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ON THE FRONT COVER:
An Aerial view of Umaid Bhavan Palace. Photograph shared by Mr.Chandragupta Amritkar EDITOR: Pardeshi, Gaurav Ashok PUBLISHER: Neha G.Pathak DESIGN CONSULTANT: Sivasakthibalan CONTRIBUTORS: Chandragupta Amritkar Chitra Sivakumar Sarjan Group Dr.Sanjukta Ghosh Rajasthani Samaj of HK Hitesh Amarnani Bharti Kapadia Nirupama Vishwanath Aunty Poonam Mehta Bejan Daruwala Poonam Motihar Azake Rehman A-DESIFLAVA COMPANY LTD.: Suite D, 3rd Floor,Lyton Building, 36-38 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong T: +852-23631786 Email: info@adesiflava.com FOR ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Gaurav Pardeshi T +852-95433660 Email: gaurav@adesiflava.com PRINTED BY: 01 Printing Limited Suite M, 3/F, Tower 3, 448 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong Industrial Center, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: +852-2811 1183 COVER DESIGN: Studio3 Creations DISCLAIMER:
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. The publisher, layout designer, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The views expressed in A-Desiflava are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor, layout designer or contributors. The publisher, layout designer and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised.
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ope you all are doing great and had an awesome mother’s day and father’s day celebrations. Our parents are so special for each one of us, and there is nothing that can define or explain the unconditional love, care, affection and ‘always my child is right’ attitude from our parents. I hope you all had a splendid day with your mum and dad, please do share some photos or messages of what you did on mother or father’s day. We will make your mum or dad famous by adding their photos and messages in our next issue. As an Indian it’s a matter of pride that of all the wonderful, enchanting properties some located in breathtaking locations across the globe, an Indian hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur has been named as the Best Hotel in the World. Our guest writer and author for our Cover Story, Chadragupta Amritkar is based in Mumbai and Editor with Global Destinations. He traverses across the globe and has experienced over 800 hotels in 35 plus countries. Alongside a great cover story, this time i have also introduced an Editorial Competition in the magazine. The idea bounced to my head when i was working on a very special article on how a person should cut over on the negative thoughts and come back to normal and positive life. Pratyusha Bannerje, Mumbai TV actress who recently committed suicide was
also victim of a built up negative thoughts leading to dead ends in life. My new outsourced graphics designer from Ecuador has put together a great infographics for talented writers to get some hints on ‘where to start from’. Its easy for someone to write an article as per their own wish and thought, but its rather complicated to write something on a given topic or subject. Lets see if we have any good writers in Hong Kong who can build up a great story. Please refer to the EDITORIAL CONTEST section for further details. In our PERSONA section, meet a Hong Kong based Indian teenager who set up a business consultancy in high school. Anant Majumdar is a young entrepreneur consultant who is more like the Shahrukh Khan of Movie Swades who is studying and grooming in Hong Kong and also will be in the USA soon for further studies, but really thinks about the betterment of his country India. Read about this interesting and extremely skilled and talented young entrepreneur who will inspire and motivate many of us. May-Jun 2016 Issue has shaped up well and will surely be a delightful reading experience. I am always happy to receive ranting and raving reviews about the magazine, please feel free to get in touch with me anytime through my email gaurav@ adesiflava.com
Happy Reading.
gaurav@adesiflava.com
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COVER STORY �������� 08
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PERSONA ��������������� 12
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Umaid Bhavan Palace
Anant Interview
BE THE CHANGE �������� 16 Sarjan Group
GLOBETROTTER ������ 18 Nidhivan
SCHOLARS FORUM ���� 22 Rabindranath Tagore
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Rajasthani Samaj Event
Brian’s Dance Academy
Harmony Hungama
Hindu Temple
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AUNTY MVP ����������� 34
����������� 36 12 ASTROLOGY Bejan Daruwala 13 DESI FACES OF HK ��� 42
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Cover Story
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A pride for us Indians
WORLDS BEST HOTEL THE
IS NOW IN INDIA
Would you like to experience a royal palace where the king and his family actually reside? Look no further as Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India provides this opportunity for its guests feels Chandragupta Amritkar after a royal experience in the world’s best hotel.
A
s an Indian it’s a matter of pride that of all the wonderful, enchanting properties some located in breathtaking locations across the globe, an Indian hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur has been named as the Best Hotel in the World.
The opportunity to visit this hotel came up at ITB, Berlin when two dear friends of mine Girish Sehgal, Ex- GM, Taj Falaknuma and Ranjit Phillipose who was then GM Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives (now Area Director Taj Goa & GM Taj Exotica Goa Madgaon Area, India)
introduced me to Vincent Ramos, GM, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. He was kind enough to invite me to his royal abode and giving due respect I and my wife visited one of the most luxurious palace hotels Umaid Bhawan Palace.
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Taj hotels have always been synonymous with luxury and great service but don’t be surprised if you find the GM mixing with the guests and his team taking care of you with utmost sincerity and personal attention. For apart from everything what I noticed is the service is par excellence. The royal Marwaar welcome started right from the time we arrived at the airport as a staff from the hotel was their to personally welcome us. We were picked up by a Land Rover (they also have a Jaguar which dropped us to the airport on return) and as we moved towards the palace the driver pointed out the magnificent palace saying that being on a hilltop its visible from most points of Jodhpur. As we entered the Palace we were welcomed with the beatings of the drums, flower petals and garlands. Unlike other hotels there was no need for us to go to the check in counter, instead we were escorted through marble hallways to the lobby beneath an enormous central dome (my wife loved the central dome that soars 105 feet overhead, and provides spectacular centerpiece - a focal point for all the visitors to the property). We were given the options of enjoying a glass of sparkling wine or an aam panna (raw mango) or a lichee with ginger refresher. As it was lunch time the staff led us to the restaurant for lunch as our room was getting ready. We had an excellent lunch and then the staff led us to the lift to take us just a floor upstairs. The Royal elevator has a nice sofa to sit as you move up the floor. We were checked into the exclusive Maharaja Suite to begin our royal stay.
The Palace Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owners of the palace it is one of the world’s largest private residences - set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens with 347 rooms. Currently split into three parts - a part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels, the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and a museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family. Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105 - foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.
The hotel organises a palace heritage tour each evening at 5pm, which I believe should be on your to do list. After a short presentation on the history of the Palace you are taken on an hour long palace tour which familiarises you with all aspects of the palace. During the tour we were also informed of the unique feature of the palace - the hand - chiselled sandstone blocks have been put together by a special system of interlocking with no mortar binding and its possible to shift each portion individually to another location and recreate the structure as it is. The tour really enables one to fully appreciate the splendours of the palace. We were quite taken aback by this beautiful piece of architecture.
