Life & Style

High uric acid can cause tiny crystals to form in your joints, leading to inflammation. Intially, this might feel like just mild joint discomfort, stiffness, or slight swelling-often in the big toe or other joints. These symptoms are usually mild to be ignored, but can quickly develop into gout, causing severe pain and joint damage.

The 5-7-5 rule, which is basically 17 minutes of taking time out for yourself, your body, and your mind, helps you lead a better life in the long run. And while you don’t have to stick to these 17 minutes forever, for a start, doing this much can do wonders for the body and mind.
With this practice, instead of jumping to screens and conversations as soon as you wake up, you will give yourself time to connect with the force and energy within you. When you consistently spend some time with yourself every day, you will see that there is less anxiety, irritation, or stress in your life.
Plus, with the affirmations, meditation, and movement, you will feel better in control of your emotions, your mood, and your body.

On the morning of her second-semester exam, 18-year-old S.M. Durga Sri is hard at work, punching away at the bags at GS Boxing Club in Chintadripet. When asked if she’s worried about the exam, she replies with a smile, “Not really. I can manage.”

Ms. Durga, a gold medallist at the 5^th Junior Girls National Boxing Championship in 2022 and a bronze medallist at Khelo India 2024, is one of many young athletes at GS Boxing Club, led by a former railway loadman turned boxing coach. This club is dedicated to helping children from North Chennai rise socially and economically through boxing, hard work, and perseverance.

Ms. Durga got into boxing by chance, initially seeking fitness while her younger brother was interested in the sport. She says, “At first, it was tough, but we are a middle-class family, and boxing is one way to secure a good government job. Now, I love the sport and look forward to winning more medals.” Currently pursuing a B.Com degree at a private city college, Ms. Durga has been selected by the Sports Authority of India to compete in international contests, and she trains in Haryana. 

Around 35 students train at the club, which is on the first floor of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s gym in Chintadripet, twice a day — three hours in the morning and three in the evening. One key rule is that children must attend school.

The boxing club was founded by U. Govindaraj, a boxer certified by the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports. Initially, the club began as an informal training facility for local kids in Cox Colony, Chintadripet. However, the space was later repurposed for housing, and with the help of local government representatives, the current gym location was secured.

Mr. Govindaraj, passionate about using boxing to uplift local children, recalls his own childhood. “My father was a boxer but succumbed to alcoholism and passed away at just 32. I was only five at the time. Despite my interest in boxing, my mother forbade me from learning, but I secretly trained. It was only when I won a state-level gold medal that I showed my mother a newspaper clipping and revealed I’d been training.”

Eventually, family responsibilities led him to a job as a loadman with the Railways through the sports quota. During this time, Mr. Govindaraj started the GS Boxing Club to help local kids. He also hosts a free summer camp each year to introduce more children to the sport.

One such camp in 2018 drew in Kharthickeyen K.S., a young techie who was moved by the coach’s dedication, especially as Mr. Govindaraj used his own resources to fund the club. Inspired, Mr. Kharthickeyen began mobilising funds for the club. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he, along with his partner Abinaya J.L., helped local families by providing essentials. Initially, colleagues of Abinaya from Aqfer India donated funds. This effort evolved into the Whakapapa Foundation, which now supports the GS Boxing Club through donations and corporate social responsibility funds.

Realising the toll of managing two jobs, Mr. Govindaraj eventually left his loadman position and began coaching full-time. “We support him with a monthly salary, which is the main part of our fundraising efforts through the foundation,” Mr. Kharthickeyen says.

“Once I started full-time, my students began winning medals consistently,” says Mr. Govindaraj, who credits his growth as a boxer and coach to his mentor, boxing veteran A.K. Karunakaran. The full-time commitment also allows him to network and raise the club’s profile. “In sports, visibility is key. The coach’s presence represents the kids, and his integrity is the foundation of the entire club,” Mr. Kharthickeyen adds.

Beyond boxing, the children are trained in discipline, learning to avoid the bad habits that Ms. Abinaya says, are often prevalent in their local community.“The discipline these kids have is remarkable,” she adds.

Despite its impact, the club, which is gearing up for the upcoming summer camp from May 10, operates on a tight budget. It lacks a boxing ring, and there’s insufficient financial support to send athletes to tournaments. For example, 15-year-old Lenin, who was recently selected for the Asian Games from Tamil Nadu, couldn’t attend because they couldn’t afford to pay for a passport in time. 

“Nutrition is just as important as training. We spend a lot on milk, eggs, nuts, and protein for the children, especially during tournaments,” Mr. Govindaraj says, adding that a boxing ring and additional support for nutrition would make a significant difference.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, married in 1986 in a fairytale royal wedding. However, their marriage soon faced challenges, largely due to Prince Andrew’s naval duties keeping him away for long periods. The couple separated in 1992, and their divorce was finalized in 1996. Despite their split, they have remained unusually close, continuing to live together at Royal Lodge and co-parenting their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Their post-divorce friendship has often sparked rumors of reconciliation, but both have maintained they are happy with their unconventional but strong relationship as devoted family members.

