Latest news with #Ayushi
Mint
01-08-2025
- Business
- Mint
Mumbai cook may have been earning 2 lakh per month: Netizens debate ‘18k for a 30 min job?'
A "maharaj" (cook) in Mumbai may have been earning ₹ 1.8 to ₹ 2 lakh per month -- doing a 30-minute job for ₹ 18,0000 per house. That's what an advocate living in the financial capital claimed on social media, igniting a debate over cooks charging premium in decent Mumbai localities. In a post on X, Ayushi Doshi said her cook charges ₹ 18,000 per house and works for maximum 30 minutes. She said the 'maharaj' cooks for around 10–12 houses daily, is offered "free food and free chai; gets paid on time or leaves without a goodbye." Comparing the life of the skilled worker with that of a corporate employee, she wittily said, 'Meanwhile, I'm out here saying 'gentle reminder' with trembling hands with minimum salary.' Ayushi Doshi told that though his charges seem a bit unbelievable, it's 'worth it' because he is good at what he does. Many on social media disagreed with Ayushi Doshi, saying, "Charge of 18k per family per mth is acceptable but you mentioned he works for 10 to 12 families daily that's unrealistic ☺️" Several others said she was "overpaying" to the cook. Another commented, "From Mumbai but cooking for 12 ppl in 30 mins is not possible. Also charges for a family of 4 ppl is 7k per month but it takes around 1 hour to cook." "I pay 14k for my cook to come cook for my family of 5 twice in a day, and that's a premium. He may be charging 18k but he can't be done in 30min and he can't be doing 12 houses in a day. The math is wrong here," claimed another user. Meanwhile, there were other users who backed Ayushi's claim. One said, "My Maharaj lives in my home charges 23k per month + 1 month bonus + 1 month leave without pay cut + all meals + tips when there are guests and with this he takes an off for 3 hours in the afternoon where he cooks early dinner in 2 homes for 10 k each." One person said, "We are paying 15K for a cook who comes once a day in mrng in south Mumbai so yeah I get it !!" Reacting to comments in her social media post, Ayushi said, "....this is what good Maharajs charge in decent localities." "The same cook charges ₹ 2.5k a day for a family of 12 isn't overcharging, it's just how things work here. If your state still runs on ₹ 5 thalis, that's great for you, but don't assume everyone else is lying 😭 ," she said. She said her post is not aimed at 'engagement farming.' "It's just real life experience in one of the most expensive cities in the country. If you can't relate, maybe just accept the difference in cost of living and keep scrolling instead of shouting 'fake' in the comments," she added. " Thanks for all the comments , I now realise I might be overpaying mine. But honestly, he's worth it," she added. Earlier, a north Indian woman who recently shifted to Delhi after living in Chennai for four years noted a 'stark difference' in the work ethic and mindset of people, especially domestic help, in the two regions. In a lengthy LinkedIn post, Naina Pathak shared 'what a tale of two regions taught her about work ethic and social mindset'. 'In Chennai, whether it was professionals or household help, I saw sincerity,' Naina said. 'What amazed me was their honesty. On day one, she told me: 'I'll take two fixed leaves. If I take more, cut my salary.' No drama — just accountability,' Naina wrote. Naina noted that after moving to Delhi, she has hired six maids in just one year. 'Despite getting the salary they asked for, there were constant unannounced leaves,' she said, adding that they also had excuses ready when questioned. 'I got excuses — 'someone died,' 'I fainted,' 'a relative is in hospital.' It became routine,' Naina wrote. 'Forget saying 'cut salary' — here, even suggesting it offends them. Boundaries turn you into the villain. Even accepting leftover food was an issue, often rejected with ego,' she shared. Read full story here
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Indian Express
Why Gen Z is choosing sobriety and what it means for drinking culture
If you still think being the life of parties requires a drink in hand, Gen Z has entered the chat—and they're proving otherwise. More and more young adults are choosing to skip the booze, not because of strict rules or financial struggles, but simply because 'they don't feel like it'. Unlike previous generations, for whom drinking has been a rite of passage, Gen Z is not just rejecting alcohol; they're also rewriting social norms. Having said that, sobriety is not about making a bold statement for many of them, but rather just another lifestyle choice. Data backs up this shift. The Conversation has even called Gen Z 'the soberest generation.' In 2023, only 18-20 per cent of Americans under 28 said they regularly drank alcohol, according to Statista. A 2024 UK study found that consumers aged 20 to 24 are nearly half as likely to prioritise spending on alcoholic beverages compared to previous generations. So, why are they ditching alcohol? Is it about wellness, rebellion, or simply shifting priorities? We spoke to young Indians to understand if they too are following their Western counterparts—and what this means for the future of drinking culture. For Ayushi, 26, drinking was never a big part of her life, and now it's barely there. 