Michael Jackson: I would only hear music on radio and cassette players. Eyes closed, grooving and moving to the tracks. The Grammys was on and my neighbours had just got their TV set. I squeezed past 15 children and peeped under their arms to watch the genius
in action. Michael performing Billie Jean! His dance, persona, pitch and connect with
the audience! An artist who sang and danced, but used his voice for greater issues. I
grasped it like a sponge. I was besotted, enthralled and in love, and will always be.
ABBA: There was something about their sound. It was bright, happy and celebratory;
friends singing together, upbeat melodies and fabulous words. Their arrangement and
programming was so ahead of its time. Artists are still using their tracks even today,
and the success of Mamma Mia is testimony enough.
Sound of Music: This path-breaking movie was the background to my childhood. I
learnt how to sing choir music, started to love harmonies, and despite being a child
fell in love with the children. I even dressed like Maria and cut my hair really short. I
wanted to be a nun like Maria. It deeply shaped my character to love teachers, music,
the church, and most importantly the dedication and purity needed for music.
Don Williams: My love for country music was awakened by not some glitzy and cool
singer, but by the elderly and charming velvet voice of Don Williams. I nose-dived into
his songs and just couldn’t get enough. If you are in love or are heartbroken, good
luck with holding your tears. Lilting melodies on the soothing guitar, I would hear his
stunning songs endlessly as I drove the streets of Mumbai.
Allah Tero Naam, Ishwar Tero Naam: My father introduced me to this heart-wrenching
song from the movie Hum Dono at a very young age. He wanted me to know the depth of the Lord and how he manifests in different names and religion. Today our world lacks acceptance and tolerance because we have failed to familiarise ourselves with diverse communities. The more that we know, the more that we will understand. I feel perhaps only music second to love can heal wounds and build ties. The song sung by Lata Mangeshkar has breathtaking music by Jaidev ji and deep lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.
Celine Dion: She is the voice! But more than her voice, I loved Celine for her
warmth towards her fans, love for her husband, wisdom to balance intense success,
and sense of humour. To reach such great heights and yet not take it for granted is remarkable. The respect she has for everyone is truly inspirational. When I watched her
perform live, I was mesmerised and so happy to see that what I know of her is exactly
the way she is.
Tina Turner: I only got to know of Tina just like the rest of the world when she was 42
and released What’s Love Got To Do With It. I did not know her remarkable story of
struggle and strife. She is a legend but to make a debut in popular music at 42 was
inspirational, especially when today record labels foolishly think we have to be ‘young’
to sell records. Music is for the ears, not the eyes. If you try to woo the eyes, it will never
sustain. Her unbelievable story makes her so loved, respected and followed.
Nazia Hassan: I just loved her songs as a teen. Growing up, there was such love and
fun times with Pakistan. Yes, we had great competitiveness in cricket but immense
love for their music and stage shows. Today, I hear such juvenile stories of division. I
loved Nazia for her unique voice, refreshing singing style and fun songs. I followed her
with great interest and was heartbroken to hear the news of her cancer. I also was
deeply inspired by how humble and loving she was despite her meteoric rise to fame.
Whitney Houston: Her songs and life are a school for any student of music. With dedication and faith, she touched pinnacles of success. She showed how fame can create
miracles, and at the same time mental chaos if your support system isn’t balanced.
How she spiralled from a pitch-perfect singer to someone who could not hold a
note stunned me with despair. It taught me so much. Her songs teach us perfection, her
rendition gives us all goosebumps and her life teaches us how life is fragile and fame is fickle.
Trilok Loomba: My music exists because of my Guru, my beloved father Trilok Loomba.
He won the National Award in 1972 and still struggled immensely to get recognition. His
breakthrough was just like mine, our song Duniya which debuted at number one. Dad
is the most positive and forgiving man, and that’s why he looks so young and happy. I
love his passion for his art and mantra: “It matters not who is listening or which label
is paying, your job is to rehearse, rejoice and keep playing music.” His lyrics are always
meaningful and I’m so lucky that I get to sing a few of his songs.
Raageshwari Loomba Swaroop is an actor, singer, motivational speaker and wellness entrepreneur.
NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan promotes a simple three-ingredient recipe to support gut health and muscle maintenance.
The snack includes kefir yoghurt, raspberries, and chia seeds — all rich in fibre, protein, and beneficial compounds.
Dr Rajan advocates for low-cost, preventative health strategies over expensive treatments.
He stresses that fibre is often overlooked despite playing a crucial role in overall health.
