Saturday, 26 September 2015
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Why tech companies want talent with multiple traits?
Employers are looking for different
sets of skills in addition to the qualification required for the current job
Kanchana Dwarakanath, Timesjobs.com Bureau
Remember
the time when being a party animal or indulging in too many extracurricular
activities was frowned upon by employers and your commitment to sit quietly in
a corner and code was considered a good trait? Well, things have changed.
Today’s
fast-growing companies look at a well-balanced personality to hire and people
who indulge in a healthy number of extracurricular activities along with other
skills are immediately considered as potential employees.
“The
normal mindset we had in organisations earlier was: ‘We are screening people to
determine if they are good enough for us today’. With companies, especially
startups, focusing on faster growth and shorter turnaround time in hiring, the
strategic change in approach has been to see how the candidate can contribute
in the future as well so that we don’t have to go through the cycle of going
candidate hunting, interviewing and hiring all over again,” Sachin Shenoy,
cofounder and head of engineering, HealthifyMe, a Bangalore-based fitness
startup, said at a recent TechGig boardroom discussion.
And
this requirement has resulted in companies looking for different sets of skills
in addition to the qualification required for the current job.
The message that came out from the series of TechGig.com boardroom discussions in the past few months is that companies have a dual requirement: a static interpretation at a particular point of time as to what can the candidate do and a dynamic one that portrays the potential of the person to carry through and deliver.
The message that came out from the series of TechGig.com boardroom discussions in the past few months is that companies have a dual requirement: a static interpretation at a particular point of time as to what can the candidate do and a dynamic one that portrays the potential of the person to carry through and deliver.
“There
is a basic concept we need to understand when it comes to key traits for jobs
today. A single trait in itself is not necessarily a success trait. It is a
success trait only if it is paired with another complementary one,” Vikas
Malpani, cofounder and VP-Groups, Commonfloor.com, said.
“So
when we talk about making people being skilled to do the current job at hand,
we also want to have somebody who is able to build a connection with his team,
and not just follow instructions but also innovate from nothing, as startups
often do not have set processes,” he said.
Thus,
while a few years back, a disruptive candidate was considered a liability,
today, if the person is able to show a more effective alternative to the
current practice, he/she is considered a key find.
Thus,
when it comes to hiring, companies look at the entirety of the package the
candidate brings.
“The
change in approach when it comes to hiring from the employer’s side is on the
lines of: ‘We want to know about you’. We want to know what is important to you
about work; what your work values are; what type of tasks you like doing; what
you like in a supervisor; what kind of interpersonal interactions do you like
and what is the work environment you like. And we turn this thing on the head
because employment is a relationship,’’ Pratyush Nandkeolyar, global
head-Talent Acquisition & Vendor Management Group, Fulcrum, said.
Experts also believe that asking behavioural assessments to do a high standard of validity is unfair because they are actually looking at only part of the picture.
Experts also believe that asking behavioural assessments to do a high standard of validity is unfair because they are actually looking at only part of the picture.
“There
is greater emphasis on human intervention in the form of the team head or the
employee who recommends the candidate than on what happens during the interview
or behaviourial assessment of the prospect,” Varun Rathi, cofounder and COO,
Happay, a startup in the prepaid card-based business expense management
solution space.
“Though
you do get a lot of information from HR tools, I would rather hire a candidate
who is not just a good programmer but recommended to be good by someone who
knows him a little better, from say a social circle. In fact, if I find the
prospect to be fond of socialising, I know he gets along with people and can
give access to a broader cross-section of people who are potential candidates
for our solutions. And for this, I wouldn’t mind encouraging his social life.”
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
7 mental illness myths people still believe
Mental illness stigma can lead to a multitude of false beliefs.
Negative stereotypes create a lot of misconceptions, which further alienate people in a community that already feels isolated. The many fallacies that surround mental health disorders can make managing them more difficult -after all, research suggests stigma acts as a barrier to treatment. Below are just some of the myths no one should believe about mental illness.
Myth 1: It's contagious
Mental illness sufferers experience a spectrum of emotions, but this is a byproduct of brain chemistry and other possible factors that led to a diagnosis. Though studies suggest that emotions -particularly stressful ones -are contagious, mental illness is not. It does not operate the same as the cold or flu, circulating through a scientific process of spreading germs.
Despite this knowledge, many people still believe mental illness can be spread. A 2014 paper found that people believe mental illness can be communicable from one person to another.This belief is unfounded and false -it could also lead to feelings of isolation for those who have mental illness.
