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Volume 9 | Issue 3 | JUL-AUG 2020 HONG KONG’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH ASIANS
COVER STORY
Air Cargo
Road Transport
It's all about
Logistics Warehouse
ore
line
Servin
ou
Airline m o r f to
Sh
gy
Sea Cargo
Dubai
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3565 4838 | Fax: +852 3565 4833
www.captainsfreight.com TRUST • PARTNERSHIP • GLOBAL PRESENCE
Mong Kok Job Expo –
On-site Interpre tation and Support Se rvices for Ethnic Minor ities
Building a Multicultural Workplace
旺角就業博覽 – 共創多元文化工作間
少數族裔 即場傳譯及 支援服務
se g Cour Trainin ation and Inform xhibition Mini E
程資訊 培訓課 展覽 及小型
On-the-spot Recruitment
即場招聘
Over 60 em offerin ployers g lo vacanc ts of ies
超過60 間 公司提 供 大量職 位空缺
旺角東站
t Station
Mong Kok Eas
港鐵旺角站
MTR Mong Kok
Station
You can get a souvenir for joining the event while stock lasts.
入場人士可獲紀念品一份。送完即止。 Free admission. All are welcome.
費用全免。歡迎參加。
Please visit www.jobs.gov.hk for details on or after 13 July. 有關詳情，請於7月13日或之 後瀏覽 www.jobs.gov.hk Enquiries 查詢 : 2153 3984 If Typhoon Warning Signal Pre-No.8 / Typhoon Warning Signal No.8 or above / Black Rainstorm Warning has been announced / is in force at 8 a.m. on the event day, the event that day will be cancelled. 如活動當日上午8時正，八號或以上颱風信號 / 黑色暴雨警告信號正生效；或天文台已宣佈將會發出有關信號， 當日之活動將告取消。
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The largest Indian Bank and premier Indian Financial Services Group with presence in every time zone across the Globe!!
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From the
EDITOR Welcome 2021!
Thankfully the most dreadful year for everyone has come to an end. Lets all of us feel we are already in 2021. I hope this awful 2020 finishes soon, and we all move onto the next year really fast. Hong Kong protests followed by COVID-19 situation worldwide, and still no vaccine found makes it even more frustrating for everyone. Over one thousand Hong Kong residents are still stuck in India, with still no hope of returning soon to their families. Indian consulate seems helpless, considering the norms and protocols as per the Hong Kong government. No country wants more cases of COVID-19, exceptionally when it is so well-controlled in Hong Kong.
EDITORIAL:
Unfortunately, I had to skip releasing the May-June issue of A-Desiflava magazine, due to many things not going right on my personal and professional front. Plus, the COVID-19 had already caused a lot of damage to many Indian businesses in Hong Kong. The mood wouldn't be right to either make the magazine look more joyous in a depressing environment, and neither I wanted to make our readers feel more dismal with the Coronavirus news and topics.
Neha Gaurav Pathak
Finally, the July-August Issue is out. In this issue, I am covering a sensitive and touching topic about Hong Kong's leading banks wanting to close down bank accounts of several businesses. I am personally facing this issue with my business account. Thankfully, I am still negotiating with the bank to prove me wrong on any of our righteous business transactions. Many businesses give up against the banks and let the banks close their accounts, I would suggest please do not allow the banks to do this and prove your business integrity. In the COVER STORY, I have put together a list of Dos and Dons for business transactions. My personal experience dealing with HSBC, Citibank and DBS bank for over six years has helped me put together this list of Dos and Dons. AASTHA and AURA are two new sections introduced in this issue, covering topics of spiritual beliefs in Aastha and mind & body Healing in Aura. Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, I personally feel we must have our own self-healing tools for our mind and soul that can help us overcome everything that's going around the world right now. Especially with the depression of your loved ones being stranded in India or your closed family, friends & relatives being around the vicious circle of COVID-19, we must surround ourselves with positive energies and our ancient spiritual beliefs. Coronavirus has proven that no matter how much we get advanced in science and technology, a 0.12-micron virus can shaken up the entire world, and our geniuses would be of no use. With homes suddenly transforming into 'all-in-one' zones for work and workouts, schooling and play, and just about anything else, thoughtfully designed spaces could empower dwellers towards a new way of life and work. Heena Luthra shares her useful interior designing tips with Covid-19 & The New Normal in Interior Designing in the Home & Living section. In the Beauty & Health section, Sonal Kulkarni explains how fasting can help us with Healing from inside and out. Harshad Nerurkar, an ex-colleague of mine, has shared his enjoyable experience of traveling to Malvan in the Globetrotter section. In the mood, While the entire issue was almost wrapped up, Shivani Chapparwal contacted me and wanted to share her story about her experience with quarantine in Hong Kong's Fotan Center along with two kids, and how she feels about the whole episode of coming from India to Hong Kong and now being quarantined and super happy with everything. Enjoy reading A-Desiflava, the only Indian magazine to sustain for such a long period in Hong Kong. Please feel free to contact me for any feedback, concerns, help, or rants, I am always available to discuss constructive feedback conveyed cheerfully.
Gaurav Pardeshi E-mail: gaurav@adesiflava.com • +852-95433660
Gaurav Pardeshi (Chief Editor)
PUBLISHER: DESIGN CONSULTANT: Julian Fernando
FOR ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Phone: +852 9543 3660 Email: gp@aplomhk.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 28111183
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, error or omissions take 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 he held responsible for difference of opinion or statements published in good faith. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that the are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to other of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised.
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C O N T E N T S
Covid-19 & The New Normal in Interior Designing Home & Living
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Malvan Globetrotter
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26 More protections added under the anti-discrimination laws Did You Know
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My gratitude during my quarantine In the Mood
20 CONTESTS Kids & Adult
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Are Hong Kong banks closing your business accounts Cover Story
Reiki AURA
Fasting Beauty & Health
22
38 30
A magical plant for your homes Spiritual Living
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LABOUR DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR ETHNIC MINORITY JOB SEEKERS The Labour Department (LD) provides comprehensive employment services to help job seekers at no charge. Our services are conducted in both Chinese and English. If you speak neither of these languages, we can arrange free-of-charge interpretation service for you.
