July 2020 issue of Bandra Buzz newspaper by Bandra Buzz newspaper

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Bandra’s First Covid-19 Drive-Through Testing Centre

Bandra’s first of its kind drive-through COVID-19 testing centre is now functional at Executive Enclave through (virtually supervised) self-care. A week later they had recuperated. Although they assumed and had specific symptoms pertaining to the infection, they still wanted to be certain. After a considerable amount of research and frantic calling, they finally booked an appointment at a drive-through centre. However, to get the test done they had to travel all the way to South Mumbai. This was ironical because Bandra being Bandra, and given the amenities it leverages, we didn’t have a single centre as such. Furthermore, this method is considered by many experts as one of the safest as well. The test results cleared all doubts, but on the brighter side, they were indeed on the

road towards recovery. After another week in quarantine, they were cleared and had overcome the virus. Getting back to the turning the crisis on its head, once back the Rohra brothers decided to share their learnings. Another pivotal role in the conception and execution of the drive-through testing facility was played by Dr Anjali Chabria. A family friend of Rahul & Monish, she was indeed a pillar of support and motivated them throughout their recovery. As a matter of fact, she also referred them to their existing diagnostic partner when Rahul mentioned that he wanted to do something for the good of the community. His personal experience to get a test done was not pleasant and easy.

Therefore, despite the fact that he was very well aware, this step would further hamper his business he decided to engage and thereafter started the centre keeping aside financial motivation. Rahul shared his experience & stated “As much as the physical harm, the psychological or fear aspect of the virus is also very dangerous. Due diligence & following the directives are necessary, while at the same time permitting unrealistic fear to overwhelm one’s thinking is also redundant. The most effective way to be prepared is through testing & therefore we decided to go ahead with the drive-through model for Bandra.” Sidhant Nayangara

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

Tête-à-tête with Medical Officer of Health overseeing H-West ward Covid-19 The first case of Covid-19 in India was reported on 30/01/2020. Since then, the country has reported over 1,155,191 cases, with 724,578 recoveries and 28,084 deaths as of July 21. India has seen a series of record spikes recently, adding tens of thousands of cases daily. It recorded most of its confirmed cases in June, within weeks of reopening after a rigid lockdown. Mumbai had a total of 102,267 positive cases with a total of 23,865 active cases. H-West reported 2651 positive cases with 161 deaths & 786 active cases. But what do all these numbers mean for you & me? What happens if you or a family member gets infected? What has changed in Mumbai since June 8 & are the new measures working? We met Dr Sanjay Funde, Medical Officer of Health, H-West as well as the Assistant Medical Officer (AMO Surveillance), Dr Neeta Shukla who is overseeing Bandra (West)’s Covid-19 response cell to get an overview of how the neighborhood is faring in its response readiness. QUARANTINE PROTOCOL “Everyday by late afternoon, we get a line list from the Epid Cell of the BMC. It is a list of cases segregated ward-wise. So as soon as we get our list, we upload it on our local H-West app (each ward has the same app but its data is populated at individual ward level). And from there, the cases are further segregated locality wise & then we start processing this information,” informs Dr Shukla. Earlier, the entire society would be quarantined if a patient tested positive for Covid-19. But now with the revised protocol issued on May 18, only the particular floor where the patient lives is sealed. The civic body further disinfects the wing or floors of the Covid-19 patient’s residence once it is sealed. It then hands over the area to the housing society’s office bearers, and they have to further ensure that containment zone rules are followed on the floor or wing. Positive asymptomatic patients or patients with mild symptoms can be quarantined at home according to the government’s guidelines. However, this is possible only if adequate facilities including separate toilets for high-risk contacts of the positive case are available at home, along with a self-declaration from the patient. “The ward medical officers monitor each case & will constantly call the patient/ relative for updates on their condition,” Dr Funde assured. For cases where home isolation is not possible for example, in slum pockets

Dr Sanjay Funde, Medical Officer of Health H-West ward alongside Dr Neeta Shukla Assistant Medical Officer (AMO Surveillance) where a separate room or toilet is not feasible, the patient is shifted to the nearest government isolation facility such as the one at BKC. Dr Neeta added that symptomatic patients should be moved to a Dedicated Covid Health Centre or Dedicated Covid Hospital, either at a private hospital or a government facility based on affordability. The private Dedicated COVID Hospitals (DCH) in H-West are Lilavati and Holy Family. Bhabha Hospital, & Shanti Nursing Home and Bhabha Hospital are Dedicated Covid Health Centres (DCHCs). “The protocol is very different to what the patients & their families are actually following. This is very disturbing & harmful. We had a case yesterday where the patient just refused to get into an ambulance. He was aged, & scared & was being stubborn. Protocol says, that if on inspection a patient’s facility is not found adequate, they have to transfer to a government facility. But most people refuse to abide by that & then it becomes a very stressful situation for all concerned where we then have to call the police & they take up the matter,” informed Dr Shukla. According to her, if an individual has a fever or any of the other COVID symptoms & gets a test done by an independent lab, the report will be sent to the EPID cell of MCGM within 24 hours. In the meanwhile, “The patient can directly go to the nearest COVID hospital & they will admit you as a suspected COVID case. There are separate suspected wards in all hospitals & also at the BKC jumbo facility,” says Dr Shukla. “Most patients refuse to go to a hospital until they reach a very critical state. And then, when treatment becomes difficult they feel that the doctors & hospital staff are to blame, lack of facilities is to

blame. Fact is, we have adequate facilities, we have well trained & dedicated staff who are doing the best they can with each patient that comes in. The crucial thing here is that patients & families need to understand that they should not wait until they reach a critical state to seek help,” added Dr Shukla. “If you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms & have no co-morbidities or are relatively young, you can opt for home quarantine. But if you are aged & have underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes etc. it is your responsibility to get yourself admitted to the nearest hospital. We can’t & should not have to come to your house & drag you to a medical facility. Unfortunately this is what is happening today more than we’d like to see,” she says. TESTING AND HOSPITALISATION As of July 7, the BMC issued updated guidelines wherein it stated that no prescription or self declaration is required for COVID testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Testing is done for free in the public health utilities while the Maharashtra government has fixed testing rates for private laboratories. The tests are for Rs. 2,200 if the person goes to the lab to give a sample or Rs. 2,800 if the laboratory collects the samples from home. Laboratory chains such as Metropolis, Thyrocare, Suburban Diagnostics, Krshnaa Diagnostics, SRL Diagnostics, NM Medicare as well as many private hospitals are conducting COVID-19 testing in Mumbai. The results are issued a day after the samples are collected. This came into effect after Iqbal Singh Chahal, the Municipal Commissioner issued strict orders to labs to provide results in 24 hours as many of the labs were earlier delaying results. The BMC has also mandated that all

labs have to first send the patient reports to the MCGM & the civic body shall further intimate the patients. The actual report of the positive case can be shared by the laboratory with the patient directly only after 11 am on the subsequent after the report has been sent to the BMC. “This step is necessary because we found that many patients on receiving their reports, panic & run away from their homes & switch off their phones. It is then very difficult to trace them & by then the infection has spread to a larger population. By intimating patients ourselves, we calm them down & offer support & advice & it has helped control the situation,” says Dr Shukla. As of June 11, the BMC started decentralized Covid-19 war rooms for all the 24 wards. These war rooms have been designed to assist citizens through symptoms, testing, as well as hospitalization for Covid-19. Furthermore, the BMC under the guidelines of the Maharashtra government took over 80% beds in the private hospitals wherein admission to those beds is under the BMC’s control. If a bed is allotted & chosen through the ward helpline, it falls under this 80% quota. In H-West, as per data available on July 21, there were a total of 361 beds available across its 4 hospitals of which 103 beds were available. There were only 5 ICU beds available from a total of 60 beds. However, elsewhere across the city, from a total of 1687 ICU beds, there were 191 available of which 104 were equipped with ventilators. The BMC has a total of 16,081 available beds in hospitals across the city, & as of July 21 there were 6990 beds available. The jumbo facility at BKC has a total of 1026 beds with 738 available as on July 21. Of the 90 ventilated ICU beds here, 78 were available. “All of these figures are live & are updated every 12 hours. We are more than capable of ensuring that we treat every COVID positive case with the best resources we have available,” assured Dr Shukla. As per state government rules private hospitals charge Rs. 4000 per day for routine & isolation wards, Rs. 7500 per day for ICU without ventilator, & Rs. 9000 per day for ICU with ventilator. These charges include routine pathological tests, regular drugs, bed charges, consultations, & meals. These charges do not include PPEs, interventional procedures, COVID testing as per the fixed rates of Rs. 2,200, high end drugs like immunoglobulins at 10% markup from market price & high end investigations like CT scans & MRI scans. The control (war) room number for H-West is 022-26440121. Aliefya Vahanvaty

BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

NEWS

Pedaling through the Pandemic Anahita Hirani, founder of cycle renting start-up CYC-it-UP, tells us about the benefits of gearing up the bicycle to stay fit and fine in these times. Coronavirus has been a daunting experience for each of us. The citizens of Mumbai were definitely umbrageous because it’s the most happening city, a city that never sleeps. With a little ease in the lockdown curfews in June, Anahita began cycling and just loved how unobtrusive the roads were. It struck her that there would be so many people out there who would love to enjoy their wearisome morning or evenings to the fullest too. “Realizing that there was a void in the rental market for bicycles around my vicinity, it led me to take up the challenge to help give the best to other people to stay fit while also maintaining social distancing. However, cycles are expensive, and just one or two wouldn’t suffice. So, I came up with an initiative of using cycles from people who have left theirs to rust so they could get a little something out of nothing,” she tells us. Sitting in front of the screen for long hours, working and making your children do their homework can lead to lethargy and feeling out of shape. Cycling is a great recreational exercise that has been approved by the Maharashtra government to maintain social distancing when outdoors. It can help shape a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It is a terrific way to lose weight and stay fit. During these times, one must be hale and hearty to keep up their immunity. Going back to our usual lives is going to be difficult for now. Times are always challenging, and especially right now, but the way we perceive it matters the most. We must try to be as optimistic as we can in our approach. We must do all we can to stay fit, safe and healthy. “At CYC-it-UP, we care about your safety and are one hundred per cent trustworthy. We sanitize our bikes regularly because people are our priority,” she adds. This initiative has been receiving rave reviews: “The start-up offers people the

Anahita Hirani, founder of cycle renting start-up CYC-it-UP opportunity to cycle their way through mundane routines, Anahita firmly believes that one is just a bicycle away from a good mood. She often tells her customers, bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless and priceless.” And another testimonial that says, “CYC-it-UP is a different concept altogether, Anahita Hirani has come up with a concept of renting out cycles on an hourly and daily basis. Riding helps you ease your stress and helps you lose weight faster the best outdoor activity since the gyms are shut.” CYC-it-UP gives people in Bandra, Khar and Santa Cruz the opportunity to engage in a low impact aerobic exercise that offers a wealth of benefits. You can cycle as a mode of transport to pick up essentials,

which also helps conserve the earth’s resources such as fuel. This is the perfect time to make some changes, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. CYC-it-UP provides an enjoyable way to stay healthy. Beating the feeling of boredom that can come from repetitive workouts, appreciate the satisfaction that comes from improving your fitness while having fun. Anahita has always believed in doing good for people, as she quotes Mother Teresa, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Let your drop make a difference - rent your cycle and ride away! Pearl Mathias Image Credit: Josh Photography

The start-up offers people the opportunity to cycle their way through mundane routines, Anahita firmly believes that one is just a bicycle away from a good mood. She often tells her customers, bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless and priceless.

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

The Queen of Suburbs has her Dark side Bandra, the Queen of Suburbs, one of the posh localities in the city of dreams attracts people from all the walks of life - be it the ones who fancy cosmopolitan lifestyle or the ones who want to dwell in a multifaceted neighbourhood. The Queen has it all - from heritage villas to high-rise buildings, from quaint cafes to swanky restaurants, from street bazaars to designer stores. But is that it? Nope, I’m here to uncover a hidden spot which is not known to many Bandraites. What do you think – does the queen receive the royal treatment, the one she deserves? Bandra is claimed to be one of the safest neighbourhood in suburban Mumbai. Home to over 3–4 lakhs resident, the upkeep & maintenance of the Queen is at par with other coveted localities. Bandra has treated me well since I shifted back to India in 2013 & this is the place I call “Heaven on Earth”. Though every time I walk down this street, I get shivers. The darkest spot of glorious Bandra sits quietly behind the bustling Carter Road. I want to shine some light on this hidden spot of Bandra where till date there are no street lights. Yes, we stay in the 21st century & one of the important centres of the financial capital of India. I know it’s hard to swallow but the reality is: The Queen has her dark side... This alley of about 200–250 metres, stretches from Yummies in Rizvi complex to Baskin Robbins in Union Park. Residing a few blocks away, I’m a frequent user of this street till the sun calls it a day. Passing by this street after dusk is only for the brave hearts. This orphaned street, with no name, is trying to get adopted by the municipality from decades but attempts till date are abortive. Can you guess the place? Most of you would have got it right. For those who are still clueless, this street can give you a FREE

This alley of about 200–250 metres, stretches from Yummies in Rizvi complex to Baskin Robbins in Union Park bumpy ride or if you want to get spooked this is your go-to street. Jokes apart, this infamous street is recently gaining traction for all things illegitimate. To top it up, it serves as a junkyard for the municipality to dump chopped trees & muck. While interacting with locals residing nearby, I was amazed to realise that this street was more notorious then I could have ever thought of. A druggist’s den, urinal for auto drivers, trash bin for the locals & municipality, safe site for robbers, lover’s paradise, an ideal destination for eve-teasers, this dark lane has silently accommodated a series of anti-civic activities without uttering a word. The patchy road which is yet not electrified is surely uninviting for those who dislike vexatious experiences. A nearby resident, Bandraite from birth, mentions: “Once upon a time this street was lit up by Priya Dutt with solar lights. It wasn’t long before it returned back to normal as the solar lights & panels were pilfered. And till date this street resides in the darkness, it was born in. Last

year, one of our neighbours was a victim when robbers snatched her gold chain finding her unaccompanied. They registered an FIR but still, the culprits are undiscovered. We completely avoid using this street to ensure our safety.” Stephen Noronha, a social activist, does whatever it takes for the welfare of the community. He recently spearheaded the task of brushing up this street after municipality discarded the chopped trees & gutter waste here. Noronha says, “One fine morning when I was passing through this street, I was annoyed as the trees & waste material were stacked up on both the sides leaving room for barely one car to pass by. All my pleas to the concerned officer went unattended under the cover of ‘lockdown‘. And then Twitter came to my rescue. I voiced out my concern to all the higher-ups in the government on Twitter & this street is now spick & span after 1012 days of work. Thanks to the bird app & my friend - Kapil Bhatia who helped me in resolving this matter.”

Swapna Mhatre, corporator of Ward # 100, confidently says: “The fate of the street remains unchanged from last 4-5 decades. I‘ve been on the move to get this street out of its dark fate & I’m happy to see that my hard work is materialising. After a series of meetings with senior officers in the municipality, it is very much likely that this street will be soon adopted by BMC under 63k & will be treated fairly like other streets in the vicinity. It’s famous for its notorious activities, I know, & hence this is my dream project. My phone doesn’t stop following up with the BMC officials to get the submitted draft approved & once it is approved, the installation work for light poles will begin in two-three months. Once this street is lit up, I am sure other improvements will follow & the grabbers would then avoid using the street.” Ahh finally, there is some respite in sight. But it doesn’t mean that we should drop our guard down till one fine night we can see this street gleaming & glistening. Jasmine Keshwani

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

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Plog while you jog, alongside Bandra’s own Ashwin Rodrigues! Plogging, a trend which first started in Sweden some years ago, now has become a worldwide phenomenon. It involves picking garbage off the streets while jogging, losing weight & gaining some extra shine where you step! Bringing the March to our very own Bandra roads is Ashwin Rodrigues, a bold pioneer. He’s also the renowned owner & founder of Good Drop Wine Cellars, Bandra West. He ideated the concept, when at a photoshoot for one of his wine brands called Rio, at a beach in Goa during December 2019. To his dismay, the dirt which was collected there almost defeated the shoot’s progress. He took the matter into his own hands, literally, since they wanted to complete the project. His first expectations, as he started plogging, ranged from people raising their eyebrow’s to being asked various questions. “Was I up to the plan?”, thought Ashwin. There were usual reservations of going about the idea he says, still, that didn’t stop him! It’s not just a certain age group allowed to engage in the program but, depends on your personal ability & training. The genuine care as well as concern you share for a wonderful environment will set you apart, he explains. The objectives of plogging are simple, although his reasoning behind it runs deep. Ashwin is not just striving for a healthy exercise & a calming surrounding, he also expresses his necessity to remove excess plastic from the ocean, which not only chokes many fish, but even makes it difficult for the human race at large. He encourages a greater participation

Ashwin Rodrigues has been picking garbage off the streets while jogging since the lockdown in creating a broader social impact. We have to be more responsible & not wait for our Government who is already preoccupied alone to act but, form a joint partnership in improving the quality of the climate as well as in other areas such as traffic. When posed the question on what keeps him motivated, he assures a fantastic exercise through plogging, by benefiting through cardio. Ashwin says, “Nothing is better than a bright street & the positive response achieved from people of society, some who showed courage in coming forward!” Several examples are recorded on 22nd June 2020, outside Yacht restaurant, a bunch of boys sitting on the steps, were observing Ashwin, sprung to facilitate the hour. One of them got up & said, “If you

can do it, so can we.” and joined him in picking up stuff. As he moved up a few metres ahead towards Apostolic Carmel High School, a couple of guys who were walking past, just randomly started picking up litter & putting it in his bag. They applauded his dedication and moved on. Front of Bandstand, an affluent looking woman who was feeding strays stopped him and said, “May God bless you abundantly! I’ve been thinking of doing this myself. I’m going to join you one of these days.” He says these pro’s equate to building a stronger Bandra community and generating higher social awareness. Hoping, we are sensitised further on other grievous causes affecting the Earth.

