KANWAL RAI

The bedrock of a harmonious family unit, characterized by its cohesive existence, rests upon three foundational principles:(1) unconditional and unwavering mutual respect (2) equality in terms of mutually empathetic care and (3) willingness to provide rightful support to one another. As family members grow and become mature, their need for self-expression increases, encompassing both physical (spatial and resource-related) and emotional or relationship dimensions. This inclination may arise due to the mounting activities revolving around them, necessitating more touchpoints for discussions and interactions. The relationships and communication between them, become more multi-purpose (complex), interactive and intense. It could also stem from the realization that, with growth, more pivotal and individual decisions are at stake but these decisions may profoundly influence other. These decisions become complex as they extend beyond the trivial matters like decisions about selecting  a school or college or a movie or a restaurant and start delving into weightier considerations such as life, companions, business investments, asset management,  and need intelligence and ethical value system, for systematically resolving conflicts between them. The family converges within a shared dwelling, the cohesiveness of which is shaped by the unit’s resourcefulness. As it progresses, it naturally seeks increased resources, space, seclusion, autonomy, and exclusiveness. However, if the physical space or the concept of exclusivity is heedlessly trespassed upon through unilaterally weighted decisions that prioritize one individual’s desires or emotions over another’s, it has the potential to hinder the advancement and psychological growth of one member. This situation arises when one member capitalizes unfairly on the vulnerabilities of another—perhaps because of their age, decisiveness, sensitivity, or nurturing disposition. Gradually, an imbalance may emerge wherein one family member, who is comparatively more sensitive individual (less resourceful or more dependent), starts to get under undue dominance of others, altering the dynamics of the relationship. This inequality in how sensitivities are treated within the family dynamics signify how healthy the unit can y stay unified. The inequality in addressing each other other’s vulnerabilities or demand or issues is acceptable if it is founded in a mutual respect and sensitivity to one another’s needs, rather than originating exclusively from the asymmetrical command and control over the limited resources, at any given time. Resourcefulness tends to evolve over time, influenced by factors such as increasing earnings as more family members contribute or the primary earner’s growing income. Even if the trajectory of resourcefulness is heading downwards at times, leading to reduced resources – financial or otherwise, a family can still sustain its unity if an environment of unconditional respect and equal sensitivity prevails. The core principle should be that no individual’s needs perpetually supersede another’s, nor should dominance be exercised without regard for the legitimate needs of others. Imagine a scenario where two family members have their separate spaces for functioning. However, one of them consistently exerts dominance over the other, continually intruding into the latter’s personal spaces and privacy without seeking permission. These intrusions are made unilaterally, driven by the dominating individual’s behavior. The more sensitive member might tolerate this dominant behavior initially, although it subtly conveys that such behavior is unwelcome and should not recur. Despite these gentle expressions of discontent and feedback, the dominant behavior persists and repeats.  This consistent repetition of the dominating behavior has a detrimental impact on the relationship between these two individuals, leading to degradation on two fronts. Firstly, the person in the dominant role starts taking the other person’s emotions and sensitivities for granted. Secondly, the individual who is silenced and unheard begins to be perceived as weak, lacking sensitivity, and undeserving of respect. Consequently, as the continuous feedback and requests go ignored, the individual who feels sidelined will eventually reach a point where they become forceful and outspoken. This shift in behavior stems from the hope that through a loud outburst, their feelings and concerns will finally receive the attention they deserve. At any given juncture, if the less assertive individual (one who is sensitive or emotional) remains quiet, it does not necessarily signify contentment with the prevailing dominant behavior. This person might not consistently exhibit loudness or aggressiveness. In certain instances, they may view the other person’s dominance as something they can endure within their tolerance threshold. Alternatively, this individual might actively work on cultivating tolerance, hoping that the dominating person will eventually transform for the better, either through their own accord or over time. When individual sensitivities are treated unequally and respect fades away from the relationship, the dearth of resources can trigger a potent negative compounding effect on both parties involved. Daily existence can transform into a distressing ordeal, particularly for those who have consistently demonstrated care and sensitivity. This holds true for those who continually surrender their personal space, extend forgiveness, and offer understanding. These individuals are taken for granted, and their contributions become conditional, corroding the very essence of respect within the family dynamic. The relationship is left bereft of its intrinsic value. Even the fundamental roles within the family, such as that of a “father,” lose their inherent respect. Love, affection, and protection similarly transform into conditional aspects, inflicting the greatest deprivation upon the weaker, sensitive member of the family. Family relationships metamorphose into something like a commercial or corporate structure, adorned with superficial labels and taglines (of relationships and significance for each other as team but each one is separate part in the system and easily disposable). Imagine a scenario where family members resort to written communication, as listening and direct conversations are no longer feasible due to the absence of mutual respect. They can no longer converse openly or honestly. Instead, they resort to loud confrontations, challenging decisions before guests, domestic staff, or helpers. Sarcasm replaces sincerity in interactions with relatives or neighbors. Tolerance dwindles, and relationships become transactional and strained. The family, in such circumstances, loses its equilibrium and unity. It disintegrates, shedding the rhythm of a harmonious whole. It morphs into a gathering of individuals embroiled in daily conflicts over minor matters due to their growing intolerance towards

