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Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
In Rajasthan, practical lessons in fatherhood: how to raise a child
During a weekly telephonic conversation with an anganwadi worker and the village poshan champion (community motivators) in late 2020, Mukesh Kharadi, 34, a resident of Dungarpur's Sabli village, was informed that his 32-year-old wife Jaya's pregnancy was considered 'high risk' because she was expecting twins and was highly anaemic. That conversation, says Mukesh, then a worker in a tile factory in Udaipur, nearly 100 km from his village, made him realise that he could no longer behave like a 'typical' husband. 'They said I need to be around to take care of Jaya and help raise our twins, who were later born prematurely. In my community, a man lives separately after marriage, but is never taught to take care of his pregnant wife or newborns. The wife manages on her own, at times, with help from anganwadi workers,' he tells The Indian Express, sitting on a plastic chair next to Jaya, their twins Prajna and Pragya on their lap, in their Sabli home. So Mukesh quit his job to drive tractors at nearby farms. 'The anganwadi worker and poshan champion taught me about the importance of nutrition for pregnant women. I know now that they need iron-rich foods like dals (lentils), nuts and coconut water. I even learned to cook fish and egg curry for Jaya,' he adds with a smile. Mukesh is part of a growing tribe of husbands actively involved in maternal and newborn care, an aspect of pregnancy earlier deemed as 'women's work'. For Rajasthan, this is where the solution to its problems lay. Despite the Central flagship scheme — the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) — for pregnant and lactating women, low birth-weight indicators continued to plague the state. To improve maternal and child nutrition, Rajasthan decided to augment the PMMVY by launching a cash plus model (money transfers combined with additional services) as a pilot programme. Around 2020, Rajasthan's Department of Women and Child Development launched its Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy across its five tribal districts of Banswara, Baran, Dungarpur, Udaipur, and Pratapgarh. The programme, being managed by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), was launched with technical support from IPE Global, an international development consultancy group. In a first for an Indian state, the SBCC included cash initiative in the form of direct benefit transfers (DBT): Rs 5,000 (in two installments) for the birth of the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second birth, provided the child was a girl and the pregnancy registered. A recent report card on Rajasthan's cash plus model shows huge improvements in women's access to nutrition in these districts, including a nearly 50% rise in early breastfeeding, women being more receptive to home-based counselling, improvement in dietary diversity among expectant mothers and more women using cash specifically for nutrition. Nearly two lakh women expecting their second child in these five districts benefited under the scheme's financial aid and counselling services, the report card states. SBCC's biggest success, however, came from a crucial element — the involvement of men in maternal and newborn care — a crucial component that was neglected earlier under various schemes on maternal care. Take the case of Jaya's pregnancy. Due to her low haemoglobin levels, village poshan (nutrition) champion Rajendra Baranda helped Mukesh understand the importance of nutrition for the health of his wife and unborn children. Rajendra, who visits homes across Sabli village to counsel families and register new beneficiaries regularly, says, 'I make it a point to speak to the men now.' Veena Prajapati, a worker at Nala Fala Anganwadi Centre in the village for 15 years, says the SBCC has helped shift focus. 'Earlier, our work was limited to women. Now, we are also engaging with men. The change is gradual, but it's happening,' she says. Several outreach strategies were launched to foster this shift, including a poster campaign portraying caring husbands as 'true Baahubalis (the one with strong arms)', a nod to the 2015 action-fantasy film directed by S S Rajamouli, creating a men's WhatsApp groups to share nutrition tips for pregnant and lactating women, regular village health and nutrition committee meetings, and kala jathas (traditional street plays). 'In these posters, we ask, 'Who is the real Baahubali?' The answer is simple, the one who takes care of his wife,' says Veena. Talking about the reference to Baahubali, Mahendra Kumar Soni, Secretary, State Department of Women and Child Development, who is currently steering the initiative, says, 'It was a part of our 'Hero-Hub-Hygiene' model (during phase one of the campaign). The idea was to redefine what it means to be a hero. At that time (when the campaign was launched), Baahubali was a hugely popular figure — strong, masculine and powerful. We used that cultural reference to flip the narrative: our messaging portrayed Baahubali not as someone defined by physical strength, but as a caring, responsible husband, one who accompanies his wife to the anganwadi centre and ensures she attends antenatal check-ups.' Another effective tactic has been the amavasya baithak, a fortnightly meeting with men on women's nutrition. 