His ultimate message to make the Bandra streets cleaner and greener are becoming independent and vigilant, not waiting for someone else but you being the change! The Bandra Plogger’s Club today has a 144 number member - base on their Facebook page, where they can be reached and aims to meet three times a week. He looks forward to sponsorships in terms of gloves, bags and refreshments in exchange for noteworthy mileage on his social media pages. When are we seeing you? In Ashwin’s words, “Come, be a part of a global movement... Plogging. Join us and make a difference, to your neighbourhood as well as waistline!” Anushka Dutt Picture Credit: Josh Photography

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

Standing by the ones who need us most, Label Dhwaja on supporting their artisans during Covid-19 We’ve been living in strange times and the pandemic has brought with it a lot of fear and uncertainty. In times like this, it is quintessential that we support each other and more importantly, those who are most vulnerable. The fashion industry was majorly hit and their foot soldiers, the karigars, were left in distraught. Many brands switched to making masks and face coveralls to stay relevant and keep the business going. Label Dwaja on the other hand used their resources to provide their karigars with health check ups, sanitization kits, a positive and safe work environment along with job security. Their workshop too, was converted into a home for the karigars, who lived away from their families and had migrated to the city for work. When Unlock 1.0 was announced, the label embraced the new normal and commenced production ensuring good health and safety standards.

The brand also collaborated with fashion and beauty blogger Drishti Gwalini to spread awareness and inspire people to help the most vulnerable during the pandemic. They both took to their social me-

dia channels and spoke about how the label was looking after the artisans and drove the message home with soulful pictures.

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

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Take notes, Shannon's original song release 'Happy Place' is the new Quarantine Anthem! Shannon Donald is a singer/songwriter from Mumbai. She has been singing professionally since the age of 16 & has performed & toured with many esteemed artists like Farhan Akhtar (Farhan Live), Ayushmann Khurrana, Salim-Sulaiman, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, as well as worked on background scores for A.R. Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Pritam Chakraborty, & Amit Trivedi. Shannon also lends her voice to jingles for TV ads like Maggi, Lenovo, Coca-Cola, Phillips, Birla, Frooti & more. In an exclusive interview with the Indian Popstar, she reflects on her road to success while sharing the joy of making an original song! Shannon also imparts her insight for surviving in these crucial times, while finding our 'Happy Place'. So Shannon, what inspired you to write this song? I was working with Natania to write my songs a few years ago, and was noodling around on the piano, as I didn’t know how to play properly (still don’t!) I liked the hook line of the notes & jammed along, humming a tune which turned out to be lyrically pretty simple, but about a dark time for the world. I remember ISIS & tsunamis was happening & it felt overwhelming, so I ended up writing about ‘saving what’s left of something good.’ Despite the uncertainty of the times, how can we find our Happy Place? Everyone has a different version of what they like to keep safe & protected - it could be a person, a place, a pet or even a moment. Finding your Happy Place is about accepting that there’s always going to be times when we’re down and out, but fighting for what’s right, good and true in your life. You learn to never take advantage of the good times. We’ve learnt that in 2020 for sure.

Could you please describe the artwork element to the song? What thoughts and feelings should it elicit? The rainbow represents your Happy Place, person, pet or even a special moment & of course, the glass jar that protects it is held by none other than yourself. The vibe of the artwork being spacey & galactic was also chosen to match the soundscape of the production used in the song. What genre of music does the song categorise itself? Pop, or Electronic Pop. Who would you say has influenced you in your musical journey so far? A lot of indie artists from India who have gone on to release beautiful music are close friends of mine. One of them was my friend, singer/songwriter Natania Lalwani. She mentored me in 2014 & taught me songwriting as a craft, so I always run everything by her when I write something new.

started because as a vocal coach, which is my other full-time job, I was not able to teach so many people one on one. This way I could reach out to more people & still have a connect with those who need help. Young singers need to stick to what sets them apart from the crowd & use that to their advantage, stop trying to be like everyone else because there is only one of you in the entire world. Find that talent & practise like crazy. There is major competition, & in order to be heard through the mess, originality is necessary! It's a challenging time for musicians across the globe. What advise would you like to share? This is the time to reset, learn, practise, write, make art & pay attention to our health that we neglect while always having crazy busy schedules. We’ll never get time off like this.

At an early stage, you took part in the Andrean All Bandra Zonals Talent Competition. How would you describe your experience? Does it make a difference in encouraging one's talent? I grew up performing at the Zonals from the age of 4 to 16! It gave me something to prep & train for every year, and it definitely motivated to be a team player because we’d also take part in duets, quartets & choirs. It was truly a great platform for any kid to hone their music skills & learn about healthy competition.

Music has the power of transcending change. What are some social causes you support & what's your ultimate idea for a better tomorrow? I just collaborated with Sakshi.org, an organisation that aids victims of domestic abuse & child sexual abuse. I did a vocal workshop where all the proceeds went straight to helping someone get education to protect themselves, prevent the abuse & also get them some legal aid. Was happy to be a part of something like that!

Besides a music artist, you're also a teacher at Vocal Tribe India. What is your message to the younger generations who wish to be singers? The Vocal Tribe is an initiative to bring quality vocal training education to upcoming singers & musicians. It’s something I

Can we expect to see a video of you in this song at your Happy Place? Yes for sure, watch out for something real soon! There might just

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be an acoustic version of the song coming out. We discover our 'Happy Place' when we are truly grateful for everything we have! By listening to Shannon's song, it will instantly teleport you to a super happy time in your life & who doesn't want that? Lend keen ears to her song & give it your full-hearted encouragement alongside love & support by going to the top charts of Spotify India, Apple Music, Amazon Prime Music India as well as subscribe to her YouTube channel on Shannon Donald Official. Visit her website on www.shannondonaldofficial. com & don't miss following her Instagram page on shannondonaldmusic. We could not be more proud of you, Shannon & we will continue to celebrate you voluminously along the way! Anushka Dutt

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Bandra’s first of its kind drive-throug h COVID-19 testing centre is now functional. The much-neede d facility has been made possible through the collaboration of Suburban Diagnostics & Executive Enclave. While the medical aspect is Suburban Diagnostics’ purview, the hotel managemen t has come on board as a location partner. The means to book an appointmen t is completely online & the process on ground takes less than 5 minutes. Once the appointment has been confirmed, a time slot is allotted. The entry point is through the gate on Dr Ambedkar road & the exit from the rear end on the 21st road. Started on 28th June, the drive centre has successfully conducted more than 450 tests so far. Since the pandemic, there have been many accounts as to how a crisis can be turned to work in one’s favour, be it China’s aggression towards its neighbours or India’s recent streak of arresting students Bandra’s first of its & activists. However, kind drive-through the conception of COVID-19 testing centre this through (virtually drive-through testing is now functional at supervised) self-care. centre is a unique Executive Enclave case. Since the crisis A road towards week later they had recovery. After another in this scenario recuperated. Although ful- they assumed week Therefore, crumed to work in quarantine, they despite the fact that and had specific in favour of the were cleared and symptoms overcome commuhe was very had well aware, nity. Rahul & Monish pertaining to the the virus. this step would infection, they still Rohra, Managing further hamwantDirectors of Executive ed to be certain. per his business Getting back to the he decided to engage Enclave had a crisis turning the crisis on the personal on thereafter started and its head, once back After a considerable front. On the 20th the Rohra brothers the amount of research of May, and frantic 2020 the duo began de- financial motivation. centre keeping aside cided to share their calling, they finally showing symptoms learnings. Another booked an otal of appointmen pivthe virus. They had role Rahul shared his in t the conception and at a drive-throug been on-ground experience & stated h centre. of the execution “As much since However, the hotel premises drive-through testing to get the test done as the physical was made available harm, the psythey had to played facility was chological for travel all the BMC & Police Personnel by Dr Anjali Chabria. way to South Mumbai. or fear aspect on COVID-19 duty. of the virus is also A family friend This of Rahul & This level of exposure was ironical because very dangerous. Monish, she was Due diligence & proved to be inimBandra being Banindeed a pillar following ical & as soon as dra, and given of support and the directives are they realized the the amenities it motivated necessary, them while at the turn in es, we didn’t leverag- out their through- same events, they quickly time permitting recovery. As a matter have a single centre took the necessary unrealistic fear of fact, she overwhelm as such. also referred steps & decided to Furthermore, this to them to their existing one’s thinking is self – isolate in the method is considered also redunhotel. many experts diag- dant. The by nostic partner They were in contact most effective way as one of the safest when Rahul mentioned with doctors & family to be prepared as well. he wanted that is through through video communicat The test results to do something testing & therefore cleared all doubts, ion & recovered for the good of we decided but on the community. the brighter side, to go ahead with His personal experience they were indeed the drive-throug on the get a test h model to for Bandra.” done was not pleasant and easy. Sidhant Nayangara

