IMPRINT - Manipal Dubai Student News: Issue #1

VOL 2, ISSUE 1, OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2015 |FREE|

IMPRiNTwww.themanipaldubaiblog.com

GRADUATION 2015

The CoBrA art movement and its significance in fashion pg 10 - 11

The gender bias in the culinary industry pg 32 - 33

On bodyshaming and why it needs to stop pg 34 - 35

2 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2015 | IMPRINT

NEWS

A fter years of searching space for signs of other

lifeforms, on September 28, 2015, geeks gushed as NASA confirmed finding evidence of liquid water on Mars.

In 2010, Lujendra Ojha, a then undergraduate student in the University of Arizona, noticed dark streaks on the Martian surface, an enigma that now evidences flowing water, according to nasa.gov. The streaks flow downward and change in size, growing larger during summer months. They proved to contain water by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, a satellite orbiting the Red Planet.

The satellite contains a spectrometer, an instrument which scans the planet’s surface and identifies the chemical makeup of what it sees. From these scans, hydrated salts were identified in the streaks, which prove the presence of water.

“Our quest on Mars has been to ‘follow the water,’ in our search for life in the universe, and now we have convincing science that validates what we’ve long suspected.

This is a significant development, as it appears to confirm that water, albeit briny, is flowing today on the surface of Mars.” This is a

significant development, as it appears to confirm that water, albeit briny, is flowing today on the surface of Mars.” said John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

Curiously, for four years the Curiosity rover, which was launched in 2011, has explored Mars but not discovered this evidence. This is due to two reasons, says cnet.com. The rover is not physically capable of climbing the steep, streaked slopes. As per the United Nations’ 1967 Outer Space Treaty which contains rules related to space exploration, humans cannot interfere with or contaminate other planets.

The million dollar question of whether life exists outside Earth remains unanswered since, though alien water exists, it is believed to be extremely salty, most likely too salty to support life, according to scientists.

So as of now we still cannot be sure if we, all 7 billion of us, are alone. l

Letter from the Editor

Peers, professors, people of Manipal! The media manic journalism junkies have for you this year’s first Imprint. This issue inarguably involves your concerns, cares and cautions. If it doesn’t, follow our advice and prioritise your preferences. So scroll, scan and see what has been laid out for you Dubai denizens. We hope to enlighten, educate and entertain.

Happy reading!Joanna Justin

THE TEAM

Disha DadlaniJoanna Justin

Kanika MathurNatasha Sreeranj

Revathy RajanSayema Wasi

Shenna MurraySuha Sabith

EditorJoanna Justin

Design Sayema Wasi

Special thanks toElsa Ashish

Megna KalvaniSabir Haque

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS

The latest in local, regional, national and international

FEATURES

A wide variety of features to suit the most diverse of likes and interests

OPINION

Our team’s opinions on some of the most pressing issues

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of School of Media & Communication (SoMC), Manipal University Dubai Campus and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and excludes responsibility for the opinions expressed in articles authored by students. Whilst, IMPRINT has use reasonable endeavors to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date at the time of issue, it does not warrant that it is accurate or complete and reserves the right to make corrections in future issues.© 2015. All content is the copyright of School of Media & Communication (SoMC) unless otherwise stated.

IMPRINT | OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2015 3

NEWS

When Mars Got The Better Of CuriosityNASA has discovered water on the red planet. But what does this mean for us on planet blue?

By Joanna Justin

Planet MarsSource: Getty Images


NEWS


NEWS

Students Rejoice at 2015 Graduation Ceremony The 9th Annual Convocation

By Revathy Rajan

I t was not just Halloween that was unique about 31st October 2015, but rather the graduation ceremony of Manipal

University Dubai students, held at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The function took place from 10 am to 1 pm, atmosphere filled with excitement of the audience as degrees were conferred to the students.

Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of Manipal University, granted the graduate and post-graduate degrees after the students were presented to him by the respective Chairperson of each school.

The distribution of special awards for students from each school with Academic Excellence or Outstanding Contribution was momentous as well.

“We are indebted to Dubai International Academic City for honouring the hardwork of our students,” stated Joyeeta Bhattacharya, Student Services Officer of Manipal University Dubai.

The recipients were handed the special awards for their hard work and contributions, by Shazadi Durrani, Head of Student Hub at DIAC and was assisted by Bhakti More, Associate Professor in the School of Design & Architecture. Aside from the overwhelmed feelings they experienced, the graduates felt nostalgic too.

“There was a lot of learning. There were a lot of ups and downs, but in the end, we managed to come together and solve everything,” said Urvashi Dutt, Media & Communication graduate. “And all I will say is that hard work pays off,” she added, when asked about the difficulty to achieve the Academic Excellence Award.

“I was working as well but it never felt like a struggle because, since I loved the subject, there was nothing like that,” told Jisha Anna Jose, Media & Communication post-graduate, currently employed as a copywriter. “I never felt like it was a hardship, but I really enjoyed the challenge.”

The event concluded with taking of an oath by the students, the final line of the promise having been, ‘Service before Self ’. l

Excited students pose after receiving their respective degrees. Source: Sheldon Alex Rodrigues

Movies have always projected a larger-than-life impression about life events. College life is no exception.

Sauntering into classes at your own will, bunking classes and staying in the canteen like its your second home are few examples that give most of us a false insight into college life. As the students of the 2013-2015 batch graduated on 31st October, 2015, they experienced a rush of mixed emotions. Walking down the stage after being conferred with their degrees, some felt excited, some were nervous about the road ahead and some, sad that it all came to an end.

“In school, you’re moulded in a certain way, but in college, you have the ability to mould yourself ”, beamed Nihal Mahanta, Masters in Media and Communications.

Friendships are discovered and developed at this stage. While some friendships are lost through mistrust, some are made stronger

through teamwork, cooperation and most importantly, smaller classes!“Hold on to your friends. They lead us to success”, said a nostalgic Harish Chander, Bachelors in Computer Science.

Juggling between student life, parenthood and being a professor, Renji Matthews, Masters in Media and Communications strikes the right balance between the three facets of his life. “I remember my first day of college. I called up my wife, relieved that I the class was filled with people my age. It was only later that I realized that they were the parents of my classmates! I don’t regret sharing a class with students a lot younger than me, one bit. Infact, it has been a humbling experience.”

It’s rightly said that its never too late to learn. After what seemed like a hiatus, Smitha Mohan acquired her degree in Masters of Business Administration. “I did my masters eight years after completing my bachelors. My expectations of the education in Dubai was not too high, after having studied in India. However, Manipal University proved me completely wrong. When I look back, the most special memories that I take back with me are the presentations we made and the classes we bunked together!”