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The rooms and suites The Palace has 64 luxurious rooms and suites - Palace Rooms, Historical Suites, Royal Suites, Grand Royal Suites, Maharaja Suite and Maharani Suite. The Historical Suites are the erstwhile residences of visiting Royalty. Each suite has its own unique theme and all have a different colour scheme from classy maroons to gold and sage greens. Try to opt for any of the corner rooms
presented in a luxurious Art Deco style with mirror-finished terrazzo, large bedroom and sitting area. Two bay rooms (living and bedroom) offer spectacular views of the sweeping Baradari Lawns and magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in the distance.
across 4850 square feet was originally designed for and indeed once graced by the beautiful and charismatic Maharani Badan Kanwan, is rather appropriately dominated by a Stefan Norblin mural of the Goddess Kali etched on shining black glass.
Maharaja Suite and the Maharani Suite But for the ultimate luxury and if Vitamin M (Rs, USD, HK$, Euro, pound) is not a concern then the best suites to stay in are the Maharaja Suite and the Maharani Suite. The GM was kind enough to give us the opportunity to experience both the suites. The Maharaja Suite spread across approximately 4000 square feet gives a masculine touch and has murals of leopards, tigers, horses and even of the famed Jodhpur sport, pig sticking. It has exotic painted murals by self-exiled artist Stefan Norblin, flaming torch lamps in chrome, plush Ruhlmann sofas in faux leopard skin, the delightful mirrored bar in the drawing room and the original artifacts that still adorn the shelves make this an incredibly handsome suite.
(e.g, room no. 202) as they are more spacious and give an excellent view. The Royal Suites are
Apart from the spacious bedrooms and living room, the suite has a 10 seated dinning table, Glass tiled bathroom with Jacuzzi, a private steam room and the best part an en suite couple therapy room for personal Spa (which my wife thoroughly enjoyed in the suite). It also has an enormous, private terrace. The Maharani Suite spread
Designed in pinks, blacks chrome and mirrors, this suite has been retained as it was over the years. The suite includes spacious drawing and dining rooms with an attached kitchenette, an enormous, private terrace with a spectacular view of the palace gardens and the Mehrangarh Fort, a dressing room with a wardrobe. Apart from a modern Jacuzzi the suite has a bath tub that has been carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble. It also has an en suite couple therapy room for personal Spa.
Exhilarating and relaxing options Within the hotel there are a lot of activities that the royal guests can indulge in - there is a billiards room, underground pool, outdoor pool, marble squash courts, tennis courts and croquet lawns, secret gardens and stables, a boutique filled with treasures, a library, a bookstore and a gallery for fine antiques libraries, ball rooms, a whispering gallery, turret rooms and terraces with views of the city etc. The palace also has a horse stable.
For those who are health conscious there is the fitness centre that has Technogym equipment. The palace conducts yoga classes in an endeavor to impart the essence of this great Indian treasure to the guests. Then there’s the indoor Zodiac swimming pool that is located underground next to the Taj Jiva Spa. For those who prefer to swim in the sun there is also an outdoor pool with a view of Mehrangarh Fort. But the best way to relax
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and rejuvenate oneself is at the Jiva Spa where I was amply pampered like a royalty. It is also a home to a family museum and a fine collection of vintage cars including a Silver Ghost Rolls Royce. The Palace Museum houses a fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian timepieces, porcelain and objects d’art, 19th and 20th
Royal feasts One of the main reasons for the success of any property is the F&B. Umaid Bhawan Palace has two excellent restaurants where dining can be a visual pleasure as one can enjoy the views of the gardens, the city and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort right from ones table. Risala, the all day dinning restaurant provides Continental and Indian cuisines. The other restaurant Pillars, an open-air cafe, is an ideal place for enjoying the breakfast (only in winters) with the melodic chirping of native birds and peacocks as well as the stunning sunset. The menu offers a wide selection of pre-plated meals, snacks, Rajasthani delicacies, full meals and teatime delicacies. MICE and Weddings What a venue if you want to strike an International deal or hold a meeting for the select few or a large wedding or a private party? There are several venues choice of grand, elegant and informal halls, high-ceilinged rooms, lawns and courtyards. Add to this an excellent
century weapons, royal miniature paintings, models of airplanes and exquisite crockery from the Maharaja’s personal collection.
that can be booked for watching films or for lecture demonstrations and audio/video presentations.
For those groups or big families keen on watching a movie the palace also has an amphitheatre. Named after the renowned court musician and sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan, this amphitheatre is a spacious venue
cuisine and a par excellence service of the butlers. The palace has 4 meeting rooms and 6 outdoor venues available. The four meeting rooms can accommodate up to 300 participants. The garden and lawn areas are suitable for up to 3000 guests. There’s a mini-theatre ideal for screening films or holding lectures, for up to 100 guests. For weddings the hotel can provide a traditional elephant welcome, a magical gala, rainbowhued Rajasthani costumes and ambiences, and all the splendid trappings of an ancient royal wedding. The popular outdoor venues are – baradari, baradari front lawns, royal tent at baradari back lawns, lancer
(The author is based in Mumbai and Editor with Global destinations. He traverses across the globe and has experienced over 800 hotels in 35 plus countries. He can be contacted at chandraguptaa@hotmail.com)
TripAdvisor has named Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan as the Best Hotel in the World for 2016. This Royal Palace was given a five out of five bubble rating by its 840 guests. It is the first Indian hotel to take the top spot in the annual list. Now we Indians are really at the top of the world be it for software or Hospitality. This grand old palace deserves it as this grand sandstone structure was built over a period of 16 years, from 1928 to 1943 and is an architectural marvel. Made by the then Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Singh it is now resided by Maharaja Gaj Singh and his family.
“
I take great pride in saying that it’s not me or my staff who rate the palace. Its guests like you who have rated it as the topmost among all Taj properties and now as the Worlds Best Hotel,
”
said a smiling Vincent Ramos, GM, Umaid Bhawan Palace. Article by Chandragupta Amritkar
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Persona
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HONG KONG
Can you introduce yourself? Sure, I am a high school student. I study at Hong Kong International school. I was born in Bengaluru. But, my mom is Tamilian. So, I speak Tamil. I have lived in Hong Kong for 17 Years now and I am going to the U.S. to pursue my college degree. What are the subjects that you study? I study, mainly, Economics and Government. So, I am really interested in particularly how those areas can be applied to India because, I really want to go back (to India) and try to use those skills to make a difference. Have you done something like this before? Yes, for the past couple of years I’ve been going back to Coimbatore
TEENAGER WHO SET UP A BUSINESS CONSULTANCY IN HIGH SCHOOL.
almost e v e r y summer and winter break. I started off just volunteering- teaching English, teaching kids Math, doing things like that. But, then I learnt about the rural women there and I found out that a lot of them needed support to market their products. They already had businesses but they need marketing support. So, I tried to provide that by connecting them to fairs, to people in the city who wanted to buy their products so that they could grow their businesses and earn a better income. So, when did you get this idea of helping them in their business?
I w o u l d say it was two years ago. I was working with an organisation called The Chinmaya organisation for Rural Development. They work in all different areas like education, women’s empowerment, health care etc. I was working in education. One day, I visited one of the selfhelp groups, the Mahila Mandals and interviewed some of the women to understand what problems they are facing. Lack of support for marketing was, I think, what came up everywhere.
