I just read this article:  "Trollers can live with their mindset; I am happy that my success is now my identity,” Prachi NIgam who topped the Class 10 UP Board with 98.5 marks has snubbed people who "have been trolling her for her facial hair."

Facial hair is caused by hormonal imbalance; in medical terminology, it is called PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) that can lead to scalp hair loss, weight gain, menstrual issues, facial hair, acne...

Heaping showers on praise on an achiever is perhaps the hardest thing to do for the non-achievers! Spiteful, indeed.

Two days ago, I watched a video where a harikatha artist had an interactive session with the students of a reputed school.  Among the other interesting questions, was one about bullying. When a teenager of the school wondered how to tackle bullying, the harikatha artist posed a question to the teenager - whether another person's meaningless utterances were so important... "Ignoring is the most effective response..." she elucidated further.

The said artist is a CA topper who gave up her lucrative profession because her call lay in service through music and spiritual talks. Clad in a nine-yard sari, with jasmine flowers on her hair, the celebrity went on to explain that her sartorial choice was appreciated even on flights.  She never faced trolling, even if she did she would have just dismissed it. It never bothered her! 

Appreciation can be obtained if one excels in life, unmindful of taunts and jibes. (just as our young heroine Prachi is.)

In today's world, bullying is on the increase as young boys and girls express apprehension. Well, how to tackle them? By not getting affected!  Better said, than done?

A young person can be strong enough to handle this by gritting the teeth, bearing with it, or by not paying attention to it.   However, most often, they are unable to handle harassment and, consequently, go into depression, and lose interest in studies; at times, such scars are buried deep leading them to suicidal tendencies.

Parents, educators, and other adults have an important role to play in ensuring children's safety in their respective environments (both physical and virtual).  Most schools have policies to tackle negativities among children.  Parents, on their part, should be attuned to children's behaviors and moods. Any changes in an otherwise 'happy' child should under no circumstance be overlooked, the crux of the problem is to be fixed.

Instilling an anti-bullying mindset, in other words- no hitting, shoving, or teasing should be encouraged.  Being critical, judgmental, and hurtful is just not acceptable. Keeping the right company of friends indulging in age-appropriate behaviour is a must; impeccable character and value education are not for textbook learning; contrarily, they are to be practiced at all times, even under the most trying of situations.

Often, young minds are agitated even when they watch acts of bullying, particularly if they are from gentle and ethically sound backgrounds. Teaching them to handle it is as important as to not indulging in the same.  Equipping young ones with self-protection tools such as karate would instill the courage to 'face the brute,'  boost their self-esteem greatly.  They should neither bully nor be bullied...

Garrulous, unscrupulous, or sadistic individuals with little value are well-known to take advantage of the seemingly introverted ones - they know exactly how to push the buttons! Faced with such situations, standing up for what one believes to be right and ethical is important- being honest and letting the other person understand that he or she should know not to cross their boundaries, as in the popular saying: "The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins." 

To substantiate further, here is an interesting anecdote from Swami Vivekananda's life when he was on a sea-voyage to India. While his mind indulged in prayer and thoughts of his future work for his homeland, two people entered into a heated argument with Swamiji, savagely criticized his religion. Swamiji aka the warrior-monk walked upto one the men and said menacingly: "if you abuse my religion again, I will throw you overboard." This was the magic word! The opponent apologized and sought forgiveness.

"Stand for what is right. Even if it means standing alone." Never stand up for injustice, even it it has not been meted to you. Never bully, never encourage bullying. Seek help when you need it, Help will definitely be at hand...

.    .    .