His TikTok channel and book aim to make scientific health advice accessible to the public.
Simple advice, powerful results
Making healthy choices has become increasingly difficult in the modern world. From ultra-processed supermarket food to endless distractions on our devices, temptation is often just a click away. But NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan is working to make health advice more accessible, affordable and actionable — and his approach is finding a wide audience.
Dr Rajan, who has built a following of more than five million on TikTok, uses short-form videos to break down complex medical science into practical tips. His new book, This Book May Save Your Life, compiles what he describes as “everyday health hacks to worry less and live better”.
He believes the popularity of his content reflects a wider shift in public health thinking. “Healthcare systems in most countries have flaws,” Dr Rajan told The Independent. “It’s harder to see a healthcare professional in some cases, particularly for chronic diseases. It’s also expensive if you are going down the private route. People are realising that prevention is a cheaper, more effective longer-term solution for health than treatment when burdened with disease.”
Gut health on a budget
One of Dr Rajan’s most popular tips is a simple three-ingredient snack that supports both gut health and muscle strength. It’s cost-effective, easy to prepare, and packed with nutritional value.
To make the snack, start by microwaving the raspberries for around 30 seconds, then mash them to your desired consistency. The deep red colour signals the presence of anthocyanins — antioxidants linked to gut health. This serving alone offers roughly 5g of fibre.
Next, stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds. These are rich in both fibre and mucilage — a type of soluble fibre that feeds beneficial bacteria in the colon. The chia seeds also help thicken the mixture into a jam-like texture.
Finally, use the mixture as a topping on kefir yoghurt — a fermented dairy product that contains live cultures and offers an additional boost of probiotics and protein. An optional drizzle of honey can be added for sweetness.
Dr Rajan calls this a “power combo” — containing the three Ps of gut health: prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols.
Why fibre matters more than you think
While protein remains a hot topic in fitness and nutrition, Dr Rajan says fibre is the real unsung hero of good health.
“Both protein and fibre are essential,” he says. “There are plenty of foods and meal combos where you can get both, but if I had to over-index on one, it would be fibre.”
According to Dr Rajan, most adults in the UK don’t come close to the recommended 30g of dietary fibre per day, with average intakes falling below 20g. This gap, he warns, is causing many to miss out on wide-ranging health benefits.
“When it comes to human physiology, there aren’t many processes in] fibre isn’t involved in, either directly or indirectly,” he says. “Its benefits include regulating hormones, metabolism, appetite, the gut microbiome, mood, bowels and more.”
Prevention over cure
The popularity of Dr Rajan’s content may lie in its simplicity and evidence-based approach. Rather than focusing on quick fixes or restrictive diets, he promotes everyday changes that can be sustained long-term. His three-ingredient snack is a clear example of that philosophy — easy to make, nutritionally rich, and based on solid science.
As access to healthcare becomes more challenging for many, he believes prevention is not just practical but necessary.
“People want advice they can trust, but also apply,” he says. “Improving gut health and increasing fibre intake are two changes most people can make today — and they’ll feel better for it.”
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Samaritans currently has 22,000 listening volunteers
Samaritans plans to close at least half of its 200 branches over the next 7–10 years
Volunteers to be moved into larger regional hubs and remote call handling to be piloted
Charity says model is unsustainable; changes aim to increase volunteer flexibility and service capacity
Some volunteers express concern over the loss of smaller branch camaraderie and safe spaces
Final decision expected in September following consultation
Mental health charity plans shift to larger hubs and remote volunteering
Samaritans has announced plans to close at least 100 of its 201 branches across the UK and Ireland in the next seven to ten years, as part of a major restructuring strategy aimed at improving service delivery and reducing infrastructure costs.
The charity, which operates a 24/7 mental health helpline, says it intends to move volunteers into larger regional centres and trial a remote volunteering model. The shift is intended to provide greater flexibility, increase the number of volunteers on shift at any time, and reduce spending on building maintenance.
Concerns raised over impact on volunteers
Samaritans currently has 22,000 listening volunteers who answer calls and messages from people experiencing mental health crises. The helpline receives a call every 10 seconds, and many branches also offer in-person support.
In a video shared with volunteers, Chief Executive Julie Bentley said the charity’s limited fundraising income was increasingly being used to maintain physical branches, instead of improving services.
“Over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us,” she said. “We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty, and be there for more people in their darkest moments.”