Persona
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I thought, “What can I do to help them?” I started off by just trying to help one business. A lady really wanted to start a business. I helped her buy an oven and set up a baking business and then gave her contacts to whom she could sell. It started from there and then I thought I could help other people too and that is what I’ve been trying to do. What other types of businesses have you been providing consultation for? Apart from the baking business, there is a Saree Quilting business that makes quilts out of old sarees. These can be used for making decorations for using in the bed. I’ve also helped other tailoring businesses that make churidars, kurtas etc. Catering businesses that have road-side stalls and those that deliver food. Just a range of those types of businesses. Where do you find a market for these products? A lot of it is just by cold reaching out to people- just emailing people, calling people. Some of it was by just using my personal network in Coimbatore because, it is my mom’s hometown so I know quite a few people there. These women, they live only in the rural areas and their network is very confined. They only know the people in their village. So, it is giving them the phone numbers, the contacts of people outside to whom they can sell their products to. Recently, we were lucky enough to be featured in the newspaper, “The Hindu”. That helped and another organisation found us. They contacted me and now we are discussing potential tailoring orders. It is just getting the word out that there is this need and we need people to help us out.
Have you considered setting up an e-business model for this? Yes, we have already set up a website. It is www.thuniseed.org. I put up saree clothes there and I try to do the sales on that web-site too. It is really the web-site and personal networking and just doing everything I can to give them the network that they need to grow their businesses. Are these things helpful in your academic growth or are you just volunteering for your personal satisfaction? I actually took ‘Government’ course last year where I learnt how Governments make policies. They have to look at a lot of data for making policies. I think going on the ground, being within the actual villages and talking to the people who are actually affected, gives you a different perspective than just reading books. I think that it is really important that more of us should reach out and talk to other human beings facing various problems. Then we can really understand what it is to be like them. Obviously, we will never have the same experience but we can at least develop a deeper understanding that can help us talk to government officials and tell them to do things differently or do things ourselves. So, it is important to see the ground-level perspective. Is your school supporting this project of yours? Yes. I got the chance to present within our school. I presented this to students and called for volunteers and secured a couple of volunteers for helping me with reaching out to more businesses, helping me find opportunities in different parts of India. So, I am really thankful to the school that they helped me reach out to other students. I think there is a lot of interest amongst all. Once you give people interesting things to do they can really make a difference.
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can build unity between the cultures and different groups.
I saw an article in a Hong Kong newspaper on your social entrepreneurship. Can you tell us something about that? Apart from my work in India, since I have lived in Hong Kong for a long time, I really wanted to do something for Hong Kong as well. So, my friends and I help new companies that are helping effect some type of social change, by providing them assistance in market research, graphing, consulting services etc. Basically, we are trying to help them get an outsiders perspective to improve their business. For example, we helped a company that hires ethnic minorities, to give tours of ethnic minority culture to build cross-cultural understanding. We did market research to find out what could make their tours more attractive so that they could grow their business, help ethnic minorities and the wider Hong Kong community, build unity. Are these tours conducted inside Hong Kong or outside? These are conducted inside Hong Kong. For example, within the Pakistani community of Hong Kong or the Tamil community of Hong Kong. So, people will be given these community tours so that the local Hong Kongers, tourists, can understand what other cultures are there in Hong Kong and how we
How many such workshops have you done till now? So far we have worked with about 12 companies and we have been running for about 2 years. We try to keep it to a small number of companies so that we can give as much of time as we can to any one company. Other companies we have helped are, like one company that is making an app to screen teen mental health issuessuch as, maybe they are feeling suicidal. This app is to try to screen that and find a way to help them. We helped them understand what teenagers thought about mental health issues so that they could make their app as best as possible. Good. So, what are your future plans? I am going to the US to study and hope to get some experience in the US. But, ultimately, I want to return to Asia- either Hong Kong or India and either work in the government and/or effect changes in grass-root levels-but definitely trying to make an impact beyond myself. What are you planning to study in the US? I am planning to major in Economics and Political Science and minor in Chinese. I am not fully sure yet. Can you speak Mandarin or Cantonese or both? I speak Mandarin. I am not fluent but I hope I can get there soon. How is your family supporting you in your ventures? My family is really supporting me in many ways. I am new to this and need some guidance and input when I am confused and my family
provides me this. For example, if I am approaching a client for a meeting and I am not sure how to present a solution or an idea or want to convince someone of something, I ask my dad on what are the things to do to convince the other party to accept my solution. The things that I can do to sell our ideas, sell our mission even better. So, just getting feedback from them. They take a hands-off roll but when I really need their help, they provide input that is really helpful. In Hong Kong, the quality of life is very comfortable. In India it is different. How do you feel about having lived here, in Hong Kong, going to India and helping the people over there? It is really different to go back to rural India. Hong Kong is so developed; it is such a contrast to for example, Thennamanallur. That is the village I was in, in Coimbatore. Literally there is no building above one floor. There isn’t much there. So, it becomes all the more important that the people there have support systems and resources. They currently don’t have many. So, if we can give them some simple resources that address their needs, we can help them a lot. It is really important for us who live in developed parts of India or outside India, to go back and connect to that part of India that not many people see and try to understand what is going on there. Most of us don’t end up going to the rural areas when we really need to be going there and helping out.
Wish you the very best, Anant. It was really nice talking to you about your ventures to effect a positive change in society.
THANK YOU. IT WAS NICE TALKING TO YOU TOO.
Interview by Chitra Sivakumar
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Be the Change
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SARJAN
CHARITY
FOUNDATION GREAT VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU NEVER WANT ANYTHING IN RETURN, BUT ARE ALWAYS READY TO DO GREAT THINGS OUT OF TURN”
Be the Change
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Sarjan charity foundation (SCF) is continuously working for betterment of society and world around us. SCF has started joint mission with FEEDING HONG KONG, which is feeding people who may sleep hungry at the end of the day. Sarjan charity foundation is very thankful to its members for their enthusiasm, participation, cooperation and support for the Charity activities which makes every event so successful.
SARJAN CHARITY FOUNDATION is growing towards new heights for serving to the needful and spreading Happiness to the Society of Hong Kong. This has been Possible because we have people who are giving their Efforts whole heartedly.
SCF is receiving good supports from our fellow members and really appreciate the kindly support of Sarjanians, Recently Sarjan Food drive has received good success and SCF will continue to carry on many more drives.
