Plan A Nutritious Diet

The sedentary lifestyle coupled with immeasurable stress, strain and tensions of all kinds have given rise to a wide range of ailments and maladies.  Poor eating habits and inadequate food intake are a major cause of lot of diseases. Diet plays a very crucial role in the health and well being of people and animals. A good and balanced diet improves the quality of life to a great extent.  Nutrition and dietetics are related to this food and nutrition aspect of life. This field finds application in medicine, veterinary, agriculture and public health.

The  Difference

Dieticians  advise people on nutrition-related matters, they  are  qualified  to modify diets in order to treat various ailments  that require  special diets, or advise  on general diet and eating habits  and modify eating patterns of overweight people, listing the nutritional supplements to include in the diet and drawing up a personalised food plan to ensure that individual dietary requirements are met, all this to maintain all round health.  Other important tasks undertaken by the dietician are:

Meal Planning i.e.  deciding what foods should be eaten and in what quantities and Administration, which involves looking into the day-to-day functioning of an organisation's dining facilities.

Nutritionists include  nutrition scientists and advisers.  They study effect of a variety of foods on an individual in terms of metabolism and the long-term physical results. They work with both normal people as well as referrals from medical practitioners. Their work has two aspects:

Prevention of illnesses such as obesity, malnutrition or hereditary disorders and Rehabilitation - helping patients to cope with their new life and showing them how to maximise the benefits of the treatment.

Both  these professionals  have the knowledge of chemistry and nutritional value of foods and their preparation; they develop new uses of food, advise patients in a clinic regarding their diet, serve as consultants to public health teams, supervise the serving of food in industrial cafeterias or hospitals, assist individuals or groups in dietary education and teach nursing schools, colleges and universities.

 Other Work  Areas

Institutional Food Administration: This deals with food administration in hotels, hospitals, colleges, industrial plants, armed forces and so on. Work involves estimation and purchase of food supplies and equipment; receiving, checking and taking inventories of provisions; supervision of the chef and other kitchen hands to ensure that food is properly cooked and served; and menu planning.

Therapeutic Nutrition: You'll work mainly in hospitals or private clinics. With a little help from the doctor you'll draw up special menus for patients suffering from diabetes, ulcers, heart disease, tuberculosis, etc. The menu is first discussed with both the physician and the patient, to explain the purpose of the diet, discover food preferences and prepare the patient for continuing the diet at home. The point is to prepare a daily meal pattern that combines the patient's food habits with remedial needs. You'll also keep records of patients-responses to new diets.

Clinical Dietetics: differs slightly from therapeutic nutrition, in that it concerns patients who are not hospitalised, but are referred to the clinic by a physician. They include expectant mothers, and people suffering from obesity or other nutritional problems who are taught to understand and use diet effectively

Public Health Nutrition: involves working with para-medics in rural and semi-urban areas for giving advice and guidance to expectant mothers for pre-natal and post-natal care with regard to diet and hygiene.

Community Nutrition: is a part of the Government Health Scheme which handles the nutritional needs and shortcoming of the concerned.

Food Technology: is widely applied in the food industry, where nutritionists are employed at various levels in the development, manufacture and making of food products.

Qualifications

Those aspiring for a career in Nutrition and Dietetics should have a preliminary knowledge in biology, biochemistry, and physiology as well as the sociological and psychological dimensions of human nutrition.

A dietician should preferably complete the three year B.Sc (Food Science and Nutrition) course and then  the  two year  M.Sc (Nutrition), course  after graduation. Preferable fields of graduation before doing these  courses are  Microbiology, Chemistry, Home Science, Medicine, Hotel Management or Catering Technology.

Eligibility:

    * Postgraduate diploma in Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition (DDPHN) requires B.Sc. in Home Science (10+2+3 scheme) from a recognised university, with 50 per cent marks in the aggregate and 50 per cent or above marks in the aggregate in foods and nutrition, physiology and biochemistry. Selection is based on merit and three months internship is compulsory.

    * For M.Sc. Home Science (Food and Nutrition) the requirement is same as DDPHN and 55% marks aggregate in foods and nutrition, food science, biochemistry, nutrition and the family, in the Honours course, in the Pass course, food science, biochemistry and nutrition and dietetics. After Post graduation, you can pursue a   three  year PhD course and research on food and nutrition.

Fresh dieticians usually undergo training for one year in the Food & Beverages department of the hospital. After 5-10 years of experience, dieticians usually become consultants and run the dietetics department.

Training

It is a mixture of theory and practice. Academic subjects studied include human nutrition and dietetics, food and catering studies, sociology and psychology, biochemistry physiology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and medicine. Just as important, you will acquire interviewing and communication skills, and study management to equip you for the responsibility you will have as a qualifieddietician.

Prospects

There are ample opportunities for nutritionists and dieticians in hospitals, health and recreation clubs, canteens,  schools, colleges, Research Institutions, Pharmaceutical Firms, Food Manufacturing Companies government agencies, and clinics etc. Students can also make career in research field especially in the biomedical and nutritional biochemistry fields as well as  in business-related opportunities in sales, marketing, customer service, employee wellness, human resources and general management.