The charity emphasised that it does not intend to reduce the level of service it offers. Instead, it hopes to expand its reach by making buildings and shifts more accessible and increasing volunteer numbers through flexible models.
Volunteer response: fears of “call centre-style” culture
Despite the stated goals, some long-standing volunteers have raised concerns that the changes could lead to a loss of the close-knit environment offered by smaller branches. There is particular unease about the possible shift to a “call centre-style” approach, which some feel could compromise the sense of community and safety among volunteers.
One volunteer commented:
“The current system has operated very successfully for 70 years. Now they’re thinking of dismantling it. Almost every volunteer I’ve spoken to has said if they introduce call centres, we’re out.”
Others voiced discomfort at the idea of taking sensitive calls from home, even with video support from fellow volunteers, citing the importance of having a safe, supportive physical environment.
Financial pressures and long-term planning
The proposed changes come amid financial challenges for the organisation. In its 2023–24 accounts, Samaritans reported declining income for the third consecutive year and rising operational costs.
The charity’s accounts show:
£7 million allocated to fixed assets, including branches
A property maintenance fund of £28,000
A branch support fund of £287,000
£24.6 million in charitable income
Volunteers have requested more transparency around projected cost savings from branch closures and how these funds will be reinvested.
Consultation ongoing ahead of decision
Samaritans has said that no final decisions will be made until after a consultation period concludes in September. If approved, the changes will be introduced gradually over a number of years.
The charity maintains that modernising the structure is essential for long-term sustainability and to meet the evolving needs of callers and volunteers alike.
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Social media has recently drawn attention to the psychological challenges
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a diabetes drug also prescribed for weight loss
Users report emotional side effects, including low motivation and feeling “stuck”
A TikTok post describing the “slow middle” of weight loss struck a chord with others
The injection can support weight loss of up to 20% over a year
Drug is now sold in UK supermarkets including Tesco and Morrisons
While Mounjaro has become increasingly popular for aiding weight loss, users have begun highlighting a less-discussed side effect — an emotional downturn midway through treatment.
The medication, also known by its generic name tirzepatide, is a weekly injection originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. It has since gained traction for its weight loss benefits, with some patients shedding up to 20% of their body weight over the course of a year.
Now available in UK supermarket pharmacies, including Tesco and Morrisons, Mounjaro is being used more widely — but not all side effects are physical.
TikTok user describes the “slow middle” struggle
Social media has recently drawn attention to the psychological challenges that can emerge partway through treatment. TikTok creator @Swedish_Sandra described feeling emotionally flat and demotivated despite ongoing physical progress.
“It’s the period of time between the before and after photos,” she explained in a recent post. “This phase feels quiet — not the start, not the finish, just the slow middle where everything is shifting but the big change isn’t visible yet.”
Sandra encouraged others to recognise that this emotional plateau is part of the journey, calling it “the hardest bit mentally” and stressing the importance of patience and perseverance.
Users share similar experiences
Sandra’s experience resonated with many who commented on her post, saying they too had noticed a dip in motivation once the initial rapid weight loss slowed.
“I’ve been struggling for the last month wondering if all this money is worth it,” wrote one user. “My weight loss has stalled too,” added another. “It is hard to get used to when you’re used to big drops at the start.”
Several commenters offered support and perspective, with one noting:
“Even a quarter of a pound a week is still a loss. This is the phase where the weight lost is likely fat, not just water. That’s real progress.”
Sandra responded:
“The initial excitement has died down, but those ‘boring’ moments are where the steady, lasting change happens.”
A reminder that weight loss is not linear
While Mounjaro has proven effective for weight loss, the emotional and mental health aspects of the process are increasingly part of the conversation. Users are calling for greater openness around the slower, less visible phases of the journey.
The drug remains a significant tool for people managing obesity or type 2 diabetes, but the growing number of personal accounts highlight the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining emotional resilience throughout treatment.
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One of the UK’s most beloved restaurant groups, Dishoom
Dishoom opens its first Glasgow location on Friday 29 August
New café located in a Grade A listed building on Nelson Mandela Place
Signature dishes like Bacon Naan Rolls and House Black Daal to feature on the menu
Continues ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative, donating a meal to a child in need for every one served
Follows successful launches in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham
One of the UK’s most beloved restaurant groups, Dishoom, will officially open its first Glasgow café on Friday 29 August. The new site, located on Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre, marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands further into Scotland.
Taking over a 7,000 sq ft Grade A listed building that formerly housed Glasgow’s stock exchange, the new Dishoom will blend the spirit of Bombay’s old Irani cafés with the energy of Glasgow’s South Asian community.
