Letters to the Editor: 21 November, 2019

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November 21, 2019

Pawar’s googly has Sena stumped

Sharad Pawar ‘googly’ has Shiv Sena in a soup and the shrewd politician takes a ‘U’ turn on supporting Sena as he says he never discussed government formation with the Congress. You reap what you sow and Shiv Sena is getting what it deserves as they had ditched BJP who were their pre-poll alliance partner and now they themselves seems to have been ditched by their post-poll alliance partners NCP-Congress.

One bird is always better than two in the bushes and Sena has learnt a big lesson in the practical sense. BJP with 105 MLA’s than Sena’s 56 had absolute right to install their own Chief Minister and Devendra Fadnavis was even projected one openly before elections. Sena can possibly realign with BJP in government formation but clearly they now would not have much bargaining power even when it comes to portfolios and will have to be at the mercy of BJP who seems to have played all their cards well. Greed for power does can make one fall.

S.N. Kabra

GST and Income-Tax evasion by banquet-halls should be curbed

There are reports that many banquet-halls demand in cash for holding functions to evade GST and thus in turn Income Tax also. It should be made compulsory for each banquet-hall to submit complete details of functions held there to some authority to be especially set up for the purpose. Simultaneously all those conducting functions including marriage-celebrations should also file details of celebrations with the same authority. Specially developed software can match the data, and catch hold of those filing false returns. This data by the suggested authority can be shared with Income Tax Department and GST authorities. Even marriage-cards should have print-number of cards and other details about marriage-celebrations as decided by the authority suggested where functions-details are to be filed.

Perhaps a single reasonable GST-slab of ten-per cent replacing 5, 12 and 18 and 28 per cent can curb tendency of tax-evasion. Provision of tax-evading Input-Tax-Credit then can be abolished from manufacturing and service sector thus resulting in increased ultimate tax-collection. However a higher slab of 25-per cent can replace that of 28-per cent for items to be used for long. Cess can also be replaced by GST-slabs in multiples of 50 or 100 per cent for simplification.

Madhu Agrawal

Focus on Kashmir’s economic growth

Economic losses in Kashmir have run well over a billion dollars since India revoked its autonomy and statehood in August. Its estimated economic losses

ran into at least Rs 10,000 crore ($1.40 billion) by September. I think that court should appoint an external agency to assess the losses. Government also should focus on economical development of Kashmir.

Mahmudul Hasa

We all are equal

Our Constitution guarantees the right of equality to all citizens, but our society still categorises people into lower class and higher class. No one can justify this discrimination. Economically weaker, marginalised and deprived sections suffer the atrocities committed on them by the powerful. The crime rate remains high because those maintaining law and order do not make serious efforts to get the accused convicted. On the contrary, the victims face further harassment and threat to life. It is a shameful conduct on the part of officials responsible for ensuring protection of the hapless members of our society. Those neglecting to protect the rights of such people should be held accountable.

Seraj Ali

IAS losing its sheen

The recent trend of IFS officers losing sheen over IAS officers as a career choice is relatively alarming. On the other hand, IFS officers enjoy a privilege of global appointments along with diplomatic immunity-enjoyed only by a niche segment of people in bureaucratic circles. As also when compared to IAS officers, IFS officers otherwise enjoy wide access to global issues and forums while IAS officers only serve within the state’s jurisdiction.

As also with the emergence of Global politics and diplomacy as one of the hot topics debated including a chance to delegate WTO, G8, SAARC, BRICS, RECP and host of other global summits, an IFS officer’s career is much exciting than an IAS officer. The reason to travel across the globe widely along with an opportunity to learn foreign language, adapt of various political and local cultures is one of the key reasons as why an UPSC aspirant otherwise wishes to choose an IFS posting over IAS posting. MEA as has not expanded much by establishing more embassies and consulates and thereby a gap thus created in designating more number of IFS candidates through raising the candidate intake in UPSC exams.

Varun Dambal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

FIR against Yash Raj Production for ‘pocketing’ Rs 100 cr royalties, on director’s name

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Web Team

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November 20, 2019

An FIR was registered against the Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films and on its directors for allegedly pocketing Rs 100 crore by collecting music royalties of members of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) by Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, an official said on Wednesday.