Labour Department Employment Services Ambassadors
Recruitment Day on 29 July 2020
Dedicated employment services for ethnic minority job seekers such as special counter and resource corner, The Labour Department (LD) is now recruiting Employment Services personalised employment advisory service, employment Ambassadors Ethnic Minorities. candidates will be briefings andforinclusive job fairsSelected are available. provided with free training on job search, interpersonal and customer service skills as well as vocational Cantonese training,
For details, please visit the dedicated and a 12 months’ on-the-job-training with pay in LD’s Job Centres/ webpage for ethnic minority job seekers Industry-based Recruitment Centres. on LD’s Interactive Employment Service Details of(https://www.jobs.gov.hk/EM) the Recruitment Day are as follows: website or its Mobile App. You may also contact Date: 29 July 2020 (Wednesday) any one of our Job Centres/Industry-based Recruitment Centres through thep.m. telephone 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 Time: numbers as listed below: (Limited interview quotas available. Please make reservation by phone on or before 28 July 2020)
Hong Kong East Job Centre Venue:
Hong Kong North Point
2591 1318
Kowloon West Job Centre of LD 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, West Job Centre 2552303 0131 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon (ExitCentre C1, MTR Sham Shui Po Station) 2114 6868 Job
Services Ambassadors for Ethnic Post for Kowloon EastEmployment Job Centre 2338 9787 Application: Minorities Duties: Work in Job Centres/IndustryKowloon WestMain JobJob Centre 2150 6397 based Recruitment Centres and job fairs to provide and promote employment services Kwun Tong Job Centre 2342for 0486 ethnic minority job seekers
Shatin Job Centre Salary:
$10,400 per month
2158 5553
Tai Po Job Centre Working Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:36 p.m.2654 1429
LABOUR DEPARTMENT Employment Services for EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Ethnic Minority Job Seekers AMBASSADORS
LD provides comprehensive employment RECRUITMENT DAYservices ONto help job seekers at no charge. Our services are conducted in 15 2019 both JANUARY Chinese and English. If you speak neither of these
languages, we can arrange Services free-of-charge interpretation LD is now recruiting Employment Ambassadors for Ethnic service for you. Minorities. Selected candidates will be provided with free training on job search,employment interpersonal and customer as well as Dedicated services for service ethnic skills minority job vocational a 12 months’ seekers Chinese such astraining, specialand counter and on-the-job-training resource corner, with pay in LD’s Job Centres/Industry-based Recruitment Centres. personalised employment advisory service, employment briefings andRecruitment inclusive job Day fairsare areas available. Details of the follows: For details,15 please dedicated Januaryvisit 2019 the (Tuesday) Date:
webpage for ethnic minority job seekers on 9:30 Employment a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LD’s Interactive Service website Time: (Limited intervieworquotas available. (https://www.jobs.gov.hk/EM) its Mobile App. Please make reservation before 14 January 2019) You may also contact any by onephone of our on JoborCentres/ Industry-based Recruitment Centres through Kowloon West Job Centre of LDthe telephone numbers as listed below: 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, Venue:
303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
MTR Sham Shui Po Station) Hong Kong(Exit EastC1, Job Centre
2591 1318
Services Ambassadors for Ethnic Hong KongEmployment West Job Centre 2552 0131 Minorities
Post North PointMain Job Job Centre 2114 6868 Duties: Work in Job Centres/Industryfor based Recruitment Centres and job fairs to provide Kowloon East Job Centre Application: 2338 9787
and promote employment services for ethnic minority
Kowloon West Job Centre job seekers
2150 6397
Salary: per month Kwun Tong$9,500 Job Centre
2342 0486
3692 4532
Shatin JobMonday Centre - Friday : 9:00 a.m. - 5:36 p.m. 2158 5553 Working Saturday (on duty once every 3 weeks) : Hours: Tai Po Job 9:00 Centre 2654 1429 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Tsuen Wan Job Centreshould register as trainees 2417 6197 Eligibility: Applicants of
Sheung Shui Job Centre Applicants should register as trainees of3692 Youth4532
Hours:
Saturday (on duty once every 3 weeks) :
Sheung Shui 9:00 Job a.m. Centre - 12:00 noon
Youth Employment and Training Programme Tuen Mun JobofCentre 2463 9967 LD (school leavers aged 15 to 24 between F.4 and sub-degree academic level); able to Tung Chung Job Centre 3428 2943 communicate in either English or Chinese; and proficient in one of the following languages: Hindi, Employment in One-stop Indonesian, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog, 3692 Thai, or5750 Urdu
(located in Tin Shui Wai) Enquiry &
Tel.: 2383 4932 Recruitment Reservation: Centre for the Catering Industry
2594 7800
Recruitment Centre for the Retail Industry
2594 7833
Please refer to YETP’s website (https://www.yes.labour.gov.hk/YETP/Other/ Construction Industry Recruitment Centre EthnicMinorityAmbassador?c=en) for more information.
3428 3303
Employment and Training Programme (YETP) of 2417 6197 LD (school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational Tuen Mun Job Centreat sub-degree level or below);2463 attainment have 9967 Eligibility: completed F.4; be lawfully employable in Hong Kong; Tung Chung Job Centre 2943 able to communicate in either English or3428 Chinese; and proficient in one of the following languages: Hindi, Yuen Long Job Centre 3692 5750 Indonesian, Nepali, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, or Punjabi
Tsuen Wan Job Centre
Recruitment Centre for the Catering Industry
Enquiry & Tel.: 2383 4932 Recruitment Centre for the Retail Industry Reservation:
2594 7800 2594 7833
Construction Recruitment Centre Please refer to YETP’sIndustry website (https://www.yes.labour.gov.hk/ 3428 YETP/Other/EthnicMinorityAmbassador?c=en) for more information.
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AreHong Kong banks closing your business accounts
?
iness nks s u b ba lthy g a n i e d h a tain a Kong's le n i a to m h Hong w o H t wit n u o acc
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H
ong Kong ranks third as the top financial cities in the world, after New York and London. Most of the world's biggest companies will surely have an office in Hong Kong as it serves as a bridge between China and the rest of the world for shipping, financing, and sourcing. Due to its communist philosophy, China firmly controls its communications with the international world, which indirectly favors Hong Kong to become one of the biggest modern and westernized hubs for trading and business from all over the world.
“Hong Kong is tax-free, lets you register a business in a single day, and your business is on the go within one week of its establishment. That's the real charm of this city. � But unfortunately, many businesses have misused the privilege and comfort of Hong Kong's banks to do billiondollar scams without a trace of doubt and have fled back to their countries, and it has been impossible for the Hong Kong government to extradite these scammers and take necessary actions.
End of the day, it's not the Hong Kong government which suffers these losses, but its the banks that face these huge losses because of these scammers
If you are into the business of trading with Diamonds, Jewellery, Electronics, Mobile Phones, Gadgets involving genuine transactions of highvalue money, you will relate strongly to this article. Many Hong Kong-based companies whose directors are Indian, South Asian, and mainland Chinese are facing massive problems with banks closing their business accounts. And this usually comes as a surprise with a series of letters giving you the closure date for your business account. Surprisingly, most of these leading bank's business hotline service agents and your relationship managers will not have clear answers explaining to you the reasons, 'why the bank wants to closedown your business account? And there is no direct access to the concerned department, no matter how much you try.
As a genuine business person, you would be left wondering where you or any of your business transactions go wrong? Most of the time, the account closure comes as a result of some business transactions done by your company, which does not comply with most of the Hong Kong banks' business banking guidelines. Well, there isn't a fixed set of rules or guidelines provided by any of the banks in Hong Kong, but still, there are many questions and doubts
raised by the banks on your transactions. Your company's bank account would usually come under scrutiny when : 1) Your business turnover is increasing really fast and almost doubling every year. 2) Directors are from India, Pakistan, or any other south-Asian country. 3) Directors are from Mainland China 4) C ompanies with a virtual presence in Hong Kong, no physical existence 5) Companies with registered business addresses of secretarial companies, coworking spaces, and shared offices. 6) Companies were getting remittance from any country close to the embargoed countries.
Well, every business person in Hong Kong wants to grow his or her business, and while you are a small enterprise handling multiple tasks while building your dream empire, these banks will suddenly throw a time-bomb on you by holdingup any of the incoming or outgoing funds that you would need desperately for paying to your supplier.