The products and services have been every increasing in terms of numbers and forms. It is unstoppable chain of efforts when it comes to the journey of solving a problem. Why can not one design one ideal solution for a specific problem, that remains the best forever? Why keep designing new products and services for solving the same problem? Why can’t we visualize and think about the ideal solution as the final result or outcome and develop the ideal solution once for all? Is this an ideality ? Can this ideality be reality? If not, why and if yes when and how? Irrespective of those questions as mentioned, let us firs look into what is design thinking. It is thinking like a designer to solve a problem. It is about going to the person in pain and understand how this pain can be eliminated through a product or a service. Understand why this pain needs an attention and why this is worth a problem to be solved. Before working on designing a solution as a product or service, one needs to really understand the pain and problem and why it is significant enough to be addressed with time, money and resources. This much before even the product is designed. If we can not first learn to understand and appreciate the problem and pain and the people who are facing this, we can not succeed in designing a solution. We will create some solution but we will not be able to create the solution, as an impact that the end users are seeking. There is a need for having a process, to immerse in their problems. Designers need to collaborate with the stakeholders starting with the person in pain or people in problem. They need to understand their ecosystem and challenges. When the problem is being understood and their pain is being felt, the boundary of solution and what to expect minimum from such a solution evolves or rather starts emerging. The attributes of the solution or the criteria on which the solution could be called as a fit gets clearly articulated. These are solely from the perspective of the people facing the problem who will be buying these solutions from the market when they arrive. They will judge them whether they fit their needs and expectations of being a solution or not. Design thinking is a mindset for first to be focused on the people and their pains and problems from their perspective.  Design thinking is a problem solving mindset. It leverages designer’s sensibilities to continually understand people’s needs, expectations,  pains and problems in order to bring out solutions (products and/or services) that are feasible (solves the problems and fit the set of expectations (needs and desires of an individual in pain or facing the problem) such that these solutions can be converted into marketing opportunity. After why is established (i.e. if you have weighed the decision that you want to address those problems or they fall under your areas of interest and focus of providing value), it is then about how to move systematically and iteratively (continually) as a “solution designing or problem solving process” from the people who want or need the solutions  to the solutions that people want or need. Design thinking is human centered approach to problem solving. It is iterative, collaborative and practical. The people (market) in pain (need) and people (who want to design and/or sell solution) in gain (profits), are always working together whether its dry or rain (irrespective of the market environment and inherent challenges). It is about being hands on. It is always about looking from the perspective of customers (people in pain). Every decision in the process of solving a problem, if customer centric. It improves the internal processes for designing, producing and selling the solution. Design thinking origins as back 1950s and 1960s. In those days it was mostly about the impact of the World War II in terms of application of new knowledge and strategic thinking to industrial design, production and management of operations. It is always an human effort in the realm of creative thinking to make this thinking (about designing a system that solves a problem) as a systematic process or approach i.e. more and more scientific and predictable.  However it is unreasonable to say all problems can be solved at any given point in time. To solve a problem, one might need resources to exist so that a system designer can put them together to work in a particular and consistently repeated manner i.e. imposed by a design construct (arrived after multiple rounds of experimentation or cycles of learning-thinking-doing-reflecting).  Experimentation and its outcome can be planned predictably. There are certain things in the process of designing a system or solution that needs learning through a discovery, that needs one to first carry or try out an experiment and then see if this works or fails to deliver the intended outcome. If the experiments yield unexpected outcomes, these data points and observations are then once again pushed to the design table to re-think and attempt a new design to be prototyped and validated. Irrespective of the problem or industry domain, such a process of innovation or problem solving, that deals with new resources or new designs, needs experiments to be carried out as a part of the learning through discovery phases. It takes time and remains uncertain in terms of  putting a closure date to this. The only way to make things move faster at this stage (crashing the fuzzy end of the innovation process) , is to do as many well defined experiments and as quickly as possible.  Not all problems need experimentation and also many times, if right resources are missing or non-existent (lets say yet to be invented or not accessible) or if there  are resources available (already invented or discovered) then the real challenge is perhaps purely to “somehow” figure out the solution by designing or architecting a system using these resources