It’s been reported that, the IPRS recently filed a complaint against the YRF with the EOW.The Society claimed that Yash Raj Films did not let them collect royalties from telecom companies, radio stations, and music streaming platforms.

The FIR, which names both the directors Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra, says that production house cannot collect royalties on behalf of artistes and music producers as it is the sole and exclusive right of IPRS

The official said, “Yash Raj Films Company and its directors allegedly pocketed Rs 100 crore by collecting music royalties of members of the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS.”

A representative of IPRS said, “Since this is a legal case the board cant comment about it until tomorrow.”

A case has been registered under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Copyright Act. Reportedly, the production house has not issued any statement yet.

Nithyananda Ashram Sanyasins fight for their rights

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Afternoon Voice

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November 20, 2019

When a devasted couple, Janardana Sharma and his wife filed a petition against Nithyananda Ashram by stating to the court that they had admitted their four daughters to an educational institution run by Swami Nithyananda in Bengaluru in 2013 when they were in the age group of 7-15 years. When they learnt that their daughters were this year shifted to another branch of Nithyananda Dhyanpeetham, named Yogini Sarvagyapeetham, situated on the premises of Delhi Public School in Ahmedabad, they tried to meet them. However, officials of the institute refused to let them meet their daughters, the petitioners alleged. With help from the police, the Sharmas visited the institute and managed to bring back their two minor daughters, but their elder daughters, Lopamudra Janardana Sharma (21) and Nandhita (18), refused to accompany them, according to the petition.

In reply to this controversy, Janardana Sharma’s elder daughter Lopamudra alias Ma Nithya Tattvapriya Ananda posted a video questioning society, “Is it that difficult to be a Sanyasi (Hermit) in India? She further stated that no one has captivated her, its her parents who wants to blackmail Nithyananda for their own motives. She asserted that she is happy in the lifestyle she has chosen to live.”

Civil society people advised her to meet her parents and have dialogue with them, just posting videos on social media gives wrong message. They believe that the video is made in pressure tactics. Nithyananda is known for hypnotism and conditioning young minds.

A couple has petitioned the Gujarat High Court for help to get back two daughters who they assert have been illegally confined at an ashram run by controversial self-styled god man Swami Nithyananda. They alleged their two younger daughters were kidnapped and kept in illegal confinement for more than two weeks and were deprived of sleep. The parents said they have filed a FIR against the authorities in this connection. In the plea, the Sharma’s have asked the court to seek the court’s direction direct the police as well the institute’s authorities to produce their daughters, who they alleged are being kept under “illegal confinement”, before the court and hand them over. The couple has also asked for an investigation into other minors kept at the institute. In June last year, a Karnataka Court had framed charges against Nithyananda in a rape case.

Purnima Mistry a women’s right activist said “If educated people are falling prey to these swamis where are we heading, don’t these parents have any brains? Nithyananda is known and well publicised for his exploitation of women. Parents need to be arrested for sending their children to these dubious places. Why file FIR, where was the sense when they were putting minors in Ashram instead of putting them in school?”

Another Sanyasi of Nithyananda Ashram Ma Nithya Amrtamayananda stated that “The parents decided to drag kids into mudsling. What about a daughters’ abuse being ignored and pushed under the rug? Janardarna Sharma, driven by pure spite and evil has blatantly used his own children as bait for his planned conspiracy against Swamiji and our beautiful sangha. Does anyone really expect children to want to ‘come back home’ and be around him? He has put his own children in the limelight of his ego-driven drama only to suit his own selfish agenda – to destroy the good-willed efforts of Swamiji’s Sangha”. She continued asking “Is it wrong for you to be a Sanyasi? One has all the freedom and the right. But outside people (society, people of law) are looking for a controversy”.

Suchithra Raghunathan – Director, SRISHTI NATYALAYA PEARL ENTERPRISES said “Lopamudra alias Tattvapriya, instead of posting live videos, should meet her parents and talk to them straight. Being initiated with all kind of powers, why she is not daring enough to make her statements straight to family?”