If you wish to get more information on the Sarjan Charity Foundation,
please contact Mr.Harry on +852 54994404
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18 Globetrotter Advertorial
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Nidhivan places in vrindavan Lord Krishna lila’s or activities to unearth the spirituality and righteous in his believers; or commanding them to fulfill their filial obligations is known to everyone. The more it is said, one feels that still it is very less to have been said. Such is a feeling about Lord Krishna. Among all the places, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, Vrindavan is special to many of his devotees. Vrindavan is derived from Brindavana, that comes from its groves of ‘Brinda’ Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil or tulasi) with vana (Sanskrit:वनवन) meaning a grove or a forest. Two small groves still exist at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. The ancient scriptures describe that Lord Krishna in his childhood with his brother Balrama and his cowherd friends used to play in the Vrindavan forests which was full of monkeys, cows and peacocks. Vrindavan is also the sacred place for all the devotees of Radha & Krishna. Among the sacred places in Vrindavan is Nidhivan & Banke Bihari Temple. We found some interesting and one such unexplained and mysterious Lila of lord Krishna.
Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
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Nidhivan is one of the most famous, religious and mysterious place in the paavan city of India that is vrindavan. It has many interesting stories or myths. This van (park) is surrounded with small trees all around the van and is home for several wild monkeys.
Lord Banke Bihari’s statue situated in “Banke Bihari temple” came from the ground of paavan (holy) Nidhivan and it was built in 1862. A divine saint Swami Haridas used to please his Lord Banke Bihari (Thakur Ji) by singing the melodious rapture of his thrilling music in Nidhivan. A pleased Bihari ji appear in his dream and also blessed him by appearing in the ground of Nidhivan and there is a temple at that place inside Nidhivan named PrakatyaSathal (place of appearance of Shri Bihari ji).
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One such lila of Lord is a mysterious conception that is associated with this temple is after the sacred process of Arti (kind of vespers) at 8 p.m, no one is allowed inside the temple premises. Even animals don’t stay in the temple. It is believed that Lord Radhakrishna appears in the night to perform their Ras Lila (spiritual activities) and if anyone is present inside the temple premises during the night times when lord Krishna is supposedly performing Ras Lila, the person becomes dumb, deaf, blind or even dead. A tradition that is followed till date by the priests is that they will put a pair of tooth brush;some holy water in jug; sweets and ready a bed after Arti. The next morning once the temple is reopened, everything placed inside the temple is scattered around as if Lord Krishna himself used the tooth brush, drank the holy water and also ate the sweets and fruits.
We advise you to visit this very unique temple of Lord Krishna. During my last visit to Nidhivan i actually interviewed many of the local residents of Vrindavan and most of them said the same truth about the mystery of night time at this temple. If you plan to visit this temple, the nearest city would be Mathura. Please travel from Hong Kong to Delhi by Air India or Jet Airways and from Delhi take a taxi or private car for a drive to Vrindavan which takes around 4 hours.
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ADF acknowledges Wikepedia, www.bankebihari.co.in, hi.brajdiscovery.org, www.radhekrshn.com for the photographs, information’s or contributions. We don’t claim to own the images or article as our own.
Article compiled by Gaurav Pardeshi
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RABINDRANATH
TAG O R E ........and the LEGACY continues This article is targeted to the Indian-origin youngsters and students who are growing up in Hong Kong, studying international curriculum. In the second issue I will talk about the great Bengali poet and the Nobel laureate RABINDRANATH TAGORE and how his legacies are continued through us.
On the occasion of 155th birth anniversary of Sri Rabindranath Tagore, let me show you all, how his legacies are still continuing in our life. Indians were, are and will be forever grateful to Kabiguru for his huge contribution towards the growth of Indian culture. Tagore’s legacy is being continued among the Bengalese all over the world and hence Bengal till date outshine as the cultural hub of our heritage. As we all know that Tagore was a versatile genius and his works consist of poems, novels, short stories, dramas, paintings, drawings, and music. However, his reputation was hugely because of his poetries and thus he was famous as “Kabi Guru”, which means “Master of Poetry”. If you all remember, Internationally, Gitanjali is Tagore’s best-known collection of poetry for which he was awarded the Nobel
Prize in 1913. It is worth mentioning to you all that Tagore was also an accomplished musician and painter. Indeed, he wrote some 2500 songs; together, these comprise rabindra sangeet which is now an integral part of Bengali culture. His huge collection of melodious songs still fills our heart. His songs are of different types and specially suitable for different types of occasions. People of all type emotions get ground state stability after listening to his songs. To be precise, Bengali people have certain attraction and love for Tagore’s music. Tagore’s songs reflect all sorts of emotions like happiness, sadness, emptiness, fun, seasonal change, human relationships, and friends going far away or welcoming a new member. The versatility in Tagore’s creation has generated a high standard class in front of the
whole world. Tagore’s songs are being regularly sung and practiced by Bengalis. Tagore’s legacy prevails among the Hong Kong Bengalese as well. Here we, the Bengalese celebrate ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ on his birth anniversary (every year on 25th day of the Bengali month Baisakh). It is an annually celebrated cultural festival, prevalent among the Bengalis around the world. Every year Hong Kong Bengalese and Hong Kong Bengali Association pay tribute to Tagore and his works by performing various cultural programmes as a celebration during ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ or during annual function. In photographs 1 and 2, we can see that on 8th May 2016, ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ was celebrated at Tung Chung area by Tung Chung Bong Connection.
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Photograph 1 shows the kids performance. They have recited rhymes, sang the famous songs like ‘Ore grihabasi’ and danced with the song ‘Momo chitte niti nrittye’. They also recited the poem ‘where mind is without fear’.
In photograph 2 we can elders have also performed with the same spirit and recited the poems like, ‘Africa’, ‘Sonar Tori’, ‘Nirjhorer sopno Bhongo’ and sang beautiful songs like ‘Boro asha kore’ , ‘shraboner dharar moton’ and many more. The Photo courtesy goes to Tung Chung Bong Connection.
In photographs 3 and 4 (Photo courtesy-Mr. Debdeepto Chatterjee, Lohas Park) we can another celebration of ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ at Lohas park area by the Bengali residents of that area. They followed the theme of ‘Bosontosav’. In photograph 3 we can see the elders are performing dance on the song ‘aji dokhino duar khola’. Photograph 4 shows how equally the children also participated in dancing with their favorite song ‘Ore grihobasi’.
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In photographs 5, 6 and 7 (Photo courtesy Hong Kong Bengali Association) we can see a dance drama ‘Balmiki Prativa’ performed by the children and adults of HKBA. They took two months for rehearsal and practice and finally it was an awesome presentation by this group. ‘Balmiki Prativa’ was the first dance drama composed by Tagore. It is a combination of recitation and songs. The storyline was very holistic which says how a dacoit completely transformed to a sage.
Article by Dr. Mrs. Sanjukta Ghosh Ph.D. Physics, Former JSPS Fellow at Tokyo Univ. Japan
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FlashBack
RAJASTHANI SAMAJ OF HONG KONG Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations on 30th April 2016
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consider it the biggest Indian community I have ever seen in Hong Kong. Other than the numerous Sindhi’s living here, the Rajasthani’s are now catching up and growing in numbers at a tremendous speed.
