UAE-based Indian doctor from Kerala found dead at her Abu Dhabi residence
Dr. Arayakandy Dhanalakshmi, a 54-year-old Indian expat and respected dental surgeon from Kannur, Kerala, was found dead at her residence in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, on Monday night.
The news has left her colleagues, friends, and the wider Indian community in the UAE in deep shock and mourning.
According to reports, concerns arose after Dr. Dhanalakshmi failed to respond to phone calls from friends for two consecutive days. She also did not report for duty at Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah on Monday, where she had been working as a general dentist. Alarmed by her unusual silence and absence, her friends visited her residence and discovered her death.
She was a long-time resident of the United Arab Emirates, having lived in the country for over a decade. A highly experienced dentist with more than 20 years in the field, Dr. Dhanalakshmi had joined Lifecare Hospital in August 2024. Before relocating to the UAE, she had served at Dhanalakshmi Hospital in Kannur, Kerala.
Dr. Dhanalakshmi graduated from the College of Dental Sciences under MAHE University, Mangalore, Karnataka.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Hidden Cause Found: Dementia And Memory Loss Linked To This Habit
Memory and Health
Click Here
Undo
She was also a member of the Indian Dental Association.
Beyond her professional achievements as a dental surgeon, Dr. Dhanalakshmi was a gifted writer and a compelling orator, admired for her versatility. She played an active and vibrant role in the Indian expatriate community in Abu Dhabi, particularly within the Malayalee circle. As a respected cultural activist and member of the Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam, she made significant contributions to preserving and promoting her heritage.
She often volunteered her time for community awareness sessions, using her voice to promote health, well-being, and harmony. Additionally, she maintained a strong presence on social media, where she engaged with a broad network of friends and followers.
Her sudden death has deeply affected the staff and management at Lifecare Hospital. In a condolence message posted on Instagram on Tuesday, the hospital expressed sorrow over her passing:
'We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr.
Dhanalakshmi, General Dentist at Lifecare Hospital, Mussafah. A compassionate healer, dedicated educator, and beloved member of our medical family, she touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit. Her legacy of care and community connection will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
'She will be dearly missed.'
Following confirmation of her death, Dr. Dhanalakshmi's professional profile was removed from the Lifecare Hospital website.
As per reports, authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the cause of her death.
Personal Life
According to reports, Dr. Dhanalakshmi hailed from Talap, a town in the Kannur district of Kerala. She was the daughter of the late Narayanan, who owned the Anandakrishna Bus Service, and Chandramathi. She is survived by her husband Sujith, who currently resides in Kerala, and her siblings Ananda Krishnan, Shivaram, and Dr. Seethalakshmi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Velvet Bites, Smarter Choices: Is Chocolate the New Intelligent Nutrition?
New Delhi: As you read this, picture a square of rich, velvety chocolate melting on your tongue—its bittersweet complexity giving way to warm notes of roasted cocoa and a hint of vanilla. It's indulgence in its purest form—comforting, satisfying, and sinfully good. But what if we told you that this decadent delight is getting a glow-up? Once dismissed as a guilty pleasure, chocolate is now strutting into the world of intelligent nutrition —fused with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and even mood-boosting botanicals. No longer just a sweet escape, it's being reimagined as fuel for the mind, body, and soul. From stevia-sweetened bars for the sugar-conscious to cocoa-packed bites loaded with nootropics for brain power, today's chocolate is seducing your taste buds and your wellness goals. So yes, you can have your chocolate—and eat it smart, too? Chocolate began its shift from indulgence to intelligent nutrition in the early 2000s, as health-conscious consumers and food innovators started embracing functional snacking. The trend gained momentum with the rise of dark chocolate's antioxidant properties, followed by the integration of added proteins, fiber, vitamins, and low-GI sweeteners. By 2010, the global demand for dark chocolate had surged, with studies highlighting its cardiovascular benefits and high flavonoid content. According to a 2015 report by Mintel, nearly 48% of Indian consumers viewed dark chocolate as a 'healthier' alternative to milk chocolate. This perception has only strengthened with the clean-label and high-protein snack revolution. Today, chocolate is seen as a delivery system for clean energy, satiety, and wellness—especially in formats like protein bars, functional chocolates, and sugar-conscious alternatives. But is this the right approach? India's protein bar market, valued at over ₹600 crore in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20%, driven largely by chocolate-based products that align indulgence with fitness and nutrition goals. Functional chocolate brands are also leveraging sweeteners like stevia and erythritol, as 62% of Indian consumers now actively seek low- or no-sugar snacking options (Nielsen, 2022). This evolution reflects a broader shift toward mindful indulgence—where taste and health can co-exist—marking chocolate's transformation from guilty pleasure to intelligent nutrition. Kalpana Gupta, Clinical Nutritionist - Nutrition and Dietetics, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, said, "With growing evidence on the benefits of cocoa polyphenols and the advent of