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| HER WORLD | Sunday, December 7, 2003, Chandigarh, India |
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Social monitor Do you really require that
hysterectomy? When will we be fair to women’s skin?
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Social monitor The rate of divorce among Kashmiri Pandits has increased due to the flux caused by displacement. The increase in the number of women seeking divorce is attributed to the psychological stress related to migration, writes Prakriti Gupta
In 1995, only 30 divorce petitions came from the Pandits out of the 250 filed in court. In 2001, out of the 976 cases, members of the Pandit community filed 300 petitions. And in 2002, out of the 600 divorce petitions, Pandits—mostly aged between 25 to 40 years - filed 200. Dogras, Punjabis and Sikhs filed the rest of the divorce cases. There has also been an unprecedented increase in the number of petitions filed by Pandit women, court officials observe. According to Justice S.K. Jamwal, who heads the Matrimonial Court, cases of divorce within the community were very few, prior to the exodus of the Pandits from the Valley, which started more than a decade ago. Since then, thousands of Kashmiri Hindus have left their homes to find shelter in camps in Jammu, Delhi, and other cities. Professor Rekha Choudhary of the Political Science Department, Jammu University, has initiated research work on the impact of migration on the Kashmiri Pandit community. She says that migration from the Valley has led to extreme stress and sudden changes in living conditions. This, in turn, has resulted in the breakdown of the otherwise closely-knit social fabric of the community. The younger generation has largely failed to adjust to the difficult living conditions of migrants, and have become intolerant towards each other, she says. Choudhary's study focuses on Pandits living in refugee camps. In some Delhi camps, a family only had a thin curtain as a wall to separate it from another family. Many were used to living in big houses near freshwater streams. Due to overcrowding, several couples rarely shared private moments and often did not develop any physical or emotional relationship. The interference of in-laws further distanced them. Meena Koul of Purkhoo camp in Jammu, sought separation on grounds that her marriage was not consummated. "Due to lack of privacy, I could not develop a bond with my husband. Moreover, the stress of financial pressures and family responsibilities resulted in his impotence," she narrates. "The dominant factors of contention among Pandit couples are economic insecurity and incompatibility. Since the education graph in the community is very high, they are more aware of their legal and social rights and thus approach the court. Unwillingness of the couples to make minor adjustments is the major cause of disputes," says Justice Jamwal. Psychiatrist Vinod Dhar, who counsels several Pandit couples on marital disputes, says that after being forced to migrate, the community had to forgo everything else in order to survive. He adds that the breakdown of the traditional family structure and influence of other cultures have also led to the increase in marital discords. "A majority of the community had very little exposure to the urban lifestyle. Migration exposed them to different cultures, and materialism." The increase in the number of women seeking divorce is attributed to their economic independence, an awareness of their rights, and the psychological stress related to migration. Interestingly, some lawyers say that about a decade ago, divorce petitions filed by Pandit women were rare. But now, many come to the court of J & K, even if they have migrated to other states, and file for divorce. Besides the reasons of incompatibility, Pandit women are also seeking divorce from men who are unemployed or addicted to drugs or alcohol. Princy Bharti approached the court for divorce after three years of marriage. Her husband was unemployed and a drug addict. Shivani Dhar initiated legal proceedings against her husband last year. "I tolerated him for over three years but he did not stop drinking and ultimately I approached the court. I have a government job and can take care of my three-year-old daughter." The elders of the community however are
disturbed by this trend. M.L. Koul, the All India Kashmiri Pandit Sabha
General Secretary, agrees that the uprooting of the community from
Kashmir is largely responsible for the current crisis. In the absence
(or break up) of the joint family system, through which elders
intervened constructively to sort out problems, the couples have not
been able to settle their differences. WFS |
