Based on Romain Puertolas' novel, the film follows an Indian street magician on an extraordinary voyage to Paris in quest of his father.

 The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir

If movies are supposed to take you on a whimsical journey, then you are in for a surprise with a beautifully executed simple story of 'The extraordinary journey of the Fakir'. The storyline and the flow act as glue and binds you to your place.  The remarkable performance of Fakir aka Dhanush is intoxicating and makes you wonder, what confines him to South movies? Aren't we short of 'actors/performers' in Bollywood?

The 109-minute movie depicts Dhanush's life moments starting from his poverty-ridden yet funny childhood to becoming a street performer busy with tricks to dupe foreigners. As the story progresses, Dhanush's main ambition in life - travel to Paris and visit the IKEA store and Eiffel tower to search for his father came to the fore. As the luck favours the protagonist, We are taken on a joy ride full of adventures with a touch of global problems sprinkled in-between to make it intriguing.

'The extraordinary journey of the Fakir' is one roller coaster ride with light-hearted moments. A fun-filled entertaining story with beautiful life moments perfectly weaved to give a magical emotional touch, you will be submerged into. A simple story with brilliant narration makes the movie a pleasurable and relaxing experience. 

Images courtesy- Google

Barbarika, also known as Khatu Shyam, is a Hindu divinity who is revered throughout the country. He was one of the fortunate few to witness Lord Krishna in his heavenly glory on the battlefield of Kurukshetra

Barbarika - The Greatest Warrior

One of the amazing stories of a warrior in "Mahabharata" that I have come across is that of Barbarika. Few individuals are aware of his existence. In reality, if he had been permitted to participate in the great war of "Mahabharata" to demonstrate his skill, things may have turned out quite differently.

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According to legend, Barbarik is Bheema's grandson and Ghatotkacha's son. He held three invincible arrows bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva, which might have finished the warfare in moments.

Barbarika's Word to His Mother

As the story develops, Barbarika promises his mother that he would back the weaker side to ensure its victory. This means that he had no prior allegiance to either side, in other words, he was non-committal. This disturbed Lord Krishna since he had the ability to affect the result of the fight.

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Lord Krishna discloses to him the true cost of his participation on the losing side. Krishna warns him that any side he supports will simply render the other side weak owing to his might, since no one will be able to beat him. As a result, he would be obligated to back the opposing side, which has gotten weaker as a result of his promise to his mother.

Due of his pledge, he will continue to fluctuate between the two sides in a real war scenario. This was risky since it meant destroying both sides' armies until just him survived. As a result, because he will be the single survivor, neither side wins. This prompted Krishna to implore that Barbarika refrain from taking part in the war by demanding his head in charity, which he readily accepts.

Barbarika's Account of the Mahabharata War

Before beheading himself, Barbarika told Krishna how much he wanted to see the next war and asked him to make it happen. Krishna consented and positioned the head atop a hill overlooking the battleground. The head of Barbarika witnessed the entire conflict from the mountaintop till the conclusion.

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Following the combat, the triumphant Pandava brothers disputed about who was to credit for their victory. Krishna proposed that Barbarika's head, which had witnessed the entire conflict, be permitted to judge.

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Krishna, according to Barbarika's head, was solely responsible for the triumph. "All I could see were two objects," Barbarika responds. One was a heavenly chakra that spun throughout the battlefield, killing everybody who was not on Dharma's side. The other was Goddess Mahakali, who stretched her tongue over the battlefield and devoured all sinners as her sacrifice."

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As the Pandavas discover this, they realise that it was Lord Narayan and Goddess Mahamaya who genuinely cleansed the universe of Adharma, and the Pandavas were only tools.

 

Barbarika As Deity

Barbarika had won a blessing from Krishna that he would be revered and recognised by Krishna's own name (Shyam) during the Kaliyuga era. Krishna had said that Barbarika's worshippers will be benefited just by saying his name aloud from the bottom of their hearts. If people worship Shyamji (Barbarika) with sincere devotion, their desires would be granted and their worries will be gone. He is known as "KhatuShyam ji" and is revered in Sikar, Rajasthan.