Remuneration

Nutritionists & Dieticians are associated with richer section of the society. Hence there is no limitation to earnings. One who works in private hospitals as trainee may get starting salary of Rs.5000 per month and after gaining one year or more experience the salary may go up to Rs.10,000. Professionals working in research field, teaching or in food manufacturing units earn handsome salary along with other perks and benefits. However, Consultant dieticians in private practice earn much more depending on their skills and reputation.

 Study Here

1.  Goa College Of Home Science

Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Opposite Parade Ground

Campal, Panjim - Goa, 403 001

Tel.: 0832 - 2227603

E-mail: College: principalgchs@rediffmail.com

2. St. Xavier's College,  Mapusa, Goa (IGNOU Course )
Tel: (0832)-2262356/ 2250705

3. Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science

 49, New Marine Lines, Mumbai- 400 020

Phone: 022-22076503 Fax: 22003217

Email: nnchsc@mtnl.net.in  /  info@nirmalaniketan.com

4. Sophia Shree B.K. Somani Polytechnic

Bhulabhai Desai Road

Mumbai - 400 026 INDIA

Telephone: 022- 2351 3157, 2351 4147

Fax: 022- 2351 5596

Email: sophiapolytechnic@sophiacampus.com

Website: www.sophiacampus.com

5. SNDT Women's University,

Mumbai Church Gate Campus

Nathibai Thavkersey Road, New Marine Lines, Mumbai, 400020

Tel Nos. (022)22031879/ 22032159/ 22032328/ 22032025, FAX: 22018226

Mumbai JUHU Campus

Sir Vithaldas Vidyavihar, JUHU Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai 400049

Tel: (022)26608493/ 26608462/ 26604164/ 26606648/ 126603961, FAX: 2660 4759

Pune Campus

Maharshi Karve Vidyavihar, Karve Road, Pune 411038

Tel No. (020) - 2542 678/ 25432097 FAX: 2544 7336

Website: http://www.sndthsc.com

Emails: principal@sndthsc.com cmc@sndthsc.com enquiry@sndthsc.com

6. University of Mumbai

M.G. Road, Fort

Mumbai-400 032

Fort Campus: (022)2265 2819 / 2265 2825

Kalina Campus: (022) 2652 6091 / 2652 6388.

Website: http://www.mu.ac.in/

Make Someone Feel Beautiful

If you had been following this profession in the time of the ancient Greeks, your task would have been both simpler but also more complex. Queen Cleopatra, used blue eye shadow made from ground lapis lazuli stones for her upper eyelids and malachite for her lower ones. She darkened her eyebrows and eyelashes with kohl - fine powdered lead sulphide mixed with sheep's fat - and made her lips and cheeks red with the aid of red ochre (iron stained clay). Her palms were painted with henna to give them a youthful pink glow.

Henna, made from Egyptian privet, was also used by women as a nail varnish after it was thickened with catech - a tannin-containing substance from the wood, bark or fruit of trees such as the acacia.

In ancient Greece, white faces were deemed to be more beautiful than rouged cheeks. So women smeared ceruse - white lead mixed with fat, oil or egg white - on their faces.

 The women from both these eras got ill from the lead poisoning and sometimes died. A common 17^th century rouge ingredient and freckle remover was mercuric chloride, a poison so deadly that one gram can cause death.

 Today’s Scenario

Beauty has been a concern of men and women since ages. Today’s hectic lifestyles leaves us with very little time for personal grooming than we had before. This has caused people - essentially women - to turn increasingly to professionals for treatment to give them that 'manicured' look. Moreover, as a larger number of women begin to work outside their homes, the need to appear well groomed and attractive has assumed greater importance. And, modern-day chemists have ensured that make-up is no longer fatal.

Whose Line?

Earlier, this career was considered appropriate only for those with limited financial resources, schooling and social status. Today, however, this field attracts entrants from all strata of class and education. Now, as consciousness of the appearance grows, more and more men are coming in as both providers and seekers of beauty care. Men are becoming beauty conscious in recent times, so even men can take it up as a career.

 Success in this field has no relationship to the age or gender of the practitioner.

Qualified Personnel

Today's beauty and health therapist is a highly qualified professional, using a battery of electronic equipment and highly specialised techniques for both face and body. There are strict rules concerning hygiene and clinical procedures.

General Eligibility& Curriculum

Academic qualification is not a must for the beautician course, but there are institutes, which offer admission with preference for those who have passed their Std X, Std XII or graduation etc., depending on the institute. The course depends on institutions that have a 1-year course as well as crash courses for two, four or six months. You also get a degree certificate. Some institutions also offer placement jobs on successful completion of the course.

 Syllabi

In this syllabus a candidate is taught to groom and take care of different body parts like face, hands, legs, skin, nails, body care, make-up, facials, massage and diet. Students are educated in a variety of scientific and business subjects such as chemistry, sanitation, hygiene and sales. Prospective beauticians may also choose to participate in an apprenticeship program that combines classroom and on-the-job training. Hairdressing includes treatment of the hair, as well as styling and cuttings. The entire course trains aspiring beauticians to efficiently manage and advise their clients on the correct way of hair care and styling as well as self-grooming to enhance one’s personality.  

