From ‘helicopter parenting’ to digital nomadism: Here’s a weekly round-up of Mid-day.com’s feature stories

This week is all about music, books, relationships, wildlife and fashion. Photo: Mid-day file pic

In a day and age when listening to music is done using mobile phones, there are quite a few Indian collectors who are listening to them through the classic devices. On the occasion of World Radio Day, they tell us why and also which are the radio shows have been their favourites. In another busy week of events, book lovers around the country are coming together encouraging local libraries to stock titles by Westland Books. The effort is by Chennai educator Sowmya Swaminathan, in the aftermath of the news about the publishing house closing by the end of March.

While bibliophiles are doing their bit, snake rescuers in the city talk about why they are passionate about saving the reptile and helping them to return to the wild, all of this, while doing their day jobs, and even though they receive very little compensation for their efforts. The ongoing pandemic has seen many changes in homes including that of parents working from home, but that hasn't fared well as that has meant parents hovering their children more than before. Experts weigh in on the phenomenon and why it can cause problems.

Apart from helicopter parenting, the pandemic has also led people to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 approach to jobs. This has led them to make any place their workstation, except the conventional office space and they tell us why. In Ahmedabad, two women tell us why they are reimagining the khadi fabric to not only create fashionable gowns but also bedsheets and gift hampers from them. In the last but not the least story for the week, members of the LGBTQIA+ community share their lived closeted experiences and how pretence affects their lives.

Here is the complete list:



Gaga over radio: Why ‘tuning in' remains a ritual for these collectors
World Radio Day was celebrated on February 13. Ardent listeners and radio collectors tell us what they love about the medium and reminisce about radio shows that left a lasting impression on them.

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How bibliophiles are urging local libraries to stock Westland's children's books
Amazon's closure of Westland Books came as a shock to readers and authors, who voiced their sadness online. With Feb 15 being the last day to place orders with the publisher, educator Sowmya Swaminathan, fellow bibliophiles have spent weeks coaxing neighbourhood libraries to buy its children's titles, for the sake of students who can't afford them.

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Serpentine struggles: Why the tricky task of snake rescuing still attracts some Mumbaikars
Responding to emergency calls from across the city at all hours, Mumbai's snake rescuers are passionate individuals, for whom the reptile's safe return to the wild is what matters the most. Despite several risks and little to no compensation involved, they offer the service in addition to their day jobs.

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Is ‘helicopter parenting' bad for a child's mental health? Experts weigh in
Being protective and supportive of your child can help them feel safe and stable, but problems develop when parents over do. As a work-from-home environment took over in the last two years, parents' tendency to hover over children increased.

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Digital nomadism is here to stay, say remote employees exploring the terrain
The pandemic forced us out of offices and into our homes. Many took the last two years as an opportunity to explore new venues for work - cafes, co-working spaces, beaches, hills, and more. Digital nomads reflect on their experiences, learning, and the path ahead.

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Khadi, new and improved: How this women-led Ahmedabad brand is giving the fabric a stylish upgrade
As more people look for sustainable fashion options, Om for Khadi, founded by Meeta Manglani and Pooja Kapoor, has been weaving the historical fabric khadi into everything from evening gowns to bedsheets and gift hampers

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The price of pretence: LGBTQIA+ individuals share their lived closeted experiences
A recently released Hindi film portrayed 'lavender marriage', which sparked conversation across movie halls and living rooms. Queer individuals share lived experiences that delve into the multifaceted implications of pretence and how it impacts their wellbeing

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