Typical alarming cases are : 1) Your buyer has made the payment, but the funds don't show in your account for 4-5 business days, whereas in a general case scenario, the amount always came-in within two days.
S T O R Y
2) You have made a payment to your supplier, and the supplier claims that the money hasn't reached within 1-2 business working days for a local Hong Kong payment. 3) Your buyer has sent you the amount you called the business care hotline, and they confirm the payment has arrived, but the payment is still not credited to your account.
I spoke to Mr.Rajendra Sharma, who worked with a Hong Kong's leading bank for over ten years in the legal and compliance department before moving back to India. He mentioned : "Many companies in Hong Kong are just virtual companies without any physical offices or any real person sitting in Hong Kong. Many secretarial companies in Hong Kong make a huge amount of money with just helping these overseas companies incorporate a company in Hong Kong and open a business account. I've heard nowadays in Hong Kong some secretarial services companies even charge almost HK$100,000 to open your bank accounts after your company is incorporated. Some of these big overseas companies do a huge amount of transactions using their bank accounts and mainly use their accounts in Hong Kong to receive and send payments. The account isn't called a real business account but is more like a money transferring account. Also, many fraud companies and scammers from UK, Africa,
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and even USA transfer funds to small budding companies and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, and after few days, they would call-back their funds, saying that they transferred to the particular account by mistake. Banks in Hong Kong would immediately freeze the business account if any remitting company calls-back their funds, and then the entire account goes into a review, and the entire procedure of reviewing takes not less than a year. Thankfully, the Hong Kong Monetary Association (HKMA) always comes as an aide for genuine businesses to sort out such matters."
On a similar subject, we spoke to Ms.Lily Chen (name changed on request), Senior Vice President of DBS Bank Hong Kong, who mentioned "We are always working under tremendous pressure. We need to make sure each of the business transactions is 100% legitimate, and it's challenging to keep track of every single company that has an account with our bank. Also, there is no standard set of guidelines to be followed, so everything that we need to do is just make sure the documentation provided for the business transactions looks genuine and is showing proper names and are about actual business transactions. The worst part for us is that the remittance team puts
a hold on the deals of our clients and then notifies us to do the checking work, it's not only time-consuming but also frustrating for the businesses who want to move fast with their supply-chain of giving goods to their buyers and paying to their suppliers. Our customers feel that we are purposely wasting their time by holding their payments, but they do not understand; we are working under so much pressure. Just imagine that if I am handling ten customers with our bank, I need to be 100% responsible for keeping the customers happy while ensuring that each of their business transactions is spotless. Sometimes I feel like a sandwich between the bank and the customers.
Now, let us first understand why these Hong Kong banks
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need to follow such strict guidelines and reviewing procedures, which ultimately sometimes also ends up with banks freezing your accounts, for months and years, without you being able to deposit or withdraw anything from your business account till the time the banks have finished their entire reviewing procedure. And, trust me, this would be the most frustrating period of your whole life, as no one from the bank will give you clear answers on what exactly is happening. With this cover story, I want to share my personal experience in the form of a list of dos and dons from the bank's compliance perspective. I assure you that this article will undoubtedly serve as a guideline of what our local businesses should follow as a list of dos and dons for being in the good books of some of the leading banks of Hong Kong, like DBS HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China and many others. The list will work as the most popular and legit way to do business transactions with any of your buyers without leaving even the slightest loophole of any wrongdoing as per the bank's compliance and requirements. I can guarantee you that if you follow the Do's and Don's listed here, your business account and the business transactions will not face any trouble with the banks. So here's a list of Dos and Don's for a healthy business and a healthy business account in Hong Kong :
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Do's 1 Company Information of buyers, when closing any first-time business with your new buyer, please ask them to provide their company information like company registration certificate, vat or tax certificate, website, and whatever other information they can provide to you. Please make sure this is all done in an e-mail.
2 Authenticate the documents provided by your buyer, • By checking their website if they are really into the same business as they claim to be. • Google their company name to see if there are any website links found with any doubtful information. • Make sure the buyer does not belong to the list of Embargoed countries to do business. • Check if the mobile phone IDD code of the person discussing with you about the business is the same as the company's country of origin or business.
3 The company representative is genuine - Make sure the person you are discussing the business is a part of the company that he/she claims to be. You may check if their name shows on the official website with some designation.
4 Order Confirmation - Make sure you send the order confirmation and Proforma Invoice on E-mail
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as well, even though you have submitted the Invoice on WhatsApp/skype/WeChat.
5 E-mail chain - Always send a cc of your order confirmation e-mail to at least one more employee of your company to make sure the e-mail is well received. Preferably mark a CC to any of your superior who probably has more experience than you. If you are a solo entrepreneur, then you may mark a cc on your e-mail to any of your other personal e-mail addresses. Its always good to have a backup.
6 Invoice Accuracy - this is the most important thing. • Make sure it mentions the Incoterms, and you clearly understand the meaning of it. FOB, EXW, FCA are some of the commonly used Incoterms. • Make sure you mention the 'Country of Origin' for your products. • Make sure you mention the 'Currency is in USD/HKD/ Euro.' • Make sure you mention your bank account information is with the Swift Code, Address of Bank, Complete bank name (Standard Chartered Hong Kong is different from Standard Chartered India, and trust me both the banks are different altogether) • Make sure you mention the delivery and warranty terms.
7 The same company pays as per the Invoice -
Ensure that you inform the buyer that your company will only accept payment from the company's name mentioned on your Invoice to the buyer. If the buyer is using a money transfer company or any third party payment source, make sure they inform you on an E-mail before making the payment. They will need to authorize the company to make payment to you for the business transaction.
8 TT Copy / Payment Proof Make sure the payment proof shows the same company name as per the Invoice generated by your company, and also, please make sure the spelling and name of the company that appears on the Invoice matches according to the name and spelling mentioned on your Invoice. A mismatch in the names can cause some serious troubles if the bank wants to review that particular business transaction.
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or any driver, please make sure you have a 'Pick-up Note' on which the person picking up the goods, will sign and put his/her HKID no. And will also put a company chop of their respective company. • If the logistics company assigned by your buyer assigns another third party company, say a trucking company for pick up, or another company who will handle the shipping; please make sure you request the buyer's assigned logistics company to send you an e-mail confirming their authorization for another company to handle the goods pick-up, delivery or transportation for the mentioned invoice number to your buyer.
10 Take as many photos possible - If you or any of your colleague is personally involved during the delivery of pick up of buyers goods, make sure you take a lot of photos of people involved, truck/van number plates, ordered products and anything else that you feel might be required as a documented proof.
Logistics Proofs • Delivery of goods - If your business transaction involves your company delivering the products to any logistics company as assigned by the buyer, please make sure you have a 'Delivery Note' format on which you will ask the logistics company accepting the goods on behalf of your buyer to sign and chop confirming the goods have been delivered. • Pick up of goods - If your buyer is arranging for a pick up by a third party logistics company, trucking company
11 Folder for each business transaction - Make a folder on your computer or a google drive for each business transaction, and maintain these folders on a real-time basis with uploading every document about the deal. If any of your business transactions come in scrutiny by the bank, you should have these folders handy with maximum possible documents, as explained from above points 1 to 10.