 Eligibility

To get a Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Technology, one needs to complete Std XII. Courses undertaken to pursue careers as manicurist (care of hands and fingernails), electrologist and aesthetician are usually of much shorter duration. However, one is required to undertake apprenticeship, which might last for about two to three years.

1. Educational Qualification (Medical Professional)

(a) Pass in Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) or equivalent recognized

examination in medical stream. There is no restriction with regard to the marks secured in Senior Secondary Examination or subjects studied.

2. Age

There is no restriction with regard to the age of the candidate or marks secured in Senior Secondary Examination or subjects studied.

Process to be a Cosmetologist (Medical Professional)

To be a Cosmetologists /Dermatologist one has to follow the below given steps:-

Step 1

To be a Medical Cosmetologist or Cosmetic Dermatologist one needs to have an MBBS as his first step towards this profession.

Step 2

After getting MBBS done one need to have Post graduate degree in Dermatology (MD or diploma/DNB).

Process to be a Cosmetologist (Non- Medical Professional)

Non-Medical Cosmetologist doesn’t need any professional qualifications. Those who have a keen interest in beauty care can enter the field after completing schooling at a minimum age of 16 years.

The Job

Although tastes and trends in beauty keep changing, the basic job of a beautician remains the same. Beauticians are responsible for making their clients whether male or female look attractive. The tedious and time-consuming process of working towards looking good is no longer the privilege of the rich and famous. Just look around yourself and you will find the fashion/beauty conscious inhabitants of Indian cities and towns, making a beeline for the beauty parlours in order improve their appearances. Beauticians take great risks by altering their clients' -appearances. Risky, because the smallest of step can mar an individual's beauty and charm.

Tasks include:

As a beautician, one has a whole range of specialisations to choose from: beauty therapy, hair styling, make-up, massage, facials, manicure, pedicure, electrolysis, herbal beauty care, etc.

* Cosmetology - care and treatment of skin, hair, face and body and covers diet and exercise as well.

* Assessment and treatment of skin and body problems.

* Slimming treatments in conjunction with a recommended doctor's diet.

* Cosmetic sales.

* Application of specialised make-up techniques.

* Manicure and pedicure.

* The application of a variety of electrical equipment and specialised massage techniques such as reflexology, aromatherapy and manual lymph drainage.

Nature of Work

A Hairstylist: specializes in the cutting, colouring, chemical treating, and styling of hair, as well as doing permanent waves, foils and other special treatments. Hair dressers often work with both males and females and may have a regular clientele that they work for on a recurring basis. Product sales are often an important responsibility for hair stylists. Some hairdressers also manage the scheduling and finances of the salon, taking appointments and managing income. Hairdressers may also shampoo their clients’ hair and work to maintain the workplace by sweeping and cleaning. Some salons employ shampoo technicians as well. Shampooers are often trained and paid less than hairdressers and are responsible for washing clients hair and maintaining a clean workplace.

Manicurists & Pedicurists : Specialize in the care of hands and feet. You could become a nail technician or manicurist and pedicurist . They groom and clip cuticles, shape and paint nails, and do all manner of nail art and artificial nails. As a pedicurist, you do nail care and skin care on the feet.

Manicurists: They provide nail care by shaping, colouring, and embellishing fingernails and toenails. They regularly apply acrylic or gels nails for clients as well as perform massage and skin care for hands and feet. They are commonly responsible for the same salon maintenance as hairdressers, with sanitation of the workplace and tools being of the utmost importance. To reduce exposure to product chemicals, manicurists work in well-ventilated buildings and wear face masks.

Estheticians: practice skin care and perform services such as facials, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and body wraps. They may work in beauty salons, health spas, or doctor's offices. Those Estheticians that work in medical settings may provide more intensive skin treatments, such as deep chemical peels.

Make-up artists may work in retail shops, spas and salons, or in the television and entertainment industry. Those working in retail and salons often try to sell products by demonstration proper application to potential clients. Those in the entertainment field often prepare clients for movie and television appearances. Some make-up artists work for individual clients and may travel to meet client needs.

Fitness & Exercise: is an up and coming area that covers everything from health clubs, yoga, aerobics to workout gyms.

Skin Care Cosmetology: Aesthetician

This skin care specialist does facials, moisturizing and cleansing treatments, makeup, body wraps, treatment of rough spots on the skin and hair removal. You usually have to get special licensing to do electrolysis, laser hair removal, or medical aesthetician work.

Prospects

To begin with, you can and should serve in a reputed beauty parlour to hone your skills and gather adequate experience. During the next phase you could mobilize some capital and start a beauty parlour of your own.

As the years pass by, you could blossom into a beauty expert/consultant for posh hotels; become a beauty columnist for newspapers and magazines or websites.