Here’s wishing the fresh graduates the best of everything for their initial step into the world beyond. This is not the end, its just the beginning! l

She sat back and reminisced about that major mass bunk, the first time she was yelled at for not paying attention in class. Experiences, good or bad, leave an imprint on our hearts.....

By Disha Dadlani

Down Manipal Lane…

Fresh graduates of SOMC share their Manipal journey. Source: Sheldon Alex Rodrigues


NEWS


NEWS

Manipal University Dubai launches Special Scholarship Full scholarship awarded to female students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds

By Sayema Wasi

I t was October the 31st. They were made up and dressed in black from head

to toe, waiting in line for their turns. And no, they weren’t Halloween trick-or-treaters.

Manipal University Dubai held its 9th Annual Convocation ceremony on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC.

Students of the wide range of disciplines taught at the University received their bachelors and masters degrees in their Manipal regalia, handed out to them by dignitaries such as Manish Sabharwal, one of the luminaries on the Central Advisory Board of Education, India.

This year’s convocation was distinguished from any of those preceding, however, due to the launch of the Mahila Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan program, aimed at encouraging the education of the girl child in financially disadvantaged families. One eligible student from each of the various

disciplines offered at the University receives a full waiver on the tuition fee for the duration of their course.

Arlene and Sandeep Kaur became the first recipients of the honour.

The initiative gets its name from the Indian governmental assistance program called the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which is a campaign to universal primary education, as part of the international program of Education for All (EFA).

Joshua D’Silva, graduating student, said, “It’s great that this step is being taken. It would definitely help make sure families with multiple kids are able to provide a college education to more, if not all, of their children.”

Although the initiative has been lauded for the benefits it is sure to bring to generations of families, some question its relevance in the UAE.According to the website of

the UAE Embassy, while the literacy rate of both women and men in the UAE is close to 95 percent, today, more women than men complete secondary education and enroll in university and post-graduate institutions.

95% of girls and 80% of boys who complete their secondary education enroll in a higher education institution in the UAE or travel abroad to study.

Nasser Mohammad Kutty, parent of a BBA graduate said, “Nobody can say this is an unwelcome initiative, but I don’t see why in the UAE this privilege cannot be extended to boys as well. When you give something, it’s better to give it from the heart.”

Heer and Harsh Joshi, a brother-sister duo receiving BBA and BA Media degrees respectively on the same day agree with this view. “I think it’ll help an economically weaker family

not think of their daughter as a burden. But it doesn’t make sense if a boy child from the same family doesn’t get the same privilege,” said Harsh, as his sister Heer added, “It’s a fantastic initiative, but if I were to get the scholarship while my brother is turned away just because he’s a guy I don’t think it’s fair. He and I have always been together in everything.”

Such initiatives are extremely important in uplifting women in India, where the parent campus of Manipal University is located. As per the 2011 Census, the effective literacy rate is at 82.14% for men, and 65.46% for women. Secondary and primary education figures are both dismal and vary state-wise – with the most populous states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan) having some of the lowest levels of female literacy.

These numbers provide a stark contrast to those of the United Arab Emirates, and as such, the context for judging the effectiveness of the Mahila Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan remains to be seen. l

STUDENT ELECTIONRESULTS 2015 - 2016

PRESIDENT SWAPNESH P.VICE PRESIDENT SAFA ABDUL R.SECRETARY KENETH M.JT. SECRETARY DHRUV P.TREASURER HAJRAH J.JT. TREASURER P. SRIRAMCULTURAL SECRETARY SHWETA G.ASST. CULTURAL SECRETARY CHETNA V.CLUB IN-CHARGE ALLAN D.ASST. CLUB IN-CHARGE ADA A.DISCIPLINE OFFICER ABDUL K.DISCIPLINE OFFICER ALMIRACOMMUNICATION OFFICER NATASHA CHEAD CLASS REP RANAJOY P.SECRETARY STUDENT RESOURCES MAYURI C.REPRESENTATIVE PLACEMENTS LAVINASTUDENT COUNCIL REP ASHIQ T.STUDENT COUNCIL REP MUHAMMED F.STUDENT COUNCIL REP SEHER K.REPRESENTATIVE EVENINGBATCH OF STUDENTS KISHIKA P.


Rithika wins Lacasa AwardA moment of pride for Manipal University, Dubai as the sudent of School of Design and Architecture bags first place at the Lacasa competition

Mrnalini Rithika came first in Lacasa’a competition to

design a school for Palestine.

The fourth-year student at the School of Design and Architecture, Manipal University was chosen as a winner after being shortlisted in the top 10 and top three among various university students.

The event organized by Lacasa, Dubai asked various students across the region to submit their concepts and detailed designs with thourough specifications.

“First of all I wasn’t expecting to be a winner at all. I was in great shock when I received the results.” Said Rithika of her victory. Her inspiration for the design was drawn from Mashrabiya house, Palestine.

Rithika’s approach to sustainability, attention to details and inclusion of courtyards is what made her stand out from the rest of the

students, according to Emad Jaber, founder of Lacasa.

Jaber also appreciated Rithika’s mature approach to design by combining her knowledge of

the Palestinian heritage and culture and integrating it with climate.

As part of her prize, Rithika will be working with the company after her graduation in making her design a reality.

“I’m actually looking forward to seeing my design being built and being a proud architect/designer.” says Rithika, “ I want school children to use the spaces I design and would love to know how they feel about their school”. l


Edward Bernays vs Ivy Lee

The ultimate paternity test to decide the parenthood of public relations

By Aadi Nair

TThe field of public relations has existed namelessly for

thousands of years, and has been used extensively in some form or the other by countless manipulative people for their own profit and gain. Several kings and popular figures of old used a limited form of public relations to satiate their followers and evoke trust in those that doubted them.

Religion seems to be the most obvious of these examples, and missionaries might just be the first PR professionals to have ever plied their trade.Ivy Lee was the man who decided to give this practice a name, and to turn it into a profession. Public relations was subsequently revolutionized by Edward Bernays, Sigmund Freud’s nephew. Ivy Lee’s influence in the field began earlier than Bernays’, which was rather inevitable, seeing as it was Ivy Lee that coined the term ‘public relations’. However, Bernays’ desire

to one-up Lee could not be dissuaded by the mere invention of a profession.Bernays contributed heavily to the field shortly after its inception and used the findings of Gustave Le Bon and Wilfred Trotter and incorporated crowd psychology into PR. He also drew upon several aspects of Freud’s method of psycho-analysis to create techniques that attempted to influence the opinions of large groups of people. With this combination of knowledge, he concocted a potent cocktail of manipulative power that helped him become one of the best PR officials during his time in the industry.

