Amid hectic work schedules, tentative vacay plans, and the never-ending to-do list that’s lingering on us, you’d agree that we are all doing the best we can to live the fullest and stay fit in our small but unique way. And days like, June 21, which is celebrated every year as International Yoga Day, act as a gentle reminder to embrace health and wellness. According to the Ministry of AYUSH, yoga is key to improving flexibility, strength, balance, and attaining harmony. And its popularity across the globe is proof enough.

Handful of Walnuts

What is important to remember here, however, is the fact that this ancient practice alone can’t help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Yoga and a nutritious, balanced diet go hand in hand, and eating the right foods ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it requires for optimal health – not just body but also mind.

“Adding a handful of walnuts to your daily diet can set you off to a great start and fuel your brain and body,” says Naaznin Husein, renowned Nutritionist, Yoga Consultant, and Founder of Freedom Wellness Management. She further explains, “By a handful, I mean approx. 28g of walnuts that contain 4g protein, 2g fiber, and 2.5g plant-based omega-3 ALA. All these beneficial nutrients are known to support the health of our heart, brain, and gut.”

Did you know that California walnuts are produced under stringent quality controls that exceed California inspection standards, reputed to be the world’s toughest? It’s a long road from planting a walnut orchard to delivering fresh, delicious walnuts to our local markets. Not only this, these wonderful crunchy and mildly sweet wonder nuts, when added to our daily diet, can help in overall wellness, shows research:

1) Say hello to a healthy heart

Loaded with good fats (plant-based omega-3 ALA), walnuts, as part of a nutritious and balanced diet, may decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.¹  They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and decrease blood pressure, two of the major risk factors for heart disease.^2,3

2) Focus on immunity

Walnuts are a good source of plant-based vitamin B, zinc, and selenium – the trio that boasts of the potential to ensure normal functioning of our immune system as per FSSAI’s Eat Right during COVID-19 guidelines.⁴

3) Weight maintenance

Most of us exercise to lose weight and get into the perfect shape. While walnuts may not make you shed those extra calories, they sure help along the way. Research shows walnuts’ potential role in influencing appetite hormones that make you feel full for longer. Which, in turn, avoids unnecessary cravings.⁵

4) Reduce the risk of diabetes

One of India’s most common and concerning diseases is diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. It has been discovered that walnuts, as part of a healthy diet, may help manage diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A study representing more than 34,000 American adults suggests those who consume walnuts may have about half the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to adults who do not eat nuts.⁶

Here are some quick hacks Nutrition and Yoga expert, Naaznin Husein recommends to add walnuts into the daily diet regime:

1) Blend it into your pre-workout/post-workout smoothie to keep yourself energized.

2) Toss it into your salad or trail mix to transform them into an omega-3-rich meal/snack.

3) Add them to your curries and tikkas, and you can say goodbye to the cream for good.

4) Coat your meat and seafood with chopped walnuts for that extra crunch and nutrition quotient.

5) Indulge in a handful of walnuts to fix your mid-meal hunger pangs.

References:

¹Fleming JA, Kris-Etherton PM. The evidence for α-linolenic acid and cardiovascular disease benefits: comparisons with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. AdvNutr. 2014;5(6):863S-76S. doi: 10.3945/an.114.005850.

²1FDA approved claim: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, March 2004. One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3.

³2Kris-Etherton P. Walnuts decrease risk of cardiovascular disease: a summary of efficacy and biologic mechanisms. J Nutr. 2014; 10: 39:2S-8S.

⁴fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Guidance_Document_Eat_Right_07_06_2020.pdf

⁵Farr OM, Tuccinardi D, Upadhyay J, et al. Walnut consumption increases activation of the insula to highly desirable food cues: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over fMRI study. Diabetes ObesMetab. 2018;20(1):173-177. doi: 10.1111/dom.13060.

⁶Arab L, Dhaliwal SK, Martin CJ, et al. Association between walnut consumption and diabetes risk in NHANES. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2018;34(7):e3031. doi:10.1002/dmrr.3031.

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Oakridger Khashikha spreading awareness on Menstrual Health at one of her missions Samrakhsa

As part of her community project in MYP Grade 8, she educated adolescent girls and women on menstrual hygiene, its management and waste disposal, while suggesting solutions that would also uplift underprivileged women. Interacting with rural women in Warangal, Telangana, she was disheartened to hear about some terrible menstrual practices that could be extremely hazardous to women’s health. Through her surveys, she learnt that hygienic facilities, poor economic conditions, lack of awareness, shame, and social curbs were some of the barriers for rural women. “Menstrual hygiene is a multi-faceted issue, and the evidence compels us to address it in a holistic manner engaging not only adolescent girls and women but also the environment and society around them.” says Oakridger Khashikha.