Yet another possible option could be imparting of beauty skills and methods to young aspiring beauticians.

You could work with fashion photographers who prepare portfolios for aspiring models, work full time/ freelance for modelling and /or advertising agencies.

If you are able to outshine others and become an expert in your field, you could find a foothold in the tinsel towns of the world:

Hours

Many beauticians work part-time schedules. Evenings, lunch hours, and weekends are often the busiest work times for beauticians to accommodate clients. Almost half of the beauticians in the country are self-employed and either owns a salon or rent space in a salon or spa.

Personal Skills: include professional expertise, a pleasing, well-groomed personality, gentleness, dexterity, an eye for fashion, readiness to work with your hands, loads of stamina and a strong back (you may have to stand for long hours at a stretch), conversational ease and the knack of making your clients feel special and comfortable. You must create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere while maintaining high standards of efficiency, patience to deal with people, good health, cleanliness and hygiene — nothing can be more off-putting to a client than a hurried, slap-dash or sloppy job and a business temperament. Also make sure you don’t suffer from an allergic or asthmatic condition (the fumes, dyes and chemicals you’ll inhale and handle could trigger off an attack).

Competencies expected:An eye for aesthetic detail; A high degree of creativity and innovation; Technical ease with hairdressing equipment like razors, scissors, hair irons, blow driers, etc.;Expertise and finesse in styling, colouring and chemical treatments are needed; Personal fitness must be your forte as your arms and fingers will be constantly in use and you will need to be in standing position for 8 to 12 hours at a stretch; A well groomed out pleasing personality.

Remuneration

A trained fresher can get a monthly salary of Rs 5,000 to 7,000. If you join an international training brand, you can start at Rs 15,000. You could earn more with experience and there are always chances that customers who like your work can tip you heavily. Those with three to five years of experience can make Rs 50,000-plus. A make-up professional in an advertising campaign may easily demand and get something between Rs.2,000-3,000 for a day's work while earnings skyrocket if the work is undertaken as a part of a modelling assignment. Work experience and reputation go a long way in determining the level of service-price. For the people with sound experience, sky is the only limit.

Courses

* Diploma Course in Beauty Culture & Hair Dressing Std XII 1 year

*Beauty Culture & Hair Dressing Std XII 2 years

*Diploma in Beautician Std XII 5 months

* Diploma in Hair Dressing Std XII 3 months

*Diploma in Cosmetology Std XII 5 months

*Certification Course in General Aesthetics [Facial Machine Treatment] Std XII 3 weeks

*Advanced Makeup Course Std XII 4 weeks

* Basic Body Massage Course Std XII 4 weeks

*Basic Manicure and Pedicure Course Std XII 4 weeks

* Aromatherapy Course Std XII 4 weeks

Study Here:

Akbar Peerbhoy Girls Polytechnic, ,Anjuman Islam Campus, Opp V T Station, Nxt To TOI Bldg, 92D N Rd, Fort, Mumbai – 400001

Tel: +(91)-(22)-22621745

Lakme Training Academy

1st Floor, Shreeniwas House, Behind Bombay Gmykhana, H Somani Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001

Tel : +(91)-(22)-39832748 Mobile: +(91)-9321506404, 9322886448

British Institutes

359 3rd Flr Uco Bank Bldg, Hutatma Chowk, Dr D N Road, Fountain, Mumbai – 400023

Tel: +(91)-(22)-22029542 +(91)-(22)-22836996

Jawed Habib Professional Institute

10/A, Grd Floor, Kant Mansion, Behind Chitra Cinema, Near Rose Hotel, Madhavdas Pasta Lane, Dadar East, Mumbai - 400014

Tel:+(91)-(22)-64207273 +(91)-9821350882, 9819309736

Schnell Hans Beauty Schools & Salons

1st Floor Shoeb Manzil, Near Otters Club, New Kant Wadi Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400050

Tel: +(91)-(22)-22999562, 26418875, 23612919, 26418906

Schnell Hans Beauty School & Saloons 1st Floor, Matru Ashish Building, August Kranti Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400036 Tel : 022 23612919‎

Why not process food?

When you  return hungry  and  tired  from college  or work, the last thing you want to do is  cook a quick snack  or dinner.  All you feel like  doing is  propping your feet  in front of the television  and relaxing. Well, that will relieve you of tiredness, but how will  you relieve your hunger pangs without  cooking?  Here’s where processed foods like  ready- to- eat- snacks or dinners  come to your rescue. Its flavour is preserved  for at least  six months  from the date  the product was  bottled, packed  or canned.

 What is it?  

Food processing is a branch of food science, that uses a set of methods and techniques to transform raw ingredients into food for the consumption of humans and animals. In the late 20^th century, products such as dried instant soups, reconstituted fruits and juices, and self cooking meals were developed for the convenience of changing lifestyles.

Processing of food leads to preservation of food, enhances its flavour and reduces the toxins in the food product. Long voyages would not be possible, and military campaigns would be more difficult and expensive to execute without food processing.

Modern food processing techniques have led to the feasibility of supermarkets. Extra nutrients can be added while processing the food, so that the processed food lasts longer.   