Myth 2: Mental illness is an indication of violence
Many people blame mental illness for tragedies, perpetuating a stigma that's not easy to shed. But a mental health disorder does not mean that someone is going to commit a violent act. In fact, a study found that people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than the ones committing them.
Myth 3: It's uncommon Wrong.
About one in four people globally will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. Hence, someone you know will suffer from a psychological disorder.
Myth 4: Mental illness is `all in your head'
There's still a common belief that someone with anxiety can `just calm down' or someone with depression can `snap out of it.' That's not true.There are real physical symptoms.Someone suffering from depression may see changes in appetite, headaches and indigestion while someone experiencing anxiety may endure cardiovascular problems, stomach issues and a weak immune system.
Myth 5: You can't recover from mental health issues
Mental illness isn't one-size-fits-all, which means treatment varies for everyone. Therapy , medications and outside support are all useful tools in managing a mental health disorder and helping an individual lead a healthy and productive life.
Myth 6: Mental illness stems from a bad childhood
Life circumstances certainly can play a role, but other factors also have an influence on mental health disorders.Take anxiety , for example. It's not that having a difficult childhood is completely unrelated, but having a difficult childhood can be related to all kinds of things, not just anxiety . Some people have great childhood and still have anxiety . Research suggests that some mental health disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body . Seasonal Affective Disorder, which affects nearly 10 million people at certain points of the year, fluctuates based on seasonal changes.
Myth 7: You can't help someone suffering from a mental health disorder
Loved ones are paramount in helping someone with a mental illness get treatment. According to a recent men tal health analysis, social support plays a large role when it comes to intervening or preventing suicide. "It requires a little reflection and thought to be supportive. Family members, friends and significant others have an opportunity to help in a way that's not judgmental -even if it's just helping them get to appointments, take med ications or stick to a daily routine," says psychiatry expert Gregory Dalack.
Negative stereotypes create a lot of misconceptions, which further alienate people in a community that already feels isolated. The many fallacies that surround mental health disorders can make managing them more difficult -after all, research suggests stigma acts as a barrier to treatment. Below are just some of the myths no one should believe about mental illness.
Myth 1: It's contagious
Mental illness sufferers experience a spectrum of emotions, but this is a byproduct of brain chemistry and other possible factors that led to a diagnosis. Though studies suggest that emotions -particularly stressful ones -are contagious, mental illness is not. It does not operate the same as the cold or flu, circulating through a scientific process of spreading germs.
Despite this knowledge, many people still believe mental illness can be spread. A 2014 paper found that people believe mental illness can be communicable from one person to another.This belief is unfounded and false -it could also lead to feelings of isolation for those who have mental illness.
Myth 2: Mental illness is an indication of violence
Many people blame mental illness for tragedies, perpetuating a stigma that's not easy to shed. But a mental health disorder does not mean that someone is going to commit a violent act. In fact, a study found that people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than the ones committing them.
Myth 3: It's uncommon Wrong.
About one in four people globally will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life. Hence, someone you know will suffer from a psychological disorder.
Myth 4: Mental illness is `all in your head'
There's still a common belief that someone with anxiety can `just calm down' or someone with depression can `snap out of it.' That's not true.There are real physical symptoms.Someone suffering from depression may see changes in appetite, headaches and indigestion while someone experiencing anxiety may endure cardiovascular problems, stomach issues and a weak immune system.
Myth 5: You can't recover from mental health issues
Mental illness isn't one-size-fits-all, which means treatment varies for everyone. Therapy , medications and outside support are all useful tools in managing a mental health disorder and helping an individual lead a healthy and productive life.
Myth 6: Mental illness stems from a bad childhood
Life circumstances certainly can play a role, but other factors also have an influence on mental health disorders.Take anxiety , for example. It's not that having a difficult childhood is completely unrelated, but having a difficult childhood can be related to all kinds of things, not just anxiety . Some people have great childhood and still have anxiety . Research suggests that some mental health disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body . Seasonal Affective Disorder, which affects nearly 10 million people at certain points of the year, fluctuates based on seasonal changes.
Myth 7: You can't help someone suffering from a mental health disorder
Loved ones are paramount in helping someone with a mental illness get treatment. According to a recent men tal health analysis, social support plays a large role when it comes to intervening or preventing suicide. "It requires a little reflection and thought to be supportive. Family members, friends and significant others have an opportunity to help in a way that's not judgmental -even if it's just helping them get to appointments, take med ications or stick to a daily routine," says psychiatry expert Gregory Dalack.