Backed by her parents’ support, Khashika established Avadhi Foundation, an NGO committed to creating a positive impact, by educating adolescent girls and women to adopt effective and hygienic menstrual management practices that are safe for the body and mother earth.  She has also conducted multiple awareness sessions to promote Menstrual Hygiene at various institutions and communities.

Intrigued by the Sanskrit language, she has named her NGO as Avadhi, a Sanskrit word meaning “period” and she works for three Missions under the foundation.  Mission Sameeksha that seeks to break the silence over menstruation with awareness sessions in schools, colleges, orphanages, tribal areas, and underprivileged sectors. Mission Samraksha works to protect human health and the planet by gifting underprivileged women an ‘Avadhi Dignity Period Hamper’ with period panties, reusable cotton pads, a leak proof pouch, and an instruction leaflet. Mission Samseva aims to empower rural women with employment, by training them to stitch reusable cloth pads.

“I thank my school and teachers for molding me to lead various IB profiles throughout my education at Oakridge. Multiple activities, teaching-learning process, mentoring, and exposure to global issues at Oakridge have inspired me to go forward to serve society. All credit for my personality growth goes to my school and teachers,” said Khashikha.

“Out of shame and superstitions associated with this biological phenomenon, women are restricted irrespective of their social and economic status. I am immensely proud of Khashika for addressing this taboo subject and instilling confidence among underprivileged and uneducated women. Her efforts to address environmental hazards and empower women through employment is commendable,” said Principal, Hema Chennupaty.

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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

This book chronicles the issues faced by Hindus, who are currently residing in Pakistan. According to the author, this book is a living depiction of the suffering of Hindus living in Pakistan. This book describes in detail the ill-treatment that the people of Hindu society have been facing in Pakistan for 70 years in the face of the tragedy of the Partition of India.
It also proves that only Hindus have suffered all the loss due to the partition of India on the basis of religion.

Sherpuria has done extensive research on this topic over the years. He penned down the book on the basis of his research. He has also played an important role in settling a settlement of Pakistani Hindus in Delhi. At the same time constantly striving to improve the lives of refugees.

In this ceremony, along with Bhagwat, Param Pujya Shankaracharya, Jyotirmath Peethadhishwar Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj and Shrinath Peethadhishwar Swami Jitendra Nath Ji Maharaj, besides many saints of Panchayats, Akharas and Peeths of the country and abroad were also present.

Odessa, Ukraine: The tragedy of the war in Ukraine has made it necessary to evacuate the ਸੈੰਚੀਆੰ (‘Sainchian/religious scriptures’) and ਗੁਟਕੇ (‘Gutke/sacred prayer tablets’) from the port city of Odessa in Ukraine. This virtuous seva was critical as the residents of Odessa had been preparing to defend the city from an imminent attack after the siege of Mariupol nearby. This sewa was made successful by the joint efforts of Sikh Defense Network-UK, Sikh Dharma International and the UNITED SIKHS. The holy scriptures are being respectfully brought into the United Kingdom, where they will be received by the Sangat and then taken to the National Sikh Museum in Derby, UK.

Simran Singh from Sikh Dharma International traveled from London to Iasi in Romania, from where he took a car to drive into the Moldovan capital Chisinau. The outskirts of the city were met by the members of the Ukrainian People’s Self Defense Organization. The general advice given was to not travel due to the city being prepared for assault. The entire sequence of the journey was an experience of grace and filled with Chardhi Kala, and joyful anticipation of the darshan of the scriptures.

The ਸੈੰਚੀਆੰ and ਗੁਟਕੇ were then collected from Odessa Gurdwara Sahib, following all the protocols and with utmost care. The ਸੈੰਚੀਆੰ will be taken for safekeeping by the National Sikh Museum in Derby. The sangat has been invited to the airport in Luton where flight arrives today at 1:40

“We are overjoyed that Guru Ji provided the blessing of retrieving the Sanchia at such a difficult time,” said Simran Singh, Global Affairs Advisor of Sikh Dharma International. “Coordinating on the ground with United Sikhs and the UK Sikh Defense Network in this mission was a game changer and it is together that the panth is the strongest. Now, our focus must remain on the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine, where millions of people are in extreme duress, where food is in short supply, and where countless refugees are hiding or worse. United Sikhs is currently running convoys into Ukraine to evacuate Sikh and Hindu students, is feeding thousands of refugees on the entire sangat’s behalf at their langar hall, and is available to any person needing help. We are extremely grateful for their tireless work.”