Photo: Getty Images

Optical illusions get our brain to exercise, and they are also a way to reveal our innermost personality and hidden traits. An optical illusion is a visual phenomenon where the brain misinterprets what the eyes perceive.It occurs when the information sent by the eyes conflicts with how the brain processes and understands what it sees. These illusions often trick us into seeing things that are not there, or perceiving objects differently from reality. For example, a still image might appear to move, or two shapes may seem unequal in size even though they are identical.What do you see first in the pic?Look closely at this picture. Depending on what you spot first, we will reveal the way you solve life’s problems. Take a look…WomanIf you spot the woman first, it reflects your natural ability to sense (and pick) the subtle energies around you. You move with quiet grace and mystery, and people around you hesitate to deceive or hide anything, knowing you’ll quickly see through their actions.As an individual, you can mentor and guide those around you. You have a clear vision of life, seeing things as they truly are without being misled by illusions. Because of this clarity, you are often known for your wisdom and ability to see the truth.Two FacesIf the two faces stand out to you first, it shows you are a straightforward and genuine person who embraces the reality, and one who can power through life’s challenges with confidence and calm.Your intuition is extremely powerful, and will help you sail through the toughest storms of life.CandlestickIf you spot the candlestick in the center, it reveals a hidden strength within you. Though you may appear relaxed and easygoing on the surface, you possess a sharp eye for details that often go unnoticed by others.Your patience and keen observation make you exceptional at unraveling complex problems. This quiet power sets you apart and allows you to handle challenges with insight and calm determination.Types of optical illusionsThere are three main types of optical illusions:Literal Illusions: These occur when the brain combines elements of an image to create something that doesn’t exist. For example, an image might look like two faces or a vase depending on how you interpret it.Physiological Illusions: These are caused by overstimulation of the visual system, such as excessive exposure to light, movement, or color. They can create effects like afterimages or motion illusions.Cognitive Illusions: These rely on how the brain subconsciously interprets information. Examples include illusions like the Müller-Lyer illusion, where lines appear longer or shorter due to surrounding shapes.

The carpet at the Met Gala 2025

Every year, the Met Gala’s carpet goes through its iterations, metamorphosing each time with a new theme. In 2023, one saw a stunning off-white fabric, to be a canvas for the theme of the year: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. In 2025, the red carpet took on a blue hue, dotted with stunning dainty yellow and white daffodils, at the star-spangled event — all so that celebrities could look their dandiest to accommodate the theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Just like Shah Rukh Khan, who made his debut in an all-black ensemble by designer Sabyasachi, and musician Diljit Dosanjh enthralled in a regal Maharaja-themed outfit; the carpet, too ended up having its moment. 

Shah Rukh Khan at 2025 Met Gala

Woven by Neytt Homes from Kerala, it took 480 people to work on the carpet for over 90 days to meet the Met Gala standards. But this is not new to Neytt, which had its first Gala outing in 2022. The organisation wove the carpet the following year too.

For the employees of the luxury home furnishings brand based in Cherthala, Alappuzha, it is a moment of pride, says Sivan Santhosh, director, Extraweave, the parent company; and CEO of Neytt. “A lot of care and effort have gone into the carpet. The entire team, across departments, worked together to create this beautiful piece of art,” he says.

While it was hand-painted by artists in New York, the white base carpet was sent by Neytt in 57 rolls (of four metres x 30metres). Covering an area of 6,840 square metres, the wall-to-wall carpet was woven from natural sisal fibre imported from Madagascar. 

The
| Photo Credit:
Evan Agostini

Known to be the longest, finest, and whitest of fibres, the artisans at Neytt, had to sort the fibre by hand to avoid shade variations. “Even a slightly off-coloured thread can show up as a shade variation. We did multiple quality checks to ensure the colour was uniform,” says Sivan. “The team covered every single detail. The boucle weave (a type of flat weave) was done in a specialised loom. For us, it feels like more than just a carpet. It is a unique confluence of art, fashion and culture,” Sivan adds.

Neytt draws from its legacy in the carpeting space. This company was started by Sivan’s grandfather K Velayudhan, who set up Travancore Mats and Matting company in 1917. The brand grew over the years, exporting rugs and carpets to places across the world. Sivan’s father Santhosh Velayudhan launched Extraweave Pvt. Ltd. two decades ago, taking the business a notch higher with imported machinery and expanding the company’s horizons. 

Neytt, founded by Sivan along with Nimisha Srinivas, works towards creating sustainable rugs and carpets using silk, sisal, seagrass, water hyacinth, lyocell, bamboo silk, linen, and recycled PET. The company also works towards empowering women from the region; over 40% of Neytt’s workforce is women, including in leadership roles.