Ma Nithya Vishalananda another Sanyasin of Nithyananda Ashram said, “This is one of the tactics used by anti-Hindu elements- send people inside the Sangha who will seem to become part of the insider, live the lifestyle for some time and then suddenly leave and start abusing and claim that ‘I am exposing’…we Hindus have to be more aware of such tactics…enough of us being ignorant for these many years…””

Ma Nithya Deepikananda Swami said “Father is forcing his adult daughter against her will. Support the daughter, and her individual choices. Tattvapriya (Lopmudra) and her sister are adults, let them decide for their own lives, support their freedom. Stop attacking Hindu institutions just to promote missionary education, stop being Supari contractors against own religious preachers.” Nithyanandita and Tattvapriya both requesting government, judiciary, to support individual freedom not media propaganda.

Former student of Ashram told Afternoon Voice on the condition of anonymity, “That there are too many allegations by several Ex-Sangha members on Nithyananda. Blindly labeling all of them as anti-Hindu just won’t suffice. Just ask Swamiji & Senior Ashramites to come out into open, be completely transparent and clarify the matter. It’s not very difficult. She said, girls are not only conditioned but had to go through many unexpected shacks and court should order an enquiry. “

Why is Nithyananda always in controversy but still have huge following?

By

Vaidehi Taman

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November 20, 2019

On frequent intervals a spiritual leader Swami Nithyananda is in controversy, he is accused of many things. As the news goes viral, he gathers followers but haters still find reasons to clutch him. I am not endorsing him, but amused to see the developments around. Some say the depressed atheists in Tamil Nadu and other places are angry with his strong support of theism and bringing joy and bliss into the lives of millions through the revival of Vedic Tradition and Sciences. Fanatics from other religions hate him for the same reason. Some politicians are upset that millions flock to him on their own while they have to spend crores of rupees to bribe people to attend their meetings. Other believes that the media projects him as self-styled God man, despite the fact that he is a traditionally raised Adi Shaivite initiated by multiple Sampradayas into Sannyas, whose slogan is, “I am not here to prove I am God; I am here to prove YOU are God.”. Well, many attack on him because other than the sex scandal, him being a borderline flat earther, him just picking random words from the dictionary mixing them with totally un related scientific formulae and just preaching absolutely unrelated jargon to his already misinformed audience, him claiming to be an enlightened one who wears a golden crown. Human beings can go to any extent to shrink away from their responsibility and take accountability for their lives. They can hate or love anyone, look at Asaram Bapu, the rape convict spiritual leader, he is languishing in jail for years. Judiciary, authorities and politicians have turned blind on him, but he has a huge fan following. They still believe he is living God for them. Understanding the beliefs of disciples about their Guru or spiritual leaders is very difficult.

People can leave no stone unturned in the search for short cuts to find solutions to the challenges which cross their life path. Search for Gurus or religious movement and faiths is the result of this human tendency to find easy and simple solutions in their search for a happy, healthy lives period. One of perceived ways to run away from personal responsibilities is to stay in Ashrams in the name of finding inner peace. Nithyananda followers follow him due to their own reasons of getting their wishes fulfilled or to be seen as religious persons or to get secret mantra to get free pass to moksha or some awakenings. Faith becomes blind when reality cannot be seen with bodily eyes. Human tendency to look for easy and comfortable answers to the life’s questions/challenges and to seek fulfillment of almost all desires, makes them visit religious places and all Gurus. Some of these Gurus add value to lives and some stumble. Whenever faced with tough situations in life, humans will not look towards self or trust themselves but will always turn to God or their representatives called priests or Gurus or other resourceful people to find solutions to their problems. Trust me not all followers pray or worship any Guru or God to gain enlightenment or to live a pious life, they do it to have their wishes fulfilled through some blessings of either God or some guru. People follow gurus not because of their extreme love or respect or attachment for religious teachers but they do it because of their own attachment to their own selfish goals which they want fulfilled through some “easy mantra by chanting their wishes will be fulfilled” or for their blessing or some other religious practice following/doing which will bring them closer to their goals.