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Don's 1 Never accept payments in a different currency compared to what is mentioned on the Invoice.
2 Never accept part payments in different modes, such as 10% payment bank transfer, 50% payment cash, and balance 40% payment through another bank account.
3 Always think twice when dealing with any buyer or company with a scam alert on google search or any other known sources.
4 Never accept payment for any invoice from another company or source without the buyer's authorization to the funds transferring company for payment handling.
5 Never make invoices for selling goods in the names of companies who are not directly involved in the same trade of business as yours. Double confirm everything with the buyer and any senior person in your company if they still insist on doing it.
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6 Never make incomplete invoices, and make sure it mentions everything as mentioned the list of Do's
7 Never do business with buyers from embargoed countries
8 Never do business with buyers who want to pay through PayPal and other fast money transferring modes, as they can always call back their money after receiving their goods.
Keep all the points in mind, especially when dealing with new buyers. And please note, all these points are based purely on my personal experience of over seven years of dealing with HSBC, Citibank and DBS bank for my trading business. Every business might have different dynamics, but the above set of tips works would work great if you are in the business of branded goods trading. If I can be of any help in clarifying any of the points mentioned above in the list of Dos and Don's, please feel free to call me anytime on +852-95433660, and I will be more than happy to share my personal experiences based on which I have made the above list.
As a finishing note of this article, I would like to request all the business owners and managers to please share the list of Dos and Don's with your sales team as a set of guidelines to follow when dealing with clients, as this will only help your business grow with the banks in Hong Kong. Article by
Gaurav Pardeshi Editor A-Desiflava Magazine
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Covid-19
& The New Normal Interior Designing in
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he Coronavirusinduced pandemic has brought our lives to a near standstill. It has undoubtedly led to a revolution of sorts in terms of the way we function. The pace at which we have been compelled to adapt to change is unprecedented, be it in terms of understanding and adapting to technology, to the way we socialise (or the lack of it) to how we visualise ideal homes and interiors. For long, professionally designed interiors have been perceived as a luxury. If anything, with Covid-19, consumers are experiencing first-hand what the true value
of an enjoyable and functional home is. With homes suddenly transforming into 'all-in-one' zones for work and workouts, schooling and play, and just about anything else, thoughtfully and purposely designed spaces could empower dwellers towards a new way of life and work. Uber functional and multi-purpose designs and layouts could well be the focal point for upcoming renovations or even new residential developments. Here's our take on how interior designs for residences and commercial spaces are likely to evolve in the coming times, altering how we envision the idea of an indoor space.
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Multi-purpose Spaces & Furniture Choices Work-from-home is slowly but surely becoming a norm. Many of us are struggling with making a clear distinction between work and living spaces, making it difficult to ‘zone out’ or switch from one role to another. This is especially true for smaller homes where a designated office space may not be an option. Versatile spaces and a touch of creativity could help—such as, set-ups enabling an office in the day and a bedroom in the evening arrangements. Strategic placement of multi-use fixtures and furniture pieces combined with appropriate lighting and soundproofing can do wonders towards creating the right work (or study) environment right in the heart of your home.
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Reconfiguring the Home Layout As we spend unprecedented amounts of time at home, it is impossible not to be cognizant of the way our homes are laid out, and identify the potential for reconfigurations. Families working from home with kids might be interested in
spaces that could unite or separate whenever needed, or features that could improve parents’ ability to teach their children from home. Parents of young children might want to create fun yet educational play nooks in case external playrooms may not always be their first choice. The future may also have us reconsidering our home layout towards a closed internal scheme instead of open plans. For instance, conventionally closed kitchens may once again emerge as the preferred choice over open ones. Sense of accessibility may, therefore, become a thing of the past as more strictly carved out spaces may be designed on demand.
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Nature & Greenery Work-from-home is slowly but surely becoming a norm. Many of us are struggling
with making a clear distinction between work and living spaces, making it difficult to ‘zone out’ or switch from one role to another. This is especially true for smaller homes where a designated office space may not be an option. Versatile spaces and a touch of creativity could help—such
as, set-ups enabling an office in the day and a bedroom in the evening arrangements. Strategic placement of multi-use fixtures and furniture pieces combined with appropriate lighting and soundproofing can do wonders towards creating the right work (or study) environment right in the heart of your home.
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4 Paint-away the Blues Picasso said, ‘Colours, like features, follow the changes of emotions’. The trends in the market are often a projection of the complex feelings being experienced by us. Grappling with the change, we often find ourselves seeking comfort in all forms possible. And if something as simple as painting our walls the right colour and shade can make a difference, then nothing like it! Renters could aim for similar effect through accessories; whether through a small dosage of yellow and orange, believed to uplift mood, or tones of greens and blues to calm and soothe us.
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Focus on Hyper-hygiene Present-day circumstances have reinforced the significance of hygiene in our lives. It has already started influencing product and spatial designs for both homes and workspaces. As a result, antimicrobial products like copper, copper alloys, antimicrobial coatings and finishes are witnessing a rise in demand because of their ability to self-sterilise. While such products have been in the market for long and were once widely used in fixtures and fittings such as door knobs, handles, taps etc., they were gradually replaced with cheaper material options like aluminium, steel and plastic among others. Their inclusion in spaces in addition to hospitals and schools (currently) may now become a norm rather than an anomaly.
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Re-imagining Technology for Office & Commercial Spaces While the concept of remote-work is here to stay, conventional offices will remain central to many
industries and individuals. The same holds for commercial or retail spaces. Businesses will have to get savvy to survive and thrive. Efficient use of spaces without compromising customer experience will be key. Innovative technologies to enable social distancing and limit contact points in offices, commercial or public places such as malls or movie theatres are being rapidly adopted. App or voice-controlled functions to operate doors or lifts are being looked into, along with face-recognition technology looking to replace fingerprint validations. Eateries will promote ‘contactless dining’ through specially-designed pods. Inbuilt air-shower booths will be deployed at entrances of commercial centres to blow off airborne pollutants or germs.
Article by :
The Coronavirus crisis will leave its imprint on how we design our spaces in a post-pandemic world. It might redefine the sheer purpose of interior designing. Homes, commercial and public spaces will be addressed with a new awareness of personal safety concerns. Increased efforts will be channelised towards creating beautiful yet functional home-cumoffices to support both family and work requirements. Adversities can also be interpreted as blessings in disguise. This could pretty much be the trigger to get started with the interior renovation you’ve been wanting for long.
SARA Interior design (www.saraglobal.com.hk) is a boutique residential and commercial design firm providing full suite of design and contracting services. Deeply passionate about beautiful interiors, Sonal Bhandari (left) brings rich multi-cultural industry experience for over two decades both in residential and commercial projects. Heena Ahuja (right) is a banker turned Interior designer, with a flair for intelligent layouts with attractive yet calming aesthetics.