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Do you really require that hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is not a cure or panacea for all gynaecological complaints, considering the impact losing the uterus may have on various physiological functions, says Nirja Chawla The word hysterectomy has it's origin from the Greek hysteros, meaning uterus, and "ectomy" meaning removal. Hysterectomy, therefore, refers to the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). Such patients, naturally, do not have menstrual periods and cannot bear children. Today , hysterectomy is the commonest major gynaecological operation performed on women. About 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the USA. The statistics for India are not known but are likely to be more staggering because of the vast population . Despite great advances in surgical methods , hysterectomy even today is considered a major undertaking . A recent survey in 2002 showed that this surgery is associated with a mortality of 0.38 per 1000 and serious postoperative complications in about 3 per cent. Therefore, even though hysterectomy is curative for many gynaecological complaints , it is not a benign procedure that can be taken lightly. The important issues are : Is hysterectomy really required for your complaints ? Is there some way by which the uterus can be removed by means other than major abdominal surgery, but with lesser risks? Can you avoid removal of uterus itself, yet get relief from symptoms ? With improved understanding of the nature of processes in our body, the reasons for removing the uterus has steadily declined over the years. Patients who have weakness of the walls of the birth canal (vagina ) or supports of the uterus to give a sensation of "something coming out" have traditionally been offered repair of the supports and removal of the uterus. If the prolapse is of major degree , then this is justified. Increasingly, however, it has been felt that an attempt "to cure the bulge may not treat the reason for the defect". We now tend to treat prolapse in a way similar to hernias of the abdominal wall rather than do a mutilating surgery like hysterectomy. The best news is for those of you who "leak urine" when getting up or coughing. Why should you sacrifice your uterus for this when simple ways of using tension free tapes to support the urinary tube in a relatively minor procedure are available and you can be discharged the same day ! This is the era of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Not only are these much safer with fewer complication rates than open abdominal surgery, but they are patient-friendly procedures too because no big , rough hands are disturbing your insides. Only fine instruments are inserted , in the case of laparoscopic surgery , through "key holes" in the abdomen. In the case of hysteroscopic surgery, keyholes are not required because there is a natural passage below, the cervix, through which instruments can be introduced inside the uterus. Traditionally surgeries have always taken place in the operating theatre. With the development of newer technologies like these operations can now be done in "day care settings" . The patient can thus be discharged within 24 hours, has rapid recovery which is important because surgeries are often postponed due to commitments at work or family needs. The single most common reason for hysterectomy today is fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors of the muscles of the uterus. Women with small fibroids are best treated by leaving them well alone. Only those fibroids that cause symptoms will need treatment which does not necessarily mean removal of the uterus : fibroids inside the cavity of the uterus can be removed using the hysteroscope from below, others can be treated using laparoscopy, keeping certain limitations for both procedures in mind. If such limitations exist, one can block the blood supply to the fibroids so that they perish, by a procedure called uterine artery embolisation. If for some reasons this is not possible or if there are very many fibroids, one can, as a last resort, go in for hysterectomy . Heavy menstrual bleeding affects around 30 per cent of women and causes lethargy, exhaustion and repeated infections due to anaemia . At times, it also results in social embarrassment. Since 1843, when it was first described, hysterectomy has been considered as the "gold standard" for heavy periods. Today, one-fifth of all hysterectomies are done for this reason. In majority of such patients, however, there is no abnormality of the uterus itself but there is hormonal imbalance. Since the uterus is 90 per cent muscle and 10 per cent is the lining of the uterus from where the bleeding actually occurs, it is illogical to remove the whole uterus. Techniques are available whereby only the culprit , the lining of the uterus, is destroyed or ablated, as it is called. Of these ablative methods, computer-controlled, heated, fluid-filled balloon therapy has the longest safety record in the world. This is a simple eight-minute procedure, with more than 90 per cent success, after which the patient can go home and resume normal life within two days without sacrificing her uterus . With all these exciting possibilities now available, hysterectomy is not a cure or panacea for all gynaecological complaints, considering the impact losing the uterus may have on urinary, bowel, mood and sexual function. Despite these reservations, it is required as treatment of cancer of the uterus and ovaries and sometimes for some non-cancer gynaecological problems as well. Whenever possible , it is better to go in for laparoscopic hysterectomy rather than the older open surgery for best benefits. The writer is a gynaecologist.