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Hey Man, What The copious amounts of time that we’ve spent at home in the last few months have been challenging to say the least, but there are a few of us who have learnt not just to survive but to thrive. Cooking suddenly took centre stage with all home deliveries & takeaways coming to a screeching halt when the lockdown was first announced. No tiffin service, no street food, no fresh bread, no snacks or desserts were available at the beginning of the lockdown, which was the wake-up call that our ‘inner chef’s’ were waiting for. ANDREW FERNANDES House parties are now a thing of the past, & as we reminisce of the good old days we soon recall how we would seek out recommendations of where to order home-cooked food to feed our guests. And since the past 3 years, a sought after home chef has been Andrew Fernandes, a retired professional chef with experience in reputed cruise liners & hotels in the Gulf. He’s got all the traditional nostalgic dishes that we have enjoyed over the years cooked by our parents & grandparents on his menu. From Roast Chicken & Meatloaf to Sorpotel & Chilly Fry you can order by the kilo, while our favourite potato-chops & pan-rolls can be ordered by the dozen. He runs his small catering business, ‘Andy’s Homemade Snacks and Takeaways’ from his home, where you can also order from his list of homemade East Indian Masalas all of which will most likely take you on a trip down memory lane. This ones especially for the carnivores, however, there are a few vegetarian options on Andrew’s menu as well. The East Indian Sorpotel which is a ‘feast-day’ delicacy doesn’t limit itself only to special occasions anymore as you can order it at any time especially to lift your spirits during these challenging times while we are all struggling to stay home and stay safe. The Chicken & Buff rectangles remind me of pan-rolls that are flat instead of round filled with a spiced mince-mix of your choice, the meatloaf with its blushing pink hue goes best in sandwiches but if you’re too eager to bite in then do just that & leave the sandwich making for another day. To this day many meat-eaters cringe

at the sight or sound of the salted corned tongue, but if you are as daring a food lover like me, you will definitely taste everything at least once, & once you’ve tasted this spare-part delicacy then you’re going to want to bring out some spicy mustard as the combination of these two are sure to change any cringing non-veg food-lover. I’ve also used some of Andrew’s prized East Indian Bottle Masala to fry some sliced eggplant, a family favourite, that has all the right amounts of the countless spices that go into this famous masala blend. That’s the extent of this Goan girl’s knowledge when it comes to East Indian cooking but I’m lucky I have a sweet mother-inlaw to spoil me with many traditional East Indian dishes. Now if you don’t like your dishes being too spicy then I’d suggest you use smaller quantities of this bottle masala as every spoon-

ful is loaded with spice & flavour, the aromas of which speak for themselves. Safety & hygiene that are now being reinforced by many in the food business comes naturally to Andrew thanks to his many years in the hotel industry. Washing & sanitizing vegetables & fruits as well as his workspace, covering food after cooking, cooling & placing it in the fridge or freezer to prevent bacteria from forming, are just some of the ways he has always ensured that his food remains in the best condition. He finds after retiring from his last job in Qatar that home catering gives him a chance to spend more time with his wife & 2 children while he can continue to do what he loves. He admits that the joy he gets when people taste & enjoy his food is the best feeling & that he would like to continue cooking for as long as he can. So even though we have little to celebrate these days we can continue to be grateful for the home chefs who are still dishing out meals for the rest of us who have too many things to juggle from the confines of our 4 walls. To place your order call 9892774024

VINAY GONSALVES Experiments in the kitchen have been rampant, now in the current scenario more than ever before; & here is a range of products to help you with your stove stories that will lead to a happy ending. A lifestyle choice of trying to be fit & eat healthy led a young professional from the events industry, Vinay Gonsalves, to start bottling & selling dry spiced rubs & marinades. These were already very popular with his family & friends, who were lucky to have sampled them over the years at BBQ parties & other social gatherings. Vinay says he enjoys a good salad with a grilled protein & hence always experimented with spicing these dishes up by mixing flavours & trying out different herbs and spices. His now flourishing small business started out on a social media platform that he had called ‘Shake Da Salad’. But the increasing number of curious viewers led him to ask his brother, a graphic designer by profession, to design a logo to go with the already popular name. In the first few weeks of launching his products, he was overwhelmed by the response they all received. He found himself struggling to keep up with all the calls asking for more & he’s grateful that to this date the calls still pour in. Especially since its popularity spread mainly through word of mouth. His product line started with 3 Dry Rubs which are a blend of dried spices & a Barbeque sauce that not only can you use to marinate meat or veggies, but you can also use it in sandwiches which I have been guilty of doing myself as well as in stir-fries or pastas. I really like the barbecue sauce because of its versatility, it can be had with almost anything or even as a dipping sauce because of the right balance of sweetness & chilly. Every year since the inception of his brand in 2018, Vinay has successfully added more products to his range which now also boasts of a Mustard paste that I use liberally to

coat a piece of fish flour & toss it into th this will also go wel make for that perfec Christmas seaso come up with a po called the ‘Five C Ble of how this might t many happy memo meals & desserts. Th fee, cinnamon, chill menu describes a w The most intri products is also the it all himself, right his ingredients from sanitising all packag out, all working sur bottles used for his

BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

t’s For Dinner?

before I dust some he frying pan. I trust ll between breads to ct bite. on inspired him to owdered spice mix end’ & just thinking taste brings back so ories of Christmas he 5 Cs include; cofly, cocoa & as their whole lot of cheer. iguing part of his e fact that he does t from sourcing all m trusted grocers & ges that come from rfaces as well as the homemade mixes.

I find his products to be like a cheat sheet in the kitchen & are a quick fix to any dish that lacks flavour or for something that needs to be put together really quick as you lost track of time while you were scrolling on some screen or the other & you realise you haven’t made lunch yet. They also go well with vegetarian dishes & can be used to sprinkle over a variety of different ingredients as long as you’re in the mood for some global fusion. The lockdown has given him time to go back to the drawing board to create yet another spice mix, & I for one will be one of the firsts to try the next one out as soon as it’s on the menu. To place your order call 9821040951

MR. RAJU MAMPILLY The lockdown allowed time for people to put their passion into practice so that others too could have access to safely home-cooked food of various cuisines. And this is true of the father of 2 doting daughters who encouraged their dad to start cooking and selling his food since now he had a lot of free time with his work coming to a standstill thanks to the lockdown. And I’m so glad that this daddy listened to his daughters as Mr Mampilly has been cooking up a storm these past few weeks which isn’t new to him because he loves cooking and has been doing so for large groups of people over the years. The only difference now is that you and I can also get some. His menu is quite exotic and much more varied than you would expect from a home chef, who would generally follow age-old recipes passed down from ancestors. You will find restaurant-favourites like Thai Curry, Burmese Khowsuey, Indonesian Sambal, Kerala Aapams & Stew just to name a few, on his menu which changes every week with only one dish per day (one veg & one non-veg option) from Tuesday to Sunday. The continental favourite since they started home-catering has been the American Burger, which I can definitely agree as it is a soulful homemade burger, where you’re not stingy on the size of the patty or with the cheese or garnish. Perfectly caramelised onions and fresh tomatoes and lettuce bring in the crunch that you will find between the buns, which are sourced from a trusted neighbourhood bakery that also have high standards of safety and hygiene. The best part about this home catering unit is that they do everything themselves. The family as a whole enthusiastically do their bit to help their dad dish out his delicacies that have grown quite popular. His wife, son & daughters together help with designing menus & social media marketing as well as with preparation, packaging, coordinating with delivery pickups & the most crucial and somewhat cumbersome part the sourcing of ingredients.