Indian Scenario 

The food processing industry is still at its nascent stage in India. It thus provides ample employment opportunities as  it gains momentum in the consumer food industry, which includes pasta, breads, cakes, pastries, corn flakes, ready to eat and ready to cook products, cocoa products, biscuits, soft drinks, beer, alcohol beverages, mineral and packaged water and segment of consumer foods is seeing an upward trend.

Options

Food processing companies, Food research laboratories, food wholesalers, Hospitals, Catering establishments,  Retailers,  Restaurants etc., provide employment to people who have obtained  degrees in Home Science and specializations in Food Technology, Nutrition or Food Services Management, or Diplomas in Dietetics, Applied Nutrition, Food Science And Preservation, Dietetics or Food And Nutrition can also be employed in this industry. Bacteriologist, toxicologists and those trained in packaging technology, organic chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry can find opening food technology laboratories or in quality control departments. Self-employment opportunities exist  through dynamic delivery networks. 

Job Prospects

Private sector companies have been the key players in the food sector and even companies like ITC are now moving into the sector.

Some other back-end jobs in this industry are: Bakers,  Meat, poultry, trimmers, and fish cutters,  Slaughterers and meat packers,  Food batch makers,  Food cooking machine operators and tenders, Food and tobacco roasting, baking and drying machine operators and tenders  Reputed and large  companies  in  India are:   * ITC Ltd. * Parle Products Pvt. Ltd. * Agro Tech Foods * Amul * Perfetti (India) Ltd. * Cadbury (India) Ltd. *PepsiCo (India) Holdings * Nestle India Pvt. Ltd.  * Britannia Industries Ltd. * Hindustan Lever Ltd. * Milkfood * MTR foods Ltd. * Godrej Industries  Ltd. * Gits Food Products Pvt. Ltd. * Dabur India Ltd.

Required Personnel

Food technologists, technicians, bio technologists and engineers are required in this industry for the practical application of the principles of many disciplines of science in the manufacturing or production, preservation and packaging, processing and canning of various food products. All this needs preparation of raw materials for processing which involves selection, or cleaning of the raw material, followed by the actual processing, which could be chopping, blanching, crushing, mixing or even cooking of the food item, the addition of preservatives and the final packaging along with keep in hygiene and maintaining quality of products. Industrial Production Managers are required to control the operation of the manufacturing plants. Marketing and Sales Personnel are required for sales promotion and marketing.

Specialisations 

   * Food technologists: can specialize in any of the many fields of food processing such as sugar alcohol, bakery, oil, fruits and vegetables etc. one can do Ph.D in food technology or biotechnology or food preservation. They determine whether a particular process is being performed in a certain specified way or not. They devise new ways, while improving the older ones for preserving, conserving and processing food. They have to check for the contamination, adulteration and controlling the nutritional value of food products to be processed. They also  determine  the quality of  raw materials used in the plants aw well as the food to be dispatched to the market. They also look after the storage conditions and hygiene.

Food technologists work in research laboratories or on production lines to develop new products, test current ones, and control the overall food quality.  But they work mainly in hotels, food industries, quality control, hospitals, packaging, industries, distilleries, soft drink factories and rice mills,  manufacturing industries by using their expertise in monitoring the storage, processing, hygiene temperatures and experimenting etc.

   * Organic Chemists: They advise on the methods by which the raw materials have to be converted into processed food.

    * Biochemists: They suggest improvements in flavor, texture, storage and quality.

    * Analytical Chemists: They analyze food products to maintain quality.

    * Home Economists: They are in a way expert in dietetics and nutrition. They test the food and recipes according to the directions on the containers.

    * Engineers: Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Agricultural and Civil engineers are also required for planning, designing, improving and maintaining the processing systems.

    * Research Scientists: They carry on experiments regarding improvement in yield, flavour, nutritive value and general acceptability of the packaged food.

    * Managers and accountants: They manage administration and the finances apart from supervising the processing work.

Remuneration

Earnings vary by industry, skill, geographic region, and educational level. At the entry level the food technologists can earn around Rs.5000 to Rs.8000 per month. Those who have an experience of around five years can draw a salary in the range of Rs.10000 to Rs.15000 per month. And those who have worked for 15 years can earn up to Rs.30000 per month.

Eligibility           

Some universities in India offer  graduate and  post  graduate degree courses in food technology and food science. There are institutes offering postgraduate courses in specialized aspects of food processing.

Admission for under graduate courses in food technology, food science and home science is open for candidates with PCM or PCB at 10+2 level.

For admission in M.Sc / Management, the  eligibility criterion is B.Sc.

Home Science graduates or higher degrees in Dietetics / Nutrition and Hotel Management graduates (food & beverage) can work as a team in food production industries, marketing, preservation and so on. This is why graduates in Home Science or Nutrition have a wide range of options before them.

For B.Sc. in Home Science/ Food Technology/ Food Science, one should have passed 10+2 examinations with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as the main subjects. For M.Sc/Management, the minimum eligibility is a B.Sc.