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When will we be fair to women’s skin? JUST read any matrimonial advertisement looking for brides. Invariably, all of them mention that fair-complexioned girls are required for eligible sons. A highly educated woman confessed, "Though my son is rather dark complexioned, but I prefer a fair wife for him as I wish to have fair-skinned grand children! There will be a problem in getting them married if they are dark." Are fair women breeding cows of white-skinned progeny? Interestingly, many fair Indian women are not fussy about their grooms' complexion, provided that they are not extremely dark. They feel that fair grooms look rather effeminate. Decades ago, a know-all aunt of mine commented: "If a girl is fair complexioned and the boy is earning well, it's certainly a perfect match. Nothing else matters." By and large, this is still the common yardstick to measure qualities of a groom. Education, job, property, family background, facial features and even figure, are often all set aside in favour of bride's fair skin. It's a saving grace when all qualities are lacking. Some mothers take their dusky daughters to dermatologists to change their complexion! Blessings given by elders pertain to a fair child, wife or husband. Bollywood heroines and heroes croon gore gore/, banke chhore, gora gora/ chand sa mukhra, goriya tu kahan chali, gaon ki gori, etc. Take a look at TV ads. Cosmetic manufacturers proclaim to make a dark girl many shades fairer, in precisely only six weeks if she uses their particular brand of lotion or cream. It's essential that she do so—it's sure way to hook a prized groom or a plum job—as is depicted on screen. Indeed, her fair face is her fortune. Ironically, whereas TV opens windows of the world to you, yet it continues to preach old concept of fair skin, blindly and bluntly promoting colour bias, every few minutes. Ad agencies perpetuate this myth too. Ayurvedic fairness creams have extracts of roses, aloe vera, walnuts, oranges, saffron, licorice, wheat germs, and even pearls. Niacinamide, titanium dioxide and hydrolysed milk proteins are some of chemicals contained in fairness cosmetics. Dermatolo-gists say that chemicals can cause unseen damage at the cellular level like sloughing. Basic skin tone cannot be changed. Milk proteins can lighten it to some extent and that too temporarily, after prolonged use. Fairness creams, claiming to transform dark ducklings into white swans, fail to deliver their promised results but they do sell hope! How many women camouflage their natural skin tone by applying face powder (loose or compact) and even translucent one in shades of beige, rose, apricot, peach and off-white, apart from sunscreen lotions, to combat tan. Even beauty saloons do a brisk business by applying bleach packs, churning out temporarily fair women. Bleaching creams' key chemical ingredients are hydrogen peroxide and ammonium bicarbonate, often resulting in temporary itching, reddening and burning of skin. Grandmas' homemade packs usually contain malai, curdled milk and lemon juice, safe whitening and bleach agents. Colour-wise, the world is inhabited by three races namely: white, yellow and black ones respectively. V. Singh, a zoology lecturer who recently visited Uganda, narrates an ethnic African tale about origin of one's skin colour. One day God wished to colour mankind. He loved Africans the most, so He painted them black. But as He had only a little paint left, He could give only a few strokes of His brush to just a part of remaining human race, which eventually turned wheatish (yellow race). But God still managed to scrape out some colour that was sufficient to paint only the hair of a few humans, who had to remain fair-skinned (white race). "Scientifically, our skin contains melanocytes i.e. cells that produce melanin. The latter is black or dark brown pigment found to varying degrees not only in the skin but in hair and eyes as well, of both humans and animals. Therefore, the colour of one's skin is just a matter of how much melanin is there in it. More melanin gives dark pigmentation and protection from sun too. Chemicals in fairness creams redistribute melanin," explains Gagandeep Singh, a dermatologist. "Genetics and environment also determine one's skin colour Fair or dark complexion can be traced to both or either of parents or grandparents or uncle or aunt, having a particular skin colour. The climate also determines skin tone. One may be fair complexioned but the sun can tan skin if living in hot plains in a city like Delhi. Whereas, living in cool climes of hills like Shimla, definitely improves complexion." We all profess that beauty (read fair skin) is only skin deep. Yet we hanker after it. Even education has not changed people's attitudes. In fact, more and more women are vying for a fair complexion, which they feel certainly has an edge over the dark one. Undoubtedly, this concept is as old as the hills. Centuries ago, Egyptian queen Cleopatra bathed in asses' milk and scrubbed herself with concoctions prepared of herbals, powdered shells, dry milk, etc. to be white and appealing. Why this obsession? There are varying interpretations for this fad. As Kamla Sharma, a retired principal and broadcaster opines, "History reveals that fair-skinned races (hailing from cold regions) have fought and won over the darker ones, lending them an air of superiority eg. the Aryans. So this concept is just history's misconception. In recent past, it was the gora British who were ruled over Indians described by them as 'dark natives.' The goras were the sahib log, our lords and masters, who set our social standards. An extremely fair-complexioned person was appreciatively described as gora angrez