Image Courtesy: https://detechter.com/warrior-ended-mahabharata-war-minute/

http://www.astrosaathi.com/battle-of-kurukshetra-could-have-ended-in-a-minute-1483959088.html

https://www.myguru.in/The-KhatuShyam-Barbareek.htm 

Online shopping is both easy and fun. To get the best bargains, however, it is necessary to check and compare the costs of items before picking where to buy.

 How to Shop Smartly Online?

The increasing penetration of the internet and the ease to shop from home has led to exponential growth in online shopping. Moreover, the e-commerce sites provide a level playing field to all entrepreneurs and connect them directly to potential buyers. The platform is mutually beneficial to both the retailers and the consumers. However, online shopping has its own demerits.

An unsuspecting consumer is an easy prey for smart retailers who may dupe them with expensive good. Hence, it is prudent to follow specific steps that can help consumers to save money while doing online shopping. 

What are the different steps to shop online smartly?

A handful of tips that can make you a smart online shopper are :

1) Track prices
On E-commerce sites, the prices of the products are continually changing. Based on different analogies, the prices of goods vary. Even on the same day, the costs can change multiple times. It is therefore essential to keep track of the prices of the products you want to purchase. Nowadays, e-commerce sites send email alerts during the sale or any other promotional event. You can register yourself on e-commerce websites and get the benefit of email marketing.

You can also create an account and receive alerts during a sale or can use websites like savelist and camelcamelcamel  to track the prices of goods. By monitoring the prices, you can purchase the products at the discount prices. 

2) Use Cashback or Reward shopping sites
Certain websites help consumers get cashback or discount on their online purchase. These sites offer discount coupons and help consumers save money. A consumer should create an account on these sites to avail the offers. Some of these sites are: 

• Ebates
• Wikibuy
• Earny 
• Swagbucks
• Bitwalking
• Fronto
• Mobee
• Mypoints 

Checking for reward coupons or cashback is one of the easiest and simple way to drive a bargain while purchasing goods online.

3) Search on promo codes sites

In case of failure to get any bargain from discount coupon sites, a consumer can also check for promo codes on different sites such as:

• Retailmenot.com
• Groupon.com
• Coupons.com

This is one way of getting the goods at a bargain and become a smart shopper. 

4) Compare products across different e-commerce sites
Before making a purchase, it is essential to check all the options available on various e-commerce sites. Apart from the prices, there are some other things a consumer should dwell on, such as:

• Return policy
• Easy instalments
• Warranties
• Shipping chargesDate and time of delivery

By comparing the goods on various sites, a consumer can drive a bargain and also strike a deal that is best suited to his requirement. There are certain price-comparison websites like mysimon or bizrate that help consumers to compare goods prices and take the decisions accordingly. 

5)  Search goods on Google 

Before purchasing any item, type its name in Google, and you get a comparable price chart of the product available on different e-commerce sites. Another website that can make your work simple is priceblink . This is another way to shop smartly online. 

Shop Smartly
Online shopping is secure and fun if you abide by the rules and take smart steps to drive the best bargain. You will feel good about your decisions; however, for getting the best deals online, you need to go that extra mile and learn the tricks to become a smart shopper. 

Image courtesy - Google images

Protein insufficiency affects about 1 billion individuals globally and is rare in the industrialised world. Insufficient protein consumption leads to a variety of health complications, including muscle loss and an increased risk of bone fracture, among others.

9 Hidden Signs of Protein Deficiency

What are Proteins?

Proteins are the large molecules, building blocks of tissues that are required by our body to perform various functions. Proteins are generally required for : 

Cells require protein to produce enzymes and hormones. 

Protein helps in the healing of body tissues.

It helps in blood clotting.

It makes the immune system strong.

Protein plays a vital role in the absorption of essential nutrients in our body.

It is the foundation of your hair, body muscles, and skin.

It helps in transporting oxygen.

In an emergency (due to low carbohydrate), protein also provides energy to the body. 