'It doesn't taste good, and it doesn't make my body feel good,' she said. No dramatic reason. No tragic incident. No doctor's orders. Just zero interest in drinking. For Tanveer, 23, and Sanchita, 19, it's a similar story. They do drink once in a while, but the idea that alcohol is essential for fun? Hard pass. Mahima, 22, said, 'I can be free, fun, and the life of the party—all while being sober.' A teetotaller for spiritual reasons, she never felt the need for alcohol to enjoy herself. When one night out costs as much as a short trip, many young people are choosing experiences over drinks. For Namitha (27), alcohol is just another unnecessary expense. 'Expensive cocktails? No thanks. I'd rather spend that money on travel or trying new cuisines,' she said. Sanchita, who drinks occasionally, noted cost as a big factor:'Drinking every weekend adds up, and it's just not worth it for something I don't even enjoy that much.' Sabhyata Goswami, clinical psychologist from Lissun, a mental health startup, pointed out the shifting family dynamics as reasons too: It's not news that alcohol, in any quantity, is bad for health. For Priyanshu, 23, fitness is a big reason to stay mostly sober. 'I want to stay physically and mentally healthy. Alcohol doesn't fit into that,' he said. Lujain, 22, avoids drinking due to her family's history of diabetes and heart issues. Add PCOS to the mix; alcohol becomes a no-go for her. Gen Z's awareness of mental health is also shaping their drinking habits, according to Goswami. 'Many young people are choosing therapy over alcohol to cope with stress. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is open about anxiety and depression, reducing the likelihood of using alcohol as self-medication. However, some turn to other substances like vapes or designer drugs instead,' she said. Of course, not drinking still comes with its fair share of 'Arrey yaar, ek drink le lo (Come on, have one drink)' moments. For Priyanshu, peer pressure was real at first: 'I felt awkward when my friends said, 'Come on, just one drink!' Some even distanced themselves because I didn't drink.' Mahima dealt with the classic 'Ek drink se kuch nahi hota (Nothing happens because of just one drink)' arguments. But over time, people accepted her choice. Ayushi put it bluntly: 'People who pressure you to drink aren't really your friends. I just excuse myself until they get the point.' According to Pranay Aggarwal, sociologist and director at IAS Gurukul, Gen Z's rejection of alcohol is a noticeable trend in India. He attributes it to: 'Unlike Millennials, who embraced party culture, Gen Z is more interested in self-care and alternative socialising options like gaming parlours, cafés, and outdoor activities,' said Aggarwal. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote wellness, mindfulness, and sober curiosity, according to Aggarwal. But, he also noted that online trends can reinforce drinking culture, keeping peer pressure alive in different ways. Drinking is, somehow, deeply ingrained in corporate culture. Team outings, client meetings, weekend parties—alcohol is everywhere. For Namitha, resistance came mostly from colleagues over 40. 'They say things like 'This is the age to drink and enjoy life!' Some even joke, 'Yeh kaise logon ko hire kiya hai (What kind of people have they hired)?'' Ayushi agreed that corporate culture encourages drinking, but she never felt the need to fit in. Tanveer avoids drinking at corporate events altogether. Lujain dodges the pressure with excuses that range from,'I have an allergy' to 'Dharma bhrasht ho jaayega (My faith will be corrupted).' Gen Z has effectively dismantled the 'drinking = fun' equation, embracing sober socialising. Unlike Millennials, who normalised partying and social drinking, Gen Z prioritises personal well-being. Whether it's for health, money, personal values, or just pure disinterest, this generation is stepping away from drinking culture—and they don't care if you have a problem with it. According to Aggarwal, previous generations saw wellness as an afterthought—Gen Z has made it mainstream. 'Their lifestyle choices are accelerating the normalisation of sobriety in a way society wasn't expecting,' he said. So, the next time someone raises an eyebrow when you say 'I don't drink,' just do what Mahima does: 'Smile, sip your soft drink, and have the time of your life—hangover-free.'
