practised there. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a traditional medicine system, acknowledging its significance alongside other conventional medical systems from different countries. This recognition highlights Ayurveda’s importance in the global healthcare landscape. Principles of Ayurveda The Core Elements: According to Ayurveda, the body has four basics : Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni aka “Mool Siddhant” which form the basic fundamentals of Ayurvedic treatment. 6 Pillars of Ayurveda: There are six pillars of Ayurveda i.e. right food, right exercise, right sleep, breathing & stress management, cleansing and self-awareness/self-reflectionIn essence, these principles are precisely what the doctor prescribes! Dietitians and physicians recommend this lifestyle to ensure our lives remain healthy and free from diseases. The regulatory principles of Ayurveda are “Vata” (wind), “Pitta” (bile) and “Kapha” (phlegm) aka “Tridoshas” which correspond to the three elements in the Universe : air, fire and water. “Vata” – maintains the activities of the cells in our body, electrolyte balance, and eliminates waste products. “Pitta” – regulates body temperature, co-ordinates optic nerves, manages hunger and thirst “Kapha” – lubricates our joins for easy body movement Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a perfect balance of these three doshas to prevent illness and promote overall well-being. However, it’s essential to note that Ayurvedic principles and practices are based on a holistic approach to health, and individualized recommendations may vary based on a person’s constitution (Prakriti) and current state of health (Vikriti). Ayurvedic medicines are renowned for their lack of side effects, as they are crafted from natural herbs, medicinal plants, and sometimes incorporate the essence of fruits, spices, animal extracts, and minerals. These remedies are complemented by adopting a wholesome diet, a balanced lifestyle, and regular exercise. Notably, Baba Ramdev, a Yoga guru, and his partner Acharya Balkrishna established Patanjali Ayurved in Haridwar, a company specializing in Ayurvedic medicines and food products. In an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, Kapil Sharma shared that actor Akshay Kumar follows a practice of chewing each bite of his food around 40 to 42 times. This aligns with the golden rule of Ayurveda, where chewing each bite 32 times is recommended for better food absorption and easier digestion Kerala: The Ayurvedic Paradise Kerala, a state in Southern India, renowned for its geographical location and beauty and wide array of natural herbs/plants, is considered the Paradise of Ayurveda. It is said that a physician from Sindh province visited Kerala in search of natural herbs and trees, and since they were found in abundance, thence began the association of Kerala and Ayurveda. While Kerala is a prominent hub for Ayurveda, Ayurvedic practices and treatments are used in various states across India, and it’s also recognized as an alternative or complementary system of medicine in many parts of the country. There are many Ayurvedic centres/spas here, where people come to rejuvenate and enjoy Ayurvedic therapy. There are also the largest number of Ayurveda colleges and practitioners in Kerala, as compared to the rest of India or the world Conclusion: Our country has so much richness in terms of culture and medicine. We should acknowledge this and ensure that this heritage is preserved for the coming generations, so that they can also reap its benefits, like us. To conclude with an Ayurvedic proverb “ When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use, when diet is correct, medicine is of no need”. Ms Rupal Sonpal
Journey To The Source: Exploring The Origins Of Ayurveda Read More »
Editorial, The Journey
Reading Time: 11 minutesDiscover the world of medical tourism, where advanced treatments, affordable care, and cultural experiences meet to redefine global healthcare access.