“We have been working closely with the Met Gala team for three years now and we are proud that the carpet we create is a canvas for the iconic event,” says Sivan.

The carpet at the Met Gala 2025

Every year, the Met Gala’s carpet goes through its iterations, metamorphosing each time with a new theme. In 2023, one saw a stunning off-white fabric, to be a canvas for the theme of the year: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. In 2025, the red carpet took on a blue hue, dotted with stunning dainty yellow and white daffodils, at the star-spangled event — all so that celebrities could look their dandiest to accommodate the theme: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

Just like Shah Rukh Khan, who made his debut in an all-black ensemble by designer Sabyasachi, and musician Diljit Dosanjh enthralled in a regal Maharaja-themed outfit; the carpet, too ended up having its moment. 

Shah Rukh Khan at 2025 Met Gala

Woven by Extraweave, the parent company of Neytt Homes from Kerala, it took 480 people to work on the carpet for over 90 days to meet the Met Gala standards. But this is not new to them. The company had its first Gala outing in 2022. It wove the carpet the following year too.

For the employees of the luxury home furnishings brand based in Cherthala, Alappuzha, it is a moment of pride, says Sivan Santhosh, director, Extraweave, the parent company; and CEO of Neytt. “A lot of care and effort have gone into the carpet. The entire team, across departments, worked together to create this beautiful piece of art,” he says.

While it was hand-painted by artists in New York, the white base carpet was sent by Neytt in 57 rolls (of four metres x 30metres). Covering an area of 6,840 square metres, the wall-to-wall carpet was woven from natural sisal fibre imported from Madagascar. 

The
| Photo Credit:
Evan Agostini

Known to be the longest, finest, and whitest of fibres, the artisans at Extraweave, had to sort the fibre by hand to avoid shade variations. “Even a slightly off-coloured thread can show up as a shade variation. We did multiple quality checks to ensure the colour was uniform,” says Sivan. “The team covered every single detail. The boucle weave (a type of flat weave) was done in a specialised loom. For us, it feels like more than just a carpet. It is a unique confluence of art, fashion and culture,” Sivan adds.

Neytt draws from its legacy in the carpeting space. This company was started by Sivan’s grandfather K Velayudhan, who set up Travancore Mats and Matting company in 1917. The brand grew over the years, exporting rugs and carpets to places across the world. Sivan’s father Santhosh Velayudhan launched Extraweave Pvt. Ltd. two decades ago, taking the business a notch higher with imported machinery and expanding the company’s horizons. 

Neytt, founded by Sivan along with Nimisha Srinivas, works towards creating sustainable rugs and carpets using silk, sisal, seagrass, water hyacinth, lyocell, bamboo silk, linen, and recycled PET. The company also works towards empowering women from the region; over 40% of Neytt’s workforce is women, including in leadership roles.

“We have been working closely with the Met Gala team for three years now and we are proud that the carpet we create is a canvas for the iconic event,” says Sivan.

As the name suggests, these are psychology-based weird images that have one or more elements in them. Based on what a person notices first, a lot can be revealed about their hidden traits and personality. This particular optical illusion personality test was shared by marina__neuralean on Instagram; the image has five faces, and it claims to reveal a person’s strongest traits depending on which face a person spots first. “This psychological test reveals the strongest traits of your personality — just by what caught your eye first. Each face reflects a different mindset and energy,” the caption read.

To take the test, simply close your eyes and relax. Now, look at the image with a fresh perspective and notice the face that caught your attention first. Now read its interpretation below:

Photo: marina__neuralean/ Instagram

The artists at work
| Photo Credit: special arrangement

Echoes of the Coromandel, an art show currently exhibited at DakshinaChitra Museum, Chennai, takes viewers on a voyage along the south-eastern coast of India, previously a thriving maritime connection to Southeast Asia. Developed by a team of ten interns working through the museum’s year-long Dak Chola Internship, the show interweaves research and design to bring a lesser-known aspect of maritime history to the fore.

“Trade narratives often focus on the West coming to India,” says Mugdha Chavan, one of the interns, adding, “but for Southeast Asia, we were the West. There was an entire cultural and commercial exchange happening in that direction, and we wanted to highlight this lesser-told story.”

The group was divided into two teams — research and design. While the researchers traced routes, cultures, and commodities, the design team brought them to life in visual form. Most of the pieces on display, from replica coins and pottery to navigational charts, were crafted by hand. Inscriptions were carved with the help of the museum’s in-house artisan.

Artists setting up the exhibit
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Divided into three segments: The Beginning, The Peak, and The Echoes, the exhibition thematically maps this trans-oceanic connection. The first section presents archaeological and literary evidence, including Sangam verses that mention ports, and commodities that were traded.