Pritpal Singh Bhullar, Vice Chairman, UK Sikh Defense Network said, “When we started planning this mission with Simran Singh, it was important that he had real time knowledge of movements and travel routes to ensure his and scriptures safe return. The area is under military siege, with civilians evacuated, and we had to efficiently navigate military blockades, armored vehicle columns, and pending bombardments. We are particularly grateful to the Ukrainian People’s Self Defense Organization from Lviv for coordinating Ukrainian vehicles and non-military drivers at personal risk and during their own tremendous need. We are overjoyed that with Guru Ji’s blessing, this mission was a success.”

UNITED SIKHS has been involved in serving the emergency needs of refugees escaping the destruction of their country. This includes distributing warm meals to eat, tea/coffee, goodwill supplies, a warm and secure shelter in bitterly cold climate and conducting rescue operations along the Ukraine/Poland border for close to a month.

Gurpal Singh, UNITED SIKHS head of Security Operations said, “Thanks to Vaaheguroo that Guru Saheb’s most sacred Senchiaa and Gutkas have made their way out. The collective approach of sikh brothers and sisters in this operation with the Polish NGO’s, Ukrainian Civil Authorities and their NGO’s is a sign of           a collective human spirit to save humanity-in war or peace. We recognize Simran Singh and the Sikh Dharma International Sangat in their collective effort to join forces and work as a truly global Team. Their humanitarian supply, evacuation, and food delivery seva for the Ukrainian people are deeply inspirational as well. This Mission is a tribute to universal protection of places of worship globally and we are thankful to the Sikh National Heritage Museum in Derby, UK where they will be placed.”

Thousands of saints and lakhs of Hindus gathered in Mahakumbh at Chitrakoot.

The Sangh chief called for unity among Hindus.

Hindus have to be Himalayas: Swami Rambhadracharya

”Only the Hindus unity will pave the way for human welfare in the world.” Today, the huge forum of Hindu Ekta Mahakumbh organized in Chitrakoot has given many such important messages to the world. In the same forum, Sir Sangh Chalak Mohan Bhagwat of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also released Sanjay Rai Sherpuria’s book Hindu Dharma Ki Dharohar, Bhartiye Sanskriti.

He said that the title itself gives a comprehensive introduction to this book. What is Sanatan Hindu Dharma and how it is continuously functioning as an invaluable treasure of Indian culture? These facts are the basis of this book. He further said, “Words like Yagya, Havan, Shankh, Padma, Cow, Trishul, Mandir, Devasthan is in Sanatan Hindu Vedic culture only. These are not only words, but the pronunciation of these words itself reflects that what is the secret of life and life itself? What are our Gods, Goddesses and religious symbols?  Why and how much important they are?

The way the society is changing and many worship systems are evolving in the world. In such an environment, if anyone wants to know and understand Hindu culture, they must read this book of Sanjay Rai Sherpuria. The manner in which the eternal symbols have been presented in the form of rosary of beads in this book is amazing. All the major facts, elements and symbols are present in this book to understand Indianness, culture and Hindu heritage. This book is such a key that will play an efficient role in connecting the future generations to their origins and understanding Hindu culture.

The Hindu Ekta Mahakumbh at Lord Shri Ram’s Sankalp Bhoomi Chitrakoot concluded today with great happiness and new energy in the grand presence of thousands of saints and lakhs of Hindu community. The convener of this event was Tulsi Peeth’s successor Acharya Ramchandra Das and patron Dharmachakravarti Tulsipeethadhishwar Swami Rambhadracharyaji. Today many messages were given to the world in the matter of Hindutva from this vast platform.

Organized under the patronage of Tulsi Peethadheeshwar, Padmavibhushan, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, in this Mahakumbh the Sarsangh Chalak Mohan Bhagwat of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was the chief guest of the program. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadhvi Ritambara, Swami Chidanand Muni, Ramesh Bhai Ojha, Ramvilas Das Vedanti and almost all saints and sages of India’s Sanatan Vedic Hindu tradition were present on the occasion.

This event has been organized at a time when various types of conspiracies are being planned against Hindu culture in the country and the world. With the abolition of Article 370 in Kashmir, the construction of the huge Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, the construction of Baba Vishwanath Corridor in Kashi, the salvation of Lord Shri Krishna Janasthali in Mathura, etc many remarkable works have progressed. Divisive conspiracies of caste, sect and creed are being done to break the unity of Hindus. In such a time, this event is important in many ways. This is an attempt to acquaint the world with the vast nature of Hindutva.

In this event, an attempt was made to give a message that all the representatives of Samagra Hindutva should join in and strengthen social unity by giving the message of Hindu unity from one platform. In this event, apart from the saints, an attempt was also made to represent the socio-cultural identity of the country.