Edward Bernays whole-heartedly believed that the masses were incapable of making their own decisions, and that they needed to be subliminally guided by unseen forces, and he used this belief to successfully to help high profile clients like Proctor and Gamble and CBS improve their image. Ivy Lee was the

person responsible for the press release that attempted to mitigate damage caused to the image of the Pennsylvania railroad during the 1906 Atlantic city train wreck. So, the next time you’re scrolling through your news feed on Facebook and you see an MTV post about Lindsey Lohan’s latest drug-abuse related press release, you know who you can thank.

Edward Bernays then perfected this form of PR, and made it more complete.In my opinion, Ivy Lee is the true father of PR, simply because his contributions preceded those of Edward Bernays, regardless of his comparative influence in the shaping of public relations. Louis Pasteur did a lot more for vaccination than Edward Jenner, but Jenner is called the father of immunology in thousands of biology textbooks across the world. In the immortal words of the contemporary philosopher and part-time rapper/actor Drake, “Being number two is just being the first to lose.” l

OPINION NEWS

By Suha Sabith

Mrnalini Rithika announced as the winnerSource: Supplied

“I’m actually looking forward to seeing my design being built and being a proud architect/designer.”


NEWS

Jean Charles de Castelbajac S/S14 CollectionSource: Google Images

Constant’s Labyrismen in 1968 depicts a New Babylon that is devoid of identity and is seen as a dystopian, urban place where capital reigns. This has inspired many runway gothic outfits of the present generation.

Instead of rigid lines, designers formed dynamic pieces with lines curving and striking to create confusion and a sense of pace in their designs. The dresses were at times minimalistic with a ‘scribble’ of art that drew attention and at certain other times, the designs dominated the whole of the clothing with no apparent path.

Karel Appel, inspired by Jackson Pollock, followed a lot of action-painting whereby the paint was made to drip onto the paper without any conscious pattern.

He also included a number of childlike paintings in his works which were a reinforcement of CoBrA movement’s belief in complete freedom of colour and form. The intention was to rewind to the past, pre-

WW2 scenario of innocence and primitivism. Some artworks included children’s art over them to emphasize creativity without boundaries or restrictions.

The colours were not chosen by any rules and it is perhaps this random selection of colours that gave way to the usage of bright and bold colours in the present day fashion industry. Even today, some of the most iconic and famous pieces of clothing follow this movement without realizing it.

A recent example which can be categorized under this is the actress Angelina Jolie’s bridal veil which was designed by her children.

The painting is done in random without a regard or plan of how the end product will be.

They have unknowingly become artists without deliberate effort, which is what the movement was all about. l


NEWS

By Suha Sabith

The Blurred Lines of Art and Fashion

A rt is considered the best emotional outlet since time

immemorial. Art can be done on a macro scale representing societal issues or on a more personal level wherein the art emphasizes the artist’s emotions and feelings about issues or current state of the world.

CoBrA was a short lived but crucial movement which indirectly influenced the fashion industry in the past and still does. CoBrA stands for Copenhagen, Brazil and Amsterdam, the three central places where the movement took place. With its complex ideologies and meaning it’s not hard to understand why art would have a major influence on fashion.

Labyrismen in 1968 by ConstantSource: Suha Sabith

CoBrA artists were inspired by primitivism and folk artworks, children’s paintings as well as other great artists such as Jackson Pollock, Joan Miro, etc. (Visual Arts Cork). Jackson Pollock in particular is an artist who has contributed to the CoBrA movement and the fashion industry. His revolutionary idea of action-painting which involved dripping paint onto a large canvas in no particular order has resulted in making a statement in the world of creativity.

The freeing of the mind from societal limitations and

to a plane of pure creativity that is unhindered by any conscious thought process is the crux of action-painting and CoBrA. The chaos of colour and shapes has been artistically catapulted to the runway and has created some of the most memorable pieces till date.

Though there are a number of styles that have inspired designers over the years, this article will be looking at two of the CoBrA exhibits at the Sharjah Museum of Arts. The first is ‘Graphic Paintings’ by Constant and the other is ‘Textile’ by Karel Appel.Source: Suha Sabith Source: Suha Sabith


PHOTO FEATURE


PHOTO FEATURE

Sailing soloSource: Joanna Justin


PHOTO FEATURE


PHOTO FEATURE

Lights offSource: Joanna Justin

Crossing ridgesSource: Joanna Justin


OPINION

TThe irony cannot be missed that, despite the fact Volkswagen

(VW) translates to ‘people’s car’ in the German language, it has proved to be anything but that.

The discovery of a ‘defeat device’ created by the VW company in their vehicles in order to falsify the pollution level emitted, has cost them not only the trust of the public, but possibly, even the German reputation.

According to a feature in Khaleej Times, there were tests conducted by the West Virginia University to check the level of emissions from Volkswagen. In doing so, they discovered a significantly higher level than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved standards.

Why would the world’s most successful car-manufacturer want to indulge in such a

risky and environmentally harmful scheme? Perhaps they wanted to save money and manpower on required additional equipment.

However, none of that is worth it if it means letting down their customers and altering their perception by misleading them. More importantly, and maybe even worse, is the added impact that the scandal would have had on the health of millions and the environment. Exhaust fumes from vehicles contain high levels of nitrogen

oxide, which not only causes respiratory problems but affects the atmosphere as well.

Clearly, the German company did not stop to think about the long-term consequences and rather, created a cheap alternative just for the sake of passing the emission detection tests that were conducted. The fact that they let this affect around 11 million cars around the world, shows that they did not consider how bad this would be for the country’s reputation either. Even though

Volkswagen admits to having affected 11 million carsSource: Google images

For now it’s the environment but Germany’s image could be in jeopardy too

By Revathy Rajan

Volkswagen emissions scandal: a diesel disgrace


OPINION

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, stated that the scandal would not leave a lasting damage, experts believe otherwise.

“We are beginning to treat VW as a macro story – damages and economic impact likely to be very large,” tweeted Wolfgang Munchau, president of Euro Intelligence.

“Because of Volkswagen’s central role in German automobile industry, the scandal is a devastating blow to the country’s global image,” wrote David Bach in his article for The Financial Times, having further added that it will be hard for the German industry to move away from this scandal very quickly.