5 ways to succeed in a male-dominated workplace
Rina, 23, has just completed her MBA in production management, and dreams of a corporate career.
She has just been placed in a small manufacturing firm, as an associate manager-production. On her first day at the office, the first thought that strikes her is: "Is manufacturing really my cup of tea?" With labourers operating their machines around her and a production manager sitting right across her to explain the plan of operation and the schedule of production, she feels ambivalent. Not that she lacks interest, but she knows somewhere that male-dominated industries pose serious challenges for a woman's career progression. She suddenly remembers those peppy words by Marilyn Monroe: "I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."
According to research by Catalyst, an NGO focusing on expanding business opportunities for women, talent management systems are often susceptible to pro-male biases that expectedly result in smaller and less varied employee pools. The lesser the diversity (read the lesser the females), the more stereotypical it gets. This is the reason why women may find progressing and outpacing in these industries can be riddled with hurdles.
It is not very hard to enter a male-dominated profession, but it's tougher to survive in there. Among other obstacles, many women struggle with pre-set notions that certain jobs demand skillsets that are linked to masculinity.
To inject some positivity here, let's take a look at 5 ways that women can come into their own in any profession.Self-analysis
Career development is a continuous process that starts with self-assessment. This critical first step is the foundation step for personal and professional personality development. A routine self-assessment helps keeps an individual informed about her strengths and weaknesses at varied stages of life. A comprehensive self-analysis would include doing the SWIPE test, which helps you analyse four core elements of your personality— strengths, weakness, interests, potential development and emotional quotient. Examining these four areas will help you understand your personality in distinct spheres, so you know which parts of your life need further development and which attributes play to your strengths.Networking
According to Adam Small, CEO of Strategic Business Network, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization." It is a powerful tool if you do it the right way and with the right people in your industry. However, according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review women are often unable to exploit the power of their connections despite their sociability. For women to benefit through networking, they need to engage in interactions that include exchanges about their skills, talents, and potential development. When looking for groups to network with, give preference to those whose members are well-connected over groups that are simply large or well-publicised. Collaboration is the key.Promote your own self
Be your own "man"! Speak for yourself. Got a new idea or a cost-saving suggestion? Put it on the table. Women have a tendency to underestimate their own performance, especially when they find themselves in a minority, but confidence is a must. So, pave that track with blazing confidence and remember that it's perfectly alright to be wrong or fail sometimes. Just don't dwell on it. Also acknowledge the fact that people around you will, whether intentionally or unknowingly, underestimate you. There will be times when you will be your only cheerleader. Manage what you can, work hard, follow your gut, stay true at heart and be rational, and things will fall in place.
Research bears out that women who are more aggressive and assertive when the situation calls for it are more likely to be promoted.Beware of stereotypes
"It's not done that way", "You are new in this field so you probably you don't know"... No! Do not let these kind of statements give you an inferiority complex. Be prepared to assert yourself at all times. This does not mean being rude or uncooperative, but having the confidence to stand your ground and defend your convictions. Success has traditionally been considered acceptable for women only if it's in a field that is judged as appropriate for them and is viewed as off-limits in fields that are male-dominated. You need to fight those conventions.Find a mentor
Many women must have walked the same path as you and have figured out how to overcome the obstacles along the way. Instead of simply winging it and risking more mistakes, approach them for their guidance. Connect with one or two women you admire and seek their advice when needed. If you do not know of someone directly, use social websites to connect with people in similar fields.
Just remember that there are many successful women out there and most of them are proof that being hardworking, resolute, smart and thick-skinned in the face of critical reviews at their work; have enabled them to rise to the top, with or without familial support. Go on girl! You can be a shero too!
She has just been placed in a small manufacturing firm, as an associate manager-production. On her first day at the office, the first thought that strikes her is: "Is manufacturing really my cup of tea?" With labourers operating their machines around her and a production manager sitting right across her to explain the plan of operation and the schedule of production, she feels ambivalent. Not that she lacks interest, but she knows somewhere that male-dominated industries pose serious challenges for a woman's career progression. She suddenly remembers those peppy words by Marilyn Monroe: "I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."
According to research by Catalyst, an NGO focusing on expanding business opportunities for women, talent management systems are often susceptible to pro-male biases that expectedly result in smaller and less varied employee pools. The lesser the diversity (read the lesser the females), the more stereotypical it gets. This is the reason why women may find progressing and outpacing in these industries can be riddled with hurdles.