As you know contactless delivery has become very important & so is choosing the right sources. It doesn’t stop there, the most used word of 2020, ‘sanitisation’ that begins as soon as the raw materials are brought into their home, the kitchen surfaces are also sanitised before and after preparing the meals much more diligently than before. And the family themselves are staying safe by staying home. A businessman all his adult life, Mr Mampilly is no stranger to the kitchen, he jokes that he has been cooking for over 20 years now ever since he realised that his wife didn’t know how to cook and it is something that he thoroughly enjoys. I also ordered the Kerala Stew with Appams and was very pleased that even though I ate it 2 hours after it arrived, thanks to a very lazy Sunday, the appams were still fresh and hadn’t gone too soggy which is the case when you don’t eat them as soon

as they’re made. The stew was just ‘what the doctor ordered’ as they say and hit all the right spots in taste and flavour with the right amount of spice. I was expecting a sweet coconut milk-based gravy and was pleased with this version as it surpassed my expectations. I’m told that this home chef makes all his curry pastes and spice mixes himself and they’re not store-bought, so by that I’m quite convinced that he definitely knows what he’s doing. And I look forward to every Monday when his menu for the week is out. To place your order call 9819073744 I enjoyed the research I did for this article because food for me is an instant mood-lifter. I’m so proud of our community to see boys and men of different ages breaking the stereotype of only women being in the kitchen. And on that note I’ll leave you with something I came across on the internet; “A man who cooks is attractive, A man who does the dishes is irresistible.” Francesca Mascarenhas Valladares

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

Book Review: Boarding Bandra Central J. Nothing Bob succeeds was likethe most affable, agreeable a dollop of humour. Laughter is the best Medicine and would this Book is just what the Doctor ordered. Author man, you have longed to The encounter. finds humour in the most stressful and bizarre situations! His 3 Book like the other 2 before, is a laugh riot. The Author also has a serious Hepoignant earned a modest living working as a side though, as a few of his anecdotes reveal. tailor and built his reputation on his abilBEYOND BANDRA, made quite a splash at the last Celebrate Bandra 2018. BOARDING BANDRA CENTRAL takes the reader on ityFestival hew, and sewkitejust a to magical mysticalstich tour of his exhilarating flying about childhood; anyJ Bob Tailor in Waroda Rd; being duped by a Hockey player in the thing, especially St. Peter’s Church Summer jeans. Club; an intriguing encounter with a Chicken shop owner; First day at work – which was almost his last; WeRomances; do not know Bob and Office Motorbike tripsmuch in Assam;about rib-ticklingJ.Poetry; Celebrities from Bollywood and Cricket; the Power of Dreams; Money perhaps thoselessons details are relevant beLaundering; Morality in Singapore; The not Korum Mall Mauler in Thane – Edwin’s roller coaster repertoire, is dizzyingly bewitching. cause a person, no matter what they look Boarding Central like, their statusBandra in the hierarchy or where Edwin Fernandes Author and hard core Mumbaikar, aspired to they live, becomes inconsequential, except be a Journalist. Journalism’s loss was Banking’s gain as Edwin joined the then financial behemoth – IDBI. (He also edited the the ratherHouse rare occasion, those deJournal of IDBI, for decades).where Edwin surprised himself, by completing a full tenure in the Bank of almost 38 years. tails lend Heitself necessary scrutiny retired as to a General Manager. Add to that a 2-year post and retirement stint, in one of the concerns of the Reserve Bank of India. A total judgement. But those details banking service of 40 years, not bad for a reluctant Banker who alsoare served asunima Nominee Director, on many Assisted Companies. portant because what determines the very Banking also gave the multi-talented Edwin, ample opportunity to pursue his other passion, sports. Edwin was is the President of the IDBI Sports Club and person J. Bob is, his overly complying, has the distinction of captaining the Football Teams of IDBI, in Mumbai and Guwahati. He now keeps fit by playing Badminton and swimming occasionally. obsequious nature, to never refuse a cusHe is also a Soft Skills Trainer, conducts Corporate Quiz Contests and is a star blogger on Sulekha.com tomer. Price 300 And it is in reading Boarding Bandra Central where we meet the ever-real personality of the humble tailor at Waroda road, Bandra, who worked on Christmas and did everything to please his customers. J. Bob is just one of the very many characters that forms part of a forgotten history that lies hidden in a distant past. And it is through Boarding Bandra Central, where Edwin breathes life into the nostalgia and awakens the memory of the simple things, the people, and small pleasures that made life so meaningful. Edwin’s mastery with his pen, takes us through an era in Mumbai, now replaced by technology and consumerism, his days at the bank and his encounters with people which make Boarding Bandra Central a rather engrossing, compelling read. One of the things that makes Boarding Bandra Central such an invigorating book is the sheer hilarity encompassed in every line. You will meet the leopard who did not just walk but rather ‘cat-walked’ its ways to a mall, you will understand the art of ‘keeping up with the Joshi’s’ and the real reason behind the offence of a rather irate customer named Luv Kush Singh. Edwin’s humour, mingled with his experience as a banker, a young lad, the average individual who languorously channelled his energy surfing channels on a lazy Sunday afternoon, brings alive everyday stories that are bound to leave you laughing uproariously. The book is a true testament of Edwin’s skill as a writer. He provides the reader with more than just a wodge of stories and extends his mastery to lines set in rhythm and meter, crafting his characters into the formal metrical structure. Another perhaps unique feature of the book are the fillers included at the end of every story. They make up a mixed pool of stories/events and exist to break the monotony and flow of the book. These little fillers are short reflections of the author, rd

E dw i n E F e r n a n d e s

Boarding

Central his ideas, thoughts and even events that are narrated with wit and canniness but also a sense of poignancy that is evoked when Edwin describes the loss of ‘Personal Touch’ or the ‘Twilight Sonata’ of a bygone era. Boarding Bandra Central, the title dedicated by Edwin’s beloved wife Sharbari, offers readers a sneak peek and insight into Edwin’s own mind as he challenges the notion of the stereotypical banker often viewed as being boring, staid people. From ‘Beyond Bandra’ to Boarding Bandra Central, Edwin takes you along his journey, his experiences, his fables and morals that are built in the very fabric of his jocular personality. It describes and recreates an era gone by and gives meaning and character to the much-loved personalities such as J. Bob. It ponders on consumerism and reflects on the small and simple things in life. Perhaps this is why Edwin’s Boarding Bandra Central – is such a joyous, light read – it is the very embodiment of the author and his personality that rings through every sentence in this book. The holistic nature of this book its comic elements, satire and pathos make Boarding Bandra Central, a truly heartfelt journey that is “dizzyingly bewitching”. Brian Lobo, EVP – Corporate, Edelweiss Securities Ltd

Boarding Bandra Central book is available at: notionpress.com, Flipkart, amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazonkindle, & with the Author, Edwin Fernandes – 9870336765 / edshmi6@gmail.com No Delivery Charges levied

Eid Dastarkhwan No Eid morning is ever complete for my family without my grandmother’s Kimami Sevaiya. She made sure that my mother learnt & perfected the recipe. After all, it’s one of the few memories we are left with when a loved one leaves us. Eid mornings are early & chaotic as the men of the family get dressed & head out to the mosque to offer Eid prayers while the women prepare the Sevaiya & Sheer Khurma after performing their Eid prayers at home. I have distinct memories of waking up to the aromas emanating from Dadi’s kitchen as a child. She would never let me touch the pot of the Sevaiya without taking a shower & performing my prayers. Every Muslim household has their recipe that makes their Sevaiya that special. It all comes down to one melting pot of culture & the family’s roots & traditions. My dad was born & lived for the first ten years of his life in Karwar, a small coastal town in Karnataka, before migrating to Mumbai. This recipe is reminiscent of his childhood spent in his ancestral home. Even though dadi is no longer with us this recipe brings my father back to his childhood & he says maa has finally got it right. I am sharing these recipes with you & hoping that they bring you the same joy as they do to my family. DADI’S KIMAMI SEVAIYA Ingredients · 200 gms Vermicelli (fine) · 2 Cardamom · 500 gms Sugar · 100 gms Coconut (freshly grated) · 250 gms Khoya/Mawa · 50 gms Almonds · 20 gms Pistachios · 20 gms Cashews · 3-4 tbsp Ghee Instructions · Heat a pan on low flame and dry roast the vermicelli until it’s golden brown. · In another pan, add ghee & fry the dry fruits till golden brown. Remove them & save for later. In the ghee add the vermicelli & continue frying further till dark brown stirring continuously. Be careful not to burn it. · Add 1 and a half cup of water and cook till the vermicelli becomes soft. · In a pan, bring the sugar to a boil along with 2 cups of water and cardamom and cook till all the sugar has dissolved. · Add this sugar syrup to the vermicelli &

cook on low heat for 5 mins. The vermicelli should absorb almost all the liquid. · Mix in the khoya/mawa & the desiccated coconut stir well to dissolve it completely. · Leave it on slow fire for 10 more mins. · Serve it warm garnished with roasted almonds slices, roasted cashew slices and the roasted pistachios. SHAMI KEBAB