It might be even more difficult to do so, seeing as the new CEO taken on board is Mattias Müller who was formerly the CEO of Porsche.

It is doubtful that company made the right choice here, promoting an insider of the very same company accused of fraud, rather than hiring someone from the outer circle.

Looks like we will have to wait and see how Müller is going to steer the direction of the VW scandal towards a solution. l

Matthias Muller, new CEO of VolkswagenSource: Google images

“Because of Volkswagen’s central role in German automobile industry, the scandal is a devastating blow to the country’s global image,” - David Bach


OPINION

Viola Davis becomes first African-American Winner of Best Actress in Drama Emmy

Dedicated fans of the ABC series ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ were left teary-eyed and exhilarated when Viola

Davis became the first ever African-American to win the Emmy for best actress in a drama - just ask fellow actresses Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Taraji P. Henson (Empire).

“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that simply are not there,” said Davis, in a rousing speech that also quoted Harriet Tubman – the civil rights hero who led hundreds of the enslaved to freedom during the mid-to-late 1800s. In her acceptance speech, Davis addressed the issue of race and the lack of opportunity that is present in the American media industry.

To look at it from the perspective of film, a study conducted by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Journalism and Communication found that across 100 top-grossing films of 2012, only 10.8% of speaking characters are Black, 4.2% are Hispanic, 5% are Asian, and 3.6% are from other, mixed race ethnicities. Just over three-quarters of all speaking characters are White, at 76.3%. The study also found that these trends are relatively stable, as little deviation is observed across the 5-year sample. While television has become noticeably more diverse in that multiple shows

featuring and/or based on people of colour have become extremely popular, like the above mentioned ‘How To Get Away With Murder’, ‘Empire’, ‘Scandal’, and ‘Fresh Off The Boat’. This does not necessarily indicate a more realistic representation of people of colour in media overall.

The argument is that television presents more opportunity for actors, as can be seen in the significant shift prominent film actors have been making to television, such as, Davis and Washington themselves.

So, what does it then mean to be a woman of colour in America, according to the Emmy winner? Perhaps her use of the Harriet Tubman quote is most telling, “In my dreams, I see a line. And over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no-how, I can’t seem to get over that line.” l

But why is she the first?

By Sayema Wasi


REVIEW

In this story based on Stephen Hawking, there is a question., “can true love really exist?” ‘The Theory of Everything’ (2014)

shows us it does, at least in the 70’s, but it also shows love within its own finite limitations.

Love does have a limit and a breaking point, beautifully illustrated in this film. Normally if you would want to make a film about a groundbreaking scientist and his work, it would

be a way to lose money in any film industry. ‘The Theory Of Everything’ disproves this point as it has gathered up accolades all over the world, including being nominated for

best film at the Academy Awards, with Eddie Redmayne (Hawking) winning best actor. The film by James Marsh, whose main work has been critically acclaimed documentaries, is a fresh career change for him. The film concentrates less on Hawking’s work and more on his personal life and his struggle to the top. The acting is phenomenal, both by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, the leads in the film. The brilliance of it all is that you believe that Stephen and Jane (Jones) love each other and will stick it out, even though we all know it’s going to be a tough journey.

For an adapted screenplay, the writing is good. It is based on the memoir from Hawking’s wife (Jane Wilde Hawking) ‘Traveling To Infinity: My Life With Stephen’. There have been some inaccuracies throughout the film, such as the underplayed reality of Hawking coming to terms with his motor neurone disease and refusing to seek help, which takes a toll on Jane as well as others.

This film is about hope, love and trust. Don’t be alarmed if you shed a tear towards the end of the film. It is definitely worth the watch and is a memorable film. l

The Theory Of Everything (2014)

By Ian Lobo

Viola Davis celebrates after becoming the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama.Source: Getty Images


FEATURE

Staying Green in a Brown World

Manipal University Dubai wins Sustainable Campus Initiative Award

By Sayema Wasi

SSometimes, even a dusty, barren desert can give you reasons to go green.

Manipal University, Dubai won the ‘Best Green Campus Audit 2015’ and ‘Runner up Sustainability Action Project 2015’, as part of the Sustainable Campus Initiative by Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi. Supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE, the initiative seeks to encourage more efficient use of resources by students and institutions.

When asked what contributed to this achievement, Joyeeta Bhattacharya, Student Services Officer at Manipal University, Dubai observed,“Our students are extremely environment-conscious. They largely use car pools and buses to get to college and so, minimize the use of non-renewable resources. Their dedication to the environment can also be seen in how caring and protective they are towards any stray animals that end up on campus. Not

only do they feed and help the injured, many of them have also opened their homes to these animals and kept them as pets.”This dedication definitely shows, and how.

While its parent campus in Mangalore, India, has created a reputation for itself nationally and internationally for being an environmentally conscious university. It ranks first in India and 35th globally in the Universitas Indonesia’s Greenmetric World University Ranking.

The Manipal, Dubai campus is not far behind. In addition to the SCI win, the University’s list of accolades includes the 2013 – 2014 Conservation Award, organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Manipal University beat out several private and governmental institutions for the honour - such as the American University of Sharjah, Zayed University, New York Univeristy, Khalifa

The SCI winning team, including students from the Environment and Conservation Club, from Manipal University, Dubai. Source: Supplied


FEATURE

Univerity and Abu Dhabi University, to name a few.

The institution’s efforts to encourage sustainable practices hold evidence throughout the campus. From a “Green Orientation”, which involved

games with an environmental theme and a paper collection drive to welcome the newest batch of students, to the discouragement of water wastage in washrooms, to the maximization of natural light use in classrooms and the dedicated smoking area.

Additionally, the enthusiastic Conservation and Environment Club reminds students to take the stairs by use of stickers proclaiming “Burn Calories, Not Electricity!” near lifts.

According to Sundara Gurushev, Vice-President of the Conservation and Environment Club at the University, “The student body

at MUDC has been following basic conservation rules such as switching off unneeded lights and conserving water. There’s also been quite a good response to one of the first initiatives undertaken by the Club, ‘the Green Bucket Challenge’, and various other green competitions.”

Ms. Bhattacharya succinctly summarizes the University’s outlook regarding sustainability. “We firmly believe that the passport to the future lies in renewing, reusing and recycling,” she said. “We are responsible for the generations ahead – we can only hope to have a better tomorrow if we start with a better today.” l

The SCI winning team with officials at the event.Source: Supplied

“...We can only hope to have a better tomorrow if we start with a better today,”- Joyeeta Bhattacharya


FEATURE

I s there a day when you have completely abandoned your

electronic gadgets and explored the world around you? Have you ever spent quality time with people from the real world?

