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KICKING IT OFF AT INDIA GATE PHOTOS: AMAL KS/HT
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PHOTO: HTCS/PRAMOD THAKUR
Saving the earth means saving water W
A
n event in the Capital brought together people from the world of sports, politics and entertainment. An initiative called Oorja was kicked off at India Gate on Saturday evening to instill the spirit of sports, specifically football in youngsters. Home Minister Rajnath Singh was the chief guest at the event, which was helmed by All India Police Sports Control Board, Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. The three-month long tournament will begin on May
FOOD
Milind Soman 1 in all the Indian states and Union Territories with 12,500 players participating in 1,200 matches. It will be held in three phases and will end in the Capital on July 25.
Yashika Mathur
ater is life. To sensitise people about water conservation, the initiative National Geographic Mission Blue was announced in Mumbai on Earth Day. It aims to address the cause of water scarcity and educate people about its impact on millions. Actor Farhan Akhtar (a key partner and face of the campaign), many Bollywood directors and representatives of Water Aid Foundation (a non-profit organisation that has partnered for the cause) were present at the event. To spread the message, besides a strong film creative and multi-media campaign, National Geographic will also employ various storytelling formats. Documentaries on local and global water issues as well as short films by directors such as Imtiaz Ali, Hansal Mehta, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and Madhur Bhandarkar will also highlight the cause. Swati Mohan, business head, India, Fox Networks Group,
(From left) Swati Mohan, Farhan Akhtar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Hansal Mehta, Aniruddh Roy Chowdhury and Imtiaz Ali said, “National Geographic has always been a brand that has stood for driving purposeful change, something that we have been doing for over a century now. Today, the water crisis around the world requires immediate attention. “In India alone, 76 million people lack access to safe water, a problem that is only going to get worse if no
urgent action is taken. We are hopeful that this initiative will help enlighten people on what can be achieved [in this area] by collective action.” Farhan Akhtar added, “I’m proud to be associated with an iconic brand that has the legacy of working for the cause of preserving the planet. National Geographic Mission Blue is a very special initiative. It
has the power to enlighten, inspire and empower people on the issue [of water conservation] and drive change. I hope people realise that water conservation and their own future is in their own hands.” HTC Visit missionblue.in to calculate your water footprint and take a pledge or visit National Geographic India’s Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/natgeotv. india
Spotlight on eco-fashion
(L-R) Vijay Goel, Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju
O Pullela Gopichand
(L-R) Bhaichung Bhutia, Mary Kom and Sushil Kumar
n Saturday, a fashionable evening to celebrate Earth Day was organised in the Capital, where conversations about ecofashion prevailed. “It is time for us to opt for recycled fabrics and clothing before it is too late. The youth now understands the importance of ethical fashion,” said designer David Abraham, who
was present at the menswear exhibition. Designer Aneeth Arora added, “A lot of love and effort goes into recycling and manufacturing sustainable clothing, which one has to understand and respect.” Other designers such as Rina Dhaka and Tanira Sethi were also seen at the do.
Prerna Gauba
Tanira Sethi and Rina Dhaka Kapil Dev
Sukhwinder Singh
PHOTOS: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT
Rajesh Pratap Singh
Sunil Sethi
David Abraham PHOTOS: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT
Aneeth Arora
(L-R) Sapna Mehra, Bharti Sethi and Kevin Nigli
How Delhi defies dry days Etti Bali
D
ue to the MCD Elections in the Capital, the party scene of the city took a hit. Subsequently, Wednesday will also be a dry day as it is when counting begins. But Delhi’s jugaad janta found its way around things. Here’s a first person account of how the city survived the no-bubbly policy: We saw people who were either sitting in the comfort of their cars,
indulging in a good guzzle. At Nehru Place, vacant tables and empty dance floors welcomed us on a Friday night. Interestingly, the parking lot had more people than these pubs. Some people present at the premises, on the condition of anonymity told us they had already had their fill, while others were seen with bottles in their hands at the entry. Some empty beer bottles were also spotted in the parking lot. So, while the sale of alcohol was prohibited for
Our shutterbugs were out to capture Delhi on a dry day. Empty beer bottles in parking lots and vacant venues welcomed us 48 hrs, Delhiites seemed to be well-stocked. Taking a detour to RK Puram for dinner, the scene was no different. At a restaurant in the vicinity, the tables were laden with sushi and starters, but the wine flutes were missing. “Pakka aaj dry day hai?,” a harrowed guest asked the waiter, as he cursed his internet speed for not giving him any answers. The foodie was happy, but the bubbly lover in every Delhiite, not so much. n
etti.bali@htlive.com