Ingredients · 200 gms Mutton keema · 50 gms Chana dal · 1 tbsp Ghee · 1/2 Cinnamon stick · 1 Mace · 1 Clove · 1 Bay Leaf · 2 Cardamoms (Green) · 4 Peppercorns (Black) · 1/2 tsp Salt · 2 Kashmiri chillies · 1/2 cup Water · 1 tbsp Onion (brown) · 1 Chilli (Green) · 1/4 tsp Lemon juice · 1 Egg Instructions · In a bowl soak chana dal for 30 mins. · Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cinnamon, mace, cloves, bay leaf, green cardamoms and black peppercorns. · When they crackle, add the mutton keema to it. · Now add salt and the red chillies. · Mix it thoroughly and cook for a minute. Add soaked chana dal and mix it well by adding water. · Pressure cook the mixture until the mutton gets soft. · After 1-2 whistles remove the cover and mix it well. · If water remains, cook till the mutton dries up. · Mix onion, green chilli and lime juice to this and mix thoroughly. · Grind the mixture and then refrigerate it for 30 mins. · Make flat balls out of this dough and refrigerate for another 10 mins. · Heat a tbsp of ghee in another pan and beat the egg. Dip the kabab in the egg and shallow fry the kebabs from all sides until it turns golden brown. Insiya Rangila

BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

NEWS

Bandra youth make Clean Eating, is it only for the Privileged? eco-friendly Ganesh idols What is Clean-Eating? One may have seen the term “Clean Eating” many a times, moreover as a hashtag on social media sites of influencers and wondered what is the actual meaning. Does clean eating mean only exotic food? Or does it mean only eating organic meals? Or is it food cooked without any oil? Well…let’s get this straight, Eating wholesome foods that not only satisfy your taste-buds BUT also nourish your body is Clean Eating. Foods that align your digestive health is Clean Eating. Foods that help you get glowing skin, healthy-long lustrous hair is Clean Eating. Foods that make you happy, that release those happy hormones (not just temporarily with the taste, making you feel guilty later) is Clean Eating. Eating foods that fuel your body & keep it going by maintaining energy levels naturally without the help out stimulants like tea/coffee is Clean Eating! It is of utmost importance for one to listen to your body -the body rejects foods that are not meant for it by either causing excessive bloating, acid reflux, excessive flatulence or by external signs like body rashes, pigmentation, acne, psoriases, etc. There can be extreme signs that will be visible via medical intervention such as nutrient deficiencies and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiac diseases, hypertension. Building basic habits to kick start your journey towards Clean-Eating: It is said that it takes 21 days to build a habit, the important point is to stop procrastinating. Clean eating & following a Nutrition Program should be effortless & one must slip into it at their own pace. Basic holistic goals that one can set for themselves would be: 1) Hydrate: Our body is made up of 70% water & the root cause of most illnesses is dehydration. With a change in weather & the monsoon setting in, thirst perception is lowered & hence consciously one must increase their fluid intake. Ideally, it would be best to fill a 1-litre bottle (prefer glass/ steel/copper bottle) with water & keep sipping only from the same. By doing so, one can self track their fluid & water intake through the day. If you are not a fan of plain water then choose infused water. 2) Cut back on Refined Sugars: Happy occasion, feeling stressed, anxious and many more are reasons why one reaches out toward anything sweet & unconsciously consume an excessive amount of refined sugars. The next time you are heading for that chocolate bar or a slice of cake or a cookie, halt. Take a few seconds to analyse. This should help you avoid the unneces-

sary sugar. If you still crave sweet, pick on a date or dried fig or maybe even a small banana instead. 3) Include Healthy Fat: For weight-watchers, this is an absolute essential. Including a few servings of healthy fat from nuts like almonds & walnuts, fruits like avocado, unrefined oil like extra virgin olive oil or cold-pressed coconut oil will go a long way in elevating holistic clean eating. 4) Colour your plate: More the colours on your plate from natural & seasonal foods, more are the nutrients & antioxidants that one is stocking up the body with. Antioxidants boost immunity & help the body to fight better. They are also the reason for healthy skin & hair. 5) Cut back on Alcohol: 1g of alcohol is 1112 calories which is even higher than 1g fat which is 9 calories. So, choose alcohol wisely. Cutting back & restricting quantity goes synonymous with Clean Eating. Creating an environment to stick to routine & building a life long association with clean eating: No one expects an over-night transformation, there is no magic pill. Once, you have built a habit, it is essential to keep at it for life & it only gets easier if you involve those around you in the journey towards clean eating. Start limiting packaged foods & chocolate stacking at home. Without easy access, one automatically cuts out on their consumption. Eat with your loved ones, if you are living by yourself eat in silence with some calming music in the background. Enjoy every morsel of food on your plate & that clearly is what Eating Clean is! Namrata Gulati, Dietitian (Sports Specialist)

Never refuse to reuse. The trend of fashioning eco-friendly Ganesh idols has become increasingly popular, over the last few years. We have seen numerous innovative versions of Lord Ganesha that are unique & environmentally affable. However, there are still many still opting for Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. POP can be quite harmful to nature & the ecosystem. In a bid to narrow this surging crime on nature, these youngsters from Bandra’s Pali Hill, fashion Ganesh idols using natural clay. These idols dissolve in the water on immersion. Meet Sachin & his kin, who make Ganesh idols that can later transform into a plant. ‘I could not see my faith & talent floating in the water’ Sachin reveals what made him switch from POP to natural clay. ‘Earlier, I would make POP idols. On one occasion, my friends came to me, on the next day of immersion, to inform me that they saw my POP idol floating near the beach. The fact that later my idol would be taken to a dumping ground, broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine my faith in Ganpati & my talent, floating aimlessly in the water. It is a huge insult for the god himself. That is when I decided to make Ganpati idols with only natural material, no other!

comes to Ganpati. I will surely miss dancing on visarjans, visiting Lalbaugcha Raja, Ganesh galli, however, when you think deeply, not pandemic but the lockdown has been beneficial, here’s how. Ganesh Chaturthi this year, will be celebrated peacefully, without any unnecessary buzz.

Why do people opt for POP even after knowing its effects? POP idols are lighter & much cheaper, which is why most people choose POP. Unfortunately, they are not aware of its consequences. It is necessary to make people conscious of the repercussions POP can have & how it will have a horrifying effect on the environment & our future generations.

What are the different ways to celebrate eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav? Other than eco-friendly Ganesh idols, people can use reusable decorative items, like the same plastic flowers can be used every year for decorations; idols can be immersed in a simple way rather than with loud bands & DJs which contribute to noise pollution.

Tell us about the cost of the raw materials used & how it affects the business. So, we use this clay called shadu mati; It is the soil found along the river banks & mangroves in the sea. The cost of this clay is very cheap & the results are amazing. A little shadu mati with some natural colors, presents you with a perfect idol. Would the lockdown have an impact on Ganesh Chaturthi festival this year, as Maharashtrians celebrate this particular utsav with so much joy & enthusiasm? Yes, you are right; all Maharashtrians have this unexplainable feeling when it

You spoke about visarjans, your idols can transform into a plant after immersion, how’s that? Well, my idols are made with natural clay, which is gardening soil. Once you immerse the idol in a pot, it will dissolve into the soil, then put some seeds, add water & you have a plant ready. Tell us more about your family business, who is your support system? I may be leading the business but my three sisters & friend Rahul are my support system. Rahul & I would work together. Then he pursued engineering, which is why he took a break. That did not stop him from encouraging me. My elder sister gives me that financial aid which is required to run the trade. We do not look at it from a business perspective though, it is our faith & concern for the environment, which makes us elect clay over POP.

Any message for our readers? Yes, I urge everyone to get familiar with things that harm our environment, also reduce the amount of plastic that you use. In Ganesh Chaturthi, instead of wasting money on expensive decorations, distribute food to the poor or plant a tree. Rahul says, ‘We bring Lord Ganesh into our home with lots of faith & respect. However, while immersing him, we should also maintain the same respect & not leave Ganesh half floating in the murky water the next day. Respecting Ganesh is respecting nature’. Shraddhaa Chimbaikar

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

Unmasking the Face Mask How do different types of masks work?