clean-label formulations, my approach has shifted from restricting chocolate to allowing it in moderate amounts—especially dark chocolate and those with added protein or fiber—for people who are looking to manage weight while satisfying their sweet tooth." Dr. Vilas Shirhatti, Principal Adviser at Zydus Wellness (RiteBite Max Protein), said, "The clean-label movement is pushing for more transparency in labeling, fewer ingredients in formulations, and freedom from unrecognizable additives and preservatives. For chocolates, this means adding more cocoa; using natural, healthy sugar alternatives like coconut sugar and jaggery —or, for sugar-free options, monk fruit or stevia with natural flavorings like vanilla; removing dairy and nuts to achieve allergen-free claims; ensuring non-GMO and organic cocoa; and incorporating one or two functional ingredients such as ashwagandha, turmeric, or natural nootropics for added benefits. Manufacturers are also exploring the removal of emulsifiers, opting instead for cocoa butter and mechanical processing to improve smoothness and mouthfeel. The challenge lies in maintaining the indulgent taste and texture of chocolate." According to Gupta, chocolate can be considered 'intelligent nutrition' when it includes protein and fiber for satiety, low-GI or natural sweeteners, and is free from harmful additives and trans fats. Dr. Shirhatti added that 'intelligent nutrition' refers to food that is thoughtfully formulated to provide targeted health benefits beyond basic nutrition. 'Cocoa powder by itself is intelligent nutrition,' he explained, 'as it is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and polyphenols—powerful antioxidants.' "Reducing sugar levels, using healthier fats, complementing cocoa with other protein sources to create a complete protein, and increasing cocoa content in formulations makes chocolate more intelligent," he said. He also added that the efforts are also underway to enhance chocolate with functional ingredients like L-theanine, lion's mane mushroom, MCT oil, and omega-3s for cognitive health; magnesium, adaptogens, and tryptophan for mood regulation; probiotics and prebiotics for gut health; and caffeine, theobromine, or B-vitamins for sustained energy. "There's even work on beauty-from-within chocolates with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and biotin for skin and hair health. All of this, of course, requires scientific backing and clinical validation," Dr Shirhatti adds. Consumers, he stressed, must understand all the ingredients, their intended benefits, and the required dosage to experience results. Clean snacking is a promising trend, and protein-enriched chocolates are an important part of that movement. Functional Chocolate for Specific Needs Can there be functional chocolates tailored for specific patient groups like athletes, diabetics, or stressed-out professionals? Yes, there are target-specific formulations available. Products are now aligned with individual dietary needs—keto, vegan, paleo, allergen-free, gluten-free, and low-GI—offering more personalized nutrition. Functional chocolates can be part of a healthy diet. However, any product must be evaluated as part of a broader lifestyle plan, including a balanced diet and safe consumption limits. Issues like chronic stress in young professionals or patients cannot be solved solely with functional chocolates and require proper medical attention. That said, functional chocolates are undoubtedly a better option than traditional indulgent chocolate, especially given its universal appeal. Dr. Ripen Gupta, Principal Director & Unit Head – Cardiac Sciences, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, offered a cautious perspective. 'While dark chocolate contains more flavanols than other types, current data shows that the amount available in commercial chocolate may not be sufficient to provide a significant health benefit." Gupta adds that to make dark chocolate more palatable, sugar is often added, making it calorie-dense and unsuitable for overconsumption. In a 2017 controlled study, researchers found that a combination of raw almonds, dark chocolate, and cocoa helped reduce LDL ('bad') cholesterol in overweight individuals. However, when the almonds were removed, chocolate and cocoa alone had no significant impact on heart health. Researchers attributed this to the lower flavanol dose—274 mg compared to 586 mg in earlier studies—suggesting that such beneficial levels are unlikely to be achieved through regular chocolate consumption. The Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), a large 2022 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tracked over 20,000 older adults for a median of 3.6 years. Participants were given a cocoa extract capsule or a placebo. The study found no significant reduction in cardiovascular events linked to cocoa supplementation. "Still, chocolate, especially dark varieties, can play a positive role in mental well-being. It has been linked to mood elevation, improved cognitive function, and stress reduction. But, as always, moderation is key," Dr Gupta cautioned. So, is chocolate truly "intelligent nutrition"? The answer lies somewhere between science and sensibility. Dark chocolate, especially in clean-label, protein-packed, or functional formats, offers promising benefits—but it's not a shortcut to health. Its power lies in how it's made, how much you consume, and how well it fits into your broader lifestyle. For Indian consumers navigating crowded supermarket shelves and health claims flooding their social media feeds, one thing is clear: smart snacking starts with smarter choices. That means reading labels, understanding ingredients, and recognising that no single food however tempting can do it all. But if there was ever a reason to smile about eating chocolate, this might just be it. So go ahead—break off a square, let it melt slowly, and savour the taste of indulgence reimagined through the lens of intelligent nutrition.