Face-to-face communication with your parents, friends or whoever is dear to you is what is being discussed. Unfortunately, the present generation is completely oblivious of actuality due to their constant attachment to virtual reality. Such vis-a-vis communication has been slowly dying due to the immense usage of mainstream social networking platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, etc.

“Social media, for instance, gives us a skewed representation of the world around us. Never before has a growing up generation been so incessantly bombarded with the finely-picked details of

other’s lives, nor indeed, with so much information,” says Siddharth Avadhanam, a post-graduate student at Michigan State University, USA. Some people avoid friendships in real life and rather, resort to making friends online. They drop the opportunity of hanging out with friends or family, thinking that they will find more fun things to do online. Most people make it a necessity to visit social media sites almost every hour. It is like their daily newspaper.

“One of the negative effects of social media or network is it leads to addiction. Spending countless hours on the social sites can divert the focus and attention from a particular task. It lowers the motivational level of the people, especially of the teenagers and students’, says Imtiaz Ali, author of technology website Techbread.

According to a BBC news report in 2013, social networking brings people together across the Internet.

In a larger sense it may create social isolation. When people spend increasing amounts of time on social networks, they experience minimal face-to-face interaction.

Scientists have researched extensively about social isolation and have concluded that it can lead to a number of mental, psychological, emotional and physical problems including depression, anxiety, somatic complaints and many others.

In fact, a 2014 study at the Chicago School of Medicine showed that social isolation has deteriorated brain hormones, which is likely the reason why socially isolated people experience dreadful levels of stress, aggression, anxiety and other mental issues. Social media has the potential to misrepresent the facts and genuinity of the person.

To cite an example, if you text someone, ‘How are you?’,

The Social BarricadeSocial media has no doubt helped us connect with people from all corners of the world. It has made our lives effortless and gratifying but does it lead us to social isolation?

By Natasha Sreeranj


FEATURE

the reply, most of the times, would be ‘I am fine.’

But real communication which consists of emotion, physical presence and behavioural analysing ability can help make out whether the person is fine or not irrespective of him/her saying, “I am fine.”, by the tone of his/her voice or even by looking in the eyes.

“People not only hear what you are saying, they perceive the greater meaning of your tone, voice inflection, emotion and body language.” says Kruthika Shetty, assistant manager at Corporate Communications in Mumbai, India. In a research paper conducted

by Susan Greenfield, a professor of synaptic pharmacology at Oxford University, UK, she has compared online chats to buying pre-packaged meat at a store. “Perhaps future generations will recoil with similar horror at the messiness, unpredictability and immediate personal involvement of a three-dimensional, real-time interaction.”

There were times when we engaged in heart-to-heart conversations with our parents. Currently, it is rare to find the new generation interacting with their parents as they are glued to their phones or engrossed in the internet sphere.

There is complete disunion between the parents and children. “Texting, Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail alienate us from our families more than we actually think it does. When my family is spending family time together and watching a movie, in reality my brother and I are on our phones rather than actually watching the movie with our parents”, says Marilyn Price Mitchell, a developmental psychologist at the National ParentNet Association.

“We lie about ourselves and develop something we are not. We post pictures of us looking perfect and share the good news. We never post pictures of ourselves when our dog dies, when someone we love leaves, and when we lose a job. We never share the bad news that always clouds our lives. We all develop this perfect image of ourselves and some of us actually try to rely on this imaginative thought we have of ourselves instead of staying true to who we are,” adds Mitchell.

Yoko Ono, wife of the late Beatles singer, John Lennon, rightly said, ‘Every moment in our lives is a miracle. We should enjoy instead of ignoring’. l

Social media disconnecting people from reality.Source: www.picjumbo.com


SPECIAL

VOX POP - HOW DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTS COMMUNICATION?

Siddharth AvadhanamStudent at Michigan State University, USAMasters in Biostatistics (First Year)

As millennials grow through school, college and into adulthood, we are afforded the kind of opportunities that only a seamlessly connected information age could provide. Staggering as the rate of technological development is, a point of even graver concern is the unforeseeable yet often pernicious effects this can have on lifestyle, ideology and worldview. I believe this perpetuates a profound sense of disconnect from our own lives.

Davina SreeramanExecutive Diabetes Care Specialist, UK

Well, considering I am only Facebook in terms of social media, I think I am OK in terms of what is important and I know when to stop and spend time with the kids/family but there is no getting away from this new age. I do believe people in general spend far too much time on social media and communications within families have been really affected as a result. I want to have a balance with my children and I keep a close eye on what they do but I am concerned with the problems that come with it. I am in two minds but I feel it’s hard to curb this technology and we have to be strong willed to not let it overtake our lives and always have time to communicate face to face.

Sonia KhatriBeauty blogger at beautifulindubai.com

Social apps and the commonality of internet in our TV, phones, etc., has certainly blocked the special moments and direct communications that we used to once hold so often. People forget that social gatherings are so important for our social self-esteem and positivity. This instance alone shows that we are living in a virtual reality that has no basis to the outside world. We even tend to take our internet arguments more seriously than the ones we face in the real world.


SPECIAL

Selvina Parmeswaree GovindenStudent of History and Political Science at University of Mauritius (Second Year)

Social media acts as a barrier, therefore some people do not want to participate in any real discussion. For instance, ask a teenager if they prefer a real talk around the table with their parents or hiding behind their laptops? Probably most of them will reply (with) social media of course because they feel it is easier to spend life more on social media, rather having a real life with a real conversation. It is okay to have a social media life but we should know how to balance it between social lives.

Rakesh ShettyChartered accountant, Financial Technologies Group, Mumbai

Social media has lead the traditional forms of communication to a slow death. To communicate through the old means of letters and face-to-face conversations has its own little advantages that allow individuals to express according to the personal equations with the intended receiver. It not only develops and nurtures relationships, but also allows the use of body language to communicate and leads to improvement in language skills. Having said that, a mix of old and new platforms should be used as a holistic way of effective communication.

Malavika VinodStudent of Architecture at Manipal University, Dubai (Third Year)

We tend to fall for what we see on social media, the glamorous world, which might just be half the truth, or might not even be the truth. This tends to play on our minds and makes some of us get into depression and other trauma. Also, while chatting/texting, we develop a certain kind of understanding about the virtual side of a person, without even knowing the real person behind the screen, not to mention the emoticons camouflaging the true feelings of a person at times.