It is not very hard to enter a male-dominated profession, but it's tougher to survive in there. Among other obstacles, many women struggle with pre-set notions that certain jobs demand skillsets that are linked to masculinity.
To inject some positivity here, let's take a look at 5 ways that women can come into their own in any profession.Self-analysis
Career development is a continuous process that starts with self-assessment. This critical first step is the foundation step for personal and professional personality development. A routine self-assessment helps keeps an individual informed about her strengths and weaknesses at varied stages of life. A comprehensive self-analysis would include doing the SWIPE test, which helps you analyse four core elements of your personality— strengths, weakness, interests, potential development and emotional quotient. Examining these four areas will help you understand your personality in distinct spheres, so you know which parts of your life need further development and which attributes play to your strengths.Networking
According to Adam Small, CEO of Strategic Business Network, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization." It is a powerful tool if you do it the right way and with the right people in your industry. However, according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review women are often unable to exploit the power of their connections despite their sociability. For women to benefit through networking, they need to engage in interactions that include exchanges about their skills, talents, and potential development. When looking for groups to network with, give preference to those whose members are well-connected over groups that are simply large or well-publicised. Collaboration is the key.Promote your own self
Be your own "man"! Speak for yourself. Got a new idea or a cost-saving suggestion? Put it on the table. Women have a tendency to underestimate their own performance, especially when they find themselves in a minority, but confidence is a must. So, pave that track with blazing confidence and remember that it's perfectly alright to be wrong or fail sometimes. Just don't dwell on it. Also acknowledge the fact that people around you will, whether intentionally or unknowingly, underestimate you. There will be times when you will be your only cheerleader. Manage what you can, work hard, follow your gut, stay true at heart and be rational, and things will fall in place.
Research bears out that women who are more aggressive and assertive when the situation calls for it are more likely to be promoted.Beware of stereotypes
"It's not done that way", "You are new in this field so you probably you don't know"... No! Do not let these kind of statements give you an inferiority complex. Be prepared to assert yourself at all times. This does not mean being rude or uncooperative, but having the confidence to stand your ground and defend your convictions. Success has traditionally been considered acceptable for women only if it's in a field that is judged as appropriate for them and is viewed as off-limits in fields that are male-dominated. You need to fight those conventions.Find a mentor
Many women must have walked the same path as you and have figured out how to overcome the obstacles along the way. Instead of simply winging it and risking more mistakes, approach them for their guidance. Connect with one or two women you admire and seek their advice when needed. If you do not know of someone directly, use social websites to connect with people in similar fields.
Just remember that there are many successful women out there and most of them are proof that being hardworking, resolute, smart and thick-skinned in the face of critical reviews at their work; have enabled them to rise to the top, with or without familial support. Go on girl! You can be a shero too!
She has just been placed in a small manufacturing firm, as an associate manager-production. On her first day at the office, the first thought that strikes her is: "Is manufacturing really my cup of tea?" With labourers operating their machines around her and a production manager sitting right across her to explain the plan of operation and the schedule of production, she feels ambivalent. Not that she lacks interest, but she knows somewhere that male-dominated industries pose serious challenges for a woman's career progression. She suddenly remembers those peppy words by Marilyn Monroe: "I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."
According to research by Catalyst, an NGO focusing on expanding business opportunities for women, talent management systems are often susceptible to pro-male biases that expectedly result in smaller and less varied employee pools. The lesser the diversity (read the lesser the females), the more stereotypical it gets. This is the reason why women may find progressing and outpacing in these industries can be riddled with hurdles.
It is not very hard to enter a male-dominated profession, but it's tougher to survive in there. Among other obstacles, many women struggle with pre-set notions that certain jobs demand skillsets that are linked to masculinity.