jaisa. Therefore, the desire for a fair complexion may be a colonial remnant." Even after more than five decades of independence, are we mentally still slaves of the imperial era? Argues a historian pertinently, "Indian maharajas and nawabs married gori mems (i.e. European women,) just being fascinated by their white skins. Why didn't anyone marry a Negress?" Says Dr. Sood, a psychologist: "Black colour (read dark skin) has been associated with all that is sinister. Even night has been perceived as mistress of darkness. In sharp contrast, white colour (fair complexion) is linked with the sunny or brighter side of life. Hasn't Satan or devil been painted black whereas angels and fairies are always fair-skinned? Therefore, choice for a fair skin is a sub-conscious projection of this thought." Yet, we worship Lord Krishna, also called Ghanshyam (dark clouds) because of his dusky skin! "Just as white colour acts like a highlight in a painting, textile print or an interiors d`E9cor, similarly fair skin heightens one's personality," feels artist Neeloo Lakhanpal. Being dark in no way implies that one is ugly. Dusky women have good features too. "Frankly, dark beauties are extremely stunning, especially when they don white and wear silver jewellery," asserts Monica Seth, former Miss Shimla. Opines an anthropologist, "The yearning for fair skin extends not to humans but to animals as well. Aren't white horses, lions, tigers and elephants prized? Human beings are also animals, though social and intelligent ones. Why pick on women only?" Isn't it high time we changed our mindset? We must accept that whether one is fair or dark complexioned, beautiful skin is certainly that which is clear, has a fine texture with a natural healthy glow. All the same, external beauty has to be complimented with inner beauty, implying that one's thoughts (reflected in one's actions) must be positive too. As English Honours’ graduate Harleen Johar points out "William Blake's famous poem The Little Black Boy reveals that ultimately the colour of one's skin does not matter at all, but it is one's deeds that count, when one goes to Almighty after death." When will we wake up from
our centuries'-old slumber to be fair-minded to a woman's complexion? |
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Why mamas are cool It may not feel like it for a woman struggling to get her kids off to school just as the microwave explodes and the car gets a flat tire, but females with children are calmer under pressure and deal with adversity better, according to a US researcher. Neuroscientist Craig Kinsley of the University of Richmond does his work with rats, but he said his findings probably apply to other animals and humans as well. Kinsley found that female rats that have had one or more litters are much less stressed out when provoked than rats without pups. When he examined their brains, he found much less activity in the fear centres of the brains of mother rats. Writing in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, he called the phenomenon "maternal-induced neural plasticity." In 1999, Kinsley published research showing that pregnancy hormones seemed to nurture brain cells involved in learning and memory. Mother rats did better than their virgin sisters in a rat maze test. In the new study, Kinsley found that mother rats are not only smarter, but calmer and braver. "There’s something about pregnancy and subsequent exposure to offspring that create a more adaptive brain, one that’s generally less susceptible to fear and stress," he said in a statement. In their most recent research, Kinsley and colleagues stressed the rats by putting them into what they called a ‘’restraint tube’’— a clear Plexiglas tube—which they then put into a bright room. "Rats don’t like being restrained and they don’t like light,’’ said Kinsley, who is chairman of the psychology department. ‘’This task then makes them highly agitated.’’ They also put the rats into an open space. "Again, rodents like dark, covered areas; they don’t like open and lighted spaces,’’ Kinsley said. ‘’They tend to hug the walls and move sparingly. They don’t move around much because such movement may attract the attention of a variety of potential predators.’’ Females that had never had a litter tended to freeze up and move haltingly, while the mother rats explored. "When we examined these animals’ brains, the regions that regulate fear, (such as the) amygdala, showed less activation. Overall, they were much less fearful,’’ Kinsley said. Kinsley said other studies he had done suggested the changes are permanent. ‘’The effects also appear to last for a lifetime,’’ he said. Mother animals are notoriously fierce, so the findings are not unexpected, Kinsley said. "From the female’s standpoint, if she’s too frightened to fend off predators or other threats to her offspring, she cannot protect her offspring,’’ he said. "The mother will do what it takes to get the job done, and done well and efficiently.’’ The findings almost certainly apply to humans, he said. People share most of their genes with rats and such basic behaviours are very likely to be similar among mammals and probably other species, too. Reuters |
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Kashmiri Pandits of the Valley, displaced from their homes during the
long years of conflict in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J & K),
face a new crisis today: a high incidence of marital disputes. In recent
years, divorce petitions filed by Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus living in the
Valley), who have been forced to migrate to different towns and states
within India, have increased by 35-40 per cent, according to officials
of the Matrimonial Court of J & K.