Prince Siddhartha changed many Gurus during his, search for truth. He provided every solution his gurus told him but he did not find enlightenment. He fasted for months. He was emaciated. His back and stomach became one. One day while he was taking bath in river he was swept away; he was so weak that he could not fight waves. Somehow by holding on to the root of a tree he came out of river. He then thought what did I get out of following gurus. Then he decided that from now onwards he will go in search of himself. Do we really find such spiritual personalities these days? Most of them are in costly mulmul silk clothes, with air-conditioned ambiences, modern techniques with music and sound effects to their speeches, fancy dresses and video recordings. The spirituality became glossy these days. Socrates never had any Guru. Did Mahavir stop wearing clothes because some Gurus advised him? These enlightened being become enlightened when they became thirsty for answers to their lives. Those were gurus without lavishes and they had much more to give, on the other hand, these days Gurus are here to receive as much as they can grab. Tell me how many people have easy access to Nithyananda, if he is spiritual leader why he has to be so scared to meet people? Why the rates are fixed to meet him or seek his Darshan? There are so many Gurus in India, it is not about Nithyananda it is about Indian culture. It’s we who made them so big.

Indians are lethargic people who look towards Gurus as gods without finding the very Godly elements in them. All these Gurus have their staunch supporters to protect them in every situation because the ashram and that Guru becomes their way of living. Nithyananda accepts and allows service of innocent people when he himself does not serve or follow any Guru. Where is renunciation? Wearing saffron robes is not renunciation. It is only show business. His followers or himself cannot cite who is his Guru. Sometimes they say he does not need a Guru and sometimes they say he has three Gurus. They are confused and confuse the other innocent people. How far it is correct to charge money for spiritual practices? So, he is for the rich not for the poor? Flowery, favourable and flattering speech with sounds of drums in the background is not knowledge. Truth is always bitter. Only the wise can swallow it. Lust, anger, greed, attachment, etc. are required to be shunned by a real saint at a distance. He is always in some or the other controversy, but his followers fail to understand the wisdom that there cannot be smoke without fire. Having huge following of blind followers cannot turn falsehood into truth. If someone asks for money or donations, he or she is not a Guru but a scrounger. It proves he is a victim of greed. Even today when the controversy is surrounded for holding grown up girls in Ashram, he kept silent and his disciples circulated videos in explanation. Was it very difficult to meet the parents and have word with them? Was it that difficult to face the situation and come clean? Was it that difficult to comment on the same? Was it that difficult to let the girls face their parents? Well! I also blame those parents who chose to send their children to ashram than educating them in normal schools. Conditioning the young minds is very easy if parents let go their children out of their custody and relay on others to make their children’s fate. Hope one day he faces me to answer all that I have in mind, as a citizen of this nation as practising Hindu.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

6 Nigerians arrested from Nalasopara for staying without visa and documents

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Web Team

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November 20, 2019

Police have arrested six Nigerians from Nalasopara area, who were staying without any valid visa or other documents on Tuesday.

According to police they got a tip that the Nigerian and Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in the Vasai area and following which they form a team and held the accused persons.

As per the police report, they have arrested 6 Nigerian citizens out of which, five did not have any valid documents related to their entry in India. While the sixth, one was held for staying on a visa which had expired more than a year ago. Currently police are investigating the matter further investigation is underway.

Letters to the Editor: 20 November, 2019

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Web Team

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November 20, 2019

Heritage-dress of marshals in Rajya Sabha should be restored

It refers to observations made by several Rajya Sabha members and reported objections from army-persons against changing dress of marshals in the upper house from that of a heritage one to military-like dress. Old is gold, and it always looked nice to see marshals in a unique dress normally not seen nowadays. It is noteworthy that saree for ladies and band-gala coats are retained as a sort of official outfits in official functions ensuring retaining of old Indian tradition.

Madhu Agrawal

Housing societies should provide space for parking

Parking’ in Mumbai is a big problem and it is good to learn that Mumbai Parking Authority has roped in 13 malls to allow private vehicles to use their parking lots to de-congest their fronts. Mall parkings are empty during weekdays and this move certainly would be beneficial for people who ended up paying heavy fines in no parking zones as they now will have the luxury to park in malls at reasonable charges and would also have safety of their vehicles.