To inject some positivity here, let's take a look at 5 ways that women can come into their own in any profession.Self-analysis
Career development is a continuous process that starts with self-assessment. This critical first step is the foundation step for personal and professional personality development. A routine self-assessment helps keeps an individual informed about her strengths and weaknesses at varied stages of life. A comprehensive self-analysis would include doing the SWIPE test, which helps you analyse four core elements of your personality— strengths, weakness, interests, potential development and emotional quotient. Examining these four areas will help you understand your personality in distinct spheres, so you know which parts of your life need further development and which attributes play to your strengths.Networking
According to Adam Small, CEO of Strategic Business Network, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization." It is a powerful tool if you do it the right way and with the right people in your industry. However, according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review women are often unable to exploit the power of their connections despite their sociability. For women to benefit through networking, they need to engage in interactions that include exchanges about their skills, talents, and potential development. When looking for groups to network with, give preference to those whose members are well-connected over groups that are simply large or well-publicised. Collaboration is the key.Promote your own self
Be your own "man"! Speak for yourself. Got a new idea or a cost-saving suggestion? Put it on the table. Women have a tendency to underestimate their own performance, especially when they find themselves in a minority, but confidence is a must. So, pave that track with blazing confidence and remember that it's perfectly alright to be wrong or fail sometimes. Just don't dwell on it. Also acknowledge the fact that people around you will, whether intentionally or unknowingly, underestimate you. There will be times when you will be your only cheerleader. Manage what you can, work hard, follow your gut, stay true at heart and be rational, and things will fall in place.
Research bears out that women who are more aggressive and assertive when the situation calls for it are more likely to be promoted.Beware of stereotypes
"It's not done that way", "You are new in this field so you probably you don't know"... No! Do not let these kind of statements give you an inferiority complex. Be prepared to assert yourself at all times. This does not mean being rude or uncooperative, but having the confidence to stand your ground and defend your convictions. Success has traditionally been considered acceptable for women only if it's in a field that is judged as appropriate for them and is viewed as off-limits in fields that are male-dominated. You need to fight those conventions.Find a mentor
Many women must have walked the same path as you and have figured out how to overcome the obstacles along the way. Instead of simply winging it and risking more mistakes, approach them for their guidance. Connect with one or two women you admire and seek their advice when needed. If you do not know of someone directly, use social websites to connect with people in similar fields.
Just remember that there are many successful women out there and most of them are proof that being hardworking, resolute, smart and thick-skinned in the face of critical reviews at their work; have enabled them to rise to the top, with or without familial support. Go on girl! You can be a shero too!
She has just been placed in a small manufacturing firm, as an associate manager-production. On her first day at the office, the first thought that strikes her is: "Is manufacturing really my cup of tea?" With labourers operating their machines around her and a production manager sitting right across her to explain the plan of operation and the schedule of production, she feels ambivalent. Not that she lacks interest, but she knows somewhere that male-dominated industries pose serious challenges for a woman's career progression. She suddenly remembers those peppy words by Marilyn Monroe: "I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it."
According to research by Catalyst, an NGO focusing on expanding business opportunities for women, talent management systems are often susceptible to pro-male biases that expectedly result in smaller and less varied employee pools. The lesser the diversity (read the lesser the females), the more stereotypical it gets. This is the reason why women may find progressing and outpacing in these industries can be riddled with hurdles.
It is not very hard to enter a male-dominated profession, but it's tougher to survive in there. Among other obstacles, many women struggle with pre-set notions that certain jobs demand skillsets that are linked to masculinity.
To inject some positivity here, let's take a look at 5 ways that women can come into their own in any profession.Self-analysis
Career development is a continuous process that starts with self-assessment. This critical first step is the foundation step for personal and professional personality development. A routine self-assessment helps keeps an individual informed about her strengths and weaknesses at varied stages of life. A comprehensive self-analysis would include doing the SWIPE test, which helps you analyse four core elements of your personality— strengths, weakness, interests, potential development and emotional quotient. Examining these four areas will help you understand your personality in distinct spheres, so you know which parts of your life need further development and which attributes play to your strengths.Networking
According to Adam Small, CEO of Strategic Business Network, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization." It is a powerful tool if you do it the right way and with the right people in your industry. However, according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review women are often unable to exploit the power of their connections despite their sociability. For women to benefit through networking, they need to engage in interactions that include exchanges about their skills, talents, and potential development. When looking for groups to network with, give preference to those whose members are well-connected over groups that are simply large or well-publicised. Collaboration is the key.Promote your own self
Be your own "man"! Speak for yourself. Got a new idea or a cost-saving suggestion? Put it on the table. Women have a tendency to underestimate their own performance, especially when they find themselves in a minority, but confidence is a must. So, pave that track with blazing confidence and remember that it's perfectly alright to be wrong or fail sometimes. Just don't dwell on it. Also acknowledge the fact that people around you will, whether intentionally or unknowingly, underestimate you. There will be times when you will be your only cheerleader. Manage what you can, work hard, follow your gut, stay true at heart and be rational, and things will fall in place.