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More protections added under the anti-discrimination laws Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020 Comes into Force
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he Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is happy to report that the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2018 was gazetted on 19 June 2020. The Bill brings about enhanced protection in some areas of the antidiscrimination ordinances, in
response to the EOC’s Report on the Discrimination Law Review which was submitted in March 2016, to better protect our community from discrimination and harassment for reasons of sex, disability, family status or race. One of the key amendments to the Bill was to make
breastfeeding discrimination unlawful, protecting breastfeeding women from discrimination and victimization in employment, provision of services and facilities, and education. This will come into effect starting 19 June 2021. Key amendments to the Race Discrimination Ordinance
(RDO) are the expansion of the definition of “race” and “racial group” to include a race that is imputed to or assumed of a person, and the protection of associates of somebody from discrimination and harassment. The following Q&A will help explain the application of the amendments more clearly.
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1. Breastfeeding My colleague recently returned to work after maternity leave. She made a request to her supervisor that she be allowed some time during work hours to pump breast milk for her newborn. She told the supervisor that she would stay longer if necessary to compensate for the time she was taking off. However, a week later she was transferred to another branch, which she thinks is because of her request. I am 2 months pregnant and worried that when I resume work after my maternity leave, I will not be given approval to pump, or even worse, be transferred to another branch like my colleague. What should I do?
in Hong Kong. I have often been mistaken for various Asian ethnicities. While most comments are harmless and come from genuine curiosity, a recent incident at a restaurant seemed to be outright racism. The Chinese friend I was with overheard the waiter refer to me by a slang repeatedly, which I was told is a derogatory term for Indians. My friend made a complaint with the restaurant manager but he felt it was not taken seriously. While it would be a racist comment if I was Indian, I believe it is improper even if I were mistakenly assumed to be an Indian or other South Asian. Can I make a complaint to the EOC although I am not of the race the comment was intended for?
Answer:
Answer:
The new protection coming into force in June next year would make it unlawful for your supervisor to treat you less favourably because of your breastfeeding needs. Employers should also make reasonable adjustments to cater for different needs of the employees, such as providing a separate room, if possible, and giving time off to breastfeeding mothers during office hours. The new provision under the anti-discrimination laws protects you from being discriminated on the grounds of breastfeeding.
Under the Race Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful to discriminate or harass anyone on the grounds of the race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. The law also includes race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin that is “imputed to” or assumed of the person. If you feel discriminated against or harassed by anyone, in this case the restaurant staff, due to a race imputed to you, you may lodge a complaint with the EOC.
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2. D iscrimination by imputation Question: I am a Madagascar native working for a French firm
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providing us service after seeing me using the excuse that the property we were interested in was already taken, which we confirmed later as not being the case. Also, while leaving the agents’ office, we overheard him remark to a colleague with reference to my partner, “Why would he be so dumb as to go into business with a black person?” We felt really humiliated. While I know I can lodge a complaint of racial discrimination with the EOC for the behavior towards me, can my friend lodge one too, even though he is not of African ethnicity? Answer: According to the Race Discrimination Ordinance, it is unlawful for a person to discriminate against someone based on their race. The law protects not only the person being discriminated or harassed, but also his/her associate. If the estate agent treats your business partner less favourably because of your race, it would be regarded as discrimination on the ground of race of associate. In this case, both you and your colleague may lodge a complaint to the EOC.
3. Associate
If you need further information regarding your rights under Hong Kong’s anti-discrimination ordinances and the complaint handling procedures of the EOC, please contact:
Question:
Equal Opportunities Commission
I am from Nigeria while my business partner is Chinese. While looking for an office space, the estate agent my partner had met with earlier changed his mind about
16/F 41 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 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
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My gratitude
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during my
quarantine
A special note of thanks to the Hong Kong government, Health Department, Fotan Quarantine Center, and all the hard-working volunteers for putting together this superb act of humanity, discipline, care, and affection for foreign nationals living in your country, it was a great experience.
Handmade sketch by Shivani Chhapawal
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e all know that the whole world is suffering from pandemic COVID -19. Several people are still stuck in places far away from their loved ones, families, and many have lost jobs. Thousands have died, and millions are infected. I was among those who got stuck in India from the last five months with my two kids and helper. So earlier, like most of us, I did not know this locked down period will be extended till now, but unfortunately, yes, it did, so like everyone else, I was also trying to be back to my home town to my husband. It's not that people don't have family in India and me to have, but at some point 'Yes' you miss your place where you spend most of the time in a year. I got lucky by GOD's grace. I got my chance in Kolkata flight organized by a travel company based in Hong Kong. Traveling with two kids isn't the easiest. Firstly, we had to move from Jaipur to Kolkata, and then finally to Hong Kong. We were so puzzled and tired upon reaching Hong Kong, and we didn't expect how it would go in Hong Kong with the immigration, COVID-19 tests, and what if God forbid one of us turned out to be positive in the tests done in Hong Kong. When you are alone, all these crazy and negative thoughts fill up your mind. The moment we landed, we had to go to the checkpoint where they checked our bar codes, which had to be filled 24 hours before departure, so it was all smooth. The officers and health department people were there to check the body temperature, and then all
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forms, after that, we headed straight to immigration and baggage belt. I met my husband very briefly for a few minutes on our way to the airport express, where we had to give the COVID test. Luckily all went smoothly. Everything was so well managed right from our bus boarding to testing for COVID-19 and our travel to the Fotan quarantine center. Today (while writing this article) is my seventh day here at the Fotan quarantine center. I can't express my gratitude towards the Hong Kong health center and the Hong Kong government and definitely the volunteers who are working day and night for us. I don't have a single complaint from them like at one point, I did not have water. I understand these people manage so many things simultaneously; things do get delayed, but they didn't forget, and they sent my water bottles around 1:00 am at night. They have given all the room facilities like a clean bed, clean kitchen, clean bathroom, a tv wardrobe, and a dining table. They have been
so thoughtful throughout reaching out to everyone for breakfast lunch and dinner on time plus fruit time. We are here in safe hands, by looking at them they have been working in this humid weather in PPE kits, I saw them from my window the other day they get so tired that they sleep in their PPE kits worn, these people are working so selflessly for us without being impatient and with a smile at all times. As a gesture of thanking the Hong Kong government, Hong Kong health department, all the volunteers, and each person involved with giving my family and me this lifetime unforgettable and heart touching experience, I have
put together an illustrative, colorful sketch which depicts the sentiments behind this entire episode and phase of quarantine. And I hope someone will definitely appreciate and like my work and accept it as a goodwill gesture for this fantastic country, called HONG KONG. Also, an exceptional thanks to A-Desiflava magazine, for publishing my story and the sketch.
Article & Sketch by : Shivani Chhaparwal Room number 2217 Block 2 Quarantine time: 27/06/2020-10/07/2020
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Fasting Fasting
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asting has got enough attention in recent times, and it has become synonymous with good health. In this article, I will highlight the importance, considerations, limitations, and overall health benefits of fasting. In a Sanskrit language, fasting is known as "upvaasa," which means restraining from the senses of its objects of enjoyment. Fasting is not only avoidance of food but also cleansing of the body and also provides rest to our digestive system. The term fasting implies total or partial abstinence from food or water. The origin of fasting can be traced back to ancient Indian traditions where there is a culture to fast on auspicious occasions. In recent times, fasting can have different meanings for each one of us. Some people fast due to religious reasons, some for physiological or pathological reasons, or some even for professional purposes. The science behind fasting is the detoxification and restoration of health as it triggers a truly amazing cleansing processthat reaches every cell and tissue in the body.