India Club in Jordan was the venue for this fabulous event organized by the Rajasthani Samaj of Hong Kong. The occasion was the celebration of their 50 Years of incorporation in Hong Kong. On this auspicious occasion the event was organized in the form of a Fun Fair. 15 booths were set up and handled by different group of families and friends amongst the Rajasthani Samaj. Each of these counters consisted of either some games or delicious home-made food. South Indian, Burmese, Mumbai Street Food, Pizza & Pasta delicacies were available in different booths, while games like Break the glasses, Football in a ring, Roulette and Dartboard were available in separate booths. The entire fun-fair atmosphere was created with more than 400 people attending this event. Not only the Rajasthani People of HK, but also several Indians attended this event and enjoyed the games and food at different counters.
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Every year the Rajasthani Samaj organizes several cultural events and raises funds for donation towards charity in Hong Kong. At this Golden Jubilee Year event, Mr. Sunil & Darmendra Lunawat were the proud donors of Rajasthani Samaj 2016. They have generously donated a big amount as a contribution towards the Charity support from the Rajasthani Samaj of Hong Kong. The event was very well managed by the Rajasthani Samaj Committee consisting of Bumb Arun Kumar, Dhandia Rajeev, Jain Girish Kumar, Kothari Arun, Nawalakha Sanjay, Sacheti Vivek and Sukhlecha Sanjay.
THE ENTIRE EVENT WAS MANAGED BY ADESIFLAVA EVENTS.
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BRIAN S ACADEMY OF DANCE LIMITED
Hong Kong centers: Tai Koo Shing, Laguna city, Lai Chi Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Robinson Road (Mid – Levels), Bel-Air (CyberPort), Lohas Park “ShowTime 2015-16”, a multicultural dance show was organized by Brian’s academy Of Dance, Hong Kong for its students to perform and showcase their dance talent on a Grand Stage. This year it was our 5th Consecutive show and was held in Y Theater, Chai Wan on May 1st. Performing on stage helps all our students to get out of the stage fear, be confident and show their dance skills in front of a packed house of around 600 people.
The academy started in the year 2011 (September) with a strength of 35 to 40 students. Now in a span of 5 years there are over 200 students undergoing dance training at different levels. A multicultural dance show is organized annually by the academy showcasing a variety of International and Folk Dance styles. The concert is always graced with 500 people and above. BADL has reached every nook and corner of Hong Kong and its different style has captured not only schools, but a lots of Wedding choreographies, corporate shows, live performances, Musical plays, Workshops etc. The course followed at the centers and schools has its own essence and taste created by Mr. Brian Fernandez.
Article contributed by Head Assistant of Brian’s Dance Academy, Hitesh Amarnani
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t was full of festivity at Shatin Science Park during UNESCO International Youth Festival on 9th April. It was a Harmony hungama, with thousands of people doing various activities leading to cross cultural mix up. The place was enlivened with people of various age groups. The UNESCO Hong Kong organisors took all the measures to bring in participation from various schools, organisations and cultural groups to show the cultural diversity and how people can come together to bring in the festive mood. This event celebrated the 70th Anniversary of United Nations formation. Inaugural event brought all those who were associated with the event and the supporters including Indian Consulate in Hong Kong. The stage was full of dignitaries and it was an event for peace and harmony of the world altogether. The event was made more festive with performances from various organisations all through the day. School children coming in groups and presenting their singing and dancing talents, adults and children from many private groups showing their talents in various arts brought the people from all over Hong Kong to be on one stage and gave a chance to the visitors to have a feel of different cultures in one place
Many booths all around the place showcased the cultures of different countries which were mostly handled by school children on one side of the festive ground. Various chools introduced different countries and their culture and arts with lot of gaming activities. On the other side, various Indian organisations from different regions of the India like Tamil Cultural Association, Kannada Sangha Hong Kong, Telugu Samayykya showcased Indian traditional values to the Hong Kong residents. The President and members of UNESCO Hong Kong encourage all the voluntary organisations by visiting each one of them and getting to know about them. The consuls Mr.
Karun Bhansal and Mr. Narain Singh visited all the booths set by the Indian associations to show their support to this event. Tamil Cultural association booth showcased Kolam art; Telugu Samayykya gave a chance to try on Indian traditional wear; Kannada Sangha displayed the tourist spots of Karnataka and Tea Cup Productions entertained the onlookers with games and rangoli colouring. Some organisations had game booths to give children a chance for lot of play elements; face painting made the visitors look colorful and different. Our Indian representation started with Kannada Sangha team singing a group song and
a solo Bharathanatyam dance performance by Mrs. Sushma Pradeep in the afternoon. Then the Malayalam Association for Arts and Culture brought two of their young talents to perform our Indian classical dance. During the evening Tamil Cultural Association brought children dance and singing. Wonderful dance by 15 children choreographed by Mrs. Deepa Sam impressed the audience. The group singing with colourful costumes by 15 children coordinated by Mrs. Chitra Sivakumar brought the various Indian regions on one stage with patriotic songs in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannda, Bengali and Hindi. They showed their unity by singing Sare jahan se acha song together. Cosmic Dance Group headed by Mrs. Oxana presented one more item of Bharathanatyam art form. As far as our Indian performances during the event, our Tamil tradition was a highlight with three bharathanatyam performances. It was heartening to see that Indian traditions are accepted and followed by Hong Kong Indians though we are all far away from our home land.
Article Contributed by Chitra Sivakumar
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HINDU THE
MANDIR ( T E M P L E )
Kowloon and The Hindu Temple Hong Kong together organised a Yagya, a spiritual offering to God, in front of a sacred fire, with traditional Hindu Spirituals (called Vedic) chants for the harmony, prosperity, peace and betterment of Hong Kong and its people. The event was held on Monday, 9th May 2016 at the India Club in Jordan. Here are some click clicks from this event.
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A Bazaar which makes a difference - The Kowloon Bazaar The Print Plus duo, Deepa Nainani and Neerja Sujanani, are once again organizing the most buzzing shopping fiestas in Hong Kong this year. Their summer bazaar, Summer Sparkles is at the much loved Mira Hotel TST, on Sat 4th June 2016, and their flagship Kowloon Bazaar falls on Sat, 3rd September 2016! Last year both these shopping galas were graced with serious shoppers leaving a glee on all the vendors’ faces! The organizers have always believed in giving back & doing something different. Year in and year out, part of the proceeds are donated to worthy causes and this year, the bazaar has seeked out for any vendor willing to sell goods and services for a worthy charity, offering the space to them at no cost! This is being done via social media where anyone can tell their story to qualify for a free booth. This opens up avenues for many unknown worthy causes! Mark your diaries and be there on Saturday, 4th June 2016 at The Mira Hotel & on Saturday 3rd September 2016 at the Regal Kowloon Hotel from 11am to 5pm Enquiries: (852) 2333 4421 www.KowloonBazaar.com
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Community
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Laws related
to sexual abuse and harassment
Recently, in a letter published in this magazine, there was a question asked about a domestic helper who was probably a victim of sexual abuse by the employer. The domestic helper was looking for a way to get out of the abusive relationship.