The next section explores traditional navigation techniques that used finger-measurement techniques and the alignment of stars to navigate. A documentary shot by the interns at Kasimedu Harbour features present-day fishermen explaining traditional ship-building and sailing methods that echo those of the past.

The final section, The Echoes, illustrates the cultural footprints left behind, like temple architecture, language, and mythology that resonate across borders. The towering statue of Lord Murugan in Malaysia, leather puppets depicting The Ramayana, and similarities in temple design across Southeast Asia, all point to the cultural infusion enabled by trade.

The team behind the exhibit
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Echoes of the Coromandel, on view until May 18, invites visitors to discover a shared history shaped by journeys across the sea. While at DakshinaChitra, one can also check out Four Aesthetics, an art exhibition on view until May 11. This exhibition showcases diversity in art forms and various interpretations of styles, themes, and emotions.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala 2025 appearance, styled by Prabal Gurung, celebrated his Punjabi heritage with a custom ivory ensemble. He aimed to borrow the legendary Patiala Necklace, but Cartier declined due to its fragility. Instead, he wore bespoke jewellery, making a cultural statement and a memorable impact without the historical piece.

Diljit Dosanjh made a majestic splash at the Met Gala 2025 – and no, we’re not being dramatic. The Punjabi superstar turned up in full regal glory, effortlessly blending his cultural roots with the evening’s “Black Dandyism” theme.Dressed by Prabal Gurung, Diljit delivered a look that was both personal and political, steeped in heritage while nodding to contemporary fashion ideals. But if things had gone exactly to plan, his Met Gala moment would have included one very famous (and very expensive) piece of jewellery: the legendary Patiala Necklace.
Yes, that necklace.
Before we dive into the bling saga, let’s talk about the fit. Diljit showed up in a custom ivory ensemble inspired by royal Sikh attire – a long kurta and draped tehmat, paired with a richly embroidered cape inscribed with Gurmukhi script. His signature turban and a traditional sword completed the look, cementing his status as both a cultural ambassador and a fashion risk-taker. It was bold, unapologetically desi, and deeply meaningful.

Diljit Dosanjh at Met Gala 2025

“It’s what I’ve been doing all this time,” he told The New York Times. “It’s about carrying your identity with pride, right?”
Now back to the necklace.
Diljit’s team had their hearts set on borrowing one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in Indian and global history: the Patiala Necklace. Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala in 1928 and crafted by Cartier, the original necklace was nothing short of jaw-dropping. At its centre was a massive 234-carat De Beers yellow diamond, surrounded by nearly 3,000 other diamonds. At the time, it cost around ₹10 crore, but today its estimated worth soars to $2.5 billion (₹21,000+ crore).
Naturally, stylist Abhilasha Devnani reached out to Cartier to see if the brand would lend the historical necklace for the big night. The request was declined. The necklace or what remains of it, is now sealed away in a museum, too fragile and valuable to be lent out, even for the Met Gala.

Channelling his cultural roots through style and breaking Western fashion stereotypes, Diljit’s couture screamed of dramatic silhouette, rich colour, and iconic detailing. In true showman style, the singer-actor stepped out of New York’s Carlyle Hotel in an impeccably tailored white sherwani suit with a structured mid-slit and layered it with a traditional Indian cape, exuding royal finesse.(Image Credits: Instagram)

Here’s the twist, though: Cartier has previously lent out pieces of this very necklace. In 2022, influencer Emma Chamberlain wore a choker crafted from a segment of the Patiala Necklace to the Met Gala. Though not the entire original piece, the choker was part of the larger necklace that Bhupinder Singh had commissioned. This caused quite a stir at the time, especially since Chamberlain’s necklace was initially (and incorrectly) linked by some to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, causing controversy online.
The Patiala Necklace itself has a rather cinematic backstory. After India’s independence, the necklace mysteriously disappeared from the royal treasury. Decades later, fragments of it – minus many of the original stones, resurfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in 1982. Cartier acquired and partially restored what it could, but the original grandeur has never been fully recovered. Hence the nickname: “The Lost Diamond.”
So while Emma Chamberlain got to wear a slice of history in 2022, Diljit had to find another way to pay tribute. Not one to be defeated, his team commissioned Indian jewellers Golecha to craft bespoke jewellery inspired by the Maharaja’s collection, including a standout turban brooch. The result? A look that still turned heads and sparked conversation, without relying on museum pieces.

Diljit Dosanjh, left, and Prabal Gurung attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York.AP/PTI

In a year where Indian representation was stronger than ever at the Met Gala with Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, and designers like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra all in attendance Diljit carved out his own moment. His outfit was more than fashion; it was a statement of cultural continuity and pride.
And honestly? He didn’t need the $2.5 billion necklace to make it unforgettable. He was the moment.