Housing societies too could be roped in as at least 50% of cars parked by residents move out during working hours for some work or the other as many travel by cars to office. This would also earn some revenue to societies as well as help decongest roads which is a social responsibility as well.

S.N. Kabra

Parents should take care of children

Marbles-laden truck overturned killing six minors standing on the roadside in Bihar’s Gopalganj district. Children were grazing their goats nearby the road .

It’s really painful news for the country. I think that it was parent’s responsibility that they must protect their children. Government should lay greater emphasis on road safety education and awareness campaigns.

Tarique Anwar

Govt’s failure to provide basic amenities

It’s a regretful thing that even after seven decades of independence, our governments are failing to provide basic necessities such as drinking water to the people. Instead of wasting huge amount of taxpayer’s money on providing subsidies and loan waivers, governments should invest in health care, education and skill development. They must also take proactive steps to control the pollution because the prosperity of country depends on health of its citizens.

Seraj Ali

Allow Farooq Abdullah to attend Parliament

On the first day of the winter session National Conference leader Dr. Farooq Abdullah could not attend Parliament due to his detention under the Public Safety Act( PSA). Opposition leaders asked government to release him quickly. In response Union Home Minister Amit shah said that Dr. Abdullah is safe and spending his life happily. Now question is that if Abdullah is safe why he is not allowed to attend winter session of Parliament. He represents Srinagar and it is the right of the 20 lakh people of the city that their voice be heard in the House. Government should allow Farooq Abdullah to attend Parliament.

M Qasmi Nad

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Living a Healthy Life

By

Jubel D'Cruz

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November 20, 2019

A healthy lifestyle means maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet as well as engaging in sports or other fitness related activities. A healthy diet alone however is inadequate to ensure a healthy body as physical activity helps to keep one in shape and free of sickness and disease.

According to the World Health Organisation, only one in ten people exercise regularly and a majority does not follow a healthy diet. The main culprit is our penchant for junk food as can be seen from the popularity of fast food chains and other western eateries. Even local foods such as fried noodles, friend rice and snacks and savories are laden with fat and calories. Thus, consuming this type of food on a daily basis can contribute to weight gain. Overweight and obese people suffer from many health complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer.

Hence, the emphasis on healthy lifestyle should start at a very young age. Parents must urge their children to eat more vegetables, fruits, juices, whole meal and whole grain foods. Many parents, due to time constraint, usually find the easy way out by cooking two-minute noodles or heading towards the nearest fast food joint for a quick meal. They do not realise however that sets the stage for an unhealthy lifestyle for their children who quickly become addicted to such foods. Thus, parents can counter this problem by cooking or preparing meals that do not take up time such as cheese sandwiches, soup, stir friend vegetables or buy pre-packed meals from supermarkets which can be warmed up in the microwave oven.

Dining out usually involves eating heavily and unhealthily. Most of us are prone to ordering deep fried food and oily dishes as opposed to steamed or baked food. Thus, though eating out are unavoidable, parents of children and adults as a whole should order fresh food and foods that are nutritious and not laden with oil, fat or sugar. Once a pattern of healthy eating is established, it would be easier to carry through such a lifestyle and for the children to follow suit.

School canteens must be urged to sell only highly nutritious food and drinks. Vending machines that sell soft drinks and drinks that are spiked with sugar should be banned.Daily exercise is vital. In fact, schools should implement physical education on a daily basis rather than twice weekly. Only the minority are actively involved in sports. Most students are sedentary and prefer to concentrate on their studies as they consider indulging in physical activities a waste of time. By enforcing regular exercise daily, these students would be exposed to the importance and benefits of exercise.

Many parents and adults do not allocate time for physical activity. A large number of them work long hours and return home late thereby depriving themselves of the benefits of exercise. Parents must lead an exemplary life which can benefit their children by increasing awareness on the health benefits of exercising regularly. Bringing their children for walks in the morning or evening is a good start to achieve this goal. They should become members of clubs which have swimming pools and gym facilities. During the weekend, the family can strengthen their bond by adjourning to clubs for exercise and a healthy meal after that.