For admission in undergraduate course in Food Technology, the candidate should have Physics, Maths, Chemistry and Biology at 10+2 level. To get admission in an M.Sc. course in Food Technology, a B.Sc. degree in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology or a B.Tech. in Food Technology is a pre-requisite.

Home Science- graduates or higher degree holders in Nutrition/ Dietetics and Hotel Management graduates are also eligible for higher studies in Food Technology.

After the successful completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination, the candidate can pursue short-term certificate, craft and diploma courses at various institutes and universities.

Food craft institutes and institutes of hotel management, catering and nutrition conduct one year's full-time certificate courses in bakery and confectionery, canning and food preservation.

For this, the aspirant should have passed 10+2 with 50% marks.

Degree courses in Home Science, Food Technology and Food Science and in specialized areas like Fisheries, or Dairy Sciences are offered by some Indian Universities. There are also short-term certificate, craft and diploma courses offered by various polytechnics, food craft institutes and universities. The Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies has several Food and Nutrition Extension Centres in different parts of the country providing short-term courses and training in home-based preservation of fruits and vegetables, preparation of bakery and confectionery items, rice milling, oil seed processing etc. M.Sc and Ph.D courses in food and nutrition, home science, food technology and biotechnology are also available in some universities.

Study Here

·        MS University, Vadodara, Gujarat; and Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore (with branches in Karnataka and Mumbai) offers certificate courses in Bakery and Confectionary, BSc and M.Sc in Food Science.

·        SNDT Women's University, Mumbai

·        Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Himachal Pradesh; Fruit Technology Institute, Lucknow offers degree and diploma course in Food Technology.

    * National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, Chennai and Calcutta, offers associateship in Sugar Technology and Sugar Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Fermentation and Alcohol Technology.

    * Central Institute of Fisheries Education with four centres in Barrackpore (WB); Kakinada (A.P); Lucknow and Mumbai, also offers various certificate and diploma courses.

    * National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and Bangalore, offers B.Sc quality control in dairy processing and B.Tech in dairy technology.

    * IGNOU offers a certificate course in food and nutrition.

Restoring And Conserving Treasured Priceless Artefacts

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep (John Keats)

But how can we preserve and protect a thing of beauty, (like works of art or cherished photographs) from being a victim of the ravages of time? Classic paintings, frescoes, sculptures created from various materials  are priceless and  cost much time and money to be preserved for posterity.  And it requires someone very special – someone who not only understands the importance of and appreciates the works of art, but also has the academic expertise to preserve such treasures.  If you  are  among those who  love  looking at such paintings and photographs and also have  a desire to  restore them to its original glory, they  a career  as an art  restorer/conservator  could  be the right  one for you. 

Imagine the hours of painstaking work involved in removing a painting from the decaying canvas on which it was painted, and relaying it on a new backcloth. On a larger scale, consider the ten-plus years it took to restore the sculpture and stonework on the spire of Salisbury Cathedral.

  The Big Canvas   

Over the past few decades there has been an increase in art appreciation. Ancient works of art are bought or sought after, for not only the aesthetic value but as an investment. People today appreciate their heritage(whichever country they originally  belong to or  the world in general)   and are willing to spend thousands to own the ancient relics. Most of these people come from the upper classes  and are  rich financially  too.

    Main Areas of Work

Restoration:  All works of art suffer from the passage of time. Acid rain corrodes statues; the varnish on paintings turns brown with age and misuse. In some cases artists have used a medium which has deteriorated with the course of time. Sometimes they may used materials that break down, crack, fade, change colour etc. They may have used a pigment which was not chemically stable and the colours in a painting have totally altered. Even the base material on which a work was done does not last for ever. In the past, works of art have been altered by other hands, figures added or painted out. Also, extreme hot or cold climates and humidity expands and contracts canvases. It is also often seen that dust and incense smoke (in places of worship) can negatively affect the art work. Restoration helps  rectify all these problems.

 Restoration is the repairing of damages concurred to the art material, the filling of gaps in the canvas support and paint layer, so as to maintain consistency and continuity. There is also the question of whether you restore a work to what it may have been, or conserve it, preserving it as it is at present for future generations.

Process

The work  involves a great deal of complex chemical and other scientific treatment. During the process, care must be taken not to tamper with the original work.  Sometimes it takes more time to restore a work of art than to create one. Some paintings can be restored to their original appearance while others, like watercolours, cannot. The process, on a single oil painting, can take between fifteen days to one year to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. Sculptures are restored in much the same way as painting. Manuscripts require approximately three months to restore, sort and arrange.

The restoration process is often carried out in various stages. This involves diagnosis which involves a visual and chemical analyses, using the latest laboratory technology, such as the infra-red and ultraviolet scans, X-ray and chemical and microscopic analyses to assess the damage and decide on the appropriate treatments for each. Then comes the cleaning which requires the careful removal of layers of dust, grime and corrosion from acidic paint. This `consolidates' the painting by arresting further damage and bringing out its original figures and colours. After that structural repairs are undertaken. The painting is given a backing, defects are toned down and holes are filled in with a variety of materials. Retouching or `in-painting' is the final stage of restoration. This gives continuity to the layer by filling up the large gaps which would otherwise be visually disturbing. This is a tricky business, as the authenticity of the painting must be kept intact. Only the area which has lost paint is worked on without any encroachment upon the rest of the masterpiece.