Healthcare Beyond Borders: Exploring Medical Tourism Read More »
Editorial
Reading Time: 12 minutesTop 10 Environmental Hazards & Policies Protecting Health & Ecosystems Environmental hazards pose a significant and ever-growing threat to public health and ecosystems worldwide. Medical professionals play a pivotal role in understanding, addressing, and mitigating the health effects of these hazards. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the top 10 environmental hazards, their clinical implications, and the global policies and initiatives that are actively working to combat these threats, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world. Air Pollution: Air pollution represents a pressing and pervasive environmental challenge that has far-reaching consequences for both the natural world and human health. This complex issue is primarily propelled by various anthropogenic activities, with the prominent culprits being industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and the widespread combustion of fossil fuels. These sources release a plethora of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, among others. The clinical implications of air pollution are profound and multi-faceted. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to a wide array of health problems, with respiratory diseases being among the most prominent. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis are exacerbated by the inhalation of airborne pollutants. Moreover, air pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, as it can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and the narrowing of blood vessels, ultimately increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, as air pollution can exacerbate their ailments. It also poses a serious threat to children, whose developing respiratory systems are more susceptible to damage. In summary, the insidious nature of air pollution makes it imperative for societies to take concerted action to mitigate its harmful effects, both for the sake of public health and the preservation of the environment. Global Policy Response: The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of addressing air pollution. The “BreatheLife” campaign, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, seeks to reduce air pollution and its impact on public health through policy advocacy, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of clean energy solutions. Water Contamination Contaminated water sources present a grave and far-reaching threat to public health, giving rise to a myriad of ailments and long-term health concerns. The contamination of water supplies can occur through various means, including the presence of microbial pathogens, chemicals, and heavy metals. These contaminants can lead to a host of waterborne diseases, with cholera being a notorious example. Waterborne diseases are often characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and, in extreme cases, even death. Moreover, contaminated water sources can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal infections, impacting individuals of all ages. These infections can result from exposure to pathogens like E. coli and Giardia, which thrive in unsanitary water conditions. The consequences can be particularly dire in communities lacking access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. Beyond immediate health risks, long-term exposure to water contaminants, including heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, can have profound and lasting effects on human health. These substances can accumulate in the body over time, leading to chronic health conditions such as neurological disorders, developmental delays in children, and various forms of cancer. To safeguard public health, it is imperative that efforts be made to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water sources, along with robust water treatment and monitoring systems. Addressing water contamination is not only a matter of immediate well-being but also a crucial aspect of preventing long-term health problems for communities around the world. Global Policy Response: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. This global commitment underscores the importance of clean water sources and sanitation systems in safeguarding public health. Climate Change Climate change is a multifaceted and all-encompassing environmental challenge, wielding a profound influence on public health. This complex issue is characterized by a range of detrimental clinical impacts that extend across various domains. One of the most visible consequences of climate change is the surge in heat-related illnesses. As global temperatures rise, heatwaves become more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are especially susceptible. Another worrisome clinical implication of climate change is the proliferation of vector-borne diseases. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns create favourable conditions for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. This has led to the expansion of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease into previously unaffected regions, posing significant health threats. Additionally, climate-induced stress and anxiety have emerged as critical mental health issues. The far-reaching impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, displacement due to rising sea levels, and food insecurity, can contribute to a sense of insecurity and despair. This can lead to various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Addressing climate change is thus not only an environmental imperative but also a crucial element of safeguarding public health. Mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable populations are essential steps toward minimizing the clinical consequences of climate change and ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for all. Global Policy Response: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international treaty aimed at mitigating climate change. Its central goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Countries that are signatories to the agreement have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. Chemical Exposure Exposure to industrial chemicals and pesticides presents a significant and wide-ranging threat to human health, leading to a variety of serious clinical issues. These hazardous substances, often encountered
