Life & Style

To every spiritual person, there are certain ethos in mind. And even for people who are treading towards spirituality, there are some things they feel they need to do. And one of the biggest of them is the need to meditate to ground oneself. People think that meditation, breathwork, freedom from unwanted thoughts, and compassion is real spirituality, and once they excel these, nothing more needs to be accomplished.
Spirituality for the believers (most of them) and skeptics is about chanting, fasting, lighting incense, and wearing spiritual clothing, but there is one thing that people forget on their path.

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Tulsi Gabbard, the 8th Director of National Intelligence in the United States, has garnered attention not only for her political achievements but also for her unique name, which carries deep spiritual significance. Her connection to Hinduism and her name’s origin stem from her family’s spiritual journey rather than ethnic background.
Despite common misconceptions linking her to Indian heritage, Gabbard has clarified that she is not of Indian origin.
The name “Tulsi” holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. It refers to the sacred holy basil plant, which is revered as a manifestation of the goddess Tulasi—believed to be an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi and the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. The Tulsi plant is not just a herb but a spiritual presence in Hindu households, symbolizing purity, devotion, and protection. It’s often placed in courtyards or near the entrance of homes and worshipped daily with rituals, especially by women. Naming a child “Tulsi” is more than a cultural choice—it reflects a profound connection to these spiritual values. It signifies reverence for purity, devotion, and divine femininity. In families that embrace Vaishnavism or practice devotional Hinduism, the name also indicates a commitment to the path of bhakti, or loving devotion to God. Tulsi isn’t just a name—it’s a living symbol of spiritual discipline and sacred tradition.
Naming children with religious significance is a time-honored tradition across many cultures. Such names often carry deep spiritual meaning, connecting the child to divine figures, virtues, or sacred texts. These names serve not just as identity markers but also as daily reminders of faith, values, and cultural heritage. For many families, choosing a religious name is a way to honor their beliefs and pass on spiritual legacy to future generations.
Gabbard’s mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, embraced Hinduism and instilled its principles in her family. All her children received Hindu names: Bhakti, Jai, Aryan, Tulsi, and Vrindavan. Tulsi Gabbard has often spoken about how the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly the concept of selfless action or “karma yoga,” have influenced her personal and professional life.
Few months before a video of Gabbard singing “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” went viral.
Throughout her political career, Gabbard has maintained her Hindu faith. She took her congressional oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting its importance in her life. Her commitment to her beliefs is evident in her participation in Hindu festivals and events, such as the celebration of Diwali and her support for the International Yoga Day initiative.
Recently, Gabbard wrote a powerful message to PM Modi and assured him that America stands in solidarity in the wake of the “horrific Islamist terrorist attack that killed Hindus”. “We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost a loved one, PM @narendramodi, and with all the people of India. We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack,” she posted on X.

According to a 2024 report by Money Control, in collaboration with the indigenous Waorani people and with support from National Geographic’s Disney+ series Pole to Pole featuring Will Smith, scientists have uncovered new insights. They explored the heart of the Baihuaeri Waorani Territory in the Ecuadorian Amazon, documenting the massive size of the Northern Green Anaconda.

The discovery of the Northern Green Anaconda comes at a critical moment. The Amazon, home to unmatched biodiversity, faces constant threats from human activity, including industrial agriculture, deforestation, and pollution. These pressures are pushing the region toward ecological collapse, endangering species like the giant anaconda. Researchers stress that protecting the habitats of these creatures is vital for the Amazon’s future. Strong conservation efforts are urgently needed to help ensure the survival of the Northern Green Anaconda and other species that call the rainforest home.

Bollywood’s Big B, aka Amitabh Bachchan’s luxurious lifestyle, includes more than just owning properties and luxurious cars. The veteran actor is an ardent fan of collecting iconic timepieces and, at an event, was spotted wearing the Baume & Mercier Hampton Classic Chronograph. This elegant watch, with its stainless steel case, tan leather strap, and silver dial, perfectly complements his calm and collected persona. The chronograph function makes it a classic combination and an ideal match for men who prefer subtle luxury over being extravagant.

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When it comes to making a bond, finding someone who truly adds value to your life is rare and special. In a world filled with casual dating, fast-paced connections, and endless options, getting someone who is genuinely worth holding onto, someone who’s a “keeper,” can sometimes feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But the signs are often rightbeforef us, hidden in plain sight. A keeper isn’t just someone who says the right things; they do the right things. They bring consistency, care, and emotional safety into your life without making it feel like hard work.

A person worth keeping around doesn’t just show love; they make you feel seen, supported, and safe. Whether it’s through their small gestures, the way they listen, or how they handle tough situations, their actions speak louder than words. These people build with you, not around you, and they bring a calm confidence into your life. If you’re wondering whether the person you’re with is truly “the one,” here are five clear signs that they’re a keeper, not just for now, but for the long run.