Ever dreamed of seeing your name in print? Do you have the passion but not the outlet? If yes, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Write for Imprint, the Manipal University Dubai newsletter and earn some serious college cred. Contact us at

[email protected]


FEATURE

What is Shukran Workers?

Conceptualized in 2014, a group of 12 young professionals, that calls itself Shukran Workers, strives to go beyond the usual to spread smiles.Despite a tight schedule and their nine-to-five jobs, the team devotes time and works round the clock to give back to the poorer sections of the society, almost every month.

Shukran Workers’ Initiatives

‘Shukran Workers’ translates to ‘thank you, workers’ and that is exactly what the team aims to do through its initiatives; Hollywood and Bollywood movie screenings for male and female domestic workers, bearing in mind the diverse nationalities, (provision of popcorn, drinks and a dessert accompanied by games and activities) and care packages distributed to construction workers

(inclusive of food and toiletries).

“My photo from the movie night event featured in the 7Days newspaper. I have saved that article and I’ll always treasure that memory.” Recalled Claira, an Indian domestic worker who works for a family in Bur Dubai.‘Nepal Dil Se’, was a counseling session organized by the team to tackle the

problems of the Nepali diaspora in the region after the

disastrous earthquake.

Say “Shukran”, students!

The team gladly opens its doors to students to volunteer through either cash or kind and is hoping to add to its team by trying to involve more fresh talent. Register as a volunteer by sending an inbox

Smiles that go milesExpressing gratitude to house help or construction workers through food, money in times of crisis and clothes is common. But Mohit Bhojwani and Prakarti Lakhwani decided to do the unconventional by pulling it a notch higher.


FEATURE

to the Shukran Workers team! Shukran Workers strikes the right chord by calling out to people to ‘register’ their house help for such events.

Register your house help!

A “thank you” is too less to express gratitude towards our house help. So, do good and feel better by registering them for the special movie nights! Call Mohit Bhojwani or Prakrati Lakhwani on 055-5353995/050-7055586 or connect with the team through their social media platform!

Earnest youngsters volunteer for a recent eventSource: Shukran Workers Facebook Page

Why should I volunteer?

It is imperative that students understand that, apart from making you feel good about yourself, volunteering is an activity that greatly adds to a CV. At this stage, students are often swamped with work and have no time to spare. Any little time available is dedicated to internships to broaden career aspects. Priority is given to activities that reward.

“Volunteering may take the last space on a CV, but it’s no way the last thing a prospective employer would consider while deciding if you are the right person for the job. It shows

that you are taking time to help someone else, and are able of selfless behavior. That, in my book makes you stand out to any employer.” Said co-founder of Shukran Workers, Prakarti Lakhwani.So, the next time you ask yourself, “Why?”, first ask yourself, “Why not?” Contribute to a smile that goes miles! l

By Disha Dadlani

Nobody understands the joy of giving like Shukran Workers! Source: Shukran Workers Facebook Page

For a good cause: UAE’s leading NGOs

1) Dubai Cares: This charitable organization that ropes in students to contribute their efforts and acknowledges them, aims to increase children’s access to quality education in developing nations.

2) Dubai Toastmasters Club: With an aim to provide a platform to all, regardless of age, to hone their speaking skills, Dubai Toastmasters Club is a great opportunity for those who claim that they are stage phobic!

3) Dubai Blood Donation Centre: Saving a life is the noblest act one can perform. You can help too! Donate blood and save a life if you fall within the prescribed age criteria.

4) Valley of Love: The name of this NGO elicits a sense of solace and hope. With no target audience, Valley of Love intends to help anyone who is seeking assistance.

5) Friends of Cancer Patients: Battling cancer is what many NGOs in the region aim to achieve, but FCOP tries to take it a notch higher through its committed efforts. This volunteer based organization has offered support to over 700 cancer patients and their families.

Fashion SIN-nersBy Suha Sabith

From a set-dresser to a Harvey Nichols stylist, Samantha Francis

has proved why fashion is a necessity to her. Her unique trends and style expertise has been featured in a number of magazines and websites for fashion fanatics to devour. With her online platforms, especially her blog, Samantha has served as inspiration to those who would love to trudge on the sandy dunes of Dubai’s fashion. According to Samantha, “It’s not about ‘who you wear’, or ‘what you wear’, but ‘how you wear it’,” and she’s going to tell you exactly how to stay fashionable for the winter that’s lurking around the corner.

1) When did you first venture into the world of fashion and styling?

I started with a styling, interior and product presentation study when I was 16. The education took 4 years and I learned everything from visual merchandising, photography,

graphic design, mannequins, dressing, art, marketing and even classes that teach you about light and colours! During my studies I did a lot of freelance styling jobs, from set-styling for a famous Dutch TV series ‘GTST’, working in the creative art department for ‘Supperclub’, and styling for photo shoots and fashion shows.

2) What piece of fashion would be a wardrobe staple for Winter?

This season big trend focuses are the 60’s and 70’s! From

turtle-necks to a-line dresses and mini-skirts, it should all be in your wardrobe! There is also still a big presence in the Boho trend. As for footwear, it seems that the platform soles are making an exit and chunky heels are totally back!

3) How do you balance between your job and maintaining a blog?

It is very hard to balance a full time job together with a blog. Luckily, I am a stylist, so the blog helps as a tool to keep myself inspired. My priority is my daytime job, and I see my blog as a hobby. Whenever I need inspiration or want to express myself, I turn to my Instagram, ‘@styleisnecessity’ or Snapchat ‘Sin-Lovesyou’. I also love writing and I do this by curating blog posts on my website ‘www.styleisnecessity.com’.

4) Where do you look for inspiration to style yourself on a dull day?

I always do a lot of research

INTERVIEW

when I travel, I take street style pictures of strangers, which I will then update on my blog, and I love to look at online platforms such as ‘vogue.com’ or read blogs. A huge form of inspiration is also Instagram.

5) What tips would you like to give students who want to be fashionable on a budget?

A lot of my looks are a combination of designer mixed with low priced clothes. I tend to buy my basics and items that don’t relate to a strong trend from designer brands as they produce durable quality. I shop a lot during the sale and also love to browse around on ‘www.theoutnet.com’, where you can find huge discounts on designer items! Clothes that are really on trend and easily go out of fashion, I usually don’t spend too much money on. My favourite place to shop is obviously Zara, H&M and Asos is amazing too! I recently discovered this website called ‘Public Desire’, on which I already ordered over 10 pairs! Very addictive!