Top 10 Environmental Hazards & Policies Protecting Ecosystems Read More »
Editorial
Reading Time: 5 minutesFrom Henna to Highlights: Exploring the World of Hair Dye Overview of Hair dyes Hair dyes are chemical products containing pigments that change the hair’s colour. They are becoming increasingly popular among people of all genders, with various types and brands widely available. There are three main types of hair dyes: Temporary Hair Dyes: These come in the form of gels, sprays, or rinses and provide a temporary colour change. They can be easily washed out with regular shampoo. Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes: These are typically liquid or aerosol products that offer longer-lasting colour. They can’t be rinsed off with water but do fade gradually over time. Permanent Hair Dyes: These dyes are designed to last until new hair growth appears. They don’t wash out easily and often require the hair to grow out to change colour. How do hair dyes work? Each hair shaft consists of three main layers: Cuticle: The outermost layer, composed of colourless cells, serves as a protective barrier for the hair shaft. Cortex: This layer contains pigments responsible for the hair’s natural colour. It gives hair its characteristic hue. Medulla: The innermost layer, the medulla, is a hollow core. It doesn’t always exist in every hair shaft and may be absent in some individuals. Hair dyes work by altering the colour of the hair shaft. In the case of permanent hair dyes, the colouring agents penetrate through the cuticle and reach the cortex, where they either remove the natural colour or add a new one. This process is what allows for a long-lasting change in hair colour. Traditionally, natural dyes were used for hair colouring. However, now with the increasing popularity of hair dyes and advancement in the field of cosmetology various types of dyes in a wide range of colours have been developed, providing people with more options for changing or enhancing their hair color. Image Source: Pixabay History of hair dyes: The earliest reference to hair colouring is linked to the Egyptians. Around 1500 BC, Rameses II used red henna to colour his hair. Also, Mummies discovered in Egypt also had their hair dyed with henna, establishing a connection between hair dyes and Egyptians. In 300 BC, during the Roman Empire, people employed a mixture of nuts and ashes from burnt flowers and plants to achieve yellow or blond hair colour. During the 4th century in Greece, individuals would rinse their hair with a potassium solution and apply a pomade made from flower petals to colour their hair. It’s reported that they obtained golden hair by rinsing their hair with a particular lotion and sitting in the sunlight. In the Dark Ages in Scotland, red hair was initially observed as a result of genetic mutation, eventually becoming more acceptable. The 1694 Ladies’ Dictionary depicts various ways to dye hair. The mixture of wine and elderberries for shades of black, radish extracts to turn hair into an auburn shade, and a combination of saffron, and turmeric, for blond hair were used. In the year 1800, William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered hair dye while researching a cure for malaria. He named the colour he discovered “Mauveine,” and the molecule derived from mauveine, called para-phenylenediamine, still serves as the basis for the majority of hair dyes used today. In 1907, Eugene Schueller created the first hair dye, which he named “Aureole.” Since then, hair colouring has become widespread. Health effects of hair dyes: There are a few potential health effects associated with the use of hair dyes. However, it’s important to note that while the risks have been documented, not everyone who uses hair dyes will encounter these health issues, and the severity of the effects can vary. Individual reactions may vary, and some individuals are more sensitive or susceptible than others. Allergies: Allergies to hair dyes have become more common than ever. Usually, aromatic amines present in the hair dyes are responsible for the allergies. Allergy may present itself as mere dermatitis on the head and the neck and becomes more pronounced with time. Signs of hair dye overuse: Damages, frizzy and dry hair, rashes on the skin Hair loss, irritated scalp, loss of strength and thickness of hair Dermatitis of the scalp, face and eyes Repeated exposure may even result in respiratory issues like asthma. Ammonia toxicity Cancer: Aromatic amines in hair dyes have been associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This risk is particularly notable among hairdressers and individuals who frequently use permanent hair dyes. Research indicates that permanent hair dyes pose a greater risk compared to other hair products. A study conducted in New England revealed that women who used permanent hair dyes more than 12 to 15 times a year had an elevated risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, hair dyes are said to contain chemicals that can influence hormone activity, potentially increasing the risk of breast cancer and contributing to endocrine disruption compounds. Conclusion The chemicals found in hair dyes have the potential to inflict irreversible damage to both the skin and hair, and they may also lead to various adverse effects, including allergies. It is imperative to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these products. Opting for natural hair dyes or exploring home remedies such as coffee or beetroot for hair coloring is a prudent choice. When using chemical hair dyes, precautions should be taken, including conducting patch tests before applying any product to mitigate the potential outcomes that could arise in the event of allergies. References Ros MM, Gago-Dominguez M, Aben KK, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB, Kampman E, Vermeulen SH, Kiemeney LA. Personal hair dye use and the risk of bladder cancer: a case–control study from The Netherlands. Cancer Causes & Control. 2012 Jul;23:1139-48. He L, Michailidou F, Gahlon HL, Zeng W. Hair dye ingredients and potential health risks from exposure to hair dyeing. Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2022 Jun 6;35(6):901-15. Patel D, Narayana S, Krishnaswamy B. Trends in use of hair dye: a cross-sectional study. International journal of trichology. 2013 Jul;5(3):140. Corbett JF. A historical review