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Emotional strength as important as physical strength for men: Yoga expert Saurabh Bothra shares 7 healthy habits
Men often grow up being reminded to 'toughen up' whenever emotions surface. But expressing emotions needs to be normalized, and emotional strength must be as prioritized as physical strength, says yoga expert Saurabh Bothra. With rising burnout and the constant pressure of comparison, even men are turning to mind-body practices like yoga, breathwork, and therapy, not for trends, but for tangible results like better focus, clarity and sleep. The expert suggests healthy habits to build emotional strength in men, to avoid stress, anxiety and depression. A man with emotional strength may have better focus, clarity and healthier relationships.(Freepik) Why emotional strength can't be optional anymore Are you someone who locks yourself up in the 'never cry, handle problems alone, always appear in control' box associated with men? Silence can kill, says Bothra, pointing out statistics that in India, the male suicide rate stands at 14.2 per 100,000. "Unchecked distress bleeds into relationships and the workplace. Irritability, withdrawal, and reckless coping behaviours strain marriages, derail careers, and model unhealthy habits for the next generation. Emotional fitness flips that script," Bothra tells Health Shots. Habits to build emotional strength The goal of building these emotional strength habits is to develop the ability to notice, name, and regulate feelings without getting hijacked by them. The following practices cover body, mind, and community, and none require dramatic lifestyle overhauls, says Bothra. 1. Breath‑led movement Spend ten minutes each morning in slow, deliberate motion. A gentle Surya Namaskar or sun salutation sequence blends stretching with diaphragmatic breathing, down‑regulates the nervous system, and lubricates joints before the day's demands hit. No fancy gear, studio, or chanting required. 2. Name the emotion to tame it Keep a pocket notebook or phone note where you jot a one‑word check‑in three times daily — angry, restless, content, overwhelmed. Labeling converts vague discomfort into a manageable data point. Over weeks, patterns emerge, showing who or what reliably pushes buttons. That awareness is half the battle won. 3. Keep taking micro-breaks Treat the brain like a muscle that needs rest between sets. Schedule two five‑minute breaks in the workday to step outside, stretch, or practise box breathing (inhale‑hold‑exhale‑hold, four counts each). Short, regular resets beat one long vacation that never arrives. 4. Brotherhood, not bravado Statistics say 40 percent of Indian men still never discuss mental health. Break the stalemate by inviting a friend for coffee and opening with a simple 'I've been feeling weird lately, you ever get that?' Vulnerability given is often vulnerability returned. If circles of trust are scarce, structured men's groups — both in‑person and online — provide guided sharing without judgment. 5. Take professional help Therapy is not a last resort. It is coaching for the mind. A few sessions can teach evidence‑based techniques like cognitive reframing or acceptance and commitment strategies. Pairing this with movement‑oriented disciplines such as yoga, martial arts, or even mindful running produces a feedback loop: body calms mind, and an organised mind directs the body with purpose. 6. Learn to laugh and smile more Seek moments that genuinely make you laugh - be it a funny video, playful banter, or nostalgic memories. Smiling and laughing release endorphins, lower stress and remind you that joy too, is a skill worth practising. 7. Make habits stick Emotional fitness is about being more in control. It's the difference between reacting on impulse and responding with intention. That kind of resilience doesn't come from suppressing emotion or pushing through blindly. It comes from knowing what's happening inside you and learning how to work with it. Practices like conscious breathwork and simple asanas help build that internal awareness. You begin to notice what sets you off, what grounds you, and how to return to balance without needing to escape. Over time, this becomes less of a routine and more of a mindset. For any man who wants to show up fully for his work, his people, and himself, that mindset changes everything.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
‘Came With Skills, Heart': Bangladesh's Yunus To Indian, Chinese Doctors Treating Crash Victims
Last Updated: The international medical teams are currently in Dhaka to provide specialised care to those injured in the recent plane crash, many of whom are children Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Sunday thanked doctors and nurses from India, China, and Singapore for their support in treating victims of the recent plane crash in Dhaka. In a post on the social media platform X, Yunus said that a delegation of 21 doctors and nurses from the three countries met him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. The international medical teams are in the capital to provide specialised care to those injured in the crash at Milestone School and College, many of whom are children. The crash took place on Monday when a Chinese-made F-7 BGI training fighter jet suffered a mechanical fault shortly after take-off and crashed into a two-storey school building, killing 32 people, including 26 children. 'These teams have come not just with their skills, but with their hearts," Yunus said during the meeting. 'Their presence reaffirms our shared humanity and the value of global partnerships in times of tragedy." Chief Adviser thanks foreign medical teams for treating plane crash victimsDhaka, July 27, 2025: A delegation of 21 physicians and nurses from Singapore, China, and India met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna. The… — Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) July 27, 2025 The interim leader praised the teams' quick response and dedication during a national crisis and assured the visiting medical professionals of the government's full support in helping them carry out their mission. He also urged the doctors to build long-term ties with Bangladesh, including virtual cooperation in areas such as institutional collaboration, medical education exchange, and capacity building in the health sector. 'He emphasised that such partnerships could lay the foundation for lasting cooperation in public health and emergency preparedness," the post added. The delegation included ten members from Singapore, eight from China, and four from India. Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen and the Head of Mission from Singapore also attended the meeting. Meanwhile, an Indian medical team had arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to assist in treating the victims of the crash. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed his condolences over the loss of life and offered support and assistance to Bangladesh following the tragedy. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