The Hindu Ekta Mahakumbh is going to be organized on 15th December at Chitrakoot, the Sankalpbhoomi of Lord Shri Ram. Sarsangh Chalak Mohan Bhagwat of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will be the chief guest in this event which is being organized under the patronage of Tulsi Peethadheeshwar, Padmavibhushan, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Gorakshpeethadhishwar Mahant Adityanath, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadhvi Ritambhara, Swami Chidanand Muni, Sant Vijay Kaushal, Rajkumar Das along with the saints and sages of almost all the Sanatan Vedic Hindu tradition of India will be present in this event.

Giving detailed information about this event, Acharya Ramchandra Das, the successor and convener of Tulsi Peeth told that this event is being organized at a time when various types of conspiracies are being played against Hindu culture in the country and the world. With the abolition of Article 370 in Kashmir, the construction of the grand Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the construction of Baba Vishwanath Corridor in Kashi, the salvation of Lord Shri Krishna Janasthali in Mathura, and many other remarkable works have progressed. Divisive conspiracies of caste, sect and creed are being done to break the unity of Hindus. In such times, this event is important in many ways.

He told that every effort is being made with this event that all the representatives of Samagra Hindutva should join in and strengthen social unity by giving the message of Hindu unity from one platform. In this event, apart from the saints, people efforts are also being made to represent the socio-cultural sector of the country widely. In this sequence, eminent actor Ashutosh Rana, Draupadi of serial Mahabharata and Rajya Sabha member Ms. Roopa Ganguly, Padmashree Malini Awasthi, singer and MP Manoj Tiwari, poet lyricist Dr. Kumar Vishwas, Manoj Muntashir and many other cultural activists are also participating in this event. Acharya Ramchandra Das told that in this event, five lakh people will take a vow of Hindu unity in one voice. The event will start on 14th December, 2021 and will end on 16th December, 2021.

Osho disciples recommend immediate investigation and audit of all Trusts of Pune Osho Ashram by a Central Agency
·        Disciples seek Minister Athawale’s intervention to stop the sale of the Pune ashram to private entities
·        Disciples plead intervention from Government of India to secure and protect the Osho Samadhi located at the Pune Ashram which constitutes national spiritual heritage
A delegation of Osho disciples from Osho Friends Foundation, a public trust which preserves and proliferates the teachings of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, today submitted an appeal to Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale to urgently institute an Inquiry Commission to audit all trusts of Osho Ashram, Pune and Mumbai as well as stop the sale of Bhagwan Rajneesh’s properties worth over 1000 Crore at the Pune Ashram. The delegation comprised of Osho disciples Swami Prem Geet, Sunil Mirpuri, Swami Chaitanya Keerti, Swami Kul Bhushan, Ma Dharm Jyoti, and Swami Atul Anand among others.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale said, “it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that justice is done especially in case of a renowned spiritual organization such as the one founded by Osho”.

Swami Prem Geet, Osho Friends Foundation said, “We, the disciples of Osho are seeking to protect the legacies of Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh. The legacies of Osho are national spiritual heritage which will benefit several generations to come. Our appeal to the Government of India comes in the backdrop of the Osho Ashram trust properties being siphoned outside India by foreigners and serious offences of money laundering and forgery of Osho’s will, reported against them. We therefore urge the Hon’ble Minister to set up a full-fledged Commission of Inquiry into the operations and finances of all trusts of the Osho Ashram in Pune and Mumbai with their links abroad”.
The delegation contended that Osho’s legacy was being systematically damaged and transferred overseas based on a forged will. The letter presented to the Minister stated that the intellectual properties and valuable articles of Osho have been smuggled outside of India by the present trustees and a handful of foreigners. These being priceless articles for Osho disciples are regrettably being traded in the international market for millions of dollars. Proceeds from Osho’s books, discourses, Osho websites along with cash collected at the Ashram without receipts are being deposited in dummy trusts, private companies of trustees and a handful of foreigners. The letter further mentioned that a court case against the management cites INR 1800 Crore as missing or transferred to private entities.
Hema Baweja, Osho Friends Foundation said, “Hon’ble Minister Athawale has accepted our appeal and we are optimistic that his intervention will bring justice to the Osho Community and public at large as well as prevent the loss of revenues of the Government of India in millions of dollars every year. We hope that a thorough investigation of all evidence by a central agency probe may be initiated along with an Administrator who would protect the Legacies of Bhagwan Rajneesh. The disciples of Osho are now looking up to the Central Government, seeking justice and an end to the criminal infiltration upon the heritage properties and invaluable assets comprising of the teachings of their beloved Osho Rajneesh”.
Osho Friends FoundationOsho Friends Foundation, registered under the provisions of the Maharashtra Public Trust Act, is a gathering of Osho disciples, friends and admirers proliferating Osho Work. The foundation is based in Pune, India, and was established in 2011.
It is currently the complainant in several court cases in India, including the case involving a forged will of Osho created by the board members of Osho International Foundation, Switzerland.
http://oshofriendsfoundation.com