How Much Protein is Required? 

The body's protein requirement is based on various factors such as age, gender, and physical activity of an individual. Since protein is required to perform different metabolic functions, the protein requirement varies for every individual. However, according to RDA(Recommended Dietary Allowance), adults need .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight every day.

Look Out for Nine Hidden Signs of Protein Deficiency

Doctors prescribe a balanced diet with an adequate quantity of protein for healthy living. Protein deficiency has significant health hazards for individuals. The following nine hidden signs of protein deficiency should never be overlooked :

1)  Weak Immune system  

Deficiency of protein results in a weak immune system. As a result of protein deficiency, an individual falls sick very frequently.

2)  Changes in your skin, hair, and nails

Brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, and dull hair are also signs of protein deficiency.  

3)  Your body healing suffers.  

Proteins help repair and rebuild new cells and tissues in our bodies—the deficiency of protein results in the body's slow healing process.

4)  Bones fracture easily

   Your body needs a sufficient quantity of protein to build muscles and increase bone density. The deficiency of protein results in muscle wasting and increases the threat of bone fracture.

5)  Loss of concentration 

Lack of concentration or difficulty focusing on things and problems in retaining information also indicates protein deficiency. Proteins are required for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters in your brain. The lack of protein thus results in poor concentration.

6)  Difficulty in sleeping 

Protein is required to create neurotransmitters like serotonin that regulates the sleep cycle. The deficiency of protein causes serotonin deficiency leading to insomnia.  

7)  Mood swings and depression 

Mood controlling neurotransmitters such as dopamine are synthesized by protein. These compounds, when available in less quantity due to protein deficiency results in mood swings or depression.

8)  Loss of stamina or fatigue 

Protein intake facilitates the absorption of vital nutrients such as iron in our body. With a low nutrient intake body, stamina suffers adversely. A person feels fatigued quickly, another hidden sign of protein deficiency.

9)  Unexplained hunger 

The protein-rich diet reduces ghrelin levels, a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. Thus protein deficiency can lead to increased sugar cravings and body weight gain.

What Are The Diseases Caused Due To The Deficiency of Protein?  

Two major diseases caused due to protein deficiency are-

1)  Kwashiorkor - Some common symptoms of kwashiorkor are :

Ø Edema

Ø Failure of growth

Ø Moon face

Ø Skin and hair changes

Ø Irritable behaviour

2)  Marasmus -  Some common symptoms of Marasmus are:

Ø Muscle wasting

Ø Failure to thrive

Ø Growth failure

Ø Different kind of infections

Both the diseases caused due to deficiency of protein intake is frequently detected among poor young children in developing nations.

How big is the problem of protein deficiency in India?

According to the recent studies conducted by IDA (Indian Dietetic Association), the protein consumption among Indians is deficient. Studies further elaborated that nearly 84% population in the country are protein deficient. Moreover, inferior health muscle is prevalent among 71% of Indians. The problem of protein deficiency is found in both urban and rural India.

How is Protein Deficiency Detected?

The deficiency of protein in the body can be easily detected through blood tests. Test to determine the level of protein in the blood is called the total protein test. By identifying the level of two proteins, namely, albumin and globulin in the blood, protein deficiency can be ascertained.

What Are The Causes of Protein Deficiency? 

There are different causes of protein deficiency in the body. Some of these causes are discussed below.

1) The poor dietary choice is one of the prime reasons for protein deficiency. A large section of Indians are vegetarians that augment the problem of protein deficiency.

2) Liver and kidney disorders are also responsible for protein deficiency in the body.

3) Lack of awareness among the general population regarding the requirement of an adequate protein intake quantity is another major factor for protein deficiency.

4) Celiac disease can also lead to protein deficiency.

5) Inflammatory bowel disease is another cause of deficiency of protein in the body.  

Summary 

Protein is an essential nutrient for a healthy human body. The proteins are required to perform various normal body functions; hence protein deficiency may result in health impairment. Therefore, it is advisable to consume sufficient protein quantity in our daily diet to remain healthy.