6) Given the choice would you invest in a really good pair of footwear or jacket for this winter?

I have a huge shoe addiction! Especially in Dubai, there is always an occasion to wear a pair of beautiful heels or trendy sneakers. As the weather does not allow jackets, the full year through I would definitely go for a pair of shoes!

For more information on how to stay updated of worldwide lifestyle trends, DIY’s, and a daily fashion fix, check out the Samantha Francis Blog. l


INTERVIEW

EVENTS CALENDER

Daman’s ActiveLife Electric RunWHEN: 6 NovemberWHERE: Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Nad Al ShebaThe world’s brightest five kilometre night run comes to Dubai.

Game Evolution - The Next LevelWHEN: 6 - 7 NovemberWHERE: Dubai World Trade CentreGame Evolution brings together dedicated and professional gamers from around the egion into one location to compete against one another.

Dubai Motor Festival 2015WHEN: 10 - 21 NovemberThe festival offers citizens an array of motor-related activities and experiences.

Sharjah Book FairWHEN: 4 - 14 NovemberSharjah International Book Fair is one of the largest and the most prestigious book fairs in the Arab world.

The Color Run 2015WHEN: 21 NovemberThe happiest and most colourful five kilometre run is back in Dubai.WHERE: Dubai Autodrome


Samantha FrancisSource: Supplied


EXPRESSION

SURVIVALKARAN HANJ

You either hold on to it or you let it go,But the only thing that matters is if you know. If you know what you are, if you know what you can do,If you can sail through the storm, or hopelessly drown inside that blue.

Your inner voices need control over what they tell,You get tugged and pushed with that little force like a bell.You keep telling yourself that it’s going to happen soon,But is it soon enough or are you fooling yourself too?

As this battle continues to go further and deeper,You lose that strength and it stops you from being a keeper.Your unwillingness to strangle yourself,And re-writing that one chapter from that book on the shelf,The pages were all open and empty since you left,Why re-write it then, when you can just outset.

The Cheesiest Pick-Up Lines

(Cautionary warning: use at your own risk. We are not responsible for injured or missing limbs and organs)

BY NIKHIL SUNIL

1. If you like bananas come with me cause I’m akela.

2. Can I pin you against my wall cause you’re a master piece.

3. You must be exhausted running on through mind all day.

4. If I was a cat I’d spend all nine lives with you.

5. Do you buy your pants on sale? Cause they’d be 100% off at my place.

6. Can I follow you home? Cause my parents always told me to follow my dreams.

7. Is your dad a baker? Cause you sure are a cutie pie!

8. Does your left eye hurt? Cause you’ve been looking right all day.

9. I’m no photographer, but I sure can picture us together.

10. I lost my number, can I have yours?

Originating from the traditional pagan festival of Ireland,

Samhain, Halloween is now celebrated across the world in different majorities.

Peculiar practices on this day involve tricks and treats, pumpkin painting, and imagery based on the changing seasons. Samhain was originally a festival held to mark the onset of winter and offset of summer.

Families and friends got together as they feasted and offered jewels and clothes in order to pay homage to death. Marketers and advertisers use the occasion to attract consumers with the element of fear and comedy. The supernatural and magnanimous image of the festival lends to the large number of myths and folklore that have been performed in relation to the fest for time immemorial. Here are a few:

1. THE JACK O’ LANTERNS One of the most common images that comes to mind when one thinks of Halloween

is the yellow, carved pumpkins, lit up and crafted to look scary and creative.

In the earlier days, this practice was done using turnips with carved-out faces to represent goblins. Later, in the UK, people started using pumpkins to satisfy this age-old belief of scaring people using these lanterns. These were also used while collecting food and cakes from door to door as a symbol of the dead.

2. APPLE BOBBINGIt is believed that this practice of bobbing apples led to the worship of Pomona, the ancient Roman goddess of green and luscious trees and gardens.

The Samhain festival, held on 1 November, was significant of harvest and hence, this practice of respecting the fruits. British author W. H. Davenport Adams describes the practice in the following way, “(The apples) are thrown into a tub of water, and you endeavor to catch one in your mouth as they bob round and round in provoking fashion. When you have caught one,

you peel it carefully, and pass the long strip of peel thrice, sun-wise, round your head, after which you throw it over your shoulder, and it falls to the ground in the shape of the initial letter of your true love’s name.”

3. TREATS AND TRICKS Halloween can definitely be spooky, but in addition to that, it’s associated with role-play, costumes, stories, horror, as well as fun. Mumming is one such practice where everyone dresses up in their favorite costumes, related to tradition, and goes from door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes. The pranks and ‘penny guy’ are also two immensely popular and enjoyed traditions.

4. GAMES AND STORIES Every Halloween celebration is incomplete without a few stories of the dead, and evoking the supernatural powers to answer questions and scare away people. Don’t be shocked to hear that, if you dry your clothes inside out and walk backwards, you will meet a witch. l

EXPRESSION

Recalling the Traditional Halloween FolkloreBy Karishma Hingorani


Ever dreamed of seeing your name in print? Do you have the passion but not the outlet? If yes, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Write for Imprint, the Manipal University Dubai newsletter and earn some serious college cred. If no, write for us anyway. It’s good for the portfolio.

You can contact us [email protected]


FEATURE

Being a chef is not an easy task. Before they can even enter the culinary workforce, chefs have to deal with societal pressures. For Craven D’Souza, chef at Jean-Georges fine dining restaurant in Dubai, it was a difficult step to enter into this industry. “Coming from an engineering background, it was hard for me to diversify into the food industry. Many people look at that choice of mine as hopeless.” Craven however turned the negativity around and focused on his work, because of which he stands at a much better place today.

Abhishek Arora, a student at the Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi, also went through a similar phase. “My family was pretty much okay about me doing this course. Relatives on the other hand made rude comments as they saw it as a lowly job but once I explained to them what the job was like, they stopped commenting.”

The pressures of the kitchen are next to be tackled with.

“Commercial kitchens are tough and nothing like the fantasy world the media

portrays to us. Pressure is very high and minor mistakes could lead to some serious consequences. But the kitchen is for those who are tough at heart and strong in mind.”The pressure is further aggravated when a gender

divide is created in the kitchens. While more women are embracing the restaurant

industry, the industry still continues to be dominated by men. According to a 2012 report by The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of 403,000 people employed as chefs or head cooks in the United States, only 21.5

Stirring the Culinary PotPressures and gender divide in the culinary workforce

By Kanika Mathur

FEATURE

percent were women. “The stereotype that women belong in home kitchens’ is slightly fading away as more females seem to be entering the industry. But to be frank, a male dominated environment is not exactly a congenial environment for women”, says Abhishek. “In a hotel where I had been to recently, most of the staff was ‘tharki’ (flirtatious).”