'It's a challenge, since most men work in places away from the village. The WhatsApp groups help us stay connected,' she adds, emphasising that this is 'just the beginning'. Explaining how the SBCC was formulated, he says their strategy was based on a study that explored key aspects of messaging: content, frequency, delivery methods and the identification of primary stakeholders who needed to be engaged. Soni says, 'When we went into the field, we realised that simply speaking to women wasn't enough. Even if we gave cash directly to the mother or advised a pregnant woman on what to eat and when, it wasn't effective, because the decision-making power didn't lie with her.' He explained that choices around nutrition, including what to eat and what to avoid, were often made by the mother-in-law. 'Since they typically take household decisions, we included mothers-in-law in our intervention strategy. Similarly, the husbands, who play a key role since they usually buy food from the market. We realised that fathers of pregnant women also need to be educated about proper nutrition. That's why we started engaging with men directly,' he adds. He says the intervention strategy was designed using concentric circles around the pregnant woman. 'The first circle includes the husband; the second, the mother-in-law; the third, the extended family; and the fourth, the broader community. This understanding shaped the communication model, which includes home-based counselling and one-on-one digital outreach targeting men,' he says. During the second phase of the campaign in 2022, the concept of Baahubali evolved. 'We realised that the idea of a hero need not be limited to husbands or men. A father-in-law, an aunt, a neighbour — anyone who positively contributes to a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth can be a Baahubali. Anyone who supports and empowers a pregnant woman becomes a hero in her story.' (The writer was in Dungarpur on an invitation from the Rajasthan government)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘A new chapter begins …': India pacer blessed with baby boy; wishes pour in
Mukesh Kumar blessed with baby boy (Instagram Photo) Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar and his wife Divya Singh have been blessed with a baby boy, marking a joyous milestone in the cricketer's personal life. The Bengal pacer, who has steadily grown into a reliable name in India's bowling unit, took to social media on Friday to share the heartwarming news with fans. "A new chapter begins... with the tiniest heartbeat," Mukesh Kumar wrote on his Instagram. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Mukesh Kumar tied the knot with Divya Singh in November 2023 in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family in his hometown of Gopalganj, Bihar. The couple has largely kept their relationship out of the public eye, maintaining a low profile while supporting each other through their respective journeys. Mukesh's rise in Indian cricket has been a story of perseverance and dedication. After consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy , he earned a call-up to the Indian ODI squad in September 2022 for the series against South Africa. Since then, he has featured across formats, contributing in all, and earning a spot in India's wider pool of fast bowlers ahead of major tournaments. Known for his disciplined line and length, Mukesh has been praised for his work ethic and calm temperament on the field. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee pain prices might surprise you Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo Now, with the arrival of his first child, Mukesh enters a new phase of life. Who'll Make it to the Playing XI for 2nd Test? | India's Nets Session in Birmingham Teammates and fans flooded his post with congratulations and blessings for the newborn. As he celebrates fatherhood, the 31-year-old cricketer is expected to return to the field soon, bringing with him renewed joy and motivation. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Mukesh Chhabra? From working as a background dancer to becoming Bollywood's top casting director - All you need to know
Mukesh Chhabra , one of the most well-known casting directors in Bollywood, is grabbing headlines for his appearance on the reality show 'The Traitors'. Hosted by Karan Johar , the show has added a new twist to his journey, from behind the camera to being in the spotlight himself. But before he became the man who shaped many acting careers, Mukesh had very humble beginnings. From dancing for Rs 50 to sharing the screen Mukesh once appeared on 'Indian Idol 15', where he shared a touching memory from his early days in the industry. During a fun chat with singer Mika Singh , he revealed just how far he had come. 'I worked as a background dancer for Mika Singh for just 50 rupees. He gave me my first opportunity, and I will always be grateful for that. It's surreal to see how far we've both come, and I'm thrilled to be sharing the screen with him again," Mukesh shared. This simple moment showed the strong bond between the two and reminded everyone of Mukesh's long journey from background dancer to a casting expert. Theatre roots and years of hard work As per IMDb, Mukesh spent two years training in acting at Shri Ram Centre. After that, he worked with the 'Theatre in Education' Company (TIE), which is linked with the National School of Drama in India. For nine years, he acted and taught there, learning the ins and outs of performing and storytelling. In 2008, he started his own company, Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company (MCCC). In just a few years, MCCC became one of the best casting companies in India and started working with clients from around the world. The man behind Bollywood's fresh faces With over 15 years in the film industry, Mukesh has