In short, leading a healthy lifestyle is a conscious decision. One can ignore that and lead a life that exposes one to many health hazards. It is important to recognise that a healthy living ensures a longer life span as well as a life free of disease and complications.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom’s latest picture is unmissable

By

Web Team

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November 20, 2019

After delivering a power-packed performance in India, Katy Perry is giving major couple goals with her fiancée Orlando Bloom.

The 35-year-old pop-star and Bloom were on a FaceTime video call together when Perry couldn’t help but share a cheeky snap from their video date, reported Fox News.

“Together our initials are O.K. and that’s what it’s gonna be [?],” Perry captioned the picture in which the distant pair are seen cuddling their nearly-identical pet poodles as the songstress flashes her engagement ring to the camera.

Perry and Bloom have been on the fast track to marriage since getting back together in 2017–the ‘American Idol” judge pointed out the fact during a July interview where she discussed one of her recent singles, ‘Harleys in Hawaii,’ a record the singer said was inspired by Bloom during a recent trip to the tropical island where the pair rented a Harley Davidson motorcycle to explore the region.

“We rented a Harley because we were just there for a few days. You know, be on the back of a motorcycle in Hawaii and just let the airflow on your face,” Perry said on the Zach Sang Show in July.

“It’s so beautiful. It was awesome,” she said. “But I can remember specifically where I was, the street corner I was at in Oahu and turning that corner and whispering to Orlando, going ‘I’m going to write a song called ‘Harleys in Hawaii.

David Foster, Katharine McPhee express their ‘genuine’ love towards each other

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Web Team

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November 20, 2019

Romantic couple Katharine McPhee and David Foster who tied the knot in June are still in the honeymoon phase.

According to a leading newspaper, while making an appearance on the ‘Today’ show on Tuesday morning, the 35-year-old singer and the 70-year-old music producer couldn’t help but gush about each other.

“We met on ‘American Idol’ when I was a contestant and he was a mentor with Andrea Bocelli,” McPhee recalled.

“I have always just admired him and loved him and he’s always been so great to people around him. He can be intimidating when he really needs to be for his work, but he’s really lovely,” she added.

When asked what he loves about McPhee, Foster responded, “Her singing, first of all. I mean where do I start the inner beauty, the outer beauty, and we have been friends for 14 years, and it was just kind of a natural coming together.”

Previously, the couple defended their 35-year age gap.

“We genuinely love and respect each other and have for a very long time,” McPhee said of Foster to a leading magazine.

“There are just a lot of things when you look at the history of our relationship, neither of us could have written it. I would never have imagined that this would be our future together.”

“We understand each other,” Foster said.

“He has things to learn from me and I have a lot of things to learn from him. So I think we have a nice yin and yang,” McPhee concluded.

“It doesn’t make sense to a lot of people, but it does to us.

I bonded with him more than a friend: Camila about boyfriend Shawn

By

Web Team

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November 20, 2019

Pop-icon Camila Cabello who is dating singer Shawn Mendes says that initially, their romance was awkward.

The 22-year-old singer opened up that she knew her feelings for the Canadian crooner were blossoming during the debut of their record “During ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’

“I really bonded with him as more than a friend,” Cabello said of her 2015 record with the 21-year-old singer, reported Fox News.

“I think he did, too, but we were both really young and he was experiencing the pressures of his career,” she added.

“I don’t think we knew what to do with those feelings,” she continued. “It was this awkward thing where we both liked each other, but we weren’t together. It was just weird.”

The Cuban singer said that she and Mendes “didn’t spend as much time together” after their record debuted despite the obvious “energy [that] was there from the beginning.”

“Our paths just didn’t cross in that way romantically until we started hanging out again and writing,” Cabello explained. The pair recently released their collaboration song “Senorita” in June.

“For me, it just brought it back,” Cabello admitted.

Last month, Mendes revealed the exact date their romance officially commenced, telling a group of eager fans at the time: “We haven’t been dating for that long. We’ve been dating since July 4 officially.”

Clearly head-over-heels in love with Mendes, Cabello took to the ‘Lorraine’ podcast last month to profess that she’s “so happy” in her relationship with Mendes.

“I’ve known him for such a long time and I don’t know, he just feels like home to me,” Cabello, who also confirmed she’s written songs about Mendes, said. “Yeah, I’m really happy.