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s many of the readers are employers of domestic workers, it is important to be aware of the laws in Hong Kong concerning the employment terms, employment conditions and termination of domestic workers.It is important to note that domestic workers are covered equally by the Employment Ordinance just as other employees in Hong Kong. The Employment Ordinance covers all aspects of employment including contract, wages, sick leave, rest days, termination, employment protection etc. Given the case mentioned in the letter, we should look at the laws specifically concerning sexual abuse and sexual harassment. It is quite well accepted that domestic workers are in a vulnerable position with regard to possible sexual abuse given their live-in situation and dependence on employers for visa and stay in Hong Kong. It is also a well known fact that many domestic workers are financially constrained making it hard for them to report abuse or terminate their contract. Regarding sexual abuse, we can look at two possibilities – Sexual offences which are criminal in nature and therefore covered by the Police and sexual harassment which is covered under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. There are various kinds of sexual offences including non-consensual sexual offences such as rape and procuring a sexual act by threat or intimidation. These offences are punishable by law.
A person who indecently assaults another person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 10 years. s. 122 (1), Cap. 200, Crime Ordinance
As for sexual harassment, there are two forms. The first is any unwelcome sexual behavior or conduct which is offensive, humiliating or intimidating. The second form can be a working environment where there are actions, languages or pictures that are of a sexual nature that makes it hard for you to do your work. This is called “a sexually hostile working environment”. Sexual harassment covers a wide range of acts such as obscene gestures, text messages of a sexual nature, comments and jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions etc. If a person feels he or she is being sexually harassed, they can make a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) which is responsible for the implementation of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.
You can contact the EOC at: Equal Opportunities Commission 19/F Cityplaza Three, 14 Taikoo Wan Road Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong
Hotline: 25118211 Email: eoc@eoc.org.hk Website: www.eoc.org.hk Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 5:45 pm
It is well understood that coming forward to make a complaint or even share the experience with a friend is not easy for victims. Especially in cases of unequal power or dependence, as in the case of domestic workers, it is even harder for them to make a complaint. While the perpetrator is liable for the act, say the husband, the wife may also be liable if she knew of the situation and did nothing to stop it. Further, if the victim is treated badly or terminated because she threatens to complain or the employers fear she may complain, then the law protects the victim from this “victimisation”. Both employers and employees should be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law. In addition, given the vulnerability of victims of sexual abuse and harassment, it is up to every person in society to help them find redress. If you come across any cases of sexual offences and sexual harassment, please provide a helping hand. You can report the matter to the police or to the Equal Opportunities Commission.
By Niru Vishwanath, EOC
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MRS. POONAM MEHTA SHARE YOUR LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS WITH HER, SHE KNOWS IT ALL.. Question 1: Namaste Aunty, my name is Meena and I live in Yuen Long. My issue is that I had got married to a Nepali guy from Nepal who moved to Hong Kong after our marriage. I was born and grew up in Hong Kong. After our marriage the first 2 years went absolutely fine but after 2 years my husband's behaviour towards me changed. He came home very later, did not bother to talk much with me and also was chatting with someone all the time on the phone even when he was at home. I was suspecting something wrong which turned out to be true. He was having an affair with a Pilipino girl and both had shared very intimate messages and chats on phone. When I confronted him on this issue, he happily decided to part ways with me and live alone to enjoy his full of fun life in Hong Kong. I want to teach him a lesson and want to show him what it means to cheat someone. I want your help to know if I can officially lodge a complaint against him
AUNTY POONAM MEHTA,
HK’s well-known Counsellor & our Columnist for Love & Relationships section. — M. Ed. Guidance & Counseling, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne U K and Early Years Registered Educator in Hong Kong
in the police station? Also at the same time I have a feeling that he still loves and may come back. Do you suggest I should take some big action against him or shall I just wait for him to come back to me? Please help, your advice will be highly appreciated. (Meena Gurung from Yuen Long )
Did your husband marry you on basis that you could sponsor him? Is he holding a high profile job to apply for work visa? Does he hold dependent visa? Please safe guard yourself in these matters. Best wishes.
Answer 1
Hi Aunty Poonam, I am reading your column very regularly and I really like to read all the spicy questions and your wise answers for them. Aunty I need your help with a very complex situation related to my life. Aunty at the age of 34 I have started loosing interest in my wife and am getting attracted towards another women who is 15 years older than me and works in the same company as mine. I also love my wife a lot and don't feel like doing anything wrong. But, the whole problem is that I am not able to resist myself when I see the other women. In fact we have also got physical to a certain extent, as the situation was not in control. I want to stop this attraction towards her anyhow,
Dear Meena, I understand it is hurting when your husband cheats on you for another woman. Men who cheat haven't fallen out of love; they've become unsatisfied with the current state of it. Men love their spouses, but they don't know how to fix their relationship problems, so they go outside their marriages to fill any holes. Teaching him a lesson should not be your focus. Moreover, it is your inner instinct that tells you he will come back to you then hold on to it. Believe in your true love and pray soon he will realize that the woman he is with maybe be just short-term infatuation.
Question 2:
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but I don't know how I should do it. Also I can't take the risk of leaving my job, as you must be aware the job situation in HK right now is not very good. (Dinesh from Whampoa, Name Changed on request. )
see reality more clearly and make more effective decisions, in personal relationships and other life areas. Stay happy in your married life.
Answer 2
Hello Aunty MVP. You are doing a great job through your column and I must congratulate and compliment you and A-desiflava for putting up such an interesting section called Aunty MVP. Every question I read somehow also relates to someone else’s situation around me. Anyways, I will come back to my question. Aunty, my 19-year-old son has completely lost it I guess. He does not listen to my husband and me, he is always back answering all the time, and he does not care much about our culture, religion and traditions. In fact I even heard from one of his friend that he has a girlfriend whom he's been dating from the past 3 years now. Aunty, tell me please or give me a suggestion by which I can explain and make my son understand to come back to reality of life. It’s a tough and rough ride outside which he does not understand being under our shell right from his birth. I want him to focus more on his studies and career, as of now, which he does not understand and thinks that his parents are his enemies and friends are family. I would appreciate some suggestion from your side. Reeta Joshi (name changed), Discovery Bay
Dear Dinesh, Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It appears you are still in love with your wife and you care enough and probably wouldn’t want to ruin your married life. Do some soul searching; ask yourself why are you disinterested in your wife? Is it worth breaking a healthy marriage, only because of infatuation or attraction towards an older woman? It's that free spirit that attracts you to this older woman. You may be seeing her as more of a finishing school than a lasting relationship. The desire to be liked and attracted to older woman is one of the most significant ways through which you seem to validate your masculinity and sense of self worth. This has always been, is, and will always be at the core of male nature among humans and many other living beings. People do not understand the meaning of sacrifice or commitment, you may land up ruining many lives. It is up to you to make a clear cut decision to steer away from her. Focus on your wife. Therfore, whenever you notice yourself confused or upset by something that you did not expect, stop and think: what is the origin of your confusion? Is it coming from some sort of repeated pattern, where you think something is the only “right way” of doing things? Think about whether there are any alternative ways of achieving your desired outcome. Continue to reevaluate your thougts and feelings it will enable you to
Question 3
behaviour, both physically and cognitively. In general teens face countless problems and challenges. They make friends and often fall in love. You never know whether the relationship is attraction or infatuation or true love. Love affairs and break ups lead to depression and resentment. They can end up messing with their exams. Presntly, your son is at that stage. You as a parent should try to understand and support his feelings. The best solution for these problems is your unconditional love and care. Be his best friend and guide him without being demanding. Trying to control him harshly or imposing things will only make situations worse for you both. Remember punishing never works for any age group. However, this of course needs to be done patiently and skillfully. With a relatively civilized approach, you can solve problems proactively by following his behavior problems in the right direction. Well, find a good place to talk. Make him comfortable with the surroundings and talk to him calmly and unwearyingly. Try to identify his problem and see what you can do to help him out. Keep the communication lines open. Sometimes participating in religious activities may be detrimental to him because of the tensions he may face in balancing the conflicting ideals and customs of his religion with those of mainstream culture. As a parent, pray for his wellbeing, ask God to guide him in the right direction.