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Two die by suicide in Indore
Indore: Two persons died allegedly by suicide in Bhanwarkuan area on Thursday night. Bhanwarkuan police station in-charge Rajkumar Yadav said that Ayushi, 20, a resident of Tejpur Gadbadi, worked as a nurse at Mahavir Hospital in Dwarkapuri, while Kapil, 25, was an auto-rickshaw driver. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His brother, Rahul, told police that around 10 PM on Thursday night, Kapil called him to say that him and Ayushi had consumed poison and wanted to meet him. When they arrived, Kapil repeated that they consumed poison. Initially, Rahul thought he was joking but immediately contacted Ayushi's family. Meanwhile, he followed their auto-rickshaw in another vehicle and stopped them near Devguradia. Observing their deteriorating condition, Rahul rushed them to MY Hospital, where Ayushi died during treatment and Kapil succumbed the next morning. Following the news of Ayushi's death, her family reached the hospital where a brief altercation broke out with Kapil. Her family also took her mobile phone and left. Rahul claims that Kapil and Ayushi were in a relationship and wanted to marry but Ayushi's family disapproved of the match. He alleged that her family demanded Rs 3 lakh for the marriage, which the couple could not arrange. Ayushi's cousin Ankit said that Ayushi was abducted by Kapil after her work shift ended and she did not return home by 8 PM. Her phone was also switched off, prompting the family to file an abduction report. Ankit alleged that Kapil forcibly took Ayushi, physically assaulted her and made her consume poison. He denied any monetary demand related to the marriage and said the family only learned about the relationship after the incident. According to police, no suicide note has been recovered so far. Police are investigating all angles.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Going out for important work. Will come home & eat': Noida constable's last text to wife
Noida: Saurabh Kumar was always at the forefront of high-stakes action, which is why the 32-year-old constable was assigned to the special operations group (SOG) and was part of the seven-member team that went to Ghaziabad's Nahal village to catch Qadir, one of NCR's most wanted criminals. "I'm going out for some important work, and will eat after returning," Saurabh told his wife Ayushi, when she messaged him around 9pm to ask about having dinner at home. Ayushi called him two hours later, but the call went unanswered. Minutes after that, Saurabh was caught in an ambush and shot dead by around 8-10 miscreants during the raid. The family was informed about his death by 1.30am. Saurabh, who belonged to Badhaiv Kannukheda village in Shamli, always wanted to join the forces. In 2016, he joined UP Police and was posted to Noida ever since. In 2020, he married Ayushi, daughter of a Delhi Police cop. Saurabh's colleagues say he was one to count on. "He was good at catching criminals. He was always part of the teams that would go to nab notorious criminals inside and outside the state. He played a role in many notable arrests and received honors," a colleague from the Phase 3 police station, where Saurabh was posted, told TOI on Monday. Another colleague said that Saurabh had recently been talking about going on a vacation. "He told us that it had been a long time since he went anywhere and would take a ten-day leave to go on a trip with his family," the colleague said. Younger of the two brothers, Saurabh was the main breadwinner for his family. His father Uttam Kumar and brother Rajat, both farmers, stayed in their Shamli village, while Saurabh and Ayushi lived in a rented accommodation in Sector 122 of the city. On Monday, villagers from the constable's hometown had travelled to the city to console the family and pay their tributes. Saurabh's remains were brought to the house and cremated with full state honors. His father Uttam Kumar appealed to UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice for the family and award the harshest possible punishment for the perpetrators. Noida Police, too, rallied around the family. Commissioner Laxmi Singh announced that every officer and employee of the Gautam Budh Nagar Commissionerate would contribute one day's salary while she would add Rs 1 lakh from her paycheck, totaling Rs 75.1 lakh that would be dedicated to the family. "On behalf of Commissionerate Gautam Budh Nagar, we express our heartfelt condolences to the family of our martyred brave soldier," Singh said.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
From serving on warships to IIM Ahmedabad: Ex-Indian Navy woman officer is on a new mission to manage MBA with motherhood
Ayushi Verma, 33, retired Lieutenant Commander of the Indian Navy, is now pursuing a one-year MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). A civil engineer and naval architecture postgraduate from IIT Delhi, Ayushi served the Indian Navy for over ten years with a record of leadership and project management. She was integral to the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, where she led teams of over 300 personnel, many senior in age and experience. Her naval career saw her progress through key roles, including Deputy Director at Naval Headquarters, Trials Officer in Visakhapatnam overseeing critical underwater hull inspections for ships and submarines, and Deputy Manager roles in outfitting and fabrication. In these capacities, she managed multiple projects simultaneously, coordinated with over 60 dockyard centers, ensured timely procurement and demand forecasting, and led teams exceeding 100 members with a focus on safety and quality, achieving a zero-accident record during her inspection tenure. After retiring from the Navy in June 2024, Ayushi briefly served as a Human Resources Manager at the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), applying her leadership skills in a civilian role before beginning her MBA journey. Balancing Motherhood With Academic Ambitions Now a mother to a toddler, Ayushi faces the dual challenge of managing motherhood and the rigorous academic schedule at IIMA. Her son stays in Delhi with her husband, who works with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and her mother-in-law, while she focuses on her studies in Ahmedabad. As per the Indian Express, she emphasized the resilience and mindset shaped by her defense career, saying she wants her son to look up to her example of determination. Ayushi reflected on her Navy days and current studies: 'I have immensely learnt from the ten-year service in the Navy during which I also was a part of the INS Vikrant team for two-and-a-half years. Being a part and leading a team of over 300, many twice my age were an experience in its own. Now here at IIMA too, the kind of learning we are going through every single hour of the day is also an experience, which I think will stay with me.' She eagerly awaits the end of the first academic term in June to reunite with her family after nearly two months apart. The 20th batch of IIMA's Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGPX) comprises 158 professionals from various industries including defense, IT, consulting, banking, infrastructure, FMCG, and more. A Parallel Journey: Akshata Kamath Alongside Ayushi is Akshata Kamath, 30, a chartered accountant with over eight years of corporate finance experience, including leadership roles at TCS Mumbai. Like Ayushi, she is balancing motherhood and rigorous academics while living apart from her toddler son, who remains in Mumbai with her husband and in-laws. Akshata shared, 'While the academic rigour is demanding at IIMA, it gets tougher with a separation from family and a two-and-half-year-old son. Fortunately, with the support of my husband and in-laws I was able to take this decision and continue to follow my passion of broadening my horizon as I always felt there is much more to an organisation than just numbers.' She stays in regular contact with her son through video calls every other day and looks forward to a short family reunion during the upcoming academic break.