Rooted in story and tradition
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s culture. For Glasgow, the story is centred on a fictional former agent, Miss X, who returns to civilian life to run a lively Irani café at the base of the stock exchange building.
This storytelling element informs the restaurant’s design, with interiors and atmosphere shaped by the imagined world of Miss X.
A menu of much-loved classics
The Glasgow café will be open from morning to late evening, serving a menu of signature favourites that have earned Dishoom national acclaim. Diners can expect classics such as the Bacon Naan Roll, House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby and Jackfruit Biryani, alongside drinks like chai and house sodas.
The restaurant will accept reservations for breakfast and lunch, as well as for dinner groups of six or more. Walk-ins will be welcomed throughout the day.
Dining with purpose: Meal for a Meal
Every Dishoom location draws inspiration from a specific narrative rooted in Bombay’s cultureHaarala Hamilton
Dishoom’s commitment to social impact continues with its ‘Meal for a Meal’ initiative. For every meal served in Glasgow, the restaurant will donate a meal to a child in need. This is delivered in partnership with Magic Breakfast in the UK and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India.
To date, more than 20 million meals have been donated through this initiative across Dishoom’s other locations in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.
A long-held ambition realised
Executive Chef Arun Tilak, who joined Dishoom in 2012 and helped launch its Covent Garden kitchen, said the Glasgow launch fulfils a long-standing dream.
“Bringing Dishoom to Glasgow has long been a dream of ours. The team has worked hard to create a space and a menu that feels authentic to Bombay while celebrating the character of Glasgow and the heritage of its South Asian community.
“Every Dishoom tells a Bombay story which comes to life when people sit, eat and share together. That sense of warmth and welcome is at the heart of what we do, and we’re so looking forward to seeing it in Glasgow.”
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The event aimed to promote curiosity, inclusivity, and cultural understanding
3rd Farnborough Rainbows held a South Asian-inspired celebration to mark the end of term.
Activities included sari-tying, yoga, language games, and sampling South Asian snacks.
Leaders wore traditional outfits to share their cultural heritage.
The event aimed to promote curiosity, inclusivity, and cultural understanding.
Girls aged 4–7 embraced food, music, dress and traditions from across South Asia.
Members of the 3rd Farnborough Rainbows in Orpington enjoyed a vibrant end-of-term celebration in honour of South Asian Heritage Month. The unit, part of Girlguiding’s youngest section, explored South Asian cultures through food, clothing, language and movement.
The session included sari-tying, eating samosas, learning words in South Asian languages, and practising yoga poses. Leaders said the evening helped introduce the girls, aged four to seven, to new cultures in an accessible, fun way.
Sharing heritage through tradition and experience
Assistant leader Ayushi Bhat, who led the event, said the evening created space for the girls to be curious and inclusive.
“We have a mix of cultures in our unit, and it’s really special for the girls to see that everyone’s heritage is something to be proud of and shared,” she said. “They tried on saris, danced to music they’d never heard before, and explored different traditions through food and language. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity and a lovely sense of togetherness.”
Ayushi, originally from Karnataka in South India, wore a colourful lehenga with a bindi. Fellow leader Peheli Lekamwattage, originally from Sri Lanka, wore a traditional sari. Both chose to wear cultural dress to help bring their heritage into the Girlguiding space.
South Asian Heritage Month is observed annually from 18 July to 17 AugustGirlguiding
Ancient practices and new learning
Yoga formed a part of the evening’s activities, with girls learning simple poses like vrikshasana (tree pose) and discussing the Sanskrit word shanti, meaning peace.
“Yoga has its roots in ancient India and is closely tied to my Hindu background,” Ayushi said. “It’s something I grew up with, and it was lovely to share that in a calm, age-appropriate way.”
Alongside a picnic, the girls also learnt new words in Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit and Sinhalese, and coloured in traditional mehndi patterns – commonly used in henna art.
Six-year-old Rainbow Rosie said: “I loved learning about the different countries in South Asia, and especially how to tie a sari!”
Girlguiding reflects a diverse UK
South Asian Heritage Month is observed annually from 18 July to 17 August. It celebrates the histories, identities and links between the UK and countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Inclusivity remains a core value for Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated to girls.
“These sorts of celebrations reflect the diversity of our communities,” Ayushi added. “They teach girls to value difference and embrace what makes us all unique — which is exactly what Girlguiding stands for.”