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“In life, there is nothing impossible. There are barriers in the path of what you may want to accomplish, but no impossibles. And barriers were made to be thrown down.”
With these words spoken at a TEDx talk, Miguel Martins introduced the story of the Iron Brothers—a movement born not just out of athletic ambition, but out of love, resilience, and a determination to raise awareness for cerebral palsy.
Pedro, now 31 years old, lives with cerebral palsy. Alongside his brother Miguel, the two created Iron Brothers, the first special team from Portugal to take on the Ironman—a grueling triathlon comprising a 3.8 km open-water swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a full 42.2 km marathon run. Their goal was not just to finish the race, but to launch a national movement supporting individuals with cerebral palsy, especially through sports.
The idea began around 2021, when Pedro and Miguel first heard about the Ironman competition. Pedro saw this as more than just a race. He envisioned it as a platform—a way to raise awareness about the lack of support and resources available to people with cerebral palsy, and to raise funds for the Association of Cerebral Palsy of Lisbon (APCL), the institution he considers his “second home.”
Pedro wanted to be the one asking for help, not his parents. Miguel explained in the documentary Iron Brothers: “My brother had a project that was to help his school, the APCL, which was his second home. His eyes shined, when he realized that he could be the one asking for that help, and not the parents. It was the perfect opportunity.”
Competing in the Ironman is a challenge for even the most elite athletes. But doing it with a disabled teammate requires extraordinary effort and coordination. Miguel takes on the full physical load of the race while Pedro rides with him: he tows Pedro in a canoe for the swim, cycles with him in an adapted tandem bike, and pushes him in a specially designed racing wheelchair for the run.
Before the Ironman, the duo participated in several other events to build momentum and visibility. They completed numerous 10K runs, a full marathon, several half marathons, and even a half Ironman. But it was their successful completion of a full Ironman that truly captured public attention.
With the Iron Brothers project, Miguel and Pedro called on individuals and companies to contribute symbolic donations to support their mission. The funds raised go directly to APCL, helping the organization purchase vital resources such as wheelchairs, specialized hygiene cranes, and accessible buses for families who can’t afford them.

Credit: Instagram/@miguelfpinto

Miguel emphasizes: “With good conditions, everyone like Pedro can communicate simple things such as ‘I have to go to the toilet,’ ‘I need to eat,’ ‘I need physiotherapy.’ All we need is to create the conditions for it. We want to raise awareness that everyone like Pedro can have what he has, because his family has the means for it.”
Today, Iron Brothers has grown into a nationwide movement. It has inspired many families of individuals with cerebral palsy to become more involved in sports and to advocate for better support systems.

Credit: Instagram/@miguelfpinto

At the heart of it all is the powerful relationship between two brothers. Their journey has not only changed the way Portugal views disability and sport but has also brought deeper meaning to their own lives.
Pedro shares: “We became much better people because my brother exists in our lives. If he didn’t exist, we wouldn’t realize so fully how is it to love someone so selfless. He had all to say ‘I am not happy, I have a disability and I cannot do exactly what others do.’ But he shows that to be happy is to do simple things, such as gathering the family every weekend and having a different program every weekend. It is a blessing in our lives. I think people don’t really understand this, without living it.”

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could almost have a magical effect on the body with average weight loss ranging from 15% to 20%. This significant weight loss can also lower chronic disease risk from heart conditions to Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are some concerning side effects of these medications that are starting to emerge.
While Ozempic and other weight loss drugs may give you an edge in your weight loss journey, rapid weight loss can also lead to a few unpleasant consequences. By now, many people have heard terms like Ozempic face, Ozempic butt, and even Ozempic personality. The latest to join the list is Ozempic mouth, a strange new side effect affecting the area around the mouth. Let’s break down what it means.
Ozempic face is when one loses fat rapidly in the face which can lead to a hollowed look to the face, changes in the size of the lips, cheeks, and chin, wrinkles on the face, sunken eyes, and sagging jowls around the jaw and neck.

Ozempic on one hand can give you a youthful appearance by helping shed those pesky pounds. On the other hand, however, the drug can also result in loose and sagging skin due to rapid fat loss, making you look older than you are.
Dr Ed Robinson while talking to The Sun observed that while Ozempic is effective at tackling weight loss, losing so much weight so quickly can have an impact on one’s appearance.
“With such rapid weight loss, we’re increasingly seeing aesthetic side effects – notably ‘Ozempic face’, ‘Ozempic neck’, and now, what’s being referred to as ‘Ozempic mouth’.