Conservation refers to preserving all the original art materials and preventing any further deterioration. A skilled conservator will need to be technically skilled and have substantial experience to be able to judge the original appearance of a piece of art.  A good conservator  must  have a sound  knowledge of History of the art material, as  the conservator is not supposed to alter the original work or try to perfect it - only  to make it look as it was originally. A lay-person should not be able to tell the difference. Restorers also provide consultation on how to store and display the art materials. To be a conservator you need to be interested in all sorts of objects, and their history;  know how they were produced; have some scientific knowledge;  have good eyesight and colour vision.

Skills Required

One needs to be good at painting (or other art forms such as sculpting, handling textiles, manuscripts or photographs) primarily to work as an art restorer. A  background knowledge,  understanding of the work of art and necessary skills.  A working knowledge of materials and their behaviour, the necessary technical skills, and the sheer stamina required to spend hundreds of hours on one job is preferred,  as  then you will  be able to get a feel of the nature of work that is required and done A restorer/ conservator  also requires  a good observant eye;  be particular and minutely careful  about detail and perfection;  be finely tuned; have  visual sensibility; patience; responsible nature, steady hand; willingness to work long, strenuous hours; respect for art and the artist; scientific temperament.

Eligibility : Candidates need to be graduates in any of the sciences, preferably with skill in fine arts. Students who join these courses may also just be artists who wish to improve the understanding of their work, and help prevent deterioration. 10+12 candidates are selected for each batch, on the basis of an aptitude test. They also need  to  hold  a basic degree with specialisation in subjects like archaeology, ancient and medieval history, history of world art and so forth.  To be admitted into a reputed institution, a high percentage of marks would be required. The candidate should preferably have some basic knowledge about the various art forms and prominent schools of art.

Course Content & Structure : Professional courses are generally short-term, about two years or so, as opposed to the long term Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) courses which can go up to five years. Not too many institutes in India offer art restoration courses. Generally, art restorers have a BFA or an MFA degree.

There is a wide range of courses at art colleges, further and higher education colleges, universities and private colleges. Painting and archaeological restoration/conservation are usually offered as postgraduate courses. For these postgraduate courses you will need a first degree in art history or science. Other areas, such as furniture, textiles, ceramics and books and manuscripts, are offered at various entry levels.

Training

This intricate career is based on the apprenticeship pattern. New entrants train and practice under experienced restorers, taking on new and larger projects as and when they are prepared. Years of hard work and experience are required before a person becomes adept at this art. You could  be apprenticed to a restorer, particularly in such specialisations as textiles, furniture and stone-carving. Lessons in organic and inorganic chemistry are given; basic painting skills are taught; shown how different pigments are used and trained in watching out for defects. Specialisation can be done in oils, metals or frescoes, but not before they are supervised on two paintings.

Prospects

Trained and skilled art restorers can easily find openings at the  National Museum Centres (Restoration Departments) or at private art firms or even start their own practice. Being a risky business, not many are willing to take the plunge. For such people, there are other options such as teaching, art journalism, archaeology, art dealing (involves trading art materials which requires not only a good business sense but artistic skills as well.

Remuneration

 Art Restoration is strenuous work; , raw materials are expensive, it is a big responsibility. But it definitely pays well. The conservation and restoration of a particular painting could cost thousands of rupees. The job does not have any fixed remuneration; the only two things that determine the price are the quantum of work and the time needed to repair the damages. On an average, a restorer might earn about 2-3 lakhs per year, while an experienced person can bring in Rs. 50,000 per month!

 Study Here

Most of the training given is in Art History where graduates then go on to learn on-the-job, working as apprentices.

National Museum, New Delhi

The main institution that offers elaborate courses in art restoration is the Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology at the National Museum in New Delhi, where full-time courses are available (full-time Masters degree of 2 years duration, Ph.D. of 5 years duration).

    * University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, Mysore

The following are a few of the better-known course providers in England :

    * The Courtauld Institute of Art - Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R ORN.

    * Christie's Education - 63 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JS.

    * Inchbald School of Design - 7 Eaton Gate, London SWl W 9BA.

    * Sotheby's Institute - 30 Oxford Street, London W1R lRE.

    * Study Centre for the History of the Fine and Decorative Arts -21 Palace Gardens Terrace, London W8 4SA.

    * The Victoria and Albert Museum - Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.

Royal College of Art (in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum and Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine) - Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU.

It’s Career Playtime

Do you love children and playing with them? Do you have an aesthetic sense, great visualization, terrific imaginations and innovative thinking; love to work with your hands and create something new and attractive? Then why not think about putting your talents together to create a wonderful world for children while helping them to play and learn through  something they just  love–toys-by becoming a toy designer? 

