Recently, I was browsing through a few articles, when I came across a report that read - Only 1% water left in Marathwada (a region in Maharashtra). In addition, the MET department also announced a red alert in Marathwada. More than 9 million farmers in Maharashtra alone have been impacted, with 3,225 turning to suicide as their only way to escape this daily ordeal and stress. Around 17,000 villages continue to suffer. For someone who has always tried to save water in every possible way, these reports and statistics leave me speechless.

We all know how the drought and water crisis has engulfed major parts of the country, especially Maharashtra since a few years. Things in 2016 only turned worse, thanks to very little rainfall in the year gone by. So much, that women in some households were forced to collect all the used water (from basic routines like washing and bathing) and boil it in order to quench their family's thirst. I recently got back from a trip across some parts of Maharashtra and the situation was indeed very grim. Lakes, crops and trees were dried up, minimal water left in wells, and the locals would like at a bottle of water with eyes full of hope. They don't need money, gadgets or luxury. All they ask for is what qualifies as a human being's basic need - Water. You need to see the thirst and need for water in the eyes of those who don't have water. Perhaps, only then will you relate to those who are facing this serious crisis in our state and other parts of the country.

These are just a few of the many steps that we can take to save water. Also, one very important thing. This shouldn't apply to us only when we see / read about a serious issue of scarcity. Nor should it become a one-off thing only when festivals like Holi are celebrated. It should naturally become a part of our daily routine. And no, don't try to do it merely for an Instagram photo-op.

Last night, I strongly felt the need to write this post, thus opening a discussion on the issue of water crisis and ways to save it, hoping that this might wake up a few ignorant minds. Saving water is not rocket science, really. All it needs is a little bit of common sense and some basic changes to your everyday routine. I never celebrated Holi with colours and water. Not even as a child. Similarly, I switched to bucket bath and ditched the shower. I feel blessed to have parents who inculcated the right values and lessons, especially when it comes to taking care of nature and mother earth. I brought about various changes in my routine that might just be a small drop in the ocean. I am not saying I am perfect and I continue to make alterations. But hey, every drop counts and like they say, change begins at home. Some may say, ditching Holi celebrations is not our cup of tea. Fair enough! But, what is stopping you from adopting other measures?

This post is more than just a lifestyle article on our blog. It is an honest appeal to all of you. We request you to bring about these changes, even if it is one step at a time. If we talk about equality, then let's try and make water available to one and all. Water is precious, and every drop counts. Let's not wait for a disastrous day when water becomes a luxury (which for some, it already is, thanks to water tankers and packaged drinking water). A simple 'change' in your lifestyle can help 'change' someone's life. This one important step can help save Maharashtra from losing its beloved citizens to suicides and future misery. Think about it!

If you have a suggestion / tip to save water efficiently, we want you to share it with the world. Leave a comment below or Tweet to us at @priyaadivarekar with the hashtag #WaterForAll

We will compile and share all the useful tips (with due credits to the contributor) in our next post. 

Let's make this world a better place to live in.

Love,

The Dancebee

One certainly cannot stop admiring the way Deepika Padukone honestly voices out her opinion. Uninhibited, frank and courageous; the actress never takes a step back. Having interviewed her, I can vouch for the fact that she is one of the very few actresses who doesn't make a fuss about every little thing and dares to tackle each question with an intelligent response. In the past, be it while dealing with messy questions posed by certain media members or giving it back to those who try to unnecessarily target her, Padukone has won accolades for putting up a brave front and dealing with such obstacles in her own style. She is not afraid to come out of the closet and deal with such circumstances like just another girl. And her recent revelation not just shows her courage, but also makes us realize that she is indeed an epitome of girl power.

Photo Credit: Filmfare

In a recent first person interview to Hindustan Times, Padukone confessed that behind all the hard work and moments of sweeping away awards last year, she suffered from depression and anxiety; two words that most people dread. I am quite sure that most individuals, who are crushed in this fast paced life and everyday routine, are suffering or have dealt with symptoms of depression in the past. But, we live in a society that will label you faster than they can perhaps boil a vessel full of water. So, they just learn to join hands with silence and not utter a word. Forget even trying to talk to a friend, family member or even a counselor.

"In early 2014, while I was being appreciated for my work, one morning, I woke up feeling different. A day earlier, I had fainted due to exhaustion; it was all downhill from there. I felt a strange emptiness in my stomach. I thought it was stress, so I tried to distract myself by focusing on work, and surrounding myself with people, which helped for a while. But the nagging feeling didn't go away. My breath was shallow, I suffered from lack of concentration and I broke down often."

While she thought it might just be a passing phase, she admits that things began to get worse. All this at a time when Padukone was basking the in the glory of four consecutive successes in a year and shooting for Farah Khan's Happy New Year. It was only after a chat with her mother and an emotional breakdown that she went ahead and met a psychologist, only to realize that she was suffering from anxiety and depression. After being a little reluctant to opt for medication, Padukone learned to deal with her condition and admits that things are much better today. After a two month break, she got back to work and began shooting for her next, Piku, helmed by Shoojit Sircar. Sometime later, a friend of the actress committed suicide due to depression and that's when Padukone decided to discuss this issue in public.

"There is shame and stigma attached to talking about depression. In fact, one in every four people suffer from anxiety and depression. The World Health Organisation has stated that this will be the most widespread epidemic in the next few years. We talk about all kinds of aliments, but this is probably one of the deadliest mental disorders. Nothing, including life, makes sense to people suffering from it. Overcoming it has made me a stronger person and I now value my life much more. Accepting it and speaking about it has liberated me. I have stopped taking medication, and I hope my example will help people reach out for help.  I feel that at times, the patient just wants to talk, and isn’t seeking advice. But, well-wishers saying things like, ‘Don’t worry, it will all be alright,’ might be detrimental." 

The reason why I can't stop lauding Padukone is that being an icon to many, especially young girls and boys in the country, it takes guts and real courage for someone to fight against this issue and talk about her own experience at the same time. Yes, depression is a reality and if we keep shying away from it, things will never change. Maybe after taking a cue from her confession, youngsters who look up to her may just muster up the courage to admit what they have been going through. Like Padukone stated, it is not always about beauty, plush homes and the best of cars. It is about mental health. Maybe after reading about her experience, families of those suffering may just learn to come out and support the patient. Because they really need you.



Keeping all this in mind, the actress is working on an awareness campaign, along with her team, which will be revealed soon. We are quite sure Padukone's campaign will help several patients break the ice and talk about their problems, without worrying about the social stigma.

As for Padukone, I just have one thing to say,
More power to you, girl. Bravo!

Love,
The Dancebee