Abhishek does not seem to be far off the mark with his observations. “For the short period of time that I’ve worked in the industry, I’ve faced a lot of stereotypical

comments from men. It might vary from perverted comments to comments about you being weaker than others or sneaky gestures to show you that ‘women don’t belong here’”, says Amreen Khokawala, final year student at Kohinoor IMI, Maharashtra.

She further recalled an interview where she was asked a question that bothered her – “In the future, if you get married and have children, would your career still be your first priority?” Out of 30 students who are all boys, and her being the only girl, she wonders why this question

was asked only to her. “They [batch mates] are going to get married and have kids too. So what’s the deal with being a woman and having kids?”

Craven agrees on the fact that there are differences in the way men and women are treated in the kitchen. But he also says that there are pros and cons to it. “As a woman, you get more leeway. You can be treated with a bit more care in general, but it depends on who is the kitchen boss. The con is that as a woman, you are already deemed to belong to the pastry field. If you’re more of a tomboy, you will go through a lot of gross conversations and some serious swearing. It depends on how the girl portrays herself and her abilities in the kitchen.”

So, in an industry where gender divide is prominent, how does one overcome this divide?

“It is sometimes a big demotivation, but when a person gets frustrated of always being brought down because of their gender, the same reason motivates them to prove themselves better than the others in the industry”, states Amreen. l


Amreen Khokhawala, student at Kohinoor IMI, Maharashtra.Source: Farheen Khokhawala

The pressures of working in a culinary kitchen are so many.Source: Google Images


FEATURE

D eanna Schober had never been happy with her body.

She was always comparing herself to others and never felt good enough. She found herself caught up in the negativity of jealousy projected towards women who she thought had perfect bodies.

After years of living with body shame issues she finally got a wakeup call and realised that she was sick of being unhappy with herself. With the oppressive beauty standards that exist today, body shaming has become a norm in our daily lives. It is common to find people like Deanna who spend years feeling dissatisfied with their bodies.

Now working as a nutrition coach and running a fitness website called Coach Calorie along with her husband, Deanna helps people develop a positive body image and lead a healthy lifestyle. “I can now look in the mirror, smile, and be happy with

Why body shaming needs to stopThe ugly nature of body shaming in modern society

By Sheanna Murray


FEATURE

what I see, no matter what I see,” she says in her post on Tiny Buddha, a motivational website. “Part of my beauty is the light that shines from within. I am at peace with myself.”The media is under continuous criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. According to studies done by Stanford University and the University of Massachusetts, 70% of college women say they feel worse about their own looks after reading women’s magazines.

Another study showed that watching prime-time television

and music videos make men more uncomfortable with themselves. Body shaming has also been linked to depression, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, suicidal tendencies, etc. Even celebrities are not spared the constant humiliation of body shaming.

According to The Daily Dot, although Serena Williams has dominated women’s tennis for years, she has always been subject to criticism about her appearance. A Twitter user recently tweeted, “I hate Serena that ugly monkey doesn’t deserve to win”. Even after achieving great success

people still equate her athletic abilities to her appearance. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez have also been victims of body shaming.

Another major problem is that body shaming is considered to be an issue concerning only women.

“While we focus so much on body shaming women and how it is wrong, people don’t care about men being body shamed,” says Canadian fashion model Liskula Cohen.

A study by the British Health Service shows that the number of men being admitted to hospitals for eating disorders has risen by two-thirds between 2001 and 2011.

Body shaming is not the issue of a particular gender or race. It is a form of bullying and degradation that concerns society as a whole. “Step away from the ‘Mean Girls’ and say ‘bye-bye’ to feeling bad about your looks.” Says Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host and philanthropist .Are you ready to stop colluding with a culture that makes so many of us feel physically inadequate? Say goodbye to your inner critic and be kinder to yourself and others. l

Body shaming doesn’t promote a healthy figureSource: picjumbo.com

You don’t have to be victimised for your body typeSource: picjumbo.com


FEATURE

The coming of the digital age has made technology an

indecisive part of our everyday lives and has also made our lifestyle more hectic than ever before. People usually find themselves juggling between listening to news, reading e-mails and replying to text messages. It is no wonder that an increasing amount of research is being focussed on the effects of multitasking.

A study conducted by Stanford University in 2009, as reported by Forbes, suggests that multitasking reduces productivity. It also says that heavy multitaskers are more prone to distraction and find it difficult to recall information. Dhruv Parmar, a foundation student of Manipal University, Dubai agrees with the above findings. “I cannot do too many things at a time,” he says. “If I try to multitask, I easily lose focus.” Completing one task at a time is better than trying to do too many at once and leaving them incomplete.

According to another study conducted by Ohio

State University in 2012, multitasking meets emotional needs but fails to meet cognitive needs. So you might be under the illusion that multitasking is productive, but in reality, your productivity has been reduced.

And yet, not everyone believes that multitasking is bad. “If you are capable of doing two or more things at the same time, then I don’t think there is any harm in multitasking.” Says Allister Pereira, a third-year Mechatronics student at Manipal University, Dubai. “With our busy schedules, multitasking has become a necessity. I also think that being able to focus on many things at a time shows a person’s potential.”

In an interview with Earthsky, Earl Miller, professor of neuroscience at MIT said it is true that people lose focus while multitasking and this affects the quality of work. But the brain is continuously rewiring itself. He says, “A younger person who grows up in an environment where there are too many things

demanding attention gets used to multitasking.” While the debate continues on whether multitasking is really helpful or just a necessary evil, many people feel that we get the best outcome when we slow down and take one step at a time.

“While it is true that life is short, it is also true that life is long, meaning that we have time, and that we don’t have to try to make giant changes, or a million changes all at once, which can leave us so overwhelmed that we make none.” Says David Singer, author of ‘Six Simple Rules for a Better Life’. l

The Obsession with MultitaskingIs multitasking really productive?

By Sheanna Murray

FACTSThere are people who multi-task efficiently.

Unfortunately, they are comprised of only 2% of

the population.For music lovers Stanford professor, Clifford Nass

says we have a special part of our brain for music, so

we can listen to music while doing other things.

IMPRINT - Manipal Dubai Student News: Issue #1

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