Answer 3 Dear Reeta, Thank you for taking interest in A - Desiflava Magazine I am pleased that by readers appreciate my responses. You are not the only one on a rollorcoaster ride!!! Teenage phase is a time of rapid change in your son’s
Please send your love and relationships related questions to adesiflava@gmail.com with subject line as Aunty MVP. You may request to keep your identity anonymous.
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ASTROLOGY BY BEJAN DARUWALLA - FORECAST FOR JUNE 2016 Aries: Ganesha says you are in the eye of the whirlwind. Your social life is packed with outings and visits. There is growth and travel, even higher studies, and many new spiritual bonds. You are moving ahead with intensity. There is smouldering passion, too, eagerly awaiting you and you are not one to dither when the right opportunity presents itself. It is a hectic period and many contacts need to be established and worked out for the future. A new and passionate love affair may also sidetrack you a bit. Taurus: Your growth at all levels will be happening at double quick time. You will be mentally stimulated and loving every moment of it. There is no room for despondency though, at time, you have the tendency to slip into a kind of depression. There is a chance of a new relationship developing which may be to your advantage. This is also a good time to network and meet up with old associates as well as make new ones. Your life is vibrant and there is an intensity of emotion in whatever you undertake. Gemini: Travel and love are the twin themes this period. You want to care for others; it is a deep – seated need. Partnerships and collaborations will be highlighted and there will be success at interviews. You may also attend rituals and ceremonies. Movement and growth / progress will be highlighted and all your travels will be successful and pleasurable. Your kindness and genuine warmth will go far ahead of you like a benign aura. Ganesha has blessed you! You will also earn and spend a bit more than necessary. Cancer: You have been moving forward at reckless speed and there will have been a lot of stress. You also feel like time is running out and want to do too many things at the same time and all too meticulously. But this is no time to be speeding away in all directions. Your health will suffer. You don’t have a strong constitution, and will probably need to take recourse to alternate therapy as it is easier on the body. It may also be the time to watch your eating habits as you have been gorging away during the high phase of the earlier period. You put on weight easily around the middle.
Leo: You will be re-inventing yourself in many ways in the aftermath of your birth-phase. You feel like a star and that is good for you as, once again, there will be many attempts on your time from family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, subordinates, superiors, everyone and his and cousin even pets, dependants, stray animals and so on. And, of course, you can never say no. Your kindness and helping hand wins applause and you feel good about yourself. You will rave and rant against injustice, and have a natural empathy.
Sagittarius: The quest for achievement doesn’t stop. You have also found some breathing space and have chalked out newer horizons to conquer. You manage to take a few outings, probably to a health farm, to get recharged for the final assault, to attain the realisation of all your dreams. But the spur of ambition goads you on without respite. You work out strategies and the funds needed and will discuss details with collaborations, colleagues, or perhaps your partners in enterprise.
Virgo: A sensitive period for sure, but you are reaching out and there will be many diverse interactions. Foreign connections, collaborations, tie-ups in one form or another will work really well and lead to success and prosperity. You will also travel and make contact with different types of people. “No man is an island” to quote the immortal words of John Donne. You are working at full throttle and in a continuum of interactions and success and glory come in no small measure.
Capricorn: The mood is upbeat and you continue with the trends of last period. You work hard, meet people, travel, get the money organised and reach out to newer benchmarks. You clean up your image and tidy up the home and office. You get new clothes, possibly a new hairstyle, and get into shape with the right food and medication, possibly with visits to spas and health centres. The results are visible and there is a new you breaking all barriers and moving ahead like the wind.
Libra: The family can never be far too behind, in your mind and thinking and once again they will be making demands on your time and energy. In all the travel and achievement, you have kept the family at bay, but not for long. They are both your strength and your weakness and you can never be far from them. There will be an improvement in domestic affairs and there will be a much sought after or much – needed settlement in family affairs. Older people may need your attention, as well as your siblings and children, as you are the one they all love to take refuge with.
Aquarius: You taste the fruits of all that you have put into your life in recent times. You are successful and have managed to achieve most, if not all, that you desired. You are happy to be alive and basking in the comfort zone of a job well done, thanks to your own untiring efforts. You enjoy it all with friends, family, children, parents, in-laws and all your ‘near and dear’ ones as we say in India! There is felicitation all around and you are the toast of the moment. Let the bubbly flow! Enjoy your time in the sun.
Scorpio: You have tasted success at so many levels last period. You are well on the path to even more glory. Nothing is always smooth sailing, Ganesha reminds you, and there could be some upheavels. You will adapt a more conciliatory approach which really helps in getting things done. You will also like to immerse yourself in beautiful things almost like a escape mechanism from all the troubles which may bother you on this road to glory.
Pisces: The mood is grand and not just good. Your work is going well and your relationships are happy and easygoing. Financial targets have been reached and friends from all over want to celebrate with you. You balance it all like an expert juggler. You meet all sorts, and have exceptional encounters with a wide cross – section, of people. You are learning and growing all the time, and what a way to be! This is a good time for embarking on new ventures.
