And here is the Indian youth completely influenced and impacted by the dazzling patterns of the modern times that introduce them with new culture and trends of the commercialized society. Commercialization has made them conscious about their personalities particularly their physical appearance. They are now giving their more time to their grooming and they now firmly believe that grooming is an essential and in fact extremely important part of their physical appearance. They have a sort of thinking that in order to be influential in front of others one has to look smart, dashing, handsome, fashionable and contemporary. And this can only be accomplished when one gives ample of time to one's grooming of physical appearance thus having a good hair cut, doing skin care, wearing trendy and fashions wardrobe and accessories, keeping extra personal hygiene, hair removal, etc. makes an important part of it. In our present society teenagers are found to be more indulged in physical grooming, they are found to be very cautious and conscious about their physical appearance, while the boys begin to shave the beards at a very young age, young girls begin to get threading and waxing done at an early stage in their school time. Using deodorants and perfumes is quite a popular trend among the youth, young girls are even more conscious while going to school that they even carry handy mirror and comb in their school bags. But here is the deliberate need to counsel the youth that grooming of physical appearance is an essential part but along with that one should also be motivated to do a "self grooming" that not only includes the physical looks but the grooming of the "mental state" as well. Enhancing and improvising one's thoughts and ideas is also very important, thoughts composite a significant part of the self and their grooming will help the person to grow in a holistic manner.
Grooming is a term which has a subjective interpretation tendency. It can be related to one's personality development as well as merely the polishing of one's physical appearance. However I do not find anything wrong in wanting to 'look good' or feel beautiful in public. Its totally a matter of personal choice and one should be given the liberty to live their modification as and how they prefer. But yes, obsession is never a healthy sign. Mental grooming is a must for every human being irrespective of age. But when it is complimented with a dressing 'sense', nice and clean appearance, impression is meant to multiply. However, like I said, none should be fanatic or obsessed about looking good. Because looks are temporary, once you grow wrinkles all you are left with is your mind. Stress on making that beautiful. A compulsive preoccupation over your appearance might leave you with less chances of raising your value in the long term.
The flourshing Indian fashion is also fueling growth into the cosmetic industry by making youth to reliaze the importance of having good looks and appearance. Due to changing demographics and lifestyles, deeper consumer pockets, rising media exposure, greater product choice, growth in retail segment and wider availability are the reasons for sharp rising demand of cosmetics among youth. Due to changing demographics and lifestyles, deeper consumer pockets, rising media exposure, greater product choice, growth in retail segment and wider availability are the reasons for sharp rising demand of cosmetics among the youth.
I am totally in accordance with Ms. Tripathy’s reflection concluding how changing demographics and lifestyles have evolved the youth’s bent in grooming themselves. It’s true that the urban Indians have also seen an uprising in their values and aspirations but their proclivity towards skincare, facial styling and body-grooming exposes their growing curiosity. There is a consciousness motivated by e-commerce in smaller cities but a mounting tendency can be detected in the modification of family choices to individualistic ones. Appearance angst is way higher than before, seeding an urge in Indians to not to remain behind the trend. The thirst to appear more powerful and maintain a certain form of imaginary hierarchy at work or in social life holds a critical place in life.