Shirin Khokawala, a homemaker who has been making masks since March Coronavirus has turned the humble face-covering into an overnight sensation. Whatever your feelings about masks, they are an essential component in the steps people should take to protect themselves during this time. This star accessory of 2020 comes in a variety of shapes, materials & embellishments & isn’t going away anytime soon. Just like sunglasses & hats evolved from sun protection to fashion accessories, masks may do the same. But masking isn’t just about protecting ourselves; it’s about protecting our loved ones & the loved ones of others. However, as most of us are discovering this layer of added protection definitely comes with strings attached some obvious & some not so obvious. The biggest drawback of face masks is how they impact or should I say limit our social interactions. You lose the ability to connect with others with your facial language. For example, before Covid-19, you could greet someone with a quick smile as you rushed past them on the street. This simple act now seems a distant possibility. “I have been going to the neighbourhood market for years & would always greet & be greeted with a smile. It has been very difficult to adjust to this new ‘masked’ normal,” says Kimberely Pereira. Another more practical challenge to the widespread adoption of masks is the breathability factor. For some people, breathing behind the mask has proven to be more difficult than others, especially for those with anxiety or other respiratory conditions. It has affected the quality of life for them. “I go for a daily walk for about 45 minutes. Apart from the health factor, the walk used to be ‘my time’ that I would look forward to & enjoy. Now, with wearing the mask, brisk walking has become quite stressful. I have to pull down my mask every few minutes & take a deep breath. Also with my moustache & beard, it gets very itchy & uncomfortable,” says Zubin Dabhoiwala. Supriya C, also found wearing a mask

all the time on her walks very uncomfortable. She would usually go for a walk between 6 - 7 pm. However, that is also the most popular exercise time for most other people & if I walked at this time, I needed to have my mask on all the time. That was very suffocating for me. So between timing, social distancing & mask wear, something had to give. “I adjusted my timing & now go for a walk around 4 pm. It’s less crowded. I’m maintaining social distance & I have empty streets where I can remove my mask for brief periods. It’s a solution I’m very happy with,” she says. Another important consideration in mask adoptability, as many users are discovering is that there is no one-sizefits-all solution. A friend, Mariam Malia recently bought a pack of ten 4-ply masks to divide between her family. However,

the same mask that she found comfortable enough to wear all day long, had her mother-in-law gasping for breath and refusing to wear it. “I had to go and purchase another type of mask and that seemed to work better for her,” she said. And that’s when she realised that there is no one mask fits all. Apparently, not all masks are created, equal say experts. The style and size of the mask matters as much as its safety factor. “If you are going for an evening walk or to the market and observing social distancing, you don’t NEED an N95 mask. A simple surgical or cloth mask is more than sufficient,” says Dr Neeta Shukla, AMO, H-West. Besides, N95 masks are also costlier and disposable and hence neither pocket nor environment friendly. Continued on Page 13 >>

How to choose a cloth mask? The fit of the mask is key: you need to make sure it covers the mouth & nose properly, & that it doesn’t slip from that area too often. • Avoid disposable, medical-grade masks unless you are infected, travelling or in a high-risk profession or environment. Disposable masks are made of plastic & synthetic materials & so should not be worn on a daily basis or for long periods of time, especially by children. Fabric masks keep us just as safe without exposing us to toxic chemicals & without producing any plastic trash. • Choose a cloth mask made with multiple layers to maximise your protection. The thicker & more tightly knit the fabric is, the better it will protect you. Experts suggest a simple “light” test, to see how effective different fabric might be – the less light that passes through the fabric, the more effective it is for your mask. 2 or 3 ply masks make sense, as

the extra fabric helps filter out particles. • Avoid synthetic fabrics including wrinkle-free ones which are treated with harsh, toxic chemicals. You don’t want to have them strapped to your nose & mouth all day, as you inhale the toxins. • Washability of the mask is also important. Remember, to sterilize your mask, you need to use the hot water cycle in the washer, & heat dry. For this reason, synthetic fabrics may not be good. • The best choice are masks made of cotton. Masks made of used clothing are even better since the fabric is soft & breathable. Cotton masks, unlike synthetic ones, absorb sweat & keep you cool. • Elastic loops can get loose & leave you nose or mouth uncovered. You can either reinforce the elastic once it wears off or buy one that has ties which can be adjusted to your convenience. • Avoid masks in bright colours that might bleed when washed.

N95 masks: As the name indicates, the mask is designed to block 95% of very small particles. Before COVID, these masks were mainly used to combat air pollution in places such as New Delhi. Some N95 masks have valves that make them easier to breathe through. However, with this type of mask, unfiltered air is released when the wearer exhales. Hence if an infected asymptomatic person wears this type of mask & is out in public places, the wearer could potentially spread the virus. For this reason, the government has banned the use of valved N95 masks. Government officials & the medical fraternity have since April been recommending that the N95 masks be reserved for doctors, nurses & health care workers who are in direct contact with Covid-19 patients on a daily basis. For the public at large, surgical masks or cloth masks are advised & are actually strongly recommended. Doctors repeatedly urge people that while the N95 masks offer the highest protection, it is not needed for the common public outdoors. Surgical masks: Also called a medical mask, a surgical mask is a loose-fitting disposable mask that protects the wearer's nose & mouth from contact with droplets, splashes & sprays that contain germs. A surgical mask also filters out large particles in the air. Surgical masks protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva & respiratory secretions of the mask wearer. As with N95 masks, these masks are also disposable & hence, not the best option. Cloth masks: A cloth mask is intended to trap droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. Asking everyone to wear cloth masks can help reduce the spread of the virus by people who have Covid-19 but don't realize it. Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus when they are widely used by people in public settings. While surgical & N95 masks may be in short supply & should be reserved for health care providers, cloth face coverings & masks are easy to find or make & can be washed & reused. Masks can be made from common materials, such as sheets made of tightly woven cotton. Instructions are easy to find online. Cloth masks should include multiple layers of fabric.

BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

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Unmasking the Face Mask Continued from Page 12 >> Finding the sweet spot between protection & tolerability is what makes the difference for those who may not be able to breathe as easily from behind a mask. Researchers have found that different people have different levels of tolerability when it comes to mask wear — and factors like outside temperatures, whether the wearer also uses glasses, and even nose size can all play a role. Finding a mask you can comfortably keep on should be the ultimate goal, even if it doesn’t provide exactly the same level of protection as someone who may be able to tolerate more layers & a tighter seal. The ideal mask should fit snugly enough to the face leaving no gaps in order to offer maximum protection against droplets

Tips for adjusting to a face mask: It can be challenging to get used to wearing a face mask. Here are some tips for making the transition: • Start slow. Wear your mask at home for a short time, such as while watching television. Then wear it during a short walk. Slowly increase the time until you feel more comfortable. • Find your fit. If your mask isn’t comfortable or is too difficult to breathe, consider other options. Masks come in a variety of styles & sizes. • Tie one on. Instead of a face mask, try a scarf or bandanna to cover your nose & mouth.

from entering or exiting around the sides, but the mask should also be large enough that it is not restrictive or negatively impacting your ability to breathe, caution experts. But face masks don’t have to be all about form & function. They can also be fun & fashionable. And the variety on offer is simply mind-boggling. “Why shouldn’t we create masks that people actually want to wear — masks that are protective, aesthetically pleasing & fun way to accessorize? After all, that’s how sunglasses & hats started out — as protective gear. And look how far they’ve come,” chuckles Shirin Khokawala, a homemaker who has been making masks for family & friends since March & had so many requests for more, that she is now selling them as well. “Breathability & durability are very important for masks & hence I only work with linen & good quality cotton. I make mask pouches & sanitizer pouches along with my masks. That way, it all stays neat, safe & gives a coordinated look to the wearer. Recently, my granddaughter offered to draw little designs on the fabric & I then hand-embroidered them. It’s such a joy to have something that we’ve created together,” she shares. Her masks range from Rs 300 - Rs 350 for a set & Rs 500 for a pair of masks along with a mask pouch & sanitizer pouch. Contact: Shirin Khokawala - 9987084978 A fashion designer by profession, Alezzandra D’Souza too started out making masks for family & friends. “It’s only since last week, that I’ve started selling them. I enjoy making fancy masks for daily wear. It’s nice to give people something pretty

How to wear a cloth face masks? It is recommended that amid the Coronavirus pandemic you wear a cloth face mask when you’re around people who don’t live with you and in public settings when social distancing is difficult.

Alezzandra D’Souza, a fashion designer has been making personalised masks to wear,” she says. “Last week I had someone contact me requesting a coordinated mask set for her & her boyfriend for their engagement. It was such a pleasure to do something fashionable & fancy apart from the regular masks I make,” she says. Depending on fabric & personalisation, she sells her masks for Rs 250 - 350 a pair. Contact: Alezzandra D’Souza 9833004423 Whatever design or type of mask you choose, or whether your mask has ear loops or is adjustable behind the head, what matters is that you find the fit that works best for you & venture out into this ‘masked’ new world making your very own fashion statement & protect others in style. Aliefya Vahanvaty

Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask: • Wash or sanitize your hands before & after putting on & taking off your mask. • Place your mask over your mouth & nose. • Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it’s snug. • Don’t touch your mask while wearing it. • If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands. • If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can wash it. • Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face. • Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask. • Regularly wash your mask with soap & water by hand or in the washing machine. It’s fine to launder it with other clothes. Some mask precautions: • Don’t put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help. • Don’t put masks on children under 2 years of age. • Don’t use face masks as a substitute for social distancing.