The word "Autophagy" has made revolutionary impacts in the field of health and wellness. When you induce fasting within your body, it goes through a process of Autophagy. Autophagy, in simple terms, means "selfeating," where the body recycles the deformed and unused cells to reuse them for further nourishment of the cells. An analogy to understand the process would be considered an old car. You don't necessarily need to replace the entire vehicle. Sometimes, all you need to do is replace the battery or repair any deformed component instead of completely discarding the car. Instead of killing off the entire cell (apoptosis), we can replace a few cell parts. This explains the Autophagy process, where subcellular organelles are destroyed, and new ones are rebuilt to replace them. Old cell membranes, organelles, and other cellular debris can be removed, vital in absorbing proteins from food intake.
The body doesn't have the chemistry set or resources to reprocess its extra debris inside the cell. There has been scientific research on fasting by a Japanese cell biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi, who was honored with the Nobel prize in 2016. He researched how cells recycle and renew their content through the process of Autophagy. Scientists have found that fasting within the range of 12 to 24 hours triggers Autophagy. It is considered to be one of the reasons why fasting is associated with longevity.
Pre-fast considerations When undergoing fasting, it is very much necessary to prepare the body and mind for fasting. Following are the ways-
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• Reduce your intake of all habitual and addictive substances 1 or 2 weeks before fasting • Alter your diet 1 or 2 weeks before fasting • Intake lots of water and liquids • Get moderate exercise. • Relax, take rest and get enough sleep • Read and research about fasting to prepare your mind • Discuss your fasting plans with your doctor • Naturally, we fast during night time for up to 9 hours by default, which can be increased to 10-12 hours (for example 7 pm to 7 am) • Fasting beginners are recommended to start with at least 2 hours of water fast which can be increased to 4 to 6 hours and then gradually to 8 hours in the daytime (as per person's capacity, time, working conditions, and workload at the workplace.)
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Post-fast diet Food is fuel for our body, and hence one needs to be more careful about choosing the right kind of food. Diet after fasting should include 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Vegetables, fruits, and 30% pulses, and green leafy vegetables. Few more tips include-
Fasting is a fantastic way to maintain overall well-being; make your fasting plan today!!!
• Intake more fruits and vegetables in your diet and try to avoid dairy-based products • Avoid saturated, hydrogenated, trans fats • Consume fiber-rich foods with limited or no carbohydrates and processed foods
3. Enhanced Liver functioning
Limitations of fasting
4. Reduced allergy symptoms
Following points need to be considered while fasting-
• Avoid foods high in sodium and fatty foods
6. Aids weight loss
• Consume less sugar and sale
Benefits of Fasting 1. Increased energy 2. Greater immunity
5. Greater metabolism
7. Improved digestive function 8. Reduced Joint Aches and pain 9. Improved mental clarity, focus, and memory 10. Improved deep sleep
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• Persons who cannot fast are young children, pregnant women, alcoholic persons, persons with psychological problems, insulin-dependent individuals, persons suffering from diabetes, anemia, etc. • Guidance and support of Expert in is also essential while fasting.
I am Sonal Kulkarni, a Law professional, and completed my Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Yoga Shastra from KJ Somaiya Institute, Sanskriti Peetham, Mumbai. I am living in Hong Kong for over three years. Throughout my journey of learning yoga, I realized that Yoga is not just about Asanas, mudras, bandhas, pranayama, but also embodies rich philosophy based on the ancient yogic scriptures which spreads light upon the concept of the overall development.
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Malvan
The hidden gem of Konkan coast Malvan is a town/taluka in the Southernmost Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra State, India. It is the right place if you love to fish, adventure, leisure, and history. It’s a popular gateway for beach lovers with its lonely shores, clear water, and silky white sands. Carry a couple of swimming costumes if you are keen on sea adventures. It is quite an offbeat place that not many know of. Being a coastal town, Malvan experiences warm and humid weather with a refreshing monsoon.
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Day 1: Explore Kudal You can travel either by car/ train (Kudal) or by air (Goa). The easiest way is traveling by train-Tejas Express to reach Kudal around mid-day (around 8 hours journey from Mumbai and 2.5 hours from Goa) while enjoying Konkan scenic view. Breakfast is available on train or you have the option to pack your own food. We planned to spend one night in Kudal, visit my native place and temple, and then head towards Malvan. We checked in Hotel Lemon Grass, a better option that we booked online @ Rs.2500 (HK$250) (Executive room). Clean, cozy rooms, polite hotel staff, delicious local food they serve, and complimentary Wi-Fi make it my deal. In the evening we took a casual walk in the Kudal market which is just a whisker away and is a good place to find local stuff for foodies. We ordered typical local flavored prawns curry and rice in Hotel Lemon Grass.
Day 2: Relaxing at Malvan begins Kande pohe, sheera, upma for breakfast that's what we like. Post breakfast we checked out and hired an auto for a full day till drop at Malvan @ Rs.1200 (HK$120) First, we visited a temple devoted to God Kaleshwar, considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is extremely famous for its grand Maha Shivaratri celebrations. The Kaleshwar shrine is no modern discovery. Its foundation origin dates from a period 700 – 800
years old. Simple yet very attractive interiors and surroundings make you cheerful. It’s a must-visit place.
90 minutes of the ride, we reached Malvan. Most of the tourists stay at Tarkarli, which is a commercialized place and a bit crowded. However,
took a short relaxing walk on the lonely beach. Chivla Beach is a divine site that offers much more than the beautiful views as it is clean,
we preferred to stay away from the crowd at lesserknown Chivla beach. There are a couple of good resorts and I booked Mayekar’s Holiday Home which costed me Rs.2500/ night. It was a typical village house located right on Chivla beach with all amenities in the room.
pristine, and peaceful and is an offbeat attraction in the Malvan region.
The best time to visit is from October till February
We then planned our lunch at another authentic place, Hotel Pankaj @Nabar Wadi, Kudal which is popularly known as Kamat Bhaujinchi Khanaval. A simple place for homely food. Surmai (King Fish) thali, Khekda (Crab) Thali, Mori (shark) Mutton, Prawns fry, Khekda(crab) Masala, Tisrya (Clams) Masala, Solkadhi (spiced coconut juice) are highly recommended. After lunch, we headed towards Malvan. Kudal to Malvan 28 km scenic drive. With rice fields, greens, and coconut trees both sides, you cross Karli river. You are tempted to get down for a click. On your way, we recommend visiting the serene Dhamapur lake. It is one of the biggest lakes of Sindhudurg and actually, an earth-filled dam. With around
We recommend spending at least 3 days in Malvan. We
Evening we decided to spend at Rock Garden. Adjoining the Chivla beach, it offers tourists a fairy tale view of the sun coming out of the sea. Best time to visit either during the dawn or the dusk as this is when one can relax in the tranquilizing aura of the place.
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sea around the fort. There are many stalls inside the fort for refreshment and temples inside the fort.
Unlike other gardens, this garden is unique in its nature since there is no sand but a carpet of huge rocks and green lawns. Jai Ganesh mandir built beautifully by Jayant Salgaonkar 2.5 km away from Rock garden you can certainly add into your itinerary. Malvan is well known for seafood prepared in Malvani spices. Hotel Chaitanya owned by Walke is one such place situated in the main market. Not only fish preparation, Kombdi (chicken) Vade, Malvani fish curry, Mori (shark) Masala, Malvani Mutton Curry it serves also veg preparation like kelphulachi, nir fanasachi and shepuchi bhaji which you won’t find in other hotels. We also discovered another peaceful and simple Ganesh temple near to Chivla beach. We liked it so much that every evening we made a point to visit.