From Henna to Highlights: Exploring the World of Hair Dyes Read More »
Editorial, People Forum
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Journey Of Tea From China To India Tea is our “go-to” beverage. It is a ‘pick me up’ drink in the mornings to get us moving, to enjoy on a rainy day, to de-stress with friends, to enjoy it whenever and wherever we desire. We cannot imagine our life without it. Let’s see how this humble drink has travelled the world over to find an important place in our kitchens and our hearts. What is the process of brewing Tea? The technique of brewing tea is to steep the tea leaves in water, then add sugar (optional), some milk(optional) and allow it to boil and then strain it into a teacup/ earthen glasses (kulhad) , glass glasses, paper cups, glass cups, steel cups, tea mugs, however, you like it. What are different types of tea? There are many varieties of tea: Black tea, Green tea, Herbal tea, Masala tea, White tea, Oolong tea, Yellow tea, Chamomile tea, Darjeeling tea, Earl Grey tea, Rooibos, Hibiscus tea, Peppermint tea, Assam tea, Fermented tea, Ceylon tea, Gunpowder tea, Bilouchun, Ginger tea, Flowering tea, Gyokuru, Matcha, Ginger tea, to name a few. And last but not least, Iced tea. History of tea Tea energises us and it has cognitive benefits on our memory and focuses our mind. Tea contains caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and L-theanine, which help stimulate our minds and relax us. Tea has a very interesting history. Chef Ranveer Brar, on one of the episodes of Kaun Banega Crorepati, mentioned the origin of tea in China. Tea Plantation in China [Source: Wikimedia Commons] Chinese Connection: A Chinese legend has it, that, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung (Shennong) was sitting beneath a tree and his servant was boiling drinking water when suddenly some leaves from the tree blew into the water changing its colour and taste / or another version which says that the Emperor was drinking boiled water and the leaves from the overhead tree blew into the water thereby changing its colour and taste. He took a sip and was surprised with the taste and quite enjoyed the infused water. Tea was considered more of a medicinal drink in those days. The Emperor used to experiment with different herbs and plants and discovered that tea worked as an antidote too. If he chewed some poisonous leaves, he immediately chewed tea leaves to counter the poison Japanese Connection It was during the Tang dynasty that tea consumption became popular in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. During the Sui dynasty in China, the Buddhist monks, namely Saicho in 806 and Kukai, who travelled to China to learn about its culture, brought back tea seeds to Japan. The Emperor Saga encouraged the growth of these tea plants and thereafter Japan imported the tea seeds from China and made tea the drink of the royalty. The oldest book Kissa Yojoki- How To Stay Healthy by Drinking Tea, was written in 1211, It opens with the sentence “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete”, and was written by Zen priest Eisai. How true it is to this day! Green tea was preferred by the Japanese gentry and priests. Korean Connection It was in 661 AD tea was offered to the spirit of King Suro, the founder of the Geumgwan Gaya kingdom and to the spirits of Buddhist monks in the year 918 -1392 during the Goryeo dynasty in Korea. The “Day Tea Rite” was prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty, which was a daytime ceremony that took place commonly and the “Special Tea Rite” was for special occasions. Global Connection In the 13th century, the Ajuran empire in Somalia, Africa, had bilateral trade relations with the Ming Dynasty of China which introduced tea in Africa. Macau was a trading port in 1557 during the Portuguese era. The Portuguese priests and merchants were introduced to tea, then called ‘cha’ by the Chinese. In the early 17th century, a ship belonging to the Dutch East India Company transported green tea leaves from China to Amsterdam. France recognized tea in 1636 and it was popular in Paris around 1648. In the year 1662, King Charles II married Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, an ardent tea lover, and thereafter tea was introduced in the royal court in England. The protests against tea during the American Revolution saw a sharp decline in tea drinking and a steep rise in coffee drinking as the Americans considered tea an “unpatriotic” drink. The 17th century saw the advent of tea in Russia when China gifted it to the Russian Czar Michael in 1618, who disliked it and therefore Russia could reap its benefits only in 1969. There was less intrigue in Germany and England. Captain Cook saw the Australian Aboriginals drinking an infusion of the plant leptospermum and named it ‘tea’ and today the plant is known as ‘ti tree’. The first commercial plantation was established in Bingil Bay in North Queensland by the Cutten brothers. Indian Connection The British introduced tea culture in India in 1836 and Ceylon in 1867. The British introduced India to tea and to break the Chinese monopoly, the British cultivated land in Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon (then a part of India) by using Chinese tea seeds and practising Chinese cultivation methods thus making Assam a leading producer of tea. In the 1950’s, the Indian Tea Board popularized tea through an advertising campaign. Black tea was the foremost variety which was grown and exported too. India was the topmost tea producer for almost a century but in the 21st century, China has become the number one tea producer “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete” Zen Priest Eisai Conclusion This is how one of our favourite beverages has reached us. One thing we need to remind ourselves is that whatever variety of tea we are fond of, it should be consumed in moderation.