Are you addicted to Pain? I know this is a strange question. I’m sure though, it got you wondering, why would anybody possibly want to be addicted to pain when we all are in constant pursuit of happiness? To start with let’s talk about pain. What is pain? Pain is an outcome of an unfulfilled desire. Desires take birth in the heart, generated by thoughts, ideas, & feelings, led by wants. The heart wants what it wants. Understandable. However, does your heart have the courage to do what is needed from you, to fulfil your desires? Actions required from you to step out of your comfort zone, your routine life, & make room for change? Do you feel your heart racing when you think about leaving a situation that ISN’T comfortable, peaceful, & joyful? That feeling is FEAR, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because contrarily one would &

should be excited to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Fear comes from logic, based on the ‘what-ifs.’ For example, “What if I leave my current job?” Fear keeps you tethered to the current situation so that you don’t have to make any changes because changes require courage from you. Fear will keep promoting you to higher levels of pain within your comfort zone. Here is how the addiction to pain works. You start to make peace with an unpeaceful situation. This is the first step towards addiction to pain. You start to be okay with pain. In other words, you get so used to pain that it becomes your comfort zone. Now you might ask me, “Reetu I am not happy at my current job, but it’s paying my bills. How can I just leave my job to pursue my passion?” I hear & understand you. I am nowhere saying change comes

overnight. I am not asking you to quit an unpeaceful situation & jump off the cliff. But while you are at the current paying job, you can also invest time & effort ‘partially’ towards pursuing your passion. This is called ‘pacing up your peace’ by creating a balance. Here are a few actions steps to Pace Up Your Peace: - Do not complain about the current job. Complaining is never a solution, it will only prolong your pain. The goal is to pace up peace. - Write down the positives of the current job. - Express gratitude in writing for the positives, under each positive point. For example: “I am grateful for my current job because it is paying for my car loan.” - Make time each day or over the weekend, for your passion.

- Write down the action steps required to transition from your current job. - Give yourself small daily tasks to eventually get there. - Be patient with yourself. One small step at a time. - Set small goals to work your way up to the big goal. - Most importantly love yourself. Always remember self-love leads to self-belief & self-belief leads to self-confidence.

Reetu Walia, Self-Love Coach For a FREE consultation, WhatsApp 8879488344

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BANDRA BUZZ | JULY 2020

What does freedom mean to you? On the occasion of Independence Day, Monarose Sheila Pereira speaks to various people to understand their views on freedom. For me, freedom is to do whatever you feel like, whether it is freedom of speech, freedom of movement, or freedom to know our rights, etc. I feel India is a free country, but not truly so because there are few restrictions which are imposed on citizens. Our constitution has given all the rights to citizens to know about the government. So India is a free country; you can go wherever you want, you can share your thoughts & opinions, & you can do whatever you want keeping some rules & regulations in mind. - Ancy Nadar, MMK College According to Franklin D. Roosevelt - “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” Freedom has many definitions, but to be truly free is to be free from all stress. In today’s world being stress-free is tough & somewhere or the other something is happening which generates stress. If for a moment life could just pause, people would be able to see the beauty of life & the fact that there is no reason to be stressed. One might have all the luxuries of life but there is always a chance that they have not attained the freedom of life. On paper, India is considered a free country. In practice, we still have multiple sections of our society that are free & some that are not free like the marginalised that are not free, the lower-earning income group, migrant workers etc. Sadly the caste system is still a thing, even though we act as if it does not exist; it does still lurk like a shadow hiding in a dark alleyway where it cannot be seen but its effects are widely felt. - Calvin Kumar, Bombay Scottish School Freedom is the ability to choose, express, think & speak freely. On 15th August 1947, India got its Independence, but are we truly free? I think we are relatively free, but there are still some areas where true

freedom does not exist. There should be complete freedom of speech. I think that we should have the right to express ourselves without fear including against the government. Gender discrimination is also something that the women in our country face, which is unacceptable. The caste system should also be abolished as the lower caste is not free. I think that these are a few aspects that need to be changed for us to be truly free. - Hriman Batra, BD Somani International School Having the right to do anything you want/need which should not discomfort anybody else is your freedom. Freedom shouldn’t be confused with the liberty of doing whatever you feel like, the latter is dominance. Even though we are a 73-year-old free country, still I don’t see ourselves as a successful free country. We have a huge population, a variety of castes, religions, genders, colors. We are free on-paper, but not in reality. The constitution says we are EQUAL, yet we discriminate, we mind our steps while walking past sweepers, LGBTQ, etc. We don’t consider them an equal part of our society, so what do we do? We come up with trending hashtags of #BlackLivesMatter for the USA, & we mess up with our own country. We are not a part of this problem, but WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, ARE THE PROBLEM. - Yashit Shukla, Mumbai University As per the bookish definition, freedom is the power or right to act or do whatever you want to do freely without any restraint. It ensures freedom of speech, freedom of expression on several issues like social or political, & freedom to do whatever you want. But sometimes it is this that creates trouble which leads to riots. Freedom means, the condition of being free from all boundaries; politically, socially, technically. It gives me the right to do whatever I want to do freely. I believe freedom is essential for every citizen but there may be some restrictions. Ironically, India is truly free otherwise politicians would not use languages & words to create riots. There are also people who chant against religions, & castes & cause riots. In this sense, India is a free country but it’s like giving pizza to the poor farmers, which they do not enjoy.

The Orissa government allocated Rs 1000 to every senior citizen during the lockdown. Some officers who were assigned the job paid Rs 900 to the people & took their thumb impression on a blank page. We talk about freedom but still in several parts of India we are humiliated by government officers & politician’s goons. This is because the poor man is illiterate & does not know his rights. The government & NGOs should take the initiative & reach the people, educate them & ensure there is no corruption. Then India will be truly free. - Rakesh Panigrahi, Guru Nanak College Freedom to me is when I can be ‘me’ when I can question authority without fear. I think India is not truly free because somewhere we are taught to abide by certain unsaid norms or standards set by faceless people or institutions; dreading unfortunate repercussions, so we sadly just go with the flow in order to dodge the trouble. However, we equally enjoy the privilege of living in India. Women are experiencing a newfound freedom. I am glad I can have my career as a Pastry Chef, as a woman. - Jassika Nanda, Pastry Chef Freedom is a powerful word. Every living being wants it in their life. It is ‘the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants to without hindrance or restraint. However here in India, it means different things in different situations. It can mean democracy in government, personal independence, & a right to speak, the power to act individually. But we are living under a flawed democracy like bad politics, money power, casteism, illiteracy, blind beliefs, crony capitalism, injustice, etc. India plummeted 10 places to 51st position in the latest democracy charts. - Shyam Mali, National College India is not free. It is chained with corruption, disease, war, poverty, unemployment, failure & the list goes on. Our country is battling to save the lives of its citizens but unfortunately, its citizens make no efforts to bring in a brighter future. The more we educate, the lesser we practice our roles & responsibilities. Our country’s brave heroes - soldiers & doctors risk their lives, but many citizens fail to do their duties. We do not know each other,

disrespect nature & harm animals. India moves towards its impending doom. It’s her children who can save the future & paint a better tomorrow. Freedom to me is to attain peace for which, I should be able to do what is right. Freedom to me is never having to resist speaking up or acting & say or do what the situation demands. Speaking my mind, choosing what best suits me & what keeps me happy unless it harms others. - Sherlin Fernandes, Vidya Prabodhini College For me - freedom has three phases personal/family, society, government. Personally, parents choose what we wear, what stream to study, or which job to take to secure my future. Snatching my dreams & passion are the first level of exploiting a child’s rights. When it comes to society, a girl wants freedom from being judged; freedom from getting raped & molested. She wants a husband of her choice but society cannot digest someone’s happiness. When it comes to government, a person wants a good lifestyle, no corruption & constitutional rights. But the government is not controlling crime, corruption, & not ensuring a good economy. We can’t question the government because their supporters will assault us. India’s rank decreased in freedom of press which shows we are getting caged in the name of freedom. We have rights in the constitution but do we care about the working of the constitution & following it in our personal lives? - Shubham Srivastava, Rizvi College

On paper, India is considered a free country. In practice, we still have multiple sections of our society that are free & some that are not free like the marginalised that are not free, the lower-earning income group, migrant workers etc.

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