Indian woman defends strapping toddler to leash in US after video sparks debate
'He's 3.5 and we're not ashamed to say we put him on a leash. In a city like New York, this was hands-down the best decision for our trip. Our little runner always wants his freedom, and this gave him just that—without giving us a heart attack every 5 minutes,' she said in her post.She added, 'The best part? He thought we were on the leash. He called himself the sheriff and us his captives. Honestly, everyone was winning.'Jagota said they used two types of leashes during their trip, a longer one for open spaces and a shorter one in crowded areas.Take a look at the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shubhangi Jagota (@katchmyparty)The post divided the internet. Several users called it poor parenting. 'You should be ashamed. Teach your kid to follow rules, not put him on a leash. If he wants to run, run after him,' a user wrote.Others defended her decision. 'Handling toddlers in crowded places is not easy. This keeps them safe. It's the smartest thing to do,' one user said.Another parent shared their view: 'I've used a leash when travelling alone with a hyper child at an airport. It's about safety, not shame.'A few users added that parenting in today's world is about being practical. 'These little munchkins run faster than you think. Safety comes first,' a user said.As debates continued, Shubhangi Jagota's message stayed clear; for her, it was never about shame but about giving her child the freedom to explore safely in a bustling city.- EndsMust Watch
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Time of India
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an hour ago
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Footfall Surge: Malls in NCR Redesign Strategies to Attract Footfall
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Consumers are seeking deeper, more curated interactions, placing value on ambiance, events, personalisation, and lifestyle integration. In Gurugram, rising disposable incomes, strong metro connectivity, and significant infrastructure upgrades have made the city a magnet for top-tier Indian and global brands, rivalling even Delhi. At Ambience Malls, we've responded to this shift by creating immersive, multi-sensory environments, combining gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas. We've also integrated sustainable design elements and eco-conscious dcor to align with evolving consumer values. Our malls are designed to be places where people not only shop but build lasting emotional connections and experiences they return to.' As malls evolve into holistic lifestyle destinations, developers are rethinking how space is planned and experienced. Fashion, F&B, entertainment, and essential services are being blended more intelligently to guide consumer flow and maximise engagement. Theres a clear move toward premiumisation of the tenant mix, with high-end brands and gourmet experiences gaining ground, but without distancing the broader, value-conscious audience. Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, 'Gurugram's commercial growth has been a catalyst for the city's thriving retail ecosystem, driving strong momentum in leasing activity. We're seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations-people now gravitate toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Interestingly, Gurugram's next big retail story is emerging from high-potential yet untapped micro-markets, and we see a significant opportunity in locations like Old Gurgaon, where curated, experience-led retail formats will strike the right balance between convenience and discovery.' Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, 'High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. Unlike traditional mall environments, high streets allow brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives, while benefiting from easy accessibility and a vibrant street-level presence. Thus, with strong interest from both national and international brands, we see high street retail as the next frontier in urban shopping experiences, especially in dynamic cities like Gurugram.' Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, says, 'Retail leasing in NCR is growing momentarily, particularly with the renewed focus on organised high-street formats and evolving investment preferences. We're seeing global and domestic brands increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Thus, we see the market clearly shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail.' Thus, the resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals more than just a return to pre-pandemic normalcy-it marks a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. While the numbers are encouraging, the real challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time.