Day 3: Relive history at Sindhudurg Fort It was so relaxing to take a morning walk on the beach. You can see a picturesque view of fishermen going into the sea for a fresh catch. Morning breakfast, we ordered local food Ghavne which is prepared from rice flour. Today we planned to take a tour to historical Sindhudurg Fort that occupies an islet in
the Arabian sea. It’s beautifully built by Great Maratha King Shivaji Maharaj that can be seen from the Malvan beach. There are ferries that carry tourists from Malvan beach to fort and return. It’s a strong fort with a great design. It is saddening to see the fort is destroyed in the war with Britishers. Many sweet water tanks and other structures are still intact and well maintained. One can spend around an hour inside the fort roaming and enjoying the beautiful
The main entrance is concealed in such a way that no one can pinpoint it from outside shows great thinking and the revolutionary mindset of its engineer. It was said that when the fort was built, Shivaji Maharaj asked his killedar about the prize. But killedar insisted that Shivaji Maharaj should leave his foot and hand impressions. You can see those impressions. My take is to use the services of guides to relive history otherwise these become only stone structures to see. Hotel Bamboo is a restaurant just a few minutes away from Chivla beach is good for typical Malvani food. Crab thali cost you Rs. 250 and served with 4 crabs. After the meal, we returned and relaxed in rooms. It’s just worthwhile to roam around the market. This town is also popular for the wide variety of mangoes, popularly known as Malvani Hapoos or Alphonso. Malvani khaje is also popular sweets in the town. You can buy local spices as well.
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Day 4: Water Sports Travel does not become adventure until you leave yourself behind We reserved this day for water adventure sports activities at Tsunami Island, Devbag. As the name suggests, the island appeared in the year 2004 when tsunami waves hit the Indian ocean and is a small stretch of sand that is visible only during low tides. It is located on the delta of Karli river. To add some flavor, we hired a Kinetic 2-wheeler and rode up to Devbag beach. View of the meeting point of Karli river with the Indian ocean is mesmerizing. You can opt for a variety of sport like Parasailing, motor rides, banana rides, etc. Also, underwater sports like scuba diving are available where visitors can experience actual fishes' touch. Visiting Beaches without trying out the breathtaking water sports is not a fair deal; hence, it is highly recommended for you to try out. It was fun doing at the Dolphin point which very close to Tsunami island and visitors are taken by boats to the point. Near to delta point, you can also see a hill shaped like a crocodile. If you are hungry then you can buy ukadiche modak (sweet), vada pav, panhe (appetizer juice made from raw mango) at Tsunami island. While returning, we detoured to visit Devbag. It is a piece of land that just out from the mainland of Malvan into the sea. As you drive right to the tip of Devbag, you can see the Karli river flowing on one side to meet the sea and the vast
Arabian sea on the other side. One of the must-do’s is taking a boat ride that starts from the Karli river leading up to the point where it meets the sea, known as the ‘Sangam’, and then into the open sea to spot dolphins. It is encouraging that the new generation of Konkani people is preferring to settle down in Konkan and helping tourism to grow. We returned after lots of fun. Meantime we could found out one place in Malvan where you can get good home-made ukadiche modak near Jai Ganesh Mandir. We packed some to take back home. Evening we once again decided to visit Chaitanya and once again we enjoyed the food.
Day 5 Exploring Konkan We wound up our stay at Malvan. While returning via Goa airport, we stopped at some quiet, untouched beaches like Vengurla, Sagareshwar, Shiroda, Redi, Mochemad. The Sagareshwar beach is home to the quaint and ancient Sagareshwar temple of Lord Shiva.
Conclusion: You can plan a perfect Malvan trip for 2 @ Rs.22000-25000. Malvan is a perfect destination to unwind after a strenuous year at work, with its clean and calm beaches and unadulterated coastline. The waters on the beach reflect the sky, and the sight can send your heart skipping. Be it a relaxing vacation or an actionpacked thrilling holiday or a vacation for you to walk down the alleys of history. Malvan has something of everything to keep
Article by : Harshad Nerurkar
you excited during your holidays. As humans, we love to travel. Mentally or physically, we escape to other places. I am a fitness and travel enthusiast. But for me traveling to new places can be a bit scary and if I can have some knowledge about the place I m going to go, it is wonderful. I love to travel and visit some offbeat places. India is incredible in terms of diversity, culture, food, language. There are many undiscovered or lesserknown places.
As a traveler, I endeavor to share these offbeat places. About tips and hacks, money and budget, lessons learned, my neutral experience, travel inspiration, food, and hotel. I hope my first article with A-Desiflava Magazine excites you all to visit Malvan, the hidden gem of the Konkan coast.
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Reiki A technique to connect to our inner self, to know ourselves.
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What is Reiki?
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t is a natural therapy of spiritual healing. I always believe that every physical illness occurs when we come across a mental and spiritual blockage when we are not able to live in the present. Why? I prefer Reiki to other healing methods because, in Reiki, we not only treat affected areas but psychologically also connect to our inner selves of the person and try to heal the root causes of their illness. There's been a saying that" prevention is better than cure," As soon as our patients come to know the spiritual factor behind their problems, they are relaxed and try not to repeat that connection
Reiki is a Japanese word," Rei "is universal, and "ki "is energy.
A reiki healer uses this universal energy to heal every individual. When we begin using this energy force, which comes to us from a higher and unlimited source, it transforms our lives positively in innumerable ways. A Reiki healer uses this life energy force through his / her hands and transfers it to the receiver with higher attunement and can also use it to heal someone distant and far away from the healer. One most important thing to be remembered by every healer is that it's not he/she who is healing, its the energy force they are attuned to, is making this possible, so a healer never loses anything in a reiki session but gets balanced by this life force energy. It is just like, we act as a tap attached to a water tank, and the receiver is the bucket in which we pour the water. So faucet loses only the dirt or blockages that will go by the flow of water. In a reiki session, a receiver feels a beautiful stream of energy and a great feeling of relaxation. Through
Reiki, we treat all three levels: Body, mind, and soul only through the harmony of these three levels; life can become balanced. Any thought or person that blocks this harmony weakens us. At first, disturbs the healer mentally, the second level is physically, and the third level is spiritual. A mental blockage gives the healer's physique a blockage in the form of stress impressions on our neck, knees, and lower back, but if we don't treat ourselves on this level, then the problem enters the third level, chronic diseases like thyroid, diabetes, hypertension occurs. With medicines like muscle relaxants, doctors relax our physical level, and the medications like sedatives they read our mind, but what about the spirit? The unconscious mind. With Reiki, we not only treat but teach you how to make your subtle body and aura healthy, balanced so that you don't need to be addressed now and then. A healer cleans and charges your atmosphere, and then balances all the body chakras within you. By getting healed on all levels, the receiver feels healthy, energetic, positive, relaxed, and happy.
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Are crystals used during Reiki?
Are there risks or side effects?