cast for more than 300 films, over 100 web series, and countless TV ads. His most famous works include 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (2015), 'Dangal' (2016), 'Dil Bechara' (2020), 'Scam 1992' (2020), and 'Laal Singh Chaddha' (2022). Mukesh has helped launch many actors who are now household names. These include Rajkummar Rao , Sushant Singh Rajput , Mrunal Thakur, Pratik Gandhi, Sanya Malhotra, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Mukesh has become the go-to person for for top directors like Rajkumar Hirani, Nitesh Tiwari, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan , Aanand L. Rai, Anurag Kashyap, and Hansal Mehta. A new role on 'The Traitors' In a surprising move, Mukesh stepped into the spotlight by joining the reality show 'The Traitors'. Known for its dramatic twists and mind games, the show brought out a different side of him. However, in a recent episode, Mukesh was eliminated from the show. In an interview with ETimes after his exit, Mukesh opened up about what the show taught him. 'One of my biggest learnings from the show is that you really can't trust anyone—not even the people you eat, sit, or roam around with,' he said. 'You never know who's actually betraying you or who the real traitor is.' Mukesh Chhabra's story is one of hard work, talent, and never giving up. From being paid Rs 50 as a background dancer to helping shape the future of Bollywood, his journey is inspiring. The Traitors Review: Drama, Deception & Chaos Unfold
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
Man found dead on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, hit & run suspected
Gurgaon: A man's body, with injuries to his head and legs, was found on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Kaliyar toll plaza in Nuh on Tuesday morning. Police suspect the man, who is yet to be identified, died after being hit and dragged by a vehicle on the highway. There were fragments of headlights and other auto-parts nearby. Head constable Mukesh of Jaisinghpur police post said cops got a call about a body lying on the highway around 7.30am. "The man, who looked like he was between 25 and 30 years old, was wearing a blue t-shirt and grey-coloured shorts," the head constable said. Police moved the body to the mortuary at Nuh Civil Hospital and are trying to ascertain the man's identity. "We have put out notices across the area regarding identification of the body. So far, we have not received any clues," Mukesh said. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Another police officer said there were visible wounds on the man's head and legs. "We suspect that the youth may have been hit by an unknown vehicle, the driver of which fled the scene after the incident. The pattern of injuries suggests he may have been dragged along with the vehicle," he said. "We have contacted the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI, which maintains the expressway) to review CCTV footage from nearby areas since there are no cameras at the accident spot," the officer said. A case was registered at the Sadar Nuh station under sections 106 (death due to negligence) and 281 (rash driving) of BNS.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mukesh Chhabra, known for casting roles in Gangs of Wasseypur & Dangal, says you can't trust anyone
Mukesh Chhabra , known for casting roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur , Dangal , and Chhichhore, has been eliminated from the Indian reality show The Traitors . The show, hosted by Karan Johar , is known for its strategic twists and psychological turns. Mukesh, also the director of Dil Bechara , was recently voted out, making him one of the latest contestants to exit the competition. From behind the scenes to centre stage Mukesh Chhabra has worked behind the scenes for years in the Hindi film industry. As a casting director, he has helped discover new talent and build strong ensembles for major films. In 2020, he directed Dil Bechara, the last film of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Stepping into a new role, Mukesh joined The Traitors, a reality show that requires players to detect betrayal and deception among themselves. His exit from the show offered a moment of reflection, both on-screen and off-screen. 'You really can't trust anyone' Speaking to ETimes after his elimination, Mukesh said the experience left a lasting impact. 'One of my biggest learnings from the show is that you really can't trust anyone—not even the people you eat, sit, or roam around with,' he said. 'You never know who's actually betraying you or who the real traitor is.' Live Events When asked if this applied to real life, Mukesh shared a personal story from the time he was directing Dil Bechara. 'In real life, I've felt betrayed many times,' he said. 'But one instance that really hurt was during Dil Bechara. I had entrusted one of my casting assistants to look after my company while I was away making the film. When I returned, I found he had taken away all my data and secretly opened his own casting company. I was shocked. I had literally groomed that child in front of me. It felt like a stab in the back.' Willing to return if called back Despite the emotional experience and early exit, Mukesh says he would be ready to return to The Traitors. '100%! Now I know how to play the game,' he said. His time on the show, while short, became a chance to confront past experiences of betrayal and reflect on trust and human behaviour. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Mukesh Chhabra continues to navigate the stories and challenges that come with both cinema and real life.