Research bears out that women who are more aggressive and assertive when the situation calls for it are more likely to be promoted.Beware of stereotypes
"It's not done that way", "You are new in this field so you probably you don't know"... No! Do not let these kind of statements give you an inferiority complex. Be prepared to assert yourself at all times. This does not mean being rude or uncooperative, but having the confidence to stand your ground and defend your convictions. Success has traditionally been considered acceptable for women only if it's in a field that is judged as appropriate for them and is viewed as off-limits in fields that are male-dominated. You need to fight those conventions.Find a mentor
Many women must have walked the same path as you and have figured out how to overcome the obstacles along the way. Instead of simply winging it and risking more mistakes, approach them for their guidance. Connect with one or two women you admire and seek their advice when needed. If you do not know of someone directly, use social websites to connect with people in similar fields.
Just remember that there are many successful women out there and most of them are proof that being hardworking, resolute, smart and thick-skinned in the face of critical reviews at their work; have enabled them to rise to the top, with or without familial support. Go on girl! You can be a shero too!
Monday, 14 September 2015
Can excessive use of Wi-Fi trigger headaches, allergies?
Should you worry abo
ut 'wireless allergies'?
Addressed with skepticism by most, the term electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) or wireless allergy or gadget allergy, is ascribed to a range of non-specific symptoms like headache and fatigue apparently due to heavy use of wireless communicating devices, especially those that emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
Common sources of this Wi-Fi tsunami include mobile phone signals, Wi-Fi hotspots, Wi-Fi enabled devices like tabs, cellphones, laptops and a plethora of other gadgets.
The controversial issue was recently thrust in the limelight when a French court in a landmark ruling granted disability allowance to a 39-year-old woman who claimed to be experiencing discomfort from alleged EHS. She was forced to live in a countryside barn far away from the Wi-Fi and the internet.
Despite such examples, the legitimacy debate rages on - is it a real thing or cooked up - fueled by the absence of hard evidence and conclusive research.
According to WHO, EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link its symptoms to EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure, but it also says: "The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual."
Experts in India who have been studying such emerging problems (for example, the link between EHS and cellphone usage) say that with the introduction and expansion of wireless communication technologies, complaints related to mobile phones, base stations and gadgets have become more prominent.
"The radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RFR - a type of electromagnetic radiation) exposure levels have amplified manifold because of the extensive use of mobile phones and other devices," Neeraj Kumar Tiwari, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, SRM University, Lucknow, told IANS in an e-mail interview.
"Very common symptoms and sensations of EHS are irritation, headache, stammering, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing delusion, disrupted sleep, stress, fatigue and restlessness," he added.
Further at the genetic level, electromagnetic radiation from mobiles cause damage if their exposure time and level are high, said M. Y. Khan, Dean, School for Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, who has extensively dealt with the issue as a scientist.
In fact, he said, the situation in India compared to the West is worse. "Because we tend to use cheap mobile sets made by companies which do not follow the standard norms about the radiation safety," Khan, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology at the varsity, said in an e-mail interview.
The electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Tiwari added that children may be more vulnerable than adults to EMF effects due to their "developing brain, greater absorption of energy in brain and a longer span of exposure over their lifetime".
But all said and done, the fact is Wi-Fi, mobile phones and the internet are a necessity today, so much so that the number of internet connections in India has swelled to 300 million.
And, in a population of 1.25 billion, there are 980 million mobile connections, as per the latest data released by telecom regulator TRAI. Factor into this Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' initiative which will be driven by mobile technology.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) states EMFs produced by the antennae on mobile towers and mobile phones are at the lower end of the electromagnetic emission spectrum and are 'non-ionizing radiations', which means that the energy carried by them is not enough to break the chemical bonds between molecules.
"The Indian government has adopted one of the strictest global safety norms for EMF, which is one tenth of the emission levels (recommended by WHO) followed by most of the countries in the world.
"The government's support and guidance in allaying the misplaced fears regarding EMF emissions from towers in the minds of the people would be paramount in addressing the issue of misplaced EMF fear psychosis, and help develop and deliver the Digital India dream of the government," COAI Director General Rajan S. Mathews told IANS.
While EHS battles an existential crisis and as teenagers get more and more hooked to gadgets, Tiwari and Khan suggested 'green communication' - an approach to minimize the risks or defects associated with wireless communication systems.
Madhumita Dobe of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health stressed on more research on EHS in India.
As for now, following simple tips like texting instead of talking, keeping cellphones and gadgets at a distance and not placing cell phones under pillows is the way to go.
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