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ASTROLOGY BY BEJAN DARUWALLA - FORECAST FOR JULY 2016 Aries: Ganesha says you need to remain calm and positive in this phase as a lot will be happening in your life. You will be wondering which direction to take, when and how. There will be changes as well as new challenges at both the work and home fronts. You may even look seriously at relocation. You will need to plan it all out carefully as both expenses and responsibilities increase many times over. Taurus: This is a very good period in which you are in a positive frame of mind and also display great style. You emerge a winner at both work as well as play. You manage to overcome everything that is thrown at you in every sphere of activity. You also display a spiritual bent of mind. This will hold you in good stead in all your relationships. You are able to unwind and look at every situation with equanimity. Gemini: This period your life takes on much more and new intensity. You have accomplished a lot and yet make no bones about more plans and ambitions. You want to make more money and embark on new ventures. Like many before you, starting from Alexander the Great, you want to conquer the world. Along with all this, like the Buddha, you are also on the threshold of a great spiritual conquest. There is a holistic approach to life and you want to savour every moment like a spoonful of caviar. There may be feelings of ennui, listlessness and depression but let me assure you that it is short – lived. Cancer: As though to unwind or to break free, you will tap your spiritual side and there will be tranquillity and inner joy. You are energised with new chakra energy. This is Ganesha’s true reward which you may not understand just now. The feeling is one of profound peace and joy and you become a fountain of happiness. Leo: Now that you are rejuvenated and restored in boy and mind, you will sparkle and even exhibit signs of genius. You will a) focus, on work, family,
children and b) be in total harmony with your immediate environment. You will also explore new horizon and be keen to tap newer sources of knowledge, leading to both wisdom and material gains. Virgo: You have a new belief in yourself and are very happy for it. You meet and interact with new associates and will love and be loved, care and be cared for. There may also be marriage, fun, laughter, glamour and joy, to add to the happiness quotient. You are a big draw and very popular at parties, gatherings, ceremonies and group outings. Libra: Life is indeed a yo-yo. You never know which string is pulled when. And we are like puppets being manipulated. Just when you have achieved a degree of inner security and belief, thanks to your spiritual grounding, you swing back to doubts, anxieties and worries. What is the reality in you, you may wonder – is it steadfastness or is it instability? You have no idea. Scorpio: You put in sustained effort and work and achieve a lot. In addition to all the hard work that you have put in, there will be many moments of sustained entertaining, too. You will find ways to rid yourself of undue worries. There will be heavy expenses, clandestine affairs, secret deals, surreptitious movements, money making opportunities. Sagittarius: As the period slowly enters its last period, you move closer to home and family, which will be your strength, solace and support system. The world throws out many challenges and you need to retreat to congenial surroundings to face it all, as well as find and manage solutions. There will be meetings and collaborations. You will also enjoy new gadgets, gizmos, luxury god, new furnishings and all that is beautiful ad pleasurable. Capricorn: The family and new aspects of spiritual progress will play a prominent role in your life now. People play a vital role and there may be love, romance perhaps an engagement
or wedding, hobbies, fun, gambling, speculation and much more on the cards. You will also explore higher planes of consciousness. There are different types of Capricornians and I am sure that whichever type you are the mysteries of the universe. Aquarius: There are several deadlines, commitments and targets to be met and you are slogging away, burning the midnight oil. You manage to meet them all successfully, however, and the rewards will be there for you to see. It is a busy, action – oriented period and you will be working at a scorching pace. There may be a little romance, too. Pisces: You will be productive at work and will achieve much, once again. Your self – image gets a boost and you get kudos from family, friends, colleagues, co-workers and associates. You are optimistic and positive and work with efficiency. Try not to get an inflated ego as everything is working out the way you wanted it and it will be difficult not to get over-confident.
Contact Bejan Daruwalla: Phone number: 00918141234275 email id: info@bejandaruwalla.com www.bejandaruwalla.com
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CHILDREN
AND
MONEY
Mum:
Do you think money grows on trees?
Child: No, it actually comes out of an ATM
HELPING CHILDREN TO BE MONEY SAVVY Children always seem coffers never run dry, even if they do , all you need to do is just drive to the nearest ATM stick in a card and out comes the money.....so cool. They are children and yes they learn from what is apparent. This is what makes our role as parents more challenging. Years ago we came from an era of caring and repairing for things but now in this era of ‘haveit-all’ being up market with gadgets becoming a must have most families face this important discussion with their children over what they need or want to get. Most to date parents have tried in a zillion ways to explain to their kids that the family doesn’t have
a bottomless well of cash and even if they do you never know when it will run dry with this attitude. David Bakke on his financial blog states.....In today’s era of ‘have-it-all’ kids should and need to have a proper perspective on money and need to develop the good financial habit..... SAVING. Right financial education towards making kids money savvy could begin when they are really young probably in a way they understand and as they grow they could be introduced to more advanced and sophisticated strategies.
The best way to teach children the importance of money is to set a good example as watching their parents handle money savings and spending. This imparts little children with valuable lessons and inspires them in life. There are many ways of encouraging children to spend and save wisely. Paul Richards through his article for the National PTA states that when children understand the concept of money through math studies at school it helps them to understand between needs, wants and wishes. This also helps them to prepare and prioritize towards their target
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10 TIPS TO MAKE A CHILD UNDERSTAND IMPORTANCE OF MONEY AND ITS SAVING
1) The first and best experience for a child to understand the concept and value of saving and spending is taking regular trips for daily shopping at the supermarket or grocery stores where they learn about discounts sales bargains and the concept of generic and branded goods. 2) Help kids (parents can join in too) to collect small change and put it in a piggy bank that could be put together to use on family occasions. 3) Help children to collect money from their laicees gifts rewards and allowances in different envelopes or jars so they can set money aside for short term goals like buying themselves toys stationary books or long term goals like a school picnic or camp week end trips or even more high end games and gadgets. 4) Offer rewards for saving money for example if your child has not spent his allowance for a certain period of time they could be rewarded with a small treat like an extra hour of TV time a DVD or even an ice cream. 5) Encourage kids to learn money management skills by playing games like monopoly, the game of life, shopping or going to the supermarket, and rich kid smart kid
that introduce them to concepts of buying selling profit loss saving spending. 6) If possible match up to your Childs contribution to his saving (like the MPF schemes) If your child saves a particular amount you can help him add a percentage or equivalent amount which will encourage him to make an extra saving and reach his target saving faster. 7) Introduce your children to an allowance and encourage them to save from it on a weekly basis as they can save for long term goals like high end products and gadgets like I-phone, I-pad, playstation etc. 8) As a family sit together and talk about how money needs to be saved or spent for family holidays festival dinners and as they grow older on university education homes medical insurances retirement plans etc. 9) Talk to children as they grow about money related terms like banks, cheques, deposit transfers discounts, bargains, account schemes, financial plans, stocks, interest, debit and credit. 10) Take kids to banks and even open their accounts for them to deposit their money into their own account and conduct regular trips to familiarize them to it.
Allow children to make money spending decisions good or poor as they will learn from their own experience. Encourage them to do some research and speculation before spending. Benjamin Franklin’s family’s saying “A penny saved is a penny earned” and thus every penny saved today will turn into a dollar tomorrow”, Teaching children to save money is an important step towards securing their future. It helps specially when families go through financially tough times. This helps kids in the long run to realize that money gives people an opportunity to make decisions but by making them wise money savers we enable them to take valuable decisions not only from childhood through adulthood but until old age. As the festival of Diwali is celebrated all over the world and the blessings of Maa Laxmi the Goddess of wealth are evoked by one and all let’s make an effort to help our children understand the true meaning of these festivities.
Article written and researched by Poonam Motihar
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