LifeStyle – LakArts

Dec252025 by LakshartsNo Comments

Food for the soul

LifeStyle

Food is for nutrition, but it could be a passion and an emotional connect to fond memories. This is what NR Narayan designed with AI Gemini. presenting Vada Pav : A small round bread. Warm and soft. Inside, a mashed potato ball. Spiced, cooked, crisp on the outside. Garlic, chili, salt. Sometimes sweet, sometimes sharp. Held in one hand. Eaten standing. Fast food with a soul. Narasimha Raghavan Narayan Design created using Gemini What we found: Apparently Vada Pav was invented in Mumbai in the 1960s by street vendor Ashok Vaidya recognizing the need for an inexpensive, quick, and filling snack for the city's textile mill workers.

Oct202025 by LakshartsNo Comments

Don’t feel ashamed or guilty to talk about mental health

LifeStyle

The world has just celebrated World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October. This day came about as a result of a global advocacy and awareness program started by the World Federation for Mental Health way back in 1992. We have come a long way. The goal is clear - to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. This year's theme is 'Access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies.' Even after marking the day for more than three decades, many of us are still shy of being judged and would never think of actually seeking help. The impact is huge because it affects our daily life, relationships, and professional path. A physical ailment gets immediate attention, b...

Sep42025 by LakshartsNo Comments

The Empty Nest Syndrome

LifeStyle

One day the nestlings have to fly away. The animal kingdom keeps this as one of the objectives and would find it the most successful once their cubs show the spirit of independence. It is a different experience for the humans. Many parents are so involved in their children’s schooling and extracurricular activities that once their offspring move on for higher education, they are left with emptiness. A friend said she feels unwell on most of the days and has this nervous energy of not knowing what to do, and there is the self-doubt factor too. Both her children are abroad pursuing their higher studies. Her son consoled her, saying it could be all the free time she has on her hands. Maybe he is right. The mind, however, is another level altogether. Being with two teenagers would ...

Jun222025 by LakshartsNo Comments

Kids Can ‘Graduate’ from Hospitality This Summer at Grand Millennium Muscat’s First-Ever Turtle Camp

LifeStyle

Kids Can ‘Graduate’ from Hospitality This Summer at Grand Millennium Muscat’s First-Ever Turtle Camp Muscat, 18 June 2025: This summer, something truly unique is happening at Grand Millennium Muscat - and it is exclusively for kids. The hotel is introducing the ‘Turtle Hospitality Summer Camp’, a fun-filled, educational adventure designed for children aged 5 to 10. Running from June 29 to August 21, the camp offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity where kids don’t just play, they explore, discover, and even ‘graduate’ from hospitality. With the scorching summer heat pushing activities indoors, the Grand Millennium Muscat is transforming into a vibrant learning playground where young minds can dive into the exciting world of hotels and hospitality. The hotel has conceptualised...

Jun222025 by LakshartsNo Comments

Between the sunrise and sunset

LifeStyle, Uncategorized

Between the sunrise and sunset Lakshmi Kothaneth What do you when a person leaves this world and you never knew they were even ailing? We flow with life, until something shocks you to the reality. It is when the person makes an exit when so many memories rush in. Few months back, I met Mahmood Obaid and it was full of laughter and recording session of video. To know he has gone, is hard to accept but that is the reality. Looking back, I realised all of those memories leave a smile. It must have been special being Mahmood Obaid. His sense of humor brought in laughter at every gathering. But his seriousness to his profession as a broadcaster, writer, actor and director could be seen in his dedication. A quality I remember is being proactive. As a team, we had gone for the c...

Jun102025 by LakshartsNo Comments

Gold shines on

LifeStyle

Gold shines on Lakshmi Kothaneth There might be metals and minerals, but gold continues to shine. The dilemma has always been about whether to use gold as an investment or as jewelry. Traditionally in Arabic and Asian cultures, gold has been part of a woman’s personal wealth, especially her bridal jewelry. My friend tells me her favorite designs are traditional Omani designs. And others might say gold is too yellow, and they want something subtler, so perhaps they will opt for 18 carat gold, which is known to have 75% gold and 25% alloys. Whatever the case may be, gold continues with its demand and prominence. At present, the gold price is at its peak, and it is one metal that reflects world politics. This is the time people ...