Kozhikode: “My success mantra is in how much I focus on the journey toward my goal," former Indian tennis player Leander Paes said. He was speaking at a debate on "Wellness and Web of Life" held at the Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary as part of the Hortus Literature and Arts Festival organised by Malayala Manorama. "In 2003, I stepped onto the court for the Australian Open doubles final with Martina Navratilova despite a severe headache. The next morning, I woke up feeling as though my eyesight was deteriorating, so I sought treatment.

“About 30 MRIs and biopsies were conducted at a hospital there. It was two Indian doctors who discovered that I didn’t have cancer but a parasite infection. Although I recovered and returned to life, my body shape had changed. I gained weight, and many assumed I wouldn't play again. But I returned to the court. When I came home after treatment, I was bald. Yet, I made a determined comeback to the tennis court,'' Paes recounted.

Abhilash Tomy, a retired Indian Navy officer and yachtsman, narrated his journey of resilience after a severe spinal injury from a mid-sea boat accident, which had left him bedridden. "The reason behind my comeback was that I didn’t view the fall as a defeat. Everyone was asking me when my next trip was going to be. This was the success mantra behind my return," he said.

Faizal Kottikollon shared his perspective on clinical wellness, explaining that the focus should not just be on curing illness but on restoring individuals to their original state through treatment. He noted that the concept of Tulah arose from his experience elevating government schools to international standards and his engagement with modern medicine at Meitra Hospital. Namrata Zacaria moderated the session.

Movies and Books: Constant Companions of Roshan Mathew
Kozhikode: Actor Roshan Mathew believes that each individual shares a friendship with art, and for him, movies and books kept him company during the lockdown's isolation. He was speaking at a session titled 'The Art of Balance’, held at the Tulah Clinical Wellness Sanctuary as part of the Malayala Manorama Hortus Festival.

At the same session, wellness coach Deanne Pandey highlighted the health issues developed by teenagers who pursue unscientific methods to achieve a lean body, resulting in conditions like thyroid problems. "When we train for the Miss India competition, each participant’s training and diet are based on their specific body needs. The concept of size zero can never be accepted. Instead, I always encourage people to bring their bodies under control through activities like dance or yoga,’’ she said. Namrata Zacaria moderated the debate.

The Manorama Hortus International Festival, an event celebrating arts and literature, took place at Kozhikode Beach from November 1 to 3. Santa Monica, Jain University, Joyalukkas, and Meitra Hospital sponsored the festival.