“Ozempic mouth describes the hollowing and skin laxity that can occur around the mouth as fat is lost from the lower face.
“This can lead to deeper nasolabial folds (laughter lines), more prominent marionette lines (the vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin), and downturned corners of the mouth.
“It often creates a tired or prematurely aged appearance.”
People who have lost a significant amount of weight on Ozempic could especially get this appearance as the skin struggles to keep up with the changing facial structure.
He pointed out that ‘Ozempic mouth’ actually refers to changes in the parts of your face around the mouth rather than the mouth itself.
For instance it could give you ‘sunken cheeks, saggy jowls, deeper lines around the mouth’ and give you an appearance of an old person.
However, in certain cases, losing weight can confer exceptional benefits and offer protection from chronic disease.

Feeling constantly fatigued even after sleeping well and without doing physically tiring activities? Lacking certain important nutrients may be interrupting some of your vital body functions that could be slowing you down. Don’t ignore your tiredness and take active steps to find out what your body needs.
Here are nutritional deficiencies that can be playing havoc with your energy levels.

Not having enough iron in your body can make you feel lethargic, sleepy, and dull. Wonder, what does this important nutrient do? It helps produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen around your body Without sufficient oxygen levels, one may feel constantly tired and fatigued.
Eat loads of lentils, spinach, legumes, kale etc to get sufficient iron from the diet. If you are deficient, ask your doctor to recommend you a supplement.

Among the essential nutrients that can power up your body and make you feel healthy, energetic and even joyful, is magnesium. Without this important mineral, your body may not produce enough energy. Magnesium helps in ATP production, the main energy source for your cells. With insufficient magnesium levels, one may experience lack of energy, fatigue and weakness.
Magnesium also plays a key role in muscle function, nerve signalling and stress regulation. A magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, poor sleep and mental fatigue.
Important sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, soy products, and peanuts among others.

One of the reasons you may be feeling inexplicable fatigue could be a deficiency in Vitamin B12, a very important nutrient that is needed in the body for production of red blood cells and supporting brain and nerve function. It’s also important for DNA production. People are likely to face fatigue, weakness, brain fog, and other nerve-related issues when they are deficient in Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and fortified foods like cereals and plant-based milk.

Omega-3 particularly EPA and DHA, could help in reducing fatigue. If you don’t have enough nutrient in your food, it could lead to persistent fatigue and low energy. Very vital nutrient for brain function, it helps to enhance concentration, focus, and overall productivity. They are also needed for healthy circulation and reducing inflammation.
Eat fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae-based supplements for maintaining Omega-3 levels in the body.

Often called the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining energy levels, mood, and immune health. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, low mood, and even sleep disturbances. Since the body produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, lack of outdoor time or wearing heavy sun protection can contribute to its deficiency.
To maintain adequate levels, aim for regular sun exposure, consume foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy or plant-based alternatives. You can also ask your doctor for supplements in case you are deficient.

Credit: LinkedIn/ Shreya Chilukuri

As Usha Vance increasingly steps into the public eye alongside her husband, US Vice President JD Vance, she is making headlines not just for her poised presence at official events, but also for the story she represents — that of a first-generation Indian-American woman rising to one of the highest social positions in the United States.
From state dinners to diplomatic visits, including a recent official trip to India, Usha has become a visible part of the Vance administration, even as she continues to avoid the spotlight wherever possible.
But behind her high-profile role is a deeply rooted family story — one shaped by immigration, education, and quiet excellence. That same story includes a sister who has chosen a very different path, yet one equally impressive: Shreya Chilukuri, a top engineer working on some of the most advanced technologies in the world today.
Usha Vance (maiden name: Usha Chilukuri) was born and raised in the working-class suburbs of San Diego, California. Her parents, Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri and Dr. Lakshmi Chilukuri, emigrated from India to the United States in the late 1970s. The family traces its roots to Vadduru village in Andhra Pradesh, India, though they later moved to Chennai when Usha’s grandfather, Ramasastry Chilukuri, became one of the founding physics professors at IIT Madras, as per Reuters.

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Her father, Krish, is a mechanical engineer who has taught at San Diego State University, while her mother, Lakshmi, is a respected molecular biologist who currently serves as the Provost of Sixth College at UC San Diego. Usha once shared that she was raised in a Hindu household, adding, “My parents are Hindu and that is one of the things that made them such good parents, that made them really good people.”
While Usha now stands at the heart of political life, her younger sister, Shreya Chilukuri, has taken a different route, making waves in the world of engineering and defence without ever stepping in front of a camera.
A 2012 graduate of Duke University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Shreya combined her technical acumen with a passion for the humanities, studying classical civilisations alongside advanced propulsion technologies.

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As per reports, after college, she worked at companies like Cordis Engineering and Lude 32, where she helped design components for consumer products from GoPro to Fitbit. However, her most significant career chapter came during her five-year tenure at Raytheon Missiles & Defence. There, she led missile development programs, achieved multi-million-dollar contract milestones, and served as Deputy Hardware Lead for a major U.S. Navy project.
Since 2022, Shreya has worked at ASML, one of the world’s foremost semiconductor technology companies.