Playtime

Play is recognized as a vital part of learning and growing. Toys attract babies and kids and games are an important part of play and an invaluable to a child's development. It helps them relate to their parents and peers, it helps them understand their place in the world. Toys expand their realm of imagination, and toy designers have an important role in both the entertainment, and education of children.

Trends & Technology

Successful toy designers keep abreast of trends and issues affecting the toy industry. Issues may include government regulations about toys, copyrights, new materials that could make a toy cheaper to produce or more popular to use, and related social trends that might make a toy more or less popular.

The trend of making the toys has taken a tremendous change. Toy industry is experimenting a lot to develop new type of toys for the coming generation. Automatic cars, robots, guns etc are more preferred by the new generation.

New technology used to make toys has made them more attractive and provided the means to improve their quality according to the changing environment. The knowledge of electronics and mechanical has helped to improve toys immensely. Sound effects create a good impact on children and they enjoy the imitation of original sounds to create a magical effect. Lighting effect attracts and amazes children. The colour combination and quality of paints and the materials used to make the toys is essential for the purpose of selling the toys in different parts of the world.

 Believe It

Even former aerospace workers, NASA scientists and race car designers have in fact enjoyed their careers so much that they become designers of a different type after retirement. What do all these people really consider when deciding what types of careers they can make their second claim to fame in? Believe it or not they choose toys. Why you ask? Well because they can put their full creativity into it without hard core project managers debunking their concepts and designs.

Skills & Education

A toy designer is a very creative individual that is able to develop a completely new type of toy, game or children's activity, and then bring it to life. This means drawing, sketching or making a computer model of the concept, deciding how to make each detail, and then creating a prototype of the toy and originality and an ability to relate to the interests of children.  They  need to spend a lot of time watching children play so they can create new ideas for children's toys and think about modifications to existing toys or games. They need to make sure their toy designs are safe for children, and that they only use materials that are approved by safety regulations.

They must hence  be good artists, able to conceptualize three-dimensions in their head as well as on paper; understand technological applications to toy making; have knowledge of  toy history,  art, carpentry, sewing, and metalwork; child psychology, sociology, anthropology, business, merchandising, and administration. Soft skills include good written, interpersonal and visual skills as they're required to explain technical and manufacturing toy concepts to non-technical team members and upper-level management.

Toy designers should have a working knowledge of computers, as well as graphic art or  design and drawing skills and computer design programmes, as well as a good working knowledge of computers. Since most toys are now first generated through various computer programmes before they are actually physically made by having the ability to do these themselves the toy designer can speed up the development process.

The Work

Toy designers create new and unique toy concepts, activities, and games for children and adults. They then bring these ideas to life for a client or market them to manufacturers.

They  create toys like board games, puzzles, computer games, stuffed animals, remote-control cars, infant toys, and dolls. They work with a variety of materials including injection moulding, polymer clay, plastic, rubber, vinyl, plush, metal, wood, computers, and electronics  and even different types of fabrics and stuffing. They must ensure safety of the toy they develop and use only approved safety materials to be able to be sold.

 They  may sketch their initial ideas by hand, create computer models or sculpt in plastic-clay. Toy designers then create a prototype of the toy (usually a physical model or computer-animated graphic), which they show their manufacturer.

Merchandising is an important part of modern day marketing, and particularly for children's movies, music and entertainment toy designers are in demand to create promotional merchandise such as toys, games and novelty items so an interest in marketing is a plus when pursuing a career as a toy designer.

Prospects

Toy designer can become entrepreneurs and start up their own toy design and manufacture company, or work full-time with a well-established toy manufacturer. They can get into industrial design, furniture design, or apply their artistic talents to illustration or animation. They can also be lecturers.

Success

Understanding child psychology and mind reading capability is required to develop toys. The likes and dislikes of the people living in a  particular region are also responsible for better sale of toys. Everyone has a favourite toy from their childhood. Maybe it was a doll that talked when they pulled a string. Maybe it was a pirate ship made of interconnecting blocks. Maybe it was just a stuffed teddy with black button eyes and soft brown fur. Whatever it was, it was cherished and it was brought everywhere. The more children like their toys, the more successful the toy designer who created them was. Toy designers should also be a bit of a child themselves, and use their childhood experiences as inspiration for your designs!

COLLEGES& COURSES

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a focus on Interactive Multimedia design allows students to integrate information technology into a variety of other areas including animation, graphics and music.

The BA in Digital Media with a specialization in Game Development can be a great way for students to launch a career in game design.

Students interested in designed computer applications, Internet media, and a variety of other interactive environments will be well served with this BA degree.

Bachelor of Science in Game & Simulation Programming. This degree will prepare students for entry level positions in the video gaming industry.

Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Design is a very practical course that gives student the opportunities needed to develop their skills in both artistic ability and computer technology. The Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design is a great career for those students that enjoy creativity and also enjoy working with the latest in technology.

 National Institute of Design:  Toy Design (Eligibility - BE, B. Arch, Design/Child Development.)