Your practitioner may use crystals during your reiki session. Crystals add an extra element of healing to the treatment by helping to release emotional, mental, or spiritual blocks.
Reiki is non-invasive and thought to be a safe-trusted source. It doesn't have any known harmful side effects. For those with past trauma, lying quietly in a dim room with someone close to you might be uncomfortable.
Crystals may be placed on or around your body, or you may be asked to hold a crystal. There's no research to support the use of crystals as improving the healing. But some people claim they can have a calming effect and help with their healing.
Examples of crystals that are used include: Rose quartz Amethyst Moonstone Topaz Tourmaline Aquamarine
Reiki is not intended to replace any doctor-approved treatment plan.
Learning to do Reiki If you want to get trained in Reiki, you'll need to do an attunement process with a reiki master. A reiki master is someone who has been attuned to the highest level of Reiki. The attunement process opens up your body so that you can transmit healing energy and lasts for your entire life. You can take a course to learn reiki levels 1, 2, and 3. The course will usually be at least 8 hours long. After the third level, you will be a reiki master. There are no health board licenses needed to study and practice Reiki.
It would be best if you allowed some time in between each level. The interval gives you time to get some experience in practice and to develop your skills. You can perform Reiki on other people, plants, and animals. You can also do Reiki on yourself.
Takeaway Overall, Reiki has the potential to bring about many positive benefits to your overall wellbeing. Some small research studies show promising results, but more research is needed to determine the reiki benefits. Always speak to your doctor if you plan to use Reiki to help with any medical condition. Remember that Reiki is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside a conventional treatment plan. You may also use it alongside other additional treatments such as acupuncture, massage, or counseling.
''The need is faith and will to recover
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Article by :
Maa Amrit Leela (Shalu Di)
Shalu Di is a Spiritual Coach and Healer based in India and has several followers in Hong Kong. She has a unique ability to connect automatically and offer her healing to her loved ones whenever they are in stress, anger, depression, or anxiety. Shalu Di is an expert with several modalities, including Rekili & Chakra Healing, Aura & Tarot Card Reading, Colour Therapy, Interpersonal
management, and meditation guidance. She takes oneon-one healing sessions and group workshops in India, Hong Kong & USA on lifetransformation techniques & crystal healing. To fix an appointment. Call her on +91-9814950174 or E-mail: shallu2067@yahoo.in, you may also visit her website wwww.meditationyatra.com
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A magical plant for your
homes e by putting and re -f le b u o tr e lif u Make yo in your homes e e Tr i m a h S a g worshipin
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W
e all face so many problems in our lives, let it be with money, relationships, stress and so many other issues that we deal with on day-to-day basis. Did you know there is an Indian belief with this awesome plant called Shami, which gives you a remedy for almost every kind of problems in your life.
Shami is a Sanskrit word which means: one who removes or cleans, or suppresses. It is believed that the worship of Shami removes, cleans, or suppresses all the sins of a person. In ancient times, especially during the Epic age the Hindu warriors would offer prayers to this tree before proceeding to the battle field. The great Hindu Text Mahabharata has a legend that when Pandavas were exiled for 14 years, they had to spend one last year in disguise. It was during that period that they submitted all their arms to a Shami tree and received them back intact after the period of disguise was over i.e. after one year. They worshiped the tree and asked for power and victory in the ensuing battle that was fought in the battle field of Kurukshetra between Pandavas and Kauravas. Pandavas won the battle and hence it is believed that the Shami tree gives power and victory to those who pray to it. On Vijayadashami day people exchange Shami leaves and greet each other. This custom is popular in in Maharashtra and Karnataka states of India.
Local names of Shami in India & around the world Language
Name
Arabic
Ghaf
Rajasthan Bishnois
Khejri
Janty (जांटी)
Punjabi
Jand
Sindh
Kandi
Kannada
Banni
Tanil
Vanni
Telugu
Jammi
Marathi
Shami
Gujrathi
Sumri
Sinhala
Vanni-andara, katu andara
How to worship Shami plant in your homes :
1
To remove Shani Dosh from your star sign, every Saturday do a Diya (prefrebbly in a mitti ka diya/clay lamp) with Chameli Tel (Jasmine Oil) near the roots of the plant.
2
To remove problems with unnecessary fights at home, every Saturday morning put sweet water in the roots of the plant. Make the water sweet with mishri (sugar candy) or sugar and add some ‘Ganga Jal’ if available.
3
To remove problems at your workplace or hurdles & blockages in your business, take handfool of Kala Til (Black sesame seeds) and put inside the Shami plant on every Saturday in evening time.
4
To remove any Nazar Dosh or Evil Eye on yourself or any family member, take name of the person whom you think is having an evil eye, if you feel its on you, then you can take your own name, and recite Shami Pujan prayer and take handful of leaves from the Shami plant or tree and keep it in the North-east direction of your home.
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For better health or speedy recovery of any ill person in
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your home or family, who has been ill from a very long time, take a branch and handful of leaves from the Shami tree or plant and keep it below or inside the pillow of the ill person. Since, Shami ped regulates the bones of our body, another option is to take a red cloth and put few stems or branches of the Shami plant with some leaves inside the red cloth and tie it on the righ arm of the ill person.
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For luck with money or to impress the goddess of money, Mahalaxmi, Take a silver coin of Laxmi-Ganesha imprinted on the coin and keep some a small branch of the Shami plant with some leaves on top of this coin and tie it in a small red cloth and keep inside your Tijori (locker for keeping money and valuable items inside your home) or keep this cloth with coin in the North-east direction inside your house. The same thing can also be done in offices.
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To remove financial, health related and personal relationships related problems, keep a Shami plant inside your home or balcony in the north-east direction of the space and worship reciting the prayer on every Saturday by lighting a lamp and incense sticks.
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To remove Nav-graha Dosh, Nine-planets disturbance influence on your star sign, wrap around a kacha sood (cotton thread) around the plant or tree.
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To remove bad luck, unluckiness, pitradosh (curse from deceased ancestors) and hard times from life, use Mitti ka diya (clay lamp) and
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take sarson oil (mustard oil) and make a batti with red color (you may dip the cotton in red color or use any red color think thread) and light up this lamp near the roots of the Shami plant or tree on every Saturday. Please try and recite the below prayer when doing any of the above steps for remedy. The worship of Shami is called as "Shami Pujan". It is done with recitation of the following prayerShami shamyate paapamShami shatruvinashanam, Arjunasya dhanurdhariRamasya priyadarsini.
Botanical Name of Shami Plant : Prosopis Cineria (Linn). Druce (Prosopis spicigera Linn) Family : Mimosaceae
The above article is a compilation of several remedies available on the internet from various hindu priests, astrologers and spiritual leaders. The article serves as quick and easy read to help our many Indians living in Hong Kong with their personal life and well-being troubles. Please try to bring back a Shami plant during their next visit to India and follow the above remedies for a quick and proven cure.
You may surely do your own research on internet or consult and of your family hindu priest to double-confirm any of the above remedies. Our intention with this article is to only draw your attention to a formula given by our Hindu beliefs towards achieving a happy living. Article compiled by : Gaurav Pardeshi References : http:// sacredtress.blogspot. com/2014/01/shami-tree. html Bhawna Sharma, Astro Tak LIVE YouTube channel
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