The Journey of Tea from China to India Read More »
Editorial, The Journey
Reading Time: 5 minutesHow Can Indian Athletes Win More Medals At The International Level? The Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few days away. India will be hosting the prestigious tournament on October 5. Fans all over India are cheering for their cricketing heroes. However, somewhere down the line, other sports would be sidelined till the ‘cricket fever’ subsides. As they say, “Cricket is a religion in India.” Unfortunately, other sports like Football have been unsuccessful in penetrating the minds of the general Indian populace. India has a rich history in Football with decorated clubs and the team even playing Football in the Olympics. However, the Indian Football team still finds itself in a disappointing 106th place in the FIFA rankings. Europe on the other hand had 13 teams representing their continent at the FIFA World Cup 2020. The scenario remains the same when it comes to other sports as well. Indian athletes made the nation extremely proud by winning 61 medals and finishing fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, Indian athletes haven’t been able to translate that success at the world level. Things are changing with India having their best Olympics ever with 7 medals at the recent Olympics. Olympic Javelin Throw gold medallist Neeraj Chopra recently won the 2023 World Athletics Championship. However, on the whole, Indian athletes still haven’t been able to consistently win medals at prestigious events. To put things in perspective, India’s total Olympic medal tally ever stands at 35 medals. A European nation comfortably wins way more than 35 medals in a single Olympic tournament. Indian athletes, except Cricket, continue to face many social, financial, and infrastructural issues at all levels. The raw talent needs to be more utilized and impedes India from achieving even greater heights. The following are some factors to improve at grassroots levels to make sure that Indian athletes can consistently win medals at the international level. Lack of Sports Culture Sports have never been given importance in the life of an Indian kid. Indian parents are ingrained to direct their kids toward the typical route of academics. Sports take a backseat due to the burden of schools, tuition, and self-studies. Children are often restricted from pursuing sports as a punishment. Sports are often unfairly labelled as distractions, which detrimentally impacts a child’s developmental years. Such labelling prevents children from discovering their talents and acquiring essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and focus. Consequently, this trend has contributed to physical health issues among children, including obesity and excessive screen time. Lack Of Sports At College/University Level The same story continues when a child goes to college and university. At this point, a child has some freedom to pursue a sport for recreational purposes. However, a sport is never considered to be a career pathway in India. A student-athlete gets little to no support. European countries and America, on the other hand, have robust sports and training. A college student is directly thrown into a program of the sport of their choice. The program is structured in a way that wouldn’t impact studies. A student learns a lot about themselves even if they don’t want to pursue the sport as a career. They also have sports-related scholarships. Lack of Infrastructure A student and even an athlete fail to get the basic amenities required to excel in a particular type of equipment and kits are expensive for an athlete to afford and impede their sporting prowess. There are other infrastructural deficiencies like lack of courts, lack of tracks, lack of grounds, etc. Even a national-level athlete has to battle a lot of infrastructural issues to even practice, let alone excel at a sport and win. This is not the case in European countries. They invest a formidable chunk of their GDP in sports. Athletes get high-quality equipment and facilities. They also get world-class doctors, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches which help their progress. Too Much Impetus on Cricket Cricket has also been considered as a sole of extreme importance. Sports other than cricket have always been neglected. The Indian Cricketing Board (BCCI) finances around 60-70% of the total cricket expenditure of the entire world. However, India fails to finance other sports. Other sports in India fail to even get sponsors and broadcasters, which affects the growth of a sport in India that is already struggling. Athletes of other sports are not paid as well and have to resort to either leaving the sport or pursuing an alternate job. Gender Discrimination Indian girls and females have always been marginalized in every aspect, especially in sports. Indian girls are prohibited from playing any sport from a very young age. This shatters their dreams. Recently, it has been the female athletes who have made India proud. Athletes like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Jhulan Goswami, Mitali Raj, and many more, continue to be a source of inspiration for many girls around the country. Some other issues include low socio-economic status, improper diet, and nutrition, genetics, politics, favouritism, etc., to name a few. However, it is high time for India to address these. A lot of talent is suppressed at a young age, hurting our passionate country’s rich sporting culture. As the old saying in our country goes, ‘Take politics out of sports, and there will be medalists on every street of India’. Conclusion In conclusion, India’s potential to excel in a wide range of sports at the international level remains largely untapped due to various systemic challenges. To unlock this potential, a shift in cultural attitudes towards sports, particularly at the grassroots level, is imperative. Encouraging sports as a viable career option, improving access to quality infrastructure, reducing the overwhelming emphasis on cricket, addressing gender discrimination, and investing in athlete development and support are all critical steps. The recent successes in cricket and the Olympics show that India possesses exceptional talent, and with concerted efforts to remove these barriers, there is a bright future ahead where Indian athletes can consistently shine on the global stage, bringing glory
How Can Indian Athletes Win More Medals At The International Level? Read More »
Editorial, People Forum