What is a balanced diet? It must contain  Vitamins, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Fiber and Fat (VPCMFF) in a correct proportion. It should have a diversity in VPCMFF components to promote good health. Eating healthy is above ease and health else its about disease and death. Lack of consumption of right food ingredients (nutrients from right sources) negatively impacts the metabolic function of the body (accumulates toxins within the body leading to chronic illness in the long run). With age, gender and body size, the consumption of right ingredients (sourced from right food sources) on a daily basis is a necessity to survive. One has to also make it interesting in life.  For adults, the daily caloric needs vary based on the level of physical activity undertaken. This ranges from 2400 to 3900 calories, with lighter activities requiring fewer calories and more strenuous work demanding higher intake. These caloric requirements are necessary to sustain bodily functions, energy levels, and overall health. In terms of essential nutrients, adults require an intake of approximately 50 grams of protein daily. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and various physiological functions. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for those engaged in physical labor or exercise. Iron is another vital nutrient, with a recommended daily intake of around 20 milligrams. Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport within the blood and overall cellular function. Including iron-rich foods in the diet, such as lean meats, legumes, and fortified cereals, helps meet this requirement.  Calcium, essential for bone health and various bodily processes, is needed at a daily intake of around 0.5 grams. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are good sources of calcium.  A balanced diet incorporates a variety of food groups to ensure optimal nutrition. This includes: Green Leaf Vegetables (240 grams): Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, these vegetables provide essential nutrients for overall health. Leafy vegetables are highly nutritious and beneficial for your health due to their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. Including a variety of leafy greens in your diet can contribute to overall well-being. As a general guideline, aiming to consume around 2 to 3 cups of leafy greens per day is recommended. Sugar (30 grams): While moderation is key, small amounts of sugar can provide quick energy. Natural sources like fruits are preferable. There is no strict limit for natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, as they come packaged with beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These natural sources of sugar are generally considered healthy and safe to consume as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your overall carbohydrate intake, including natural sugars, especially if you have specific dietary goals or health conditions such as diabetes. Listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and choosing a variety of nutrient-dense foods will naturally guide you in managing your sugar intake. Milk & Curd  (120 ml): A source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, milk supports bone health and overall nutrition. For adults, consuming around 2 to 3 servings of dairy products per day is often recommended. A serving of milk is typically considered to be 1 cup (240 ml). This can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and overall calorie needs. It’s important to choose low-fat or non-fat milk options to reduce saturated fat intake. Curd or yogurt is a nutritious dairy product that provides probiotics (beneficial bacteria), protein, and calcium. Including yogurt in your diet can be beneficial. A typical serving of yogurt is around 1 cup (240 ml). Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars. Keeping both the consumption within 120 ml is perhaps staying moderately controlled on its requirement.  Non-Leaf Vegetables (150 grams): Including a mix of colorful vegetables provides an array of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and well-being. These vegetables come in a wide range of colors, each offering unique nutrients and health benefits. The recommended daily intake of non-leafy vegetables can vary based on dietary guidelines and individual needs. However, a general guideline is to aim for at least 2 to 3 servings of non-leafy vegetables per day. A serving size is typically considered to be about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw vegetables. Staying within a limit of 150 grams on an average, will keep the diet balanced. Fat and Oil (Total Fat 40-50 grams): Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are important for various bodily functions. Dietary fat is an important macronutrient that provides energy, supports cell function, and helps the body absorb certain vitamins. However, it’s also essential to consume fats in moderation and choose healthy sources. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that for a 2,000-calorie daily diet, most adults should aim for:  Total Fat: 25-35% of total daily calories, which translates to about 44 to 77 grams of fat per day. Saturated Fat: Less than 6% of total daily calories, which is around 13 grams per day. Trans Fat: As minimal as possible, ideally avoiding altogether. It’s important to focus on the quality of fats. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts) and polyunsaturated fats (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), have positive effects on heart health and overall well-being. These fats can be a part of a balanced diet. Limiting saturated and trans fats is crucial for heart health. These fats are often found in processed and fried foods, baked goods, and some animal products. Instead, choose lean protein sources and incorporate healthy fats into your diet in moderation. Rice (270 grams) and Millet (90 grams): Carbohydrates from whole grains like rice and millet provide sustained energy for daily activities. The appropriate amount of rice to consume in a day depends on various factors, including your overall dietary goals, energy expenditure, and individual nutritional needs. In a balanced diet, carbohydrates from sources like rice provide energy and nutrients, but portion control is essential to maintain a healthy intake. As a general guideline,