On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”

The increasing number of hotel fires across regions has triggered growing concern over how well our hospitality spaces are prepared to handle such emergencies. Fires in hotels can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, serious damage to property, and lasting reputational harm. Strengthening fire safety measures is no longer optional—it's a vital necessity.

Effective fire safety begins at the foundation - literally. It starts with proper building design, continues with the careful selection and application of materials, and is enforced through adherence to required permits like building licenses, occupancy certificates, and operational approvals.

Recent cases have pointed to multiple causes behind hotel fires—user negligence, kitchen-related mishaps, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and delays in maintenance work. Many of these risks are made worse by the absence of comprehensive fire safety designs, allowing small incidents to turn into large-scale disasters.

Key Elements for Strengthening Fire Safety in Hotels:

Design Integration:

Incorporating both passive and active fire safety elements into architectural, electrical, and mechanical designs is essential. One of the most important aspects is ensuring well-thought-out evacuation routes to allow for the safe and timely exit of guests and staff.

Material Matters:

One major hazard is the use of combustible or non-certified materials on hotel facades. These can catch fire quickly, enabling flames and smoke to spread vertically through the building and putting occupants at serious risk. Every material used must have test certifications from accredited laboratories to ensure fire compliance. Without such validation, they must not be used, especially on high-rise structures.

Correct Application:

Even certified materials, if poorly installed or used incorrectly, can compromise an entire building’s fire resistance. Following proper application procedures is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of all safety measures.

Routine Inspections:

Improper usage of building spaces, unauthorized storage of flammable items, or renovations that bypass safety norms can reduce a structure’s fire resistance. Regular expert inspections help identify these vulnerabilities and ensure continued compliance with fire safety regulations.

One organization leading the way in this area is Efectis, a global expert in fire science and safety. With more than 70 years of experience and a highly qualified team, Efectis offers customized fire safety strategies for various types of buildings in Türkiye and beyond, ensuring structures meet the highest fire resistance standards.

As the hospitality industry continues to grow, fire safety must evolve as a priority. Through better planning, strict material compliance, and continuous inspections, the industry can ensure safer environments for everyone.

Travelling is one of the most powerful and enriching experiences in life. It opens the door to meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. But one major decision that can shape your entire trip is whether to travel alone or with a group. As Mr. Sandeep Singh, Founder of Rubystone Hospitality, points out, both these choices have their own strengths and limitations, and what you choose depends on your personality, travel goals, and convenience.

Solo travel offers complete freedom. It gives you the chance to plan your day your way, visit places you love at your own pace, and enjoy the kind of flexibility that’s hard to find in group plans. It also gives you a chance to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people on your own terms, and enjoy moments of genuine self-discovery. Many hotels and resorts now understand the needs of individual travellers and are offering tailored experiences, single-occupancy rates, and co-living options that help solo travellers connect with others. Homestays, hostels, and boutique hotels often have shared spaces where like-minded travellers cross paths, making the journey less lonely and more interactive.

However, solo travel isn’t without its challenges. Since there’s no one to split expenses with, costs can add up quickly. Safety can also be a concern, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas. Planning everything by yourself might sometimes feel overwhelming, and longer trips can lead to occasional bouts of loneliness.

On the other hand, travelling in a group whether with friends, family, or on a guided tour comes with a different set of benefits. It’s usually more cost-effective, as expenses for accommodation and travel can be shared. Safety is another plus, being in a group means there’s always someone to lean on if something doesn’t go as planned. Hotels and resorts often have group packages, special rates, and family-friendly rooms to accommodate larger groups. Travel becomes more engaging when you can share the experience with others, and many hospitality brands now add value through group activities like guided tours, private dinners, or exclusive outings. But group travel also needs compromise. Everyone has different interests, so it might be tough to create a plan that satisfies all. Coordination between multiple people can delay decisions, and you may lose the chance for spontaneous plans. In some cases, large groups may struggle with getting last-minute bookings at popular spots, requiring early planning, which could take away some of the adventure.

So how do you decide what suits you better? It entirely depends on your goals. If you’re someone who loves independence, wants to explore at your own pace, and is open to discovering more about yourself, solo travel might be the way to go - especially now that hospitality spaces are adapting to support solo adventurers. But if you enjoy shared experiences, value the comfort of familiar company, and are looking for a more cost-effective and safe option, then group travel could be your best choice. In the end, both solo and group travel have something meaningful to offer. You might even choose one over the other depending on where you’re going or what the trip is about. What matters most is embracing the journey fully and making the most of every moment, whichever way you choose to go.